THE New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1885.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7303, 15 April 1885, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1885.

. The defences of the harbour will now be pushed on with a despatch which the importance of the matter demands. Arrangements were ; made, yesterday by which the 'T, necessary works "for mounting and protecting the guns will be ■'; prosecuted * without .. intermission until '< they are ,: completed. * The Hon. the Minister of Public .Works, during an interview with -'His Worship the

Mayor, suggested .? that the men employed on the - several' city contracts should, to the number -; required, be placed at the service of the gentfemaji superintending the defences, and His i Worship at 'once undertook, in the name of the Council, the •responsibility of acting on the suggestion. A similar .proposal: was. laid .before the Harbour Board at its meeting yesterday afternoon, and that ; body promptly acceded to the request that the workmen engaged in constructing the new dock . should transfer,.their labours for a time to the harbour defence works; The consent of the contractors has also been cordially given to this arrangement. Naturally enough the contractors^-were anxious to; avail themselves of the fine weather nriwprevailing to get as much work done as possible, with the view of making up for the loss of time which must be calculated on when the winter sets in, and of having their contracts finished within the specified period. On this head, however, the city and Harbour Board authorities have met them "in the most liberal spirit. They have agreed not only that the contract time shall in all cases be extended, but also that allowance ' shall be made for any delay that may be caused by the breaking of the weather. By these arrangements as many men as can be spared will forthwith be employed at the -North Head, and other points in the harbour where defensive works are being constructed, and the Government, in addition to paying them, will receive them at any hour which their engagements will admit of, and in any numbers, j It is reckoned that by these means the services of two hundred and tweuty men will be secured, and that within ten. days, or a fortnight: at the furthest, the defences of the harbour will be in such a state of completeness as to render it perilous, for any-hostile cruiser to attempt an entrance. Any apprehension which may ■ have been caused by a sense of our exposed condition will thus be soon set at rest. For,, even if war were to be declared against Russia to-morrow, it would be impossible for any of her armed cruisers to receive intimation thereof in time to enable her to visit the harbour before the defences now in course of con-, struction could be i completed, i It is further assuring to know that the Government, recognising the fact that Auckland, from its position, is likely to be the first point of attack in this colony, have directed that one of the two war. sloops . they have requested should be stationed at this port. All that is now required in addition is to secure a sufficient body of men more or less familiar with the management, of large guns and torpedo service, and one or two men possessing a professional ! training to impart to them the special | instruction they may require. Both of these necessary adjuncts are, we are glad to learn, locally available,; and parties only await that measure of encouragement which the Government may be surely relied on giving - to render those services to their country which patriotism suggests. But while it is gratifying to find that this harbour, along with the other principal ports in the colony, will thus be rendered comparatively secure, and while the necessity for such defences against the contingency of attack must be admitted, it is yet highly improbable that, in the event of war, the commercial centres would be ' the , objects of attraction for armed cruisers. Were these centres utterly defenceless, they might tempt a hostile visit. But the danger of being caught in harbour by the sudden arrival of a British man-of-war, not to speak of the always possible risk of unknown' submarine mines, would, as a rule, cause the enemy's vessels to keep the open sea. Their real objects of attack would, be our merchantmen on the ocean, < They would hover on the lines of traffic'between England and her colonial possessions. There they would- run less risk of being caught, and be most likely to inflict the greatest. loss. It is obviously in this direction, therefore, that the Russian cruisers will move should the impending conflict with England once begin. The plan which was inaugurated for striking a blow at -England in ■ this quarter, at the close of the last Turkish war, when a quarrel between the two Powers was imminent, must not be forgotten. An organisation, with the Grand Duke Constantino at its head, was then formed, for the purpose of purchasing swift cruisers and placing them in commission, with the express object of preying on British shipping, and the boast was openly made that by this means England's commercial supremacy would be brought to a speedy end. The ruin which the Alabama inflicted on American shipping during the civil war, had opened the eyes of the Russians to what they deemed the weak point in England's invulnerability. , The-dream of destruction they then cherished has been ever since indulged in and, should, war between the two Empires now break out, the day of its realisation would be considered to have arrived. It therefore is along these lines of ocean traffic that' vigilance must be exercised by England in the maintenance of an extensive and efficient system of cruisers to guard her* merchandise, while with some of her fully equipped ironclads she scours the intermediate waters and renders ' it aext to impossible for any of the enemy's war vessels to escape. - There can be no doubt that, without such precautions, Russia could inflict greater injury on England at sea than on land. To perceive this, one has but to reflect for a moment on the utter paralysis that an unchecked system of privateering would soon cause to the shipping and commerce both of the United Kingdom and : the colonies. But the gigantic character of the consequences suggest the means of their prevention. And these means Britain is in a position to provide, and that, too, without loss'of time. Vessels in any: number are ~ at her call, sufficient in. speed, strength, and equipment, to cope with any cruisers Russia can employ." In this respect the position of Britain is very different from that of America during the civil war. The havoc done by the Alabama \ was due to the fact that, owing to' the numerical , inefficiency of the American navy, she could roam the oceans unchecked, and had really mo; danger to contend with,' save that connected with the obtaining supplies of coal.. As : compared with her's, the chances of escape for Russian cruisers, even, if there were a score of them, or more, are small indeed, when the counteractive appliances at' Britain's command are put in motion. 1 ' If, therefore, these are brought into requisition, as they are sure to be the moment war

