OUR HOME LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5419, 31 March 1879, Page 2

OUR HOME LETTER.

Sir Hercules Robinson, the Governor of aSTew Zealand for the next term, landed in Wellington oil Thursday, lie and his suite having been conveyed from Sydney in her 11. M. a. Emerald and Wolverene. Sir Hercules has been a most popular Governor of the efjlony of Ifew South' Wales ; and as the affairs of ; tliat colony are well known to the people of Jfeiv Zealand, a most favourable reputation has preceded him here. It is unfortunate that the advent of Sir Hercules Robinson should have been accompanied by threatening action ou the part of the natives in stopping a survey on the Waimate Plains; it is to be hoped that tlia dillioulty may be got over without bloodshed, and that the period of Sir Hercules Robinson's governorship may be one of entire peace and prosperity.

For tilt part of this month the Premier, Sir Georgo Grey, has been at his private residence at the Kawau, waiting to attend a great meeting of King natives to bo lieid at Te Kopua, in the UJjper Vraikato District. The meeting is in pursuance of an understanding come to at the meeting at Hikurangi last year, at which, it will bo remembered, terms of agreement were discussed with the King party, the Premier and Native Minister proposing to give them back some part of the Waikato confiscated lauds. It is anticipated that the forthcoming meeting will have important , results in bringing about a good understanding with that part of the Maori race which has since the war remained aloof from Europeans, and in enabling

settlement and public works to be carried ou in the interior. The meeting was first appointed for March, but it has now been fixed for the 23th of April. It will be attended by natives from all parts of the Island.

It is very difficult to make any surmise as to what likty -J? the result of the meeting. Statem have been made that several of the ' a-jal opponents of the Uoverninein :v» v been exerting themselves to is u 'u: minds of the natives

lirat tfte jprutuier :vnd Native Minister, so as in prevent then from obtaining the credit ui setting what lias been the great difficulty or the colony and the chief obstacle :c tiK< progress of Auckland. flow from these intrigues or irom ■ oj.r.ses, but the colony is still hopcfiily li:t Premier and Native Minister lic.ving with the natives, ana having taken the b-ei-t means to bring about a settlement.

• Within the last few days a somtiwhp.i threatening difficulty has arisen with the natives in the district between Wanganui and Taranaki. Several years ago a tract or country called the Waimate Plains was confiscated for the rebellion of its owners. It was, however, never taken possession of, and the natives were allowed to cultivate it, and to deal with it in all respects as if their ownership was unquestioned. The land is of very fine quality, and as this has become known, and settlement has made progress in the adjoining country, the value of the land has of late been greatly enhanced. It was known, however, that the natives were sore at the idea of its being surveyed and sold, and Sir D. McLean, during his long tenure of the office of Native Minister, never ventured to propose the survey of the land. The present Government, however, determined to put the land into the market, and with this view the survey was commenced on the 29th of July last. The natives met the surveyors and made a formal protest against the survey to Major Brown, the Native Commissioner. There was, however, no attempt to interfere with the survey at the time. On the lStli of March a great meeting was held at Parihaka, a settlement in Taranaki, where a great many disaffected natives have congregated of late years. The principal man of the place is Te Whiti, who is a fanatic, professing to be a prophet, a messenger from the Most High, and even himself a god. He has attained great influence over the minds of the natives generally. The Native Minister, Mr. Sheehan, attended the meeting, and made a demand that Hiroki, the murderer of McLean, at Moumahaki, should be given up, which demand was refused. He then stated that he was going on with the survey at Waimate Plains, when Te Whiti interrupted him by abusing the Government. Mr. Sheehan then left. On the 24th of March, the survey parties were all met by bodies of natives, and escorted to the south side of the Waingongoro, the river which bounds the block. There was no violence used. On the contrary, the natives brought carts for the surveyors' materials, and carefully packed them in straw, while the theodolites were carried by horsemen. The surveyors are now all off the block. What action the Government will take is not known. On the 23rd March the Premier turned the first sod of the Wliangarei-Kamo. railway, a short line to connect the Kamo coal-field with the township of Whangarei, and which will form part of a main line for the country north of Auckland. In his address the Premier referred to the fact that the Northern part of the Province of Auckland had not been fairlydealt with in respect to the public works expenditure, and promised his assistence to obtain a line of railway for them. Prior to the 4th of March a good deal of interest was manifested, in the comin" election in Auckland City West to fill the vacancy caused by the elevation of Mr. P. Dignan to the Legislative Council. On the above date tha election took place. There were only two candidates, —Mr. P. Dignan, who was the representative of the cause of denominational education supported by the State, and Mr. David Goldie, who was the advocate of State undenominational education. On the morning of the polling-day, each party looked for victory, and each considered that the contest would be a very close one. The result did not prove so, for at the close of the poll Mr. Goldie had 77G votes recorded for him against, 2CI for Mr. Dignan, this giving the extraordinary majority of 535 in favour of Mr. Goldie. The Education Act passed in 1870 is free and secular, and has given general satisfaction. Jt is, however, strongly opposed by the Roman Catholic body, who desire to establish their own schools, to bo aided by the State. In addition to all the arguments for a secular system which may be urged in an old country, there is one here, that in the thinly-peopled districts it would be impossible to furnish education, unless by* a general system, quite free from anything like denominationalism. It is provided under the present Act that any properly authorised person may have the use of the school building after the hours devoted to the •teaching of the secular branches, in giving religious instruction to Buch children as may remain.

On the 20th of March Dr. Wallis, M.H.iB. for City AVest, met his constituents. He was one of the supporters of Mr. Curtis's Education Bill, brought forward during the last session of Parliament, -winch had for its object the support of denominational schools by State funds. It was anticipated that the meeting would be a stormy one, but the weather proved exceedingly inclement, and very few attended. When the education question was touched upon he fenced a good deal, and for a long time evidently tried to avoid expressing his views on this subject. The meeting, however, would not be satisfied by silence, and, apparently unwillingly, he expressed himself in favour of such a measure of denominational education as the Curtis Bill provided. After a good deal of questioning, a vote of confidence was passed to him by the thinlyattended meeting. Sir George Grey proceeded on the 27th March to the Mokohinau Island to ascertain if there was really there a fitting station for a lighthouse to light tho passage into the Hanraki Gnlf, for vessels coming from Australia and the United States ; or whether a more convenient locality could not be fonnd for a lighthouse either on the mainland of

the Northern Island or some other small islands in'its immediate vicinity. He reinained at Mokohinau until the following morninz, when he returned to Kawau.

Mr. Charleß Nelson, Land Purchase Commissioner, who has been at Hokianga;and utlurr' .Northern districts-for many wtieka, has returned, after making several purchases l>f native blocks for the Government and arranging, various., matters in dispute amongst some.of the native owners. This will enable him to get tho agreements completed and,sanctioned by the Native Lands Court when';it meets, and. the' Crown duly declared the buyer. Gradually the Government are acquiring large sections of countryin the Northern portion of the provincial district, which in due course will be banded over to the Waste Lands Board for disposal and settlement.

The result of the Easterbill inquiry is attracting a good deal of attention in the South. It will be remembered that a boy feil from the rigging into the sea, and that no effort was made..to recover him. The magistrate before whom the captain was arraigned said that the law was that, failing proof Lh;.t the boy was alive, he must be assumed to have been dead when he touched trie water. If this be 30, .then a careless,> inhuman captain ma; do almost as he likes;'. Notwithstanding all the legislation that has been devoted to the amelioration of the condition of seamen, it would seem that it : isi found difficult to give them effectual shelter;, by the law.

