THE The New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1888.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9155, 10 September 1888, Page 4

THE The New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1888.

The great good lesson that is now being laid to heart by every colonist in New Zealand is that to the natural expansion of our natural products we are to look for the future prosperity of the individual as well as the community. We have had a surfeit of speculative hopes and ventures ; and though the echoes of the " booming" still proceeding in Australia reach us, and have a tendency to disturb the minds of the restless, public opinion is wonderfully settling down to the fact that in the natural and steady growth and development of our own matchless resources we have within ourselves the true panacea for New -Zealand's troubles. That these resources are steadily asserting themselves, while our ears have been straining themselves to catch the sound of the coming " boom" from somewhere over the seas, is shown in a striking picture that has been recently presented to the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce by its acting president, the Hon. Mr. Parker, in the annual presidential speech at the meeting of that body. One would be inclined to think, and especially if one were far away from the colony, that from the querulous wail that has been indulged for the last year or two, New Zealand must have been going steadily back, and that the shrinkage in speculative values of land and similar property meant the shrinkage in the production of wealth in the colony. But from this thoughtfullycompiled exposition of the state of the colony, Mr. Parker has conclusively shown that all this time the colony has been growing in productive wealth as it never did before in an equal period of time. We are aware that as a sort of reaction to the sombre feelings of the past there is a tendency to over-jubila-tion respecting the dawn of a better day ; but there is a substantial basis in I; the facts submitted that goes to show a steady upward progress in the colony and its productiveness that is altogether independent of what we may think or may not think of coming prosperity.

For example, ten years ago, namely, in 1878, the exports of produce from the colony were less than the imports by £2,759,963, but in last year our exports exceeded our imports, by £620,654. Whatever crises, therefore, speculative ventures in their varied forms may have passed through, it is very evident that industry and industrial production have been forging ahead. But that this has not been an ephemeral condition of affairs is shown by our taking a period later than that adduced by Mr. Parker, for while for the year 1887 the excess of exports was as stated by him, we find that for the year ended on the 30th of June, 1888, the exported produce from New Zealand —exclusive of speciehas exceeded the imports by no less a sum than £1,042,629, a condition of things which had never been reached by the colony before. Butaside from Mr. Parker's figures—this is not the only comparison that tells a striking tale of the steady industrial progress of the colony; for while we are accustomed to think of the colony of Victoria as a prodigy of prosperity, it is a singular fact that, population for population, it is much behind our own colony in the export of produce. The exports of Victorian produce, as cited by the Melbourne Argus for comparison with the exports of New Zealand produce, amounted last year to £8,592,979 as against those of New Zealand, £6,709,452, or only £1,735,527 more than those of a colony with little more than half the inhabitants of Victoria. These are substantial facts to those who can distinguish between the glitter of a speculative prosperity, and the solid progress of a colony developing its own inherent resources.

But turning to the various staples that go to make up our volume of production and export trade, Ave find that during the last five years the production of wool in New Zealand has increased by twenty million pounds weight, or nearly 30 per cent., " a rate

