MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7645, 24 May 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

MEETINGS.

Ij BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. 3 J Tiif, half-yearly meeting of the Bank of Nov ° # Zealand was held at the Banking-house ~ Queen-atreet, on April 28, at noon. Dr. J [ L. Campbell (Chairman of Directors) presided 5 The General Manager (Mr. D. L. Mur 1 dooh) read the report and balance-sheet a follows : — - Forty-ninth Report of the Directors of tho Bank o Now Zealand, to tho Half-yearly General Meeting o the I'ropiiotors, hold nt the Banking-house, Auck. 3 land, on Wednesday, tho 2Sth Ap.i), 188(5. 'I lie result of the business of the past half-year i exhibited in the following statsm-nt : — „ Tho Net Profit for the half-year endkd 31st March, after full appropriation 1 for all known had and doubtful I debts, and in reduction of Hank Pro- ' niises and Furniture Accounts, f amounts to £78,540 1* >. To which has to be added r Balance from half-year ended 30th Septombar, 1835 27,102 17 ! 7 Giving a total, availablo for division, of £105.619 12 ( > Which it is proposed to appropriate as ' follows : - I To Payment of Dividend" at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum £50,000 0 0 l To Bonus of fis per share, equal to 5 per > cent, per annum .. 25,000 0 0 To Balance carried to Profit and Loss New i Account .. .. 30,019 12 0 £105,049 12 ( The Dividend andjßonus will be payable at tho Head i Ofllee, Auckland, to-moirow, Thursday, tho '29tL , 1 Instant, and at Branches on lecoipt of advice. ' y For the Board of Directors. , j J. LooAN Cahphhll, President. Aggregate Balance-sheet of the Bank of New Zealand at 31st March, ISsO, including London Ollice at 31st January, ISSO. Dr. Liabilities. £, e. d Capital paid-up „. 1,000 000 0 0 Reserve Fund ~ (125,000 0 0 Notes in Circulation _ 541.903 0 0 Bills Payable in Circulation .. .. 1,194,112 0 7 Deposits and other Liabilities.. .. 10,681,422 15 11 Balance of Profit and Loss '.. .. 105,649 12 0 £11,051.087 14 0 Cr. Assets. £ s. d. Coin and Cash Balances at Hankers.. 1,217,672 11 C Money on Short Call in London .. -'67,531 5 U Bullion on hand and in transit .. 153,012 oil Covornment Securities .. .. 72,735 8 0 ' Bills Receivable and Securities in London 1,7-10,327 11 9 Bills Discounted, and other Debts due to the Bank 10,875,617 12 5 Lauded Property, Bank Promises, kc. 335.590 19 11 £14,051 11 6 Profit and Loss Account. Dr. & s. d. To Dividend on 100,000 shares of £10 each, at rate of 10 per cent, per annum 60,000 0 0 To Bonus at the rate of 5s per share, equal to 5 per cent, per annum .. 25,000 0 0 To Balance carried to Profit and Loss New Account : 30,04:1 12 0 £105.(119 12 0 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance from Half-year ended 30th September, ISSS .. .. 27,102 17 8 Bv Net I'rolit for Half-year ended "olst March, 1885 78,546 11 4 £105,649 12 0 Re irv,. Fund. Dr. £ r. d. To Balance.. ... - ... - 625,000 0 0 Cr. £. s. d. By Balance from last Half-year .. 625,000 0 0 We hereby certify that we have examined the Accounts of the Bank ef New Zealand for the half-year ended 31st March. 1-SSO, and tint We have counted the Cash Halluces unci extminc i (he Bills and other securities hold at the He id Oflice, and compared the Returns of the Branches with the Statements in the forei;oin,r Balance-sheet, and have found the same to be correct. <«*"*> The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said : Gentlemen, — Beforo moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet which have just been nail, you will no doubt expect me as usual to oiler what comment is called for by the figures put before you. Fully recognising the abnormal condition of business in the colonies, owing to tho continued and unexampled depression in price of all our products in European markets, our policy has necessarily been of a i restrictive character, as under existing circumstances there is no room for speculative business, and as a rule he is doing best who is doing least. The general desire, there--1 fore, among the mercantile classes, has been to confine transactions within the narrowest limit 3 consistent with the efficient supply of the ordinary requirements of their customers, and in this policy the hank has lent its aid. Still, the general turnover has not been unsatisfactory, and, as the figures just read will have shown you, the average of profit for the last few years has been well maintained. We still look hopefully for the long-expected revival in business, through recovery in prices of colonial products ; such revival, wo feel assured, cannot be much longer delayed, and though it may be taking a too sanguine view to expect a full return to prices which ruled some years since, the present anomalous condition of markets, which leaves no profit for almost any product, can hardly bo permanent. Turning to the figures of the balance-sheet, it will be seen that on the debtor or liability side the only items which present any material alteration from the previous statement is a slight decrease in deposits, which is more than accounted for in the operations of the Government account. On the other side the cash equivalents, included under the headings of coin and bullion, money on short call, Government securities and bills receivable, and securities in London, show some contraction, owing to the more active

employment of the bank's resources and some reduction in Government balances. It will no doubt be expected that some allusion should be made to our recent unfortunate experience in Sydney—an experience which came with as great a shock to the Board as lam sure it did to the general body of shareholders. I need hardly say that the sensational rumours, to which currency was given in our public prints, had but a slender foundation. We will make a loss, but th extent of it cannot be defined until the value of the defaulter's private estate is tested ; but, as far as we can at present judge, the extent of our loss cannot exceed ten to fifteen thousand pounds, and may prove to be much less. The bank in its career has been singularly exempt from such ease:', and it is much to be deplored that the firstserious instance should have occurred in one of the most prominent and promising officers of the institution. As, however, his case is still su!> jud'tce, I refrain from more than theae general comments on it. With these remarks, I beg to move the adoption of tho report and balance-sheet.

