OUR HOME LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 5020, 18 December 1877, Page 2

OUR HOME LETTER.

At the date of our last Summary the Grey Ministry was still in difficulties, as a second notice of motion of want of confidence had been brought forward by Major Atkinson, the Premier of the late Government, and leader of the Opposition, it -will be remembered that the first motion of want of confidence resulted in a tie, and that the Grey Ministry were only saved from defeat by the casting vote of the Speaker. When the vote was taken, three members of the Opposition were accidentally absent, and this fact was the cause of the second notice of motion being given. However, the Government declined to make any arrangements to allow the motion to have precedence of other business, and so it went down on the order paper till it was beyond possibility to reach it. The Government managed their parliamentary business very well, but it is questionable whether they could have succeeded in staving off an adverse vote had it not been for the strong expressions of public opinion throughout the country by public meetings and the Press. They had indeed in their favour the rising tide of popular opinion. The attempt on the part of Major Atkinson to get back to power immediately after heliad been defeated, was condemned as unseemly, and besides, for many reasons, the country wanted a change. Major Atkinson and his party were therefore completely checked. Slvery day made the new Ministry firmer in the seats. The Opposition threatened to stop supplies, but they did not attempt lo cany tins threat into execution. The Financial Statement made by Mr. Lnr:iach, we printed in full in our last Summary. One of the principal features is that the money received for the leasing and sale of waste lands, which lias hitherto gone to the particular province where it arose, is now made colonial revenue, except twenty per cent. This will materially aid the colonial finances, and will be something like justice to the provinces, in which the Land Fund is almost 11011 - existent. The Government have been empowered to borrow two-aud-a-half millions. They have adopted the estimates of their predecessors, but promise to endeavour to make large entrenchments iu expendi-

Sir George Grey made a statement on the 7til of December containing a resume of the Session, and the principal points of the Ministerial programme for next Session. A Representation Kill, the Premier stated, is to be introduced, and it is believed that this will include a provision for manhood suffrage, and that under it the electoral districts will be considerably changed. Sir George Grey also stated that next Session ;i bill would be introduced to change the incidence of taxation —that is to say, that an income and property tax is to be proposed, with, if possible, a remission of the duties on some articles of large consumption, such as tea and sugar. The land laws will also, the Premier stated, be altered, with the view of enabling it to be acquired more readily in small portions. The Parliament was prorogued by commission, on the 10th of December.

Unfortunately the relations between His Excellency the Governor, the Marquis of Norman by, and the Premier have not been of a friendly character. In [.our last Summary we stated the circumstances resulting from the request of Ministers that Mr. J. N. Wilson, ot Napier, should be called to the Legislative Council. . On the 4th of December a correspondence was laid on i the table which showed that there had been another misunderstanding. Sir William Jervois and Colonel Scratcliley have been making an examination of the ports of the Australian colonies, with the view of advising the respective Governments as to the best means of defence from the cruisers of any Power at war with Great Britain. These officers are doing this at the request of the Colonial Governments. Having finished in Australia, they communicated with the Governor of New Zealand to ask that the colonial steamer Hinemoa should be sent to Tasmania for them, and should be put at their service during the time they were engaged in the examination of the coasts of New Zealand. Ministers replied, in eli'ect, that they could not spare the Hinemoa for such a purpose. His Excellency, in answer, wrote that he could not conceive of any service to which the Hinemoa could be better employed, regretted the curt manner in which Ministers had treated the matter, and added that if they did not wish Sir W. Jervois to come he would communicate' with him to that effect. Ministers replied that they did not mean to be discourteous, but that, considering the present financial position of the colany, it was impossible to enter upon such a serious undertaking as fortifying all the harbours of the colony. If, therefore, the visit of Sir W. Jervois could be postponed, without discourtesy, they thought intimation should be sent him, asking him not to come. His Excellency, while deeply regretting the course taken by Ministers, said that he would communicate with Sir \V. Jervois requesting him to postpone his visit indefinitely. It is generally felt that Ministers have come to a right conclusion on this subject. To fortify, even in a very insufficient fashion, all the ports of New Zealand, would- require a sum altogether beyond the mean 3 of the colony, would, indeed, be beyond our means if we possessed the resources of New South Wales or Victoria. The Governor and the Premier have also had a discussion on the subject of a dissolution. The Premier applied for a dissolution, urging a number of grounds why it should be granted. He pointed out tha difficulty of carrying on the business of legislation in the present state of the House j that the House was not in accord with the country ; and that there was reason to think that the Government would gain a considerable majority by a general election. He also stated that he believed the Ministry were entitled to a dissolution, from the fact that the Parliament was elected while their present opponents were in power. His Excellency declined to comply with the request of the Premier upon several grounds. He pointed out that the difficulties in conducting the business might be solved without resorting to a dissolution : that Parliament was but in its second session ; that the present season was most inconvenient for a. general lection ; and that, as a Representation I3ill had been distinctly promised by both parties for next Session, a dissolution would almost necessarily have to follow the passing of such a measure.

The Premier left Wellington on the 13th, vritli the JNative Minister, Mr. Sheelian, for Napier. They arrived at Napier next day, Tvhere they had a splendid reception. The Premier and jSative -Minister addressed a large assemblage on the proposed legislation of the Government. We may liore remark that Mr. blieelirm Il'is proved himself most efficient cis a Minister, having conducted the business in the House of Representatives with great skill. Sir George Grey will have a most enthusiastic reception in "Auckland.

The great native meeting, about which we have been bearing so much, and whose proceedings it was thought would be fraught with important political consequences, has concluded without any result visible to the eye of the pakeha. Sir George Grey was invited to be present, but, of course, his attendance was out of the question so long as Parliament continued to sit, and if he had gone it is quite open to Question whether at the

present timo he would have been able to have effected much good. That the Kingites have not as yet changed their attitude" would appear from one item of news which we have received concerning the proceedings. Te Ngakau, who has been known for some years as Tawhiao s secretary, was the chief speaker, and summed tip the whole sentiments of the Kingites in an ancient proverb, in which he likened the to L'm'i it Tukti—the dogs of laka. The story is that Tuka was a great chief who some centuries ago—when the Maoris had no notion of a world outside of New Zealand except the traditional recollection of Hawaiki, from whence they came — lived in great state at Tongariro. He kept a great many dogs, which were famous for the beauty of their skins, from which the finest mats were made. These dogs were also famous for this, that wherever they were taken to in the island, whenever they were at liberty they made their way straight back to Tongariro. A reference to Taka's dogs, therefore, has become a proverb for a yearning for home. The natives understand by Te Ngakau's proverb that he means to impress upon the Waikatos that the allmastering object and sentiment is a desire that they should return to "Waikato, and possess the lands of their fathers.

