THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1881.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6099, 4 June 1881, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1881.

If the .speech made by Mr, Oliver on Thursday at Dunedih had been only a weak one we would have been disposed ito. extend to it trie consideration which jweakriess but as.'it is not jonly a weak speech, but "a speech" full of artifice and transparent misrepresentation, we must' say that it is one'any thing but creditable to the man who" uttered it. The. distinction justifies the comment if we can establish it, and the task is- an easy one. We are entitled to resent the attempt of. an ex--1 Minister and a member of the legislature mislead the public by substituting guile—very sorry guile—for honesty of statement. The assumption that in politics,; as in love and war, everything is fair, is but an extension of a very mean and disreputable saying. Except when he deals with facts, there is scarcely a passage in Mr. Oliver's speech which is not a misrepresentationJ He does that which will be as unpalatable to Conservatives as to Liberals ; lie assumes a similaz'ity of political views, and insists that the present Government cannot be less Liberal than its predecessor, since it adopted its measures in favour of triennial Parliaments and a redistribution of seats. It is satisfactory that the Government has adopted this course, but Mr. Hall will probably think himself well rid of a colleague who thinks so little of public perception that he believes it cannot distinguish between measures instigated by principle and their adoption by others as a matter of policy. The Government deserves credit for adapting itself to public opinion, and hence much of the support it has received. But Mr. Hall "would be the first to admit that, had triennial Parliaments and a redistribution of seats not been previously mooted, he would have treated them as sleeping dogs and allowed them to lie. Mr. Oliver is well aware that a broad ling of demarcation separates Liberals and Conservatives ; he must know too that there are men who will nob go as far as the one and yet farther than the other, and it was a shallow as well as a worn-out pretence to say that Conservative and Liberal are convertible terms, people are not to be fooled in this fashion.

Then, what says Mr. Oliver about the proposed change in the mode of electing the members of the Legislative Council 1 He remarks that, on the whole, the Council has done very well, but that Upper Houses in other colonies have not, and so a change must be inade because it is not required—but may be. Really this speaker is the weakest of vessels. It-is something quite new for a State to make a change for fear that content to-day it may be discontented to-morrow.. "We are sorry for Mr. Oliver. If he could speak no bettor than this silence would have been infinitely wiser. Ho touched upon an income tax, and still the wonder grows. He objected to it because it did not reach wealth;, as a man did not pay as much when he earned little as when he earned much. The absurdity is the sole property of Mr. Oliver, and speaks for itself. He referred to the property tax, and made the rejoinder to the assertion that. it would prevent money coming into the country that it had . not done so. Yet, if Mr. Oliver is | capable of knowing anything, he should be aware that money has come into the colony, not because the property tax is , not discouraging, but because so dire is the necessity for finding investments for English capital that it must come, property tax or no property tax. If he had consulted any banker he would have told him as much. He would have told him more—that the ever j diminishing results from the investment I of money in England will eventually I cause an enormous influx of capital into I the colonies y that it is inevitable. Touching on retrenchment, Mr. Oliver [ claimed for ; the Government that it had brought it about, not the" legislature, 'as if it could be forgotten that the crude but efiective scheme for diminishing expenditure emanated from "the House of. Representatives. The Government" : has done : much 'fco ■ reestablish; the. fitiances, and in this and .in. other respects enjoys a, great deal of confidence; land deserves it; but the setting up such illusions -as those of which Mr! OKver has been the exponent is the' best possible way to weaken its position. Mr. Oliver is brim full of loyalty to his late colleagues, which redounds to his credit; but of discretion he does not appear to possess one iota.