Mr. J, M. Clark : Mr. President and gentlemen,—l rise to second the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, and in doing so I will take the opportunity of congratulating the shareholders upon the result of the last half-year's operations. In the midst of the long-continued and severe depression, results which enable the usual dividend and bonus to be declared, and enable the balance to the credit of profit and loss account to be carried forward to be £3500 in excess of that brought forward in the report of the previous half-year, cannot bo considered anything but satisfactory. The President in hi» remarks, and referring to the long continued depression and to the prospects of a revival, says, that such a revival, he hoped, could not be much longer delayed. I think he might have put it a little stronger than that, and have said that this depression cannot possibly exist much longer. 11l this colony the depression for the moat part arises, as has been stated, from tho low prices of its main products, Those low prices cannot continue much longer, because for the last two years those prices have left a loss to the producers. Now we may expect a rise in price from one of two things : either from an increased consumption or a diminution in the production. Although in some little points we might expeot an increase in the consumption, such as in frozen mutton, if the arrangements were made complete regarding selling it to the consumer at a price something like what the producer receives in the wholesale market, with a profit added, if these negotiations for the alteration of the American tariff in the matter of wool come to anything possibly there may be slight increases in the consumption; but I look for an increase in the price more from the production being lessened. All those who are in the worst condition for producing must abandon the business. Then how will New Zealand fare in this respect in the question of tho survival of the fittest ? She is handicapped considerably by the heavy rate of wages, but even in that respect the money does not go out of the country. She is handicapped also on account of the distance from market; but other countries are equally or more handicapped in that respect, for in addition j to a long water carriage they have a long land carriage, which is even more expensive than water carriage. But to make up for the points in which she is handicapped we have the soil and climate of New Zealand, we have the freedom from droughts, and we have the very large yield per acre. I believe that on account of the soil and cli- j mate of New Zealand she will not only j hold her position as producer, but iB ties.'

tint d to go forward as an agricultural country, and I believe that when the rise in prices takes place that New Zealand and the New Zealand growers will be in a position to benefit aud profit by such rise. I say again, that if your directors have never a worse balance-sheet to plaoo before you than the oue at this time, you will again and ■ again have reason to be congratulated. I i beg to second tho motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. • Mr. F. bury : Before yon, Mr. Chair* i man, put the motion I should 'iko to ask a question, and that is— Whether in the opinion i of the authorities, yourself and co-directors, a man who iB apparently notorious as a bettor and racing man, is eligible for the office of manager of a bank? I felt very much surprised that such a thing could have happened as has occurred in Sydney. The ' man was notoriously engaged in betting and gambling transactions, and yet he held snch i an important office. I wish to ask that question when all the diroctors are here. , Mr. D. L. Murdoch {General Manager) : By the chairman's leave, I rise to answer Mr. Cherry's question Whether a gentleman who is a known bettor on tho racecourse is a proper man to be an officer of the bank ? I may say, Mr. Cherry, that the kuowledge that Mr. Holt was a confirmed bettor or speculator, if you can so put it, is wholly a piece of information since the default was discovered, 1 have on more than one occasion met gentlemen on the street who have told me that they were aware long, long since that Mr. Holt was given to gambling and betting, and so on. I think it is very much to be deplored that, if that knowledge was within the scope of shareholders they did not sound a note of warning to the directors ; but I for one can say, although I was generally once a year In Sydney, that I never heard a whisper— never saw an act on tho part of Mr. Holt— that would lead me to suppose that he was leading a life that the most trusted manager might not lead. That be played a rubber at whist, that he went to the racecourse and might put a live-pound note on a race, was quite within my knowledge, but surely that is not a bar to a gentleman occupying a trustworthy position, but I can assure shareholders that there was nothing, absolutely nothing, within the knowledge of the Board, or within the knowledge of the nearest manager of the bank to Mr. Holt that would have warranted the executive calling him in question for any of his acts until this exposure. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was put, and carried I unanimously. was put, and carried unanimously. -THANKS. Rev. Shirley Baker : I beg to move that the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to the directors aud officers of the bank. In doing so I can only reiterate what Mr. Clark has so ably put before the meeting with regard to tho satisfactory position of the bank to-day. I think it has taken some of us by surprise, that iu these times of depression the bank stands so well. Not only have the usual dividend and bonus been declared, but a largo amount has been carried forward to credit of profit and loss account. I would also like to observe, and I believe I do so not only for myself but on behalf of some of the shareholders present, that you, Mr. President, and .the directors, deserve thanks for tho candid remarks you made in the report which has just been presented to the meeting, There has been a feeling outside that all the truth had not been told with regard to the defalcations of Mr. Molt. I am pleased that it will go forth from this meeting that we know now what is the extent of the loss the bank is likely to sustain. I think, in taking this course, the directors have not only the confidence of the shareholders, 'jut also their thanks. I should like also, if I may personally do so, to suggest something with regard to Melbourne and Sydney. In the course of my travels I have frequently to go to the adjacent colonies, and if I may be permitted to throw out a suggestion for the directois to take into consideration, it is, whether it would not be wise, considering tho position we hold in these colonies, to have a local directorate both in Sydney and Melbourne ; and, if I may say so, that there bo more frequent inspection than has hitherto, perhnps, taken place. We cannot expect our worthy general manager to bear all tho heat and burden of the day. Could not the inspector's staff be increased, so that there might be more regular impection? We have the interest of the bank at hsart and the welfare of this institution, and I consider that on tho success of this institution depends to a great extent the welfare of New Zealand. If there was a more regular inspection both of the Sydney and Melbourne branches, and I might also add the London branch as well, it would afford great satisfaction to the shareholders and wo should feel that we were on a safe foundation. In anything I have said 1 do not wish to throw any reflection whatever on the directors, the manager, or officers of the bank. Considering the depression that exists throughout the world very few could have expected such satisfactory results. Mr. Gi P. Pierce seconded the motion, which was put and carried unanimously. The Chairman : On behalf of the directors I beg to return our hearty thanks for the vote which has just been passed. With regard to the observations which have just fallen from Mr. Baker, as that matter is purely in the executive department I shall leave Mr. Murdoch to reply, as he can do so with much more force than I can.

