Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7392, 23 March 1886, Page 4

It would appear that France is really in earnest in her endeavours to annex the New Hebrides Islands to the possessions she already holds in the Pacific. Her rulers have, it is said, formally asked the British Government to release them from the treaty by which both Empires are bound to respect the independence of the Islands in question. No equivalent is offered for the concession demanded, beyond the vague promise that if their wishes are gratified they will abstain from transporting criminals to these Islands. Unfortunately the colonies have been taught by only too many glaring transgressions how little reliance can be placed in the pledges which foreign Governments have been in the habit of giving relative to such questions. In plain words they would say, if they had the opportunity o£ speaking to the rulers of both France and Germany, that they can no longer trust in their faith and honour. And hence, action has been taken by them such as is calculated to give fitting expression to their distrust. At the instance of the Premier of Victoria the Governments of all the Australian colonies are said to have telegraphed to their respective Agents-General instructing them to act unitedly in urging the Imperial Government to prevent the annexation of the New Hebrides by France. This virtually amounts to a demand on the Imperial authorities of Great Britain to j protect the interests of the colonies from the grasping tendencies of hostile powers, and an intimation to these Powers that the further prosecution ol adverse movements in these waters will not be tolerated. We must caudidly admit that we have little faith in the present Government of the United Kingdom acting with such firmness in such a matter as to peremptorily deter these Powers from making unjustifiable encroachments ; but it is yet a comfort to know that the Minister now holding the portfolio for foreign affairs knows from personal observation of Australasian interests that they ought not to be trifled with. It is reported that he has already used his influence effectively for the prevention of the deporting by Franco of criminals to her settlements in New Caledonia; and it may be assumed that he will be equally vigilant and firm in resisting the attempt of that Power to appropriate the New Hebrides. The Earl of Kosebery is a very different man from either Lord Stanley or Lord Granville, and may be relied on to so represent the views of the colonies on such questions as will command the refipect of rulers who are only too prone to carry out their designs by means of intrigue or of overbearing rudeness.

The attempt to patch up the m the Gladstone Ministry do not appear tn have been attended with any amount of success. Messrs. Chamberlain and Treve!v a „ have not yet been induced to withdraw th!; resignations. Mr. John Bright has now essayed the part of the peacemaker, and i. endeavouring to bridge the chasm. Th extraordinary efforts which are being maa! to keep the two disaffected' Ministers in th Cabinet show how desperate the Ministerial situation really is. There is, indeed, no question that upon the success of these effort* the existence of Mr. Gladstone's Government depends. Should tbey fail the Ministry will go to piece. Thia is a result which Mr. Chamberlain would probably not de plore. He is evidently making a bid for supreme power. There is not, therefore anv strong likelihood of his consenting to'con tinue in office in the present Minutrv Everything, of coarse, frill depend on the opinion of the public on his line of conduct We are absolutely in tta dark as to what that opinion is. JBnt it is safe to infer from from the delay in effecting a reconciliation that it is not altogether opposed to Mr Chamberlain.

It is satisfactory to learn from our Sydnev cable messages that the disappearance of th bank manager alluded to in yesterday's despatches is in no way connected with a»v breach of trust so far as the affairs of th bank are concerned. The books have bee 8 examined, and have been found to be 00" rect. Mr. Holt's departure from Sydney is said to be due to private reasons.

We understand that Major Atkinson will arrive here by the Southern steamer due on Sunday, and will address the citiztms 0 n th D following Tuesday evening. 6

The address to Sir George Q re y j 8 l . largely signed, and when the ta»k of procuring signatures is completed, the lat«will amount to several thousands. „ 00 J. er number of old settlers in " the forties" ha signed, but so far Thomas Scott, 1836 carH« off the palm,

We understand that Mr. Stephen E Hughes of this city had a slight stroke 0 £ paralysis on Saturday last. He waa much better yesterday.