We understand that the Premier, in visiting the Kingites, as he proposes to do early in the year, has a definite object in view, and a distinct proposal to make to them. There can be no question that this is the proper way of dealing with these people. Merely to go up to Waikato, to listen to their " Welcome, O father !" —to indulge in sentimental reference to old times, and in laments for those who have departed, at this time of day would h-.rdly bo satisfactory to the colonists of New Zealand. There has been more than enough of this kind of meeting, and this vague, resultless talk. What is wanted is, that the colonists may see the country making progress, and the natives being won over to allowing the free spread of unrestricted cultivation. Settlers look regretfully at a large part of the island being unoccupied and wild, useless to the natives, and waiting for the advent of the white man's plough and his seed, his sheep and his cattle, instead of forming, as it now does in several wide districts, a block to the progress of roads and railways. It is said that Sir George Grey proposes to endeavour to secure the consent of the natives to the construction of a railway from the Upper Waikato to Taranaki. To-morrow (18th), the line will be opened as far as Hamilton, and the necessity of pushing it on further will at once be apparent. It was part of the design of the public works scheme as originally laid down, that there should be railway communication throughout the Colony ; but, unless something is done by Sir G. Grey, it will be a long time before that consummation is reached as respects the North Island. Of the advantage which it would be for Auckland that a railway should be constructed through to New Plymouth we need not speak, and if the natives yield now after so many years of passive resistance to the advances of those true modern civilisers, the road, the rail, and the telegraph, this island will, for the first time, be really and effectually '' opened up" by the public works scheme. The all-important question now comes, What chance has Sir George Grey of succeeding where so many have previously failed ? He has, no doubt, in every way greater influence with the natives, and is possessed of greater capacity to deal with them, and, looking at the official reports which have lately been published, the natives seem to be rather more accessible now than formerly, and may be more susceptible to the influences which surround the Premier by reason of his long experience and ancient reputation among the Maoris. Major Mair, the officer most closely connected with the Kingites, in his last report, says : —" Upon a review of the history of the past twelvemonths, I think that it will be admitted that a better spirit is growing up among the natives, so recently in open hostility, and that, while they are slowly but surely improving their condition, they must, at the same time see that it will be to their interest to maintain peaceful relations with the dominant race, while we too shall feel that in a few years at the furthest, all risk of a collision will pass away." There is abundant testimony that the Kingites desire to remain at peace, but there is no veiy strong evidence to offer that they are willing to take a further step, such as that of allowing the construction of a railway would be. Sir G. Grey and Mr. Sheelian are, however, to make the trial, and 110 others could do it with so fair a prospect of success. That they will succeed to the utmost extent of their hopes, will be the fervent wish of every citizen of Auckland.

The sum of £40,000 has been voted by the Assembly in its last hours to the Counties in the provincial district of Auckland, as a special allowance, in consideration of the very small amount of provincial liabilities left by the poor province of Auckland to be defrayed by the General Government. The provincial liabilities of Auckland wore £7,405 7s lOd, while Taranaki left £20,G53 10s 5d ; Wellington, £'194,102 Is 9cl ; and Otago, £246,00412s sd. The Southern provinces piled on every expense they could think of, and ran up huge overdrafts, andeversince abolition Otago especially has been making itself safe in ways not open to Auckland. The £'40,000 therefore just voted does not by any means place us on an equality with the other provinces, but it j.s something to be thankful for, and it is a windfall which probably we should not have got from the late Government.

A special telegram from. Wellington announces that the Government have resolved to adopt the inland line of the extension of the Kaipara Railway from Auckland to Riverhead. This decision will give general satisfaction, inasmuch as the line will pass through a district far more thickly occupied than is the alternative line along the border of the Waitemata harbour. The district is better as regards soil, as well as being large as respects population ; while, at the same time, the inland route will give facilities for conveyance by rail of timber from large forests in the immediate neighbourhood. The additional mile and a half which the adoption of this route necessitates, will thus be more than compensated for by the improved opportunities of traffic. Besides, with the means of transit afforded by the Waitemata itself, the dwellers on its shores can be accommodated by water carriage, while those in the inland districts beyond easy reach of the water will benefit by the railway. rfow that this important conclusion has been arrived at, it is to be hoped that the long-pending work of this line will be vigorously prosecuted and hastened to its much wished for conclusion.

His Worship the Mayor, oil 22ud Nov. forwarded to the Government at Wellington £1092 5s Gd, the balance of the subscriptions raised in Auckland towards the Indian Famine Relief Fund. This is in addition to £500 previously forwarded, which makes the total amount raised in Auckland £1592 5a Gd. The reason for forwarding the sum to Wellington is that it has been intimated that the money can be telegraphed direct to London free of charge by the Government.

Colonel Moule is said to be about resignin" and going home. The whole Defence and Police Department will then be reorganised.

The Hauhauß of Kotoaira have seized the horses and equipment, baggage, &c., of Mr. Connelly, who had just returned from sketching views of Tongariro and Ituapehu Mountains. Mr. Connelly is nowatTokano, on the south side of Lake Taupo, seeking assistance from the friendly chiefs; but Topia Turora, a friendly chief of Kotoaira, is just now absent at Wellington.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

An interesting ceremony, that of presenting the Itev. E. C. Stuart, Bishop-elect of Waiapu, with a testimonial from the parish of St. Mary's, Parnell, took place on Dec. 3rd, iu the Missionary school-room, Varnell. There wa3 a very large attendance of members of the Church of England. The presentation consisted of a portable Communioa service, a handsome timc-piece, a butter-cooler, &c. Mr, Stuart lias Iven nia'»y years employed, by the Church Mis* sionary Society in India. He is a Scotsmau, but a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. He is a brother of the Hon. Alexander Stuart, of New South Wales. As a missionary he has had the experience of au active life. The report of the proceedings, which wo print in auother column, ha 3 many poiuts of interest. On Nov. 31 was observed by the members of the Anglican communiou as a day of intercession on behalf of Missionaries and Mission work. At 10 a.m. service was held in St. Matthew's Church, and was well attended. The Rev. J. Still preached au interesting sermon on " .Missions." The service of the Holy Communion was also held, thirty communicants taking part in it. The Rev. it. 3. Hasaard was the olHciatiug clergyman. In the evening at seven o'clock, service was held in St. Paul's Church. Prayer was offered up by the incumbent (Rev. C. M. Nelson) and the sermon preached by the Bishop-elect of Waiapu (Rev. K. C. Stuart). Bishop Cowie and the Revs. R. S. Hassard, A. It. Tomlittson, W. N. de L. Willis and Dr. Purchas were also present.

The anniversary services in connection with the Franklyn Road Primitive Methodist Church were held on Dec. 9, and were largely attended. The Rev. A. W. Webli preached in the morning, and the Rev. R. Taylor in the evening. Iu the afternoon the Sunday-school children, their parents aud friends were addressed by the Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S.

The annual sermon to teachers in schools connected wicli the Auckland Sunda}' School Union, was preached on sth December, in the half of the Young Men's Christian Association building, by the Kev. G. B. Monro. The attendance was rather limited. The gentleman took as his text, Eccieaiastes, ch. ii. and v. 6 ; "In the morning sow the seed, and in tho evening withhold not thine hand ; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." The discourse was an interesting one.

