Our HOME LETTER.
The fifth Parliament of the colony has just been dissolved by proclamation, and we are now on the eve' of a general election. As our readers are aware, the Government introduced into the last session a measure for abolishing the provinces and another for stituting a system of local government. The opposition to the Abolition Bill, which was lod by Sir George Grey, was based mainly upon the argument that no fundamental change should be made in the constitution of the colony without the constituencies being first consulted. The Opposition was succesful so far, that it was agreed that the Act *hould not come into force until the day succeeding the conclusion of the next session. The ''constitutional question is complicated with many others, and so great are the difficulties of the position that it seems almost hopeless to expect an early settlement. There is no prospect that the Abolition Act will be repealed. But in Auckland and Otngo there exists a strong fear that the abolition of the provinces will result in the concentration of too much power in the hands of the General Government at Wellington. Various plans have been proposed. Several of the best men in Otago and Auckland think that it would conduce to the good government of the colony if two provinces were concentrated in each island, but this idea is not in general favour, and a greater amount of support appears probable for a proposal for separation of the islands, with a federal government at Wellington. The position is also complicated in this way : in 1556 it was agreed that the revenue obtained from the waste lands of the Crown should bo paid over to the provinces within which it accrued, and not to the exchequer of the colony. From the circumstances of the colony the effect of this has been that while Otago and Canterbury have been " rolling in wealth " —that is, having abundant funds wherewith to constauct roads and bridges and to provide splendid educational systems, —the other provinces have been compelled to do without these necessities of a colony, or have had to resort to taxation. The Northern provinces contend that this state of things should no longer be allowed to continue, and that, if the provinces -were abolished, the colony should really be one, while Otago and Canterbury are determined to hold to what they have got. It is not easy to see the way out of the difficulty, and it is very doubtful if the next session of the Assembly will be able to agree upon a satisfactory solution. The Ministry have announced that in next session they will bring forward a bill to provide for the local government of the country by means of Shire Councils to be formed by aggregations of Road Boards. They have also announced that they will strenuously resist any attempt to divide the colony either into four provinces or into two. The issues before the electors are so diverse and complicated in different parts of the colony, that it is difficult to say what will be the outcome of the elections. All of the Ministers, with perhaps one exception, are sure of re election, but it is thought not unlikely that next session there will be a reconstruction. Sir J. Vogel will not be a candidate for City East, which he has represented for the last three years, but will be elected for Wanganui, which received an additional member last session. Sir George Grey, the leader of the Opposition last session, will stand for the constituency' lie then represented (City West), along with the former member, Mr. Dignan, and no opposition is anticipated to their re-election. For City East a contest is anticipated between Mr. J. M. Clark and Mr. W. L. Rees. Mr. Reader Wood will have a walk over for Parnell, and so will Mr. Swanson for Newton. In most of the districts throughout the province, however, there will be contests.
On Monday, .November 27, his Honor the Superintendent, Sir George Grey, addressed a large meeting at the Choral Hall, on the affairs of last session, and on the present political position. Sir George was enthusiastically received. In speaking of the future, he said:—"l can only tell you that some of the greatest minds—l believe the greatest minds—in the last session of the General Assembly believed that under existing circumstances, after the shock that has been given to Provincial institutions, the best solution of the difficulty would be a separation of New Zealand into two States, each composed of one of these great islands ; that each island should have, in due subordination of Great .Britain, absolute sovereign powers within itself ; that it should yield up no portion of its powers, except strictly federal ones, to a small Government sitting at Wellington—l mean simply the regulation of Customs duties, Post Office duties, and certain subjects of that kind ; that, like the States of America, each island should in its due subordination to Great Britain, be sovereign within its own limits, and that the General Assembly should be the servant of the two islands, not being able to take any powers from them, but only receiving such powers as the islands by agreement give them. Such General Assembly and such General Government necessarily being but small in number, meeting for but short periods of time, and settling, as I say, but these few points, and such Gene: al Assembly being so regulated that each island ■would have equal power within i j walls. There would bo but little difficulty in carrying out such a plan as that. liven some of the leading minds at Wellington have fngnilied their entire acquiescence in the city of Auckland being made the capital of the Northern Island." Votes of confidence were accorded to Sir Gtorge Grey, and also to his colleague in the representation of City West, Air. P. L)i«nan. On December 4 Sir George Grey, who was on a. visit to the Thames, agreed on being requested to address a public meeting in the Theatre 1 loyal, Grahainstown. He was cordially received, and at the conclusion of the meeting an address was presented to him, asking him to stand fortthe Thames district.
Early in the mouth the province was visited by a rain-storm of unusual duration, which also extended to the neighbouring provinces of liawke's Bay and Wellington, inches falling in less than 48 hours. The floods seriously affected the Auckland and Mercer railway, and also the Kaipara railway lino, by washing away in some places the embankments, and injuring the bridges. The necessary repairs are now being effected. In the Waikato district the damage will amount to from £2000 to £3000. The Armed Constabulary rendered valuable aid in saving property. The Waikato Kiver rose to a greater height than lias been known since the district passed into occupation by the Europeans. At I'apakura Valley, Mr. Herbert .Simpson, sou of the late Mr. Daniel Simpson, C.E , was drowned while attempting to save some sheep depasturing in the low grounds; while at the Wairoa Air. Curric I'alinur is missing, his horse having cro.-sed the river, but without his rider. He iYf- 3 i ! i u ''.'\ ow all( -l family. The Thames goldJicld ilul not suffer much damage further than injury to one of the tramways by a lands!,,,. On the East Coast, at Opotikj, the bridges were swept away, and damage mllicted on the cultivations. Ihe Kiii-.itua have lie-Id a meeting lately at a place called Hikurangi, at which i'awhiao, the so-called King, was present. A new faith, or form of worship, seems to have been commenced amongst the Kingites lately, called Tareao, and one purpose of the meet in" seems to have been to diffuse a knowledge of the ceremonies and prayers connected with it. From the little we have been able to learn the new faith seems to have been of a milder character than Hauhauism, and from this we gather hope that it may be found possible ere long to make peace with the Kingiteß, to gain admission to the country now - held by them, but not one-twentieth part of which they utilise. It has been frequently reported of late that Sir George Grey
was to pay a visit to Tawhiao, and as he is - thoroughly acquainted witlV the natives,-it was expected that ; he might be able to do something in the way of " reconciling them to the Government. \, j -. : j The tenders for the construction of proposed graving-dock were opened, at meeting of the Harbour Board held on tlis9th November. Six tenders were received, but of these one of them was informal. The" lowest tender was £9G,757, and, the highest £139,900 12s 2d, so that there was a difference of £43,113 12s 2d between the highest and the lowest of the - tenders. Several of the tenders were from local firms. The Board decided not to accept-any tender, ! on the ground that tho engineer's estimate was exceeded, but in reality because the contracts already accepted for reclamation works leave the Board deficient some £30,000 towards the construction of a commodious graving dock. The matter, shortly stated, is —The Harbour Board was empowered to borrow £150,000, the money to be raised by the sale of debentures. The debentures actually sold realised £106,449, while those unsold are estimated to produce £42,000; making in all received and rereceivable, out of £150,000, £145,449. This was surely a fair capital to start with. The next step is the dock enterprise. Mr. Moriarty is invited here from Sydney. He fixes the site, makes the plans, and estimates the dock to cost (in round numbers) £09,000- j Up to this point, everything is plain sailing. But there are works to be done in connection with tho proposed dock, and there are lands j to be reclaimed—these reclamations extend- ; ing as far as Nelson-street on the west of , Queen-street. These works together . amount to £33,000. The whole aspect of j the case becomes altered when the Board . resolved to call for tenders. The engineer | to the Board is ordered to make his estimate ; of the cost of the work of building the dock, j He finds that it will cost about £57,000. j Here is at one jump an excess of nearly I £20,000 abov« the original estimate. The j public tenders are called, and the lowest is ! £9G,757. This is an excess of £27,100 over I the original estimate. A very large amount j of blame has been cast on tho Harbour Board in connection with this matter. It lias now been agreed to obtain an estimate of the cost of a smaller dock than was first proposed. The dock was to be 370 feet long, but it is now agreed to get estimates of the cost of a dock 300 feet long. i
At a meeting of the Auckland Institute, on December 7, Mr. George Thorne, jun., read a paper upon the finding of the remains of the moa at the various points of the coast north of Auckland, between Bream Head and the Manaia. The first discovery of moa remains by Mr. Thorne was made in February, 1575. Until that time it was generally believed that the habitat of the moa did not extend further north than the Bay of Plenty on the East Coast, and Kawliia on tho west. The opinion of Dr. Hochstetter and other scientific men favoured this belief. Amongst the remains found by Sir. Thorne were no less than CO toe pieces, 14 tibia bones, 27 femora, 70 vertebra;, and a great number of ribs, pelves, and metatorsal bones. Besides nearly all these relics of ancient and gigantic moas, were a number of quartz pebbles with worn and rounded edges, which he believed to be crop-stones, which were taken by the bird to assist digestion. Pebbles of this description are ejected by largo birds of a similar type. The knives made of obsidian afforded evidence of the purposes for which they were employed. There was a fragment of an egg shell found, but although it was only a fragment, tho curve supplied sufficient data from which to calculate its size. The diameter, according to such computation, was Sg inches. The most remarkable relic found was a piece of skull of extraordinary thickness. The thickness was about that of the old ounce penny-piece, and it bore marks of having been subjected to fire. Prom the position in which it was found, and the circumstance that the other relics in the same place were also charred and burnt, it was assumed that the action of fire was simultaneous in each, and if that were so, then there would be evidence in support of the probability that the human being to whom the skull belonged and the moa, of which remains were scattered about, were cotemporaries.