The speech of Sir Wm. Fox, though not that of a Minister, derives importance from the functions he has discharged as a Commissioner with regard to the native question, and the

closeness o£ the_relations between, himself and the n Government. Much of it goes over old ground, but the statement is, on the whole, fair, although there are portions of it provocative of dissent. It might have Tseen expected that, with regard to the question of native lands, Sir "Win. Pox would have offered some valuable suggestions, and it is somewhat disappointing, therefore, to find that he contented himself with a review of the past. On the education question he expressed himself with reserve, considering that the existing system should not be interfered with for the present, but remarking that the cost was great, suggesting that the duty of the State should be confined to elementary instruction, and observing that the instruction given in small country schools was not efficient. There is much to be- said for some of these points, but there can be no doubt that Sir Wm. Fox is right when he suggests that for the present no attempt should be made to alter the existing system. On the subject of local self government Sir William Fox is sound so fax , as he goes, but he says nothing of the.extension of the system with the object of lessening the work of Parliament, and of the public departments. We regret this, because we should have liked tojiave. found in him a staunch supporter of decentralisation. There is one point in which his speech will be acceptable in this district. He considers that there is too much local machinery, and he goes with those who would sweep away the county councils, and retain the highway boards, fEEe does not see his waj , , however, with jregard to revenue, and we believe with 'him that the Government; will not touch the matter during the forthcoming session. Sir William Fox has made ia sound and sensible speech, greatly jinintsterial of course, but with no more Preference to political opponents than ithe circumstances necessitated. ' '

;The judgment of the Court in'the case of the : Tai-arua ia not of a nature to call for lengthened comment from us, as the conclusions come to after a prolonged investigation aru almost the same as set forth by us jwhen the accounts of the. occurrence were first published. The Court, which was composed of most competent men, says "that 'the wreck and loss of life was primarily 'caused through the ; failure of the imaster, Francis George , 'Garrard, t<;. a«cer- : jtain, : ' at. 4 , a.m. -on the 29th "oil April, ithe correct position of: his. ship." The ! judgment does not hesitate; and endeavour. ;to balance, as not a.few'.'of ' such findings do, ;bxit is distinct and.:clear, , .not only on the points which they believe caused the wreck, but on the'.occurrences--afterwards. The : members of the Court have evidently kept their duty before them, and refused to be led away by any mere sentimentalism. As i such inquiries .are instituted mainly for 1 the purpose of so ascertaining the cause of a wreck that the .. blame may be laid on the right shoulders, and that wrecks may be prevented in future, this is obviously the only right course. We may say, however, that we expected a heavier share of th« blame would have been laid on the first mate, - who. seems to have simply obeyed orders like a seaman, without giving the vessel the benefit of his skill, or reflection, or judgment.. The recommendation of the Court will no doubt be attended to by the Government, so far as lies within their sphere ; and it is to be hoped that the company will see that the reforms which have been shown to be necessary in their service, are carried out. Upon the company, indeed, rests the chief responsibility.

At a meeting of tho committee of the Council of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association held yesterday, arrangements were made for offering certain additional prizes at the coming show in November. Prizes are to be offered for the best crops of certain kinds, and for the best cultivated farm on the rotation principle. There is a vagueness about this last offer which it would be well to clear up in time. What kind of rotation of crops is desired ? Scarcely two farmers would be agreed upon this point, and when rotation farming becomes more common, it will be probably found that while a seven years' rotation may be best on some farms, on others a shorter period would give better results, a five year, or even a four course. Advocates will be found for a rotation of various lengths ; and while no rule is laid down on this point, how are the judges to be guided ? Without some definition of terms on this point, it would be like offering prizes for the best and second best horses, without any attempt at classification. The method of cropping when a seven years' system is adopted, is necessarily very different from the one adopted when the rotation is completed in four years, and if each be equally well worked, is it to be left to the judges to pronounce judgment upon the merits of the two systems of rotation ? It is not to decide such a point we presume that the judges will b≤ appointed, nor would it bo fair to compare vmequals together. In ploughing matches it is not customary to compare the work done by wheel ploughs with" that done by swing ploughs, and it would be equally out of place to compave a three or four-year course system with one of longeu duration. There is plenty of time to make the decision of the committee clear on these points, and it is to be hoped that nothing will be left undone to make such competitions as attractive as possible. Messrs. Lamb and T. and S. Morrin have offered special prizes for certain things at the coming ploughing match to be held on the 22nd instant, and it would be well that more of our wealthy citizens took an equal interest in encouraging agricultural enterprise and excellence.

v The barque Avona, from London, anchored ott the Queen-street Wharf about 7 o'clock last night. Soon afterwards, a waterman's boat went alongside, 'and the first greeting its occupants received from the master was the question, " Where are your Auckland pilots ?" It appears that the vessel passed Tiri at 5 o'clock with a strong easterly breeze, and the captain continued his course down Rmigitoto Channel, fully expecting to be boarded by a pilot, but none appeared. When dnsk changed to darkness, and while in the channel, he burned two blue lights as a signal, but without'avail. Captain Martin thought it better to continue on, for having been here about eighteen months ago, he had a slight knowledge of the lurbdur.- After rounding the North Head, another blue light- was exhibited, but without result, so he came right up the harbour himself.