of increase that has rarely if ever been equalled in an other part of +t 7f? d "! a " «.ou the ,„ onoy of the wool, pound for pound, i 3 i' than it was five years ago, the gate or value shows an increase of A " £300,000. And even on this money value, the colony has i m i,° reason for congratulation, for althoupV the production of wool all over t]' world has fen largely increased th! demand for it has been increasing in 1 greater proportion, so that the steads rise in the value of our great star.l* may confidently be exacted to be cnn" tmuous. Indeed, the mere increase of a penny & pound which is shown between the price now existing and that ruling this time last year" v.-m give to the colony an increase or £375,000 sterling, without taking i nt account the cash value of the of the quantity of wool itself XiT number ot sheep in the colony has a lf shown a steady increase, nowithstand ing the great development of the export trade in tinned and frozen meat, added to the increasing demands of consume" • of mutton in the colony ; for while Hyears ago there were in the colony 13,306,309 sheep, there were at the etui of last year 15,155,626. These are item.' that do not betoken a falling away in the substantial wealth of the colonv while the continued extension of tip frozen meat trade, the steady and satisfactory prices now obtained at home i and the prospect of further extension of the trade, not only through the centres of population in Great Britain but on the Continent of Europe—where the existing deficit of li tons of meat per annum supplied from beyond seas gives promise of a steady increase—all these circumstances carabine to show that the frozen nioar trade as a factor in the prosperity of the colony is only in its veriest int..ncv It is estimated that about a million sheep will this year be so exported and at prices which, in consequence ot more reasonable freight, and less charts for manipulation at either end of the voyage, are now admitted to be remunerative to the producers ; while the late rise of price of frozen meat in London, if it continues as is expected, will give on this item alone an increased gain to the colony in the year of a quarter of a million sterling. The advanced price of wheat is to he added to the factors contributing to the revival of the colony's prosperity : and though the causes of this—unreason- : able weather at harvest time in Ensi land and France, and an expected I deficiency of some eighty-five million bushels in America —may only apply tor the present, still the result promises to prove a substantia! gain to our producers; and may be added to the causes contributing to produce that feeling of revived eontidenee, which is certainly disusing itself very widely throughout every portion of the colony. Tothesck-'..tiric and apparently successful efforts in developing mining enterprise ; to the consolidation and systematizing of our timber industry ; to the stimulus given to the development of our coal mines; ; and, above all, to the unusual increase in the number of moderate-sized areas of land taken up during the past year, and still being taken up, for lonand-: settlement and farming purposes, we might also refer assigns of the times-, but we close by giving the following brief synopsis of the position from the words of the President of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce: —"Upon a review of the situation, the conclusion must generally be arrived at that the prospects of the colony are decidedly improving. Our wool is selling well, and everything point? to present values being maintained. Frozen mutton is now realising a price that is remunerative to the sheep farmer. \\ heat promises to return to something like the old level, when to grow wheat meant to coin money. The timber industry in the North is for the first time likely to be developed in a systematic and, therefore, profitable manner. The output from our coal mines is increasing year by year, and other of our mineral resources, such as gold, and silver, and antimony, are becoming developed by the. most scientific appliances and even now, as we watch what we hope may prove the sunset of our depression, there are indications of a brighter morn."

Among the more important items in our cable news this morning it is stated that in a communication to the British Association, at present sitting at Bath, M. de l-pseps definitely fixes the date of the opening of the Panama Canal for IS9O. The mission stations at Lake Nyassa have been attacked by Arab slave-dealers. The missionaries were driven from their positions, and in attempting to regain them were repulsed vita the loss of several Europeans. The report that Dinizulu had been re-captured by tni j Boers is believed to be incorrect. An otncial report received in London from Natal states that he is still at large. Affairs in Zululand, however, are peaceable. It has been decided to largely increase the ,ie ™ an navy. According to a statement in a u "' sian paper, the whole of Northern Afghanistan is in open revolt against the Air.ee"The political deadlock in Queensland nas ended in a triumph for the Government, ifi® Secretary of State for the Colonies having cabled out instructions for the release 01 tM prisoner, concerning whom the difficult) between Sir Anthony Musgrave and the Ministry had arisen. The mail steamer Zealandia arrived ye-"' terd&y afternoon from Sydney, en route to San Francisco with the outgoing colonu mails for Europe, etc. She is announce' to sail at five o'clock this afternoon. It is expected that the Premier will Auckland in a month or two. One o! 15 . chief objects of his visit, it is underttoo' , will be to deliver an address chiefly on 11 property tax, and its value as an equiU 0 means of filling the Government coffers.

The Supreme Court was occupied ;l ? aU ' the whole of Saturday in hearing t 1 case McGregor v. the Northern pany, an action to recover £87/ damages, and a counter claim again?!- 1 , plaintiff for damages through the ''an steamer not being according to -"Pjp'"-' tions. The jury brought in a . vel -„- t the plaintiff for £550, and a verdict ag< the company in the counter claim. <• I ' l ? ment was accordingly given for that am and costs on the highest scale. ( The ordinary meeting of the liar o n . Board will be held in the Board koon morrow, at half-past- two p.m., ' , tenders will be received for additions i • Victoria Wharf, and Mr. Xicccl will m° , " That the foreman of works bes rebuts _ to report to the Worksand Tariff Commi > at an early date, upon the following . at Calliope Dock :-(D Fencing doc..>• y (2) dock-keepers cottage ; («i) Utin . rangements ; (-i) improvement m c f }ock > gear; (5) breastwork at entrance o at*. (6) continuation of discharge culvert. Amongst the passengers by thei s.s. landia are Mr. William W est 'gart h , d Victorian colonist, who recently re than Melbourne after an absence of » much . thirty years ; Mr. R. S. Smythe, tn travelled manager ; and Mi. J.J- ,j of Melbourne, who has come to meet a V inont of American trotting horses.