The anniversary soiree and public meeting of the JN'ew North Koad Wesleyan Sundayschool were held on the 4th December, and were numerously attended by visitors from town and country. The interior of the little edifice was profusely decorated with ferns evergreens, and floral offerings, which lent to it a tasteful and pretty aspect. The following ladies presided at the various teatables :— Mrs. Olphert, Mrs. Scabrook, Mrs. McElwain, Mrs. Mears, Miss Kewbnld, and Miss Hirst. The public meeting was opened in the usual manner with prayer and praise, after which the chairman (Uev. W. J. Williams) made a brief opeuing address. Mr. Newbold then read the annual report and statement of accounts. The report stated the number of children on the roll to be 10S—02 boys and 4(i girls, showing an increase of eight on the preceding year. The financial statement showed the receipts to have amounted to £43 18s SHd, and the expenditure to £42 3s 2.U1, leaving a balance in hand of £1 15s 7d. Several addresses were then delivered, and pieces sung by the choir and by soloists. On the proposition of the chairman, a vote of thanks was accorded with acclamation to the ladies who had provided the excellent tea. Mr. Seabrook was the conductor of the choir, and Miss McElwain played the accompaniments upon the harmonium.

A children's service, in connection with fhe Anglican Sunday-school Exhibition, was held on 7th December, in St. Matthew's Church, and was so numerously attended byyoung people, their parents, and friends, that the large building was quite full. The Rev. K. S. Hassard delivered a short but appropriate and interesting- address, taking for his text, Joseph's parting admonition to his brethren whon sending them from Egypt with provisions for their father, viz., "See that ye fall not out by the way." The dis course was couched in language suited to the children's comprehension, and consequently received their earnest attention. The rev. geatleman in referring to the exhibition said he hoped those who had failed to secure prizes or certificates would not feel discouraged, but trusted that their want of success would stimulate them to redouble their efforts to attain excellence in whatever they undertook. During the evening the choir, under the conductorship of Mr. VVebb, sang very creditably a number of hymns from the Sunday-school Hymn-book. A collection was taken up aud realised a sum of £2 13s5d.

The anniversary soiree of the Mount hden Wesleyan and United Methodist congregations was held in the district school-room on 23rd November, and despite the unpropi&ious weather which prevailed, passed off iu a very agreeable manner. About 130 perons were present, and partook of the creature comforts dispensed to them by Mesdames Stokes, Prince, Cole, Wheeler, and Waterhouse, and Misses Hayes. Testa, and Keane. After tea, the usual adjournment to allow time for the seats to be re-arranged took place. The guests having re-assembled, Mr. Hirst assumed the chair and delivered the opening address. It was of a congratulatory nature, and was well received by the audience. A solo, "The Lifeboat," having been sweetly sung by Miss Hirst, the Rev. J. A. Caygill came forward iu response to a call from the chairman, and made an interesting speech on " A few of the prominent features of our age ; or the signs of the times." In teresting addresses were also delivered by the Rev. Mr. Taylor aud Mr. Cole.

The annual gathering of the Wesleyan Sunday-schools of Auckland took place on 23rd November, in the Choral Hall, and proved highly successful. The service had been lixed to commence at 3 p.m., and from 2.30 p.m. till that hour the various schools arrived and filed in an orderly and decorous manner into the portion of the building set apart for them. At 3 o'clock the large hall was full, every available seat being occupied. At a rough estimate there were about 1000 children present from the following schools : Pitt street, Grafton Road, Ponsouby, ParnelJ, and Union street. About 200 parents and friends were likewise present. The [lev. W. Kirk (Superintendent of the Circuit) presided, and beside him on the platform were the Revs. T. Buddie, R. S. Bunn, \V. Gittos, W. J. Williams, J. 11. Schuackenberg, and J. Garlick. The youthful audience was addressed by the Revs. R. S. Buuu and W. J. Williams, the subject of their speeches being appropriate to the occasion and treated in a manner simple and interesting. The hymns, which had been specially selected aud printed, were sung harmoniously and sweetly. Mr. W. Rridson acted as conductor, while Mr. W. Caley presided at the harmonium. The collection realised a sum of £11 3s 9d,

The congregation of the Newton Kirk, of which the llev. Dr. Wallis, M. U.K. for City West, is pastor, determined to hold a soiree in order to welcome the rev. gentleman on his return from his Parliamentary duties ; and this was held on Nov. 22. The Kirk was crowded to excess, aud an excellent tea was provided aud presided over by the ladies of the congregation. When the table was cleared, Mr. Henry Barton, the Chairman, called on the Rev. Air. Evans to open the proceedings by prayer, after which the choir, au excellent one under the conductorship of Mr. Skinner, sung the anthem "Arise, Shine" very effectively. After a few observations from the Chairman, the llev. K. F. Macnieol addressed the meeting, speaking in favour of the introduction of hymn-books and instrumental music in the congregation. He commended Dr. Wallis for his outspokenness, and thought it of great importance to a risiug nation to have members of the Legislature of his type. The llev. Dr. Wallis on rising was received wioh loud cheering. He said ;hat after 12 years connection with the Church he had received four months' leave of absence. These four mouths were to him a kind of holiday, aud yet it was not spent in sport or recreation, but in very hard work ; but as he had good health, he returned refreshed instead of fatigued. Yet he was glad that this political work was over, aud on coming back to Auckland his feelings were analogous to those of a soldier returning after the campaign or a sailor after a long voyage. The rev. gentleman then referred to the introduction of musical instruments to the church during his absence in terms the reverse of satisfactory, but he trusted they would never go so far as to convert the worship of God into a mere

musical entertainment. The Rev. Messrs. Evans and Carrick also delivered addresses. In the intervals between the speakers the choir rendered a number of musical selections—authen.s, quartettes, solos, duets, &c., very efficiently ; and one solo, "Oh, Rest in the Lord," was sung_ by Miss Hunter, a lady visitor from the Thames, so sweetly as to call forth loud and prolonged applause, and it was unquestionably the gem of the evening's musical performance. The annual soiree and meeting of the scholars, teachers, and friends of tbe Schools of the Auckland Wesleyan Sunday-school Union was held on 27th November, in the new Sehool-room, Pitt-street and Karangahape Road, the Kev. Mr. Kirk in the chair. The following ministers occupied places on the form The Rev. T. Buddie, Kev. Mr. Schnacktnberg, Rev. W.J. \\ atkius, Rev. Mr. Garlick, aud Kev. Mr. W. J. Williams. Mr. John Gittos read the report of the operations of he Union for the year ending 30th of September. The operations |had been satisfactory. There were last year eight schools in the Union ; this year there were nine. He congratulated them upon the room in which they were assembled. The state of Grafton Road was satisfactory. Some changes had occurred in Devon port, but there was every reason to believe it would be prosprous. Ponsouby School had been welcomed to the Union. Mr. Hanson had consented to conduct the Union-street School. Mr. J. T. Garlick was to be thanked for the interest he took in Mount Albert School. Mr. Thorne deserved thanks for his interest iu the Howe-street Industrial School. Mr. Bridson deserved the thanks of the Union for instructing the scholars in sacred song. The following statement showed the state of the schools : — Pitt street : 11 officers, 41 teachers—2oo boys, 215 girls Grafton Road : G officers, 23 teachers—92 boys, S3 girls. Ponsonhy : 0 ofliooro, 10 tcachors—o7 boys, 80 cirls. New North Road : 2 officers, 8 teachers—62 boys, 46 girls. Parnell : 3 officers, 7 teachers—3o boys, 34 girls. Deyonport ; 4 officers, Steachers —32 boys, 21 girls. Unionstreet : 2 officers, 6 teachers —25 boys, 20 girls. Mount Albert : 2 officers, 4 teachers —16 boys, 24 girls. Howick : 1 officer, 3 teachers—l 2 boys, 11 girls ; making a total of 30 officers, 110 teachers, aud 10S2 scholars. The meeting was addressed by tlio Revs. T. Buddie, W. Watkins, W. J. Williams, Mr. Salter, Mr. S. Mathews (representative of tile Sunday-school Union) and other gentlemen. The annual meeting of the members of the Auckland Sunday-school Union took place on the 14th December —Mr. J. C. Firth in the chair. The Chairman stated that the schools in connection with the Union numbered 110, aud the receipts from sales of Sunday-school literature, £900; amount of indebtedness to the stock iu depot, £730 ; aud the amount due to the parent Society, £437. Of the £120 which friends were kind enough to lend without interest, nearly onehalf had been repaid. Two teachers' conferences had been held at which papers were read by Mr. Mngiuie and Mr. Spragg. The following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year : President, J. C. Firth, Esq. ; vice-presidents, Mr. J. Ellyett and Mr. I* 1 . Battley ; treasurer, Mr. Potter ; canvasser, Mr. Longmore ; honorary secretaries, Messrs. Lyon and Wilcocks (the latter to have charge of the depot). A soiree took place on Nov. 2Sth, in the Primitive Methodist School-room, Alexaudrastroet, for the double object of bidding farewell to the Rev. Mr. Tiu3ley, who has been minister of the church for about four years and is proceeding to Christchurch, and giving welcome to the Rev. Mr. Dutton, who has recently arrived from England, and is to till Mr. Tinsley's place for some time to come. Mr. David Goldie occupied the chair. There was a very large assemblage of church members present. The Rev. Mr. Westbrooke, the Rev. Mr. Dutton, and the Kev. Mr. Tinsley addressed the meeting. Illuminated addresses were presented to Mr. Tinsley by the Mutual Improvement Society conuected with the church, and by the chairman ou behalf of the church members.