At a meeting of the local Board of Health (composed of the Mayor and councillors of the city of Auckland) two important reports were submitted by Mr. Goldie, Inspector under the Act. The first was in regard to the necessity for providing public urnials in the city. The second was of a more serious nature, in reference to the existence of contagious diseases in the city. On this subject ho had applied to ten medical gentlemen, and received reports from three, one reporting, a case of scarlatina, the second.a case of typhus fever in Freeman's Bay, in a building adjoining Spppett's bone mill, and a third a case of typhoid fever, the subject being a Chinaman.. The Inspector reports that the health of the city is on the whole good, and that disease is much more prevalent in the suburbs than in the cicy. No doubt this happy state of things is largely due to the superior drainage and the excellent water supply in the : city. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere. ........ -

Valuable testimony as: to the superiority of kauri timber comes from Tonga. Captain Bane, of the brigantine infonns us that a college at Tongatabu, built many years a«o of several kinds of timber, including Uaxiri, has recently been razed. The kauri was found to be quite sound, whereas every other description of timber was decayed. The result is that kauri is now taking the place of the American and Australian woods formerly used in this group. The reason kauri has hitherto been ko little in favour is that large quantities of gap wood and kahikatea were ab one time sent thither and sold as first-class kauri to those who knew no better.

: The Auckland Institute and Museoni will be open fromj2 to 5 o'clock to-day as well, as in the evening, from half-past 7 o clock. The afternoon exhibition will be a special boon to country visitors. In the evening there will be several novelties. Toe electric light will be shown, the whole o£ the lathes and other machinery will be driven by the water engine. If. the comet should come into view it will be observed through the teleseopes. It. is to be hoped that a, sufficient fund maybe realised to setup and mount the splendid specimens which the Council of the Institute have in their possession. The public are also interested in having their museum as well stocked as possible with objects of natural history repreisenting the fauna of the colonies. The microscopbic objects at the conversazione of the Auckland Institute and , Museum this evening will include specimens of flour, bran, meal, and sharps ground from the cereals grown in this provincial district. These samples have been presented by Mr. John Lamb. The examination of these things under the microscope will be one of the most interesting, curious, and entertaining features of the evqning.

A peculiar case came up at the Police Court yesterday, in which a, respectable working man was arraigned on the serious charge of embezzling the money of his employer. The principal witness for the prosecution was Christopher Greenaway, who swore positively that he: paid the amount in question (£1) to the accused on behalf of his employer, George Wilson, contractor for the removal of nightsoil, and produced a receipt which he swore was signed by the accused in his presence. He said the account was : brought to his private house by the accused, I and receipted by the latter after he had paid him. the money; The document, from the face of it, was manifestly written at the one time with tKe same pen and the same ink. Greenaway, either from stupidity, arrogance, or some other reason, stronuly objected, in a rather offensive manner, to being .cross-examined, but a committal for seven ,'daysto Mount Ederi Gaol somewhat restored ; his obscured senses, and he was permitted k> return to the witness-box in a more amiable state of mind. The. magistrate, ; hqwever, discredited his evidence, and dismissed the case.

I Mr. Alexander McLaren, night watchman ion the premises of the Auckland Timber ; Company, still claims the credit of having I been the first .to discover the lato fire in I Graham-street. The company's bell, -which )he rung on noticing the flare, could notj lie thinks, be heard on the wharf, owing to ! easterly wind blowing. A workman in the mill, who lives near, in Hobson-streqt, was aroused by the bell, and. was on the spot before the police came,: or the town bell rung. "We would suggest .that an electric bell be fitted up fiom the Timber Company's premises to the; Insurance Buildings,, and the Fire Brigade station; ..There are now two night watehmen at the Timber Company's yards, and these men.have an extensive view over a large and dangerous district, and ought to be: put in a position. to give an alarm at once. .■ 1.-'\.•■.-.-.

