THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1887.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8089, 2 November 1887, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1887.

The Financial Statement which has been so anxiously looked for is now before the public. It is an able and exhaustive document, and places the condition of the colony in its true light; and, though that condition is not very promising, it will yet be seen that the Colonial Treasurer takes a hopef al view of the country's prospects, and has every confidence that the difficulties which now surround it will be overcame if faced in that resolute spirit which the Statement throughout disclosee. Aβ was to be expected, the retrenchment proposals of thp Government

form the main feature of the Stateraent. A retrenchment policy was, as Major Atkinson very properly pointed out, imposed upon the Government and the House not only by the state of the country's finances, but also by the unanimous voice of the people, a* expressed at the late elections. A good deal of misgiving had, however, been expressed as to the ability of the Ministry to cope with the task thus assigned them, and inuendoes had been thrown out to the effect that the preceding Ministry had practised economy to such an extent that it would not be possible for their successors to carry it much further without impairing the efficiency of the public service. These forebodings and prognostications have, however, been completely falsified, and a scheme of retrenchment characterised by impartiality and thoroughness, and surpassing the expectations of the most sanguine, has been submitted, by which the annual expenditure chargeable on the revenue of the colony shall be reduced by the large sum of £300,000. It may be some time before the scheme can be brought into complete operation; but, as far as possible, immediate effect will be given to it; and, though the reductions during the present year will only amount to £71,000, yet that, in the existing circumstancee of the colony, is a considerable saving; and in the course of 1888, the country may be expected to reap the full benefit of this effort to place its public expenditure on a permanently lower basis. 16 will by that time have the satisfaction of knowing that, instead of it being, as has been the case for the past three years, £45,000 a year in excess of the revenue, the expenditure will for the future be kept within the limits of its income.

The revised estimates of expenditure for the year being found considerably in excess of the revenue, provision has of couree to be made for the deficiency. To meet this, the £71,000 saved by the retrenching process this year will be available; and, with a view to the same end, the Government, as was anticipated, propose increasing the property tax to one penny in the pound. Beyond this, however, there will be no further addition to the general taxation ; but, to cover the deficit which will still remain at the 31sb of March, 1888, the intention is to issue short-dated debentures, which will be payable only in the colony, and to devote £40,000 annually from the revenue towards their redemption until the whole amount is wiped off. The Government have very wisely abstained from disturbing the tariff this session. In any case, as matters now stand, no material increase to the revenue could be looked for from this source, and the only effect of raising the question of tariff revision would have been to lead to a prolonged and unprofitable discussion. It was therefore on every ground a more prudent course to reserve the consideration of this important subject for next session, and employ the recess in a careful and exhaustive examination of it in all its bearings. With regard to railway and public works expenditure, the proposals of the Government may be deemed by some to be more open to adverse criticism, inasmuch as they ask the House to face the question of further borrowing. The inclination of not a few is to put an immediate stop to all borrowing for the present, and give the colony a rest for some time. But the probabilities are that even these, on a perusal of the reasons assigned by the Government for once more appealing to the foreign money market, so soon as a favourable opportunity offers, will arrive at the conclusion that this will eventually prove the more beneficial aa well as more economic course for the colony. It appears that the total credit balance on the three accounts —namely, balance of loans raised prior to 1886, of North Island Mam Trunk Railway loan, and of loan authorised in 1886, is only £1,419,194, against which there are liabilities amounting to £720,973. It ia clear, therefore, that the North Island Trunk Railway loan must be raised in the course of 1888; but, after refunding the advances made on this account, and deducting the charges of floating the loan, there will remain available a sum not exceeding £450,000. This would suffice to carry on the construction of this line for the next three years; but all other works would soon be brought to a standstill. The question, therefore, arises whether it would be better for the colony to suddenly stop these works, *or to borrow from some other fund enough to extend these works, only so far as to render them a source of profit; or to resolve on raising a loan for another million for the furtherance of such works as shall be specified. All things considered, the Government have come to the conclusion that the last of these courses is the moat advisable. They accordingly ask for authority to raise the North Island Trunk Railway loan, and the proposed additional loan together, on the ground that by so doiag more advantageous terms would be obtained. Such terms they are moreover the more confident of securing, from the foot that the House is to be asked to pledge itself to absolutely abstain from all further borrowing for at least three years, while the Ministry on their part bind themselves to so regulate the expenditure on public works that, at the close of that period, the colony may be able to see its way to dispense with borrowing altogether. Taken as a whole, the Statement has a healthy ring aboub it, and supplies abundant evidence that the Ministry have earnestly addressed themselves to the duty of demonstrating to the people of the colony the necessity and the wisdom of conducting their affairs, both public and private, with a more prudent, as also a more honest, regard to their resources.

