OUR HOME LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5897, 11 October 1880, Page 2

OUR HOME LETTER.

New Zealand is at present without a Governor. Sir Hercules Robinson is on ~,.Jbia,way .to England, while the nominated "Governor, Sir Arthur Gordon, has not arrived .from .Fiji. In accordance with the' practice in the colonies, the Chief Justice (Mr; Prendergast) discharges the essential functions of the Governor. —There has been a good deal of discussion - •'< in Tegard to the appointment of Sir A. ... Gordon. His policy in Fiji, especially in regard to his dealings with the native race, his regulating of the labour trade, and the discharge of his functions as High Commissioner of the Western '. Pacific have made him unpopular amongst . tho great majority of the European colonists, and Fiji being a Crown oolony, there are not the same of getting rid of irritations that exist in colonies ' constitutionally governed. Neiv Zealand has itself experienced much the same feelings as seem now to be prevalent in Fiji, and therefore ought to be able to -make allowance for tbem. Sir Arthur i „ Gordon will be cordially received. In his new position of Governor of a constitutional colony he will have a fair trial. The Governor of a Crown colony, especially one with the exceptional powers . conferred upon Sir Arthur Gordon, is too much of a despot—and not a benevolent despot—ever to be popular; a Governor . und«r a oonstitution has a far safer position in every respect. And especially a ruler in a hopeless position when his functions call upon him to interfere in the arrangements between two races. This has been the case in Fiji, and as the great question with the planters there is " labour"—the procuring of natives to work, in the fields—personal interests and - feelings of race are intimately mixed up with politics. - ! _ As -regards New Zealand, we are glad to be able to report that a better feeling prevails. In the Southern parts of the cojoay, " there is - still great , dulness of trade, and a good many complaints of Want of work. In the North things are better, as the waste lands are being taken up and brought into One ■ gratifying feature ought to be mentioned, and that is, that the revenue in every department is exceeding the estimates made by the Colonial Treasurer last' session. The Ministers are still continuing the policy of reducing the expenditure in every department, and there is a fair expectation that next session the Colonial Treasurer will be able to announce that ,-the colony has reached a position of finan cial equilibrium. , Happily, tho native difficulty, the great ~ bugbear of the colony since its foundation, and the chief source of expense, gives signs of steady diminution. Several • hundreds of Te Whiti's followers are, in custody at Lyttelton and Dunedih, and thoßo Maoris who still remain with the prophet studiously refrain from doing anything which may lead to their apprehension. Meantime tho Government 'have advertised for Bale within the next few weeks a portion of the Waimate Plains. Some of the lots are to be purchased, while others will be parted with on the deferred payment system. Immediate settlement will take place, and the Go- * vernment are taking every precaution that the settlers will be efficiently protected in case of any hostile movement by the Maoris. Of this, however, there seems little expectation. Te Whiti has few men with him, and he still declares that in any circumstances he is resolved that he will keep the peace. Large and - fertile reserves have been allotted to the natives, and the probability now is that they will gradually settle down to peaceful ' habits. Under the Act of last session, 59 of the Maoris last taken were sentenced to two years' imprisonment for obstruct-ing-the road by fencing. The Government propose to release a party of the natives previously in custody and send them back to their homes, on the understanding that if they are peaceable for.a time, and settle down, quietly to their cultivations, the whole of those in custody will be gradually released. In that case, too, the Armed Constabulary now in the service of the colony may be greatly reduced. From time to time we have referred in oar Monthly Summaries to the visit of Messrs. Grant and Foster to New Zealand. They were deputed by a number of English farmers in Lincolnshire to report upon New Zealand as a field for emigration, and visited and inspected the whole colony. Within the last few weeks their agent, Captain Steele, of Wailcato, has made an application to the Crown Lands Board of Auckland : for 17,000 acres situated at Te Aroha, in the Upper Thames district. The price first offered was 30s per acre, but the Board would not agree to the terms. After some negociations, the price was ( fixed at between 33s and 345, and this , has been agreed to with certain terms as to payments. There is no doubt that those who come to settle on the land have , an excellent bargain. It is exceedingly , fertile, close to a navigable river, has easy , water communication with Auckland, aud i will soon have railway accommodation, i The land could realise more in the open I market than Messrs. Grant and Foster's 1 settlers are to pay, but the colony antici- 1 pates reaping an advantage in the intro- I duction of a class of skilled farmers j possessing capital, who are expected to ! be the commencement of a stream of ( immigration of that class of settlers. 1 On the evening of Monday, September | 27, a native of the New Hebrides Islands, , who was Btaying in Auckland, attacked the son of the gentleman in whose service i ' he" was with an axe, and severely wounded i him. Another boy who was present was ' also hurt. The native then ran away, 1 taking with him an axe from the ■ neighbourhood. The police were in ! pursuit soon after, but nothing was heard of him till next morning. It i was then found that after leaving the . house of Mr. Sankey, where the first £ assault had bsen committed, he went along the New North Road. There he j overtook a man named Rees, a recent j arrival from England, and murdered him j by blows on the head. There was no i altercation ; indeed, not a word was ex- ( changed between them. Thence the \ native went to a house a few miles fur- t - ther on, where he assaulted a woman and r Mr. Melville, a settler. The latter over- ' powered him, however, and delivered 1 him over to custody. Since then the 1 native ha 3 been tried before Justice 1 Richmond at the Supreme Court, and ' sentenced to death.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The Rev. Mr. Beckenham, of Nelson, delivered. an entertaining and interesting lecture on September 11 to the children of the Industrial Home, on " His Travels amongst the Blacks of Australia," The lecturer succeeded in. rivetting the attention of the children for an hour and a quarter, while he described his journeyings in the interior of JSew Sonth Wales amongst the aborigines. There is no clergyman in the Auckland district who gives more time and attention to the practical advancement and encouragement of education than the lie v. Father Paul, of Onehunga. He has just now rewarded one of the boys by presenting him with a very handsome gold medal for the circumstance which the medal itself records. On the obverse is a large ornamented cross, with the letters, in old ftngliah, A.M.D.G., and surmounted by the inscription, Presented by Rev. Father J. Paul, Onehunga." On the reverse, " Civil Service Examination, 1879. First on the List of Successful Candidates from all Parts of New Zealand —James Leahy, St. Mary's Catholic School, Onehunga." The medal, which is handsome and massive, was executed by Mr. Teutenberg. The lad, James Leahy, was educated by Mr. T. Honan, the boys' teacher at the Roman Catholic Schools. The Rev. T. Norrie preached in the churoh at Pollock, on the 12th Sept., to a large attendance of worshippers. At the close of the service he read a document signed by the Clerk of the Presbytery, formally announcing' that Waiuku and the adjacent districts had been formed into a ministerial charge, and' that he had bean appointed to preach in the churoh here on Monday, the 13th Sept., and to moderate in a call to a minister. Pur. oaant to this notice, the rev. gentleman I

preached on tho above day at 2 p.m., to a large attendance, considering the busy season and the very weather for active work. At the dose of the servioe a meeting of the members and adherents of the new charge was held, when it was unanimously agreed to give a call .to the Rev. A* Thomson. The call was then signed by those present, and duly attested, and commissioners were appointed to take charge of it and gee additional signatures here, and at Awhitu, Kohekohe, and Waiuku. .. The Rev. T. Norrie on Sabbath, the 12th September, attended the excellent Sabbath-school, Awhitu, superintended by by Mr. A. Mactier, and preached in the church to a good attendance. He expressed the great pleasure he felt in seeing the marked progress that had been made since his first visit to this district, many years sgo, and referred especially to the advancement in religious and educational privileges that are now enjoyed, and paid a well-merited tribute to the gentleman who had been chiefly instrumental in getting such a beautiful church erected, and who still continues, by very liberal contributions and by personal effort, to aid every good cause here and elsewhere. Our Hebrew fellow-citizens commemorated the Day of Atonement on September 15 by the usual fast, commencing at sundown on Tuesday and ending at the same period on Wednesday evening. Servioe was conducted at the Synagogue on Wednesday by Messrs. A. H. Nathan and D. Blocin, lay readers, on which occasion there was a large attendance. The monthly Divine service was conducted in the school-room, Ararimu South, by Mr. D. .Norrie on 19th Sept. On the following Monday evening the Rev. T. Norrie paid us his usual quarterly visit, and preached also in the school-room and, baptised a child of one of our settlers. I he Rev. Frank Gould held divine service in the Public Hall, Waipu, on Sept. 19. Mr. Gould also delivered a lecture on " The Hot Lakes-of -New Zealand," to a fair audience. The hall is very suitable for such purposes and the originators.'of the building deserve credit. The - singing,; led ,by Mr. Hugh McLeod,' was much appreciated. On the motion of Mr. Kowlands, seoonded by. Captain Jacob, a cordial vote of thanks was given the Rev. Mr; Gonld for his kindntsa. in delivering his interesting lecture, a vote of thanks was also passed on the motion of Mr. Oscar Bryan, seconded by Mr! GouH, to the siugers. The anniversary of the dedication of St. Matthew's Church waacelebratedon Sept. 21. In the forenoon, the Sacrament of the Holy Communion was administered. In the evening a service was held, when the anthem, "Praise the Lord," was sung. The Kev. O.

,M. Nelson preached a sermon on " The Life and Character of St. Matthew," alluding chiefly to his self-sacrificing labours in the work of the Gospel. On September 26, at St, Patrick's Cathedral the interesting ceremony of the renewal of.the baptismal vows of a very num ber of adults and children was announced to take place, and to be presided over by His Grace Arohbishop Steins. The number of children and pupils who put in an appearance was extraordinarily large. There were, it is in all about 700 children and about 250 adults congregated in the church. The juvenile choir, under the able direction of Miss Kirby, was seated near the sanctuary rails near the pulpit. The altar decorations were very neat and appropriate, and, under the illumination of a large number of candles, presented a striking appearance. The proceedings opened on the entrance of His Grace the Archbishop, aocompanied by Fathers W. Maedonald and O'Dywer, by the choir singiDg the hymn " Mother of Mercy " very sweetly. Miss Lynch, a pupil of St. Mary's Convent School, read the form of baptismal vows on behalf of the other children to His GL-ace, who then addressed them and the congregation present. His Grace quoted, at considerable length, examples of the .influence of Christian example, the power of the cross, and the inherent virtue of baptism. He concluded by pointing out to parents their important responsibilities, especially in regard to allowing their children to be educated at schools where the Catholic religion was not taught, and where in fact the influences wero hostile to it. The ceremony concluded wi.ih the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; and the closing hymn, " Daily,; daily ei.ag to Mary," was sung by the choir, as the congregation dispersed.

At St. Matthew's Chnrch on Sept. 26 the interesting service of ordaining a deaconof the Church of England took place. There was a very large congregation. The Eight Kev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, officiated, and , was assisted by the Ven. Archdeacon Maunsell, the Kev. W. Tebbs, incumbent of St. Matthews, and the Rev. Dr. Kinder. The candidate for ordination was Mr. Hitchcock, a young gentleman who has reoently arrived from England, where he was a student for holy orders, aud since his arrival, he has been a student for holy orders at St. John's College. The morning service having been Baid at 10 o'olock, the ordination service commenced at 11 by the choir and congregation singing hymn 215, " The Chnrch's one foundation." This was followed by the "Bidding Prayer" and the Lord's Prayer, after which His Lordship preached an eloquent and liberal sermon. At the conclusion of the sermon hymn 420„ "Dear Lord, on this Thy servant's day," was sung. The candidate was then formally presented to the Bishop by Archdeacon Maunsell, and having answered the questions according to the ritual, was duly ordained, and the service proceeded in the usual form.

The Rev. Thomas Buddie delivered an earnest and carefully reasoned-out discourse on Sept. 26, in the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, on " The Second Advent—its manner, time, and purpose." He took as his text the latter clause of the 28th verse of the 9th chapter of Hebrews, "And with them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." The rev. gentleman said that the prophecies relating to tho future would be as oertainly fulfilled as those relating to Christ's birth and work had been fulfilled in the past. Only two advents were predicted in the Scriptures, and if it took 4000 years to lay the foundation of Christianity, it was scarcely likely its course would be ran in 2000 years. There was a great deal yet to be accomplished before the Gospel could be preached to all, and the earth Christianised. The Jews would be converted, and the fulness of the Gentiles gathered in before the Second Advent of Christ. His second appearance would be final, and would finish His mediatorial work. At the same time every man's death was practically the coming of Christ to him, and it therefore behoved each and all to be ready. There was an excellent attendance on the occasion.