. : On Thursday'afternoon telephonic conjmunication was, established by Mr. Furby : between: the Auckland Institute and the Onehunga; library and free readina-room, and later 'on abbut. 8 p.m. Messrs. Ben-y (telegraphist); Glenny, Murdoch, Dr. and a number-bf ijthergeatlenieu were assembled in the Onehunga library and read-ing-room anxiously; : waitiug; their respectfve turns at the,. telephone in order to hear what was ' being said and sung in the Auckland Institute, a; distance of about eight miles.. The songs, "Sweet Bye-and-Bye" and. "Nancy Lee" were heard distinctly by most of those present, and duly appreciated ; but when speaking was indulged in at the other end the words .could be heard at Onehunga, but not sufficiently distinct to be understood, which, no doubt, was attributable in some extent to the noise made by visitors coming and going, a strong wind which was blowing, and the instrv£ ments not having been in perfect working order. As it is intended to have another experiment to-night, it is hoped the weather may prove more propitious, that visitors will speak softly and tread lightly, and that the instruments Will be in good working order, and that the unenlightened may have an opportunity of hearing, arid judging for themselves what, electricity controlled'by science Can do: ".•.'■■

The Avbua, which arrived from London last night, lias on board four fine dogs for Mr. John A. Douglas, of Biuiitwood, Cambridge. One of them i 3 a sheep flog, the other three are spaniels. Two of them, haviDg had liberty to roam at will, are in excellent health. The sheep dog, and one of the spaniels, however, were so embued with the 7 spirit of the celebrated Kilkenny cats that it was deemed advisable to chain them up, breaches of the peace having become of so frequent occurrence.' The result is that they are not so sleek, fat,;and well-preserved as their peaceably-disposed kindred.

A rather important prosecution under the Public Health Act instituted at the Police Court yesterday in respect to an alleged nuisance arising from the bone-mill of Mr. Soppett, in Freeman's Bay. Mr. J. B. Russell and Mr. Cooper appeared for the Local Board of-Health (the City Council), and Mr. Hesketb. for the defence. There were forty-two witnesses in attendance, and the case looked formidable ; but during the lunch resess the learned counsel consulted and agreed to an adjournment for a fortnight to enable the. Council and the defendant to adopt such remedial measures as might be necessary. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere.

As the Chinese question is attracting attention in Auckland at present a few facts concerning those resident in the city may not "be uninteresting. There are about sixty resident here, the greater number of whom devote themselves to gardening and the disposal of vegetable to the artizaus, which J they hawk from door to door. They have gardens at Archill, Cox's Creek, Newmarket, Keinuera, and Domain (Mechanics' Bay). Two or three are engaged as tea dealers and hawkers, and there are three shops for: the disposal of fancy goods, &c, the most extensive being that kept by Mr. James Ah Kew, who is at present away on a visit to China. Mr. Ah Him, a partner of Ah Kew, and at present managing the business, informs us tliat no parties of Chinese are coming here, but that they are going to Dnnedin or the West Coast goldtields. He says they are unable to make a livelihood about the town, and therefore, until they can obtain some knowledge of the English language, they prefer to go to the occupation of gold mining. They have lately gone into a newiine of business in Auckland, namely, running restaurants in connection with certain hotels, and contracting with the proprietors to supply cooks and provisions. In some of the hotels they are employing Europeans to wait at table, &c, and are making a remunerative profit out of the speculation.

■ At the last weekly meeting of the Ponsonby Mutual Improvement Society, "impromptu speaking " was the order of the evening, and the attempts at oratory made by the members present were, in some cases, very rmusiug. . On next Tuesday a debate will take place.

No fresh arrests were made by the Auckland police yesterday. A man named Boyd,: who had. been committed to Mount Eden gaol under ;_a sentence for vagrancy, was brought to town from Te Awamutu last night by Constable Gillies, and lie was the only new occupant of the cells.