Our cable messages state that the sentence of imprisonment passed upon William O'Brien, the Irish agitator, has been confirmed. O'Brien has consequently been arrested and lodged in gaol. Another Irish member, Mr. liayden, has also been sentenced to two months' imprisonment. The health of the German Emperor continues precarious. A meeting of ratepayers and others was held at Lake Takapuna School last night, in reference to the election of a member to represent the district in the City Council. Mr. Shea was voted to the chair. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Alison, Shakeapear, Harrow, Mackay, and others. A vote of thanks to Messrs. Alison and Mays for their services to the district in the past was carried, as was also one protesting against the unseemly conduct of some of those at the meeting. A detailed report of the proceedings is unavoidably held over.

At the ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board, held yesterday afternoon, some discussion took place respecting a bill for *• extras," forwarded by Messrs. G. Fraaer and Son, who had been employed in the ereotion of the caisson and pumping maobinery at the Calliope Dook. Their contract price for this work amounted to £1900, whilst the extras totted up to a respectable total of over £600. Aβ this latter mm was considered by a number of the members to be excessive, it was decided to refer the account to Mr. Ware, for his consideration. Iα the stock and sharemarket yesterday very little business was done, the chief attention being given to Saxons and Cambrias, which changed hands, the former at 3s to 3i 3d and Cambrias at 4s lid to 5a Id. Union Bank ehares also found purchasers, while B»nk of New Zealands were offering, but with no buyers. In Sydney the lastnamed shares were said to be quoted on Monday at £10 to £10 ss. The funeral of the late Mr. John Wallace, of Bothwell Park, Waiukn, took place yesterday, and was attended by his immediate relatives end family connections, together with a large number of old friends and neighbours, many of whom had travelled long distances to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of one who was deservedly held in the highest respect and esteem by a large circle of friends. A short service was held at the residence of the deceased's sister-in-law, Mrs. Clark, Remuera, by the Revs. Monro and Riddell, after which the cortege left for the Otara Presbyterian Cemetery, followed by a large number of private carriages and settlers on horseback. On arrival at the grave, which was near that of Mr. Wallace's parents, the funeral service was commenced by the llev. J. Macky, followed by the ttev. D. .1. Steele, who read appropriate passages of Scripture, after which the Rev. J. Mackay gave an earnest addrees, in the course of which he spoke of hie acquaintance with- Mr. Wallace, extending over many yeare* and the sympathy manifested by him in all movements having for their object the moral and spiritual welfare of those by whom he was surrounded. Hβ then called on the EW. D, Bruce, who referred to the happy experience he had enjoyed while sitting by the bedeide of Mr. Wallace, and learning from his conversation that he was fully prepared for the impending change. The service was closed by the Rev. J. Maoky engaging in prayer.