Our Thames correspondent telegraphs that at the inquest on the bodies of the two children who were burned to death at Karangahake, a verdict of " Accidental death" waß returned. The mother stated in her evidence that she did not lock the children in the room. The witnesses deposed that they heard the children scream, but owing to the densenessi of the smoke thev were unable to reach the room in which they were. Great sympathy is felt for tbe bereaved parents. The mother is prostrated with grief.

By the b.s. Te Anau, which arrived from Southern ports and Melbourne yesterday evening some twenty tourists arrived, all en route forthe Hot Likes. They left for their destination by the s.s. Clansman last evening. By the eame steamer Mr. C. J. Stone and Mr. Fry also arrived after a tour through the Australian colonies. Major Richardson Professor Thomas, and Messrs. John Marshall, Graves Aickin, Frederick Earl, A. D. Bennett, and Bobbett were also passengers by the same steamer.

A meeting of the committee of the Grocers' Association was held yesterday afternoon in rooms over the S.S. Union, Wellesley-street, the • President, Mr. J.' lillyett, in the chair. , Mr. Field, who at the last general meeting was appointed to wait upon the trade, presented his report. His canvass resulted in the addition of 50 members to the association. Several items of business were suggested for the consideration of tbe next members' meeting, among them being a suggestion that a committee bo appointed to confer with the wholesale houses, re matters of mutual benefit to the trade.

The 8.8. Macgregor, which came up from Whangarei last evening, brought from Waipu a man named Drowney, who on Saturday afternoon last broke his left log just above the knee. The accident occurred owing to the horse attached to his sleigh bolting, and Drowney was thrown out, and in falling fell across a large tea-tree 'stump. He was thrown so heavily as to break his leg as stated. Fortunately within an hour of the time medical assistance was procured and the leg set. On arrival of the Macgregor a conveyance was procured and the man was sent the Haspital.

The ordinary meeting of the Parcel! Borough Council was held last evening. Tho business was of the ordinary character, and the principal discussion was with regard to cutting down the Manukau Road at Parnell Rise to its permanent level. As this necessitated a filling of three feet in a hollow at the base of the cutting, several propertyowners whose properties would be affected attended, and pointed out the manner in which they would suffer; but a resolution was carrried instructing the Town Clerk to call for tenders for the whole work, returnable in a week, when a special meeting of the Council will be held to consider them.

One of the matters brought up at the lite meeting of the Cabinet at Wellington, was the consideration of the plans for the Devonport and Lake Takapuna Tramway. The company have at last received the necessary authorisation from Wellington for its construction, and a commencement of the work was made yesterday by the contractors, Mtssrs. Bolton and Walsh. There has been delay in obtaining the permit owing to the continued absence of officials from the seat Government, whereby the company suffer the loss of the past holiday traffic. However, as one month is the time allowed for the completion ot the first contract—viz., from Victoria Wharf to Cheltenham Beach, there is every likelihood of that section being completed in time to reap some of the benefits of the coming Easter holidays. The material has been on the ground for some weeks past, and two new cars are ready. In the cats, which are novel in construction, we particularly notice the arrangement of springs, by which the objectionable height; of the general open car platforms is obviated. They are well built and handsome in appearance, and prove that local industry, in the hands of Messrs. Cousin and Atkin, the builders of the cars, is of a high standard, and capable of supplying the demand. Credit is due to them, also to Mr. Knox, the engineer for the company, who is the designer.