Mr. D. L. Murdoch (general manager) said : On behalf of the staff 1 have very much pleasure in returning to you our sincere thanks for your vote. But on this occasion I must say that, in receiving the vote, I feel as if somo apology were due to the shareholders for the misconduct of one of the staff, and one who had occupied such a very prominent position and been one of the most trusted officers of the service. It is now twenty-five years since the bank started, and this is tho first occasion on which we have had a default of any magnitude, and it is all tho more to he regretted that it should have been tho act of [ouo who, in other respects, I have no hesitation in saying, was a man of singular qualifications, and who built up for us a business in Sydney such as under other circumstances we had' no right to expect. (Hear, hear.) ft is all the more to be regretted, therefore, on that account alone, that he has been so tempted, as not only to wreck his own life, but to deprive us of his services. He has, however, put himself within the meehes of tho law, and no doubt just punishmant will be meted out to him ; but I am sure I speak the minds of the Hoard, and also of the shareholders, when I say there is no desire to import vindictivemas into the prosecution, and that we would be content with such a punishment as will prove to wrongdoers that they can scarcely expect to escape the result of their own acts. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the Bev. Mr. Baker's remarks as to moro frequent inspection and the appointment of a local Board of directors in Australia, the question of local Boards has frequently been under the consideration of the directors, but after the most careful deliberations and inquiry we have fouii'' that such Boards as a rule are a detriment to institutions (hear, hear); that the public have very much greater confidence in dealing with banks who have no local Boards, and that for various reasons which I need not take up your time by recounting; but it has appeared to the Board of this bank that it would bo a disadvantage to have local Boards in Australia. As to the question of more frequent inspection, I am very glad Mr. Baker has referred to it, as it enables me to state that that step has already been taken, and Mr. Stewart, tho recent manager in Melbourne, has been appointed assistant-inspector for Australia, and his duty will bo periodically —as frequently as ho feels it necessary—to visit the various Australian branches. Mr. J. M. Clark : And he was appointed prior to Holt's misconduct. Mr. Murdoch : The appointment was arranged before this occurred in Sydney, but, from a difficulty in filling up the managership in Melbourne, the absolute appointment was deferred, although Mr. Stewart has for the past two or three months been doing the duties of Australian inspector. I therefore hope that tho minds of shareholders will be quite satisfied that every step possible is being taken to have adequate inspection. Au to the suggestion of Mr. Baker about London, you can well suppose that that is a difficult matter—that we cannot well appoint an inspector for London ; and it is not always convenient that an officer from the colonies can proceed to London to make an Inspection, the travelling taking up so much time. But I may say, when I was in London last year, I made a most exhaustive inspection of the branch, and found every thing in the most perfect order; there was not an item that was out of order (hear, hear), and no doubt opportunities will from time to time arise to enable us to have other inspec-

tiona. With these remarks, I beg again to thank you most sincerely for the kind vote that you have passed, and I trust it will be s lone time before we have any further misconduct on the part of the staff to allude to. The rough minutes were then read and the meeting terminated. HARBOUR BOARD. A simcial meeting of the Harbour Board was hold on the 11th of May, to consider a report aud plans from the engineer as to harbour improvements an extension. Present : Messrs. Waddel (in the chair), Devore, Graves Aicken, Laltoche, Winks, Mays, .Niocol, McKenzie, and Clark. GENERAL SCHEME OP HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS. The following report, which had been previously distributed to members of the Board was laid before the meeting : — Auckland, February 16,1886. The Chairman, Auckland Harbour Board : Sir,—l have the honour to report the completion ol the now marina survey of the central portion ol Auckland harbour, and herewith submit a chart ol the same, plotted to a scale of 400 feet to an Inch, upon which I have laid down my design for a general scheme of harbour improvements for the port ol Auckland. And to further illustrate the description of wharves proposed to be constructed, I have preyed cross sections of the main quay frontage, of jetties running out from the shore, dividing the enclosed area into basins of half-tide training wa Is at east.and west ends of the quay frontage, and of railway embankments crossing St. George's and Judge's Bayall as fully shown on the accompanying throe sheets of drawings. A complete traverse of the southern foreshore ol the harbour as it ia at present has been made, from the Pousonby Wharf to thj Bastion, and the chief features of the opposite shore have been accurately connected with the same. Numerous borings and soundings have been made, showing the depth of water, mud, and rock bottom, all on defined linos, that can bo picked up and verified at any future time. The tidal currents, at neap and spring tides, have boon cirefully observed, and are also shown on the chart by arrows, giving the direction and velocity per hour daring each quarter both of flood and ebbs and at the occurrence of spring and neap tides. 1 have carefully studied the data obtained in connection with the survey of tho harbour, and have arrived at the conclusion that very little alteration can be made in the general plan of proposed harbour improvements submitted by mo for the consideration of the Board in June last. I have, however, given serious consideration to the suggestions frequently impressed upon me by members of the Board whan discussing the permanent lice of quay frontage that should be adopted, namely, the desirability of keeping tho main line of wharfage running up and down tho harbour as near the southern foreshore as possible, consistently with obtaining the requisite depth of water on both sides of the main frontage. the exact position and direction of frontage line could not bo permanently fixod before the soundings, boring?, and Bet and velocity of the currents had been taken, but the line now laid down on the chart cannot be brought further inshore and at the same time the requisite depth of water on both sides of tho wharf be obtained, with spico and sufficient depth, especially along the inside face, even aftor a considerable quantity of mud has been removed by dredging. You will observe from an examination of tho chart that the front wall runs closa to the outor eastern tee of Queen-street Wharf, so that at this point the new wharf Wnuld just be its own width further out in tho harbour. This arrangement would enable tho eastern arm of the new Queen-street Wharf to be constructed clear of the old wharf when the time arrives for removing the latter in ooiißOiuence of natural decay, and permit of its use on the innorside to the very last moment. It seems to me that there c-.nnot be two opinions with regard to the general principle laid down in the design at illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but from the i>ro.it length of the foreshore, stretching from Okahu to I'onsonly Points, a distance of four and one-third (4}) .idles, and tin imperative necessity of including the whole frontage in a general schomo of harbour improvements, it involves a scheme of considerable magnitude, and can only be carrlcdout piecerae.il from time to time, as the trade of the port grows end demands increased shipping accommodation, thus providing for the ever-changing type of ocean-going vessels that may bo employed in the carrying trade of the world. Although it must bo admitted that probable future extensions cannot be ignored in designing a genoral rchome of harbour improvements for the port of Auckland, yet the immediate questions for consideration by the Harbour Board arc :—lst. What additional shipping facilities should bo provided in the form of • xiendcd wharfage and shed accommodation to meet present lcqulromauts ? 2nd. What portion or portions of the general plan should be carried out at once to provide tho required accommodation? 3rd. The cost of same Tub works forming portion of the general scheme that I recommend the Board to undertake at once are: fa) Construction of now wharf 360 feot along the eastern side of Uobson-street reclamation, (b) The extension of Ilobson-xtreit Wharf (10.0 lineal feet) to the Quay frontage, with the eastern arm (700 lineal foot) extending to the entrance of basin No. 2, (c) The extension of Hallway Wharf in the directions shown on the plan, a< far as the entrance of basin No. 4 (lengths 420 and 1540 feet. (d) Construction of jetty of Quay-street 340 lineal feet. The dimensions and details of construction of the several wharvos above recommended are shown by cross sections Nos. 1 and 2. drawing No. 1, and embrace two different systems of working the traffic, namely, by road and railway, which should bo kept entirely separate, because the arrangements for hauling goods by railway „and carts require different treatment on the dock surface of a wharf. I therefore propose to devote all future extensions of wharves west of basin No. 3 to dray traffic, ai.d ea»tward to railway traffic. With the Central Hallway Station, goods sheds, and approaches thereto as now died in the city of Auckland, it would bo difficult to extend the lines round the two western basins, unless a new branch line were brought in from the Kaipara railway through Freeman's Bay.