Many, but especially those connected with the Congregational Churches, have clung to the hope that the Rev. Dr. R. W. Dale, of Birmingham, now on a visit to Australia, would, before returning home, come to New Zealand. It was hie intention to do so when ho left England, and he was commended to the churches here. Yesterday morning brought a letter from Mr. Albert Spioer saying that " Dr. Dale's health has to some extent broken down, and he ie compelled to take a fortnight's reat here (Melbourne) in the hope o< doing half-time work in New .Soutb Wales. Under these circumstances he has been compelled to give up Queensland, as well as all thought of New Zealand." We were aware from the first that he required to be in London about the time Parliament meets in February, but we still hoped he would hare time sufficient to have spent about three weeks here. All will regret he is not able to come, but moat of all for the reason. The twenty-third anniversary of the Newton Congregational Church was held in the Sunday-echool yesterday evening. Abont 300 parsons sat down to tea, the tables being presided over by the various teachers. At the conclusion of the repast, addressee were delivered by the Rev. J. Chew, B. L. Thomas, J. Gilmore, and Mr. E. Wood. Mies Warren sang, " The Old Cathedral," and Miss HobsoD the song "Resignation." The secretary read the financial report, which showed a oredit balance of £32. The meeting was brought to a close by the usual votes of thanks. Last evening, about six o'clock, an accident which happily did not turn out to be very serious, happened to a young man in Queen street, opposite the Union Bank. He saw Messrs Nathan and Co.'a cart coming up the street, and knowing the driver ran after it and endeavoured to climb into it. He unfortunately slipped, however, and, before the driver could stop the home, the wheel had passed over bis leg, severely bruising and abrading it. The sufferer was picked up, aud when the extent of his injuries was ascertained was conveyed to his lodgings at the Aurora Hotel. The meetings of the Anglican Synod for the diocese of Auckland will commence today. The opening service will be held at St. Matthew's Church at half-past ten a.m. The President's address, with which the business of the Synod will be opened, will be delivered in the Cathedral Library, Parnell, at three o'clock. It will, we understand, be chiefly devoted to a review of the progress of the diocese during the eighteen years in which BishopCowie has presided overits affairs. The annual Church meeting will be held on Friday evening, November 4, at eight o'clock, in the Choral Hall, Bishop Cowie presiding. Papers will be read by the Rev. T. H. Sprott, M.A., and the Rev. J. S, Hill. The fifteenth annual choral festival will be held in St. Matthew's Church this (Wednesday) evening, at half-past seven. Mr. T. T. Trimnell, Mus. Bao. Oxon., will act as organist and conductor.

Mr, Hammond has shown us some samples of burnt olay from the Birkenhead district, about five miles from Birkenhead, at the junction of the road leading to Waiwera. It is being burnt as a substitute for scoria ash on roads, and appears to be very suitable for the purpose, also as a substitute for ash in the manufacture of concrete for housebuilding, and it is said to be much better than ash for this purpose, as the concrete dries out more gradually, and becomes more solid and impervious to wet. The man who is now burning this clay formerly worked in the celebrated Roupell Park, near the Crystal Palace, and this material is largely used in the neighbourhood of London and adjacent districts. The Rodney County Council have used burnt clay on several miles of their main road, and that portion is now the best of the whole roads, and the Birkenhead Road Board are now about to adopt it for roads in their district. In clay districts the Road Boards need never be short of a coating for their roads, for when cutting down humps the olay can be burnt, and thus double work can be accomplished. The process is an old one, as old as the Roman invasion of England, but this, we believe, is the first time it has been introduced to New Zealand, and it seems likely to prove a boon to country districts. The samples shown us by Mr. Hammond were of clinker formation, and very solid and heavy. 1755 sacks maize were shipped to Sydney by the Manapouri yesterday. She also took a quantity of preserved meats, corned beef, timber, etc. "' iU ' t i>t M The authorities should stop the racing now apparently going on between the rival ferry steamers. If not checked some serious accident will most .likely, be the wind up, with perhaps great loss, of life. Already several collisions have taken place between the boats.

The performance of the Mohawk Minstrel Troupe was largely attended yesterday evening. The gorgeous transformation scene, '"The Four Keaeons," was reoeived with loud applause, Mr. E. L. Williams, the artist, being again twice called before the curtain. The programme will be repeated this evening. Last evening a large and fashionable audience assembled at Mrs. Law's schoolroom, Bomuera, to witness a drawingroom gymnastic entertainment, given by the pupils, under the direction of Professor Carrollo. The young ladies went through varied exercises in Indian club and dumb-bell practice to music, and also did some olever work in exercises upon Roman rings, etc., suitable for girls. At the conclusion of the display the professor was congratulated on the great progress made by his pupils during the time they had been under his tuition. The muaioal and elocutionary contest held under the auspices of the Band of Hope Union was oontinued yesterday evening at the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road. Mr. Plummer occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance. An interesting programme (which pressure on our space prevents us from publishing) was gone through. The following notices are from Lloyd's Weekly of September 11 :—George Cheal Bailed from London to New Zealand, in July, 1871, in the emigrant ship Lady Jocelyn, and was last heard of in 18S3, when working at Jack'a Sawmills, Wintou Bash, Winton. Southlands, Invercargill, New Zealand. His mother anxiously inquires. Joaeph King left home in February, 187(5, in the ship Bebington, for Auckland, New Zealand, rnd was last heard of at WaipYwa, Auckland, in [ 1883. Hie sister anxiously inquires.