The Consuls of the various foreign nations represented in Auckland paid a formal visit on March 24 to H.I.G.M. ship Albatross. Messrs. D. B. Cruickshank (French and Hawaiian), Kummer (Danish), Shera (Italian), and Sb'pley (American) were received with the honors attached to their positions, and were hospitably entertained on board. It is said that since January Ist of the present year the New Zealand insurance companies have had to pay no less than .5.95,000 of insurances. It is scarcely to be wondered at, observes the Dunediu Morning Heral'i. that the shareholders of some of the companies are beginning to think that with the desire to do business it is possible to incur too dangerous a risk.

It is reported that Major Te Wheoro is about to leave Alexandra. For several years Te Wheoro has occupied the position of Government agent on the frontier, transacting all business with the Kingites. His high birth aud the great respect in which he was held by Tawhiao and his people eminently qualified him for this position, and everyone well acquainted with Maori affairs felt confident that, so long as he temained at Alexandra, we should have nothing like disturbance or bloodshed op the frontier. Te Wheoro has felt deeply the death of his daughter, and it is said he wishes to return to his settlement at the Lower .Vaikato.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

On March I, the Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, held religious service at Trinity Chuich, Waiuku. Before the usual service was commenced, the Bishop, at the request of the church trustees, consecrated the church in the prosence of one of the largest congregations ever seen in it —from 150 to 200 being present. Mr. Hamlin, M.H.R., read the title deed?, and the Bishop conducted the usual consecration service. The Rev. W. Taylor, the Church of England pastor of the district, then commenced the usual service by reading most of the prayers, the Bishop only reading one or two short ones. Mr. Hamlin read the first lesson, from the Second Book of Kings, and Mr. C. H. Green the second lesson from the 9th chapter ef St. Mark's Gospel. The Bishop then preached a suitable setmon for the occasion, and, in co Delusion, made a few remarks with reference to the church, stating that the edifice was rery far advanced, but it still required a few trivial things to make it complete, and hoped fine ladies or gentlemen would see the little matters attended to, as the cost would be small. A very successful soiree was held on the following day.

We understand that the Rev. Mr. Hill has been nominated to the incumbency of St. Matthew's Church. But aa Mr. Hill is a missionary from the Church Missionary Scu.isty, it will of course be necessary to commr.aieate with the society in England to obtain their consent before the nomination can have effect. We believe that Mr. Hill is not yet in Priest's Orders, and it will be necessary that he should be ordained priest before, he could accept the incumbency. Ti.ese are, in the opinion of the "nominators," not insurmountable difficulties.

The Kev. Thomas Johnson, a highlyesteemed Cm gregatiooal miuister in Sydney, and Presi-.iint of the Council of Camden College there, is now in Auckland. He has come as a Deputation from the Congregational Churches in New South Wales to those of the same order in New Zealand.

On Sunday, March 23, Rev. R. S. Bonn, Wesleyan minister, who has spuut three years in the Thames circuit, preached two eloquent and impressive sermons—in the morning at Shortland, aud iu the evening at Grahamstown. Both churches were crowded by attentive audiences. On Monday evening a farewell soiree was held in the Shortland churcb. The ministers of the various Dissenting Churches ou the Thames were present, aud each bade farewell to Mr. Buuu iu feeling terms. The leave-taking between the rev. gentleman and his own people was sincere and earnest, and all wished him Godspeed in his new circuit. In his farewell remarks Mr. Bunn thankedthetrustees for their co-operation and unflagging zeal. The only thing he regretted was the failure of the attempt to erect a large central church. He thanked the choirs of both churches for the help they had given him. With reference to the state of the Church, although many had left the Thames, he believed it was in a better position numerically than when he came to it. He strongly advised them to look to the upper country, where there would soon be a large population located, and he urged them to build churches at Te Aroha and Katikati as soon as they could raise the funds. At the latter place, Mr. G. V. Stewart had generously given a tenacre lot for a Wesleyan church site. Mr. Bunn leaves the Thames circuit regretted by a large number of friends, whose good wishes he takes with him to his new sphere of labour.

The Wellington Post has the following :— The Rev. J. H. Hiaton of the Thames has accepted a unanimuus invitation to assume the pastorate of the Wellington Baptist Church. Mr. Hinton is a scholarly thoughtful, and earnest preacher, and during his recent stay in Wellington the congregation at the Foresters' Hall has nearly trebled in numbers. Mr. Hinton also proved that he had other gifts specially qualifying him for the pastorate, and the Baptists of Wellington are to be congratulated on his acceptance of their cordial invitation.

A very interesting ceremony, that of receiving Miss Minetti and Miss Ralph as novices in St. Mary's Convent, in other words, investing them with the white veil, took place at the convent on March 25, in the presence of a large number of people who had assembled for the occasion. The Very Rev. Father Fynea, V.G., officiated and presided; and the other clergyman present were the Revs. Walter Macdonald, O'Hara, Riordan, and O'Dwyer. The latter preached an impressive sermon on religious perfection, and ho>v to obtain it, viz., by constant prayer. After which the ceremony of investing the novices was performed by the Very Rev. Father Fynes. After the ceremony the friends present were hospitably entertained by the Lady Superioress and Sisters of the Convent.

MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS,

The Rev. b\ Gould holds service every Friday eveDiDg daring Lent, in Matthias's Church, Panmnre, and at the conclusion of service on March 14 an interesting ceremony took place, viz., the presentation of a valuable gold watch to the lady who kindly presided at the harmonium. The clergyman willingly consented to officiate in the matter, and addressing Mrs. Hamlin, said, "The congregation of St. Matthias's have deputed to me the honour of presenting you with this gold watch, in testimony of their appreciation of your kindness in presiding at the harmonium so regularly for many years past. I have the more pleasure in presenting it to you from the knowledge that all who heard of it shewed a universal feeling of eagerness to contribute something to so worthy an object, and hope that the watch may prove a useful gift to you." Mr. Gould afterward addressing the congregation, said : —"Mrs. Hamlin has begged me to thank you on her behalf for so handsome a gift, and wishes me to assure you .that she has presided over the harmonium with great pleasure,—never expecting any reward for | so doing,—and is now most pleasantly surprised to receive the very article she had a desire for. The goodwill shewn by this act on the part o£ the congregation will, she affirms, make the giffc all the more valuable to her."

On 15th March, at the close of the service in: the Presbyterian Chnroh, the Rev. T,

Norrie, after a few sensible remarks, distributed, a l.umber of valuable and beautiful books, as prizes to the scholars of the Papakura Presbyterian Sabbath-school, who bad been successful competitors at the annual examination of the Sabbath-schools of the Presbytery for the year 1878. These prizes were awarded to the scholars in accordance with the degree of proficiency attained, as follows : —For Scriptural knowledge, firstclass certificate to Miss Joanna Mary Norrie, with 179 marks ; second-class certificate to Miss Elizabeth C. -Xorrie, with 134 marks ; second-class certificate to Miss Emma McLennan, with 125 marks. For knowledge of the Catechism, first-class certificates and prizes were awarded to the following scholars:—Miss Joanna Mary Norrie, with 104 marks j Master JobnMacfarlane Norrie, with 9G marks; Miss Kmma McLennan, with S5 marks ; Alias Isabella McNeil, with 7S marks; Miss Elizabeth C. Norrie, with GI marks ; Miss Jessie liuaeiman, with 57 marks.

