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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7786, 4 November 1886, Page 4

The telegraph authorities inform us that the Port Darwin (overland) line is interrupted between Charlotte Waters and Alice Springs. Early restoration is expected. The completion of the line of railway connecting the capital of the colony with New Plymouth was celebrated yesterday afternoon by His Excellency the Governor driving the last spike. The directors of the company which has so successfully curried out thia important work are to be congratulated on the enterprise and perseverance which they have shown in the conception and execution of the undertaking. It is expected that with a service of awift steamers between New Plymouth and Onehuuga the journey from Auckland to Wellington may be accomplished in 24 hours. At a banquet after the ceremony of driving the ipike, the Governor and the Premier made speeches. The former poohpoohed the dolorous prognostications indulged in by the detractors of the colony, and Sir Robert Stout insisted on the people relying more upon their own efforts, and less upon the assistance of the Government, in promoting their prosperity and the progress of the country. It ia stated that the first eighteen miles of the North Island Trunk Railway through the King Country will be completed in less than two months, and shortly afterwards be ready for traffic. The tunnel contract m also progressing satisfactorily. Mr. Hales, District Kngineer, has recently returned from a trip to the interior, where he has been inspecting the progress of the works along the trunk line.

i AmoHgst those who are likely to suffer from the retrenchment policy of the City Council, there is a olasa who, unfortunately, are little able to meet any difficulties which m»y arise from their discharge. These are the Btonebreakere, men who break handbroken metal for road making. There are at present about 80 of those employed on piece work, and the proposal to dispense with 60 of them has spread consternation amongst them. A considerable number of these men are aged, some are cripples, but all are able to earn a pittance at this work, sufficient, if nothing more, to eave them from applying for charitable aid. , Yesterday Mr. Jonee and Mr. Grace waited on several of the City Councillors regarding these men, and. pointed oat that the result of throwing such a number of men • on the labour market at present would be ! very disastrous, especially as many of those . now earning an honest orust, if nothing more, would be absolutely crowded out in ! the present scramble for employment, and i they pointed out that when the contractors . for laying the water mains in Newmarket , etirted operations tuey were fairly over-ran by persons seeking employment. No doubt the representations made by Messrs. Jones and Grace will receive due consideration ( when the report of the committee on re* i trenohment is brought before the Council. i The catalogue of the Agricultural and [ Pastoral Show is in course of preparation, the entries and classification occupying the ' attention of the secretary and his staff. We ' understand, that numerically in some rel speote, there is a alight falling off as compared with previous shows, more particularly '< in sheep. In horses the entries are good, and representative, there being a very large number of exhibitors. In cattle the show • will fully hold its own with previous ex- • hibitions. Local industries will be very ' largely represented. The entries for poultry and pigs are very good, and the entries for " dogs are very fair in variety and number. ) Altogether the exhibition should be of a t thoroughly representative character, and a credit to the association, and with the ad- , ditional attractions provided over and above r anything previously incorporated with this , exhibition, we trust that the efforts put ; forward will meet with that success which • will justify the attempt on this occasion to ' popularize this exhibition. Among those who lately left Auckland 1 for Western Australia, attracted by the 1 report of progress there, was Mr. Neil i McLean, of Franklin Road, builder. He f visited Sydney, Melbourne, Albany, Freemaatle, Perth, returning back to Auckland 5 via Melbourne and the South, more thaD J ever convinced that there's "no place like t home." At Perth he found that some Sydney i syndicates had gone in for blocks of land, and were cutting it np infc:> small sections. 1 The land auctions took place at eight o'clock • at night, beer being plentifully ladled out tu 3 the audience. He had seen something in the j way of bogus land auction sales in Auck- . land, but they were not worthy of being named in the same day with those at Perth. j There were four land sales in the week he 1 was there—he called it land, that was to say f sand and scrub. Intemperance was rampant, trio old convict taint gtill manifesting itself, 1 and although there was but a population of i 10,000, the refuge had about 120 old i paupers in it. Melbourne appeared to be I the moat progressive and busy, bat there was p abundance of labour there. If " wanted a carpenter" was put,in the daily papers there i were some twenty men ready for the job l next morning. His advice to Ancklanders 3 is to bear the ills they know rather than to i fly to those they know not of. j Yesterday morning