There has lately been a contest amongst the telepone companies in England, in which Sir Julius Vbgel has come to the front. Sir Julius Vogel, who is a director of. the Orient Telephone Company, suggested the formation of a construction company which should fuse the interests of the United and Mr.--Gower; and Sir Julius, together with Colonel Goiirand, entered into the doublenegotiations necessary to give effect to this object. ■ When everything was settled Mr. Gower broke away and came out with a company on Jiis own account on terms much better to himself. Before allotting, however, the old negotiation's were resumed, Mr. Scrimgeour acting for Mr. Gower. Sir Julius Voo-el for the propcred company, and Colonel Gourand for the. United. This time they were successful. Within ten minutes of the agreements being signed the prospectus was issued. : The share.- litt was left open t-vo days and a-half, aad so manv times were the'shares applied for that hundreds V)f letters of .regret; will.have to "b'e sent Out, and there -will be no small difficulty in dividing the shares amongst those to whom 1 some allotment is to be made.

The audience at the theatre last night had a very pleasant feature. The children of the Juvenile Pinafore Company on their arrival received a kindly invitation from Herr Bandmanu to be present from night to night. Tliia made the house quite pleasant with their merry laughter and gay spirit. They are all' handsome children, of cheery and pkasaut manners, and "H.M.S. Pinafore" will go gaily while they form part of her " ship's company. ,.

•branches of trade fa. the^pbtt^-? newV ceutly wfe: th e ..& B*hands whom he had irnhbrSfr i™ 0 Smcetheir arrival vSSS^f been in progress. Several W .f^ 1 ? 3 have patterns of chimney riots - ,Ebes 'an4 : preparation, Whicli are s<, tl »e:of,. create a draught,, and S a » * : smokey chimneys. They ir?l-^ c,tre for effect the object SOu t t £%! ery lik ely to structed upo'n the »«f •» those who may ulthhateif \£ lact, °£ *> the use of the sC vT^' clean and sweet, a booii which S kept seldom enjoy. Kitchen "AA*?^** 1 * ■ being prepared on the tame a plug in the bottoms to let th" wiS W % away, and an " overfly » house being flooded in the'■ eventStl the tap being allowed by : a careW Q^vate? run longer than i the vessel. All these tO fI , U of that strength, W .hieh «.ffe&fP 1 «» vent breakage with. rough usage. The want ofp^'S 0^ these articies. of a S l 2 ef S " oi . those usually 'made some time to comnW/. ,, ->i,«- ,^wtak * : Several of of drying, are stated to weigh over ton each. Several other articles designs are in progress, , D d£t TZ denoe pf a regular expansion of trade, £« kilns are be,ng . erecto( l; and.othera w> mjproved and alterations ; being . S winch: wiH ,emWe finer clale» I gooda bemg properly : baked. theVeih Asisoon as a proper .supply of ,fli n tli obtamed we understand that Miv Bovd intends to see what can be done in supplying locally spme of .the. common «**. of S a 8 - ware. The first of these articles, will bfe large, .shallow m.lk coolers for use in so that there will be no longer aW nS sity touse the tin-pkte vessell now used for that purpose, trith thecejtainty of making the milk they contain more or less un«-ho}esome. Some of the other classes of earthenware are:. about to be tried, snch as e^er S '& JagS ' iaM for t^^-VW*.'

"We clip the following from the HasVke's Pitf. 1 * 6 ™ 1 ' 1 auen * i the Keyfiolds aad Pbßard Lilliputian Pinafore, Troupe, advertised to open here on ; Monday evening next ■•— " V\ lien the curtain rose no seat was to'be had in any part of the hons?; numbers of persons having to go away iu consequence The entertainment was one. of'the most enjoyable that has been given here fora very long while, and flone of the .previous representations of '.H.M.S. Pinafore'which have : ueen given here have approached that of the Juvemle Company. * The? fame' of the little folks no doubt'lea niany 'to expect; EomctSung out of the orduiary; bnt feiyv we thiik, wire prepared lor the gebuica treat they siforded. They-entered, into the ftui 'and spirit of the piece with a zest .seldom'shown oil the stage, arid it is faint praise to say.that. tKcir efforts: Trero crowned ". with genuine,' success. So a suctiess' has■ .iiot been'achioved herefor: some'time. ." J?.rom the start to th-l finish the' audieriee'were kept thoroughly delighted, and showed auiboiirided enthusiasm. A powerful .'and' splendid orchestra; under the leadership o£>rr,!Cha.rles Bollard; is not the least among the inaiiy attractions. It is one of the Best, we "may fcvven say. tlie best, -rfjj'cji has visited us." '.V . ' •.'