The anniversary of the Ponsonby Baptist Chapel was held on the lGth March, when the servicos vere conducted by the Kev. A. Webb, of the Wellesley-street Cnapel, and the -Kev. Mr. Porter, of Martin's Bay. Otago. The soiree took place on the following Tuesday evening. Several addresses were "delivered and musical selections were rendered. Trays were provided and presided • over by the following ladies :—Mesdames Owen, Holloway, Parsons, Dewar, Jameo, Edwards, Bigelow (jun.), Gaze, Fairchild, Edmiston, Brown, and Miss Bigelow. When the tables were cleared the Rev. A. W. Webb took the chair. Mr. Holloway read the annual report, which stated that the number of teachers on the roll was 11, and scholars G4. The average attendance was 9 teachers and 50 scholars. Fifty new volumes had been added to the library, making the total number 200, but many of the books, from constant use, were in a delapidated condition. He also read the treasurer's report. The total receipts for the year were £34 14s 6d, of which £15 15s 3d were the proceeds of the Christmas-tree. The expenditure was £21 3s Id, leaving a balance of £13 lis sd.— The Kev. Mr. Kunciman addressed the meeting on the duty of Christian pareuts to their children in connection with the secular Bystem of education and the Sabbath-schools. He impressed upon them their grave responsibilites, from which they were not relieved by the Sabbath-schools.—Mr. Driver a'so addressed the meeting.— Amongst the musical selections, tho " Blind Girl's Dream," sung very sweetly by Miss Hurst, and " Low at Thy Feet," by Miss Owen, were deservedly applauded.

The first anniversary of the Oranga Wesleyau Sand. iy-school, Russell, \\&i held on Sauilay, the lGth March, and ou the- following "*■ v meeting was held in aid of thv. -eh~ji iiiiiii. About .SO children and 40 aoU;''s "ivsre tempted by a sunshiny dsjr and tht* prospect of a good toa and meetirc to gather at the school-room. After tea the usual meeting was held,- Mr. W. Johnson in the chair. A hymn was sang, and Mr. Willis engaged in prayer. The chairman spoke very appropriately on the importance of Sabbath-schools, aud the great neccssitv of making them attractive. He also urged the great impoitanceof every teacher having the love and confidence of the class. Other addresses were delivered, aud hymns from Sankey's selection were sung. Readings and recitations were given by the children. A lecture upon " Amusements" was delivered by the Kev. A. W. Webb, at the Baptist Church, on March 24. There was a large and attentive audience present. The proceedings commenced by the siDging of the 12Sth hymn from Sankey's collection, and prayer. The rev. gentleman then, after reviewing the heathen rites, referred to the action taken by the Puritans. He denounced the theatre, the dancing-room, the racecourse, the parlour games of cards, billiards, dice, and bagatelle. The concert he partially approved of, hut objected to the blasphemy of introducing seraphic song into such performances.

The Kev. Mr. uuUon -'Slivered a lecture on " Ritualism," in uics the funds for the new Protestant Hal;. '.la; oh 25, in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Barton occupied tae chair. The lecture «as well received, and a vote of thauks accorded to him.

A very pleasant convivial and social meeting was held on Friday, March S, at Mr. Avey's Park Hotel, V\ elleslcy-street. The occasion was that Mr. W. Lodder had finished his apprenticeship at Messrs. Fraser and Tinne's factory, aud the dinner was to commemorate the event. Mr. J. Pye occupied the chair and Mr. Coglan the vice-chair. The spread laid out beiore the t«euty-six gentlemen who sat down was a credit to the establishment. Nothing was wanting, "and good waite-i on apoetite," promoted no doubt "!>y the proceedings. The loyal aud patriotic toasts were proposed, aud the toast of "The Employers" (Fraser aud Tiune) followed. Xho Chairman, in proposing the toast, sjuke of the progress or the trade since he lirst entered Mr. Fraser'a woikshops in Mechanics' Bay iu ISG.'J. He gave a brief and interesting retrospect of the progress of the firm, and spoke in eulogistic terms of their enterprise. He claimed that they had reason to be proud of the progress made by the trade. (Cheers.) Mr. G. Fraser, jun., responded, thanking the meeting heartily for the manner in which the toast was responded to. Mr. Miller also spoke as au old employee, pointing out the mechanical changes that had taken place iu the establishment. and its capacity for turning out work which could not be excelled iu the colony. The Chairman, in proposing the toa9t of the evening—•'Mr. W. Lodi.er"—said he hoped that m the beginning of his days, just as he became loosed from his bonds, he would guard the propriety of his future conduct. This toast was tao ostensible object of the night's meeting. Ho wished that Mr. Ladder might have happiness and prosperity, that he might have wisdom to guide his affairs to choose that which is right. He then called ou all present to drink the toast. It was responded to with the customary honour, with three times three. Mr. Lodder said he thanked them for the honour conferred on him, aud hoped it would not be the last time he should meet his old shopmates at a convivial meeting. The toasts of tho employees, the ladies, &c., were proposed in successiou. A number ot those present contributed songs, recitations, &c., aud the evening passed very pleasantly.

The 14fch anniversary of the arrival of the Bombay at Auckland, was kept up as usual on Tuesday, March ISth, at the Bombay School, by the settlers in the usual manner. At the appointed time the parents and children began to assemble at the school from all parts af the settlement, some not seeing one another, save only on this particular day, during the whole ye:\r. The first part of the programme was the running for prizes by the chiidren, in a paddock adjoining thn school, kindly lent by Mr. Andrews tui- iuo occasion. 144 prizes were given, and some very substantial ones among them. Cricket, running, jumping, &c., by the men, was kept up with good Bpirit all the afternoon, when all adjourned to the school to partake of the good things provided. A good many friends from the surrounding districts— Drury, Maketu, Pokeno, and especially Pukekohe—were made heartily welcome. During the evening, between the dancing, songs, recitations, and short speeches were given by the following ladies and gentlemen : —Mr. G-. Balme, Messrs. J. and E. Bilkey, Mr. J. Wright, Mr. T. Eaves, Mrs. R. Martin, Mrs. G. Xtoke, and others, too numerous to mention. On the motion of Mr. D. Allison, a vote of thanks to Mr. W. Sawyer, jun., for the trouble and care takeu by him in conducting the proceedings, was heartily given with three cheers. On the motion of Mr. W. K. Corntliwaite, a vote of thanks to the ladies for tho able manner they had performed their part of the programme in waiting atthe tables, was carried. The whole proceedings terminated at about 4 a.m., all going home well satisfied with their day's amusement.

The first native marriage at Mongonui took place on March 18th, at the Registry Office. The happy pair wore Papu liepelii, of Hokianga, and Ani Topi Taranui, oi Mau- ) ;;onui. Tbo brido is a daughter of Captain Topi, of this place. Before the ceremony, the father of the bride entertained his numerous friends at dinner, specially ordered at the Settlers' Hotel, and afterward invited a number of his European friends to drink to the health of the bride and bridegroom.—Mr. White, in a capital speech, proposed, "The health of the bride and bridegroom," which was responded to by Captain Topi, the father of the bride.—Mr. Houston proposed, " The health of Captain and Mrs. Topi," to which Captain Topi responded in a neat speech.—The health of Mr. White and Messrs. Grey and Brown, together with the health of Mr. Kelly, were duly honoured and I responded to.—Mr. Kelly, the Registrar, performed this pleasing and interesting ceremony of marrying the first natives in this district, at his Registry Office, in a most buainoss-like manner. It is to be hoped that many others of the natives here will follow this good example, and conform more, like

Captain Topi, to the manners and customsof civilized life.

A very pleasing ceremony took place rein the Post-office, when Mr. Biss, the Postms.iter, on behalf of : the department in Auckland, presented Mr. Livingsto •. (Chief Clerk) and Mr.' Matthews (Chief' Muil-room Clerk) with souvenirs, as tokenß of esteem from their brother clerks. The gift to Mr. Livingston ig a handsome gold locket, and on the face of it is an engraving resembling a pOßtage stamp, while Mr. Matthews's gift consists of a silver epergne, both of which were obtained from the jewellery establishment of Mr. Alexander. Mr. Livingston has been connected with the service for 16 years, and has obtained leave of absence for twelve months, and proceeds to England. Mr. Matthews has seen 17 years' service," and retires to rusticate upon his estate in Taranaki.

INQUESTS AND ACCIDENTS.