a man named Louie i Armstrong was brought up from Whangaparapara, Great Barrier, in a small cutter, 1 and upon arrival was taken to the Hospital - in a cab. Armstrong, it appears, was going 3 down pne of the creeks, about seven miles p inland, from Whangaparapara, on last Monday, and ho slipped and fell heavily on the kneecap of hie right leg, knocking the cap ) on one side. Several men assisted in carry* ) ing the man to the harbour, and from there i he was brought to Auckland, as named above. The nnemployed are getting on very well I at the Woodhill, and at Barry's cutting, Waimaukan. Some changes are going on in men going to and fro on the works, but the > nnmber employed on the average remains 1 pretty much the same. There is quite two . months work to do yet. A good deal yet _ remains to be done in the way of filling up the Mount Eden pond, though large quan- "' titles of earth are being deposited there. 5 His Excellency the Governor has authorised the issue of the New Zealand war medal to the undermentioned members of the late Colonial Forces, whose claims have i been investigated and admitted -.—Private 3 William Martin, Taranaki Militia ; Constable Martin Irwin, Armed Constabulary ; ' Private Thomas Parsons, Taranaki Milibia ; i Sub-Lieutenant George Scott, New Zealand i Militia, Poverty Bay District; Private j Charles Ficcham, No. 3 Company, Taranaki Military Settlers ; Constable David Joseph " T. Creech, No. 1 Division, Armed Con--3 stabulary. The meetings in connection with the opening of the new building of the Young Men's 3 Christian Association were continued yester--3 day. The Rev. Henry Langley, who is 1 about to conduct a week's mission, was > introduced to the meeting, and gave brief J addresses. To-night a very attractive conX cert, under the conductorship of Herr - Schmitt, will be given. Particulars will be 3 found iu our advertisement column?. ' Grave complaints are being made respecti ing a habit which has grown up of depositing f refuse upon unoccupied spots in the city, to j the imminent danger of public health. Wβ had occasion a few days ago to refer to an inf stance of this kind which occurred in Mechanics' Bay; and it appears that a similar case has arisen in Freeman's Bay, a heap of offensive rubbish having been de--1 posited at the foot of Victoria-street West } in a very exposed position. A few days ago 3 a cartload of rotten oranges was thrown out • upon this ground, and yesterday the heap ■ was added to, an express containing refuse i depositing its contents at the spot, the smell j being very offensive. Fever-breeding grounde j are in this manner being formed in various I parts of the city, and, with the summer season now approaching, serious results are likely to ensue. The residents o£ Freeman's 1 Bay, however, have called the attention of ' the city authorities to the matter, and steps " are being taken to remedy the evil com- ' plained of. Hardly had the refuse been r placed yesterday at the spot referred to, ) when a large number of children were play--3 iug about the heap, the consequence of this t being easily imagined. • It will be seen by advertisement that Mr. ' John London, who has had so much to do ' with the establishment of settlers on land ) under the village special settlement scheme, 1 will address a public meeting at the Foresters' I Hall, Karangahape Road, to-night. He will enter into an explanation of the principles on . which the settlements are founded, and ' describe the blocks available, and give all 1 further information poasible. A number of other village settlement selections were allotted at the Crown Lands Office yesterday, thirteen in all, namely, five in Takahue block, four in Motukaraka, and 1 four in Punakitere reserve. There are about 50 lots still open for selection. A public missionary meeting was held last ; night at the Newmarket Wesleyan Church. There was a small attendance. Mr. P. Me Arthur ocenpied the chair, and addresses ! were given by the Revs. Messrs. Bavin, Gittos, and Burrows. The fall in the price of land in England is • illustrated by the fact that a plot of land bought for £5000, or about £20 an acre, by ; ! the late Arohbishop of York, has just been - J diipoeed of for a little over £4 an acre, i > Land indeed is now so cheap that cautious i people on the look-out for good investments ' are beginning to look to it, in the belief that s in a few years they will turn their money i over again. The annual meeting of the Soldiers' Total 1 Abstinence Association was held at Simla in September, H. E. Sir Frederick Roberts, 1 Commander-in-Chief, presiding. It was ' stated that there were 17,000 pledged au- ' stainers in the army, and that for two and 1 a half years not a single abstainer had been tried in a regiment where a Temperance 1 Society had been formed, while 76 non--1 abstainers had been tried. The hospital ' returns showed during the same period that 1 446 abstainers had been admitted and 1940 non-abstainers. : A meeting of delegates of the Auckland i Rugby Union will be held to-night at the clnbi room, Imperial Hotel, to consider & letter ! which has been received from the secretary i of t'ie Wellington Rugby Union, encloiing the £20 bonus refunded to local Union. At ; the adjourned special general meeting, to be i held immediately after, the revised and ; j amended rules and by-laws will be brought j up for confirmation.