On October 3 at vesper service at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the occasion being the feast of the Holy Eosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a very large congregation assembled. The facttbat it had been announced at the early Masses that His Grace ArchbishopS teins was to officiate and preach, no doubt tended to make the congregation such a large one. The decorations not only of the main altar but of that of the Virgin were appropriate and exceedingly tasteful. The choir was well attended, and Miss Shanaghan and her worthy assistants rendered the chants in a creditable and finished manner. His Grace's sermon on the occasion was replete with instruction and impresaiveneßS. The subject was the beautiful devotion of the rosary, the text being St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, 16th chapter and 6th verse.

The anniversary services in connection with the Pitt-street Wesleyan Chnroh were held on October 3. There wore good congregations each service. In the forenoon the Rev. S. W. Baker ' preached from Isa. vi., verses 6 and 7. In the evening the Rev. W. Morley conducted the service. He selected as his text Rev. xiv., verses 1, 2, 3. Both sermons were excellent. In the forenoon the collection amounted to £18 19s, and in the evening to £14 13s, or a total of £33 12s during the day. The Rev. J. Upton Davis, of Dunedin, preached in the Wellesley-street Baptist Chapel on October 3 to a large congregation. The rev. gentleman took for his text the 10th verse of the 3rd ohapter of Philippians, "That I may know Him, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death," from which he preached a thoughtful and ably reasoned sermon on the three leading ideas of love, law, and use, as indicated in the sufferings of Christ. The bi monthly meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held on October 6, in St. Andrew's school-room. Present: the Rev. J. Macky, moderator, the Revds. Macnicol, Monro, Norrie, Sommerville, Cairrick, Runciman, McCallum, and Mr. J. Buchanan. The Court being duly constituted, the proceedings were opened with a selection of scripture and prayer. The minntes of East regular; meeting, also those of a special meeting held on the Ist of September, were read and confirmed. The business transacted was chiefly of interest locally. The Roman Catholics of Ohinemuri have subscribed £100 for the erection of a church there. This was in consequence of a visit of tba Eer, Father O'Reilly.

"A church has - been' erected near, the Reweti railway'station on the Kaipara line, for the Maoris in tfcie neighbourhood, - and mainly by their own subscriptions. The building will be opened in a few days, and a number of - natives are gathering from different quarters to attend.

PRESENTATIONS.

A pleasant social gathering took place the other evening in the Ponsonby Wesleyan Chapel, to which the trustees had invited tho church choir. The Rev. Mr. Dewsbury presided, and the Rev. Mr. Morley was also present on the occasion.Mr. John Gittos, secretary to the trustees, presented to Mr. Horalcy, on their behalf, a handsome family Bible, illustrated (Casaell's edition), in recognition of his services as organist. Mr. Horsley made a suitable reply, and expressed his appreciation of tho kindly feeling which had prompted the gift. Mrs. Bet'cany sang the famous song, " Where is Heaven ?" and Mrs. Goodisou, " After There." Mr. Goodison also contributed to the musical pleasures of the evening. The choir rendered some choice piec s, accompanied by Mr. Horsley on the melody organ.' Altogether the gatheiing was a very pleasant one. A very pleasing ceremony took place on the 18th ot September, in the room of the ofliuer in charge, Auckland Telegraph Station, when Mr. R. A. Lusher, recently officer in charge, was preaented by the members of his late staff -with a handsome Parian marble clock in gla« shade, and an illuminated address. The address, we may mention, was enclosed in a handsome, large gilt frame, and the illumination was done in Mr. Slator's best style. In the centre of the initial letter "0" wa3 an ingenious and appropriate device, namely, a telegraph pole carrying its wire?, and the lightning striking it and runniug across the wires to earth. On an ornamental gold plate on the base of the clock was tastefully engrave:! the following inscription :—" Presented to R. -A;- Lusher, Esq., by the members of hi 3 late staffs Telegraph Station, Auckland, 18th Sept., 1880."

'Tiie' committee of the Fantham Testimonial met at the British Hotel on October 1, at 2 o'clo-K The treasurer (.vir. Udy)," state.! til-it the testimonial fund had closed with 1120 subscribers, making a total of £56. It was unanimously resolved to devote the money collected to the purchase of a piano, and those members present furmt'd themselves into a committee for the purpose of selecting a suitable instrument, aud they finally fixed upon the purchase of one at the Messrs. Hofl'mann's warehouse. A silver plate will be attached to the instrument, on which the following inscription will bo engraved :—" Purchased by Subscriptions of la each, antl Presented to A. A. Fautham, Fsq., as a Recognition of his Services as a Member of the South Auckland Cattle Board in the. Suppression of Pleuro-pneu-monia." The plate will be manufactured by Messrs. Bartlett and Son, and, when completed, will be attached to the piano for exhibition in tho front window of the warehouse where the instrument has been purchased. It is likely that the committee will send an invitation to Mr. Fantham to come to Auckland at an appointed time, so that the presentation may be formally, if not publicly, made. The members of the Auckland Presbytery gave a complimentary breakfast on October 6 to Mr. Henry Barton, at Canning's, confectioner, in recognition and appreciation of his services as occasional preacher. The Rev. John Macky, Moderator of the Presbytery, occupied the chair, and after breakfast short and complimentary speeches were made by the brethren present, all testifying to the value of Mr. Barton's services, and rejoicing in the opportunity of doing him honour. Mr. Barton made a suitable reply, thanking them for the honour done to him, and expressed his gratification that his services had been appreciated among them. It would only stimulate him to increased exertions to advance the common cause in the future. Mr. Barton is the first licensed lay preacher under the resolution passed at the last General Assembly of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church. Mr. Malcolm Taylor, on leaving Te Awamutu district has generously left a very acceptable memento of his residence amongst us in a case of valuable books, presented to the Te Awamutu Public Library.

MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

- Hoteo North has just had one of the beßt treats ever held in the district,- given to the day scholars by their teacher, Mrs. Stone, on the 16th August, on the occasion of her sou's birthday. By the following you will see many of them are exeicising their memories. The following girls gave recitations: Misses Jane Gibbs, Annie Turner, Annie Belcher, Ada Wilson, Annie Byre, Rose Yearbury, Annie Grant, and Ada Ann Wilson. Boys : Masters Charles Grey, Alfred Wilson, John Gibbs, Herbert Wilson, and William Grant. A recitation and a reading from Mrs. Stone, and a recitation from Mrs. Belcher. We had a song, " Fading Away," nicely given by four ladies somewhat advanced in years ; four bachelors sang " Yield Not to Temptation." We had neat little speeches from Messrs. George Eyre, Enoch Wilson, George Belcher, and Burdett, and Messrs. Small and Lester promised ub something next time. The chairman, Mr. John Wilson, trained the children how to give " three times three" in good English style, on the occasion of the birthday, and others followed. The children enjoyed themselves heartily, as well as all who were there.

The dulness of Maketu (Great South Koad) was agreeably relieved on September 10, by a ball given by the Volunteers of Drury and Maketu. Owing to the short notice received, the attendance was not so numerous as it otherwise would have been. Lieutenant Hugh Donaboe took the chair, and welcomed the company in a few well-chosen words. Mr. W. C. Kyland then gave an eloquent but too Bhort addreßS, on "The Conscript of France and the Volunteers of Great Britain," which was highly appreciated. The room being cleared, dancing commenced, and was kept up with unflagging spirit till daylight. The anniversary services of the Wellesleystreet Baptist Chapel were held on Sept. 12. In the morning, the Kev. A. W. Webb (paator) delivered au excellent discourse, from the Second Epiatle to Timothy, ohap. 2, v. 1. In the evening, the Kev. A. Carrick preached an eloquent sermon on "Christian Work," from Nehemiati, chap. 2, v. 20, There were large congregations on both occasions, aud the collections amounted to £17.

The Wesleyans have just held at the Thames their annual services on behalf of the Wesleyan Home Mission Society. The services commenced on Sept. 12, when sermons were preached in the churches at Shortland and Grahamstown by the lievs. Messrs. Morley and Watkin. At each of the Sunday services there were good congregations. On Sept. 13 the services were continued by the Rev. W. Morley, the deputation from the Conference, giving a very interesting and instructive lecture in the Congregational Church on the English Bible, its history, and translations. At the lecture there was a very good attendance. The services were concluded on Tuesday evening, when the annual Home Missionary meeting was held in the Wesleyan Church, Grahamstown, at which there was a very fair attendance. The Rev. W. J. Watkin presided, and addresses wore given by the Revs. Messrs. Morley, Laishley, and Adamson. Mr. Morley, in addressing the meeting, made an earnest appeal on behalf of the Home Mission, and gave a very interesting description of the good that wa3 being done al! over New Zealand by means of this society. Besides the addresses, Mr. Frank, at the request of the chairman, read the annual report of the Wesleyan Home Mission Society. The services on the whole were successful, and the collections which •were made at the close of eaoh amounted to a total of £20 16s.

[ The annual soiree of the Wellealey-street Baptist Church was held at the Young Men's Christian Association hall at 6.30 o'clock on September 13. Above 200 ladies and gentlemen partook of an excellent tea. The Rev. A. W. Webb, pastor of the congregation, occupied the chair. Mr. S. H. Matthews, Secretary, read the annual report. The number of members on the roll was 353; admitted during the year, 29 ; death, 1 ; dismissed to form church at Ponsonby, 22. A churoh had been opened at Otahuhu for public worship, and the pulpit regularly supplied. At the Christmas Day service there £415s was collected for the almshouses fund ; a sum of £17 6s 8d had been obtained from the Wellesley-street Sun-day-school boxes to the Home and Foreign Mission funds, and £120 3a 9d towards the New Church Building Fund, from members of the church and congregation. The Mount Eden School property had been sold, and a more convenient site purchased, where it was determined to build a larger and more commodious building. In the i Wellesley-street Sabbath-school, there were J 36 teachers and 370 scholars, and in Mount

Eden School, 14 teachers with 140 scholars. The ■ Young Christians Band iriconiifedtipn with Welltsley-street School numbered 106, of which 5 were church m'emb&s {•14'mw. members had joined'du'ring the year, and a similar number bad been admitted to church fellowship. The pastor's weekly Bible class had an " average attendance of 60, and the interest was well sustained ; he also conducted a theological class, which was attended by young men, who, in addition to studying the recognised text books, occasionally prepared sermon essays for criticism. Over 6000 tracts had been distributed by tbe Tract Society dnring the year, principally among tie homes of the poorer classes. The report of the Evangelistic Agency was also read, showiDg the efforts which had been made by means of lay preachers to provide for the spiritual needs of their co-religionists and others, iu the suburban and country districts. Various addresses were delivered during the evening. A soiree and concert in aid of the North Shore Presbyterian Church building fund, was held on Sept. 14, at the Devonport Hall. There was a very large attendance—much larger than the hall could accommodate at tea, so there had to be several relays. The ladies who provided the trays and presided at the tables are Mesdames Henry Niccol, Malcolm Niccol, Sims, Logan, Hynes, Beveridge, Goldie, Glenny, Webster and Leek. After the tables were cleared and the seats rearranged, the Rev. Mr. McCallum, minister of the district, took the chair, and on the platform with him were the Revs. D. Bruce, R. F. Macnicol, A. Oarrick and D. R. Runciman. The proceedings commenced with a pianoforte duet by two young ladies. The Chairman and other clergymen delivered speeches but the principal feature of the gathering, was the concert portion, consisting of glees, songs, readings, duets, quartrtts, &c., by lady and gentlemen members of the city and other choirs. A very agreeable evening was spent by all present, an i the proceeds will prove a .substantial addition to the fund, to aid which the soiree Tvas.inaugurated... i . A very successful entertainment was given in St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Remuera,' oil Sept. 17 in aid of the Sabbath-school funds, when the church was crowded td excess. The Rev. G. B. Monro . took the ■ chair. After making a few remarks, the choir sabg several pieces, after which the chairman introduced Mr. Howard Hey wood, who gave> an interesting lecture upon his trip through Now Zealand, which he illustrated by the limelight. Tbe Srst part of the programme ooani-ted of views in the South Island, Bhowind the beautiful scenes he (Mr. Hey wood) had visited whilst travelling through that part of New Zealand. The South having been described, a short interval was given, when the rev. chairman presented to the scholars a number of handsome prizes. There were about two dozen presented, amongst which were two given for essays written. The presentation over several songs were then sung, after which Mr. Hayward took his audience on a trip through the North Island, visiting Wellington, 'Napier,' YVangauui, Taranaki, and the home of Te' Whiti. At the close, the chairman proposed a vote of thauks to the lecturer for his interesting lecture, which was most heartily responded to.