About 200 Salvationists eat down to t« yesterday evening at the Temperance Hall After having drank as much ot that pleasant beverage an they cared for, a procession W »I formed, and led by three mounted trooner in red regalia, they made their way to th Albert-street Harraoks, where clo« uncn SOO people assembled. Addressee were Sβ livered by four young cadets, who are about to enter the work from the Anokland die trict. Commissioner and Mrs. Howard jjT epoke. The former stated that preyioug »!> the last general election he had received circular asking him, as the head °f the Salvation Army, to. use hia inflae nc and send circulars to all the station 8 throughout New Zealand, in support of the party who sent the circular. In reD i he declined to interfere with politics in an shape. From his remarks it was understood that the circular referred to had been sent by the late Government. The Salvationist* mustered in force on the wharf yeaterdav evening at five o'clock, to bid farewell t Major and Mra. Barritt, who were leavin! by the Wairarapa for Sydney. It i 8 needless to say that the Salvation band waa present, and the Major's departure was accompanied with mumc and prayer. Un fortunately their devotions were somewhat interrupted by the blowing of the steamer's foghorn, but when their " Hallelui aß " became inaudible, they fluttered their handkerchiefs. The major spoke a few words from the deck and waved a bloodred ban, dana handkerchief in acknowledgement of' the warm farewell accorded him.

Mr, John Quinn, of Albert-street, wae a passenger by the Wairarapa yesterday en route for Europe. He was escorted to the steamer by numerous friends, and an addreea wae presented to him in the saloon of the steamer by the memberu of St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society, of which he h»a acted as treasurer. The addrees stated •— "We, the members of St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society, desire to take the oppo r . tunity on the occasion of your departure for a visit to the old country to present you this humble address as a mark of the esteem in which we hold you on account of yo ttr many sterling qualities, especially in recog. nition of the services rendered by you as an officer of our Society in promoting the cause of total abstinence amongst the Catholic people of Auckland. Your sincere devotion to the cause of temperance as an elevating influence in society, and your practical assist* ance in carrying on the work of the organisation, have given edification to all those with whom you have been brought in con. tact, and we cordially join in wishing yon a pleasant journey to saintly Ireland the birthplace of the glorious apostle of temperance, the Rev. Theobald Matthew and a safe return amongst us to continue the good work in which we are mutually in* terested.—(Signed) James J. Hackett President; Maurice Foley, junr., secretary; Mitf&AKL Skerry, James Corley, Mrs. Condon, Mrs. Eybe, Miss m! O'Ryan." Mγ. Quinn returned thanks, and epoke some words of encouragement to the members of the Society, which he hoped would continue to flourish until it would become the most influential temperance organisation in Auckland. Amongst others present to wish Mr. Quinn bon voyage were the Rev. Fathers Haouetfc and Thomas, St. Patrick's; Re*. Father Lenihan, Ponsonby; and the Rev. Father Downey, St. Benedict's, At the Church meeting of the Tabernacle Baptiat Church on Monday evening it <vaa unanimously resolved to send a cable to the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon congratulating him on his late action, and expressing the Church'a heartiest sympathy. The adjourned meeting of the Archhill Brick and Tile Company, adjourned from the previous day, again lapsed for want of a quorum. The meeting now lapses, and the directors remain in office as during the previous yean A meeting of gentlemen interested in athletics and gymnastics was held on Saturday evening in Professor (Jarrollo'e gymnasium for the purpose of forming a gymnastic club during the summer months. After some discussion it was resolved that a club be formed, and the following officers were elected :—Captain, Mr. F. Edwards ; hon. sec, Mr. T. Baxter; committee, Meisrs, J. W. Dickson, A. Woollams, W. Parker, T. Buruinghara, H. Gentles, and G. Pal> tridge. It was resolved to have practices ' twice a week, the evenings fixed being Monday and Friday. There is but little to add to the particulars of the fire in Grey-street given in yesterday's issue. The fire seems to have originated , under the counter, and W. H. Jones, groon'e assistant to Mr. Cameron, the lessee of the shop, states that he returned from the Oddfellows' Ball at Ponsonby about one a.m. About half-past three he was awakened by smoke, and, on making an examination, the fire appeared, as far as he could see, to be under the counter in a Colman'a mustard case in which matches were kept. Hβ then escaped through the window. Mice were stated to be very numerous in the shop, and it is probable that some of these little rodents h%ve been trying experiments with the matcheß, with the usual results. Mr. Cameron values his stock of groceries at about £80. It was entirely uninsured. The damage by fire is comparatively trifling, bat the stock has been injured by the smoke and water.