A correspondent, •• J.P~"»»u ——S are three Justices summoned diiW £"" Wh 7 the Police Court business^' ,1 * *° * ttentl thus exhausting the U.t in on tT'?. time than is required. If it don"* ,ea » the attendance of at le« two th ° e «nt, who punctually attend are «„„ tho,, troubled by attending when not ° eoe . M » ri 'y S£i' ttpto the lapßeeo£ The months of December, Jann.w, Febraary are prescribed by Order in n * nd »s a close season, during wWi. - noil forbidden to catch the fiah known '*„" or kanae in the waters ot the North I.?"!* The following application, for ***> have been received:—T. Dankt of r. - ntl church, for a tangent windmill ' R S fc of Dunedin, for rabbit-proof fe ne i' J ° ne «' O'Donovan, of Stratford? TaraS? '?* Phantom unicyole locomotive ami J he duplex sifting apparatus ; H Wh.-i Or * Timaru, for flexible braces; J BrS' , Of Christchurch, for the new enamelled y ,' of graph. "ißnea color. St. Sepulchre's Churoh wa» crowds terday afternoon, when Mr P R w- " e, son of Mr. W. Winstone, of SymondM? ,6 ' was married to Mies Hewin, daushtern*!?' Hewin, Remuera. The marriage serJ; Mr performed by the Ven. Archdeacon T)^ The bride was attended by the |, a< %' bridesmaids :— Miaeea F. Hewin K OWIB B Varnom, Williams, and H. WilluJ! Bn s» groomsmen were Messrs. Camnbell 'to e Wilson, Wiseman, and Hewin. AiT» party entered the church, Mr A W who presided at the organ, pl av zf m * n ' "Bridal March," and the P «'w he March as the party drove off fa ti, "J dence of Mr. Hewin, Remuera, *&' breakfast was held. The happy £ he parted on their honeymoon immediat i afterwards. ««wiy A party of short sentence prisoners w.» yesterday engaged, under the a warder, in cutting the grass in the e i sure in front of the Law Court build °" High-street, and otherwise improving D «?' appearance of the approaches. It is stated that the writ for the Wait mota election will be issued on. Tuesday next. ' Yesterday Mr. Superintendent Thomson received word that the body of the m William Robertson, who was drowned a week or two ago at Raglan, had been re! covered that morning. Some chequee were discovered in his pockets. A painful accident occurred yesterday morning at the Gasworks to a man named John Koeebone. He was squaring a piece of wood with an axe, when a cart pegging by he turned round, missed his «im, and inflicted* cut over two inches in length, in the calf of his leg. Dr. Philson dressed the man'i wounds, at Aickin's Pharmacy, after which the patient was taken to the Hospital. The Commissioners engaged in the Stark Purchase Inquiry have, through their secretary, thanked Superintendent Thomson for the assistance they received from him during their sittings in Auckland, by having th« summonses served upon the witnesses who were required to give evidence in the oase. Yesterday at twenty-four minutes past eleven Captain Edwin advised:—" lndica. tions that glass will further fall, and strong winds between east and north and northwest." The Bishop of Auckland, in compliance with the request of the Cemetery Committee of the Synod, purposes consecrating the Church of England portion of the cemetery at Waikomiti on Saturday, November 27, Last night there was another very fair attendance at Abbott's Opera House to witness that most amusing comedy, "The Three Hats," in which the members of Mr. Alf. Wyburd's company have been appearing with such success. To-night is announced as the last night of this comedy, and for tomorrow " The Gov'nor , is underlined. An Auckland man who went to Kimber* ley has written to a friend from PalmentOD, Fort Darwin, earnestly entreating him to send money to bring him back. He describee the place, in very forcible language, as being " next door to hell." His hands are all blistered with mosquito bites, be is affectsd with a prevalent disease which causes sores all over the body, and generally he is in a most uncomfortable state. It would, he say 8, be impossible to write a description of all the troubles they have had. He and his mate got a job at clearing the line, but had to knock off in a couple of days. The famous Fisk Jubilee Singers, whose performances have been bo successful in. Australia, will open in Auckland about the end of the month. Mr. Edward Price, manager of the company, came to Auckland by the Mararoa. The Oamarn Mail contains the following paragraph :—" A very necessary step is being taken by several of the principal shareholders in the East Coast JNative Land Company. They notify that shareholders may sign proxies at the office of Mr. Butt, in order that the looal shareholders may be represented at the general meeting of shareholders to take place in Auckland on the 10th of November next, and that Mr. Spence, who is fortunately in Auckland on a visit, will act in their behalf. Those who desire that something should be done to place the affairs of the company in a more satisfactory position should not fail to sign the proxies immediately. We understand that the idea of the local shareholders is that the land possessed by the company should be either leased or sold at once, so as to produce some revenue to prevent the necessity of repeated call*, and that the expenses of management should be reduced to a minimum." We understand that the plans and specifications for the new Government insurance offices have been forwarded to Wellington by Mr H. G. Wade, architect, for the approval of the Government. They are expected back in a few days, when it is expected tenders will be at once invited for the carrying out of the work. Building operations are progressing apace at the site of the Woollen Company'* factory, Onehunga. More than half the work has been completed. It is expected that the plant ordered from England will be landed here in about a month from the present time. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Board contemplate getting tkenew Kefuge built for some £4000. Experts who have examined the outline sketch state that the proposals made will necessitate an expenditure of some £7000 or £8000, and that the Board will either have to curtail their scheme of accommodation or increase the amount they propose to devote to building. On Sunday and Monday the anniversary of the Wesleyan Churoh at Warkwortb. was held. Sermons were preached by the Rev. T. G. Carr, of Auckland, to good congregations. The tea on Monday was provided and given by ladies of the congregation, » Dd considering the unfavourable weather we attendance was good. Anthems and solo« were well rendered by the choir. The chair was occupied by the Rev. C. B. Barley, the pastor of the Church. Mr. 8. Viall was pianist and Mr. McMurdo conductor. Ine report showed an income for all purposes in the circuit of £312 9e Id. The proceeds or the present anniversary amounted to about £10, which is to go towards the reduction oi the debt of £10 19s. On Monday a sailor named John Carnegie, of the Owake Belle, at Wanganui, rsscuea a lad named Tingey from drowning. A" boy had fallen from the wharf, and was joss sinking for the last time, when tentl( £ was called to the accident, and Carnejrw jumped overboard as he was and succeeaea in getting hold of him. After being brongn* ashore the lad was soon restored. Yesterday morning a seaman named Ouman fell down the hold of the barque William Turner, and was seriously in]on»The vessel was lying in the stream, »» » was brought ashore in * boat and Wβ" * the District Hospital. He was at the um of the aocideut working in the 'tween a«• and accidentally fell down the lower. no On enquiry at the Hospital last nig" » were informed that uuman was atm precarious condition. . ~ Yesterday afternoon the librarianl ot« Free Public Library, Mr. Shillwgton. " teoted a man, named John Jarg, while si« * at one of the reading tables, slip » » paper inside his waistcoat. Stationing self at the door the librarian patiently till Jarg was going out, when he as« if he had any property belonging .™i tot . library on him, After a pause *•*«"£, ingly said "Yes," and drew the gg£ n from under his waistcoat. Mr. sent for a polioeman and gave tne w»» charge. The question of who shall bethecommg Mayor of Newmarket is agitating the, m of the burgessei. Messrs. F. «•*■"*« 8 » C. Sutton, and G. Bishop are spoken ' bM likely candidates, now that Mr. sow declined to accept offioe in » third termc