is deolared, and if at the same time our colonial harbours are made comparatively secure- the probability, if not the certainty is, that Russia will lose more than she will gain in her attempt to ruin England's commercial supremacy.' <• : ' .■'•"•■'•"•' : ' ■■"• "■' •• '■'' , ' : r.

Evidence is gradually accumulating to show that, as we a short time ago pointed out, the Soudan rebellion has about exhausted its strength. The ; reported disaffection among the Mahdi'a immediate followers and the destruction of his adherents at El Obeid was confirmed by a telegram on the 13th inst. ; and, since then, intelligence of a widespread desertion from the camp of Osm&n Digna has been received. A. message from Suakim, published on Tuesday,; represented the Sheikhs in the neighbourhood as tendering their submission to General Sir Gerald Graham, in answer to a proclamation issued by him, and the expectation was expressed that, by the time the army advanced to Tambouk, the most of the tribes would have acknowledged British authority. This disposition to accept the supremacy of England will not, it is to be hoped, be chilled by any attempt to impose severe terms on the submitting tribes. According to the telegram of this morning, it appears as if there was some danger of this. The Sheikhs, it is said, demand for their tribes a guarantee that they shall not suffer in consequence of their past actions, ■; but that General Graham has declared that .. he is not prepared on behalf of the authorities to give any pledges. Both the request and the reply may in one sense be regarded as natural and proper. There is nothing unusual in the leaders of an insurrection stipulating for a condonement of their own and their followers' offences, as a condition of their .surrendering to the authority they are no longer able successfully to oppose. On the other hand, it is not customary to grant conditions to rebels with arms in their hands. The rules of war rigidly applied require that the combatants obliged to surrender have no right to dictate -the terms, of peace. At the same time, there are exceptions to all rules. Asd the circumstances connected with the Soudan rebellion, bloodthirsty and merciless though its career has been, are such as to make it expedient to refrain from exacting of those disposed to return to their allegiance such terms as might tend to render them desperate. The wisdom of this course will, we think, commend itself to the British authorities. Nor is there any reason for believing that it is not recognised by General Graham. His refusal to give any pledges strictly means that the stipulation for pandon must be referred to the Queen. That she will promise to exercise ■her royal clemency should the Arabs surrender unconditionally need not be doubted. It will, of course, be formally! necessary to have the assent of the Egyptian authorities ; and this there may be some difficulty in obtaining, for the nature of the Egyptian, though concealed by an. effeminate manner, is as'cruel as that of the Arab. But any reluctance in this quarter must of necessity yield to the judgment of England, at whose cost the suppression of this rebellion was undertaken. . Should a judicious leniency be exercised at this stage in the Soudan rebellion, the probabilities are that a disposition to submit to British supremacy would manifest itself in the vicinity of Khartoum as well as of Suakim, and be succeeded by a restoration of order in the room of Moslem fanaticism. This would be the best revenge for the death of the noble Gordon that could be obtained would, in fact, be the realisation of what he lived and fought and died for; and would, moreover, leave our forces now in Egypt. free to take part—if need bein another straggle now threatening the Empire. _, '__