Referring to a late article upon the necessity of persons paying all rates in good timu to ensure their names being inserted on the burgess roll, there are other difficulties which beset the compilers, and which can only be adjusted by those interested giving the requisite information, and personally satisfying themselves, in response to advertisement notifying when the nils are ready for inspection, that their respective qualifications are duly inserted. Amongst some instances may bo mentioned persons' names which appear on the ratebook, probably as partners or trustees only, but so inserted by written application from those concerned, and the rates unpaid. By the strict wording of th Corporation Act, section 40, the name of such person must appear on the defaulters' liet and be struck out of the burgess roll list, and if the rate remains unpaid up till the time the roll is finally signed, such persons would be disqualified for any other property he might possess, although the rates for such lastnamed property has been paid in good time. Again, a person may own ft lot of property and have sold one allotment to some person, and failing to have given notice of such transfer, or to have paid the rates either by himself or the purchaser, the property still remaining in the ratebook in his name, such name would in terms of the provisions of the Act appear on the defaulters' list, and not on the burgess roll. Or a ratepayer may have paid the rates on 20 pieces of property in various parts and have omitted one allotment, value £1 annually, j This would also disqualify him. Ratepayers frequently sell property and fail to give any notice, or to see to the adjustment of rates due and owing as between thamselveis and the purchaser. The name continues to appear in the ratebook opposite the property and the rates unpaid, and there is no option by the provisions of the Act but to strike out the name, although otherwise properly qualified. Thus A. is rated in 18S5| but sells to B. ; the rates are unpaid or not adjusted. A. is therefore disqualified in the terms of the Act, while 8., whose name appears in the valuation listof 1866 for the same property, appears on the new burgess roll list, although he may never have paid any rates. The compiler cannot strike out A.'s name on toe ratebook because he has not the power, nor dot s he know who is to pay the rates in arrears appearing on the ratebook of 1885. These are a few of the difficulties which can only by set right by those interested affording the requisite information, and doing so in good time. " : .

We have received a prospectus and specimen plate, etc.. of "The Art Album of v- e n- . Zealand, Flora," the illustrations of are painted by Mrs. E. H. Featon, while the letterpress is compiled by Mr. E. jj, Featon, who iB an officer of the Survey pepartmnnfc. The specimen plate forwarded j a the pohutukawa, - which is coloured and drawn most faithfully. The lithography is done by Messrs. Bock and Cousins, of WeiJingtom. The botanical description iB taken "The Handbook of New Zealand Flora." The popular description is well written. We quote the concluding paragraph " Though the pohutukawa is indigenous to the coast line north of the parallel of Poverty Bay, it is gratifying to know that young plants are to bo found growing in littoral situations as far south as Wellington, whither they have been taken, and become acclimatised. Apart from the utility of the wood, it forms a tree of great picturesqueness and beauty, and is, without doubt, worth all the attention and horticultural care that may be bestowed upon it. The young trees may be obtained from Auckland nurserymen, who have been eminently successful in raising seedlings." In the prospectus are quoted favourable opinions of the original paintings from Sir G. Grey, Professor Kirk (F.L.S.), Mr. J. Buchanan (F.L.S ), and others. The work will be entirely produced in the colony. The prospectus states: — "It is proposed that this volume (following the fines of the well-known botanical works of Mrs. Loudon, on the * Flora of Great Britain') shall embrace from forty to fifty prominent specimens, painted from nature In a masterly manner, and reproduced faithfully in the very highest style of chromolithographic art, at a very considerable cost, equalling in finish the master studies of the old country. The letterpress portion will comprise the botanical classification and character of each plant portrayed, collated from the ' Handbook of New Zealaud Flora,' published by the Government, and edited by that very able botanist. Sir J. D. Hooker, M.D., E.K.S. Following the established 'orders' in the handbook with the best representative specimens, excepting only the weeds and small aquatic plants, which are devoid of general interest, a general description of each plant will likewise be given, reviewing its economy, habits, and characteristics, in relation to the part it has played as a staple to the Maoris in the past, with suggestions to the settlers to promote its usefulness in the future. ... A glossary of botanical terms will be annexed to the work. The ' art album ' will be published in parts, each containing not less thau thirteen coloured plates. The size will be royal quarto, and the price of each part one guinea, to subscribers only. Three parts will oomplete the volume."

As a warning to the public generally, and more especially the ladies, we may mention that they cannot be too careful of their purses and money when they attend auction sales and other places of public resort, for it is evident that there are some pickpockets now plying their nefarious games in Auckland. We have heard of several instances lately in which ladies have been eased of their purses in a manner which to themselves was highly mysterious,- In one instance a lady had purchased some articles at an auction sale, but when she put her hand in her pocket for her purse she found that some other person's hand had already been there, and left her without purse or money. Mr, Richmond, solicitor, who has been for a few days on a trip to Te Aroha, returned to town la*f evening. We regret to hear that he is still in weak health. The Dunedin Herald says "Sharks are reported to be very numerous in the harbour, and bathers cannot be too careful in avoiding them. A crew of the Otago Rowing Club were practising near Vauxhall lately when they observed a monster shark, and as it got unpleasantly near the boat, the crew put on a splendid spurt and soon landed near their shed. T&e stroke was quite exhausted, but his companions lost no time in using restoratives, whioh had the desired effect." Why should men in a boat be put into such a funk by the appearance of a shark ?