Tiie Immigration Depot in the Albert Barracks has not had a single occupant for some time past, the whole of the immigrants arrived having found employment. The next batch are expected by the Brodick Castle, from London. We are informed by the Immigration Officer that he has now on hand applications for a large number of both males and females, so tliafc no difficulty need be expected in disposing of those expected by the Brodick Castle. By the G'oliuia, from Sau Francisco, have arrived several Mormon missionaries from Salt Lake City, who have come ou a proselytising tour to the Australasian colonies. Some have gone on to Sydney, while several have remained in New Zealand. Mr. J. B. Hannah, Mr. J. H. White, and two other skilled miners have left by the steamer for Tauranga, in order to prospect in the neighbourhood of Kaimai, where indications of gold have frequently been met with. Wc are sorry to notice in the latest papers from Tauranga, mention of some intended opposition to the prospecting. We feel pretty sure that if the natives are left alone, and are not prompted to mischief by Europeans, there will not be the smallest
obstruction to prospecting, and we hope the settlers of Tauranga will do everything they can to aid and assist. It must be evident to all that the discovery of gold at Kaimai would be of immense importance to Tauranga and to the whole of the colony. Enquiries having been made as to what would bo the local exhibits for the forthcoming Centennial Exhibition of Industry at Philadelphia, our reporter made enquiry, recently, from the secretary of the local committee for their collect 1 mi. Jle elicitcd the following remarkable 'eply - "Not a single exhibit has been either sent in or promised ; not a single question even has been asked me oil the subject. 11l fact, you .-.re the first person who has said a word to me on the matter." Truly, this is admirable. A large community in a country like New Zealand, teeming with natural wealth, is asked to contribute to an exhibition such as the world has never yet seen, ou an occasion which has no parallel. Vree conveyance is promised, and every facility offered, and no response whatever is made. Surely the enterprise and patriotism of Auckland's manufacturers and producers ought to lead them to do something better than this. The Governmcnfchave, it appears, called 011 Messrs. Brogden to pay the whole of the promissory notes given under the immigration contract. It will be remembered that immigration was a part of the original contract with the Messrs. Urogden, but that they failed to carry out this part. They attribute this failure to the action of the Government.
VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE. Tiic captain commanding the Wairoa Rifle Volunteers, W. W. Wallis, having sold liis farm, unci sent in liis resignation as captain to the proper quarter, preparatory to leaving the district, the members of the corps met and decided to give their late captain a banquet before leaving, and present him with some memento of their friendship and regard. About two hundred sat down to a cold collation of the most rechcrche description, in the Public Hall, on Tuesday evening, the 30th ultimo, the guests of the evening being Capt. W. W. Wallis, of the Wairoa Volunteers, and his better-half. Major Lusk (the chairman) proposed the toast of the fcvening, "Thehealth of Captain \\ allis, our guest." which was duly drunk. apt. Wallis returned thanks for the kind manner in which his health had been drunk. He had only done his duty. Lieut. Bain said he had a most pleasing duty to perform m presenting Captain Wallis -with a i watcn and appendages, on behalf of
[the Wairoa Rifle Volunteers, as a small memento'and mark of', their esteem jfor him as their commanding officer. Captain Wallis received the' gift, and returned his sincere thanks for it.; He would, treaf sure it, and look back,in after life to the last ! five years he had spent in' Wairoa "as the. most pleasing episode in his life. Our Waiuku correspondent writes as under respecting thejinnual drill inspection: —The Waiuku Troop R.C.V. assembled on 22nd Nov., at 10 o'clock a.m., to commence their six ' consecutive days' parade. There was a-iull muster, under the command" of Lieutenants Mellsop and Barriball. Major Lusk (the officer commanding, the district) inspected the troops ; afterwards they were drilled by Sergeant-Major Wainhouse. The troop was drilled twice every day during the week, generally having one mounted parade during the day, and one on foot. During the interval of the parades several of the troops j went in for horse-jumping, having made up subscription prizes. The first was won by | Thomson's Aunt Sally, the second by May s Rangi. On Friday, the Major presented the Olficers' Star and Troop Champion Belt to the winners—Lieutenant Bairiball the star and Sergeant Hedge the belt. The week's parade was brought to a close ou Saturday at <#.30, p.m., all having put in a good ■week. Tho tiring for the Officers' Star and Troop Champion Belt was commenced on Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock. There were sixteen competitors. Sub-Liyutenantßarri-ball was the winner of the star, and Sergeant Hedge won the belt, being the third time he has won it. The late holders of the belt, M. Barriball, was very unfortunate, having missed his last four shots.
November 20 was a day that will be long remembered by the public of Cambridge and Te Awamutu, visitors, and others who assembled, despite the inclement weather, to see the Cavalry review, and take part in the impromptu races which had been got up to welcome the influx of visitors from all parts of the Waikato. Of the Te Awamutu troop there were present 70 of all ranks, officered by Major Jackson, Lieut. Kay, and SubLieuts. Cowan, Rutherford, and Weatherall. The colours of the Te Awamutu troop, on which was inscribed the device, "Defence, and not Defiance," were carried by troop Sergt.-Major Bertram. Of the Cambridge troop, there were 44 of all ranks, in command of Capt. James Runciman, with whom were Lieut. Parker and SubLieut. Fisher. Troop Sergt.-Major Robert Kirkwood carried the colours, inscribed with the motto, " For Hearths and Homes." The various evolutions were performed with precision—there was not a blunder, not a hitch in the whole performances. The firing for the Volunteer District Belt for the Thames took place on 4th Dec., There were 44 competitors in all, including 14 of the Maori Company. On the last occasion the belt was won by Captain Murray, of the Scottish, but on tliis occasion he had to give way to Volunteer Heron, of tlic same company, who beat him by one point. I*l a late Gazette various alterations and appointments are made in Volunteer and Cadet Companies, among which we notice Sub-Lieutenant Owen Mahou's promotion to grade of lieutenant in the Victoria Company; Hon. Lieutenant William Bagnall White to be captain in the Engineer Cadets, and George Alfred King to be captain of the Grammar School Cadets. The resignations of Captain F. Mellae, Grammar School Cadets, and Hon. Sub-Lieutenant Beale, Engineer Cadets, have been accepted. The Nos. 1 and 2 Companies of the Grammar School Cadets are also gazetted as having been amalgamated into one company. In the Armed Constabulary Force wo are pleased to see the official announcement that Sergt.Major Pardy has been raised to tho rank of Sub-Inspector of Police (second class).
The Thames Naval Rowing Club have decided to send a crew to contest at the forthcoming Intercolonial Match at Wellington, on the 22nd January, the crew to consist of H. and T. Goldsworthy, 11. and J. Newdick, G. Savage, coxswain. It is intended to be back ill Auckland, if possible, to pull in the All-comers Match on the 29th. Two crews, besides the Wellington one, will compete at the Auckland Kegatta. A committee was formed to collect moneys for the purpose of defraying cost of trip to Wellington. Subscriptions can be paid into the .National yank for this object.
The Auckland Naval Brigade have received a challenge from the men at tho Thames to sail their pinnaces against each other for £20 a side. This has been accepted, and the money staked. The Brigade at the Thames wanted to contest in their own waters, but it appears that, on the day it was suggested the trial should take place, the Aucklanders had arranged for a picnic. They have, therefore, intimated this to their opponents, and invited them to come to the Waitemata. This will in all probability be acceded to ; and it is in contemplation to request the Anniversaryßegatta Committee to make the affair one of those to be competed for on the 29th. The Auckland pinnace is a remarkably line boat, and is now fully rigged and ballasted. In all probability, with the experienced crew she will have, tho Thamesians will find her to be a very awkward boat to weather upon. The annual picnic of the Auckland Company will take place on New Year's Day, and the pinuacu will convoy the party to Motutapu.