Oar telegrams this morning state that the Russian squadron at Naples has been ordered to proceed to the Baltic, and that it is feared the Russian troops will make a further attack, on the Afghan position. During the recent engagement over nine hundred Afghans were killed and wounded. In view of impending hostilities with Russia the British Government are arranging with Italy co occupy the Soudan in the event of the English troops being withdrawn. ■ The Daily .News states that a part of the force is to be recalled to England immediately. The Victorian Agent-General informs his Government that the prospects of peace are very gloomy. Among oar other news by cable it is stated that rioting has occurred at Cork in connection with the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

It will be seen by the notes of our Wellington correspondent that although the existing militia commissions are to be revoked, the Defence Minister will consider the claims of officers having special qualifications through actual service, either in the colony or elsewhere, in connection with the Imperial forces. The regular meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday, and a good deal of important business was transacted. ' There was one matter which is of considerable interest to carters plying on the wharf, and to which it is well that they should direct their attention. The Wharfinger complained that two carters in the employ of Mr. Craig had refused to obey his orders to remove their waggons,' and he also complained that their employe? had encouraged them to disobey his orders. The, Board determined to uphold the authority of their officer, and ordered instructions to be given to the Board's solicitor to institute proceedings for the punishment of the offenders. The bylaw on the subject is clear and explicit, and leaves no alternative to carters bet to obey the instructions of the Wharfinger.

The petition against the election of the Takapuna Licensing Committee was heard before Mr. Seth Smith K.M., yesterday, and after a lengthened hearing, lasting the whole day, the election was declared void, on the grounds that the formality in connection with the receiving of the voting papers and their subsequent disposal had not been observed by the Returning Officer, according to the Act. ' A report of the proceedings will be found in another column. The election now being void, it rests with the Government as to whether a fresh election will be held. 'f • ,- " "•" ;. '

The steamship Triumph took her departure for Sydney yesterday afternoon at about half-past three o'clock. Her departure was witnessed by a large crowd of persons interested, -and as she moved off from the Queenstreet Wharf loud cheers were given for Mr. G. Fraser, who was a passenger by her, and the cheering .was heartily returned by those on board. The steamer is not expected, owing to the dirty state of her bottom, to do the' trip across in much under seven days. From Sydney she is to go to Newcastle, and from there to Wellington and Ly ttelton with coal. :;r ":"-': :i -- : ' \r- , : :.•'■. -.-;'■..

- The ' usual < meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Friday next at the offices of the Board, at two p.m. la addition to the general business the following motion- will be considered, of which Professor Tucker has given notice—l. " That regulation ii. of the resolutions of February 20 re scholarships be changed so as to read : The junior scholarships shall be tenable for two years, and shall, be open for competition to all pupils attending primary schools, whose age shall not; exceed 13 years at the time of entering on such scholarship; and the senior scholarships shall be tenable for three years, and shall be open for competition to all pupils attending public schools, and also to all other persons who shall be under the age of 15 years at the time of examination."' 2, *' That a committee be appointed to oonsider the subjects of examinations for scholarships,.' the minimum proportion of marks, ■ and generally.: such conditions of election and tenure as require to be specified, the committee to consult with the Inspector." ;■ ~;■>*■;* t -.V'.-fty.-..