On April 12j the invitation of thedirectors of the Local Meat- Markets Company, a numlier''o£' : gctitleirien visited tlie premises at Canuon-street wharf, for thepurpose of examining the refrigerating apparatus and. hearing an explanation of theprinciples of refrigeration and refrigerating by Mr: J. K\ Kilbourno, C.E. The objects of this company are to aid the extension of fresh meat importation-from.Australia and ' elsewhere, by acting as consignees in receiving, storing, selling, • and distributing ship- ■ ments- with, advantage to shippers and consumers. Their premises are spacious and well suited for the consignments, and are fitted with refrigerating machinery and cold dry-air chambers where meat can be preserved in good condition iuatil required, thus obviating loss to consignees by forcing sales. 3ir FraucVs Billon Bell; during the course jf some discussion which took place/ said he ,vas largely interested in the meat trade of Sew Zealand, considering that ik would not >ay squabters'in that country to send their>eef and mutton to this country at so low a )rice as 4A-or 5d per lb.

Herr Carl' Sclimitt, whose engagement as conductor of the Choral Society and arrival here we i,ave, already noticed, has, as will be seen froin ■ his. advertisement, commenced' pr.icate--tuition,- and begins at once his management of the Choral Society in their practice for the" Eli jail." Testimonials to the ability of Herr. Schmitt as a musician have been freely, given. He organised a grand musical festival in Tasmania, in Launeestoii, which was a great success. At the conclusion, as stated by the Launceston Examiner," Governor Weld told Herr Schmitt that he had never enjoyed such an jesthetical treat since he had been in Tasmania, and thanked him for it in too measured terms." During his connection with the Sydney Choral Society, Herr Schmitt received the highest encomiums both as a conductor and as an executant. One of the best critics in New South Wales writes in a Sydney journal:— "The Sydney Choral Society have added another to their musical triumphs in this town, and their director, Herr Carl Schmitt, has furnished further proof of his gjeat capacity as a teacher, and excellent skill as a musician. The duet for piano and violin on airs from 'Lucia di Lamtnermoor,' by I Herr Schmitt and Mr. A. Anderson, ivas undoubtedly the piece of the evening."

"A .Puzzled Public Teacher" writes:— " Sir, —In the last report of the Inspector of Schools'is the following sentence from a report of the Inspector-General, and quoted with' unqualified approval by Mr. O'Snllivan : —-' It is a misconception to think that if a pupil has passed, in one standard, the teacher must present him for the next standard at the next examination, whether ■he- be fit for it or not.' In a circular issued by the Board of Education in November of lost year, is the following regulation : —' At every Standard Examination, all scholars in fair attendance shall be expected to pass one standard; aiwl the teacher is required topresent them for examination. 1 Teachers, being only common mortals and endowed with only common sense, naturally require some explanation of these contradictions.' .

Messrs. Oppenheimer and Co. have been appointed loual agents for the Brush electric light. • This was the kind of light used by the Circus Company that recently visited Auckland. The Srm have issued sLcircnlar announcing their appointment as stating the prices at which they are prepared— to, supply the machines and various appliances which are required by the use of this kind of light. The light, is now used by a number of large establishments in the Old Country and America, such as docks,, harbours, : railway stations, or other"Large and comparatively open spaces. But it is evident that this light is not yet adapted for the lighting-of private dwellings, or even the ordinary run of industrial establishments. Where very large oper. spaces have to be lighted, such as ship-bnilding ,4 yards, docks, open spaces in the streetef-sr ; .- squares in large towns,, wharves,-W«K: : ; forty hoise-pon-er to drive it, nbility of t[ie plan .to domestic, lighting is seen at a glao.ee;y, Besides, we .had that the lamps,., apart;--frpia ..'tlie machine producing tie necessary electrical enrrentj J, are ..far -from -being cheap. A single hanging lamp, to burn eight hours costs £13; and "a, double one, to born sixtee hours, costs £16. . A parabolw reflector and case cost £15. Other appliances are obtainable at somewhat similar rates. Until such time, as the. costly appliances Which the present adaptation 'of -the electric light rewires can. to dispensed with, the wide field for the use of this -excellent and cleanly source-of artificial, light which private residences -would provide .willl be bkely to remain occupied by the decidedly bacl-smei-ling coal gas, kerosene oil, &c. ,:

At a meeting of the directors of the Matawaiand Union Gold-mimng Companies, Coromandel, held yesterday, it was solved to adopt the recommendations of Mr. Tole, surveyor, for the joint working of_ toemines. Mr. Tole is of opinion that BlacKinorc's reel's traverse the Uaion ground.

to an unlucky. acci r ■:; . Aseriuu - , rfno nyeP very eat on. th ?J V a B f a e n * clays a go: Messrs. E. ; 83 f >» we iup S etinacanoeinthemiddleof Sffem. All could swim, but it was ob- • & Ve6 that Mr. Alfred Kelly was not on the '- "vfSe His companions were swimming wTt6 the spot whore the canoe upset, when observed to rise to the surface but much exhausted. It appears that he Wl been caught by a snag while immersed stream, and had with great difficulty XentoS **> 610^ es - paving, helped Sfir companion on shore, and regained the S canoe, the party proceeded on their journey. A largely attended meeting of journeymen -Renters and joiners was held last evening •Tifce Working Men's Club. The questions °~i Lue were regarding rates of wages and ■other t ra(Je matters, and, after a lengthy discussion, the meeting adjourned for a week. •The Northern . Advocate names five Probable candidates for Marsdcn—namely, Messrs. Mitchelson, Dargaville, McLeod, Sir B. Douglas, and Rev. D. Bruce.

A Native Lands Conrt will be held to-day at the Resident Magistrate's Conrt. A com- - nmnieation was yesterday received from Mr. 1: Dickey by the Resident Magistrate, asking for the use of the' Court-roonr for the purpose, and it was of course granted: The Rev. A. Wi Webb re-delivered last evening his interesting lecture on "Frances Ridley Havergal—her life, Poetry, and Songs," in the Rooms of the Young Men's , Christian Association. ' The lecture hall was comfortably filled by an appreciative audience. The Rev. ; P. H. Cornford opened the proceedings by prayer. . When the lecture was first delivered we gave a full outline of 'it and it is, therefore, unnecessary in this connection to refer: to it at length. Suffice it to say that Mr/ Webb gave a capital pen-and-ink sketch of that gifted and .talented young lady, and described at length her private and public life,' and the admirable manner in'.which, she. had rconsecrated .her poetical talents to the highest a'nd noblest purposes. Not the least interesting feature of the lecture was the introduction of Miss Havergal's own, music and sacred songs, by way of. illustration." The following selections 1 were ■ given :— "The Children's Triumph," by-Mrs.'.C. \B. Stone, Miss Gee accompanying on the pianoforte; " Twilight Voices," Mrs. ■F. Battley; Beethoven's V Moonlight Sonata,'.' with Miss Havergal's poetic interpretation of it, which was per r formed with much ,taste and executive ability by MissrPhilsohj "Resting,"; Miss Cooper; '.'After,"'Miss Gee, Mrs. Battley acting as accompanist; "Only for' Thee," Mis 3 Copper.; " WhenThduPassestThrough _ the Waters," Miss.-; Douson; quartette (Miss Havergal's death, song), ''Jesus I Will Trust Thee," Misses Cooper and Dobson and Messrs. F. Blpmfield, and.Wild," Miss Philson acting as accompanist: At the close of the lecture, Mr! Webb thanketl the ladies' and gentlemen of ; the choir for_the aiiVthey had. rendered him, in making "the lecture interesting by their music and . The' meeting was : closed by. the.lecturerwith, prayer. ; Ths proceeds bf.;the.Jectrire l wili be devoted:t'o the funds ;of the'jWellesleyrStreet' BaptistSunday-schopl... ~;...,; ~. . .; :;; ' ,'