Information was received on March 17 by police of the death of Mr. and Mrs. Otto by drowning, at titoney Bay, Port Charles, on the evening of the 11th, Mr. Brid/jes Konaington, who arrived in town afterwards, is a brother of tho deceased Mrs. Otto, and he fetates that, on the evening of the above daj*, he saw both the deceased on the verandah of their own house, as he was proceeding to visit his mother. Mentioning this fact to them, they remarked they were thinking of doing so themselves. Shortly afterward he returned and missed Otto's boat, and concluded they had gone for a pull iu the bay. The following morning Mr. Kensington, not seeing his brother-in-law abont as usual, went in search to the house, and found the tea-table apparently just aa it had been left the previous evening. In company with his brother, they went to Port Charles, but found that nothing was known as to the whereabouts of the deceased. Thiy then returned to Stoney Point, and very soon found the dead bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Otto lying close together on the beach, a little below high-water mark, and at no great distance from where the boat was kept. Information was at once given to the manager of the Auckland Timber Company's mill, who had the bodies removed to the house of their relatives. The faces wnd heads of the deceased were much bruised by being washed and knocked about the boulders on the beach. Tho »ad accident has cast quite a depressing influence over the settlement of Port Charles, where Mr. and Mrs. Otto were much respected.

A painful and fatal accident occurred on March 11, to a party of buahmen in the employ of Mr. C. A. Harris. It appears the men had felled a large kauri tree, which, falling across a spur, was almost balanced on a sort of pivot; the men proceeded to crosscut the trunk, expecting it to fall down on cither side, and rest on the ground ; in this,

however, they were deceived. Before the cut wskb through it gavo way, and rushing down the hill, carried everything before it. The two men on the lower side were unable

to get away. One of them (Thomas Condon) was knocked a considerable distance, and picked up insensible, buc the tree passed over the other (Charles Meaghan), completely crushing him. Death must have been instantaneous. Fortunately Condon, although greatly shaken and knocked about, has had no bones brokeo, and will soon be able to resume.work. A jury was empanneled by Mr. H. M. Jervis, J.P., in absence of Major Keddell (on duty at Thames). Having viewed the body, they proceeded to the spot aud viewed it also, and returned, when evidence was taken which proved that it was & pure accident and misadventure, and no blame was attached to anybody. A verdict in accordance with the above was returned.

Our Aratapu correspondent writes: — On Wednesday (March 5) we were all very much grieved at he.aring that, within a couple of miles of Aratapu, and in broad daylight, a young man, in health and full of strong life, was suddenly drowned in tho preseuce of four of his fellow-mon, who, while deeply anxious to save him, could not. His mates' narrative is as follows :— '* Wo lett Aratapu on Weduesday morning for Dargaville, in order to get souio material required to tiuish nur work. There were four of us iu the boat, una all went well until w*» reached our destination. Not being ab!e to return at once, we remained there until after four o'clock ; ami, lindiug that we could not with safety pull in the same boat with the material, we borrowed another, and towed our own. By the time we had accomplished about half tho distance, the tide turned against us, and thus we continued uutil we came abreast of what isknown as Jock's Point, where a settler resides named Underwood. While off this place, the oar pulled by William Wallis (better known l»y his mates as McCappin) slipped from the rowlock, and floated rapidly away in an opp-. site direction to the oue we were taking. Without a moment's hesitation, Wallis leaped from the boat and swam towards tho oar. He soon reached it, and returned to the boat, but was no sooner in

his seat than he again sprang overboard. His mates remonstrated with him, but all to no purpose. At last, getting alarmed, one of them, Latham, jumped iu after him, but he refused to be assisted. In a very short time Wallis was observed to lift his head and shout, and then in an instant, as though shot, ho disappeared btlow the surface. His mate dived after him repeatedly, but all tn no purpose. Those iu the boat struggled to save him, aud at the same time take care of the boat, but he was gone, and now the boatmeu tried to get. Latham back to the bn.it. He persisted in remaining in the water—swimming, diving, and shouting. At last, fearing that he, too, might sink, they pulled toward him, aud one of them jumped over aud laid hold of him, while the other drew him into the larger boat containing their timber, but here their dillijulties were not at an end, for he struggled to get over again, aud it was only by the exertion of muscular persuation that he was kept in bis place. The evidence adduced at the inquest showed that the party had partaken of liquor at an hotel, and had also a bottle of grog in the boat. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned." Immediately after the inquest, tho friends of deceased followed his remains to the Mount Wesley Cemetery, where they buried him, Rev. J. Osborne officiating. Tho deceased was a very respectablyconnected lad, his kindred beiDg residents near Port-a-Ferry.

Aratapu was thrown into a very unusual state of excitement, on Saturday, the dth March, at the report of a suicide by hauging on the part of Joseph VV. Noble, a carpenter residing here. Tho act was so very deliberately arraDged and so thoroughly carried out, that it leaves no doubt that it was tho result of considerable meditation and preparation. Coming so close after the unhappy drowning of poor McCappip, it was felt to be a great blow by all. The coroner's jury returned the following verdict:—"'l he deceased, Joseph W. Noble, camo to his death by hanging, while in a state of temporary insanity, which insanity was accelerated by tho large quantity of whiskey taken by him." In tho afternoon of March 24th a young man named Searele, from Canterbury, was drounded in the Kawakawa Kiver, at a place called Chancery Lane. Ho went out to bathe. Ho was observed struggling in the water, but those who saw him were unable to afford asistance. He went down and did not rise to the surface again. He had only gone to the district about a fortnight ago, and was employed in taking the levels for the new railway. He was a pupil of Mr. Triphook, surveyor, and was acting as his assistant.

The inquest on the body of Miss Alice Turner, poisoned in I'arnell, apparently by taking an over-dose of laudanum, to allay acute pain, ended in an open verdict. The details of the evidence were extremely sad. The use of narcotics to assuage acute suffering is a most dangerous remedy.

We regret to learn that Captain Robertson, of tho ship Loch Fleet, now on the berth for London, met with a severe accident on the 18th March, by being thrown from a horse. Captains Kobcrtson oud Ferguson (of tho Margaret Galbraith) were travelling from }\'tpnkura to VVairoa South, each on and about 7 p.m., while riding at a slow pace, Captain liobertson's horso stumbled, and the gallant captain made a complete somersault over tho auimal's head, alighting on his left shoulder. He was stunned, aud on arriving at the end of his journey fouud the shoulder very much swollen. He camo on to Auckland yesterday morning, and received medical advice, but the injured part is so much inflamed that it is somewhat difficult to say what the exact nature of the injury is.

A food deal of surprise and concern was manifested in town on March 19 when it became known that Sergeant - Major William Fraser, drill-instructor of the Waikato Cavalry, had on the previous night committed suicide, by shooting himself. Sergeant - Major Fraser resided with his family at Te Awamutu, and rendered himself very popular by his genial manners as well as by his untiring assiduity as a drillinstructor. He had the reputation, and de- j servedly so, of being the best cavalry drillinstructor in the colony, and be was the beau |

ideal of a smart soldier. At the time of his death he was 4S years of age.... SergcantMajor Fraser had seen considerable service before his arrival in New Zealand. He served in the Crimean War, arid took part in that famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, which made the world ring with the fame of the "Gallant Six Hundred." Afterobtaining hisdischargehe cametoSouth Australia, and obtained the appointment of cavalry instructor at Adelaide. He subsequently came to New Zealand, and served at Patea, in the capacity of drill-instructor to the cavalry of Colonel Whitmore's command. On the removal of the last of the Imperial troops —the 18i;b Royal Irish—from Auckland, Sergeant-Major Fraser was ia com* of a corps of 25 men, who took over charge of tho Albert Barracks ; and he was subsequently removed to the Waikato, where he was connected with the Mounted Constabulary. He has for several|years been drill - instructor of the Waikato Cavalry Volunteers, and the high state of efficiency which these troops manifest on their parades and in their evolutions is in a great decree due to his skill and untirihg zeal. It appears that drink was the primary cause of the rash act which terminated his life. It is said that he first attempted to shoot his wife, but she evaded him, and he then turned the revolver on himself and shot iuto his left breast, the ball passing completely through his body, and lodging in the wall behind him. An inquest on the body was held following day, at the Te Awamutu Public Hall, before Mr. Graham, district coroner, and a jury, and a verdict of u Suicide while labouring under temporary insanity" was returned.