The Hamilton Musical and Literary Society gave their second entertainment on S j pt. 17 in the Oddfellows' Hall. The proceeds were to be devoted to the building fund of the hall, and judging from the fact that the large building was filled from one end to the other, the amount taken must have been considerable. The performance was a marked improvement on the first one. The minstrel company had evidently well got up their part of the programme. The whole concluded with a capitally played farce, "Unole Bad's Cabin." On Sept. 17, Mr. M. C. Henley gave ail excellent lecture in the public hall, Kaukapakapa. The weather was fine, and there was a good tarn out on the occasion. Mr, K. Sinclair occupied the chair. Mr. F. Dye and Miss Dawson contributed to the evening's entertainment with musio and songs. The subject of the lecture was an account of two trips through the southern portion of the North Island of New Zealand. Mr. Henley described hia trip, and at the close of his lecture, received a hearty vote of thanks. The proceeds,£3 3s 6d, were in aid of the children's library.

The annual meeting of the Waikato Turf Club, which was adjourned oh August 2 for want of a quorum, took plaoe on September 18, in the Comnirrcial Hotel, Hamilton, Mr. Wainwright in the ohair. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed, also, a statement shewing the 'financial position of the Club. The revenue for the year amounted to £794 13s 4d, and the expenditure to £828 9i Bd, shewing a debit balance in the general account of £33 16s 4d. The guar antee account for the erection of buildings, &c., had been reduced during the year by £90, leaving a balance still owing of £165. The statement of assets and liabilities Rhewed a balance in favour of the club of £399 lis sd. On the motion of Mr. Paton, seconded by Mr. Cuesen, the report was unanimously adopted. Colonel Lyon, the vice-president, was elected president in the place of Sir Hercules Robinson; Captain Steele, vioapresident, and the following gentlemen aa members of the committee :—Messrs. J. M. Carpenter, W. S. Rutherford, S. Steele, Frank Pilling, A. W. Wainwright, K. Hill, W. C. Breakell, R. W. Hammond, Yonnge, H. Byron, and O. Laishley. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings.

A moat enjoyable excursion, given by the directors of the Onehangaand Waiuku Steam Navigation Company, took place on Sept. 22. Their fine new a. a. Manukau left the Onehunga wharf at 8.15 a.m., with about 75 excursionists, who had responded to the kind invitation, and seemed bent on enjoying the hospitality tendered them. This was considerably enhanced by glorious weather. In a little less than two hours the steamer arrived at Awitu, and an hour and a quarter more brought them to Waiuku, after landing some passengers at Toro Point. The quick trip was a pleasurable surprise to a number on board, who have been used to four, and often six and seven hours on the journey, and satisfied them as to the undoubted superiority of this vessel to any that have attempted the Waiuku trade heretofore. After a pleasant hour and a half on shore, a start was made for home in order to save the tide. During the return trip a number of the passengers met in the cabin, when, after the usual loyal toasts, Mr. Wrigley proposed, "Success to the Manukau, and her Shareholders," which was briefly responded to by Mr. Grey, who expressed the pleasure of the directors in seeing so many on board in response to their invitation. Mr. Grey then proposed, " The Visitors," which was reapondt dto by Mr. Somerfield. Mr. Caleb Hoskins then proposed, "The Health of Captain Arnold," which was drunk with musical honours. The gallant captain briefly responded. Mr. Morgan proposed "The Ladies," which was responded to by Mr. Marks. Mr. McNab proposed, "Th Chairman of the Directors (Mr. Barr Brown) and Captain Cuuuingliam, who has been most eni rgetic in his endeavours to supply the Waiuku settlera with a suitable vessel." Drunk with honours In responding, Captain Cunningham expressed tht pleasure it afforded him to see the numbers present, and trusted that the success which would inevitably attend their efforts would in a very short time alter the opinion of some who at present were inclined to view their undortakiug unfavouraply. " The health of the Builder (Mr. W. Holmes) and the Engineers (Messrs. McCrosky and Son)" was next proposed by Mr. McNab, and responded to on their behalf by Mr. Somerfield. "The Engineer of the Manukau and Mr. George Duthie" was next proposed, and this brought the list of toasts to a conelusi u _. After this tin, company indulged in Bongs, &c., till coming alongsido the Onehunga wharf. "Attld Lang Syne" was aung, which brought to a close a most enjoyable day.

An entertainment in the way of concert and ball took place at Parua Bay on the 16th Sept. to commemorate an event—the opening of a now public hall. The building is of good proportions, and can accommodate a good number of adults, for whatever purpose they may choose to congregate together. Perhaps Parua may be by some considered only a small and scattered oommunity, but the circumstaacc of having built such a fine large building, and without remaining liabilities (after this concert), proves ; the flourishing condition of the district. Inside the building surprise would bo manifested at the elegant decorations and furniture, with its stage and scenio paintings . that: would grace a more' pretentions building. One of the scenes, Manui, with its unsurpassable grandeur, is very well executed, and shows a master band in the painting art. The principal genius in the decoration is Mr!' Peace.. The concert was Very well attended. The Rotoiti took a load from WKangarei and the settlers from the surrounding districts.: The well known talents of the different performers was sufficient inducement to come from afar. Mr. S. Lambert, from Auek-

land,: with his usual ability, performed at the harmobium, kindly lent fprthfe occasion.! There is no occasion to give the programme in.detail. \The singers were'Messri. Mallabend,'' -Peace, Ross and " Miller,, who -allrendered their different parts with satisfaction. The audience were charmed with songs - from Mrs. Mallabend, Mise McLeod, and Miss Money. The farce of " The Blind Beggars" concluded the entertainment. Refreshments were given free.- Dancing commenced in due time, and coutinued with vigour until the early morn recalled the performers to their respective labours and duties of tbe day. . ... Oq September 20 a lecture in aid of the Church Building Fund was delivered by the Rev. S. W." Baker, the Wesleyan Missionary of Tonga upon "The King of Tonga and the Tongan Mission in the PittBtreet Wesleyan School. Mr. F. L.. Prime was called to the chair. There was a good choir in attendance under Mr. Bridson, as choir-master, ProfeßSor Lambert presiding at the organ. The proceedings were opened with devotional exercises. At the conclusion a vote thanks, to the Rev. lecturer and the choir was carried with acclamation. The Right Rev. the Bishop of Auckland delivered a lecture on Sept. 22 to the pupils of the Church of .England Grammar School, Parnell, on "The Life of the Late Bishop Patteson." The lecture was one of a series

to be delivered from time to time. The lecture was attended by a number of the ladies and gentlemen resident in the neighbourhood, parents, guardians, and friends of the pupils. On September 22 one of the most successful (from a musical uoint of view) concerts that has been given at Whangarei took place. The conductor, Mr. C. Les, had advertised the affair as a "Grand Musical Festival," and there can be no doubt but that he did his very best to make it such. One noticeable feature'in the concert was the re-introduction of part-siugiog, and the well-balanced choir of trained voices and correct readers that occupied the stage proved by their performance that they had profited by the careful drilling they had received; In'their performance they were most materially assisted by the fine instrumentation jo 1 Miss Wilson, who presided at the harmonium. The string band, with Mrs. J. T. Heyburn occasionally at the piano, also dis coursed swset music during the evening. At the conclusion of the concert, there was' a quadrille party, which was numerously attended, and tbe ladies and gentlemen having enjoyed tbemselveß until about two o'clock in the morning, dispersed to their several homes. The nett proceeds of the concert

(which was for a local object) amounted to £16 1b ljd.

Wairoa South district was visited by Mr. Howard Haywood, with his panorama of New Zealand scenery, on September 20. He was well patronised by youDg and old, as the Public Hall was crowded. Mr. Hay'wood is a capital lecturer, and carries his audience with him with his funny sayings. He seems' to take a great interest in his work, and did not fail to give satisfaction in this district, and from the repeated applause of the audience they seemed well pleased. The views were interesting and very truthful. Mr. Salter delivered a lecture, under the auspices of the No Surrender Lodge, No. 45, 1.0. G.T., in their hall, Whangaroa, on Sept. 20, to a crowded audience, on '' Intemperance : its evila and its cures." Mr. P. L. Corston was chairman. Mr. Salter divided his lecture into three partß. Between each several glees and duets were sung by members of the No Surrender Lodge and the Kbingeer Lodge, Kaeo, and Mias Batcliffe and Miss Corston. On Monday evening, the 20th September, the Aratapu school-room was crowded with a lively and respectable audience, who had been favoured with invitations to the first public gathering under the auspiccs of the Aratapu Debating Society. The programme was & most attractive one, and did credit to the executive of the class. The vice-president, S. C. Carr, was called to the ohair, who opened the proceedings with a short speech of welcome to those present, and explanatory of the object of the class. The first part was devoted to recitationß, readings, songs, and a cornet solo by Mr. J. W. Wright, whose performance was much approved. Messrs. W. Jeffrey, A. Harding, T. Bartle, and Mason gave recitations well, Messrs. Harding and Mason being particularly excellent in that department. Messrs. Simons and E. Harding gave humorous readings. The rest of the performance was well executed, and a pleasant evening was spent. The eighth half-yearly meeting of the Waipu Literary Association took place on Monday, 20th September, in the central Bchool, —the president (Mr. H. Matthews) in the ohair. Mr. K. M. McLennan (secretary) read the' balance-sheet for the past half-year, which showed an income from all sources of £24 5b 3d. The auditors (Messrs. A. and J. M. McKay, examined the accounts, found them correct, and they were passed. The secretary then reported that at a meeting of the committee, which took place on August 26, it was resolved that the building for the library Bhould be proceeded with as Boon as. possible; that three lectures were to be delivered in the central school for the purpose of collecting foods for the building.

An entertainment in aid of the Papakura library, took place in the school-room, on 24th Sept. The night was both dark and wet, and despite theße drawbacks the room waa well filled. The Rev. T. Norrie occupied the chair, and introduced the performers. Songs and readings formed the first part, and the laughable farce of " Cherry Bounoe" brought the entertainment to a close. The entertainment was a success.

A special meeting of the New Zealand Prudential Assuranoe Society was held on Sept. 24. The result was so far satisfactory tba t a former resolntion to make a 50 p<?r cent, levy to cover all claims upon the society was eonfirmed. Several gentlemen who had carefully investigated the society's affairs bore testimony to the soundness of the institution, and expressed unbounded confidence in its future if well supported and economically administered. The affairs of the society have been a subject of considerable public interest lately, especially amongst the 'working classes. On September 24, the Aratapu Choral Society gave their first grand concert. The Public Hall was crowded with visitors from all parts of the river, upwards of £16 being the gross result of the perfoimance. Mr. J. Chadwiek, the conductor, has been most indefatigable in his efforts to impart a competent knowledge of music to the members ; many of whom eame to him as comparative raw reoruits, only eight months ago, and he certainly bas succeeded in bringing out an array of musical talent most charmingly. The first part was devoted to sacred, and the second to Becular music. The -whole of the criticism was of the most favourable character, and the conductor received the congratulations of many of the visitors at the close. A eonce.vt and lecture, in aid of the funds of St. Coleman's Church, came off in the school-room, Coromandel, on September 27, and was very largely attended. The following programme was well rendered, and gave general satisfaction : — First part : Overture, piano, Miss Boyd ; song, " Thee alone I love," Mr. Spry ; "My Beautiful," Miss Coupland ; " Comet of the West," Mr. Coghlan; "Rhine Wine," Mr. Boyd; " Mountebank," Mr. Carlsen. Second part: Overture, piano, Miss Boyd; song, 'Peculiar," Mr. Lindsey; "Remember Me,'' Mr. Spry; " English Songs," Miss Coupland; "Nelly Grey," Mr. Coghlan; " Lost My Wife," Mr. Boyd ; " Old English Gentleman," Mr. Carnell. The farce of "Wanted an Actor," was well commenced, but came to an untimely end. The Rev. Father Casaidy read a very interesting and i nstructi t'o essay on the religious observances of the Indians of North America, showing a remarkable similarity between their ceremonies and those of the natives of Central Asia. The rev. lecturer was listened to with great attention throughout, and loudly applauded at the close. The National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a conclusion.