It will be observed that I havo shown the propos now railway lino from Penrose Junction coining dov through Ilobjon Hay, running round the two caste basins, anil connected with present railway systei so that the what!" traffic could bo worked from bo th» new and the old railway linos. Jf tho new line be in*<lo through Ilobson Bay should be carried outsldo resolution and C*mpb< Points, as shown on the general plan, instead through those points. The deviation front the Government proposal wou ho very slight, but ttio outside line would suit tl birbour traffic ba-t and would cost very much le utonoy if made part of the harbour iruproveme. scheme. Moreover, an excellent site could be got f railway workshops in St. George's Bay, <:1< se to gooi station, and thus concentrate all the railway sppl snci.'s in one locality. The description of wharf shown on the cro sections is, in my opinion, the best that can I designed to meat the requirements of Auckian harbour, always bearing in mind the first cost, durab lity, and facilities for working traffic. the railway wharf on quay frontage is 120 feet wic over all on the top, and consists of a rubble uiolo ! foot wide on top, canyhig three linos of rials bet wee the two rows of rood sheds. On each side of th mole timber decking is carried on four beating plh driven into the rock, tied together transversely t stout st'id link chains. On this decking goods sheds, 30 feet wide and 1 f6et high are placed, capable, if necessary, of holdln an inward or an outward cargo from or fir the largo: ocean-going steamer; and both cargoes could 1 received and delivered as fast as the goods could 1 sent out of tho vessel or stow, diu her. Another lie of Mils, for working goods which do not require shelti or storage runs cl< se to the front of the sheds on tli timber decking, making five altogether, all being cor nected at intervals by points ami crossings in th usual way, so that the full and empty trucks can fc moved from lino to line as required. i The dray wharf on quay frontage is also 120 fee wide, but provided with a solid roadway 40 feet wid in the centre. On this design of wharf all the good are intended to be carried to and from the ships i drays, and, in order to facilitate the work of loadin and discharging, the road line is kept 2 feet ii)Ch< below the floor of the sheds and tho wharf decking a the aides. ices are left between the onds of th different sheds fur loading and discharging goods tha do not require tr> he passed through the sheds an that can 1.0 handled direct on the wharf. The jetties running out from the shore to the qua frontage are similar in design where both sides are t be used for berthage, but the single jetties formiti lha western side of basin No. 1 and eastern side c No. 6 husin have tho lira! «r wharf only on one aide c the moles, as shown on drawing No. 2. Tho railway embankment crossing St, George's am Judge's Bay is intended to be constructed of sma! rubble stones, 33 feet wide on top, carrying two lint of rails, and a footpath 8 feet wido. Ample provision is made for the tidal waters t flow through three large oponlugs to each bay so tha water rights along tho foreshore should not be dis turbed, at all ovonts until the reclamation of thos areas be required for somo special purpose. 1 have prepared estimates of tho cost of the com plete design for goncral scheme of harbour impiore meats, and the portions recommended for Imraediat construction, from which you will soo that the esti mated cost of the whole design is one million on hundred and sixty-seven thousand seven hundrad am forty-seven pounds (£1,167,747), and the estimate! cost of what may be termed tho first soction is twi hundred and forty-eight thousand seven hundred am oighty-flvo pounds (£248785). These estimates are based on present prices of labou and material in Auckland, and although the actua cost of the first section might come close up to th estimate, yet in carrying out future extension fron time to time the cost would be reduced in proportioi to tho fall Id labour and materials that mutt inevita blv take place with the growth of the colony ; so tha the t - >UI cost might bo considerably dimishod boion the whole design was completed. The longih of now berthage provided by the first section is 7410 lineal feet, having depths of wate varying from 27 to 18 feet as low water, ant capable of accommodating about twenty vessels fron: 260 to 500 foot long, where tho inward and outwart cargoes could bo handled with safety and grea' rapidity by passing tho goods through shods capabli of holding about 20,000 tons in all. Tho whole scheme provides berthage 34,630 feel long, or about 6J miles of wharf frontage, so that ar extra berth or two can be grafted on to the last suctior at any time when required, and at the >ame time be carrying out a part of a uniform and comprehensive design of harbour improvements, which will no doubl bo completed some day, 1 think the Board should authorise the new chari to bo lithographed.—John McGregor, Engineei Auckland Harbour Board. PROPOSED HARBOUR WORKS. KSTIMATB OF COMPLETE D»SIBN. Main Front Wall and Wharves.—Ponsonby end without sheds 1700 lineal feot, £102 821. Hobsonstreet, west arm, without shed, 1600 lineal feet, .€93,732. Hobson-streot, east arm, without sheds, 700 lineal feet, £45,085. Queen-street, east arm, without sheds, 1000 lineal feet, £64,226. Hallway Wharf, arm, without sheds, 1550 lineal feet, £91,889. Campbell's Point, west, without sheds, 1860 lineal feet, £108,335. Campbell's Point, oast, without sheds, 1000 lineal feet, £94.847. Total, 10,000 lineal feot, £005,035. Wharves with Northerly direction.— *oherou Point, without sheds, 2900 lineal feet, £83,445. Hobsonstreet, east side of present reclamation, 360 lineal feet, £7022. Hobson-street extension, without sheds, 1000 lineal feet, £55,504. Queen-street, without sheds, 1200 lineal feet. £68,618. Railway Wharf bend, witheut sheds, 420 lineal feet, £14,796. Campbell's Point, without sheds, 10C0 lineal feet, £73,503, Resolution Point, without sheds, 1900 lineal feet, £62,749. Quaystreet Jetty, without sheds, 340 feet, £15,939. Total, 9360 linoal feet, £381.626. Sheds on the abovonamed Wharves: Main Front Wall.—Ponjonby end, 1600 lineal feet, £8000, Hob-son-street, west arm, 160u lineal feet, £8000. Hobsonstreet, east arm, Bjo lineal feet, £4000. Queen-street, east arm, 900 lineal feet, £4500. Railway Wharf 2000 lineal feot, £10,000. Campbell's Point, west arm, 2000 lineal feet, £10,000. Campbell's Point, east arm, 1800 lineal feet, £9000. Total, 10,700 linoal feet, £53,&00.

