ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7975, 15 June 1887, Page 5

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

j [press association.J London, June 13. The Mount Morgan est appeal case has been postponed until November 6 th. H.M.s. Stork has been equipped as a survey vessel for the Australian station. The capital of the company formed to take over the business of Messrs. McEvvan and Co., of Australia, in shares to the extent of £150,000 and debentures to a similar amount, has been subscribed fivefold. The Mount Shamrock Mining Company, Queensland, with a capital of £280,000 in £1 shares has been placed on the market. The shares are already quoted at a premium of 7s. The Mining Journal declares it a piece of audacity to require such a price. [from OUR OWN correspondent.] London, May 6. The Ruapehu this week takes out 200 nominated emigrants, including between fifty and sixty single girls. Captain Whitney, of Auckland, is acquiring experience which will be of value to him in his cartridge manufactory. Under the guidance of Major-General Stewart he has visited the Elswick and some other large arms factories. Sir Julius Von Haast is back again at Bonn, after having visited Florence, Vienna, Berlin, and other Continental capitals, on his mission for collecting exhibits for the Canterbury museum, He expects to be in London at the end of this month, and will sail for the colony in the New Zealand Shipping Company's boat early in June. Mr. W. B. Churchward, who some years since was aide-de-camp to Sir James Fergusson, and who has since been aoting as Vice-Ci>nsul at Samoa, is about to publish a book dealing with those islands, entitled "My Consulate at Samoa." In an article in one of the magazines this month, Mr. Churchward gives an acoount of the Ivermadec Islands. He says that one of the early settlers on that volcanic group gravely assured him that for fully three months after he landed on the island he oocupied he was unable to keep on his feet owing to the constant throbbing of the ground through volcanic action. The final meeting of the Eoyal Commission for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition was held last Saturday, when the statement of acoounts was presented. There is a balance in hand of a little over £35,000, out of which the sum of £10,000 will bo taken to pay off deficit of £4000 on the Inventions Exhibition, and to meet unforeseen contingencies, and the remaining £25,000 will be paid over to the Imperial Institute Fund. The degree of M. A. has been conferred by proxy by the Senate of the University of Cambridge upon Mr. Gilford, of New Zealand. The degree of D.D. has been conferred upon the Rev. John Dunlop, of Dunedin, by the University of Glasgow. Mr Orchardson's new picture in the Royal Academy, called "The First Cloud," and Mr. Graham's "An Easterly Breeze," have been purchased for Melbourne at a cost of £2750 and £1350 respectively. Yesterday in the Shaw-Saville and Albion Company versus the Bell-Coleman Mechanical Refrigerating Company action, counsel moved for judgment on behalf of the plaintiffs. This was granted, but only for nominal damages, and each side was adjudged to pay its own costs. The Shaw-Savill and Albion Company has just declared a dividend of 5 per cent. VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE. No. 2 Battalion.—An Inspection parade of this battalion was held in the Drill-shed last evening, and the various companies—City Guard?, Victorias, Bobsons, and Queen's Own—all mustered well, and the Garrison : Band was in full force under Bandmaster Morris. Lieutenant-Colonel Dignan was in charge, and inspected the men, Major Pirie also being present. The companies were put through a variety of marching and arms exercises, and all the movements were exe« cuted in a creditable manner. Presentations.—A pleasing feature of the parade was the presentation of Mr. .Tickell's cup to Sergeant Theo. Fairs, of the Victoria Company, which was done by Colonel Dignan in a few well-chosen words. This cup was presented to the company by the gentleman named, to be shot for at aeven competitions, and the seven highest scorers then fired off, Sergeant Fairs being tho ultimate winner. Colonel Dignan also presented Dr. Dawson's medal for attendance at drill to Volunteer Anderson, who had been absent but once during the past twelve months. Church Parade.—On the invitation of Rev. W, Tebbs, Chaplain of the City Guards, it was decided to hold a church parade of that company on Sunday next, and the remaining companies of the batallion were also asked to take part. The men will march in uniform to St. Matthew's, where Mr. Tebbs will preach a speoial Accession service in honor of thi Jubilee. Competitions for Martini ■ Henry Rifles.Tho conditions for the firing for the 15 Martini Rifles, presented to the Auckland Volunteers lately by Mr. J. C. Firth, have been issued by Colonel Lyon, in whose hands all preliminaries were left by the donor. They are. that one rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition shall be given to each of the 15 companies stationed in Auckland and Onehunga ; that the arms to be used are those issued by the Government; the ammunition being provided by the competitors ; that the distances shall be 300 and 500 yards for rifles, and 300 and 400 for carbines, 10 shots to be fired at each range; that the trigger test be a minimum pull of 61b, and that any military position be allowed. The officers commanding shooting parties during the competition are to arrange that the firing be done under the instructions of Major Pirie, the musketry instructor, and that the results be sent into the District Office before 24th September next. Royal Irish Rifles.The adjourned meeting concerning the formation of this corps was held in the Catholic Institute last evening. Mr. G. Leahy was in the chair. Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon was present, and swore in a number of new members. As the repuired strength according to the Act had been attained, it was resolved to apply at once for the necessary arms, and Colonel Mahon undertook to make the requisite application. Some discussion took place concerning uniform, but the matter was deferred till the company is gazatted. The meeting then adjourned till Thursday next, when the election of offioers will take place. Miscellaneous.—There was a general feeling expressed among the companies of No. 2 Battalion that no display should be made in connection with the Queen's Jubilee, but it was agreed that the members could cooperate (if willing) with the proposed torchlight procession of the Naval Battalion. The matter of subscriptions towards the Imperial Institute, whioh lias' been exciting some adverse comments in the South, has been completely ignored by the Auckland Volunteers, the contributions at present amounting to nil. A rumour is current that a new volunteer company is about to be formed at Newmarket, and some of the local magnates have expressed great interest in the affair, which will probably be carried to a successful issue shortly. Wairoa Rifles, — The Wairoa Rifles assembled at the target range on Saturday, the 11th inßfc., ac ten a.m., for Government musketry instruction. First period—Third class : Ten rounds at 100 yards, five kneeling and five standing ; five rounds at 200 yards, kneeling five rounds at 300 yards lying down; bull's eye, 12 inches diameter ; centre, 3 feet diameter ; outer, remainder of target. There was a splendid turn out of the company, under the command of Captain Crawford, and Drill Instructor Nelly represented the staff. The day was fine, although there WS3 no sun, and hardly a breath of wind during the whole day. The scores made were generally good, every member having passed the first period. Several members scored 67 points out of a possible 80. An inspection parade of the corps will be held on Saturday, the 25th inst., at one p.m., after which the company will be pat through judging distance practice.-—[Own Correspondent, June 13.]