The annual Bports of the boys of the Welles-ley-street School were held in the Domain Cricket Ground on Wednesday, the 29th September at 1 o'clock. There was a good attendance of spectators, and the affair was a deoided success. The bazaar got up by the congregation of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church (Ponsonby) to liquidate the remaining debt on that recently opened place of worship was formally opened Sept. 30, by iris Worship the Mayor. At noon punotually Mr. Peacock entered the bazaar (which is held in the late Messrs. Grant and Morton's' auction mart), accompanied by the respected pastor of St. Stephen's' (the Rev. Mr. Rnneiman). and shortly after,madei the inaugural speech, about 150 persona being present. . His Worship'opened the proceedings in a 'brief I speech, in wliich ho said: The neat and comfortable ohnrch of St; Stephen's Church", Ponsonby, has cost, including the ground I on which it stands, something like £1600,

and of thiii £600 has been paid, leaving, in round numbers, a balance of £IQOO. ■; '! ; meeting of seamen, convened by Mr. vSanMter. delegate from the Victoria S_ea- . men's Union, -was held at Men's Club"'-on? October 2. There were about 30 persons present, and Captain was chosen chairman. Mr. Sangster explained that he thought a branch Of the Union would be useful here, and would include all grades of seamen, including firemen, &c. Since the Union bad been started in Victoria the "hours "and wa°es had been maintained. A branch o£ "230 members had been established in Port Chalmers, and another of 160 in Wellington, and in the latter place they had a nice room. In Melbourne the Union had paid £700 to sfeamen in distressed circumstances. The entrance fee in Port Chalmers was 3s, and the subscription 2s per month. Mr. Sangster pointed out that seamen were practically an unrepresented class; even suppose an election going on and the sailor had a vote, the chances were ten to one that he would be away, hence the need of somebody to act for the whole. It was finally decided to start a branch of the Union iu Auckland, the scale to be the same as in Port Chalmers. Sixteen members paid their subscriptions before leaving the room. A meeting of the members of the Auckland Society of Arts was held on October 4 in the Council Roomof the Museumand Institute Building, Princes-street, for the purpose 'of receiving the draft rules which the committee were instructed to prepare. Tberewasconrablnside discussion upon the rules. The principal speakers were the Bishop of Auckthe land, Mayor, Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Dr. Purchas, Revi S. Edger, Messrs. J. M. Clark, Heath, Josiah Martin, and several other gentlemen. • The soiree and public meeting to.celebrate the anniversary of the Wesleyan Church, Pitt-street, was held on October 5. Ihe tea tables were laid out in th-i lower school-rooms. There was a very large attendance of church members and mumbers and ministers of the congregations of other churches. The trays were provided tiy Mesdames Henderson, Spraggon, Davie*, Skinner, Reynolds, W. S. Wilson, Wiseman, Buddie, Craig, Misses Halliday and Somerville. At half-past seven o'clock the public meeting was held in the church buildiDg, the Kev. Mr. Morley in the chair. Mr. Buddie read the anuual report and balance sheet, after which tbe meeting was addressed by several gentlemen, interspersed with selections by the choir. The proceedings were brought to a close in the usual manner. The annual meeting of the Auckland Labourers' Mutual Aid Society was held on October 6at the Thistle Hotel, Mr. Christian Ruge was in the chair, and six other members were present. The minutes of the la9t meeting were read and confirmed, and accounts outstanding were passed for payment. The annual balance-sheet was then submitted. The total receipts were £38 9s 2d. There was cash in bank amounting to £21 19s Id, and in hand £1 16s 6d. The balance-sheet was adopted.

EDUCATIONAL.

The monthly meeting of the Board of Grammar School Governors was held on Sept. 28, when Sir George Maurice O'Rorke was eleoted ChairmaD of the Board, vice Dr. J. L. Campbt'll resigned. A good deal of routine business was transacted. Notice of his resignation was reoeived from Mr. McArthur the English master, who has been appointed principal of the Auckland Training School. The principal discussion turned upon a motiou by Mr. Fenton to the effect that the Chancellor of the University be requested to fill up the vacancies at the Board under the recent Act of the Assembly. The Mayor moved an amendment to the effect that the Board did not feel itself called upon to take any action in appointing members of the Board, which duty the Legislature had vested in the Senate of the University. Both motion and amendment were withdrawn. It was agreed that the Boardroom of the Grammar School building should be fitted up as a laboratory for the study of chemistry, the cost not to exceed £22.

The annual examinations of the Wade District School were held on the 29th September. The visit of the Inspector under the Board being on the 24th, it was deemed advisable to improve on the event by having a soiree and musical entertainment in the evening. Mrs. Collins de Jersy Grut, of the Orewa, kindly consented to act as lady patroness in. the distribution of prizes, &c., on the occasion. .Recitations in poetry were delivered, by Maurice Kelly, John Hatfield, Fanny and Mary SidwelL Specimens'of writing and elementary drawing were exhibited to the lady patroness and visitors, and approved, that of Maurice Kelly, John Sidwell, and John Hatfield being deemed the beat. After a few remarks on the efficiency of the classes, the lady patroness called forward those to whom prizes were awarded. The children then adjourned to the adjoining hall, which was also tastefully decorated, where tea and refreshments were liberally provided by the committee. The concert commonced at 7 o'clock in the school-room, where, in face of moßt inclement' weather, over fifty, including the ohildren, attended.

INQUESTS AND AC IDENTS.

i The eldest daughter of Mr. R. Schofield, wharfinger at the Thames, had a narrow i escape of being drowned on September 8, at the Parawai booms. It appears that she and a number of her schoolmates were amusing themselves by running along the logs w .kioh ? re 'yiig a ' the booms, when she i slipped into the water, which at this spot is eight or ten feet deep, and being unable to swim she had sunk twice before one of her oomrades, at considerable risk, succeeded in catching her by the hair, and pulling her out on to a log. Miss Schofield was greatly exhausted before being rescued, and was some time before she recovered from the effects of the immersion. . Our Mangonui correspondent writes on Sept. 9 :—The body of Mr. John Mcintosh, jun., whom I; reported as missing has been found. It was discovered lying on the beach a considerable distance from the scene of the accident. The surmise was correct that he was drowned while attempting to ford the river with the tide too full. When found he had off his trousers and one boot, and round his shoulders a heavy stockwhip' An inquest was held on Tuesday, the 7th inst., at the Mangonui Hotel, before Mr. W. Lane, J.P., Coroner of the district, and a jury of fourteen, of whom Mr. R. : H. Matthews, J.P., was chosen foreman, when the following verdict was returned:—"That the said John Mcintosh, jun., came by his death by accidentally drowning while at tempting to cross the Oruaiti river at the Wharetaua crossing." A lad named Connor had a narrow escape on the 9th of September, at Ngaruawahia. He was driving a dray belonging to Messrs. Friar and D3vies, on which was a portion of a load of furniture. In going down the hill past the store, the horse suddenly turned sharp round, and made for the side entrance to the stable yard. The boy fell forward between the shafts and the horse, and fortunately preserved himself from falling. In less than minute the cart coming into collision with the gate post, was overturned, and the shafts wore broken off. Both boy and horse escaped unhurt. An accident, which might have been attended with serious results, occurred at Onehunga about half-past 4 on the 12th Sep. tember. A gentleman and two ladies had been out for a drive in a buggy, and were returning on their way to Auokland across the Mangere Bridge. When near the Onehunga end of it, the gentleman, who was driving, allowed the horse to keep too much to one Bide, in consequence of which the box of the off fore wheel came in contact with one of the posts of the fence running along the side of the bridge. " Through the sadden concussion, the gentleman and lady sitting beside him on the front seat we i n thrown out with considerable force on thr: ground but, on rising, they did not appear to have sustained any more serions injuries than a severe shaking and a few skin abrasions on their respective faoes. They afterwards proceeded home in Mr. Cook's coach. The buggy had both shafts broken and : the wheel smashed, and the horse's legs y, ere out through the broken shafts striking them. Richard Goldiug, a young man in tlia employ of Mr. G. W. Owen, who met with severe injuries at Ponsonby caused by the wheel of the cart which he was in charge of passing over his body, expired at. the hospital on Thursday, Sept. 16. An inquest was held at the hospital on Sept. 18 before Dr.' Goldsbro', coroner, and a respectable jury, of whom Mr. James Henry Purcell was foreman. Having inspected the bodjr the formal evidence waa taken, and the 'jury returned a verdiot of " Accidental death.': Averyeerious aocidentoccurredat Kilu'kihi on the 17th Sept., to a young man named Edward Gill, who was thrown from his •horse and very severely oat about the head/ < His face was cut in several places, his' nose I injured, two of his teeth broken, andhir I jawbone injured. The young man, who is " in the employ of Mr. Farmer, had been i attending the fair, and was returning home f

when the accident occurred. Dr. :of Te.Awamata,! was called m and snW'H . up his. wounds,' i beaidea attending to Jf other injuries, arid he then removal to theiospital. He was brought WP to town on"'September 18 by Consta, U /Jeremiah Buckley, of the Armed Constabulary field force, and taken direct to tc | e hospital. - „r., ' ' A serious accident occurred to Father Golden on Sept IS. He had gone down to Huntley for Sunday services, and on Saturday afternoon was riding another hor^e' 0 - catch his own, which made toward the fallway. Father Golden galloped after Bi®» aud while intent on wa'.chin? the hi>« e pursued, the one he rode put its foot into » email round hole made to try for gravel, of which several were about, and" threw- lfUB 1 heavily. At first it was feared his ribs broken, but this was not the case. His rij&ht side is severely injured and much shaken, but he was able to return home by railway. As Mr. Burrow's eldest son was drivfibg down College Hill on September 21, abofot 7 o'clock, the horse took fright and bolted off. The young man was thrown forwarjd, and over the near side, the wheel passiig over his right fo»t and ankle. Dr. Bayntun, who was a.nt for, on examining the foot, expre-sed an opiuion that no bones were; broken, but will make a further examination as soon as the swelling has abated. ; On the 27th September botween 4 and' 5 o'clock, an accident occurred which fortunately was unattended with serious consequences, Damely, the collapse of a portion .of the upper storey of Mr. W. J. Hurst's_ outer store situate at the rear of the premises of Messrs. B. Gittos and Sons. At the time," one of the drays of the latter firm was being; loaded up alongside with hides by the carter,'. Chiswell, aud the atoreman, Hewlett, bnt warned by the cracking of the beams and ties, they managed to get clear. The building was partly composed of wood and partly> of corrugated iron, and was formerly known; many years ago, as >Moore's Printing Office;, So far .13 could be ascertained, the bnilding had sagged outwards, starting the morticing, and when the beams broke with"the strain upon them the whole of the goods stored at tKe northern end of the. building-. came down, breaking short off the flooring boards in their course. There were only about six tons of potatoes and. a winnowing machine stored on the section which collapsed, all of which are in good order, so that the loss will be comparatively unimportant and the damage easily repaired. A young girl named Mary Sinclair died at the Thames very suddenly, on September 29. She has oeen on a visit to her uncle, Mr. Peter Sinclair, of Shortland, for some months, and appeared" quite well up to September 24 On Saturday she complained a little of sickness, but no serious results were anticipated. About midnight on Saturday a change for the worse was observed, aud in a. very few minutes she died. At an inquest held, a verdict of " Death from heart disease," was returned. i •_

A very sad accident occurred at Tolago Bay, on the 14th September, by which ,a fine bright little boy of two years'old lost his life.. On the following day an inqnest was held at Mr. H. Trimmer's Perry Hotel —Captain Preece, JR. M., acting as Coroner, assisted by an intelligent jury, who chose as their foreman Mr. . Robertson Stewart. It would appear that Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood reside with their numerous family at the historical locality called Cook's,Cove.—William Lockwood deposed that he was father of the deceased, Joseph Loekwood, whose age was two years and five months.' Mrs. Lockwood was absent from home. . The small children and the place were left in charge of his stepson, aged 18 years.—John Moore deposed that he was half-brothor of the deceased child. About 9 o'clock in the morniDg he left the homestead to get some thistles for the pigs. When ho returned the child Joseph was missing ; he had gone to look tor an elder sister whom he had lost sight of. They searched for him, but did not find him till 3 o'clock. He was lying on the beaoh of a little bay which is covered up to the cliffs at high tide. He would appear to have fallen o per the cliffs, and was probably stunned by the fall.—A verdict was returned of "Accidental drowning."— The child was buried oh v the 16th, the lay reader officiating in the absence of a clergyman.