■fy A correspondent writes.:—"lt would be as well if: ratepayers inspected the Defaulters' List at the City Council Offices before it is too late, as several names appear for which :the rates have been paid. p lt will belittle satisfaction to those disenfranchised; to be told it is a blunder of the official.'* -A

i;~ A' coroner's inquest was held yeaterdaV "* the Lunatic Asylum, before Dr. PhiUoa\!f jury. on the body of Joseph ThomnjoT warder, who wan , hilled on the previousd.. by one of the patients named Charles IV J whelar. The jury having viewed the bod* the evidence of ; Attendants Hughes, Whiu and Mihbgue'was taken, as also was that of Dr. Young, Superintendent of the Asylum No . new fact* .were' elicited in addatwato those given in our isane of yesterday, 0 £ tragedy. 'i The jury returned a"verdict to th» effect that deceased was killed by th patient Trewhelar, . who was not retpoanS? for bis actions ; also a rider stating that to blame for the untoward affair was attachabU to any of the attendants. The funeral of Thompson will- take place at three pm ' to-day, ' -

A deputation from the Newmarket Hi»h way Board intend to interview the Miai«w of Public Works in. reference to, the dang« ous railway .crossing at Newmarket, wh«i the late accident to Judge Fenton took place. The removal of the wall back from the Newmarket-road as agreed upon *£ satisfactorily arranged between Mr. Cooa and Mr. Suiter yesterday morning. i At the Police Court yesterday, heW Messrs. P. L. Prime and C. D. WhitwrflbT J. P.'a, the charge of arson against W?a! Thomas, arising out of the fire ia Victoria, street last week, was called on and adjourned for a week, as had been previously arranged The accused's . bail was enlarged. A can against two lads for throwing nightsoil into a water tank. was dismissed, owing to th« contradictory nature of the evidence for tot prosecution and the defence, the principal witnesses being children. A .lad named Harry Bodgers, who had broken windows in. |an unoccupied house in College-road to the extent of 60s "damages, was fined Is in costs. The mother of the boy was in Court, and stated her inability to pay the damages except by instalments, . and the Bench left her to arrange with Mr. J. Kean, the owner of the property. ...■„-. •:. During an interview yesterday with tha Minister of Public Works, Mr. P. J. Hon, M.H.R., reminded Mr. Richardson that ha had written some time ago 'to the Public . Works Department in reference to the ov«. crowding of trains at the 'New Year's races, Mr. Richardson acknowledged the evil, \n\ said there was great difficulty" in' preventing it all over the colony. It'was impracticable to take a double line through the tunnel, but when the traffic rendered it necessary it would be better to make an alternative lint by the coast, working in to the Waikato line again at Penrose. ' " At the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday a very important letter was received from L. D. Nathan and Co., agenti for the Shaw, Savill, and Albion line of direct steamers, relative to. the tranship, ment of goods. It appears' that the instructions to the firm were that no transhipment of goods should take place in Auokland, but having ascertained that these instruo* tions were given in the belief that in Auck* land . the facilities for transhipment were not equal to those of Wellington, they applied to Captain Babot to defer confirming these instructions till they applied to the Board. What was asked was that the Board should undertake the charge of 1000 tons of J transhipment , cargo to be landed: from the Coptic due here to-morrow, the steamer discharging and paying all truckage, &c. Messrs. L. D. Nathan pointed out the importance of making Auckland a first port of call for these steamers. The Board resolved to give the matter a trial, and assume charge of 1000 tons of cargo ex Ooptio at the same charges as made in Wellington, The letter is published in our report of the Harbour Board meeting. ■:.:': ; Mr. Boy lan (of the firm of Boy lan and Lundpn, civil engineers) has just returned from Wellington, after an absence from Auckland of three months. He has been occupying his time in inspecting the plant of the different freezing works at Wellington .and in the Middle Island, in order to become acquainted with the latest improvement* is meat-freezing and preserving. '.-. '"" '. I -The other day we stated that the municipal authorities. had given notice to: Mr. Magnire, the contractor with the Harbour Baaudforthft cutting down of Emily Place, that he must not cut into -Short land-street, as the City Council does not intend at present to go on with the lowering of tht upper portion of the street to its permanent level., Mr. Magnire forwarded the notice to the Board, and it is rumoured that he has received instructions to go on with his con* tract, according - to the plans. . The plans provide for taking several feet off the top of the street. Mr. Magnire will no doubt obey the paymaster, and the Council will-pro. bably apply for an injunction on their side to suspend the threatened cutting down. Mr. T. Mitchell, a Wangauui settler, who has been on a trip to Sydney, has been S'ving some information to .a local paper, e says stock of all kinds are easy of sale in all the chief > markets, • and that fat cattle such as sell for £5 a head at Wanganui are worth £11 per head in. the Sydney market. A trial shipment by a vessel like the steamer Triumph at a cheap rate, say 50s a head, from Wellington or Taranaki, wonld be worth the risk, if the steamer freight could be ar. ranged. ;",;'. ~;"...; ./';.,.■,, : ,.,,^;- : '..,-