NATIVE INTELLIGENCE. Our Tauranga contemporary has the following from its Whakutane correspondent relative to the murder of a native at Te Teko, in tlio Bay of Plenty (East Coast.) " Tukiiio to Alarae was an old m&n of nearly sixty years of age, who lived an industrious, inoffensive life on his paternal acrcs at Kokoliinau, a Maori settlement near Te Telco. Ile had never professed, and was not credited with, having dealings'with the Evil One. Himiona te Jiua belongs to the same tribe as his victim, i.e., to a branch of the Isgatiawa, of \\ halcataiie, and is much younger. Go himself had as wife an (Jrewera womau, and he lived with her tribe at Alukereru. Of late three persons of the Urcwera have died, and (as is usual in all deaths among Maoris) the relatives have puzzled their brains to lind out a special cause, for which they delight to look to the world of spirits, i.e., departed spirits or perhaps evil spirits likewise, the latter having a human agent (a witch or wizard). Last month a young girl, one of the above three, Ngawini, daughter of ilimiomi's wife by another husband, died ; and forthwith the relatives, upon what data does not appear, came to the conclusion that these three had all been bewitched, and their deaths caused by tho evil machination or withcrafb of Tnkiuo te Alarac. llimiona, spurred on by his fealty to his adopted tribe, and incited by his wife and others, determined or was appointed to take revenge by killing the alleged wizard. This evil work he carried out Oil the 13th ultimo. On that day Tukino, Te Kanapia, Te Uuku, and a woman were busy planting, the first-named being hidden by u large tupaki bush from the others. The three others saw Himiona, gun 111 hand, advancing towards Xukino, and presently heard the discharge. No warning at all seems to liavc been given of tho in tended assault. The bullet entered just over the region of the bladder, perforated the intestines and the bladder, and came out at the back of the pelvis*. -From the first the wound was by all set down as mortal, and the poor fellow seemed convinced that his days were numbered. Ho received every attention from Captain Preece, eonimandiii" A.C. at le Teko, and likewise from lh\ Knyland, the departmental mcdical man for the district. Ho died after lingering for nearly a fortnight. The District Coroner held an inquest, and after a full and patient hearing of all the witnesses, he and the jury brought in a verdict of 'Wilful murder' against Hiniiona Te Rua. The verdict will of course remain on record. The coroner has issued his warrant for the apprehension of the accused, who will be seized should he dare to shew himself in civilised parts."
• Our Alexandra correspondent writes:— iover'3ooo natives .atiehdedLthe Hikurangi The ifood .consisted' of [5 tons of '-flour, ground at ,Te Khlti mi115;..2 tons sugar,\Booo eels, parahinau, birds N last, . Rewv*ahd*j£ number of chiefs of high standing, with' about 400 followers, arrived at Te Kopua on their way ™ h ad -an in terview .- with, a" number of them. On Sunday laat, at" 'suiiset, I attended' 1 Tareao Karahia. Six priests and four priestesses' prayed in " -turn and~chaitted";thoir fornrof.ipraycr to an~ attentive audience. On Monday, at sunrise, we all assembled again for prayer, which was conducted /by four priests and • two priestesses.. • ij". A great Maori'kaekaukai commenced at Waerengahika-en-Dec. 3, and lasted for several days. , Native presents changed hands to the value of over £5000. The gifts included' about 50 tons of flour, £100 worth of tobacco, live stock, four hundred cases gin, and thirty casks rum, 1000 preserved pigeons, clothing, ornamental calabashes, dried sharks, bank notes, gold, and Maori curios. The least cost is about £5000. About 1000 Maoris and 500 Europeans were present. The Gisborne storekeepers sold over £2000 worth of stuff for the festival.
The Napier Telegraph, referring to the i alarm about the natives at Taupo, gives an account of how the affair arose Certain ' Waikatos were on their way to Tokano to pay i their annual visit to their eel-fishing ground. When on the road they heard reports concerning the exhumation of certain chiefs killed during the late war. The reports, however were not true. The fact of the matter is' that at the Last sitting of the Native Lands Court at Taupo, a large block of land at Tokano was passed through the Court. Immediately outside the boundary of this block there are buried ten Waikato chiefs who were mortally wounded at the siege of Oralcau, and fleeing to Tokano, were there interred. A short distance from this burial place, but within the boundary of the surveyed block, there is another cemetery in which are buried certain Taupo natives murdered by Te Kooti. It was with the object of preventing the possible desecration of the graves of these latter, that Pohipi Tukairangi, Heu Heu, and Ringi Herekiekie ordered the exhumation of the bodies, and their removal to the ccmetery where were buried the Waikato chiefs. It will therefore be seen that the graves of the Waikatos have not been desecrated, and the excitement, if there ever was much, will cool down at the feast which is sure to be held to seal the amity of all parties. At the Native Lands Court, whieh was sitting lately at Shortland, Mr. R. C Young applied to have Te Komata Block, Oliinemuri, divided, so that Tukukino, who is the only objecting owner, might have his own part, and Mr. W. Young might be at liberty to cultivato the seven-eighths of the land which he has bought. Tukukino, we are informed, objected, and as he is backed up by the Government, nothing could be done. Mr. Young has been in communication with the Native Minister, who answered his application by a vague telegram that the Government were anxious that an amicablc settlement should be come to.
A large native meeting, convened by the Hawkc's Bay chiefs, takes place at Napier on the 22nd instant, for the purpose of deciding on a Maori member for tho seat held during last Parliament by Mr. Takamoana. The whole of the Arawa natives have been invited by circular to be present, and it is anticipated that the kovaro will extend over six days. We understand that Henare Potae, of Poverty Bay, is one of the candidates, and it is intended to request Mita Hikairo (Judge Fenton's assessor) to contest the seat. Should he accede to the request, there is little doubt that he will be supported by the whole of the Arawa tribe and the Hawke's Bay natives.
We understand that a telegram has been received, stating th?t the Arawas were in a state of extreme discontent and ill-humour with the Government on account of some proceedings with reference to the land transactions. We are not aware of the precise circumstances, but we understand that Sir Donald McLean, when he saw the Arawas last summer, promised that sittings of the Lands Courts should be held, so as to settle disputes as to title, and that this has not been doue. The difficulty has been deemed so serious that .Mr. 11. X. Clarke, UnderSecretary of the Native Department, has been ordered to visit the locality. Rapana, the well-known Maori chief at the Thames, got into trouble lately through assaulting Judge Munro, at the rising of the .Native .Lands Court, owing tc the latter having given a decision adverse to the former. He was given in charge of the police, and-brought before the Resident Magistrate, Capt. Eraser, who fined him.-CIO, or a month's imprisonment. Some of Rapana's people paid the fine, and he was at once liberated. The Hauhaus are now using a now form of religious service called Tareao. Four leading chiefs from Kawhia started the other day from Kawhia to Raglan by orders from Tawhiao to promulgate the new doctrine.
ECCLESIASTICAL. The Bishop of Auckland lately made a pastoral tour through the northern districts. His Lordship visited Maliurangi with the Kev. Mr. Toniliusun. On Sunday morning (tlie sth instant) he pleached at Kaipara Flats, afterwards consecrated tlie burialground there. In the afternoon he held divine service in the Warkworth Hall, Mahurnngi. The hall was crowded, and many were unable to gain admission. At the close of the service his Lordship consecrated the burial-ground. In the evening a meeting of members of the Church of I'Jngland took place, over which the Bishop presided. Tho object of the meeting was to initiate steps towards building a place of worship. A committee was formed, consisting of the followinggunilutucn:—Messrs. IT. Palmer,W. -Bowcn, \V. Montgomery, Clayden, Wedding, Parkinson, Fleming, Wilson, and G. Warrin, Mr. jiouen was elected secretary and treasurer. On the following evening n meeting of the oommittee took place, at which Mr. Claydcn was instructed to prepare plans and spcoilicatioiis for the new building, the same to bo submitted to the committee on Monday next; after which, tenders will be invited for tlie ercction of the church. A Sum of £50 has been promised out of the Church Building Fund, the remainder of the cost being raised in the district. The Bishop left Maliurangi for the North, by way of llotea Bridge, next day. After visiting the Northern settlements, he returned by way of Omaha to Auckland, by steamer.
The proceedings of tho Presbyterian Assembly ;tt Clnistchurch have been of an interesting character. They have taken steps for a complete union of the Church throughout the colony. The erection of a Theological Hall for the training of students for the ministry at Auckland lias 'also been sanctioned. But perhaps the most important feature of the session, in a political point of view, has been the expression of opinion elicited against denominational education. The L'resby terian body is one of those which could take advantage of a denominational system, and use it unfairly against other bodies; but the ministers assembled at Ohristehurch rightly and nobly desire to do 110 such thing. The oiler by the Home Churches of £000 for one year for a travelling agent in New Zealand was accepted, and the Kcv. D. Bruce was appointed. Mr. Bruce asked time to consnJt with his congregation. A Total Abstinence Society lias been formed in conncction with the Church, of which Mr. John Lamb has been appointed president. Our religious friends, the Presbyterians, are at last about to erect a church in the Warkworth township, the plans for which have been prepared and furnished by Mr. E. Mahoney, of Auckland, and were submitted last week to the Building Committee, by whom they were highly
approved,-and tenders - for the erection] of . the.i'. building are ;'to be galled for at once/ '' Tile denomination may be fairly congratulated on4'the neat. an<Thandsome appearance of the building-, as shewn on the plan,'and iwhen completed it will be a grace- . ful orpa'ment.. to "the. as well as a credit and comfort to the congregation who intend therein to worship. The- anniversary services. of _the Sundayschool" in cdnneT2tion~ wiUi' 'streetr Congregational Church were held on Nov. 21. In the forenoon, Bev. Mr.. Cath:cart»:of preached from I. Timothy,, iii., 16, concluding his discourse withT an exhortation to Sunday-school teachers. In the afternoon, Mr. Rees delivered an address to~ parents and children. The evening service was conducted by the Kev. "Warlow Davies. The anniversary tea-meeting was held on Nov. 23. The meeting was confined to the scholars and teachers, for the temporary building in which the congregation worship now could not have accommodated a public attendance. About 200 sat down to tea, the meeting being presided over by the Rer. J. T. Warlow Davies. Several of the elder pupils gave some recitations in very excellent style. „ Mr. .Lyon, Superintendent of ] the school, then addressed the pupils. At | the conclusion, a number of fireworks were I let off outside the building, greatly to the. amusement of the juveniles.