The infant daughter of Mr. Lee, billiard marker at the Waikato Hotel, East Hamilton, was severely scalded,,on Sept. 24 by a jng of hot w&ter falling over it. The left side of the infant's face and'head and its left side were much scalded. Dr. Sandes was passing along the street at the time, and wa.s at once called in and dressed the injured parts, and nnder his skilful care the child appears to be likely to recover the shock to the system, which was a severe one. A serious accident happened at Hamilton, on Sept. 25. Air. Joseph Cochrane was backing a waggon when the horses suddenly swerved, the pole striking him violently in the pit of the stomach and jamming him against the fence with great violence. Dr. Waddington was called in, bat the injuries being internal, the extent is not known. He is suffering severely. At about noon on Sept. 30, a small sailing boat, containing three young men, two of whom beloDg to one of the English ships now in port, was upset by a squall close to the Railway wharf, and for some time their position was critical, but their situation was speedily observed. A boat and crew put off from the cutter Dream, and picked up two of them, and another, in which Mr. Loomey put off, rescued the third. The boat was soon righted, and the young men appeared little the worse for their ducking. For several reasons, the chief being a desire not to alarm their parents and friends, they have withheld their names, bat they were exceedingly grateful to those who so promptly came to their rescue, and desire us on their behalf to tender thanks to Mr. Loomey, and the crew of the cutter Dream.

Two accidents occarred at the football match on October 2 (New Zealand v. the World) in the Domain cricket ground, but fortunately the injuries are not so serious as they were at first reported to be. Mr. Cook, one of the World team, received a kisk on the ribs, which knocked him down, and he had to be helped off the field. : It was at first feared that some of his ribs were broken, and a rumour to that effect gained currency, but we are glad to say that it is not correct. Mr. Cook in a short time recovered his breath, and on the following day he was about as usual, apparently little the worse for the hard knock he had received. Mr. T. Henderson, captain of the .New Zealand team, received a gash over his eye, about an inch and a half in length, but it is not deep or dangerous, and will not interfere with the pursuit of his ordinary duties.

An inquest was held at Tairua on Saturday the 2ad of October, before Mr. Robert Wig- • more, J.P., on the body of James Wilson, who was drowned on the 11th of June last by the upsetting of a boat on the Tairua bar, whilst towing out a vessel. The body was not found till the previous Sunday, the 26th of September, when a bushman happened to notice it on the rocks, about a mile from the entrance of the Tairua riverl He immediately informed Constable Joyce, A.C., the officer in charge at Tairua, who proceeded in a boat to the spot, and after much difficulty on account of the heavv surf, brought the remains to Tairua. Although a length of time ha 3 elapsed since the accident, the body was identified. It appeared from the evidence at the inquest (that the deceased, who was an experienced boat steerer, was if anything most in fault, as when they found the breakers on the bar so heavy some ef the other men in the boat wanted him to cast off the vessel they were towiDg, which he trusting to his experience as an old whaler and sealer, and being anxious to get the vessel safely over the bar out of danger, refused to do. So we may say he lost his life by his desire to fulfil his duty to the utmost. The other six men were picked up by the vessel they were towing, or swam to shore. The jury returned a verdict of "Accident*! death," no blame attaching to anyone. The deceased left a wife and two children, the latter aged aix and three years respectively, in very poor circumstances, and, with a promptitude and generous good feeling which cannot be too highly commended, steps were at once set on foot towards their assistance. A committee was formed at Tairua for the puroose of raising a subscription on their behalf, and a concert was got up as well for the same purpose, with thb following results Amount of subscription at Taitua, £123 5s ; proceeds of concert £S. An additional amount was subscribed at the head office in Mechanics' Bay, Auckland, amounting to £13 17s. Donations were received at the Herald Office amounting to £3; giving, a total of £147 2s. By a resolution of. the committee, this amount is to be devoted to the purchase ofii cottu ir o in Auckland in .trustfor the widow'and', ohildren, necessary steps are being taken for the immediate carrying ont of this benevolent pnrpos'e. • . : j A narrow'escape from-'drovroing'occurred' < in Mechanics' Ray on Ootober 6, under the' following circumstances;—A number of the

1 P ■ m I boys at the Publio School fH in the habit of playing and „ Bise selves in the yard ot l? n ? U,D « p Door Company, Mechanic,' j? n Saah J?} Spring on the lo g» fl oatins on October 6 some of the ; : as uau.l, playing at the e d K8 V r ■ ? and others on the logs, when on ' ® : fell into the water, and »oh,ll '*'& ; drowned had not the Ecreaa s 0 f , . ave ; Dions attracted the- noting «f on! C .° r employees,- named George Trotlev v ' .mediately; rushed to the rescne and I in was just in time to save the f and drowning lad. His prompt;,", ' the child s.lif.e, and his conduct ;■ j ' it£ 4 : of the highest praise. a dc3e rri;,, • A fine little boy, named Gaor ee ; aged nine years, attending the duKI; ' e J, " Ponßonby, and son of Sir. Geor- e W? oo 'i was accidently drowned on S Qo> k at half-past 5 o'clock, in a creek ''' Surrey Hill estate, under the foll o J n "cumstances The parents of the d ''' live on the .Richmond Road, and the 6 ? 6 * 46 ' consisted of George (aged nine years) *5^ liam (aged seven years), and an infant 'f * ' years. -At the hour above-named th i eldest asked permission of their father V*' down the gully to cut sticks for the T)p . ■beans in .the garden. They had hetnlVif' ■ locality before, and knew the spot father therefore accorded his partni • after, warning them not to go down swamp and get their feet wet. The iJV- : of the Surrey Hill estate, bounded btR lower portion of the Kichmond Road I away greatly, and in consequence receiv"^ 1 the valley the whole rainfall of th"' 0 tensive watershed. After rain the v> e - ei ' rivulets fall into the creek, formin?" 1 stream ofconsiderable dimentiona M ultimately empties itself into Warn creefc. At various bends in its course" ft torrent has worn iarge and deep waterYnl Bhaded by willows, and che bauks of wh^' are precipitous, aaa slippery alter rain Th boys went down to the margin of one t these holes, laid the rope they had bronpht with them to bind the bean sticks with the grass, and proceeded to eiecntu thei! errand- • While George, l the eldest, K j! ; stepping up the br.uk,;his loot slipped on the ; wet grass, and he fell, rolling over the stein - bank into the - creek, where the water tva • five or six feet deep. Be never utteredi ~ cry, but rose to the suifice two or three f times, placing his hands -t> hia chest TV yonngest boy, Will;ams. li ted up o ue of tt s beau Bticks, and tried ti reach it to hi< brother, but he was unaih to do so, and returned home aDd gavelthe alarm. ' The father took the boy ! out qt the water, hut life was extinot. An inquest was he'li oo October S, and a verdict- of " Accidentally Drowned" was returned. '

Mr. William Bradbury (of Messrs. Brad, bury and Co., storekeepers), Port Alter* who has been in business tlere from the early days ot the settlement, auddeuly expired heiween 1 and 2 o'clock or October 7, at his place of-business. Dr. Ross »as immediately summoned, but life was extiuct before he could arrive. Mr Bradbury was known to suffer from heart disease. An inquest was held aud a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. A child five years of age, daughter or Mr Pittar, fell over the cliff at St. Barnabas Point, Parnell, while playing \vith other children, but although' thei fall was about 20 feet;in depth, she escaped, apparently without i dangerous injuries. The child was stunned : when picked up, and Dr. Haines wasicalled. The child is suffering from concussion of the brain,, in' addition to which there is a wound on the forehead. A' narrow escape from |lro\vning has ju;t occurred in the Mangapikb creek, a survey party was at work, wt/en the chainman named Eccles, who eonld not swim, fell into deep-water. He was noS observed at first and had already sunk a second time when llr' E. Pilling, who was of the party, gallantly jamped into the stream and brought ilr. Ecoles in a very exhausted condition safe to land.

OFFENCES.

On Sept. 20 about noon a well-dressed comparatively young woman attempted to jump into the harbour from, the Queen-street Wharf while in a state of semi-intoxication. Her movements bad.attracted the attention of Mr. John Isaacs,twho kept close to her, and before she could spring into the water caught hold of her afnd prevented her doing so. She was subsequently taken in charge by the police, when she stilted that her husband is in the hospital, anil it is but two or three days since some of her children were sent to the" Industrial Home. The name of the unhappy woman is Julia Mooney. j On Sept. 22, Gearge Henry Shepperson,. who has been before the Police Court lately on the charge of njolesting Mrs. Featon, was conveyed to the tHospit&l from Onehunga, having attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat! ; Shepperson was charged before Mr. Barstotv, oa August 30, with using threatening language to Sarah Ann Featon, by saying that he would "do for her" if she did'.'not live with him. SubInspector Pardyfthen stated that Shepperson bad a wife at hbme, and here he had married a woman nlimed Mary Maguire. When she learned that he was already married, she left him and pent to Sydney. He then married Mrs.;- Featon, and Bhe not knowing thatj he had a wife living if not two, bu| on learning the state of affairs she wept to Onehunga, where she supported heraelf by sewing. Sheppereun was in the haoit of going out and annoying and threatening her. In reply to this, Shepperson njade a long statement, saying that he regarded Mrs. Featon a3 his lawful wife. The case was then remanded, and Shepperson waa brought up again on September 3, when Shepperson behaved in a very excited manner. The charge was found provecj, and defendant bound over to keep the peace—himself in £40 and two sureties in p£2o each. The sureties were procured, aa'd Shepperson was set at liberty. On September 22, Mrs. Featon, who lives at Onehunga with two of her children, heard that Shepperson was prowling about, .and dreading ajiepetition of former annoyances, she left with her children. Shepperson immediately after came to the house, and finding it fastened, broke in the back door. The attention of some of the neighbours waajttraoted, and they informed bergeant Greene. ThS'.'Jergeant went to the house, ana on going in found Shepperson in the kitchen, with his throat cut. Dr. Scott was sent for, and was soon in attendance, anjl stitched up the wound. The doctor baring recommended his removal to the Hospital, he was brought in in an express, h

FI.RE3.

The .Royal Hotel, Hamilton, had a narrow Escape from fire on September 13. About IS pm. a kerosene lamp burst in the billiard-room. The blazing oil spread over |Le floor, and the flames ran up the side of tbe wall. Several ran in, attracted by the glare, amongst whom; were Constable Murray, and succeeded in putting ont the fire. Constable Murray and Mr. Smale in putting ont the fire had their cloth's completely destroyed. Anf incipient fire was detected by the ostler in charge of Lendruin's stables on Sept: 29. Some live coals from an adjoining neighbour had ignited the fence.

MASONIC.