The ordinary meeting of the City Schools Committee was held yesterday evening at the Wellesley-street schoolroom, when Messrs Gorrie (presiding), Farrell, Blades, Crowther, Mo&lasters, Ussher. and Batty were present. It was resolred " That the committee contrl« bate as far as funds will permit at tbe end of the year, for the painting of Wellesley-street School. The Board of Education wrote notifying that a month's leave of abaence dad been granted to Miss M. Nicholson, apsietant teacher, Wellesley-street School. The Beard further notified that they could not authorise a stopping of Mies Bell's salary during her absence from Nelson-street School, as she had been suffering from ill health. The committee paEsed a vote expressing condolence with the widow of the late Mr. Ashton W. Bruce. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Batty, seconded by Mr. Useher," That in the opinion of this committee, the Christmas holidays should be reduced to four weeks." The chairman and Mr. Farrell voted against this motion. The Board of Education notified that advertisements would be isaued inviting applications for the post of senior assistant master at the Wellesley-street School, rendered vacant by the death of the late Mr. Bruce, the appointment to be mads to take effect from January next. Iα the meantime, the Principal of the Training College had been requested to make provision for the services of a student to assist in the work of the school until the holidays. Some discussion took place with respect to the strengthening of Mr. Gorrie'a hands at the conference of the chairmen of school committees, in respect to the proposed change of reading books, and Mr. Farrell moved, seconded by Mr. Blades, " That it be an in< struction from this committee that no change take place from the Globe to .Longman's Headers, as directed by the Board of Kdo« cation." The question of the payment of quarter«money was brought up, but no action was taken by the committee. Some of the members stated that many of the teachers lost money through supplying school material, and in some cases they even purchased clothes fur the children. r Small, Truant Officer, wrote recommending that a number of persona whom he named should be summoned for negleoting to send their childreu to eohool, and ill was decided to institute a prosecution against one of the individuals.

The annual public meeting In connection with the Wesleyan Home Mission services was held yesterday evening in St. John* Churob, Ponsonby Road. There was a large attendance, the church being quite full. Mr. W. Thome occupied the chair, and the report of the doings of the mission was read by Rev. 0. H. Garland. It showed that the mission was prospering and extending it* iphere of labour. Kev. W. Gittoe introduced to the meeting 15 young Maori students from the Three Kings, who sang noroe hymus w the native language, and afterwards in ang" hah. One of their number then gave a abort address, which was, considering it waew* maiden speech, extremely well deliveredRev. A. J, Smith, of Alexandra-street rn> mitive Methodist Church, then addressed bdb meeting in an impressive speech, »n w> oonrse of which he denounced the growing fashion of making the Sabbath day a day■ « idleness or pleaeure. Rev. H. K. D" wb "J also delivered an instructive and P° w " 1 "- discouse, after which i» collection in am w the funds of the mission was taken up. *" proceeding* were closed bw th* pronooncws of the benediction. Wβ notice in our advertising oolamna that the Canton Insurance Office (LimiMOj. is paying a final bonus of 5 per cent, on a contributions of premia for the year iw>i making a total distribution of 25 F M cen for the year.