Tlieanniversary soiree of theFranklynKoad Primitive Methodist Church was held on 10th December, aud was .well attended by a fair number of ladies and gentlemen. Tea was laid out in the school room at G. 30 o'clock. After tea, an adjournment was made to the chapel (Mr. D. Goldie presiding), the services in which were commenced with singing and prayer ; after which, the secretary (Mr. T. R. Smith) read the annual statements of receipts and expenditure, the totals of which were : Receipts, £135 13s ; expenditure, £135 Si 6d : balance in hand, 4s lid. A statement of the fmancial position of the Church was also read, from which it. appeared that the cost of the building and site at the openiug had beeu £13G9Ss4d, and the cost of draining, building a wall, lining, &c., £43 10s Sd : making a total of £141*2 IDs. A further sum of £30had been expended in paying off the debt on the Sheridanstreet building, thus raising the aggregate amouut of expenses to £1442 19s ; of this sum, £GS7 19s had been paid off, leaviug £755 yet to pay, but it was hoped that after that week they would be enabled to reduce the £755 by £100. The statements were received with prolonged applause. The Chairman congratulated the members of the congregation upon the efforts that they had put forth with the view of reducing the debt. Rev. A. W. Webb then addressed the meeting, and in concluding spoke of the approachiug visit to Auckland of the eminent revivalist preacher, Dr. Soinerville. A selection of sacred music having been rendered by the choir, the Kev. D. Dutton, F. K. A.S., delivered an address upon Christianity—its resources, its chainpions, and its opponents, and their sure overthrow. The meeting was brought to a close with the passing of the usual votes of thanks, and by the pronouncing of the benediction. During the evening a uumber of selections of sacred music were sung very sweetly by the choir, under the leadership of Mr. £ootb.

An interesting ceremony took place at the 9 o'clock Mass on Dec. 9, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Wvndbam-street, in the administering of the Holy Communion for the first time to about 110 children. There were about CO boys, under the charge of the members of the Christian Doctrine Society, and 50 girls from the schools of the bisters of Mercy. The young ladies were all arrayed in white musliu, with flower wreaths on their heads, and their general appearance was very edifying, appearing, as they did, to he thoroughly impressed with the importance of the object for which they had come together. The Bev. Father Grange celebrated the Mass, immediately after which the children were led to the altar rails by their teachers, and received with becoming modesty and devotion the Blessed Eucharist. The music appropriate to the occasion was rendered by the children's choir, under the efficient direction of Miss Kirby, After the service the whole of the children marched in procession to St. Patrick's schoolroom, where an excellent breakfast was provided for them by the members of the Christ:au Doctrine Society, who were assiduous throughout the whole of the proceedings in attending to their wants. After the youugsters had partaken plentifully of the goo I things provided, strawberries and sweets were distributed to them ad libitum and they were then dispersed to their homes evidently full of joyous satisfaction. MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS. Captain Morris addressed bis constituents at Gisborne, Poverty Bay, on Dec. 11, Ilis address was generally antagonistic to the present Government. He stated the probable policy of the Atkinson Government next session, which would be are-distribu-tion of seats, change in the incidence of taxation, simplification of local government, additional powers to local bodies. A vote of confidence was carried, there being only two dissentients.

An emergency meeting of the Trades and Labour Council was held on Saturday, Dec. Bth, when it was resolved that the Council should take the necessary preliminary steps in forming a Working Men's Club. A Lot of correspondence, containing much information as to the formation and working of these institutions in Wellington and Duuediu, was read, and copies of their rules, reports, and balance-sheets, were laid upon the table, from which it was seen that at these places they had been singularly successtul. That ot Uunediu, which had been in operation about two and a half years, numbers close on 1000 members. They have lately erected a building of their own, and have a cash balance in hand of £103 lGs 2d, with property for the working of the club to the value of £612 ISs sd. That of Wellington, which started in July of this year, numbers about 240 members. They have expended about £240, have property of the value of £120, and liabilities of about £30.