Tie installation of officers of Lodge Prune of Wales, E.C., for the ensuing year took place at the Lodge-room, Masonic Hotel, on the 16th of beptember. There was a very large gathering of brethren, including the representatives of the district anfi permanent lodges, and of all tbe lodges in f the city and suburbs. The retiring Bro. Dr. Dawson, opened the lodge, and after the regular business of the lodge had been transacted, the installation took pipe. Bro. Dr. Dawson officiated as installing master, and duly installed an d invested Bro. W. Rattray as W.M. o? the lodge for the ensuing year. The W.M. then invested his officers, as' follows: Bro. Major-General Gossett, S.iTV.; Bro. W. G. Collins, J- tV.; Bro. Rev. CJ M. Nelson, chaplain ; Bro. W. H. Skinner, treasurer; Bro. M. S. Leers, secretary; Bro. James Woodriffe Grossett, S.D.; Bro. John Carter Clark, J. O. ; Bro. E. S. Wiloocks, director of ceremonies ; Bro. Major I Pirie, organist; Bro. Lush, inner guard ; and Bro. Porter, tyler. After the installation the brethren and guests adjourned to s very elegant spread, provided by Host Panter in the large room of th,e hotel. The newlyinstalled W. M. presided, and after ample justice had been done to the repast, glasses were charged, and the Chairman gave the usual loyal and masonic toasts, which were duly honoured.' Bro. Leers proposed "The D.M.G., . 8.C.8r0. Graham, "The P.G.M., 1.C.:" sind Bro. Pearce, "The P. G.M., S.C. ;"Bro. Whitaker, Bro. G. P. Pierce, 8.W., P.G.M., 1.C., responded. Bro, Dr. Daiyson; then,: in a handsome and eulogistib manner, proposed " The health of the newly-installed W. M.." ,and Bro. K»t<hay responded." 4 Bro. Xcidder, D;. D, » G.M., proposed ifie toast of " The Installing Master," alluding to the ablo manner so

which he bad officiated that evening. Bro. y?. P. Moat, P.M.,'proposed the toast o "The Officers of the Prince of Wales Lodge," to -which due responses were given. Bro. the Rev. C. M. Nelson proponed " The Visiting Brethren ;" and Bros. P. M. Kiglie and H. F. Andrews responded. Bro. Hesketh, W.M., Lodge Kemuera, proposed "The Past Masters of the Lodge Vnuce of Wales." The toasts of "The Ncwly-Im-tiated Brethren," and the Tylers toajfc, te Poor and Distressed Brethren/ were also given. During the proceedings numerous songs were sung, and a very pleasant evening was passed. On the 220 d September, at 5 p.m., fourtcon Auckland gentlemen, donatories of the | Masonic Order, proceeded by the Union Company's steamer Waitaki to en route for Kawakawa, to take part in the consecration of the Northern Lighc t.odgc, under the English Constitution of Freemasonry. After a very pleasant smooth-water trip the steamer arrived at Russell at 6 o'clock next morning, and having partaken of on board the steamer, the party lelt for Kawakawa by the steamer Ida, and arrived at the train about half-past 10 o clock. Here they were received by Mr. Moody, Mr. Farr, and the Kawakawa brethren, and all arrived at their destination at 11 o'clock, when the visiting brethren were received with tho most cordial hospitality. The lodge is to be held in a very suitable and appropriate room in the Masonic H"tel, of which M r. D. Middleton is proprietor. At high noon the District Grand Lodge was opened by the V.W. Brother Dr. Goldsbro', District Grand Treasurer, who acted on this occasion as D.D.G.M., V.W. Brother W. P. Moat, D.G. Registrar, officiated ill a very impressive mann-r as Consecrating Officer. The other Grand Lodge officers present were V.W. Brother H. G. Wade, D.G. Secretary; Brother F, S. Wilcocks, D.G.J. D.; Brother Hatswell, D.G. Sword-bearer ; and Brothers Waddel and Morrison representing the English Constitution. Brother the R. W.P.G.M., 1.e., G. P. Pierce, and Brother M. A'iccol, PGD C- S.G., represented the Sister Constitutions! Brothers Crothers, Fenton, R. E. Graham, and T. Holland, were the remaining visitors from Auckland. The oeremony of consecration having been completed, Brother Ebenezer Jones was installed the first W.M. of the Northern Light l-odge, and he theu invested his officers as follows : —Brothers A. IS. Farr, S. W.; J. H. Moore, J.W.; Mark Nattrass, Secretary; Whiteman, is.!).; McClintock, I.G. ; and Frederick James, O.G. The offices of Treasurer aud Junior Deacon were left temporarily vacant. A number of gentlemeu were duly proposed for initiation at the next lodge meeting, and the lodge was then duly closed. Afterwards the brethren sat down to a really sumptuous and inviting banquet spread by Mr. Middleton in a style wnich has not often been excelled in the city, and it is needless to say that ample justice was rendered to it. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured, and that which was received with tho greatest amount of enthusiasm was the health of the host and hostess. Ihe visitors were much pleased with the lodge-room and its furniture and congratulated the Kawakawa brethren on tho excellent commencement they had made, expressing confidence that there was every indication of a course of prosperity for the brethren in that rising district. The visitors, after seeing the principal sights of the district, returned to Russell, re-embarking on board the Waitaki,

The regular quarterly communication of She Provincial Grand Lodge, 1.C., was held on the 29i1l September, in the Lodge room, Masonic Hotel, Princes-street, the R.W.P.G.M, Brother G.P. Pierce, presiding. After the regular business of the Grand Lodge had been dealt with, the election of P.O. officers for the ensuing year took place, and resulted in the following very satisfactory selection: —Brother Climo, GS.W.; Brother W. L. Mitchell, G.J.W.; Brother Kees, G. Secretary aud Treasurer; Brother the Kev. Dr. Kidd, G. Chaplain : Brother Roycroft, G.S.D.; Brother Basley, GJ. D.; Brother J. H. Burns, G. Director of Ceremonies ; Brother Heather, G. Regi-trar; Brother Crothers, Organist; Brother Page, G. Pursuivant; and Brother Porter, Graud Tyler.

The regular monthly meeting of the Eden Lodge, 8.C., was held in the Ma3rnio Hall, Newton, on September 29. Brother Carlaw, VV.M. of the lodge, presided, and amongst those on the dais were Brother Wade, P.G., secretary and P.M. of Lodge Waitemata; Brother Doual, P. M., Lodge United Service; Brother Fenton, W.M., Lodge Waitemata; Brother Warren, P.M., Lodge Waitemata and Lodge Eden; and Brother Chapman, Immediate P.M., Lodge Eden. After the lodge business had concluded, the W.M., Brother Carlaw, said he liad been delegated by the officers and brethren of Lodge Eden to perform a very pleasing duty, that was to present to their Immediate Past Master Brother Chapman a past-master's jewel, as a recognition of tne services he had' rendered durine his term of office in the chair of the"lodge. He trusted Brother Chapman would never look on that jewel but it would lead him to think of that brighter jewel up above, and that it would lead him to contemplate his inevitable destiny, and the bright and high prospects held ont in the future for all good Ma-ons. Lhe presentation was then made amid-t the hearty congratulations and good wishes of all present. The jewel is a very beautiful and valuable one. It is suspended from a broad ribbon with three handsomely chased gold clasps or cross-bars. The jewel itself is oval in shape. The obverse side encloses a blue snamel plate, which carries in gold the insignia of a P.M. On the reverse side is the following inscription:— "Presented to Brother Henry Chapman, 1.P.M., by the < fficers and Brethren of Lodge Eden 1530, 8.C., to Commemorate the Opening of the New Hall during his term of office. Jnly 27, A.D. IS3O. A.L. SSSO." —Brother Fanlder, Pa3t Treasurer of the lodge, said he could not let this presentation pasß without bearing testimony to the efficient manner in which Brother Chapman had conducted the lodge, and on looking round the hall the brethren could not fail to notice the numerous handsome gifts presented by their immsdiete Past Master. Indeed so numerous and valuable hed these been that amongst the brethren he had gained for himself the name of " the man with the open hand."—Brother Shaw, from the floor of the lodge, followed in similar, terms, adding that Brother Chapman had ruled the lodge with courtesy, gentleness, and firmness —Brother Chapman, in responding, thanked the W.M. and brethren for the handsome j*wel they bad presented to him, and tor the kindly fraternal manner in which it was presented. His duties while in the chair had been rendered extremely light by the kindly manner in which the brethren had submitted to his ruling, and the able and ready assistance he had received from the officers of the lodge. He would always prize that jewel as an emblem of the kindly feeling entertained for him by his brethren, and would always endeavour to further the interests of the lodge with which he was so closely associated. After the closeof the lodge the brethren partook of refreshments and a pleasant evening was passed.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The anniversary of the Star of Auckland Lodge of Oddfellows was celebrated on September 13 at the Choral Hall by a promenade concert and ball. This is the tiret anniversary of the American order ot oddfellowship in Auckland, but we feel sure that with the same tone and esprit >U corps future celebrations will not only maintain, but increase their popularity. The seventh anniversary soiree of the Good Samaritan Lodge of Good Templars WA3 held, at the Yoaog Men's Christian Association rooms on October 4. After an excellent tea had been pirtaken of, the concert begau. Mr. G. A. Brown, having been voted chairman, delivered a brief but interesting address on the temperance movement in America. The singing and recitations which followed were much beyond the average of amateur entertainments in merit.

VOLUNTEERING.

Large numbers of cavalry, and also civilians, attended at the butts on Sept. 11 to witness the match between five members of the three Wa ; .kato Volunteer Cavalry troops. Major Jackeon was in command. SerjeantMajor Curlew and.Captain Rutherford acted as markers. The highest individual score was made by Lieutenant Hunt, of the Hamilton Troop. There was a strong wind blowing across "the range, though calm where the allots were fired- This somewhat interfered with tbe marksman's calculations. The Te Awamotn team won, i beating the Hamilton team by two, : and ; Cambridge by five points. The • Inst, shot fired was by Trooper Cochrane, of the Hamilton.team, a centre being 'only required to beat, and an' outer' tp tie,' Te Awamute.; A f bystander drew Cochrane's attention! to the fact,, slid

At 5 o'clock the Cambridge and Hamilton teams were entertained at dinner, by their Te Awamutu competitors, at Host Lewis's hotel. Major Jackson occupied the chair. A number of visitors were also Dresent.

The third match of the Te Awamutu Troop prizes came off on October 2. The scores are as follow :—

The totals of Saturday ore added to the totals obtained by the same men at the Ist and 2nd matches in August and September, when the grand totals will stand as follow : —Corporal Macfarlaue, 156 ; Trooper Graham, 156; Lieut. R. Bruce, 145; Sergeant Walters, 134; Trooper H. Short, 123; Trooper R. Farrell, 120; Trooper Samuel Short, 113.

CRICKET.

The annual meeting of the members of the North Shore Cricket Club was held in the club room, Masonic Hotel, Devenport, on the 15th September, and was well attended. The report and balance-sheet for the past year were read and adopted. The report showed that the club had been fairly successful during last season—amongst the matches won being two against the United Club. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of 10s. The annual subscription to the club was fixed at 10s 6d, payable in advance. Tuesdays and Thursdays were appointed general practice days, when every member of the club will be expected to put in an appearance. Members not attending practices not to be allowed to play iu matches. It was also decided that players should appear in the club uniform at all matches. Several new members were elected, and there is every probability of the clab being able to place a good eleven in the field during the coming season. The following officers were elected, viz. :—President, Mr. W. J. Hurst, M.H.R. ; vicepresidents, Mr. J. B. Russell and Captain E. W. Burgess; secretary and treasurer, Mr. S. McGechie; committee, Messrs. F. Wells, O. Burgess, R. Wynyard, W. Swanson, A. Waterhouse, and C. Dacre. Siuce by the exertions of several gentlemen, a recreation ground has been provided for the district, a hope was expressed that advantago j would ere long be taken of the grant of land, and a good wicket made. Little beyond a practice wicket can be done this season, but it is anticipated that by next season a match ground will be available. The annnal meeting of the Cambridge Cricket Club was held in the Duke of Cambridge Hotel on September 17 at 8.30 p.m., when the following business was transacted. Last year's balance-sheai and report were read by the secretary and confirmed, and great satisfaction was expressed that although several accounts of long standing had been paid off which had been contracted by a club formed some time previous to the present one, there was s'illagood balance in hand to start with this season The following honorary officers were then elected for the ensuing year Dr. Waddngton, president (re-elected); Major Wilson, vice-president; ".Mr. C. D. Mackintosh, captain (re-elected); Mr. Charles Rhodes, secretary and treasurer (re-elected); and Messrs. Arthur B. Stubbing, Malcolm Stubbing, H. Whitehorne Moore, Robert Kirkwood, and EL E. Cotton, committee. The subscription to be the same as heretofore, 5s per annum. A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded to the gentlemen who held office last year for the great pains taken by them to make the past season a successful one. It was decided to present a bat to the best average all-round player for ithis season. A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. The Thames Cricket Club held their annual meeting at the Governor Bowes Hotel on the ISth September. There was a fair attendance of the members. Mr. D. R. Gellion occupied the chair. The treasurer's report and balance-sheet were read and adopted', and the following officebearers were elected for the ensuing year: —President, Mr. T. Spencer; vicepresident, Mr. L. V.hrenfried; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. T. A. Murphy ; committee, Messrs. G. A. Burgess, T. Lawless, W. Grey, R. Harrison, and W. Frater. A match committee and two auditors were also elected. Cordial votes of thanks were passed to Mr. R. Graham for the use of the practice ground on the WaioKaraka Flat, and to Mr. T. A. Murphy for his services on behalf of the club last year. It is hoped that, with the additional advantages which have been Becured, the strength of the club will bo considerably increased during the coming season. The second annnal meeting of the Helensville Cricket Club was held in the Courthouse, Helensville, on Monday evening, the 20th of September,—Mr. H. O. Sraeaton in the chair. Mr. H. O. Smeaton was elected captain for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were elected as a committee: Messrs. J. A. Walker, Andrew McLeod, James McLeod, C. Bacon, and Mr. Cahill secretary and treasurer. It wae resolved that the opening match should be played on the first Saturday in October, Eleven against All-comers. It was also resolved that a match be played with the Mahurangi Club about the end of October.