'■'. Professor Haselmayer .performed Jasi night to a good ho.use, and with unqualified success. He introduced the"egg borrowed a: handkerchief from f. lady, and; by sleight-of-hand; : obtained egg, from another lady's head; :;Whi(sh-latter he gave to a gentleman to hold in a, glass while the Professor held; .the .handkerchief.: ;By a■ ..few passes, the Professor [reversed ,thepositipn of the articles,- the handkerchief: having, taken ther.place-of Ithe -egg,"; and .vice, persa. The performance" of was 'J the wonderful portfolio,!' out of which the; Pro- " took ten large;shoe trunks,; cradles, and large dolls,,,besides a number : *.of goblete and a live duck, .which ;on .being stroked byi thei.Professor, ; into a rooster and a duck.;, This clever feat will be repeated this evening, it-being the.Proieasor's -lasb appearance; ;:Jn the city." '' Psycho," the automaton chess player, in spite of bad cards, again? jscbredo the odd trick. To-day, at '2.30 o'clock, a matinee performance wili- be given,,- to. which the children of the charitable institutions of the city have been specially incited.-

It appears that a number of. larrikins,; to the number; of forty, are in' tlie habit of congregating nightly linder ihe verandah of the Beresford-street public school, and smoking there, to" the danger of the destruction .of ■ those- fine" buildings by fire. Stumps of cigara, 'half-burnt-matches, the ■"dottles" of tobacco.pipes, and other miscellaneous articles too numerous to mention, are found plentifully bestrewed about the floor in the morning. ' It may be as'well to remind these, young gentlemen that the City Schools Committee offer a'standing reward Of £5 for the detection of offenders, and that the Newton constable or some of the unemployed will one of these fine nights "lift" 'that sum. '.'. '. • ' '. •'.'•".,.

■ A building, to. be called "Government House," at Parihaka, is being rapidly completed. It is 42 by 42 feet, and consists of eight bedrooms, a parlour, , and a commodious kitchen, in which is fitted np a large cooking range. ' The rooms, excepting the kitchen, will be all neatly papered and painted, and, no expense will be spared in the interior fittings. This house ia intended to be set apart for the accommodation of Europeans visiting Parihaka, and in doing so Te Whiti shows genuine tokens of hospitality. There is an idea prevalent at "Parihaka to the effect; that the.Governor.is shortly going to visit Te : Whiti, and the opening of the new house will probably be reserved for that auspicious occasion, provided it. takes place within a reasonable tithe.—Taranaki Herald. In our advertisement colnmns iwill be tamd the usual announcements of religious services ■in several of tlio city nrui suburban churches tomorrow. '.''.' ,'■'".,''..". ■.. :.'...•. \ "We have to acknowledge the following additional 'sum's : for Mrs. Hedley :—Mrs. Bailey, Mount Eden, £1 Is; T. A., 2e. The banks are to be closed on Monday; ■ first, being Whit Monday. . . •■■;'. i■■ ' .■•;■.:.: : Theanniversary services of .the Wesleyan Church, Ponscnby, will bo held .to-morrow, "when the Eev. Mr. Isitt will preach in thernorning and the Kev. \f. C. Oliver in the evening. Mr. Isitt will also deliver an address to patents and children in: the •afternoon at Oiree o'clock. : Colleclions after each service. . -•■...■ . .. • To-day Messrs.. Hunter and Nolan 'will sell by auction a quantity of potatoes at the farm of Mr. Porch, Three Kings, in lot 3 to snit purchasers. Thi3 sale will be hold-before the sale at Mr. Glasgow's farm. • . ,■~ ■ -. ■ " The insurance offices are to keep holiday on Monday first, being Whit-Monday.: _' " - A by-law to/eause : the eradication of furze and no.tious weeds I/as been adopted by the 'Oriehanga Borongh Council, and is to be confli-med on the 28th instant, at a special meeting of the: Borough held for that purpose. - . : . • ■• '