The Kev. G. H. Turner preached his valedictory sermon to the members of the United Methodist Free Church on the 15h Dec., in the fine building lately erected. The address was very impressive throughout, and the assemblage appeared to feel deeply the sorrowful purpose for which they were gathered together. Mr. Turner himself was greatly moved, especially towards the close of the service. We trust that the end sought to be attained by the Rev. Mr. Turner's visit to England will be successfully accomplished, and that we shall have the pleasure of welcoming him back to our shores, and to the scene of his ministrations. "VYe are quite sure that not only the members of the Church over which he has had charge for the past three years, but all those with whom he has come in contact during his stay in Auckland, will join sincerely with us in wishing him a prosperous voyage to England, and a speedy return to New Zealand.
An interesting religious ceremony took place in the Jewish Synagogue in Princes-street on the 11th Dec. Master Frederick Montague, having attained the age of his religious majority—thirteen years—was confirmed according to the custom of Israel. The synagogue was filled with worshippers, and several Christian friends were present. The youth who was about to ba confirmed first recited a portion of the Law of Moses in the original tongue. In this he acquitted himself remarkably well, and his pronunciation and intonation reflected creditably upon his teacher and upon himself. The service was then commenced with a. Hebrew hymn, " Our Universal Lord." Master Montague then offered up iu a very impressive manner a very beautiful prayer, which had been composed for him by the Rabbi, the Rev. Mr. Elkin. During the time the prayer was being delivered by him tlio Ark was open, and great solemnity prevailed, many of the congregation being deeply moved. After prayer, Master Montague was tested as to his knowledge of the Decalogue and of the principles upon which Judaism is based. In this, also, he acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of his tutor and friends. The lie v. Mr. Elkin, finding the boy so competent, expressed his entire satisfaction at the result of the examination, and pronounced him confirmed. Whilst the congregation stood the priest's benediction was given, and the service closed. A number of subscriptions towards the new synagogue were given by friends on behalf of the newly-confirmed member.
The first communion of a number of Roman Catholic children took place in St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday. There were upwards of sixty communicants—boys and girls—who had been prepared by the Rev. Father O'Dwyer, with the aid of the members of the Christian Doctrine Society. The children appeared impressed with the gravity befitting so solemn an occasion, and to enter into the service with true religious devotion. MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS. The half-yearly meeting of the shax - eholders of the Auckland Steam Packet Company (Limited) was held in Mr. To thill's office, Shortland-street, on the Oth December. Mr. AY. C. Daldy (the chairman of directors) presided. A quorum of shareholders being present, Mr. Lodder read the advertisement calling the meeting. The following report was read to the meeting :—" The directors, iu presenting the balance-sheet of the company for the past half-year, regret that, ou account of losses incurred by accidents to the Pretty Jane and Star of the .South, it is not so favourable as last. The balance to profit and loss, after writing oil" £1952 Us lOd for depreciation, is .£3191) Ss Id. This amount, with the reserve fund of £5000, shews the accumulated profits of the company to be £5199 Ss Id. The shareholders will see the propriety of keeping ail insurance fund, which provided the sum of £1131 Is lOd towards the loss by the Pretty Jane, and has again accumulated to A'(JJ2 15s 7d. Since the last meeting the directors have added the s.s. Lewellyn to your fleet, for the Fiji trade, and trust by this means to secure a large portion of the Island trade to this port. The company's vessels are all in gootl order, certified accordingly, and fully employed. The directors anticipate better results for the ensuing year. Your directors are glad to report that shares to the amount of over £450(J have been taken up since the last meeting, and trust the public will support an undertaking so intimately connected with the commerce of this port. Tlio directors recommend a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum." The Chairman moved the adoption of the report, which was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the directors and manager was proposed by Mr. E. lsaccs, seconded by Mr. T. .Morrill, and carried a on. con. The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Fiji Bank was held on Nov. 29 —Mr. Whitaker in the chair. The report and balance-sheet, which will be found in another column, were adopted. A dividend of 5 per cent, was declared. Messrs. Aitken, Morrin, and Macfarlaue, retiring by rotation, were re-elected directors. Captain Harrison and Captain Daldy were elected auditors. A meeting was held in the Cathedral Library j on 25th November, for the purpose of inaugurating a Diocesan Church of England, Temperance Society—the Right. Rev. Dr. ! Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, in the chair, j Present: Ven. Archdeacon Pritt, Revs. F. J. Baker, F. Gould, A. A. Tomliusori, A. S. Hassard, Willis, C. M. Nelson, and J. B. Dudley ; Messrs. Mitford, Rice, Conn, Burfct, J. C. Davies, Willoughby, Biggs, Dyer, Cherry, S. W. Ilill, I'. B. Lusk, Captain Williams, Colonel Haultain, and Captain Clayton. Mr. V. Rice read subjoined statement of objects for which the soeiety was established :—That a society bo formed, to be called "Tlio Dioccsan Branch of the Church of England Association." The objects to be the same as the parent association : 1. To promote habits of temperance. 2. For the reformation of tho intemperate. 3. For the removal of the causes which lead to intemperance. The admission to membership is to bo by a declaration of coucurrence with the proposals made for the attainment of the objects of the Association, and payment of an entrance fee of half-a-crown. The Board of Management is to consist of a President (the. Bishop of the Diocese), VicePresidents (the Archdeacons of the diocese); a committee to consist of the parochial clergy, and not less than six lay members of the Church, to be elected annually. A meeting of the newly-organised society of journeymen tailors was held on Nov. 3D, at the British Hotel, and was largely attended, —Mr. O'Brien occupied the chair. A code of rules, drawn upon tho basis , of the bakers' and other friendly aaso- 1
ciations, were submitted^i^-Hi®-meeting and adopted without; a dissentient voice The funds of the Society weteetated to be in a flourishing condition. C|«sl A numerously-attended meeting of sons of old colonists :wbs 3ield\ori Dec. 13; at the Masonic Hotel, thaobject being tp endeavour to obtain a, grant :of land ujiorusiihilar terms to those under wliich..the Katikati settlers obtained theirs. ~X great deal of displaces Mthi-referenca to. • theterms of residence constituting an old colonist. It was finally determined that 25 years should be the limit to be submitted to "the "Superintendent.- A "number of old colonists' sons residing at the Thames intimated by letter that they had also taken up the movement, and wished to co-operate. This was agreed upon, and a delegate appointed to-attend the meeting to be held this evening at the Thames to report the resolutions carried at this meeting. A committee was elected to consider the terms upon which the sons of old colonists based their claims, and to bring up their report at a future meeting to be convened by advertisement, when a deputation will be elected to wait upon his Honor the Superintendent for the purpose of laying before him their claim.
A first meeting of creditors in the estate of Richard ICennan, described as a mining speculator of the Thames, was held on Nov. 26, in the office of the Provisional Trustee. The liabilities were set down at £19,429 13s lOd, the available assets at £235. Certain sums were set down as contingently recoverable, as for instance 232S Bright Smile shares at present without value are set down at 30s a share, or £3492, if the company should resume work. 100 shares in the Ajax are set down at 2s 6d ashare, or £12 10s. Theremainmg assets are 3 hogsheads of colonial wine at £42 per hogshead, £126 ; 6 quarter-casks of colonial wine, valued at £100; lease of offices in Albert-street, Grahamstown, under Mr. W. Eowe, without value.
The anniversary of the Congregational Church, Mary-street, Shortland, was celebrated by a tea meeting on 23rd November, and was largely attended,—His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. After the soiree, speeches were delivered by the Chairman, Rev. James Hill, Rev. J. Crump, Rev. J. Hinton, and the Rev. R. Laishley, minister to the congregation. Several of Sankey's hymns were sung by the choir, aa well as other pieces of music. During the evening the utmost cordiality was expressed towards this section of the Christian Church by the various speakers, with hearty wishes for its continued prosperity; its being shewn that their number, though small, had doubled itself since their pastor had taken up his lot with them.
.On 13th December, the anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Otahuhu Wesleyan Sunday-school was held. All the scholars bad tea on the lawn in front of the chapel, and the parents and friends partook of tea inside the chapel later in the evening. After tea there was a public meeting, over which the Rev. I. Watkins presided. Mr. Markham gave an encouraging report for the past year, shewing tliat°the attendance had been better, the subscriptions more liberal, and the teachers more earnest. Mr. Ewington spoke on the discouragements of Sunday-school teachers, and shewed that they were common to every good undertaking, and that if they influenced teachers aright, discouragements would only make them more earnest. Mr. Watkins also spoke on preparation, combining amusement with instruction, greatly to the satisfaction of the young yeople. During the evening the children sang Moody and Sankey's hymu3.
The anniversary soiree in connection with the Baptist Church, at the Thames, took place at their chapel, Shortland, on Wednesday night. The attendance was large, and the meeting highly successful. The fiev. Sir. Cornford, of Auckland, occupied the chair, who briefly sketched the work of Christian Churches, and the present position of the Baptist community at the Thames. During tlie past six years they had had four ministers, two of whom had done their work, and their works would follow them. The x'resent opportunity was one of great interest, as it specially embraced the recognition of their new minister, the lie v. J. T. Hinton; and in response to a question, whether the congregation agreed to accept the rev. gentleman, all the meeting stood up, and he was received with unanimity and applause. The rev. gentleman spoke feelingly of the great kindness that had been shewn him and his family since his arrival, and of his determination to faithfully discharge the duties of pastor. The proceedings were diversified, by speeches, singing, and reading treasurer's and secretary's reports.