The fourth annnal meeting of the Otahuhu United Cricket Club was held at the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, on Wednesday

evening, September 22, Mr. S. Luke in the chair. ~ Mr. C. A. Bowden was elected President, Mr. S. Luke Vice-President for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were elected as a committee :—Messrs. \V. Porch, N. Porch, W. Day, H. Jackson, andD. Chapman. Mr. C. Bowden, jun., was re-elected Secretary and Treasurer. It was resolved, "That the opening mitch should be played on the first Saturday in October, Eleven against All Comers." A. vote of thanks to the ontgoing officers and committee, and to Mr. C. A. Bowden for the use of his paddock for play, brought the meeting to a clos-*. The nineteenth annual meeting of the Auckland United Cricket Club was held on Sept. 23 at the club room, Thames Hotel. The secretary read the report and balancesheet, and the following gentlemen were then elected on the committee for the ensuing year :—President; the Hon. F. Whitaker ; vice-presidents : Judge Fenton, Major Lambert. Mr. VT. F. Buckland, and Mr. C. A. Harris j committee * Messrs. ates, Mumford, Lankham, Kobinson, F. Dafaur, and C. Dacre; secretary and treasurer, Mr. 0. E. MacCormick. The following new members were elected: Messrs. C. Dacre, J. Testro, W. George, A. Grant, H. Shove, A. Cromwell, E. Ellis, A. MacCormick, G. Swanson. McDermott, and E. Whiteside. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. The opening cricket match of the soaeon was played at Alexandra, on Sept. 25, in the Government paddock, between the Alexandra and To Awamutu Clubs. It was a successful one. By agreement, the stumps were drawn at half-past 5, which gave Alexandra tho victory in the first innings. The ' following are the names of the teams :—Alexandra : Grierson (captain), Lang, J. Higginson, Briodley, Nicholson, ljelaney, C. Bond, Gerraus, Box, Manktelow, and Lees. Te Awamutu : W. Bond (captain), T. Bond, C. Hunter, E. Pilling, Miller, Bodilly, Jervaine, Smith, McCabe, Worthington, Boyd- Tho following are the scores : — Alexandra: First innings, 57; second innings, 82. Te Awamutu: First innings, 51; for the second innings, Te Awamutu had lost one wickc6 for 25 runs. The visitors were entertained at lunchoon on the ground. The fourth annual meeting of ,the Itemnera Crictet Clnb Waß held in the Remuera Hall on Monday evening, September 27ilii Mr-'W. F. Bnckland in the chair. The following 'gentlemen were placed on the committees for tb&'ensuingp'yearMessrs;A-. Tonts, F. Georgei B. Scarborough,, W. Cheeaeman, and-ft, Young. Mr. D. Tonka

was elected secretary and treasurer. After some discussion it was resolved to amalgamate with the Epsom Club. Several new members were elected, after which a vote of thanks to the outgoing officers and to the chairman terminated the meeting.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Cricket Club was held at the Thames Hotel at 5 o'clock on Tuesday, Octobers. Mr. McMurdo I was chosen chairman. The report of last [ season showed that out of thirteen matches played, seven had been won by the club, three lost, and three were drawn. Mr. VY. W. Robinson held first place in the batting averages, and Mr. Beal was most successful with the ball. Tbe following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing season : —Patron, Sir George Grey; President, Mr. T. Peacock; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. E. K. Tyler and C. A. Harris. Committee: — Messrs. McMnrdo, Robinson, Coates, A. M. Beale, P. Earl, and Irviue. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. W. V. Biudon. It was resolved that the secretary confer with the secretaries of the other clubs with a view to arranging a programme for the season. Thirteen new members were elected. A vote of thanks to the out-going officers and another to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

FOOTBALL.

The football match on Sept. 25 between the employes of Messrs, T. and S. Morriu and Messrs. E. Porter and Co. was productive of considerable interest and amusement. Taking into consideration the fact that the bulk of the players were altogether now to the game, the play was on the whole very creditable. During the first term no score was made by either side, though Porters', kicking down hill, had the best of it. In the second, Swanson scored a touchdown for Morrins' between the posts; but the place by Whowell failed. The third term saw Porters' working hard, and Culpan, pressing up the ball smartly, got a try; but Moginie, in kicking, failed to clear the goal posts. Another try was gained by Culpan, which Moginie converted into a gaol. On commencing the final term, the score stood: Porter, 1; Morrin, 2. Porters', working well up the hill, allowed Culpan to obtain a try near corner-post; but no goal resulted from tbe place-kick. After this, Morrins' became desperate, and through a good run of Cooke's, the ball was brought down to Porters' goal, whence Lewis got in, aud scored a try. Cooke took the place, and kicked a goal. The match ended in a victory for Porters' by two points. Both sides played hard, and, despite a want of knowledge of the rules, they succeeded in making a good game, for Porters', Culpan and Lees did all the running, while Moginie as back collared well, but his kicking lacks judgment. (in Morrins' side, Cook did most of the kicking, assisted occasionally by Whewell. Among the forwards Lewis worked hardest, collaring well, and being always on the ball. A band was on the ground during the match, and we were pleased to see the heads of both houses present, taking an evident interest in the game.

AQUATICS.

The annual meeting of the Ponsonhy Rowiog Club was held at the Ponsonby Club Hotel, on September 25, and was well attended. Mr. James Stodart occupied the chair. The hon. secretary and treasurer (Mr. T. D. Halstead) read the committee's report for the year ending 25th Sept. The balanc -sheet Bhowed that the receipts had been £40 15a, and the expenditure £38 15s sd ; leaving a balance in hand of £1 19s 71. The total assets were estimated at £101 0i 7d : liabilities, £11 4s 61; net assets, £90 5a Id. The report and balancesheet having been adopted, a vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers, who were unanimously re-elected, with the exception of a slight change in the personnel of the committee caused by the retirement of two gentlemen, Messrs. Mahouey and D. ft. Bvans being selected in their stead. It was resolved that the entrance fee and the subscription fee be £1 each, but that junior members be only charged the entrance fee. the subscription being omitted in their case. An addition *;o rule 4 was adopted in the following terms:—"That the committee be empowered to allow intending members the privilege of membership pending their election at a general meeting of members providing no objection is raised under rule 3." A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. The annual meeting of the Auckland Rowing (Jlub, held at the Waitemata Hotel, on Sept. 2S, was fairly attended. Mr. T. Henderson occupied the chair. The report for the year ending Sep. 30th was then read. The election of officers was then proceeded with. Mr. J. M. Clark was chosen president, Mr. Henry Brett, vice-president; Mr. Thomas Henderson, junr., captain ; Mr. James Dacre, treasurer, and Mr. John Marshall, secretary, the latter three gentlemen being re elected. The committee consists of Messrs. A. Aitken, D. Oxley, C. Dacre, W. Black, and G. N. Pierce. It waE decided to hold the opening procession on October ltith, if possible, it being left with the captain to consult the Pousonby anc' North Shore Clobs, to ascertain if that day would suit them. A proposal to have a brass band in attendance upon the procession met with favorable consideration. It was further arranged to have, if possible, a race, after the procession, for five cups, the gift of Mr. Marshall. After several new members had been elected, the proceedings were terminated by a vote of thauks to the Chairman.

The aannal meeting of the North Shore lowing Clnb was held at the Masonic Hotel on October 5. Mr. C. Burgess in the Ihe annual report having been read was adopted. The following officers were elected : Mr. W. Buchanan, president; Mr. J. Bin nett, vice-president; Mr. E. W. Burgess, captain ; Mr. W. Sibbin, secretary : Mr. C. Burgess, treasurer; Messrs. A. Buchanan, J. Sims, S. McGechie, T. J. Brassey, and A. Fraser, committee. The committee were authorised to proeure a new string test gig either from Sydney or Melbourne. Several new members were elocted. It was decided to take part in the opening procession on the ICth October. A meeting of the Intercolonial Outrigger Race Committee was held at the Waitemata hotel on October 7. The following gentlemen were present: Messrs. T. Henderson, M. Gallagher, A. Whitaker, Dj. Oxley, T. Barron, Capt. Nearing, and the hon. secretary, Mr. T. D. Halstnad. Mr. T. Henderson in the chair. Twelve applications were received from parties .willing to row in the forthcoming champion four - oared outrigger race, and Messrs. T. Henderson and I). Oxley were appointed as a subto select the crew and a trainer.

LAW.

The Crown Sittinge of the Quarterly Circuit Court opened before Mr. Justice Richmond on the 4th of the month, and concluded on tho 7tli. The calender was numerically light, but some of the offence 9 charged were of a serious character. Two were crimes of unusual enormity, committei by a native of the Xew Hebrides, who was but a few days in the colony. He first struck down his master's son and another boy with a hatchet. He then went into an open road, and meeting or ovei taking an uususpecting man cleft his skull in two. He pleaded guilty, but there was some doubt as to the technical effect of the plea, and a jury was empannelled, who returned their verdict, and the wretched culprit was sentenced to be hanged. The offence next in heinous degree was a charge of rape againßt a lad of 17 years of age, upon a child of 10 years. He was found guilty, sentenced tu three months' imprisonment, and two floggings with tho cat-o'-nine tails. This case elicited from the learned judge some very forcible remarks upon the growth of "larrikin" lioya iu these colonieß, who are likely to contribute to a future criminal class. The other cases were of the ordinary description, horsestealing by Maoris or liuropean vagrants, larcenies.in dwelling-houses, and the like. The Civil Sittings commence to day. There were nine cases Bet down in tho cause list, but four of them have been settled.

DEAMA.

. The Liugards concluded their seaßon of six weeks at tbe Theatre Koyal on .Monday night last, when the performance was for the beneiit of Mrs. Lingard. They have been doing a fairly profitable business They drew some very large houses. "Our Boys" is still the favourite with the Auckland public, who crowd the theatre whenever the Liogards play it.

OBITUARY.

Wairoa South district was cast into a state of gloom on the 7th September oa account of the death of Mr. Joseph Bell, the younger son of Mr. John Bell, of the Wairoa Koafi, after a lingering illness*. He was the SeniorCorporal of the Wairoa Rifle Volunteers, and the company decided to give the deceased-;a military funeral,, which took place on the 9th Sept., at 2 p.m.. The.fiev. Mr. Hall read the faneral seryica in a very affecting

manner. The volunteers mustered in full force. They were under the command of Captain|B&in. Lientenant Crawford and SubLieutenant Kerr were present. There was a firing and carrying party under the command of Sub-lieutenant Kerr. It was one of the largest attended _ funerals ever seen in Wairoa. The deceased was une of the beat rifle shots in the compmy, and if he had lived would have made his mark in rifle shooting. A very general feeling of regret was expressed on Sept. 22, when the death of Captain Sellars, at Tauranga, became known throughout the city. Captain Cellars' name has been familiar to the Auckland public for many years as a favourite trader on the East Coast. For nearly a quarter of a century ho has been trading out of Auckland both in sailing vessels and steamers, principally to Tauranga. For some time he commanded the steamer Tauranga, which was lost with all hands off the Whangarei Heads. Latterly he commanded the Rowena, from whioh he was tracsferred to the s.b. Fiugal, engaged in keeping up steam communication between T'airua. Mercury Bay, and Tauranga. The complaint from which

he was suffering proved to be of a grave character, and he Buccumbed to it at an early hour on the above date. The funeral of Mrs. Edger, wife of the Rev. Samuel Edger, took place on Sept. 23. The deceased lady was of a retiring and unassuming disposition, and in accordance with her last wishes there was no mourning worn, and the arrangements of her interment were so conducted as to avoid needleeß display. A brief service was held by the Rev. Mr. Edger at the residence, and also a similar one at the cemetery, but the whole proceedings were of a private character. The remains of the late Captain D. Sellars were interred on September 23, in the Tauransa cemetery, the Rev. P. S. Hay officiating. Four of the oldest inhabitants of the place acted as pall bearers—viz., Messrs. S. L. Clarke, J.F., T. Wrigley, A. Warbrick, and Captain Tunks. The whole of the shops in town were closed during the afternoon, as a mark of respect to the deceased's memory.