A bushman named Edward P. Kelly was brought into town on March 24 from the Huia saw-mill, on suspicion of being a lunatic, by two of his mates. One of them, Timothy Collius, states that he met Kelly a Bhort time ago iu Auckland. Kelly told him he had been gum-digging, and that he had arrived from Eogland about four years ago. They went to the Huia together. On the way up Kelly made some very silly remarks and observations, which led Collins to doubt his sanity. Yesterday morning, about nine o'clock, Kelly went deliberately into Cockatoo Creek to drown himself. Collins tried to induce him to come out oi the water, but he refused, and as he would not come out, Collins went into the water after him. Kelly seized a stick, with which he threatened to brain Collins if he went nea? hiui ; but tho latter persisted, and finally got him cut. Kelly appeared then to be quite deranged, and Mr. H. C. Gillespie, the manager of the mill, had him sent to town in charge of Collins and another man. He was charged next day on suspicion of being of unsound mind. While beiug taken to the lock-ap he said he was tired of hi 3 life, and wanted tc get rid of it. He was subsequently commits 1 to the Lunatic Asylum on the testimony yf two medical iten.

A very plucky act was performed on tho 22ad March, by a son of Mr. William Buchanan, of the North Shore, in rescuing a young lad who had fallen into the harbour. About half-past 10 o'clock several boys were skylarking on the Victoria Wharf, when one about 12 years of age, the son of Mr. Smith, engineer on board one of the ferry steamers, fell into the water, and was in danger of being carried away by the current. aB he was unable to swim. Archie Buchanan, a youth 16.0r 17 years old, saw the accident, aud without a moment's hesitation jumped into the sea, and seizing young Smith very speedily ass.sted him to the steps of the wharf. The act was most meritorious, and is another instance of colonial pluck. We are glad to learn that an accident which occurred on March sth, on new line of railway between Newmarket and the Whau has not entailed any serious consequences. The circumstances are aa follows :—A ballast train started from the Whau at about 11 o'clock. The engine was at the back of the train, and Mr. Larkins, the contractor for the construction of the line, was in the front truck, looking out for obstructions. When opposite the church, at Mount Albert, a cow crosacd the line, and Mr. Larkins the signal to stop. The engineer obeyed the order, and the train of twelve waggous stopped suddenly with a jerk. Mr. Larkins, who was at the end leaning over the rail, was, by the sudden jerk, pitchcd out, and fell forward on the buffer. He was severely wounded on the head, a scalp wouud 3 inches iu length beiny inflicted, and at tirst it appeared as if his limbs were also injured, for his leg was jammed, and he appeared to be hurt on the knee. Mr. Larkins's iujuries received prompt medical attention.

At about 11 o'clock, on the 7th March, a very serious accidont occurred to an old man named Jauies Waldie when coming out of MoArthur and Go.'s warehouse in Queenstreet. When at the top step, he by some stumbled, and fell heavily on the edge of tho stone step beueath him. It was at once apparent that he had sustained, severe injuries, and Mr. Hood, of the Masonic Hotel, who was passing at the time, ran to his assistance. Fortunately, Dr. Kenderdine happened to be in the shop of Mr. Ed--Bm, chemist, on the oppo&ite side of the street, and he was called. He examined the injuries, and found that the knee-cap was broken in three places, and the splinters in one instance were almost protruding through the skin, so lio ordered his instant removal to the hospital. Mr. Hood went for Mr. Evvington, in whose employ the injured man is, and he procured a cab aud accompanied him to the hospital.

A mishap happened oil the '27tli March to Master Walter Fisher, who was retumiug from Reinucra market on a bay puny, ami when opposite Mr. Harnett's. Upper Queen-street, the animal stumbled, and threw the youoglad, breaking his collarbone. Medical attendance was at once secured, and tho sufferer is as well as can be expected.

A uian named Roberts, employed at the Auckland Timber Company's works at a saw-bench, met with a somewhat serious accident on the 7th March. A slab from the plank which was being sawn suddenly sprang up and struck him severely on the forehead. He bled freely, but the wound, which was dressed by Dr. Purchas, is not dangerous, and the man was sent home in an express.

ACCLIMATIZATION'.

The annual meeting ef the Acclimatisation Society was held on the 12ch March, in the Auckland Museum and Institute Buildings. The chair was occupied by the Hon. Henry Chamberlain. Tho report was read by the secretary, Mr. T. F. Chceseman. it seated that the total revenue amounted, durini; the year, to £8131 ]3s Id. Of this sum £SSS 15s was contributed by game licenses, being the largest amount yet received in any one season from this source. The admission foes to the gardens were £20 less than the amount received last year. The subscriptions also showed a, decrease. The introduction of salmon in several of the rivers in Auckland is now assured. Young salmon have been seen both in the Thames and Waikato Rivers, and the full stocking of these streams is but a question of time. During last year Mr. J. C. Firth had borne the expense of another shipment of salmon ova from California, and Professor Baird had sent double the quantity asked for. The greater part of this shipment of ova was placed in the Thames River. On account of it coming a month sooner than was expected, the Society had not tho necessary arrangements made for taking some of the shipment to the Northern rivers, as was intended. Arrangements had been made for the receipt of tho white fish ova, expected by the February mail steamer, but it did not come, and much disappointment was felt in consequence. A shipment of 30,000 ova of the 'l'ahoe trout had been received for the Hon. J?hos. Russell, C.M.G, Some were dead when they arrived, and considerable mortality took place before the absorption of the sac. About 1000 reached an age suitable for liberation. A portion has been forwarded to Mr. W. Eari, for liberation in the Omapore Lake, and another portion has beon liberated in the Waikato Lake. A shipment of brown trout ova, purchased for the Otago Acclimatisation Society, proved very unsuccessful, only about 70 fish being obtained from 4000 ova. No birds had been introduced by the society during the year. I Tlie balance in the bank after paymeut of costs and charges, is £34 Cs 4d. Officers and a committee of management were elected, after which the meeting separated. We have heard from various quarters that the acclimatization of salmon iu the Upper Thames is likely to be successful. Shoals of fish, unknown to the Maoris, have I been seen in the Ohinemuri stream. These fish are stated to be from nine inches to a foot in length. This would be about the size of the young salmon, reckoning from the time the ova were deposited in the stream. A variety of testimony tends to the conclusion that these "strange fish" are yonng salmon.

j LAW. The Northern Judicial District of New Zealand supplies less litigation to be determined by the Conrts than any other judicial district of the colony. Scarcely anything has been doing in the higher Courts sinoe the last outgoing mail, JSu Honor'Mr, Justice

Gillies has delivered a judgment affecting the rights of local Highway Boards upon an interlocutory injunction (Murdoch v. May and fixes upon them the same responsibility tc- support adjacent lands where they may carry od excavation as individuals have to bear. The inferior Courts have been occupied almost wholly with routine business, such as debt claims involving matters of account. The sittings of the Quarterly Circuit Court will be held on the 7th prox. Up to the present the criminal calendar is very light. This district has happily been free from any serious or aggravated crimes for a long time past.