The New Zealand Insurance Company an about to erect new premises at Wanganul, plans for which have been prepared by Messrs. Mahoney and Sons, architects, and tenders are returnable on the 25th instant The building will be of wood, two storeys in height. On the ground floor will be the public office, manager's room, strong room, and offices. The public room will have « handsome dado \ of ornamental woods, lined with kauri and rimu boards, and the fittings, also of rimu, will be of a handsome character. The upper floor contains two sets of commodious offices for letting. ' The facade. is of chaste design. • - The public room is lighted by two large plateglass windows divided by panelled piers, surmounted by carved consoles. The door at side will have pediment supported on moulded corbels. The upper storey is lighted by three semiciroular-headed windows, divided by panelled pilasters, and ornamented with architraves,- keystones., &c, and top of building crowned with cornice and balustrade, and in' centre will be a pediment is which the seal of company will be carved. ■"/-.;."•, • > .} ! ' -'i Mr. Edward Wood, a builder residing at Eingsland, Great North Road, met with a very serious loss on Monday night. He' came to the Opera House on that night, and had with him a pocket book containing upwards of £150 in gold and notes. It was in the outside breast pocket of his coat, from which by some means he dropped it, and did not miss it till next morning. He is quite positive that he felt it in his pocket when he alighted from thatramcar to go into the Opera Bouse. In another column he advertises a reward of £10 for its recovery. ..; '' r; V ■-

Examinations for the two entrance scholar•hips of the University have just terminated. The successful competitors were W. Meldram and W. H. A. Tebbs, son of Rev. W. Tebbs, of St. Matthew's. . These scholarships are worth £20 per annum, with free tuition at the University. ;•

• We have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of Mr. Joseph Mayo's catalogue of fruit trees for the current year.' The present cata-logue-is considerably larger than any of the catalogues be has issued previously. Instead of confining his attention to a few well known and thoroughly reliable sorts, Mr. - Mayo has in stock a very respectable list of apple* and pears, amongst which are several new varieties from America and elsewhere. Copies of the,catalogue can be had on application to Mr. Mayo. >,„'., . : -. . ~<;>-• There were about 100 applications for the billet .'of night watchman on the wharf received by the Barbour Board yesterday. They were handed over to the Work* and Tariffs Committee; to be reduced to six of those supposed to be most eligible, and to report to the Board at its next meeting.

'Captain, Fenton, of the Devonport Naval Artillery, has received a* letter from the Hon. the Defence Minister informing him that His' Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Wm. Henry Fenton captain, Charles Craven Dacre and James Porter Gerrard to be lieutenants of the DevonporS Naval Artillery Corps, commissions to date from the 1 19th February, 1885, the date of the passing of their examinations, v... ; ;

M The : Frozen , Meat and Storage Company, in a letter to the Harbour Board at its meeting yesterday, intimated' that, their works were nearly completed, and that they had arranged with the New Zealand, Shipping Company to ship a cargo of frozen meat in June. The object of the' letter ins to point out the great importance ; of berthage for the steamers at the Railway Wharf. It was, stated that dredging was now going on and the rook bottom was | being blasted, ■ and the Engineer r was instructed to intimate J when the necessary depth of water (25 feet) would be available at the Railway Wharf,