On Sunday the Rev.C. E. Ward, the newlyappointed minister of the Franklin Road Church, delivered two able discourses to appreciative audiences—in the morning on " The Relationship of Christian Ministers to their Congregation, and of Churches to their Pastors, and the Influence of both on Public Society." In the evening Mr. Ward delivered an original and interesting sermon on "The Fatherhood of God."

A goodly number of persona attended Tom Thumb's levees yesterday. There is not much to 84e, but that is-just what constitues the attraction.

On Sunday evening a man, named Thomas Mitchell, attempted suicide at Helensville, by jumping off the wharf, he was rescued by a seaman belonging to tie Minnie Casey. It appears Mitchell had, a week previously, attempted the same offence, and had been drinking for days. He was sentenced to a week's imprisonment by Mr. Isaac McLeod, J. P.

At the Police Court yesterday, before Mr. D„ B. Mo Donald, J.P., Alexander Culbert was remanded to Wednesday on the charge Of wounding his father in the face with a bottle, under circumstances detailed in yesterday's Herald. It is expected the complainant will be able to appear in Court to-morrow. The accused was granted bail, in his own recognisances of £50 and two sureties of £25 each.

The final meeting of the session of the New Zealand District Board of the d.A.C.B. Society was held at St. Patrick's Hall, Hob-aon-street, last evening. Present: District President J.J. Sellars (in the chair), Messrs. Bradley, P. Kearney, J. Flynn, J. O'Brien (Secretary), J. J. Lawlor, W. J. Lawlor, W. G. Connolly, S. Fairbrother, and D. Flynn. Apologies were received on behalf of Messrs. McGreevy, White, and Little. The report of the finance committee was brought up and adopted. It was stated that arrangements had been made for an overdraft of a small amount, .and for the transference of the society's account from Christchurch to Auckland. The accounts were passed for payment, and the newly-eleoted officers were installed.

The examination of the pupils of the Auckland Hebrew School took place at the Synagogue schoolroom on the 14th inst., and the prizes were distributed on Sunday afternoon by Mr. A. H. Nathan, President, in the presence of the pupils, teachers, and a number of their parents and friends. In commencing the proceedings Mr. Nathan remarked he was glad to be able to state that the half-yearly examinations, which had been some time in abeyance, would once more be resumed. The committee before whom the pupils had been examined, while pleased with the progress so far made, were of opinion, however, that there was room for considerable improvement, both in progress, classification, and attendance, for without the punctual attendance of pupils it was impossible to hope for any real advancement. The prizes were then distributed in the following order : — Class I. : Montefiore Philips, Hebrew reading, Ist prize; A. Davis, ditto, 2nd; B. Montague, translation, Ist prize ; J. Lewis, ditto, 2nd; Posseneskie, general progress. Class 11. : B. Goldstein, reading and translation, Ist prize ; J. Feldman, ditto, 2nd ; Eva Keesing, ditto, Ist prize; A. Davis, ditto, 2nd. Class 111. : Hannah Hart, general progress, Ist prize; Julia Keesing, ditto, 2nd. General progress : Boyd, Davis, Louis Gold water, Lilla Montague, Ro=e Hart. Attendance : B. Goldstein, Ist prize Hannah Hart, 2nd; B. Hart, 2rd. The Kev. S. Goldatein, headmaster, addressed the children and their parents, urging the necessity of punctual and regular attendance at the school hours, to ensure progress in their studies. A vote of thanks to the headmaster, the assistant teachers, Mr. Sam Isaacs, and the Misses Goldwater and Montague terminated the proceedings. The school pupils are to have a picnic (arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein) to-morrow (Wednesday), weather permitting, in the Domain.