DRAMA,

vVe have had no dramatic entertainments here, worthy the name, during the past mouth ; but we are about to enter upon an opera season of considerable promise. Signor Pompei, acting under instructions from Mr. De Lias, has engaged an English Opera Company, who have already arrived in Auckland, aud will give their first performance in the coursc of the present week. Miss Wangenheim (pvimx donna), Miss Leslie, Miss Williams, iMiss Walton, Miss Anderson, Messrs. Florence, Croethers, Brown, Sherwin, Hughes, McLean, and Professor Hughes (conductor) are the priucipal artists. The operas already announced are La Sonnambula," " Maritaua," "Trovatore," " Martha," " Faust," " Satanella," " The Grand Duchess," "The Bohemian Girl," and " Lucia."

MASONIC.

A very evening was passed by the members of the Prince of Wales Lodge of Lreema3ons, E.C., on 7th March, at the ; odge-rooin, Masonic Hotel.— Brother Dr. Dawson, W.M. of the Lodge, presided. Amongst the visitors were Brother Dr. Gold.abro\ D.G. Treasurer; Brother W. P. Moat, D.G.S.D. ; Brother Rev. C. M. Nelson, P.M. and D.G. Chaplain. The Master Wardens and officers of the Waitemata attended a* a lodge, and the Bister lodges were fairly represented. Four very haudsome past-masters' gold jewels wero to be presented. One was presented to Brother Rev. C. M. Nelson, and a second to Brother Leers. The two others were not presented, as Brothers Skinner and Brassey, who wero to be presented with similar deco* rations, were absent. Dinner was provided by rtrvlher Hood in his usual excellent taste. Ah-iwl: twenty-five brethred sat down, and enjoved the good things provided. The usual toiwes were proposed and responded to, several tongs were sung, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.

ODDFELLOW SOCIETIES.

The Pride of Newmarket Lodge of National Independent Order of Oddfellows was ope.ied at Newmarket on the oth of March, —Bro. William Porteus, of the Eureka Lodge, presiding. Bro. P.G.M. Henry Rafton, D.G.M. William Thompson, P.G.M. J. Wright, and other dignatories were present and took part in the proceedings. The following officers of the new lodge were appointed :—Bros. Jamea Gardiner, G.M.; James Collins, N.G.; W. J. Garrett, V.G.; John Stall worthy, Secretary? William Webber, Assistant; Robert Dennison, Treasurer; and Messrs. Edward Barlow and Stitchbury, Trustees. The P.G.M. presented the dispensation and spoke hopsfully of the progress of the order, and gave useful advice regarding the working of the new lodge. Bros. Wright, Lovell, and others addressed the lodge, after which Bro. Collins thanked the members for the honour conferred on him, and the meeting closed.

In the Newton Hall, on the 19th March, the National Independent Order of Oddfellows duly opened a new lodge for Newton, to bo called the Loyal United Brothers. Thirty members were installed in rites of Oddfellowabip. A most successful meeting was held. The acting-officers of the Pioneer Lodge conducted the meeting to a very satisfactory issue, as not a hitch in the whole programme occurred. The following officers were duly installed by P.P.G.M. Brother Dixon to fill their respective situations :— Brother Moulden, Noble Grand; Brother Brobey, Vice-Grand, and Brother Newstead, Secretary. yome encouraging and interesting a.ldresses were given by the various officers, expressing their belief that the Loyal United Brothers Lodge, No. 975, would soon be oae of the greatest lodges of the Order in this colony. Dr. Bayntun was dulj' elected Lodge Surgeon, and also becomes an honorary member.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The anniversary of the Shipwrights' Association was celebrated at the Working Men's Club on the 4th of March, 'oy a ball and supper. There was a largo attendance, and a very pleasant reuuiou. The room was handsomely decorated with flags kindly lent for the occasion by Captain 'JCatchell, of the ship May Queen, aud Captain Robertson, of the ship l_,juh Fleet. A committee of the association arranged the proceedings aud provided the supper. Messrs. Bowriug and Wright provided ihe music, and Mr. Kvans proved an efficient M.C. The whole affair was a very pleasant aud satisfactory gathering of the members of the association, their wives, and sweethearts.

OBITUARY.

The Thames journals intimate the death of Mr. James Hupcraft, editor of the Thames Jhucninij S'ur. Air. Hopcraft, although a comparatively young rnau, is au old colonist. He served for some time as lieutenaut in the 3rd NVaikato Militia ia the w aikato war, aud saw service on several occasions. Soon after the opening of the Thames goldlield, lie, in company with Mr. AlcCullough, the present proprietor of the &'tar and May or of the Borough of Thames, (K uM•■(! to try their luck, and took up t.he John Butt claim, in Tararu. Their success was not good, aud both entered the employment of Air. Shaw, then proprietor of the Thames Time-, which was started in opposition to the Advertiser. Finally the Times ceased to exist, but its offshout, the Star, became the property of Messrs. Hopcraft, AfeOullough, and Kadford. The latter parted with his interest to the other two, aud iinally Mr. Hopcraft also sold out to his partner, but was still retained as editor o£ the paper. He at his duties until a few days tigo, although for some time he had been suffering from rheumatism, aud he died on the 10th March, from congestion of the brain. Air. Hopcraft was son-in-law to Mr. Vialou, the late Mayor of Hamilton. The (T/tantcs Advertiser in a notice of the deceased journalist, says: Ho had made many frieDds aud leaves uo enemies. He '' nothing extenuated, nor set down aught in malice." He was an affectionate husband aud father, and leaves a young widow aud three children to mourn his early demise. Deceased was a Past Master of the Lodge of Light, 1.C., in the establishment of vhich at the Thames he took a prominent part. He was also a Principal of the Abbotsford Royal Arch Chapter. Air. Peter McDonald, whose death at the Island of Kawau was recorded in our issue of the 4th March, was a man of considerable character, aud forming, as he did, one of the connecting links between the Xew Zea'and of the early days and the present, his departure from the busy stage of life, which, in his case, was eventful also, deserves more than a passing notice. Air. AlcDonald was a genuine Scotchman. He was born in the City of Glasgow, and his veneration and love for the manners aud customs of the " Land o'Cakea" never faded. He arrived in New Zealand a passenger by tho ship Jane Gilford, which reached Auckland on the same day as the ship Duchess of Argyle, in 1542, two years after the City of Auckland had been founded, and six weeks after the death of the first Governor of New Zealand, Captain Hobson. Amongst those of his shipmates who are still in our midst are Mr. W. Miller, bootmaker, of High-street, Air. Robert Graham, and Air. H. Niccol, shipbuilder, of the North Shore. As already stated, on the arrival of the immigrants the Governor of the colony had been dead six weeks, and his successor had not been appointed. I hings were bad— very bad. There was no money in the country, and few openings for enterprise, but the then existing Government employed the immigrants of the two ships to cut down and form Shortland Crescent. Air. AlcDonald soon after this came inf • piominence. He was a man of considerable --ducation and large experience, and his first * üblic essay was to deliver a lecture on the oology of New Zealand. He was well fi'ted to undertake the task, for he had, prior to his arrival in New Zealand, been connected with coalmining, boring, &c., and he had then made himself as far as possible acquainted with the leading features of his adopted country. The lecture was delivered in a hall attached : to what was then the Cosmopolitan Hotel at the corner of Qaeen and West Queenstreets, and amongst his audience were Dr. Campbell and Mr. William Brown (Brown' Campbell and Co.), Dr. Martin (then Editor of the Daily Southern Cross), Mr. Carleton and the principal literary men of the embryo