) Sheds on Northerly Wharves.— Point, 60' * Urinal feet, £3000. Rnbson-Btreet, COO lineal feel " Ji3oOo. Queen-ftreet. 12D0 lineal feet, £6000. itailwa: 1 Wharf at bend, ICO lineal feet, £500. Campbell" ■ Point, 1400 lineal feet, £7000. Resolution i-oint 900 lineal foet, £4000. Quay-street Jetty, 300 linns 3 feet, £UOO. Total. 5000 lined feet, £25,000 Totft length of sheds, 15 700 !:Leil feet fiali-.itio trsini'i) walls, £47,784. Railway embankments across St George's and Judge's Bay, £33,902 Reclamation ii Freeman's Bay, £20,000. Grand total, £1,167,747. , ESTIMATE OF FIRST BICTION. ' Ho'nson-streat Wlmrf on east side of present recla m-tinn, including 700 fait of road. 360 Itnoal feet . £7022. Extension inward to main front wall. 100( lineal feet, £55.504. Arm eastward, 700 lineal feet " £45,085. Hallway Wharf bund, 4->0 lineal feet > £14,796. Bailwav Wharf, arm eastward, 1540 linea , feet, £91,88). Quavstreet jetty, 840 lineal feet i £15,939. Total, 4300 feot, £230,285. Sheds on the above Wharves. — liobson-stroet extension northward, 600 lineal feet, £3000. Hob3on-Btree • extension eastward. 800 lineal feet, £4000. Railway Wharf eastward, 2000 lineal feet, £10,000. Quay street, 300 lineal feet, £1500. Total, 3700 lineal foot 1 £18,500. The Chairman said it was resolved lasl May that there should be a report and plani as to harbour extension, and they had now f met to consider them. There was no inten f tion of going in for the whole amount at th( ' present time. Before the whole scheme wai J completed it was probable their childrer f would occupy the places they were now in } but in accepting the report they would have : in view a plan upon which their work coulc 1 gradually proceed. 1 A short statement was read by the Clerk 7 as to the financial position of the Board and j the methods which might be readily followed for raising such a sum of money as would be ' required for the first instalment of the work [ proposed in the engineer's plan. i Mr. Gravps Aiokin said they ought nol 1 to be behind any port in the colony in then 1 means for berthing large vessels. At present , Wellington was before them, and it was nol i as though they could not afford to make th( 1 proposed extension. They could do so, anc ; pay the interest on the loan which they al present proposed to raise. In the course of a short conversation it wai ' remarked that before the Board could take ! action the whole plan of the engineei i must be submitted for the approval of the Engineor-in-Chief at Wellington. Wher ' that was done they could afterwards , discuss details. i The Chairman, without committing himself to the whole of the details, moved the \ adoption of the report and plans. Thej , could afterwards proceed as they found it tc be desirable. Captain McKhi;zie thought it would be imprudent to adopt the present plan before i procuring the beat designs they could get foi harbour improvement. They should have the plans exhibited to the public, and com' petitive plans sent in. He proposed ar amendment to the effect that it was prsma ture to accept the plans, and that competitive designs be invited. He thought that with further delay they might have a more comprehensive design for improving the Hobßon-street Wharf and the Railwaj Wharf. Mr. Niccol said he was disposed to second , the amendment. He objected to the plan for sending out the wharves into the ceutre oi the harbour, instead of going on the old principle of dredging, so as to provide berths for discharging close in shore, he also objected that the new scheme was sufficiently reproductive, and he thought it would be possible to produce a plan which would provide the needful accommodation, and also be reproductive. He also considered the plan to be too pretentious. They had so many good harbours in New Zealand, that each was closely competing with the other. They were not in the same position as Victoria or New South Wales, which had central ports. They could scarcely expect to

let rival Sydney or Melbourne, and ho thoughl ° s it would be a mistake to aim bo high. Thej , s ° could hardly expect in 25 years to have a: much tonnage as Sydney and Melbourne ae had now. He agreed that the plans should ',*'■ be publicly exhibited, so that they coulc l B have the benefit of the ideas of othei to people who knew as much about the mattei »* as they did. c ; Mk. Graves Aickin, in reply, contended of that they did not contemplate making mort a- rapid extension than was warranted. By the last computation they had a population ol , y 60,000, nearly on a par with Adelaide, and ii id they could judge by the progress of the last "> five years, they must expect very rapid [j. increase. Lyttleton, a much smaller place at than Auckland, had better harbour at the present time. He considered that it would °? be a great advantage that they should have a definite plan to work upon. For what it id was proposed to do at present they only k - asked for a loan of £240 000, and that was ' ( ueeded for present requirements. Mr. e- Niccol did not bear in mind that shipping had increased within the last three 'jj years to an extent he never dreamt of n and Captain Mackenzie had also been simi- ), larly mistaken. The fact was they had been u asleep while other places had been going on, it and they would be to blame if they did not ll provide for growing requirements. As to the >f plan itself, they had a somewhat similar one d discussed in the Legal Committee, and the , e present plan was an improvement upon it, is especially in the matter of training walls, ,l which would obviate the necessity of £ dredging except in the various basins, where |. there was accommodation for existing berths. He contended that the land reclamations * included in the scheme would make the i workß reproductive. A division was then taken on the amendment, which was carried. 0 Before the resolution to accept the plans i was put to the meeting, B Mr. Mays pointed out that it would be " absurd to adopt the amendment. After all the work and expenditure incurred, why - should they ask for new plans ? They > would only get a new picture to hang on D the wall. i Mr. Clark said, though he wished for 3 delay, he did not desire competitive plans, ', and moved, " That the discussion of the "■ matter be deferred to the next meeting of the 5 Board." 