They have the Governor as patron, who takes great interest in the movement, and offers to assist them when they either want to build or lease larger premises. There were present at their last meeting Sir John Richardson, Mr. Maitland (Commissioner of Waste Lands, Otago), his Worship the Mayor, and other men of note, but the president of the club, in writing, strong advises the workiDg men of Auckland to rely more upon themselves, which the Couucd heartily endorsed. A committee was formed to draw up the rules, which will be by no means a difficult task, from the very detailed information aud rules furnished by Dunedin and Wellington Clubs. According to annouDCement.a numerously attended meeting of Roman Catholics was held on 3rd December, in St. Patrick's Hall, Hobson-street, on the occasion of the opening of a reading-room in connection with the Christian Doctrine Society. Among those present, besides the chairman, were— the Rev. Fathers W. Macdonald, O'Dwyer, and Grange, and Mr. J. T. Boylan, and other well-known citizens. Precisely at 8 o'clock the Very Rev. H. J. Fynes, VicarGencral, took the chair, and immediately opened the proceedings. The Very Rev. Chairman delivered a lucid address, explanatory of the objects of the Christian Doctrine Society, and thegeneral advantages to be derived by Catholic young men from its operations. He announced that a library, containing a vast amount of standard moral and religious literature, was in the possession of the Society, and open to the public at a merely nominal chargc. The very rev. gentleman concluded with a few eloquent remarks on the advantages of pious reading aud the cultivation of Christian morals. Mr. J- T. Boylan spoke on tin: immense importance to Catholics of being well represented by the Press. He asserted, however, that the opinions of Catholic papers should be as open to criticism as tlioue of the secular Press. Heconcluded by moving, "That this meeting pledges itself to warmly foster and Bupport the library and reading-room of the Christian Doctrine Society." This was agreed to. Father Walter Macdonald, in a few apposite remarks, proposed a vote of thanks to the Very Rev. Chairmau, which was carried by acclamation. The reading-room was tastefully decorated by llags, and the tables set off to advantage with flowers, &c. General commendation was given to the members of the society for the activity they had displayed in advancing the interests of the society. Ou 27 th November, the Rev. R. Taylor delivered his lectureon "John Ashworth"in the United Methodist Free Church, to a fair assemblage of persons. As the lecture received notice from us at the time of its first delivery iu Auckland, a description of it is rendered unnecessary. It proved most acceptable to the audience, and at the close the gentleman was applauded. The choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Gee, sang a number of sacred selections at intervals during the evening, aud the Rev. J. A- Caygill gave a highly interesting reading. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. Coupland. Mr. Gwingtou's lecture on Nov. 27, in the Baptist Chapel at Ponsonby, was a great success. The lecturer, who on coming forward was greeted with loud applause, said that owing to the short time allowed him by the committee, he could not recite a new lecturo ; but as the last of his lectures had cost him a deal of pains and expense, and had been highly appreciated by a large audience in town, he would recite " The Life of William III.," of England. He then proceeded to relate the struggles of our forefathers for civil and religious liberty, and showed how 111. had led the Dutch and English peoples through the most trying and important events which any nation had ever to pass through. The lecturer was frequently interrupted with applause as he recited with thrilling pathos the oppressions of Louis XIV., the persecutions of James 11., and the triumph of the great Revolution. Winding all the thread of these events round the life of William 111., he brought his lecture to a close by describing that monarch's death. A vote of thanks was heartily accorded to the lecturer. Mr. John Bigelow led the choir, which sang some of Moody aud Sankey's favourite hymns ; such as "Hold the Fort," aud "Dare to be a Daniel," itc.

An organ recital, in aid of the choir fund, took place on 13th Dec., in St. Mary's, in presence of a full congregation. Air. Livingston presided at the organ, and played the peuing solo, a sonata by Haydn. The collection realised a substantial aid to the Choir Fund.

A very agreeable tea-meeting, or garden party, in aid of the funds of St. Luke's Church, was held on the 22nd November, in the grounds of Mr. A. K. Taylor, Mount Albert. A considerable number of visitors from Auckland and the circumjacent districts were present, and, thanks to the kind attention of the host and hostess, enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The tea-tables, which almost groaned under the weight of the delicacies provided, viz., cakes, tarts, Sc., and luscious strawberries, were presided over by the following ladies, who courteously attended to the wants of the guests : —Mrs. A. K. Taylor and Misses Taylor, Mrs. and Misses James, Mrs. and Miss liraitliwaite ; Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Dawson, Mrs. aud Miss Hart, Mrs. and Misses Motion. Mrs. A. K. Taylor supplied two trays, at one of which 3he presided herself, assisted by the Misses Taylor, while the other was attended to by Mrs. and Miss Hart. The visitors whiled away the time intervening between the tea and the concert by promenading along the spacious walks and well-trimmed parterres of the grounds surrounding the residence of the host. The programme of the concert comprised songs, agreeably sung by Mrs. A.K.Taylor, Miss Jessie Taylor, Miss Barbara Taylor, Mrs. Glover, and Captain Clayton; duets, pleasingly rendered by Misses Connell and Green, aud Mrs. A. K. Taylor and Miss Jessie Taylor ; amusing readings, given with line effect by Mr. T. L. White aud Mr. J. Batger ; pianoforte selections, well executed by Miss Gertrude James and Miss Amy Davis, and interesting speeches by the Rev. B. T. Dudley, Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, Kev. A. R. Tomlinson, l<ev. W. N. de L. Willis and Mr. A. K. Taylor. At 11 o'clock dancing was commenced and kept up with but slight intermission till 2 o'clock. Mr. R. C. Greenwood as master of ceremonies.

A very successful musical and literary entertainment was given on Dec. 4th, in the Ponsonby Wesleyan Church. There was a full attendance. The meeting was presided over by the Tiov. W. Kirk. The choir having sung "Ring the Bells of Heaven," the chairman engaged in prayer, and then made a few remarks in explanation of the object of the entertainment—viz., the raising of funds for the benefit of the Sunday-school library. An excellent programme was then gone through. The choir was composed of pupils attending the Sunday-school, and was under the conductorship of Mr. Green. The singing of the National Anthem, and the pronouncing by the chairman of the benediction, brought the meeting to a close.

The bazaar in aid of the Building Fund of the Franklin Tioad Primitive Methodist Church, was opened on the 13th December in the City Market, the end half of the southern wing of which had been incloscd for the purpose. There were eight stalls, three on either side of the enclosure, and two in the centre, and each stall was presided over by two ladies. Stall No. 1 was attended to by Mrs. Weekes aud Mrs. Maynard. It v. as devoted to the sale of refreshments. No. 2 stall was presided over by Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Booth; No. 3 by Mrs. John Chambers and Mrs. Hutcliings ; No. 4 by Mrs. Percy and Mrs. Westbrooke ; No. 5 by Mrs. Binns and Mrs. McCarroll; No. Gby Mrs. Moses Chambers and Mrs. Westley, nere one and all occupied with articles of children's clothing, general wearing apparel, toilet requisites, mantel pieceornaments, fancy work designs, and other similar little etceteras. Dispersed at intervals amongst the exhibits were large photographs of tiie Franklyn Road Church, cartes de vinitc of Rev. and Mrs. Tiueley, and of Rev. B. J. Westbrooke. Stall No. 7 was under the special management of Mrs. Warburton. No. 8 stall, immediately fronting the entrance, was sec apart for the sale of toys. Mrs. Westmoreland and Mrs. Haines presided over it. The total receipts were £73.

The performing members of the Onehunga Glee Club gave a concert in the Masonic Hall on 7th .December, under the leadership of their able conductor Mr. VV. Stevenson. The Onehunga Club was kindly assisted by the Auckland Orpheu3 Glee Club and several other kind friends, both instrumentalists and vocalists. The concert itself was all that could be desired, but the audience was very imited.

INQUESTS, ACCIDENTS, AND OFFENCES. ;

An inquest; was held on 3i ! d December, at the Auxiliary Asylum (old Provincial Hospital), on the body of a female patient named .Mary Harding, aged about 46, who died on Sunday, December Ist. The deceased woman was the wife of a soldier in the oSth Regiment. She ha 3 not, ao far a3 has been ascertained, any relations in the colony. The medical officer, Dr. Aicken, the matron, and the nurse who was in immediate attendance on the patient gave evidence, aud the jury, 13 in number, of whom Air. Samuel Meekan was foreman, returned a verdict to the effect that death resulted from natural causes—apoplexy. The deceased was a native of Jersey, one of the Channel Islands.

An inquest was held at Mount- Eden Gaol on Dec. 3, before Dr. Goldsbro'and a jury, of whom Mr. John Smith was foreman, touching the death of an iuuiate of the Gaol named David Kelly, who died on December Ist. The jury brought in a verdict of " Death from natural causes."