As Constable McLennan was strolling down Wellesley-street last night he observed a noted thief named John. Wilson going along with an axe and a hammer in bis possession, which the constable suspected were not come by honestly. He stopped Wilton and made enquiries. Wilson said he got the articlesf rem Captain Little, of the Prison Gate, Brigade. On . confronting Wilson with Mr. Little, she constable discovered that the articles were stolen from the Refuge while Mr. Little was away at the service at the Salvation Army Barracks. It appears that Wilson had been an inmate of the Barracks, and that work had been procured for him up the country. He repaid his benefactors by robbing them. Some time ago the fellow was guilty of larceny from St. Matthew's Church. A meeting of the City District School Cammittee -was held last evening, in ; the Wellesley-street school. The business transacted was not of very much public importance. A report of the proceedings appear in another column. The warehouses of the Auckland Tobacco Company, Fort-street, were burglariously entered on the evening of the 7th or the morning of the Bth instant, and 42 boxes cigars, valued at £50, stolen. The cigars were stored on the second floor near a leanto, and the thief, who was evidently well acquainted with the premises, had clambered on to the roof of the lean-to, raised the lower sash of one of the windows, and had abstracted the cigars box by box, through the grated openings. As none of this particular brand of cigars had been placed on the market, or the boxen yet stamped with the Customs duty brand, Detectives Twohey and Hughes had two excellent clues afforded them. After a week's unsuccessful search, Detective Twohey a,t last succeeded, on Monday evening, in tracing a quantity of the missing goods in three or four different quarters, and by midnight had fourteen boxes of - the cigars at the police station. The two detectives then got on the trail of their man, an employe of the Auckland Tobacco Company, named William August Sohultz Muller, who had evidently got an inkling of what was going on, and, rushing to the hotel where he lodged, for some of his effects,-, he cleared out, and the detectives found on their arrival the nest empty. As it was known that the els. Triumph would sail lor Sydney on the morrow, Detective Twohey determined to keep a bright look out before she sailed, but the best laid plans " gang aft agley." While Superintendent Thomson was going down the wharf in the morning, "from information received," he ascertained that Mullor was a stowaway on the Triumph, and he at once sent for Sergeant Clarke, of the Water Police, and instructed him to search the vessel. In a shori; space of time Muller was turned oat from a bunk in the 'tween decks by Sergeant Clarke. Muller endeavoured to bluff the seirgeant that he was not the man. Mr. Thomson was not particularly impressed with the " mistaken identity" theory, and peremptorily ordered Muller to go on shore, when Sergeant Clarke took him to the lock-up. He will be brought up at the Police Court to-day. The PonSonby Wesleyan Sunday-school, which has been closed for some weeks during the execution of extensive alterations and additions, was re-opened last night by a most success! soiree and meeting. The additions, it may be mentioned, consist of the erection of eight new class rooms and the lengthening of the building by fifteen feet. These alterations have been made at a cost of £250, of which £30 still requires to be raised. A feature of the work is a handsome desk for the superintendant aid the secretary's and librarian's rooms, which have been constructed by the senior pupils daring their spare time. The school will now accommodate 400 children. The tea tables last night were moat bountifully laden, and about 200 sat down to them, being presided over by the ladies of the congregation. At the after'meeting tee pastor, the Rev. T. G. Carr, presided, and there were also present Revs. H. Bull, H. R. Dewabury (Cambridge), J. T. Pinfold (Corom&ndcl), and J. Robertson. An excellent musical programme was Tendered, Mrs. J. Chadwick rendering " Thou didst not leave " and " I will sing of His great mercy." The "Sea of Glass" (duet) was sung by the Misses Marbrook, and Mrs. Colpan sang very tastefully "Angels bright and fair" "Come unto Me all ye that labour." Mr. R. S. Souster, superintendent of the school, gave an address on the work of the school, and excellent addresses were also delivered by Revs. H. B.- Dewsbury, J. Robertson, and H. BulL Votea v? thanks to the ladies who had presided at the trays, the ladies who had sung, and the speakers brought the meeting to a close.

We would again remind our readers of the farewell soiree this evening to the Rev. W. S. Potter, of the Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Church, who is leaving for the Thames district. Addresses will be delivered by various clergymen during the evening. lie Rev. A. J. Smith (his successor) will also be welcomed on the occasion.

The young bushman Gardiner, who was upder treatment at the District Hospital for injuries received by being jammed between two logs, died yesterday.