and dairy produce and for the holding of flower shows. &c. The building haa a dear fpTof 4o7e t t in the centre, so that ,t can be used for circus or athletic purpoaes-18 laps to the mile-and has two sides and a leatwto. It will accommodate an assemblage of 2000. A platform is erected round the west and south sides, and it is a heign: of 30 feet to the wall plates, so that the building it well adapted for gymnastics. Arrangements are now being got up for a walking match in it during the Christmas holidays. The Aerioultural Hall will be formally opened on Werineday next, when the Helensville Flour Mill, etc., will be offered by auction, and on the 22nd iDstant a flower show will be held m the building. Messrs. Hesketh and Aitken propose throwing the piece open at all hours for the sale of dairy produce, etc., and fruit, which may be convenient for the disposers thereof, namely, by leasing stalls as fruit depots, so that small settlers can club together and rent a still for the disposall of their fruit in season, thus saving the profits Of the middle man. The buildings were erected at a cost of about £600 the contractor being Mr.. Grandi.on. By the terms of the lease of the market, which 8 for three years, the City Council pay half the cost of the construction of the new hall. A correspondent, under the signature of " Fiibtr.onger," controverts the statement of Mr. F. H. Lewisson in our issue of Saturday last, that some 700 bundles of flat6ih were thrown over the wharf last week. He states that not more than 500 bundles were sent from the Thames to the different salesmen here, and that of that number about 100 bundles were thrown away, being in bad condition, and unfit for human food. Our correspondent concludes by s»ying :—" Perhaps Mr. Lewisson has au acquired taste for stale fish ; if so he will be able to gratify it during the coming summer, for 1 feel sure the salesmen would prefer geeiDg them used to being thrown away. In every fhhmarket there is a quantity of fish condemned every day, through various causes which could easily be explained."