Mi-. William Rigby, an English gentlenun, a recent arrival from England, died suddenly at his residence, Mount St. John, on September 29. The deceased gentleman arrived in Lyttelton some mouths ago, with his wife and family, in the s.s. Norfolk, and came on to Auckland, arriving bore on the 22ud of June. Since their arrival Mr. Kigby has resided in a house at the foot of Mount St. John, the property of Mr. James Dilworth, with his family, and has since enjoyed excellent health. He has made many friends during his brief residence in Auckland, and being a prominent and enthusiastic Freemason, he attend d a'good many lodge meetings. Before his departure from Englaud he had gained the dignity of Past Provincial Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge of Cheshire. On September 28' he complained of being troubled with a bad cold, ai-.d passed a sleepless night, According to his usual custom, he got up early on September 29, but was unable to resume his customary avocations, and had to return to bed. Mrs. Rigby suggested sending for a doctor, and after some demur he consented, remarking that it was the first time in his life he had done so. He became unconscious soon afterwards, and was still unconscious when the doctor arrived. In fact, he never recovered consciousness, and after living for about twelve hours in this state he expired. Mr. Rigby was 49 yearß of age. He was accompanied to the colony by his wife, three daughters, three Bons, and a son-in-law, Mr. Pearson. One son is left in England, and another, who is employed at Messrs. Banks and Co.'sstation, Otabuhu, was telegraphed for as soon as it became apparent that his father's state was critical. The deceased, before his departure from England, was a shipbroker in Liverpool. It will be seen from our obituary column that another of the early pioneers of the provinoe has passed away in the person of Mr. Andrew Rooney, whose death took place at his residence, Epsom, on Sunday morning, at the advanced age of 76. The deceased wa3 well known to all the old residents of Auckland. Mr. Rooney arrived in Sydney in IS3B, where he stayed but a short time, and came on to Auckland in 1841, shortly after the foundation of the colony. Be entered into business in the boot and shoe trade, which he carried on successfully, and his placc of business in Queen street was at one time the favourite rendezvous of Auckland politicians to discuss politics or for the inauguration of movements in the cause of social progress. Mr. Rooney took an active share in the leading events of that period. For many years past he had retired from active business, though always ready to assist in developing the industries of the province, in some of which enterprises his speculations proved unsuccessful owing to circumstances over which he had no control. In private life ho was of a charitable disposition, aud in the days of his prosperity was ever active in assisting the distressed and the unfortunate. He leaves a widow, with a son and daughter unmarried, besides five married daughters, and a large number of grand and great-grandchildren. Mr. Rooney was a native of Belfast. In his death the Masonic order lose a very old and zealous aud respected member. He was one of the founders of Lodge Ara, the earliest in Auckland, of which he was one of the trustees till his decease.

Tho remains of the 1.-vte Mr. Hamilton Newall, who died on October 1 were carried to the grave on October 3, accompanied by a large concourse of monrnera. Mr. Newall was one of the old pioneer Waikato settlers, and long a resident of this township. He was a member of the Orange Constitution, a Past Master and leading member of the Royal Irish Black Preceptory, and the funeral was conducted with full Orange honours, Deputy Grand Master Knox and & number of members of the Order attending from Hamilten and other parts of Waikato. The funeral took place at 2 p.m., in order to allow those coming from a distance to return to tbcir homes before dark. One of the crew of H.M.S. Danae, named John Ringrose, a private in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, died suddenly on September 30 of heart disease. Deceased was a native of Yorkshire, and aged about thirtyfive years. He was buried at the Church of England • Cemetery on Octber 1, the remains being followed to the grave by his shipmateswho marched in imposing style after the coffin, except the firing-party, which preceded it with arms reserved.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A handsome memorial window, of stained glass, which has recently arrived from London to order of Mrs. Stephenson, the widow of the late Mr. J. Y. Stephenson, is about to be placed in the cbauccl of St. Luke's Presbyterian Chutch, Remuera, in commemoration of his memory, and of which church he was an esteemed member and elder. The window is Gotliie, and is divided into a three-light by two moulded mullions. Each of these lights has got a pointed head. Between the two side lights, aud over the centre one, the tracery takes tho form of a rose, and ovi-r the two side lights the form of a triangle. In the centre light is a figure of the Saviour in the attitude of addressing the multitudu, and uuderneath the words, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Behind the figure is an architectural background. On tho lefthand light is a design, representing the Saviour blessing little children, the background being filled in with palm trees, and beneath the words, " For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." On the right-hand light is the sceno of Christ healing the blind beggar, underneath which is inscribed the Saviour's injunction, " Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash." All the figures and scenes are worked ont in stained glass, of appropriate colours. Underneath the figures in each light is an ornamental panel of stained glass. In the centre is a quartrefoil containing a square inside it, and in the square the legend, "God is Love." The two flanking panels are also filled with quartrefoils, worked out in various devices with stained glass. Underneath these panels again is a space for the following inscription " In memory of James Xoung Stephenson. Born, Bt. September, 1836; died, 9th December, 1878." The tracery in the upper part of the window is filled in with choice desigus in stained glass: In the centre of the rose is a figure of a dove flying downwards, and in the left-hand triangle the letters " 1.H.5.," while in that on the right are the Greek characters " Alpha and Omega," in the fortn of a monogram. Between the rose and the head of the centre light, oo either side, are spaces filled in with the motto, "Perfect love casteth out fear." Tho margin of the rose ia occupied with a series of choice' deviceß. . The memorial window will be onV of the most handsome of its kind that yet been : ere<;'ted in any of our It is from Jdessrs. Cox and Son, of London, < the design being selected by Mrs. Stephenson, from a number submitted,, and will be : seven feet in width,.with a height at' thet centre of 'seventeen feet six inches.- "'The frame-work of the window, which will be of

i elaborate design, is being executed at the factory of the Union Sash and Door Company, and the contract for its erection at St Lake's has been undertaken by Mr. George Heron, who will fulfill it under the supervision of Messrs. Mahoney and Son. archi tects.

Local industries have progressed steadily with the advancement of the Waikato township, and really some of oar local manufactures are equal to anything produced in Urge centres of population. Mr. I. ft. Vialon has extensive workshops in Hamilton, bat at the present moment it is only intended to notice some very remarkable handsome specimens of carriage building jast turned out from his establishment. These consist of two buggies and a waggonette. These are entirely manufactured on the premises —from the first taking in hand of the rough wood and iron, to the painting, varnishing, and upholstery work. The baggies are equal in 3treDgth, lightness, style and iinish, to the best imported goods of the kind, and so too is the waggonette. Pursuant to an announcement, the degreeof " Bachelor of Laws" was on Sept. 17 conferred upon Mr. R. H. Rattray, by the Kev. David Bruce, acting for the Chancellor, who had appointed him his deputy for that purpose. There was a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen present. The platform was occupied by the Deputy Chancellor, His Honor Mp. Justice Richmond, Sir G. M. O'Rorke, His Worship the Mayor, Messrs. Clark, Hesketh (Board of Grammar School Governors) ; Messrs. Moat, Dargaville, Prime, Luke, May (Board of Education) ; members of the City Council, Dr. Goldsbro', Revs. Nelson, Tebbs, Runcimau, Buddie, S. Edger, and others.

The value of land in the Waiknto, wo are glad to learn, i'b steadily rising;. The farm known as Pancarrow, belonging to Mr. W. L. Martyn, situated between Hamilton and Cambridge, h»s during the last few days been purchased at £10 per acre by two gentlemen from England. The farm consists of over a thousand acres, and was one of the first farms taken up in the di-trict, Mr. Martvn having purchased it from the Maoris in 1865. The Messrs. Pearson may be congratulated on being the owners of one of the best properties in the district. Tawhiao is at present keeping his people busily employed on a large waireoga, or cultivation, whioh he is forming in the bush ■between Hikurangi and Kawhia. The Kingites assume an attitude of the utmost iodifferenceto what is passing in Taranaki. Some Maoris allied with the Waikato tribes have " got into trouble" there lately through their fencing proclivities, but Tawhiao's followers say that it serves them right, and all this comes of their leaving their legitimate monarch and putting faith in a usurper. Dr. Skae, the Colonial Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, having been requested by the Minister for Education to make an examination of the children committed and maintained at the Orphanage, Mount St. Mary s Convent, Ponsonby, has paid several visits to the institution, accompanied by Mr. J. A. Tole, M H.R., and is reported to have expressed himself as well satisfied with the manner in whioh the Lady Superioress and her assistants superintend the teaching, care, and bringing up of the inmates. The ladies at 'L'e Awamutu and at Kihikihi are busily engaged in getting up a bazaar, to come off during the cavalry drill week, in November, in aid of the funds required for the erection of an English church at Kihikihi. At present service is conducted in a not very commodious sclioolhouse, and the need of a small but properly-appointed building for the purpose is much felt.

So far aB we can ascertain, the New Zealand Government are taking ho steps in regard to the coming of Sir Arthnr Gordon from Fiji to this colony. The captain of H.M. s. Danae, now in port, has received a telegram from the Commodore at Sydney, saying that he would probably have to go to Fiji with his vessel, to bring Sir Arthur Gordon, and therefore to hold himself in readiness. A. Maori prophet has arisen in Hawkc's Ray, who has christened tho Te Aute river the Jordan. Tho Napier natives not proving as credulous as he expected, he beat a hasty retreat, coming to the Wairarapa. where, according to the ifairarapa Daily, be is trying to make mischief. He predicts a second deluge, in which the Europeans will be the victims, and the Maoris rescued by the gods. The natives owning land in the interior, south of the settled district of Waikato, are now anxious to sell, and are freely offering blocks. There is, however, no symptom of movement amongst the Kingites. They are as obstinate as ever, and are even mere resolute in maintaining their seclusion than they formerly were. Malcolm Taylor, of Te Awamutu, who recently sold hii farm, has purchased Mr. Bruce's farm at Rangiaohia, of 170 acres, for £15 per acre. Mr. Bruce's farm is jnat opposite Mr. Storey's, and contains some of the richest land in this district. It speaks well for Waikato when land is purchased at these rates by old Waikato residents. The production of coal from the Waikato Company's mine is steadily increasing, the output for the last month having been between 1600 and 1700 tons. The brigantinn Clansman is now taking in a cargo of 260 tons for Oamaru. We are sorry to learn that Sir George Grey still continues ill at Kawau. His leg troubles him greatly, and he is not likely to take any active political part for some considerable time. At the Lorne-street Hall on Sept. 10, Willis, a local pedestrian, attempted to walk 108 miles in 24 hours, but succumbed after accomplishing 63 miles.

beooming ncrvoua he missed the target attogother. The following are the scores :— TE AWAMUTU TEAM. 200yda. 300yds. 400yds. Tl. Lieut. Bruce 15 11 12 38 Sub-Lieut. Wilkinson 10 13 9 38 Corporal ftlacfarlane (Champion Belt) 15 11 5 31 Trooper Graham ... 14 10 8 32 Trooper Monro ... 16 10 14 40 Grand Total ... 179 HAMILTON TROOP. Lieut. Johnson ... 13 12 10 35 Sub-Lieut. Hunt ... 15 13 14 42 -Sergeant Uiddler ... 1L 10 G 27 Trooper Young ... 11 12 12 35 Trooper Cochrane ... 15 14 9 38 Gfond Total ... 177 CAMBRIDGE TROOP. Lieut. Fisher ... 14 12 5 31 Sergeant Howe ... 15 12 7 34 Sergeant Mcintosh ... 15 13 5 33 Trooper Fergusson ... 15 16 9 40 Trooper Forrest ... 13 11 15 39 Grand Total ... 174

200 250 300 400 Tl. Gorpl. Blacfarlane... 15 12 16 C 49 Trooper Graham ... 14 11 13 12 50 Lieut. R. Brace ... 15 13 12 13 Sergeant Walters ... 15 15 13 12 55 Trooper H. Short ... 12 12 9 10 43 Trooper E. Farrell... 15 9 10 4 38 Trooper S. Short ... 15 9 S 8 40