city and its surronndings. Hi 3 practical manner of treating his subject was greatly approved and highly spoken of, and at tte close of his lecture he became almost prophetic. He said he saw that this country would in every likelihood become great. Fleets of ships would be built out of its beautiful kauri and hard woods, fastened with the copper produced in the country, and the sails and cordage would bs manufactured out of the flax which was growing around them. He spoke in the most sanguine mincer of the future which lay before .\evv Zealand. Subsequently Mr. McDonald when copper mining was commenced at the Great Barrier Island, went to the works la the capacity of managing clerk, and remained on that island until the names were c.cset.. Copper mining was subsequently started on the island of Kawau, ~ e T e l- th " e > nu<l °n this island the whole of his family of seven children were born except the two eldest daughters. He remained on the island up to the time copper mining ceased there, and he then came to Auckland. Just twenty years after his arrival in the colony, Mr. McDonald proposed to hia fellow-imuiigrants the project of a jubilee to celebrate their advent to Zealand. He urg«?d the matter through the columns of the newspapers by means of correspondence, and tha jubilee, which was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, was a most successful one. Two generations met. 'Ihose had come * n Jane Gifford as children had grown to be men and women, and many of thtm had childrca of their own, and the occasion was one of <reat About thirtseu years ago his strong Scotch proclivities and energetic mind took a new turn, —viz , to institute Caledonian games in Auckland. With an old compicjaou de voyaye, Mr. Whitelaw, who entered heartily into tho project, he worked the matter up in spite of much discouragement, and made the first meeting a great success, and yamei of this | kind were held annually for some time. We may here add that when it was problematic whether the affair could be made a success, whether, in fact, the requisite funds could be raised, Air. W. Swanson came to the rescue. He told the promoters, in his characteristic style, to go on, and that any funds that 1 were deficient he would provide. During the last seven or eight years of his life Mr. McDonald has resided, on tlie Kawau, in the capacity of school-ma3ter, aud wa3 a favourite companion of Sir George Grey (who, we may add, retained him in his situation at his own cost). Mr. McDonald's letters were always accepted by tbe newspapers. He was possessed of varied information, and shewed a spirit of humour iu most of his letters, but it was when ho stuck to hia genuine Scotch style, which in some degree corresponds with the spirit of the Ettrick Shepherd, that he appeared to greatest advantage. He v-rote poetry in the Scottish dialect, and some people, who we cannot help suspecting are partial or incompetent judges, declare that his verses were equal to those of Burn 3 I He has been ailing for the last 12 months. There was no particular disease, but a general break-up of the system, and he died peacefully, at the advanced age of 79 years, much regretted by hi 3 old acquaintances and friends.

The death of Mrs. Churton on March 26, at venerable age of 7S years, carries back the memory to the earliest days of the colony. She was the relict of the Rev. John Frederick Churton, LL.B., the first incumbent of St. Paul's, whose monument is so conspicuous an object outside the Cathedral Church. She arrived in the colony with her husband, in IS4I-2, with Captain Hobson, the first Governor, the late Mr.

Churton occupying the position of Colonial Chaplain. During her widowhood Mrs. Churton lived very retired at her residence, Little Sutton, St. George's Bay, with her daughter, Kyre, the widow of the late Captain Annealcy Kyre. Several families will be placed in mourning by this event, as the wives of Heaphy, ot the Kev. B. T. Du-.lley, of Mr. J. Buchanan, of Mr. Woodhouse, and of Mr. Marvin are daughters of the deceased. The late Mrs. Churton, up to the date of her last illuess (about six weeks since) was the type of the energetic .Englishwoman. She was greatly respected, aud her eympathy, kindliness, and encouragement will be missed by many. The mortal remains Mrs. Churton were laid in the Church of Jingland ceme-

tery, Symonds-st., on following day. The funeral left the residence of the deceased at 4 o'clock. The first two carriages were occupied by Mr. John Churton and relatives of the deceased lady. Colonel Nation, Mr. G. M. Mitford, and other friends of the family occupied the second carriage; the fourth and fifth carriages were occupied by other friends and neighbours. The fuueral cortege passed along the Mauukau JLload, Alton Road, Waterloo Quaaruut, and Princes-street, to St. Paul's Cburoh, where the first part of the service was read by the Rev. Mr. Nelson. The Ven. Archdeacon Mauuse'l assisted at the tervic-, and accompanied tne funeral to the cemetery, where he read the remainder of the service. The choir of the church was in attendance, although through some misapprehension the organist was uofc present, l'he giave was surrounded by several of the oldest settlers in Auckland. Our obituary notices contain the death of a very old settler—Matthew Dillon, ot West Queen-street, —who came out to this colony about 32 years ago in the ship Sir Geo. Seymour. The deceased had seen active service in Spain in 1335, uuder Sir de Lucy Evans, and subsequently retired from the 20th Regiment on a ptnsion. Un lauding in Auckland he proceeded to the Pensioners' Settlement at Howicb, aud ultimately came to Auckland, and was ouc of the first, if not the first, to commence the manufacture of spices in this city. In our obituary column elsewhere is recorded the decease of a very old settler aud citizen of Auckland, namely, Mr. James Molloy, crier in the Supreme Court. Mr. Molloy came to New Zealand With the OSth Regiment. He served during Hone Heke's war in the Bay of Islands, aud received his discharge upon the departure of the regiment from trie colony. He occupied the position of sergeant master tailor in the regiment. After his discharge he filled a situation in the Post-ofiice AJepartment, aud subsequently was appointed crier in the Supreme Court at Christchurch, whence, at his own request, he was transferred to the Supreme Couit at Auckland. He had been, at the time ot his death, 2-t years in the Governmeut service. Air. Molloy was greatly respected by all who knew him. Hi* health had been declining for some time before his death, which was accelerated, in the opiuioa ot his medical attendants, by grief on account of the death of his wife about thirteen months ago. j

The Thames Advertiser, in its iu;vice of Dr. O'Flalierty, who died, in tli9 Thames hospital, of which he was surgeon, on 12th March, says : —"Deceased had for several years past been in a very weak slate, consumption liaviug selected him for a victim. He came out to this colony under the advice of his friends and his physician, who recommended the sea voyage aud change of climate. The disease gained upon him rapidly, and about a month ago he sold off his furniture aud effects in Mary-street, and took up his residence in a rootn prepared specially for him in the hospital. He was perfectly aware from his weak, state that he could not long survive, aud gave ud his private practice, which was considerable, and devoted his attention exclusively to the hospital patients. A week or ten days previous to his death he became so weak that he had to be carried on a chair by two warders, and several times fainted while sitting on the veraudah. He distributed all his trinkets, books, &c., amongst his friends, and sent his gold watch and several articles home to his brother in Ireland. Dr. O'JFlaherty was quite young at the time of his deatn,—being only 30 years of age. He was a native of JBirr, Ireland, and came out to this colony after he had passed his examination, and had been admitted a member of tho hoyal College of Surgeons, Ireland, for the purpose of trying what the change of climate would do fur him,"

Mr. Edward Jerningham Wakefield, formerly M.H.H. for the city of Christchurch, died at the Destitute Persons' Home, Ashburton, on March 3 where he had been staying there some time. He refused to allow his friends to be telegraphed for till the last moment, when it was too late. His last days were clouded by the same blot that had ; obstructed his later life, and the monev | obtained by writing articles for the local | papers and other means was all devotod to ! the same purpose. S The Hawke's Bay Herald of the 25th of I February has the following respecting the death of Karaitiana Takamoana :—The wellknown chief Karaitiana Takamoana, M. H.R. for the £aat. Coast, breathed hia last at an early hour yesterday morning, at the Maori Club. He.nad been ailing for some months, and seemed to be breaking up for a considerable The deceased was at one time a highly influential chief in this district, though Jptely he did not exercise his influence to-xo great a degree. The body of the decease*! chief waa conveyed to Pakowhai.

MISCEL LANEOUS.