A well-attended meeting was held last evening at the Imperial Hotel, the business being to consider the advisability of re-form-jug the Auokland Rowing Club. Mr. Thos. Henderson occupied the chair, and stated the objects of the meeting at some length, and informed the meeting that after a few hours' .canvas thirty-seven gentlemen had given in their names as intending members. It was jfor the meeting to consider whether that was sufficient encouragement to start the club upon. It was proponed by Mr. Younghusband, and seconded by Mr. Baker, "That the club be re-forrned." This was carried. It was estimated that the cost of building the shed as proposed, and the obtaining of a euth'cient number of boats for the present would amount to about £150. It was resolved that Messrs. T. Henderson, Younghusband, Lindsay, James, Baker, Daore, end St. Clair be a sub-committee to canvass for additional members, and to obtain estimates of cost of shed, boats, etc. After the discussion of other matters relating to the furtherance of the club, the meeting, after passing a vote of thanks to tho chairman, was adjourned to Friday evening, the 11th ins taut.

A correspondent of the Melbourne Argus gives in a recent number an account of Naples. Coming to the cemetery he says : —" A quiet little • God's acre,' indeed, is its Protestant cemetery, of which I have to dnd the keeper and his keys. Small as it is the contents are not to be inspected at a rush. It takes more than an hour, studiously passed there, to see that which is of interest. Foremost of such is a granite, monument of massive look, on which is seated in a chair the life size aud evidently well - sculptured effigy of her who lies below. Trii- pourtrayal is that of a mature aud thoughtful woman, in the attitude of a thinker. Beneath it are the words: • Mary Sornerville, 1572. Here also rest her daughters, Martha and Mary.' Perhaps many are as ignorant as 1 was up to this time where tho most scientifically devoted of all Womankind had found a grave. On one side of thii tomb lies a daughter of the Duke of Portland, and on the other side one of Sydney's boat known citizens, ' Lebbeus Horderu, of Sydney, ft'.S. VV., who died Ist November, ISSI, at Naples, en route to Australia.' I think that I have come to a New Zealand celebrity when I fiud the name of 'Julius Vogol,' but the record is that this one of that came died at Naples In 1881."

The following new patents have been applied for : —An improved rystem of electrio traction and apparatus therefor, by Edrnond Julieu, of Brussels, engineer; aa improved stuam-engino cylinder and valve, by James Miller, of Adelaide ; an improved ■haft jack or coupling for shafts and poles, by Edward Ives, of South Australia, blackimith; aa invention for refrigerating, to be called " Warton's Refrigerator," by Francia Warton, of Auckland ; aa automatic compound cover for provisions and liquids, for protecting provisions end liquids from flies and d?rt, by James Holmee, of Auckland, shipbuilder; for increasing the speed of bicycles, te be known aa " Martin's Bi* cycle Speed-increaser," by Simon Keir Martin, of Oacnaru, machinist; for suspending and preventing rattle of railway and tramear windows, to be called "The Haliance Automatic Window-cramp," by Henry Abel Flatman, engineer, and James Seed, ropemaker, both of Ashley ; for catching rats or mice, to be called "The Self setter," by George Irvin, of Whangaroa North, saw doctor; for Cole'a patent roller skatecheck, by Walter Cole, of Adelaide Koad, Wellington, architect; for an improvement in chaff-cutters, by Henry Chamberlain, of Ellesmere, farmer, and William Andrews and Arthur Ward Beaven, of Curistchurch, Canterbury, engineers.