The following is the state of the Prison Gate Brigade Home for the week ending the 19th instant No. of mealß given, 166 ; beds supplied, 36 ; persons admitted, 4 ; discharged, 2; still in Home, 5. Donations of moat : Messrs. Barrett, Walker, and Wood; bread, Mrs Kobley, Mrs. Howie, Messrs. Crowe, Waudell, Kingsford, Brown, Philips, and Williams ; milk and butter, Auckland and Devonshire Dairies. Requisites : Firewood and potatoes. The Home is much in need of pecuniary support, as an expenditure is constantly going on for rent, apart from the ordinary work of the institution.

There were two persons in the lock-up last night for drunkenness, and Mary Hurten* shaw, for malicious injury to property, by ■mashing 24 panes of glass, the property of Thomas Aaheaon.

it i? m - na^ve houses were burned on the 17th inst. at Kihikihi, the circumstances arising out of a row on the racecourse between some natives. The natives now want the matter settled by a native committee, instead of by the ordinary Courts of law. A banqtfet took place last night at the Park Hotel (Mr. D. Twohill, proprietor), which was given by the members of the German Club to celebrate the 89th birthday of the Emperor of Germany. A goodly company assembled in the large supperroom, which was tastefully decorated, conspicuous being the Royal Standard, and portraits of the Emperor, the Crown Prince, Prince Bismarck, and FieldMarshal Moltke, On the parapetting of the hotel there was also displayed the German colours. A sumptous repast was provided by Mr. T. McEwin, to whioh the sods of Fatherland did full justice. The German Consul, Mr. Hermann Brown, presided, and Mr. C. Seeguer occupied the vice-chair. The President, in an appropriate speech, referred to the great age the Emperor had attained, and to the veneration which all true Germans entertained for their sovereign. The toast was enthusiastically drunk, the German National Anthem being played. The Vice-Chairman (Mr. Seegner) proposed, in a neat speech, the toast of Queen Victoria," and alluded to the intimate relations between the German and English Courts, and the cordial reception German art and learning had always received at th« hands of English raters. This toast was also duly honoured, the National Anthem being played. Mr. Von der Heyde, in a brief speech, proposed " The Health of tho Crown Prince and the Imperial Family," the toast being drunk amid the strains of the Prussian National Hymn. Mr. J. D. Schmidt, in a humorous and heartstirring speech, proposed " The Fatherland.'' The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, the company singing " Deutschland ! Deutschland 1" Mr. Luks, after a historic review of recent events in Germany, proposed " The German Leaders: Bismarck and Moltke." The toast was enthusiastically honoured, " Die Wacht am Rhein" being sung by the company. Mr. Gelb proposed "Th« Health of the German Consul, Mr. Hermann Brown," who acknowledged the compliment; and Mr. Luks proposed " The Health of the exConsul, Mr. Von dor Heyde." Mr. Von der Heyde returned thanks. Various other toasts were proposed :—" Gorman Workers," by Mr. Kretchmar : "The Ladies," by Mr. Levy ; and " New Zealand," all of which were duly honoured. During the evening Mr. Von der Heyde sang " The Fatherland's Lament;" Herr Carl Schmitt executed with tine effect a violin solo; Professor LofHer, recently from Cape Town, rendered a pianoforte solo with great taste, and Mr. Beer gave a humourous recitation in Low German. A very pleasant evening was spent, the assembly breaking up about midnight. Father Weissel was one of the guests.