The anniversary soiree of the Free Methodist Church was held on Dec. 7. The tables were assiduously attended to by Mesdames Waterhonse, Hemus, Trigg, Coupland, Robinson, McAlpin, Graham, and French, and Misses Hays, Nesbit, Spare, ami McAlpin. After tea a public meeting was held, the Rev. Mr. Turner in the chair. He called upon Mr. Cole to address the meeting. Mr. Cole, said that, as secretary of Trust, he could not state exactly in what financial position the Church now stood. By venturing an approximate idea, however, he thought he would not bo far from the mark in stating their indebtedness to amount to about £950, £SSO of which was incurred upon the old building and property, and £100 upon the one in which they were then seated. Half of the latter sum, he believed, would be cleared off by the proceeds of the soiree. He estimated the average attendance at the church on each Sunday to be about COO. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. Mr. Tiusley, Mr. Lockwood, and Hodgson, and Messrs. Coupland and Hemus.
The last concert of the season was given on Tuesday evening, on Dec. 7, by the Auckland Choral Society in the Choral Hall, Symonds-street, before a largo an.' fashionable audience. The working members mustered in good force, some eighty performers being in tlio orchestra, and Mr. Joseph Browne, the conductor, wielded the baton with his accustomed efficiencj'. The first portion of the programme consisted of "Gounod's Mass," which has not been performed by the Society since the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to Auckland. Tlie " Kyrio Elcison" and tlie " Gloria in Excelsis," were admirably rendered; the solos throughout were taken by Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Harker, jun., and Mr. Osborne. The second portion of the programme consisted of miscellaneous selections of secular music.
The examination of candidates for Provincial scholarships commenced on tlie loth of December, in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, under the superintendence of 1?. J. O'Sullivan, Esq., Inspector of Schools for the Province of Auckland. The competitors for scholastic honours, number Gs— more than two-thirds of -whom are boys and the remainder girls. The names of the schools represented, and the number of pupils wliieh each send to the competition are as follow :—City ;W est No. 1, 4 ; Devonport (North Shore), 5 ; Mount Albert, 4 ; Grafton Road, 1 ; Neivton No. 2 (St. David's), S ; .Mauku, 2 ; Panmure, 3 ; Titirangi, 1 ; Otahuhu, 3 ; Otara, 4; Papakura, 4 ; -Auckland City East, 7 ; Shoal Bay, 1 Waiotahi Creek School, 1 ; Onehunga, 4; Auckland City West, No. 0; Mount Hobson, 1 ; Mrs. Harden's Girls'-school (Shortland-street). 1. Of the town schools, it will be seen from the foregoing list that Newton No. 2, Auckland City East, and Auckland City West No. 2, have sent'-'the largest number of pupils. Of the country schools, Devonport, Mount Albert, Otara, Papakura, and Onehunga appear to be proportionately conspicuous. The Otara school lias hitherto proved the most successful, having always taken one or more scholarships. It remains to be seen, however, whether its representatives will retain the -prestige of their district. The awarding of the prizes to the successful candidates at the examination of
the Moant St. Mary Convent School* held on the 15th November, took place on Monday following, and passed off in a very agreeable manner. A large number ot parents and friends of the children were present, and evinced a lively interest in the proceedings. Father Fynes (V.G.) presided and after distributing the prizes, congratulated the little folks upon the proficiency they had displayed in their tasks, and trusted that -an equal amount of success would be achieved by them during the ensuing year. Two selections of music, entitled respectively Maryland" and a " H ymn to St Cecilia," were sung by the children with great precision. The centre of attraction to all, however, was undoubtedly the presenting of the prizes to the scholars attending the Select (school. Ihe budding was crowded to excess and many were unable to obtain admittance! A charade by the Rev. Albany James Christie entitled the "Martyrdom of St. Cecilia, was rendered in a very creditable style. The Rev. Father Fynes liavin<* performed the task of distributing the rewards of merits in a manner, addressed a few remarks' to the Fathers Walter McDonald, Simpson, O'Hara, and several others whoso names we were unable to learn, were present during the day, and contributed in no small measure to the success of the presentation. A grand vocal and instrumental concert was given on Nov. 23, in the City Hall, in aid of St. Mary's Orphanage, Ponsonby. The large hall was crowded. A considerable number of the orphans were present in charge of their teachers. Most of the I Catholic clergy were also present. The I programme was an attractive one, and was j faithfully adhered to.
A boat-race took place on Nov. 26 at Grahamstowu, between the Bank of New Zealand employees and a picked crew. It resulted in a decided victory for the former. From the known character of the crews* much interest was excited in the event ' A goodly number of the inhabitants of Mauku and surrounding districts assembled at the Volunteer Hall, Patumalioe, on the 23rd o£ November, when Mr. James Finlay mounted the platform, and on behalf of the ladies' committee presented a most superb testimonial, together with an illuminated address, to Mrs. J. Crispe. The testimonial, which was purchased by subscriptions most willingly given by the ladies signing the address, consisted of a complete tea and coffee set of silver, the same beinc most elaborately engraved and The shield of the larger pieces bear the inscription, '' Presented to Mrs. J. Crispe by the inhabitants of Mauku," and the smaller one* the initials " J.C." In addition to the set is a toast-rack and hot-water jug, the whole being purchased from the well-known Auckland jeweller Heinrich Kohn. The address was very nicely illuminated by Mr. Arthur Morran, of Shortland-st., and contained the signatures of over sixty persons residing in the neighbourhood who thus shew their appreciation of her kindlieartedness to her neighbours iu times of affliction. Mrs. Crispe having most graciously received the testi monial, her son, Mr. Heywood Crispe, came forward and read her reply. A lecture on " The Arctic Regions, and Arctic Explorations,'' was delivered'on November 30, iu the City Hall, by Mr. Severn, in aid of the Auckland Institute. The chair was occupied by Mr. Firth, who introduced the lecturer. Mr. Severn said he had long lamented the nenh'ct of science in New Zealand. There was a lamentable apathy on this subject. True, there was a magnificent building about to be erected, but if united effort were absent, the moss would grow on this building as it did on the present one. He would, if the audience would follow him, endeavour to follow Franklin and other explorers on their dreary way; and while reading an abridged narrative he had compiled he would endeavour, by the aid o£ the lantern, to shew on the screen what had been done, and what were tliepeculiar perils to be encountered. A spiritedly-written sketch of the voyage of the Erebus and Terror was then read by the lecturer, illustrated by maps and views photographed for the occasion, and displayed by means of the lime-light on the screen. The moat interesting of these was a photograph of the last written record of the Franklin expedition and a view of the memorial-stone erected to the memory of those ill-fated men on Cape Herschel. The lecturer, on concluding, received a vote of thanks. c
The annual ball of the Auckland Licensed Victuallers' Society was held in the Choral Hall, Symond-street, on on Dec. 2. As usual, it was a success. The arrangements for the ball had been carefully and judiciously made. Mr. Stacey was caterer, and managed his department to the satisfaction of everyone. The attendance was not so large as was expected, but there were more than a hundred couple present, and as the baud was a good one, the tide of pleasure ran high. At midnight the party adjourned to supper in the side-hall. The chair was taken by the President of the Society, Mr. J. G. Johnson, and the vice-chair by Mr. H. Kissling. After supper the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were gone through, when dancing was resumed.
Major and -Mrs. Wily, accompanied by Miss Cox, presented Mr. Crisps, of Stanlake, with a chaste and elegant timepiece, subscribed for by members of the congregation of St. Baide's Church, in appreciation of his gratuitous services (as lay-reader) rendered for many years, under both His Lordship Bishop Sehvyn and Bishop Cowie. The Major, in kind and suitable terms, expressed the obligation he felt to Mr. Crispe for the privilege of an open church every Sunday, and his pleasure in presenting this testimony to the faithful discharge of his duties so willingly performed. Mr. Crispe acknowledged, with much feeling, the handsome testimonial of approval, doubly valuable in the bush where it is so impossible to be punctual without a reliable clock.
The exhibition of the Auckland Society uf Artists was closed on tlie 2f>di November, with a conversazione. The attendance was numerous, and the liight l!e\r. Dr. Cowi-J presided. Addresses were delivered by Mr. J. C. Firth, Mr. J. C. Hoyte (secretary), ami Mr. Win. Eastwood (president) of the Society. During the past month Mr. Severn (oi the Thames) has given a series of lo'>\r.' - on scientific subjects—Spectrum Analysis, Magnetism, &c. —in the Lome-street iiali, w appreciative audiences.