The unique performance, " Fun on the Bristol," reopened at the Theatre Royal last night for a short season, with a change of programme, introducing new Bongs in the second act. Miss Livingstone appeared in a change of character, and elicited load applause ; while the performance of Messrs. Sheridan and Dunbar was much appreciated. There was a poor attendance. This talented company appear again .to-night. v

The annual soiree of the Parnell Wesleyan Sunday-school was held last evening. An excellent tea was provided in the schoolroom, the tables being presided over by ladies of the school and congregation. At half .past seven an adjournment was made to the church for the annual meeting. After opening devotional exercises conducted by the Rev.' R. Bavin, an apology accompanied by a donation was read for the absence of Mr. E. Whitby, who had been announced to preside, but who was unable to be present on account of indisposition. ' In his place the chair was occupied by Mr. J. L. Wilson. Apology was also made for the unavoidable absence of the Rev. G. B. Munro. After a very telling address from the Chairman, tbe annual report was read by the Secretary, Mr. S. G. Burgess. The number of scholars on the roll is 160, with, a good average attendance. An earnest appeal was made {or more teacher?, and more practical sympaythy on the part of the parents was solicited. A cordial acknowledgment was also made of generous gifts from the Scripture Gift Association. The report was followed by earnest, able, and thoroughly practical addresses by tho Revs. R. Bavin, J. S. Hill, S. Griffith, and Mr. Douglas-, interspersed with , hymns by the children and choir. In opening his address, the Rev. R. Bavin paid a well-deserved compliment to the children and choir for the excellence of their singing under tbe leadership of Mr. H. Schofield. Mrs. Clarke presided at the organ. The interest of the meeting was well sustained throughout, the addresses all being received with hearty enthusiasm. A very pleasant gathering was brought to a close by the usual votes of thanks, moved by Mr. Witheford, seconded by Mr. Grady, and carried by acclamation. It was announced that the children's annual entertainment Would be given this evening, consisting of a tea and limelight exhibition by Mr. Dennes— the public being admitted to the exhibition at half-past seven, on a charge of sixpence.

We -would call attention to the sale of properties to take place to-day at B. Tonics and Co.'s mart, at twelve o'clock. First there i« an allotment la Lome street, situated between the warehouses of Messrs. Sharland and Co. and Messrs. Paterson and Co., having a frontage of 27 feet with a depth of 82 feet 0 inches. The situation cannot well be surpassed M a site for a warehouse or manufactory. Th* other properties to be sold are a section of 10 acres, having a large frontage to Orakel Head, and adjoining tbe residence of the Key- Mr. WheweU, Remuera ; also in Remuera » section with a frontage of 162 feet to Arneyßo&d, with an area of lacre 2 roods 1J poles, and situated between the residences of Mr. W. Tait and Mr. K. W. Hammond. ' This is a splendid site for suburban residence. There is also a fine allotment situated within a few yards of the Thiee lamps, Pontonby, and having a frontage of 52 feet with a depth of 120 feat. This allotment has a fine prospective value?

To-day at noon, Mr. R. C. Greenwood sells athlsaait, Vulcan Lane, a very valuable property situated in Upper (Jaeon-stroet. at the corner of Weststreet. The property consists of two large and wellbuilt houses of 10 and 8 rooms respectively, erected on large allotment hevmg extensive frontages to three streets, viz , 122 feet to Upper Queen-street, 99 feet to West-ttreet, aud 99 feet to Edwin-street. The frontages to Upper Queen-street, and Edwin-street, are well adapted for building upon. This is a matt desirable property, situated in a healthy locality, with fine views and within two or three minutes' walk of Queen-street.' At same time a place will also be sold (by order of tbe mortgagee), a capital i-roomed house on freehold allotment 30 x 100 feet, Howestreet.* »

To-day,' at' eleven o'clock! Mr. G. Lewis holds an important sale of winter drapery, ail now choice goods. There is a very large assortment to select from. - The auctioneer desires US to state that it. would be advisable for the trade to inspect the goods early, as it is one of the largest loti offered for spue considerable time, awl is well worth the attention of the trade.' ~'-.-..(■ :■■;■, ~.-, .;. ■.:,.:.. „,:.,-,,;,..