The bod 3' of a young woman was found by two men on Sunday morning, at S o'clock, on Shelly Beach, beneath a precipitous cliff, at the bottom of Mr. John Campbell's property, aud distant only a few feet below high-water mark. The body apnearcd to have been about twelve hours in the water ; the features were calm and composed, and there was nothing in the appearance of the corpse to indicate violence or foul play. As none of the surrounding circumstances shed any light upon the mysterious tragedy, inquiries were immediately set on foot, with the object of establishing the identity of the female, but for some time proved of no avail. At length a clue was obtained, aud, being followed up, led to the discovery that the deceased was the daughter of Mr. John Fraser, a shipwright, of Freeman's Bay, that she was one of their family of five grown up children, and her Christian name Isabella. Her age, it was stated, was between aud 25 years, but as to the cause of death the father, mother, brothers, and sisters, appeared as much mystified as the police. The young woman had been employed as a domestic servant by Mr. Frank Quick, and in that quarter additional particulars were gleaned. Shehad, it seemed, been sent at 9 o'clock on Saturday night from Mr. Quick's house with some clothes to Mrs. Hopkins, a washerwoman, in order that they might be put through the mangle. Not returning, Mr. Quick waited for her till 12 o'clock, aud then, thinking that she had gone to the house of her parents and stopped for the night, he went to bed. Mrs. Hopkins lives about 100 yards from Mr. Quick's house, aud she says that Miss Fraser arrived a few miuutes after nine o'clock, and having delivered her message, asked her (Mrs. Hopkius) if she would mind going to Henderson's, the chemist's, and paying Gs she owed there. Her reason for making the request, she said, was that she was hardly in a presentable state to go shopping, having just come from her work. Besides, she wished to return to Mr. Quick's as qujckly as possible, for she had to clean some knives. Mrs. Hopkins promised to do what was asked of her, and the girl took her leave remarking that she was tired after the day's labours. She was attired in the same dress which was upon the body when found, and had on her feet a pair of light slippers. Mrs. Hopkins is, therefore, so far as ascertained, the last person who saw the unfortunate girl alive, aud how or by ivhat means she came by her death is as yet unknown.

A rather severe accideut occurred on Dec. 1, to Mr. F. Hull, son of Mr. Hull, J.P., of Kaipara. Mr. Hull, it appears, lias a horse which he intends to enter for some of the forthcoming races, aud on that day he went out with Mr, .Nolan to the racecourse to test his capabilities with Mr. Wy nyard's mare, Lady Godiva. Mr. Hull rode the latter, and after completing the spin round the course in a satisfactory manner, the mare

bolted iu amongst the scoria, and threw her rider heavily forward on his face on the rough scoria rock. He was promptly picked up. but was found to be in a state of insensibility, from which he did not recover until after his removal to the Hospital, where he was taken at once. He was promptly attended to by Dr. Cooper, Assistant-Surgeon, and subsequently by Dr. Philson, and it was found that his injuries, although painful, were not dangerous.

On Saturday afternoon, (Ist December,) a boat accident occurred in the harbour which for a short time caused some commotion on the wharf, but fortunately it was unatteuded

with any serious mishap beyond a wetting to the two occupauts. It appears two young men, one a half-caste by the name of DeThierry, and the other Ratcliffe. by trade boat-builders, took the new Norwegian

"scow," named the Arrow, recently built by, and the property of, Mr. Williams, for a sail up the harbour, and, when standing out from the Railway Wharf, the ballast shifted, and the boat, from her peculiar build, shipped

a little water. They then ran back into the fairway between the two wharves, where the anchor was dropped iu order to bail out, but before they could take the sail off her a puff of wind struck her, and, having her centre-board down, she did not come up to the wind, but Jilled and sank.

The young men, of course, jumped into the water, and the s.s. Gemini, from Riverhead, being close at hand, lowered away her boat and speedily rescued them, both of whom were excellent swimmers. The sunken boat was raised within a couple of hours, little the worse for her submersion.

A serious accident occurred on Deo. 12th, at the Pollock Settlement to Mr. John Given, youngest son of Mr. James Given, settler. The young mau and his brother James were engaged in cross-cutting a log which bad fallen on a gentle slope, and long before the saw had got through one-half,

the log broke away, aud before John, who

was on the lower side, could get clear, it was upon him, passed over his left leg, and severely crushed. He was brought down to the Auckland District Hospital for treatment.

A contractor named Johnson, bush contractor at Chadford, Northern Wairoa, found the skeleton of a man at a place called Graham's Fern the other day. A fallen tree was lying partly across the skeleton, which would point to the probability of its being blown down at the time the unfortunate man was passing under it, but how lonjj ago this may have happened, is impossible to say at present. FIRES. At about 11 o'clock p.m. on the 27th November, when people in Hamilton (Waikato), were about to retire for the night after the fatigues of the day, they were alarmed by cries of "Fire!" The lire appears to have been first observed by Messrs. Hill and Robinson, who observed the glare of light issuiug from behind the new building which is being erected for the Bank of New Zealand, and sure enough it was here the tire was raging. The contractor for the erection of the bank had also the contract for erecting the large range of two brick stores and auction mart adjoining. At the rear of those, and within less than thirty feet of the bank was a long wooden shed, used as a workshop for the carpenters and other tradesmen employed in both buildings. It was in this shed that the fire originated, and fortunately to this it was confined, owing to the exertions of the men who collected on the 9pot when the alarm was given. It was known that the shed contained a large amount of stores, and the workmen's tools, but nothing could be done to save them, and the efforts of tho3e present were therefore directed to preventing the spread of the fir 6 to other premises. Mr. Message, the contractor, loses not only the building but a large quantity of doors, sashes, glass with their furniture, and dressed material tfor finishing the interior, as well us cement, plaster of Paris and other things, value in all for about In addition to this, the workmen have been very serious losers—perhaps on the whole the worst losers —for they have lost their means of making a livelihood, that is to say, their tools. Henry Carter, a carpenter, lost a quantity of tools value for £30 ; Samuel Harvey, another carpenter, lost to the value of £15 ; \V. Hoare, £7; and S. Tonge and S. Evans about 30s each. Mr. Craig, a plumber, is also a serious loser in the way of tools and material. Although some appeared to entertain suspicions of foul play, there appears to be no ground forthiuking the tire was other than accidental. The men had been working in the shop up to 5 o'clock, and a fire had been burning in the hearth up to 5 o'clock, when work ceased, and the premises were locked up by Mr. Cox, the overseer. Some embers probably remained, and communicated with debris on the floor, which after smouldering for some time burst into flames.