5 Mr. Dkyore seconded. t The further consideratioa of the subject i was then adjourned, and the Board went ' into committee i ; PARNELL ORPHAN HOME. 1 The annual meeting of subscribers to the ' Parnell Orphan Home was held at the i Masonic Hall, Princes-street, on April 29. His Excellency the Governor presided. The ' \ meeting was opened by the Bishop of AuckJ land with prayer, A letter was received : from the Mayor regretting bis inability to [ be present. , Mr. G. P. Pierce, the honorary secretary, l read the annuai report, which shewed the i number of children at present in the Home as the largest ever there at one time, namely, 70—49 boys and 21 girls. '■ Mr. M. Rawlinos (treasurer) read the 1 statement of accounts as follows :— STATEMENT TOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1886. Dr.—To balance, April 1, 1885, £1180 16s Id ; i subscriptions and donations—viz., St. Paul'*, £90 lis ; St. Sepulchre's, £8 4s ; All Saints', £1; St. Mark's, £14 12s 6d ; Holy Trinity, £14 1 14s; Bombay, £1 lis 6d ; Pukekohe, £1 2« 6d ; Whangarei, £1; Bay of Islands, 10a 6d ; miscellaneous, £8 0» 5d ; contributions towards maintenance from Government, £129 13s 8d ; 1 relatives of children, £101 3s 2d ; trustees of late Mr. W. Morrin, £59 15s; interest on deposit, &c, £31 14s 4d; interest transferred from Costley fund account, £575 3s 9J ; Government subsidy of £1 for £1. from April 1, 1884, to November 30. 1885, £398 10a 3d; proceeds of sale of cow, £4 18a : total, £2623 Os Bd. Oil.—By salaries, wages, ko., £395 8s; food, &c, £215 15» 7d ; clothing, &c, £43 19s lid ; coal, &c, £25 lSi; gas, £10 2s 6d; house furnishing, &c, £11 6s 6d ; borough, water, and drainage rates, and water supply, £77s Id; modicino and hair-cutting, £8 IS* 3d ; books, stationery, printing, prizes, &c, £25 0s 9d ; fire insurance, £16 5s 6d ; postages and sundries, £8 18s Id ;, improvements, repairs, fencing-, &c, £41 14s Id; cow feed, &0., £4 13s Id; telephone, £4 17s 6d; balance, Bank of New Zealand, £210 12s lid ; Savings Bank. £715 3s SJ; fixed deposit and mortgage, £880; (leas due to treasurer, £3 0* 6d): total, £2623 0s Bd. THE TREASURES IN ACCOUNT WITH THE COSTLEY BEQUEST FOND. Dr.—To amount invested as per last account, £12,000; received from executors of Costley estate, £150; interest received on investments £575 3a 9J : total, £12,725 3s 9d. ' Ck.—To interest transferred to general account, £575 3s 9d; balance invested on mortgage, £12,150: total, £12,725 3s 9d. THE ARA LODGE, 245, MASONIC ORPHAN FUND. Dr.—To invested on mortgage on April 1885, £120 ; invested in Savings Bank oh April 1, 1885, £35 10s lid; interest on mortgage £12; interest per Savings Bank, £1 12s 4d: total, £169 3s 3d. CR.-By invested on mortgage, £100 Is Savings Bank, £69 3« 3d : total, £169 3s 3d. THE BETA LODOE, 450, 1.0. (HAMILTON), MASONIC ORPHAN FUND. De.-To balance in Savings Bank April 1, 1885, £17 Ss lid; interest per Savings Bank, 17s : total, £18 5s lid. Cr.-Bt balance in Savings Bank, £18 5« lid: total, £18 5s lid. , The report of the medical officer (Dr. I I Coom) was read. It showed that during the

|—OHMMI«tW>HII ■■■>MMI'IHIMM M —n^^ year the health of the children had been* good. After an address from His Excellency the Governor, the report and balance-sheet was adopted. Votes of thanks were passed to the lady collectors, officers, and to Hia Excellency. The following gentlemen were elected to serve on the board of management for the ensuing year, viz.:—General Gosset, Dr. Coom, and Messrs. G. P. Pierce, M. Rawlings, J. B. Stoney, and R. Walker." Musical selections were rendered by St Paul's Church choir during the evening. THE NEW ZEALAND SUGAR COMPANY (LIMITED). The annual general meeting of the New Zealand Sugar Company (Limited) was held on May 20 at the office of the company, Custom-street. In the absence of Sir Frederick Whitaker (chairman of directors) at Wellington, Mr. D. L. Murdoch presided. The chsiirman in the course of his remarks respecting the business of the company, referred to the very unfavourable course of the sugar market during the past year, and the uncertainty of the prospects as regarded future improvement. The balanoe-rheet showed a loss of £3742 on the sale of 11,100 tons of sugar. The chairman congratulated the shareholders on this result in the face of a thoroughly disorganised market. The company expected to receive the first supply from their Fiji estates in July, and the reports respecting the crops were very encouraging. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker was re-elected a director, and Mr. Frederick Nutter, was reappointed auditor for the ensuing year. Votes of thanks to the directors and officers were passed at the close of the meeting. NEW ZEALAND SMELTING COMPANY. A special meeting of this company was held on the 7th' May, in the company's office, Chamber of Commerce. Mr. J. M. Lennox in the chair. The object of the meeting was to consider a resolution to wind-up the company and appoint a liquidator. The chairman read the advertisement convening the meeting, and the minutes of the last general meeting were read and confirmed. The chairman said it was an unpleasant duty to have to move the resolution. The directors had hoped that a new company would be formed, but no overtures had been made. He moved, " Ihat the company ba wound-up voluntarily, under the provisions of the Companies Act, ISB2, and that % liquidator be appointed for the purposes of such winding-up." Mr. Porter, in seconding the resolution, said he understood, if tha company took steps today to wind-up the company, a new company would be formed. It was to be hoped something of the kind! would bo done, for it was manifest that some better process of reducing their ores than that at present existing was required. In answer to a shareholder, the chairman said that the directors had had no offer made to them. The motion was then pat and carried, and on the motion of Mr. Alexander, seconded by Mr. Clark, Mr. Menzies was appointed liquidator at a remuneration of £50, and that the liquidation be carried on under the supervision of the directors. This concluded the business, and a vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman. THE NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COM. 1 PANY (LIMITED). The fifth annual meeting of the shareholders in the Northern Steamship Company was held at their offices, 67, Queen-street, on the 21st May, to receive the report of the directors for the past year and trans-