Referring to the death of the Rev. Dr. Jones Hamer, the Melbourne Argus says :— " Mr. Hamer came to the leading Congregational Church in Victoria with the highest credentials as to his character and capacity. Educated at Cambridge University, he completed his training for the ministry at the Independent College, Whalley Range, Manchester. His university and collegiate career was marked by solidity rather than brilliance. He was a sound scholar, free from the least taint of pedantry, and seeking the true utility of the knowledge which he had acquired rather than to make a vain display of his scholastic attainments. His first ' call" was to the Richmond Congregational Church, Salford (the twin city of Manchester), a pastorate which he filled with eminent success for a period of about ten years. He frequently spent his Sunday afternoons preaching, or rather lecturing, to large and sympathetic audiences of the working men in the Salford 1 own Hall. Mr. Hamer left Salford in 1876, to take undertake the pastorate of the Queenstreet Independent Church, Wolverhampton, the oentre of Congregation ilism in the Black Country, and he laboured there with great advantage, not only to the Independents and their denominational institutions, but likewise with beneficial results to the community at large. His departure for Melbourne was generally regretted, and he brought with him to this colony many handsome tokens of the esteem in which he was held by the friends whom he left behind. Mr. Hamer took a great interest in most of the political questions which occupied public attention at home. A zealous advocate of political and religious equality before the law, he often appeared on public platforms as a representative of the Liberation Society. His sympathies were always with the people, and he was a staunch deciple of Cobdeu and Bright, believing, to use his own words, that •the riches of all lands should be at the service of all nations, without human interference.' Possessing a well-stored memory, and a keen, logical mind, and gifted also with the pen of a ready writer, he was a constant contributor to the editorial columns of two or three newspapers in the front ranks of the English provincial Press. He was likewise indefatigable in all movements for ameliorating the condition of the masses, and was an earnest worker in the cause of social reform. He was a man of exceptional musical talent, a good organist, and a composer of considerable merit, one of his own productionsa cantata—having been rendered in public on various occasions."

In a certain street in East Melbourne there are two well known residents rejoicing in the respective names of Adam and Eve. Hence the thoroughfare is popularly known by the inhabitants as Paradise. Curiously and scripturally enough one of the councillors of the ward is a Mr. Cain. That gentleman's return for the ward was opposed and a scrutiny of the poll revealed the peaceful existence of a ratepayer in the same neighbourhood named Abel. Mr. Abel is Baid to be alive and vigorous, and is a living exemplification of the allegorical character of certain portions of the sacred volume.

On Saturday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, several young ladies were bathing at Cheltenham Beach, when one of them-MiBS Julia Garland—who was unable to swim, by some means got out of her depth, and had already sunk twice, when Miss Jessie Edson, who was swimming farther out, observed her danger, went to her assistance, and brought her to shore. Miss Garland was very much exhausted when landed, and, though none the worse for her mishap, would probably have been drowned but for the timely aid afforded her.

The Cox's Creek bridge difficulty seems to be in a fair way of satisfactory settlement. Tenders are now being called for by the authorities for the formation of the road through Mr. Mason's orchard, which he has ceded and dedicated to the public. Mr. Mason states that he will flag out the line of road, so as to enable intending contractors to see the route, and will also give any information in his power.

Yesterday Constable McGill, of Napier, brought up a prisoner from that district named Richard Barton, alias Kilkenny Dick. He was arrested there on a charge of larceny of a watch and other personal effects from Samuel Webb, of Tairua, and is being taken to the Thames to-day to answer to the charge.

Professor Lio Medo gave his second entertainment at the Choral Hall last evening to a moderate audience, although it was really worthy of better patronage. The professor is a negro, but is one of more than ordinary culture and education, and is an elocutionist of a high order of merit. Last evening he recited some of the principal scenes from Macbeth " displaying a thorough appreciation of the intricacies of the character and a dramatic power which called forth warm expressions of applause. The professor also delivered a clever lecture on " Heads and Faces I Have Seen." To-night, in addition to recitations from some of the leading authors and dramatists, Professor Medo will lecture on the " Philosophy of Mesmerism," and give platform delineations of character.

In our advertising columns will be found district orders referring to the inspection of the volunteer corps at the Metropolitan Ground on Saturday afternoon.

An inquest was to have been held yesterday at Hamilton on the body of a Mrs. Hannigan, who died suddenly on Saturday night, and who was prematurely confined on the Thursday. Two men were in attendance upon her at the time of her confinement.