The ancient city of Tarsus, where the Apostle Paul was born, has a railroad. Eritieh capitalists are constructing a railway in Aeis Minor, the first section of which, from Mersina, to Tarsus, has just been officially inaugurated. The oprning of the road was made the occasion of a grand jubilee, in which the local officials heartily joined. A dozen sheep were sacrificed, there were religious benedictions, speeches, and then a free excursion to the notabilities. Some Arab dignitaries, however, would not trust their lives on the train, saying they would wait till they saw how the extraordinary English contrivance worked.

Red deer are increasing in the Wairarapa district. They are progeny of a stag and two hinds, originally sent out by the late Prince Consort to Governor Weld, who presented them to the late Dr. Featherstone, then Superintendent of the Province of Welling ton. They were liberated on the property of Sir. C. K. Carter, East Tarathi, but the country apparently not suiting them, they did not stay. Subsequently crossing the Ruamahungaßirer, they took up their abode oa. the Maungariki Range and the adjacent country, which is evidently suited for them, is they have made it their headquarters ever since. The hills are of limestone formation, and the bush of an open character, the gullies being full of native fuschia, of which they are very fond. It constitutes their principal food in the spriiag and summer months, while in the winter they feed on koromiko and other shrubs. They do not apparently care much for grass. During the last five or six years they have increased considerably in number, and are now firmly established in this part of the country.

While a settler in the Puerua Valley was at some work with his horses the other day, he noticed a ferret holding on to the ear of a ■heep. The eheep tried hard to throw it off, but cou'd not. The settler went to its assistance, but the sheep ran off, and he could not leave his horses to follow it. What the result was he couid not tell. The incident is suggestive as to the danger to lambs should the rabbite ever be exterminated, and the ferrets now being turned out all over the country be pressed for food. If they attack full-grown sheep it is to be feared tbe lambs will have in these ferocious vermin a very dangerous enemy.

In our advertising columns is a requisition to Mr. Frederick Hastings, inviting him to allow bimself to be nominated for the mayoralty ot the borough of Newton. It it largely signed, and the signers pledge themselves that in the event of Mr. Hastings' compliance with their wishes, to use their utmost endeavours to secure his return. Mr. Hastings, who is a councillor of the borough, has complied with their request, and expresses himself as opposed to monopoly, and is in favour of new blood occupying the mayoral chair when obtainable. The present Mayor, Mr. R. T. Warnock, is also a candidate for re election.