An alarm of fire in Wakefield-etreet place on Tuesday night, December 4. The tire-bell at the foot of Grey-street was the first to give the signal. The Fire Brigade and police, as well as a large number of citizens, turned out promptly, but by this time the danger had been averted by the prompt application of a few buckets of water. The fire broke out in the office attached to Mr. H. P. Hayden s fingerbeer and cordial manufactory. Mr. Hayden had been working late in the office, and shortly before 10 o'clock he to his private residence close by to give directions as to the time he would have suppen On his return the office was in flames. ' He had left a caudle burning ou a loose board placed acros3 a barrel which he used as an office | seat. The barrel was half-full of waste i paper, and the candle must have dropped into it. The barrel was burned through and the partition boards of the office charred, but he promptly quenched the fire by a tew buckets of water. Mr. Hayden was unftiOn the evening of the 15th of December the firebells rang out an alarm. The tire broke out in a cottage at the rear of *he Alexandra Hotel, Chapel-street, occupied by Mrs. Jane Harrington, and arose, it is supposed, from a spark having alighted on a bag of shavings lying near the tirt place. A quantity of clothes on a clothes' horse and a mangle were considerably charred, before the tire was suppressed by the neighbours. The Fire Brigade, under Superintendent Hughes, were promptly on the spot, but the danger was over before their arrival on the ground. The smaller of the KLsihu flax mills, belonging to the New Zealand Flax and Fibre Company, was burnt down on the 30th ult.

LAW. His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies arrived from the South on the 7th inst., and has been ■ engaged since that date with Chamber busi- | ness, consisting principally of applications for probate, and the settlement of issues. The quarterly session of the Circuit Court will not be held until the 7th of January next. The calendar is so far a light one, no offeuces of an aggravated kind being as yet set down. There are, however, for trial, two cases of "fraudulent bankruptcy" in which the trading community caunot fail to be much interested. The iuferior Courts have not been occupied with any public business of importance. The parties to \ several cases have submitted to arbitration. 1 It is, perhaps in one sense, a wholesome I sign of the times when litigation gives place to arbitration of disputes ; at the same tiu'e I that in another sense dearth of legal business indicates commercial inactivity. The country districts may be said to be otherwise too busy to afford the time to go to law. With the exception of the two bankruptcy cases abovementioned, the cases comiug under the Debtors and Creditors Act have been very small, most of the estates for liquidation being less in average value than £250. DRAMA. A complete collapse appears to have overtaken histrionics in this place, the Theatre Royal haviug been closed for three weeks. It opens, however, on Thursday next, to the 11 harmonies and humours" of the United States Minstrels." Mr. and Mrs. Tavares are at preseut giving *• drawiDg-room entertainments" in the towns of the Waikato district. They are, according to all accounts, doing a good business. Although theatrical enterprise is at zero, aud the Christmas fare presents no | other feature for the public delectation than nigger minstrelsy, yet this is said to be the best of its kind. The opening of the year will, however, offer abundance of variety and attraction. Mr. Levy, the celebrated cornet player, has been annouueed by his agent-in-advance. The Soldene Opera Company will re-visit Auckland early in the autumn ; and a genuine ltaliau Opera Company is also announced, but there is les3 certainty as to its arrival. All these are good of their several kinds, but the "profession" is not very prolific of novelty just now. Auckland is not, we believe, an exceptiou in respect of its lack of dramatic fervour. The same complaiut is heard from those who have visited other colonial towns throughout Australasia.

CITY IMPROVEMENTS. As we intimated, recently, the vacaut space at the corner of Victoria and Queen streets, opposite the Theatre lioyal, which has for some time past been an eyesore in one of the most conspicuous positions of the city, is about being built upon. Mr. Mahoney, architect, has prepared designs and plans to the order of Mr. Hoffmann for the corner building, and they are now so far progressed that tenders for its erection have beeu called. The building is to be three storeys high, and will have a frontage of 30 feet to Queen-street aud S2 to Victoriastreet. The ground floor will be occupied by a shop 0$ feet in length and 20 feet in depth in the front part, where a portion is taken off for an entrauce hall and staircase, and 27 feet deep in the back portion or that facing Victoria-street. The entrauce hall to the staircase is to be from Queen street, and from Victoria-street there will be a large archway entrauce for goods, &c. The shop will be handsomely finished with plate-glass windows, and will be shaded by a verandah facing both streets. The whole of the first floor will be occupied as a show-room for Mr. Hoffmann's pianos.

Plans for two other buildings or shops to be erected adjoining that referred to, and fronting Queen-street, have been prepared by Mr. Herapath, architect, and tenders for their erection are called. They will each have a frontage of 13 feet, and will be two storey? high. One of these is for Mr. T. B. Hill, chemist. The ground lloor will contain the shop, sitting-room, and kitchen, and the upper floor a laboratory and storeroom. The second shop is for Mr. Offer, bootmaker. In the latter the ground lloor will be occupied by the shop and a ladies' department, and the upper floor by a storeroom and work-room. Both fronts will be handsomely ornamented, and the shops litted witli plate-glass windows. SPORTING AND AQUATIC. A match—a return one—at pigeons was fired on Dec. 10, at JEUerslie between Mr. I'erkiiu, of the Occidental Hotel, and Mr. A. Hill. The terms of the match, as finally settled, were, that Mr. Perkins was to give two points (with ten birds each to be shot at), 25 yards use. The result was that Mr. Perkins won by four pointe, including the two points given. The birds on the whole flew fairly well. The following is the score:— Mr. Hill, 000202201 I—S Sir. I'erkins 2 0220 2 022 2--14 A race of a peculiar character took place early on the 7tli December, at the Graving Dock, the performer being Mr. William Macdonald, one of the employes at the work. The feat was one which, although very simple to look at on paper, nevertheless requires not only great adroitness, but also endurance, and being the first of its kind in this .district, drew a large number of persons together. The performance was undertaken more for the honour than lucre, and although the " ped" failed to accomplish the task within the given time by 30 seconds, yet the performance was a very respectable one. The feat consisted in placing 100 stones one yard apart, and with a bucket to pick up tlie second atone and place it with number one stone, which is the starting point. The third stone is then picked up and carried back to the starting point, and so on in like manner with each of the ninety-nine stones. The distance to be travelled is a little over Gh miles, and was accomplished in 1 hour ami 30 seconds. Mr. and Mrs. Tavares presented two silver cups for competition by our amateur oarsmen on the 23rd November. Air. K. E. Isaacs acted as starter. Two boats competed— Auckland and Korth Shore—the former winning ; the crew of the winning boat being Messrs. X. Henderson, L. ri. Daere, A. Aitkin, C. Dacre, aud P. Luckie (coxy wain). MASONIC. At the meeting of the members of St. Andrew's Lodge, S. C., on isov. 26, the following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—K.W.M., Brother \\. C. Walker ; Deputy Master, Brother Thomas Whitson ; Senior Warden, Brother Hewaon ; Junior Warden, Brother Hendry ; Trea surer, Brother Lewis; Secretary, Brother Payne; Senior Deacon, Brother McEwan; Junior Deacon, Brother McCoskrie ; Senior Steward, BrotherGallagher; Junior Steward, Brother W. Kiccol; Bible-bearer, Brother McClusky ; Inner Guard, Brother Hughes ; Outer Guard, Brother Porter; Chaplain, Rev. F. Gould.