We have to acknowledge receipt of a pamphlet, entitled " Extracts from a Diary kept by the Rev. R. Burrows during Heke's War in the North in 1845," and which gives some interesting information concerning the Northern war.

The advance agent for "The Privaie Secretary" Company,- Mr. Wm. Fiughss, arrived from the "South yesterday. The company appear at the Opera House next week.

Before the Government took over Point Resolution for defence purposes that site was a great place of resort by those who wished to enjoy the fine view and sea breeze obtainable at that point, and its pretty approach through St. Stephen's Avenue, with its fine shade trees, made it doubly attractive ; but, of course, since the fort was erected the public have been shut out from the place. Recently the Parnell Borough Council applied to the Government for some compensation, either in the shape of an endowment or a money grant, with which to purchase another site. At the meet ing of the Council, held last night, a reply was received from the Public Works Department. The Minister regretted that the request could not be granted as the Government had no land available in the district, and there was no vote from which a money grant could be given. The Council, however, decided to point out to the Minister that there was a piece of land near Dr. Campbell's residence (a native hostelry reserve) which was available, and which they would be willing to accept in lieu of that which was taken at Point Resolution.

The attention of the British Government has been drawn to the published accounts of the cruise of H.M.s. Diamond, of the Australian Squadron, amongst the Paoific Islan Is in October and November last, when, in order to punish the natives of some of the islands for the murder of British settlers, villages were burnt and canoes and other property destroyed as an alternative course on the native chiefs refusing to hand over the murderers. The Government has been urged to take action with a view of marking their disapproval of the conduct of the officers of the Diamond, but they have decided to wait until the official report of the cruise is received before expressing an opinion as to whether the action taken was censurable or otherwise.

It is reported that the Government of France have communicated with the English Government, intimating their desire to annex the New Hebrides, and asking to be released from the agreement entered into between France and England, under which both nations bound themselves to respect the independence of the islands in question; The French Government, on their part, promise that if acquiescence be given to this request, they will not transport reoidivistes to the islands. It will be seen from our cable messages to-day that the Governments of all the Australian colonies have requested their Agents-General to take joint action to prevent the annexation of the New Hebrides by France.

List night a moonlight trip to the Lake Takapuna and a conoert in aid of the funds of St. Peter's Episcopal Church took place. At six p.m. the Takapuna, one of the Devonport Ferry Company's steamers, left the Queen-street Wharf with a goodly number of passengers and en route called at the North Shore, where she received large additions to her number of excursionists. On arrival at Lake Takapuua beach the party were landed in boats, but owing to there being an unsufficiency of means of getting to and from the shore a considerable amount of time was lost. The concert was held in the Takapuna Schoolhouse, and an excellent and varied* programme of vocal and instrumental music was most creditably rendered by local amateurs, assisted by some friends from Auckland. Mr. Geo. Clatsam's pianoforte solos, and the singing of Misses Uulpan. Corbett, and Maunsell, Mrs. Judson, and MessA J. Hanua, Edwards, F. Edgar, Tayler, and Chambers proved most acceptable. Altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent. The Takapuna, on her return trip, however, did not reach town until about twenty minutes past one o'clock this morning.

The Opera House was fairly attended last night, when the Emerson Minstrels gave another of their popular entertainments. Manager Cunard takes a benefit on Friday night, when some conjuring performances and other specialities will bo introduced.

A concert in aid of the funds of the Newton Gospel Temperance services took place yesterday evening in the Pitt-street Schoolroom, Mr. R. Arthur presiding. There was a good attendance. A well-selected programme, comprisng glees, duets, solos, etc., was very satisfactorily gone through, while the Rev. J. S. Hill delivered an address dealing with the work of the mission. The Kingsland String Band were present, and performed selections of music during the evening. The entertainment concluded with the National Anthem.

The drawing for Miss Teutenberga art anion took place last night at her plikce of business. Several of the committee were present at the drawing, and a representative of the Press. The winning numbers will be found in an advertisement in another column.

Soloists, members of chorus and orchestra of the Auckland Choral society are reminded by an advertisement in this Issue of a spocUl practice at twenty minute? past seven this reefing.