In Wanganui, the Herald and Chronicle are engaged in perpetual warfare, We queie from the Chronicle of Monday last: — "Saving the WaDganni Herald, there is not a newspaper throughout the length and breadth of the oolony—however mean and contemptible in other respects —so utterly ignorant of journalistic usage and devoid of gentlemanly courtesy as to allude to the editor of a contemporary by name. Yet this is what the local tlerald was most offensively guilty of on Saturday night List; —and not for the first time. We had reprinted from the Napier Telegraph a paragraph in which there was a reference to a son of the Uuder-Secretary for Native Affairs, and thereupon the Herald alluded to Mr, Carson aa a personal friend of the Under-Secretary, and charged him with circulating falsehoods about hia friend. We make no complaint—and we suppose Mr. Carson will make no complaint—about the Herald'e styie ; but it may be as well to point out its possible inconveniences. For instance, it might not be relished if we were to refer to the resurrected friendship between Mr. Duigan and Mr. Ballance, and to ask whether the fulsome and sickening adulation, or the fierce and libellous anathematisation, with which they have at different periods been accustomed to bespatter each other, is the truth or the falsehood. Our contemporary is welcome to its choice, but we fancy it will think twice before persisting in its present unique style of referring to journalistic contemporaries." The performance of " Oliver Twist" was repeated at the Opera House yesterday evening by Miss Georgie Smitheon's dramatic company. A new programme is announced for this evening, when " The Fairy G-len"ai;d "The Green Lanea of Ireland" are to be staged. On Monday evening a meeting of the electors at Birkenhead (interested in the return of Mr. Thompson to the Waitemata County Council) was heid in the school-room, Birkenhetid. About 23 electors were present. From the returns aent in from the members of the working committee Mr. Thompson's supporters are very sanguine. A meeting of chairmen of the Highway Boards, county of Eden, is to be held on Friday afternoon, at half-past two o'clock, at Mr, J. M. Lennox's office. The Jubilee cantata " Britannia and Her Daughter!" was again performed last evening, in St. James's Hall, Wellington-street, and passed off very successfully. There was a large and appreciative audience present. At the close of the cantata a hearty vote of thanke was passed to Mr. Edmondes and to oil thoie who had assisted in the perform* ince. A correspondent writes from iKohukohu : — Wednesday, October 12, was a sort of red-letter day at Kohokuhu. Hokianga, and especially Kohukohu, is very much addicted to the worship of Terpicchore, and we have a dance nearly every Saturday night, but or. the day referred to above we eclipsed ourselves, and held one of the most brilliant and successful balls tha.t ever took place; in Hokianga. "But thereby bangs aJU.Ie." What occasioned such an outburst of grandeur? The reason is not far to seek to tuone who have been living here for only a few months. A short time ago three surveyors honoured us with a short visit, and Theu they were here one of our usual social da icea took place, and these aforesaid gentlemen were present at it, but the insufferable foppery of thetr manner, and the rem irks they made outside the hall, aroused the resentment and disgust of everybody who saw or heard them to such an extent that we determined to give a ball that would be worth coming to, and that invitations were to be sent to everyboby on the river, except the aforesaid gentlemen, who were very carefully excluded, thereby paying back to them their uncalled-for insults. The ball was in every respeot successful, and great credit is due to the management for the able manner in which everything was carried out, there being no hitch nor unpleasantness of &ny kind during the whole evening. Dancing wan kept up till nearly four in the morning, and everybody expressed themselves as having thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Unfortunately, the fine weather broke up about ten o'clock in the evening, and everybody had to paddle home through a sea of Bud and water. Mr. H. A. Williams made a ♦ery efficient M.C. ; and Messrs. Robinson, Koleig, and Johnsou supplied the music, in a manner that left little to be desired, though I might suggest to those gentlemen that their time was rather quick, which made the pace particularly lively, too lively in fact.

.Wβ undentand that the first regular oon•'Ktiment of tweeds from the Auckland Mille ate to be delivered to Mem* MoArthur and to. Maoky.Logan, and Stein, A.Clark and Son, »nu Owen and Graham. No doubt the tailors >Q the city will have tome of the material oa J *nd this week. The Auckland Atbenscum hold« its annual Ijneral meeting next Thursday, for the election " om °ere for the ensuing season, »nd for the Tan.acuon of general bu.inoee. The Kev. K. a. uulliver was al»o to have read a puper on in U i? * Plan of Elucation," bat as announced in «nother column, this in unavoidably poet'wta , ° Wing t0 to* indupoiition of the