INQUESTS, ACCIDENTS, A_ND OFFENCES. An inquest was lieM on Dec. 2, at the YVhau Lunatic Asylum, before IV. Goldsbro 011 the body of .1 man named George Dairy, who had been an inmate for several moati.s past. The jury found a verdict in accordance with the evidence of Dl*. Aiclcin. the medical oil'ieer of the Asylum, tiia: death had taken place from natural cause:;. An inquest was held at the I.unatic Asylum at the 'Whau, on 30th Nov., on the body of an old Maori woman named Eliza O'Kell, an inmate of the ii;.stitnti:■!!The inquest was held by Dr. Goldsboro', and the evidence, which was of a purely form:'.! character, tended to show that the had met her death from natural causes. 'the jury returned a verdict to that ellect. A Coroner's inquest wis convened lately by l)r. Beale, Coroner, at the Duke oi Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge, to enquire into the death of a little boy nauiod James Hall, drowned the other_ Jay in the river Cam —a tributary of the river Waikato. It appears that aiier school a number of lads went down to the river to bathe, among them deceased, who was only eight years ot aye, ami unable'to swim. A lad named WalKtr swam the river with deceased on his back, and placed him in safety on the opposite bank. When the lad wished to come hack, a boy named Clune swam over to fetch him, but deceased asked Clune to put him dowu, as he thought he could walk across where it was shallow. He attempted to do
go, and had not proceeded many steps when he went into a deep hole. Cluno swam to him and endeavoured to save him, but .'they both went down together. On rising to the surface the deceased caught Clune round the waist and they sank a second time. The latter, finding he could do nothing to save the drowning; boy, and doubtless confused and frightened by the two immersions, struck out for the bank and with some little difficulty saved himself. It is reported that a man named Walter Campbell was drowned in the Waikato River, between Rangiriri and Churchill, on Sunday, the 12th inst. He was returning in a canoe with some Maoris to Churchill, when in using the paddle he slipped and fell over the side of the canoe, sinking instantly, and was not again seen to rise. Deceased was a single man, and was employed as a labourer at Mr. C. Bell's flax-mil].
It is feared that another case of drowning has occurred in our harbour. On the 12th inst., Mr. George Levitt, a man who has lately arrived in the colony, left Cox's Creek in a punt for a pull on the Waitemata. He was not used to boating, was in a small boat, and with a pair of almost useless oars. From the time that he left Cox's Creek he has never been heard of, and it is feared the boat has capsized, and that he is drowned. The shores of the harbour have been searched, but neither the body nor the boat have been found- The missing man is about 30 years of age, is married, and has one child. There is too much reason to lead to the conclusion that the man has been drowned in the harbour.
On the 11th December, at about 5 p.m., a lad named Charles Lyell, about twelve years of age, and who had been for some time in the Orphan Home, Parnell, was sent with a message to Jermyn-street. After delivering it he left, and it is believed he took the route to Judge's Bay by the beach, the tide being out. As, however, it was rapidly flowing, it is supposed that the unfortunate lad was overtaken by it while rounding one of the rocky points—most likely at St. George's Bay. Bis body was found on following afternoon in St. George's Bay, just below high-water mark. There were no marks of violence on it, and as it was found with a shirt on, it is supposed he had taken off his other clothes in order to enable him to wade round the point. The locality is very rocky, and there are many dangerous chasms, and it seems probable that the unfortunate boy fell into one of these in the uncertain light after the sunset. The boy was a fine, useful lad, and had been sent to Auckland from the West Coast. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of "Found drowned."
A man named Baker attempted to take the life of his wife, at Raglan, on Tuesday, the Sth inst. The cause was jealousy. They had a quarrel, and the man then took out his pocket-knife and drew it across his wife's throat. The wound was not a very serious one, and the woman's life is not in danger from it. Baker was arrested, aud after evidence had been taken, he was committed to trial upon a charge of cutting aud wounding. He was brought to town by Constable Bulford yesterday, and lodged in Mount Edin Gaol, where he will await his trial at the Supreme Court. FIRES. A fire oecnred at Pakiri, on 27th Nov., which resulted in the total destruction of a whare in the occupatien of Messrs. G. Knaggs and J. Cooper, w ho were sawing for Mr. C. Holder. The folio wing are the particulars :—Mr. G. Knaggs left Pakiri on Saturday, and spent Sunday with his family, who reside at Omaha, leaving the whare in charge of Cooper, who, it appears, cooked his dinner, and afterwards went away in the bush, leaving a fire burning in the whare. On his return it was reduced to ashes, together with clothes, two pit saws, one crosscut saw, and other tools, —all the property of Mr. Knaggs, who estimes his loss at about £10, Cooper having lost very little excepting his clothes. Our Katikati correspondent writes :— I am sorry to have to chronicle another fire on the 26th of November. One of the whares occupied by Mr. Vesey Stewart took fire, and, before it could be extinguished, two others, with their contents, were consumed, and at the same time endangering the new weather-boarded house just erected by Mr. Stewart. The loss, I am sorry to say, is considerable. The whole of the personal effects of two joung men, brought out by Mr. Stewart, and a large lot of provisions and other valuable goods, were completely destroyed. Unfortunately, Mr. Stewart was away at the time. At half-past one o'clock, a.m., on Dec. 13, Mr. Chapman, the bookseller of Queenstreet, observed from his bed-room window, at his residence in Eden Crescent, flames shooting upwards from a room in the basement of the Railway Terminus Hotel, Official Bay. He at once dressed, and hastened to apprise Mr. A. Fernandez, the proprietor of the hotel, of his danger. On the way down he was" met by Mr. Isaacs, who accompanied him. The whole of the inmates of the hotel had retired to bed. Mr. Fernandez was awakened by calling him by name, and telling him the house was on fire. The landlord at once rushed down stairs, having first called up all his lodgers. He provided himself with a bucket of water, and found that the large room adjoining the kitchen, now being converted into a bath-room, wa3 cm fire. He dashed the bucket of water on the flames, and, with the assistance of the lodgers, promptly extinguished the fire. There being now no further fear of the fire spreading, an examination was made which led to the belief by all present that the fire was clearly an act of incendiarism. A number of rags —pieces of dress and clothing— had been placed beneath the carpenter's bench, and apparently set light to. These had communicated the fire to the bench above, which was nearly consumed, together with some tools. The flooring for a space of several feet was also burnt through. Near t.his was placed a basket or hamper, containing leaves of books, paper, letters, shavings, &c. The fire had not reached these. Mr. Fernandez is not insured for a single penny, so that the loss would have been to him very serious. The articles found in the hamper ' placed in the room—for it is asserted that they were not there when the place was fastened up — together with the half-consumed pieces of dress and clothing were conveyed to the police station, and Detective Jeffrey made a careful examination of both the latter and the contents of the hamper. The result of this was that he proceeded to Short-street, and apprehended Mr. and Mrs. George Strong, who reside next They were brought up at the Police i 'rt, on Tuesday last, the 14th December, Tided for a week to collect evidence. The p.. "'here the fire was discovered immediately adjoins the premises of the accused persons. These latter premises consist of a small shop, built of wood, and a dwellinghouse, with a brick frontage, giving it a substantial appearance, but with the remainder of the building constructed of galvanised iron. The value of these premises is roughly estimated at about £70, but they are said to be insured in the South British office for , £200. ' | LAW. The Courts have not had any case of importance before them since the departure of the last mail. The new legal appointments, Mr. Fenton to the judgeship of the District Court, and Mr. Barstow to the office of Resident Magistrate, appear to give general satisfaction, as the profession and the public manifest confidence in their decisions. Mr. Justice Gillies has been absent from Auckland, attending the Court of Appeal in Wellington. We noticed in our last the cases *ent down from Auckland. Mr. Gillies has rsturned to Auckland, and resumed the Banco sittings of the Supreme Court. Reoently an argument was heard upon a rule nisi for a new trial in the case of Macfarlane {Trustee of Bartlett's estate) v. Lockhart. Mr. Reeß showed cause against the rule. His j Honor.deferred hin judgment to next Court'
day. The next criminal sittings of the Circuit Court will be held on the 3rd prox. The calendar is likely to be a very heavy one. There are no lessthan four charges of murder, but except in one case the circumstances do not appear to have been of a very aggravated character, and degree of criminality may be reduced upon full investigation. In the one case referred to there is reason to believe that the accused is insane. . There is likely to be a case of arson, and the full complement 'of minor offences which may be the subject of indictment is to be found in the calendar. THEATRICAL. The theatre is doing very little business. Everything in the form of amusement appears to possess but little attraction at present. Expectation, however, is on tip-toe for the arrival of Mdlle. de Murska. She is likely to arrive here by the next boat from Sydney. Mr. Wlieatley, an actor of wide reputation in Australia, is likely to appear at the Prince of Wales shortly. The only new arrival since the last mail is Miss Jennie Nye who has become very popular. Mr. Davis, the ventriloquist, is here, and is announced to make his first appearance at the City Hall on Monday night. The only other novelty promised is a Christmas pantomine by the Prince of Wales company. MASONIC. The election of officers for the St. Andrew's Lodge of Freemasons, under the Scottish Constitution, was held on Nov. 23. Tho result of the election was as follows :—W. C. Wilkes, Right Worshipful Master; T. Ellison, Senior Warden; Brother Barrett, Junior Warden; Lucas J. Martin, Senior Deacon ; Brother Cooke, Junior Deacon; Brother Hughson, Treasurer; Brother Payne, Secretary; Brother Kitchen, Architect; Brother the Rev. Mr. Bruce, Chaplain ; and Brother Parter, Tyler. The brethren of the Sir Walter Scott Lodge of Freemasons at the Thames celebrated St. Andrew's Day. An emergency meeting was called to raise a number of brethren to the sublime degree of MasterMasons, and the ceremony, over, a cold collation, which had been prepared to the order of the newly-raised brethren, was served. The chair was taken by Past Master Brodie, who had presided over the lodge meeting in the absence of the Rev. J. Hill, W.M.