The following notifications appear in the "LoDg-lost Kelative» column" of Lloyd's Weekly of September 19 : —John Sheeban or Donovan sailed in the Jessießedmond from Glasgow about 14 years ago for New Zealand, and on arriving there became "boots" in an hotel. Hie anxious mother inquires. John Albert Hodgson left England in November, ISSI, for Australia, and when he bit wrote horns, May, 18S4, be gave hie address as : — Grahamstown Post-office, Thames, New Zealand. His poor mother is anxious for news of him.

The Australasian Social Reform Association are at present iesaicg a series of leaflets on social questions:—No. 1 is on "The Races." The main features of horse»racing and its associations are stated to be: (1) Gambling, (2) unwholesome excitement, (3) undesirable company, (4) the encouraging of professional idlers, ami (5) disappointments sooner or later. We quote a paragraph from the leaflet : The natural effects of horseracing as now established are a decided waste of energy and means, and, as a result, much public financial loss. An immense Bum in ready cash is now annually squandered ia this amusement, which, if appropriated to more useful purposes, would prevent much present crime, poverty, and misery, which is bow directly traceable to this source. The injury, too, is not simply confined to one class alone, but permeates society everywhere, including alike the youth, the youug man, the husband, and the father, the apprentice, the mechanic, the small tradesman, wholesale dealers, clerks, bank macageri, and sometimes, alas, even wives and mothers."

The Melbourne Age thinks that an Imperial Institute will doubtless be a nice addition to the show places of the modern Babylon, and one which will prove a great attraction to colonists who may for a time take up their abode in England. But it is a very email percentage of Australians who will enjoy the opportunity of inspecting it. To the mass ot the people in this part of the world the benefits to be derived from the proposed institution are decidedly problemamatical. The colonial representation in England, hitherto, has involved no small amount of snobbery and tuft hunting, and it may readily be conceived that the vast majority of stay-at-home Australians are not particularly anxious to lavish excessive con tributions upon what may prove to bo an opening for the further development of similar characteristics. While some good may come from the establishment in London of a permanent exposition of colonial products, past experience proves that it is quite as likely to lead to squabbles »nd misunderstandings. The Cape Argus was recently served with a writ for £2000 for an alleged libel on a Mr. U 'Donald. The Argus took it coolly, and while cordially inviting Mr. M'Donald to come on and do his worst, casually observed that most men who claim heavy dam»ges for libel, would gladly pay the "mount themselves by the time they have done with the aotioc, if by doing so they could place themselves back in the position they were in before they commenced. Without wishing to discourage Mr. M'Donald at all,the Argus went on to give the results of all the libel actions that had been tried at Capetown within the period of many years. These numbered 29, the total amount of damages ™ed bemg £211,700, or an average of */dUO. The total amount of damages in"S? Was £14 18e 3 i d ' or an average of iUJ -ijd. From this computation the Argus sagely concludes that it would not be a Prontable transaction to buy reputations at 2n^?,? xed b * Pontiff* in libel actions, and to sell them at that fixed by juries. to mJr meet - ?! the Auokl »"d Athenae-im ■ )tt "Th.s e T lßß n r -i Jirdler wiU re * d a P*i>er » The Sanitary Condition of Auckland

A coroner's inquest was held on Tueaday b" Mr. Andrew Bonar, District Coroner, and » respeotable jury of aix residents in the \ Tupaki block, Mr. Koe being choeen foreman, on the body of a girl of about nine months of age, wbo was found dead alongside of her father and mother in bed early on Monday morning last. The evidence of the father, mother, and mother-in-law being taken, Dr. Hall, of Helensville, wae required to make a post-mortem examination of the body, and stated to the jury that the body on which he had operated was that ot a healthy, well-nourished female child ana that there were no marks to show that it had been overlaid, or any .i*n of having had a fit, but he had no hesitation weaving that the child was accidentally suffocated This might have been cau-ed by a blanket which the father laid over the child, or by turning on it, Bide whilst sleeping. The jury did not consider there was any blame attachable to either of the parent*, and returned a verdict I of accidental suffooation, as expressed by Dr. Hall.—[A Correspondent. 1 j There were in the lock-up last evening 1 one person on a charge of drunkenness ; ; Win. Elder and John Jarg for larceny.