7 act other busiuees. There were present i Messrs. D. B. Cruickshank (chairman), D. j H. McKenzie, Reyburn, Fraser, Anderson, I Melville, Bull, Ross, .Ball, Minetti, McLeod, I Coutts, Smith, McFarlane, McGregor. The • following report and statement of accounts : was taken as read :— The directors beg to submit their report of the [ operations of the company for the year ending 31at march, 188 G. During the first six mouths, on account ' of accidents to some of the steamers and other adi verso causes, the business of the company suffered [ considerably, and resulted in a loss of over £2000, but : the trade of the last six months has considerably Improved, and, after carrying £2000 to insurance and i depreciation accounts, the net profit for the year has [ amounted t' £755 12s lid. Con idenng the very dull , state of traao generally, and tbat the company commenced the financial year with very severe losses to 1 rotrievo (the recollection of which wi.l be fresh in the minds of the sli&reholdori,), they cannot but consider , the result fairly satisfactory. The directors retiring . by rotation are Messrs. Clark, Melvlile, and Ball, wh" ' are eligible, and offer themrelves for re-election. Mr. J. Milne, auditor, retires and is eligible for re-election. —For the Board of Directors, D. B. Cruickshank, chairman. BALAK'CE-SHErT for THE YEAR Ending 31st March, 1886. liabilities, £ «, d. £ s. a, I To Capital, £150,000 in £1 shares — Colonial shares, 104,289 at 12s 6d _ .. .. 65.150 12 a British shares, 12,415, at 20 a 12,495 0 0 *77,C70 12 6 Less unpaid calls .. ISO 0 o 77.459 12 6 lusurance fund 6,751 19 l Accounts owing by Company ... 23,373 4 £107,614 16 8 ASSETS. £ a- d. £ a. d, By stock as per schedule 105,413 4 11 Lots amount at credit of depreciation account .. .. 8,000 0 0 97,413 4 11 Shares held in trust by company .. 395 16 6 Stock of stores 'or ships' use ~. 534 5 3 Accounts owing to Company. .. 4,52f> 13 4 Cash in hand _ ' 57 0 10 Balance of profit and loss .. ... 4,687 14 10 £107,614 15 8 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT. . 1885. £ 9 . fl. April I.—To b»lanco brought forward.. 5.443 7 3 ISS6. Match 31. General expenses, interest, etc... .. .. 4,164 12 3 Depreciation account .. 1,000 0 0 Insurance fund .. .. 1,000 0 0 £11,608 O 0 ISS6, £ s. d. £ s. d. March 31.—8y gross profits 6,919 10 2 Transfer fees 0 15 0 6,929 5 2 Balance .. .. 4 687 14 10 £11608 0 0 The Chairman said they would see from the report and balance-sheet, a copy of which was posted to each shareholder in the early part of the week, that the company had had a varied experience during the past year. When they met there last May the prospects looked far from bright. During the previous years of the company's existence they had enjoyed an almost total immunity from accident, and everything had gone along smoothly. But just before the annual meeting a series of disasters had overtaken them. No fewer than three of their finest boats—within a very short time of each other—had been in collision. In the case of the Gairloch, run into by the Herald, they were able to recover part of their loss, but when their own two boats, the Wellington and Macgregor, collided the loss fell entirely on themselves. For a time it was doubtful whether the Macgregor would not become a total wreck, but, thanks to the exertions which were put forth, she was successfully brought up to Auckland. The cost of raising her and placing her in thorough order, together with the repairs effected to the Wellington, amounted to £3700, a heavy charge on their insurance fund. Apart from the direct loss, they suffered greatly from the delays occasioned by the boats being laid up while the repairs were going on. In fact the trades of the different steamers were for a time wholly disorganised. The Gairloch was some two months off her running, and this at the very time of the year she would have been making money. The Macgregor was doing nothing from May to September. Then they had other minor troubles to face, such as the fire on the Katikati, claims for compensation settled out of Court, active competition in some quarters, and general depression. All these untoward circumstances tended to bring about the result indicated in the report, namely, a loss on their operations for the first six months of the year. During the second half, he was pleased to say, their experience had been different. In the first place, they had had no accidents. Shipping on (the whole had been more active, while some of the evils that militated against them in the early part of the year had been lessened, or altogether removed. The passenger trade to Tauranga had shown some increase, the round ticket enabling tourists to go one way by rail and return by Bteamer having found considerable favour with the public. The West Coast trade had developed, and Whangarei trade had been put on a more satisfactory basis. Then, the weather during the holiday season having been very fine, there was more than the ordinaryamount of travelling, in which they fully participated. In this way they had managed, so far to pull themselves together again as to show a profit of £755 12s lid on the entire year's work. When they considered that, in addition to the amount written off for depreciation, the whole of their fleet hao\

been maintained in good working order out of rercnue-tho Staff*, for instance, having been fitted with a new boiler at a cost m =8800--the outcome, in his opinion, wa better than they could have expected As to the future, he did not wish to indulge in any forecast, but he could not help thinking that unless any wore mishaps were in store for them they would be able to put before the SShdd'er. next year a statement with the balance of profit and loss on the other side. There was perhaps only one other point he ouchi to touch on. About two years ago, when their new boats were being bu.lt at home a number of shares were taken up in the English market. At that time the outlook was cheerful, and the prospects of increasing trade good. No one then had any idea that things were gomg to bo as bad as they have been. He might take that opportunity of assuring their home shareholders, aa well as those present, that every effort, was made to ensure the success ot tho company, and to restore it to its former position as a dividend-paying concern, lie