The Companions o£ the Royal Arch Chapter of Hauraki, No. 454, 1.C., assembled in the Masonic Hall, Grahamstown, on the 23rd Nov., for the purpose of installing the officers for the ensuing term. Principal Recce and Past-Principals Brock and Stephenson, from Auckland, and the Principals of the Abbotsford Chapter were present. The installation ceremonies were conducted by M.E.P.K. Wildman, and the following were dully installed :—lst Principal, Companion W. Climo; 2nd Principal, Companion R. M. Mitchell; 3rd Principal, Companion S. Bawden ; C.H., Companion F.G.JR. Woodward ; S.T., Companion D. Taylor ; R.A.C., Companion W. Jenkins ; C.S.V., Companion J. H. Wheeler; C.P.V., Companion J. Hopkins; C.8.V., Companion S. Catran; T., Companion J. Osborne; J., Companion J. .Ross. The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Pacific Hotel, where a dinner had been provided by host Curtis in his best style. There were about thirty-five Companions of the Hauraki Chapter and Visiting Companions present. The Brethren of the Loyal " Gisborne" Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, celebrated the Ist anniversary of the opening of their Lodge by a supper and ball in the Freemasons' Hall, Gisborne, Poverty Bay, recently. A handsome silver watch, bearing the following inscription, was then presented to Past Grand John Warren:—"Presented to Past Grand J. Warren by the Gisborne Lodge, 6057, 1.0.0. F., M.U., A.D., N.Z., in recognition of services rendered.—November 9, 1875." FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. On the 2nd Dec., a number of gentlemen interested in the formation of a branch lodge of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia met at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Auckland. Messrs. C. Joynt, D.G.M., and T. R. Jones, delegates from the Thames lodge, were present to give all necessary information. Mr. T. R. Jones was called to the chair, and Mr. T. W. Guarde acted as secretary pro tern. The Chairman fully explained the objects and nature of the benefits, and the working of the society generally, and answered various questions put by those present to their satisfaction. It was duly proposed and seconded, and unanimously carried, that an application be made for a dispensation to open a branch lodge of the society. The Deputy-Grand Master, Bro. C. Joynt, being present with all the necessary documents, and a dispensation, the required forms were soon filled up, and a dispensation granted, and the lodge was duly inaugurated by the delegates present, and a number of members initiated. Some good counsel and advice was then given to the new members with reference to the future working of the lodge, and a vote of thanks to the delegates from the Thames terminated the meeting,—all present leaving seemingly well pleased with the result of the evening's business. OBITUARY. Our obituary column this morning contains the name of a very old colonist—Mr. William White, formerly of Hokianga—who expired on Nov. 25, at advanced age of S3 years. The deceased gentleman arrived in the colony as far back as 1829, forty-six years ago, in connection with the Maori mission in New Zealand, and was identified with the very earliest efforts at colonisation in the North, where his name is still a household word among the old residents of Hokianga, both European and native. There are still living old veteran chiefs in that district who can relate how, by his extraordinary firmness and courage, Mr. White succeeded, at great personal risk, in preventing slaughter between hostile tribes or rescued some doomed captive from torture and death. He possessed those qualities which the natives were and still are especially quick to discern and appreciate—power of physical endurance, absolute fearlessness of personal danger, and a tenderness of disposition combined with strength of will, in a very rare degree. For many years Mr. White was engaged in the kauri spar trade, both in the Hokianga and Kaipara districts; but although possessing indomitable energy and perseverance, his efforts were not usually crowned with success. Some of those very qualities which made him personally esteemed and respected, frequently militated against him in his business relations. His health up to November of last year wa3 vigorous and robust, —so much so, indeed, as to make a long journey on horseback a matter of Bmall account. It was after a day's ride of forty miles, succeeded next day by gardening, that he sustained severe injury through overexertion. Since then, although so far recovered from its effects as to be capable of much mental and physical effort, it had been observed by his friends that his extraordinarily robust constitution was at last beginning to break. About a month prior Mr. White was seized with a painful difficulty in respiration, which increased so rapidly as to cause serious alarm. A week afterwards he was attacked by severe spasms of the heart, followed by increased difficulty in breathing. For some days before his death he had been sinking perceptibly, but was comparatively free' from acute pain. On the night preceding his death, however, the most agonizing heart spasms seized him, and continued with hardly any respite until 10 o'clock the following night, when he died. The funeral took place on the 27th November, when a large number of citizens and country . settlers attended to . pay- the last token of respect to the memory of the deceased. Amongst them were some who, like Mr, White, had borne the burden and .
heat of the day in the work of New Zealand colonisation for nearly half a century. The following clergymen were also present Revs. John Hobbs, John Warren, J. Wallia, A. .Reid, W. Watkin, W. J. Williams, Gideon Smales (Wesleyan), R. F. Macnicol (Presbyterian), A. Macdonald (Independent). The first portion of the mortuary services was performed prior to the funeral leaving the residence of the deceased, by the Rev. A. Reid and Rev. John Hobbs respectively; on the procession reaching the cemetery the remainder of the burial service was read by the Rev. A. Reid, and the Rev. R. F. Macnicol engaged in prayer. The singing of Toplady'a well-known hymn, "Rock of Ages," and the Benediction by the Rev. A. Reid, concluded the funeral ceremonies, which were unusually solemn and impressive. Our Thames correspondent writes respecting the death of Mr. O'Haire :—" I have to record the decease of a respected and wellknown gentleman, cut off after a short illness in his 3Sth year, for the last few weeks Mr. Michael O'Haire had been complaining, but was well enough to continue at his work, until the beginning of last week, when spitting of blood and inflammation of the lungs compelled his having recourse to the hospital, where he gradually sank, and expired on Sunday morning. The deceased was a native of County Clare, in Ireland. He emigrated to America with a portion of his family, leaving that country for Victoria in 1855, where he studied politics, and made himself known as the champion of liberty and opponent of monopolising squatocracy. He arrived on the West Coast of New Zealand in ISCS, and subsequently came to the Thames, where he has pursued the vocation of a miner. Mr. O'Haire contested the seat for Provincial Councillor, but was defeated, but his thoroughly independent views secured for him a large circle of supporters. For the last three years Mr. O'Haire has been a member of the W aiotahi School Board, and has ever been zealous of promoting objects of public interest, by devoting his spare time and abilities to all the leading movements of the day." MISCELLANEOUS. By the arrival of the schooner Belle Brandon, we learn that a native of Apia Island had murdered an English trader named Keyes, who formerly kept an hotel at Levuka. It appears that the native demanded a bottle of scented oil from Keyes, and upon his demand being refused he shot Keyes dead on the spot with a pistol. According to the latest accounts, the murderer was at liberty, and in no danger of being made to answer for his cowardly crime. If this is so, it is a reflection of the gravest kind upon the British authorities, and is likely to teach the natives a lesson which both they and ourselves will have cause to regret. There seems to be some fatality against whaling enterprise emanating from Auckland. The long run of ill-luck experienced by the whaler Albion will be still fresh in the memory of our readers. It was either that no whales could be sighted, or, when seen, were missed through the fault of the boatsteerer. Then, if a capture was effected, the fish had to be cut adrift owing to a gale coming on, and numbers of other unforeseen occurrences which damped the ardour of both oiiicerß and men, until the vessel would return to port generally a clean ship, or with a few barrels of humpback oil. These misfortunes led the Auckland Whaling Company to abandon the enterprise, and to sell both ship and whaling gear, and make the best of a bad bargain. It was asserted, during the existence of the company, that a great mistake was being made in sending the Albion a long distance away in search of whales, while so many of the fish were often reported in close proximity to our coast. This fact led a few enterprising gentlemen to make a fresh venture with a smaller vessel, and the smart brigantine Magellan Cloud was fitted, eut with all appliances for whaling off the coast. She was commanded by Captain Sainty, who was accompanisd by Captain Hoxsie, late master of the Albion, as whaling master. She sailed for Russell on the 10th October. Ten days after a gale was experienced, doing damage aloft. On the 2Sth, humpback whaleß were sighted, but, through a bad boat-steerer having charge of the boat, no success was met with. The Vasqucs whaling ground was then made for, and falling in with sperm whales, chase was given to one of the number. Darkness, however, set in, and the boats had to return to the vessel. After this, discontent appears to have arisen amongst the crew, and on putting into Napier to repair the damage done by the gale the captain was compelled to prosecute some of his men for offences, and imprisonment was awarded them. Amongst this number was the cook —a man known on the Queen-street wharf and elsewhere by the sobriquet of " Te j Kooti"—an eccentric individual who has \ often given trouble to the police here. This ! fellow was sentenced to eight months' im- ' prisonment for assaulting a constable on shore. Three more of the crew were dis- 1 charged. Others deserted both at .Napier ■ and Tauranga, where fresh hands could not be procured, and the Magellan Cloud, being 11 men short of her complement, has been compelled to return to this harbour a clean ship, to endeavour to pick up hands, none being procurable at Russell, to which place the captain had previously telegraphed- from Tauranga. TheMacgregor arrived from San Francisco i on Dec. 4, with tho English and American : mails. This is the last mail under the temporary contract, which has been so success- ! fully carried out by the Australasian Steam ' Navigation Company. It was the largest I mail that has ever been received by this line. It amounts to 272 bags, containing 35,000 ; letters, and 77,000,new3papers. There were i 150 bags for Australia. j
The sliip Adamant has had an extraordinary passage from London to the Bluff (province of Utago). The captain was given to driuk. He kept the ship sailing about the coast of. Brazil for three weeks. He got on a sandbank within hail of the shore, and the natives walked up to the ship and conversed with those on board. The first mate at last took command, and the captain shortly after died. The provisions were nearly exhausted.