GOOD TEMPLARISM. The anniversary tea-meeting and entertainment in connection with the Excelsior Lodge, 1.0. G.T., were held on 21st Nor., in the Primitive Methodist School-room, Franklyn Road. The interior of the building was niccly decorated with ferns, flowers, pennons, and motto banners, which ient to it a tasteful appearance. The following ladies presiding at the tea tables :—Mes* dames J. Chambers, M. A. Chambers, Caradus, Ferguson, Maynard, Porteous, Morgan, Hughes, Grant, Warburton, Spencer, Anderson, Roach, and Misses McLean, Moore, and Booth. The entertainment was commenced with the singing of an ode, after which, in response to a call from the chairman (Mr. David Goldie), the Worthy Chief (Mr. Carter) came forward ano. made a verb;il report of the past year's operations, lie said the number of members ou the roll was /5, while two years before it had only been 45. *1 he lodge at that time bad been in a critical position, but owing to the exertions of the members, and the assistance of sister lodges, they had survived, and now were in a fairly prosperous condition. Ihe announcement was received with applause. The programme, which was presented the audience, comprised musical selections by the choir, recitations Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Mai shall, Mr. Young, Mr. \\ allnce ; readings by Mr. John Blackman, and T. H. Smith ; dialogues by Misses Hanaley and Howard, and Misses Anderson and Harris; songs by Miss Moore, Miss Peace, Mr. Cash, Mr. Booth, aud a very agreeable tetralogue by Misseß Anderson (2), Gribble, and \Jr. Goldie. The assemblage dispersed after singing the Natioual Antliem. A farewell entertainment to Bro. the Rev. J. Wallace was giveu under the auspices of the Hope of Wangarei Lodge, 1.0. G.T., on Wednesday eveuing, the 21at November, on which occasion that gentleman was presented with a richly illuminated address as a parting token of the esteem in which his services in the cause of temperance are held by the brotherhood. The National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. The quarterly meeting of the Star of Freedom Lodge, Independent Order of Free Templars, was held in the Oddfellows Hall, Cook-street, ou 4th Pecember. After the adoption of the various reports, the following officers were installed by Brother Cox, R.R.W. G.T., assisted by Sister Cox, G.S. ; and Brother McConnell, G.M. : J. Herbert Burns, W.C.T. ; J. Connor, W.V.'Ji ; J. H. Halyday, \V. Secretary: W. Beehan, W.T. ; W. Mouslin, W.C. ; W. T. Donald, W.M. ; James Halyday, juu., W.I.G. ; S. Clark, W.O.G. ; Sister Kllen Donahi, W.A.S. ; Sister Powley, W. U.H.S. ; Sister McEvoy, W.L.H.S. ; Sister Danks, W.D.M. ; Brother James Lee, P.W.C.T. The meeting was closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring officers. OBITUARY. Mr. Thomas Keven, an old Auckland resident, died at the Thames on November 29. The ranks of the early colonists are being rapidly thinned, and it will soon be difficult to fiud any of those who came to Auckland soon after it was proclaimed the capital of New Zealand. Mr. Keven was well known many years ago as having the principal boot and shoe business in the place, and was at oue time worth considerable property. He was an ardent believer in Coromandel as a rich goldfield, and took a conspicuous part in mining operations there in the early days.

Our obituary column this morning contains i notice of the death of Mrs. Lawry, relict of the late Rev. Walter Lawry, who forsome years was General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions in JS'ew Zealand. The deceased lady accompanied her husband to this country in the year 1544, when she entered upon a course of service in the Wesleyan Church, which, no doubt, will cause her memory to be held iu esteem by those who have had the pleasure of her acI qnaintance. During a long course of years Mrs. Lawry was '* a pattern of good works," i zealously and successfully striving to promote the interest? of that section of the Christian Church of which she was an exemplary member. When the infirmities of old age rendered her unable to perform the more active duties of that position in the church which, during many years she faithfully discharged, she readily acquiesced in the Divine will to be laid aside, proving that the passive, as well as the active, graces of the Christian may contribute to the best interests of their possessor. Our obituary contains the notice of the death of the wife of Captaiu Paldy, who was the daughter of another well-known citizen, the Jate Captain Pulham. For a considerable time past, Mrs. Dakly has been in feeble health, so that her recovery could hardly be looked for. Her mortal remains were conveyed to their last resting-place on the sth December, followed, by a large concourse of citizens and old colonists, many of whom, had known and esteemed the deceased lady. The members of the Harbour Board were present in cabs, as were also the City Councillors. The chief-mourners were Captain Daldy (husband), Mr. \V. Dakly (son), Mr. H. Pulham (brother), and Mr. F. Combes. The funeral service was conducted by the Kev. J. .Robertson, pastor of the Church to which Captain Daldy and his family belong—the Beresford street. The rev. gentleman took occasion to deliver at the inouth of the grave a short and impressive address. Duriug the day many of the business places iu the town and most of the ships in the harbour had Hags Hying half mast high in token of the sad event, aud as a mark of respect to the bereaved. .Another old Auckland resident has departed this life. Year by year the "old identity" element in our population is slowly but steadily decreasing. This last departure to the other world is Mr. Joseph Crispe, of Stanlake, Mauku. He has passed the usual span of life, being 72 years of age. for many 3*ears he has been a frequent writer to the public Press, under the signature of "Old Practical." During the last few years lie has been a member of the Auckland Diocesan Synod. He leaves a widow and family behind him, the family of course grown up. Mr. Crispe was for some time a member of the Auckland Provincial Council. He was buried in the cemetery adjoining St. Bride's Church on 3rd Dec. About 300 persons from the surrounding settlements of Tuakau, Pukekohe, aiuku, &c M attended to pay their last tribute of respect to the oldest resident in the district. The coffin was borne to the grave by eight of his i•-•iiiediate neighbours. The burial service was read by the Kev. W. 'laylor, the resident minister. Mr. Crispe had always taken a deep interest in the church, and had oulv a short time ago received from a friend in "England a sum of money to be expended in beautifying and purchasing necessaryfurniture for the Mauku Church. He had only just carried out his frieud'a wishes, and the tirst time the pretty little church was opened wit!i the new furniture was the last time Mr. Crispe ever left his house. He was a true lover of JCew Zealand, and u regular correspondent of several newspapers in England and Ireland, always in defence of the colony, and particularly iu praise of the province of Auckland. He will be greatly missed by every settler in his neighbourhood. . The Thames Star, in a notice of Mr. Alexander Davidson, who died in Auckland a few weeks ago, says : — Coming to a colony like New Zealaud, and a province like Auckland, Mr. Davidson soon found employment and scope in which to exercise his well known abilities, lie prepared the plans for. and superintended the erection of several of the numerous sawmills which abound in the North Island, especially those of the Hauiaki Peninsula. After the Thames was opened as a "oldtield, -Mr. Davidson designed and erected some of the earliest battened cn the field, and during the latter years of his life lie was encaged in the establishment of Messrs. Fraser and Tinne as draughtsman, and fiail control of the pattern shop, one of his last works being the designs for the newmachinery of the Union Sash and Door Manufactory to be erected at Tairua and Kaipara. Mr. Davidson was a native of Perthshire, having b»en born and brought up iu one of the prettiest spots iu Scotland, namely, the Carse o' Gowrie, in wuich locality his family have lived for generations, the father ot deceased having died there ouly about a year ago. Mr. Davidson leaves a widow aud a large family. One of his .laughters is married to Air. George Fraser, of the linn of Fraser and Tinne ; aud another to Mr. -Alexander lirodie, County Chairman. Mr. Davidson was a brother of the Kev. Joseph Davidson, Assistant Professor of Greek at the Glasgow University, and, it may be mentioned as a coincidence, that by the last mail via San Francisco, news was received of the death of the rev. gentlemaa.