then proposed the adoption of the report ana "balance-sheet. , . Captain Anderson* seconded the motion. In the course of a conversation which preceded the adoption of the repori aud accounts, Mr Bull and Captain McKkszib remarked upon the desirability of laying up some ot their boats at present, so as to save wages. Such -i course, it was urged, would more thai save expenditure, and might enable them to pay a dividend. Other companies were reducing expenditure, and their u«n might do the same. _ Mr. Bni.h proposed that a special meeting be held to consider the present position of the company, but after a short discussion it was agreed that a committee of shareholders be appointed to confer with tho directors, the chairman cxp--33ing his willingness to give every iafonnatiou in his power to the shareholders. __ The retiring directors — ..lexers. i~u.u, Melville, and' Ball—were then re-elected, as was also Mr. Milne, auditor. A vote of thanks was passed to the directors on the motion of Mr. 1). J. Mcl/.-ou, seconded by Mr. Dull, the meeting then terminated. AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. Tin: annual inciting of tho Auckland Agricultural and I'asttral Association was held at the oiliees vi the association, Durhamstreet, on the -l>t or May. There were present ; Messrs. W. : '•.::;■. die, A. Aitkun, F. Lawr'v. .lames Wallace (Maiigere), R. N. Rvburc.*'.L-.mrs Wallace l Papatoitoi), J. Wills, J. I'hillipps, .1. abridge, and W. Classic Mr. llui </i-odie was voted to the chair. ' The secrrf-ry (Mr. W. Pcrcival) read the report and the following balancesheet : - - Km vNer-sneir on- Maui 31, ISJG. Dr.—Ur.iv ! I'viru/..:,, -'- e.'.i; .'-s : creditors- viz., 'r.a.-ii.K .;.; Vi':-:-vi *;,eVe<e:i). ar<i ~<M); bunfe. %Vi|., l „ !S ■<•■! :. r-.-vi ;■.■',- ■:<■:)). ■■:■■■ 7<f.il); bant, iUlti lib !0i ; in .no.-. >>ir.-h .11. 1-;. (.e,i UPpdU ~•!■)!■. ... , ; ; .". J" .'! II:'. i: U>iS to llArcli ;,;_ . L .o ■JWS.;.iIW: i ha ■- n,;.i i ; -^ ; 15s -M : fct.jinp, JtVJ >:•'... e; :_ (jec'.'.u, : }-av*i'"-s : ..nl:, i"e-;,:' c.:'.h ::: ii;.:i.i. jJ'-7 7j 1.1 : tj:al, £■!■: ;0 l-o l-'.i. I'm i ! X A.V l> less. 1'...- S <-r?larv's ;....-.r.-. i'i". ; f-cret-.ry's cei'.v.rv.hsi' n. ;.'7j '.)■• : M-.jjilrv i xA'2s.-«. ~!.".7 l'JiTii ; interest iei:: ':■< ■'' 1 * !.->':«' 'njni'.f. il iej '-.; ; annual sh ,w, £45 lis 74: w:i!,~.Vl is;.;'. i'r.. — i'.ur.t it i- r. i.e.-.. .eT.". : .v. -nil subscriptions, £17:: is ; b.-. JR.-f, --74 11;: el: t-v.:.l,£;>'.il IoS 0.1. The CiiAiii.M in, £i-e\jin!al by Mr. M.UbIF, moved the adoption of the report and balances-sheet aa read. Mr, I'mi.li:•:•'« d.u'.ted very much that sufficient mt.ee had been given that tho meeting would be held, ami considered that they sheuld adjourn til -than was a larger attendance, e-'pccisliy in view ci the great importai.ee of the meeting, alter the report and balance-sheet had been submitted. He moved as an amendment, "That the secretary be instructed to issue a notice to each member calling She meeting for that dav week.'' Mr. ];yIU--.-: endorsed the remarks of Mr. Phiilinps, and seconded the amendment. Mr* La\v::y pointed out that there was a •motion b fore the rtneetinjjn to confirm the report and balance-sheet, and that proposed by Mr. Phillipps was not an amendment on it. It was then agreed to allow the motion to be withdrawn, i.nd the meeting adjourned for a fortnight. The annual meeting of the Auckland University College was held on May 17, in the Choral Hall, to hear 'he annual address by Professor Aldis. Mr. Justice Gillies presided, and there were present on the platform: Eev. D. Bruce, Messrs. Waddel (Mayor). Seth Smith, Luke, Kirby, Francis Bourne, Kidd, and Professors own, Thomas, and Alois. A vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer on the motion of tho Mayor, and also to the chairman on the motion of Professor Brown, who alluded to the services rendered to the institution by Mr. Justice Gillies. The latter, in replying, expressed a truss that be chorda :.o;" be wanting in the future, in don't; his befct for the institution, and that tue people . i Auoklaiiil would de their peri- by noing in phruy of students. The meeting then terminated. The annual business meeting of the Auckland Band of Rope Union was held on the 14th May in the Temperance flail, Albert-street. The m 'C-ting was preceded b> a tea, ana presided over by Mr. I>. Goldio. There was a g'.od attendance. The secretary (Mr. W.J. Maciermott) read, the sixth annual report and la auee-sheet, whim detailed tec work cf the year. The returns from -?> er;eiet:es showed a membership cf o-03, which, with av'.uiee; an leverage estimate of 11 acciotiea which had made i.c report, :ave a t-deil membership of 4GOS. The report was adopt.-d and ordered to be printed, and a h-arty vote of thanks wa: massed to the otii.'er-, including the choir' master and secretary, for their services during the past year. The following i iticers for th( or.euine; vear were then elected : —President Mr David Ouidh, and a long lit. of vice pre'sideutJ ; treasurer, Mr. Geort-c t'iuminercollectors, Me-sars'. Ci.trry and Erame visitors Messrs. Speight, bous-, .Tenkinson and Brame; plan* secretary, Mr. W. J Macderaio-t; choir conductor, Mr Tudehope general eecretarv. Mr. W.J. Macdermott collector;-,, Mre.'Williame, Mr. J. K-binaou Mr. Jeur.c. The firac annual meeting of the subscriber to the female Prison G-ite Brigade IJonn took place on the 20th May at the Tern perance Hall, Albert-street. There wer twenty ladies and gentlemen present. Mi V. L. Larkina was called to the chair. Th report of the horn secretary (Mr. Poynton showed that from the ominenceina.-it cf th work in .December, lb'il, to .March 31 last 109 women ha._• parsed through the Home received from the prison, oh streets, house of ill-fame, and destitutes. Buring the tim 279 D beds and 0562 meals have been given about 110.3 of the meals were given t hungry people ceiling lor relief, beside which families in distress have been relieved The statement of accounts showed :—Kc ceipts, being donations aud subscriptions li-iSG IS.) bu.' After paying expenses ther

way a balance of £150. On Way lb the first meeting of the present j seasion of the Auckland Institute was held in I the Museum Buildings, l'rinees-street, when the president-elect lor the ensuing year, Prcfeasor F. D. Brown, delivered the inaugural address.