We understand that Mr. Alfred Cox of Hamilton, has sold his interest in his W a j katonm to the Hon. J. Williamson, who was the owner ot the property original!, but disposed of half a share in it to Mr c£ some seven or eight yeara ago. The specu lat.on was one of considerable magnitude involving the draining of . large swamp, and the consequent expenditure of a considLble amount of capital. Mr. Cox, we believe will return to Canterbury, where he at ui owns property with his family, at an early date, and we .e-1 sure that his departure 10m the \\ aikato will be sincerely regretted by all classes. He was for some time memI ' J :i r of the V OU3e of K-presentativcs for the \\ aipa, and previous to becoming an Auckland settler had represented different conI stituencies in the Canterbury province. Mr. H. T. Clarke, lately Native Secre tiry, left for the Hay of Islands last we«k~ where we believe he will take up residence permanently. Mr. Clarke ; 3 , native of New Zealand, his father l:,iri'n.. been one of the early missionaries, and for many years Protector of Aborigines. Mr Llarke was attached to the troops in Heke's war as interpreter, and was wounded in one of the engagements which took place. He was for several years thereafter in the Go- era ment service, but left it, and reside! for seven years at the Bay of Islands. H e the.! again joined the Government service and was appointed Resident Magistrate' and Cuil Commissioner at Xauranga. In this position he had a great deal of troublesome and dangerous work to undertake, in the Tauranya and Ilo'.orua districts, especially during the continuance of the Pirirakau outbreak. He continued ac Tauranga for about ten years, aud was transferred to Wellington to occupy the post of permanent head of the TCativo Department. This ofiice he resigned a few months ago, and on his retirement he received a handsome presentation from the otlicers of the department. Mr. Clarke, in all ihe offices he has held, has been highly esteemed by Europeans and Maoris. He has ever been desirous to secure the best interests of ihe native race. The good wishes of all who have known him follow him into his retirement.

Ia accordance with a notice requesting tenders for tho raising of the s.s. Taopo from her present position and placing her in the Auckland -!ock, several were sent in on March 24 to the South British Insurance Company, und that of Messrs. T. Xiccol and Ware was accepted. The following were she tenders received :—T. Niccol and W. Ware, £5,500; Sims and Brown, £10 000*Mchwin, £9,900; C. Hawkeswood, £9,500. For the repairs to the vessel to the approval of Lloyd's surveyor, there were two tenders, but neither of these was enter, taiued. Mr. C. Rawkeswood, £14,000; Messrs. Fraser and Tinne, £13,000. * By the "Wellington, at Onehunga, there arrived recently 23 immigrants, transferred from thedhip Warwick, from London, which arrived a few days ago at Nelson. Many of our readers, and especially those connected with shipping, will he glad to learn that Mr. Provis, for several years tide surveyor at this port, has been promoted to the office of lan ling-waiter and clerk at Napier. We trust that £Ir. Provis, in his new sphere, may be as successful in making warm friends as he has been in Auckland, aud we are sure that by careful attention to his duties, further advancament in the service is within his rcach. Mr. Henry Parker, locker, and v. ell known as a warm supporter of the Naval Brigade, succeeds Mr. Provis.

The tender of Mr. John BritOD, for the exteusion of the railway from tho present station near Hamilton into the township has been accepted. The amount is £2078. The other tenders are—Martin, £3116; Nicholson, £3204; Fallon, £3333, aud Coafci-s, £4399. The contract includes the extension of the railway line into Ha* milton, widening and lengthening the plat* form at the existing station, and the erectioa of a station-master's house and a goods shed in the town of Hamilton.

The petition of Mr. Martin McPermott, of Victoria-street, which was referred by the Public Petitions Committee to the Government for inquiry, and the details of which our readers are familiar with, has at last been disposed of by the Government having sanctioned the payment of £40 for the injuries which Mr. McDermott received, aud towards repayment of medical expenses incurred. The sum approved of will not do more than pay doctors' bills.

A correspondent writes from Cambridge : —Talk of "entertaining augels unawares 1" What do you think of the following?—A friend of mine (Mr. S. Bright) has uncon* sciously been the entertainer of royalty in the person of King Tawhiao's fourth and favourite wife. It happened in thi3 way Mr. B. has a friend near Te Avramuiu, who has £»reat intluence with the " upper craft" natives, and this Queen being a guest of his, was ta king about Cambridge, saying she would like to see it, but did not like to go alone, or with the natives, when it was at once proposed that she should ride over with his little girl, and have his beat horse to ride on. The offer was too tempting, hence the visit. When they anived the little girl delivered her message, but knew nothing of her companion, aud it \va3 not known till they left who the icahine was. She ha 9 a most interesting face, full of intelligence and curiosity, talked a little broken English, and understood more than she ctraid express. She was delighied with Cambridge, and said that if Auckland was bettbr it inust be a grand place. Cambridge has always bt*n a luvourite place with trie uuvjatiras. She maintained her incognito admirably—aa a Maori can do—saying she should come again ; but no, sooner had she left, than an old woman, who baa charge of the native hostelrj*, let out who the stranger was. We have received a small box from Mr. T. B. Hill containing a quantity of coal taken from a uew place. When passing recently between Whatawhata and R.qglan by the newly-constructed road, he dis* covered on the top of the ranges a stam of cral cropping out. lie obtained the services of a Maori to dig out a quantity, aud the portion sent for our inspection is part of this Gutcrop. The coal is of the class known as brown coal, similar to that now obtained from the Woikato mines. It is probably a con» tiuuation of the same series of bed 3 now worked on the Waikato river, and when better opened up will doubtless be f.'Und to be as useful. Mr. Hill states that on Government laud alongide the coal is a large deposit of iJ a most peculiar kind of rich limestone, that I think will be of immense value to agriculturist?, situated as it is alongside the coal anc. easy to get away." Mr. Hill does not say whether the si-am from which the sample - is taken crops out on Government land, but as Government land is in the immediate vicinity cf it, in all probability t!:o coal will be found, at least in part, *n public laud. The new road now opened will probably soon be put to a service little thought ot when the line of road was drat selected. The specimens may he seen at the Herald office. Coal cropping cut on the banks ot the Waikato, on the ranges between Kaglan and the Waikato basin, at Kaglan, and farther south at Mokan, would give the best proofs that the coalfield in the southern part of this province is of a very extensive character, and in the near future must provide scores of busy centres, whose population will make large demands upon the agricultural resources in this vicinity. Messrs. Masefield and Co., of this city, have purchased the whole of the machinery, buildiug3, aud plant of the Great Barrier Company. We believe it is their intention to remove it to Auckland at an early date. We quote the following from the Australasian Banking and Insurance Record for Ja»uar3 r : —"The infantile mortality in Victoria taken over a series of years is somewhat higher than that in Tasmania, New Zealand, and New South Wales, slightly lower than that in Queensland, and very much lower than that in South Australia. Jn the latter colony the rate is exceptionally high. The following are the deaths under I year of age to every 100 births for years IS6G 1576 for all the Australian colonies except Western Australia, which does not publish any statement of the number of infants who die : Tasmania, 10 01 ; New Zealand, 10 25; New South Wales, 10*52 ; Victoria, 12 5; Queensland, I*2 06; and South Australia, 15'61. In England and Wales the infantile mortality is greater than in any one of the colonies except South Australia, being for the years IS6I-70 in the proportion of 15*4 to every 100 births, * while lin Scotland for the four years IS7O-73 the proportion was 12'55 to every 100. The average annual death-rate of the Australasian colonies, for the 11 years ending 1576 is as follows : Kew Zealand, 12 45 per 1000; Tasmania, 14 95; South Australia, 15'54; Aew South Wales, 15*64; Victoria, 15 92 ; Western Australia, 16*21; Queensland, 13 01. The mortality in England and Wales is above this. For the 37 years ending 1574 it averaged 22*3 per 1000, and for the 11 years ending with 1877 it was 15*53. The foregoing hgures shew that South Australia occupies a very favourable position when the general death-rate is considered.