The Bank of New Zealand shipped for London by the Flechero, which sailed on '23rd Nov., 4 boxes of gold, containing 4909 ozs. Sdwts., valued at £20,364185, aud 11,159 ozs. 9 dwts. silver, of the value of £2929 4s 9d, the whole of the above being the produce of the Thames goldfields. Mr. McDonald, of the Miranda, has received an order to supply 73 round kauri poles, 55 feet high and not less than 5 inches in diameter at the small end, and 400 round poles of any tough wood 35 feet long and not less than 2 inches thick at the small end. These have to be delivered in Auckland as soon as possible, and are to be used in. the construction of the building or canvas structure in which Blondin is to perform his marvellous feats.
A very large quantity of manganese ore was landed recently from the cutter Whitby, and it is said that a great deal more will shortly arrive from the company's works at Waiheke Island. It is said, although we have it not on authority, that this will be sent to Sydney, where there is a large > demand for this mineral in the extensive pottery works being carried on in New South Wales.
The marriage of the Rev. C. M. Nelson, the incumbent of St. Paul's Church, with Miss Georgina Sophia Coates, took place on 30th of November. His Lordship Bishop Cowie, assisted by the Kev. K. Burrows, conducted the ceremony. The choral service was rendered under the leadership of Mr. Beale, the organist. St. Paul's church was crowded l during the service.- Misa Coates and the Misses j Whitaker were • the bridesmaids, and thei Kev. <L R« Tomlinson officiated as best man. <, Mr. Whitaker gave awaythebride.
FIJI BANK. : The annual,general meeting of this bank was held on. Nov. 29, to receive the report and balance-sheet/also for the election of directors ! and auditors,- —Frederick Whitaker, Esq., in the chair. There, was a full attendance of shareholders. The Manager read the notice convening the meeting, the minutes of last meeting (which -were confirmed), and the' report and balance-sheet, as follows :— . The second annual report of the directors of the fiji Banking,ami Commercial Company (Limited);— The director* submit to the shareholders a balancesheet of the company's affairs for the year ending the 30th September last. It will be seen that ttie busi. ness of the company has considerably increased, but not so much as the directors hoped and expected. When the last balance-shcet was presented to. the. shareholders it had just beeu announced that Fiji had been annexed as a British colony. The directors then felt no doubt that the claim* of the creditors of the previous Government would receive a prompt and satisfactory settlement. Considerable delay has, however, taken place, which is to be regretted, as much on account of the colony as of this company, as there is no doubt that a fair and prompt settlement with the public creditors would have much assisted to advance the new colony. A commission however, has now been appointed for the investigation of claims, and it is to he hoped and reasonably expected that its proceedings will te conducted with promptitude and fairness. The claims of this company are basod entirely on cash advances, made upon very moderate terms under the circumstances, for tho purpose of enabling the former Government to carry on tlie bu>iness of the conntry and suppress a dangerous rebellion. The present Government of Fiji is now reaping the advantages of this expenditure, and as it has taken over all the assets, it is not reasonable to suppose that it will attempt to repudiate liabilities so iucurred. Such liabilities justly and lawfully becomc those of any Government taking the place of another by cession. The profits for the past year have been, after writing off a further sum of £200 for preliuiiuary expeui-es, and £273 (is 6d for premises, furniture, .vc. p are £3597 14s 7d, and this added to the amount of £2084 17s I<l, at tho credit of profit and losa, brought forward from last year, makes a gross sum of £5982 lis 7d at the credit of profit and loss. Allowing a liberal margin for bad and doubtful debts, the directors feel that they are justified in recommending a dividend of live per cent, for the year. This will absorb £*2204 10s, and leave a balance of £3778 Is 7d to be carried over to the next year. The directors trust tliat an in* crease in the business of the company, which may reasonably be expected, will enable them to present to the shareholders a more favourable balance-sheet at the next, annual meeting. Three directors retire by rotation—Messrs. W. Aitken, Thomas Morrin, and J. S. Macfarlane —who are eligible and-offer themselves for re-election, and this meeting has to appoint two auditors for the current year.—Frei>. Whitaxku, Chairman.—Auckland, 30th September, 1875.
Aggregate balance-sheet of the Fiji Banking and Commercial Company (Limited), at 30th September, 1875. —To capital, viz: 17,030 shares allotted, £2 10s paid up, £44,090- £44,090; balance of £2 10s uncalled on same, £44,090; 32,364 unallottedshares at £5 each, £1G1,820 50,000 shares, £250,000. To notes in circulation. £1004 10s; deposits and other liabilities, £25,260 10s Id; bills in circulation, £2539 17s 2d; balance of profit at 30th September, 1874, £2054 17s; profit for past year, £3897 14s 7d: total, £80,077 8s lOd. By coin and cash balances, £8326 14s; notes and bills of other banks, £11; uupaid calls on shares allotted (in Levuka), £5; Fiji Government debentures (par value £18,700), £14,975; bank premises, furniture, and stationery, £595 15s 7d; bills receivable, bills discounted, and other debts due to tho Company, £55,713 10s 3d; preliminary expenses after writing off £200 to profit and loan account, £450. Fuither assets: 10,000* acres of land in Fiji uader v the charter {partially selected): total, £80,077 8s lOd. Profit and loss account: To dividend at 5 per cent, per annum, £2204 10s; balance to profit and loss new account, £377S Is 7d:, total, £5952 lis 7d. By balance of profit, 30th September, 1574, £2084 17s; net profit for past year, £3597 14s 7d: total, £5952 lis 7d. —Audited), Fred. Batxxey, John BircnANiiAK Auditors.
The Chairman, in fnoving the adoption of the report, said it was not necessary that he should make any lengthened observations, as all that was requisite to be said was to be found in the report and balance-sheet. There was no doubt that the business of the bank had not progressed as rapidly as might have been expected, or as it would have done, had the circumstances been different. When Fiji was declared a colony, it was expected that there would be a very large business done with this bank; but that expectation had not been realised. No doubt; the fact was to be attributed to tho non-settlement of the colony, which always had a depressing effect in monetary matters. But promises had been made which iuduced the directors to believe that the matter of their claims would be dealt with in a fair and liberal spirit. If it should be so, it would be found that the bank would progress far more rapidly next year. At all events, what business had been done was' of a prudential and not of a speculative character. It had been confined to legitimate operations. On thewhole, therefore, they must congratulate themselves on the result. The amount of bad debts was very much smaller than usual in institutions of this character and description. They (the directors) were there for the purpose of answering any question that might be put by an> shareholder. He would be happy to enlighten the shareholders upon any subject connected with the bank in which they might feel an interest.
Captain Harrison seconded the motion for the adoption of the report and balancesheet, which was agreed to new. con. Captain Harrison wished to know what was the amount of the Government debentures. The Chairman said the information would be found in the balance-sheet. The par value of the Government debentures was £1S,700; the costprice, £14,975. Therewas every reason to suppose that they would be paid. The bank had a claim which the directors deem unanswerable, and they were not disposed to take less. Then there was a large area of land over which the bank had the right of selection. No credit was taken on account of that; —it was treated as an asset, and nil put against it, because it was difficult to value. They had, however, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, declared a dividend of 5 per, cent., as the shareholders were entitled to some interest for their money. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Messrs. .W. Aitken, T. Morrin, J. S. Maoarlane, the directors retiring by rotation, •were re-elected. . ' ■ AUDITORS. Captain Harrison thought they ought to select the auditors from their own shareholders. He had not anything to say against the gontlemen who had tilled that office, but ho was sure there were thoroughly competent auditors to be found within their own list of shareholders. On the motion of Mr. Thomas Morrin, seconded by Mr. Nathan, Captain £1 arrison and Captain Daldy were elected auditors for the ensuing year. Captain Harrison moved a vote of thanks to the chairman. Captain Dam>v, in seconding the motion, thought " the directors" should be coupled ■with the name of the chairman. .He (Captain Daldy) knew something of the difficulties of the business. He; thought they had stepped into the position they occupied at the right time. The shareholders could hardly expect to make much profit in a country that was unsettled. They must regard the position as one in which they were laying the foundation of a large institution in future' years,' and not merely pursuing their present interest. For.his own part, he would have been equally well pleased had there been no dividend. They should liave a view to the extension of trade, and a permanent commercial footing in this new colony.
The motion was put, and carried unanimously.
The Chairman, in returning thanks, could only say on his own:behalf and on behalf of the directors, that they -would give their best attention to the business of the company. If the bank did not make progress during the next year, it would not be for want of energy, on ,the part of the management. He hoped at the next general meeting he would be able to present a better account than on the present occasion. The bookß would be closed during the remainder of 'the week, and the dividend payable on Monday next.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4398, 17 December 1875, Page 2
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14,892Our HOME LETTER. New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4398, 17 December 1875, Page 2
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