The gas controversy still proceeds in Sydney. One apparatus for economising the consumption has been spoken of. It is known as "Syme's Patent Gas Filter and Econoiniser.. The size of the article varies according to requirements, but it generally occupies about the same amount of space as the gas meter, by the side of which machine it is placed. In the size intended for nse in couuection with small private houses, the apparatus is cylindrical in form. This piece of mechanism is connected with the meter, and also with the pipe through which the gas must subsequently p»ss to supply the house. After the gas has found its way through the meter, it passes in the manner 9tated into the upper part of the " filter," traverses the surfaces of the benzoline with which the cylinder is supplied, and is then conducted through a " governor" into pipes laid through the house. The advantage obtained with that part of the apparatus known as the "governor" is that the pressure from the main is regulated by it. This contrivance is situate in the uppermost part of the cylinder, and conaiets of a moveable diaphragm and some small leaden weights. Those weights are used for the purpose of adjusting the pressure to a desired standard, aud only need be manipulated at the time of th 3 "filter' being tixed in its place. No alteration whatever to chandeliers or gas brackets is necessary to the use of the apparatus. It is required that the cylinder shall be filled with benzoline onoe in three months, and this can be done without possibility of danger if carried out in the day time. Upon making a careful examination of the action of one of the " filters," It was manifest that by the use of the apparatus, a steady and beautifully dear light is obtained. The volume of the flame is increased to the extent ot giving an addition of about one-third of the ordinary illuminating power.

A man named Charles Wiemer was yesterday arrested on a charge of stealing some ■rahma fowls, value £15, the property of George Fowler. He was subsequently bailed out.

The Auckland Weekly News occupies the position of the premier weekly journal of New Zealand. Its populari&y in the town and country districts of the North Island is attested by the large circulation which it enjoyi, while in other parts of the oolony, in Australia, and the inland*, and in America and England, it is widely known and read- As an advertising medium it thus poisesse* advantages which no similar newspaper in the oolony oan lay claim to. Its country news, supplied eaoh week by a numerous staff of reliable correspondent*, is complete and impartial. Considerable apace is devoted to the practical work of the farm, and to all subjects relating to agriculture. This department of the News is under the charge of a gentleman of great experience i'.nd knowledge of all matters connected with the cultivation of the soil, and to render the information given as useful a* possible, the subjects treated on are illustrated by skilfully-executed engravings. The sports of the field and turf are fully chronicled, and attention is devoted to the pleasant and interesting games of chess and draughts. As a family journal and general newspaper the Mews ranks eqiully high, and the greatest care Is exnrcised to maintain the wholesome tone and character of its reading matter—nothing that is otfensive to good taste or cherished convictions being admitted to its columns. It contains a weekly history of the news of the world, and special contributions on a wide range of subject*, from the facile pens of accomplished writers. Its serial tales are of absorbing interest, and are contributed by some of the foremost novelists of the day. A sermon by an eminent divine, and some well selected Sunday reading, is also publisher , each week.

The following arrangements have bsen made by the Tramwny Company for the conveyance of visitors to the races at Ullerslie on Saturday next:—'Buses will leive Three Lamps, Pousonby, at 11*30, 11-45, 12, and 12-15, leaving Newmarket for racecourse on arrival of trams, leaving Queen-street at same hours. 'Buses will leave Newmarket on arrival of oari leaving Queen-street, from 11 '30 to 1*45, returning from coune after finish of races. Fares and farther particulars in oar advertising columns.

The Presbyterians of Avondale have prepared a first-class programme for their concert tonight, including a violin solo by a youn j lady of the congrec Hon, and two selections on the bagpipes by Mr. Simon Fraser (late piper to the Duke of Sutherland). These items alone ought to'draw a full audience.

In connection with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show, entries for the Sower show will be taken up to Friday (tomorrow) evening.

An announcement in another column notifies that Mr. J. H. Ediuonde's pupils will give performances oa Saturday, Munday, and Tue«>day next in the City Hall. The sparkling operettas, "Picnic" and "Red Hiding Hood," are announced to be performed, the latter being underlined for Tuesday evening.

The meeting of the Ponsonby Choral Society called for to-morrow evening has been postponed.

The annual meeting of the Barns Club and Literary Sooiety will be held in Kobson'e Dining Rooms this evening.

Another of the Orchestral Society's monthly concerts will take place in the Choral Hall tomorrow evening.