The second camellia show of the season, under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, was held at the Ponsonby Hall on Saturday afternoon. There was a splendid show of winter flowers, also some frood samples of fruit and vegetables. A oetailed report and the prize list are published in another column.

The police have thoroughly searched for the m*ssin{r man Joe and his companions, but without success. The search was made from the Thames to Miranda on one side, and to Gape Colville on the other, and as the constables kept to the coast line in their travel, and therefore had a view of the open sea. it is impossible that they would not have seen the yacht had it been afloat. There is, therefore, little hope that the men are safe.

A detailed report of Saturday's football match between the Englishmen and Auckland representativ. s, appears elsewhere. The total receipts ui the match amounted to .t-xSO 14s ; 3S3S persons paid for admission to the ground, and SSS to the stand.

A? the 5.5. lona was passing Cuvier Is'and on Saturday, a whaleboat, with six men in it, rowed out to the steamer and hailed her. Captain Amodeo stopped his \e->el, and on the boat coming alongside it- was found that they had with hem a man named Colin Mcßae. who had received a serious injury to hi- ankle. A targe stone had fallen on ii while he was engaged at the new lighthouse in.: erected on the island. The result was >•> serious that it was deemed advisable to have him sent un to Auckland for medical treatment. He was accordingly hoisted on board the lona, and, on her arrival in Auckland on Saturday night, was conveyed to the Hospital, where he is progressing favourably.

Among the through passengers to San Francisco on board the mail steamer are : Professor T. Kennedy, the mesmerist ; Mr. J. B. Gay lord, ho went to Sydney as advance agent of the Hicks-Sawyer Minstrels ; Mr. and Mrs. Ridsdale, recently of Brough and Boucicault's Burlesque Opera Company ; and also Mr. T. Sevalle. The last-named gentleman has been some liitie time in Australia " spying out the land," in anticipation of a projected visit to the colonies of Cooper and Bailey's Circus and Menagerie: but owing to the. number of strikes in New South Wales and the general depression he has come to the conclusion that a tour of so expensive a concern as the great "show" would hardly pay, and consequently it will be postponed indefinitely.

A short time ago we published a cable message in the following terms : —" Mr. Tyser, of Tyser and Co.. lias joined the board of directors of the shipping ring, and will undertake the management of the New Zealand snipping." The message was published in the Melbourne Argus in the following form:—"Messrs. Tyser and Co., who for some time past have been running a line of vessels in opposition to the associated brokers (the ' shipping ring'), have joined the board of management of the latter. The board has undertaken the management of the New Zealand Shipping Company's business. and will also manage Flint's line. In referring to the discrepancy between the different versions of the message, the New Zealand Times interprets the meaning as follows: — The telegram states first that Messrs. Tyser, who have been running in opposition to the shipping rins:. have joined the ring's board of management. They have thus become incorporated with the ring itself. Secondly. ' the board' (not merely Messrs. Tyser, be it observed) has undertaken the management of the New Zealand Shipping Company's business, and will also manage Flint's line. That is to say—at least so it seems to us—that all the chief competing lines have agreed to come together under one central management with regard to freights, etc., so that there shall be no more underselling one another in this respect. If our view be a correct one, it- looks very much as if we are to have a huge monopoly ruling the shipping trade, end that infallibly means a rise in freights, probably in both directions. Such a development would be particularly unfortunate and ill-timed just now. when our farmers, who so long have suffered under ruinously low prices, have a prospect of improvement in this resj>ect, and when the increased Customs duties will enhance the cost of most articles of general use quite enough without the addition of higher freight charges. Moreover, any combination that will have the effect of raising the freights on frozen meat will tend gravely to damage, if not kill, that very important Trade. However excellently our Direct Service may be conducted, it is always injurious and undesirable for a monopoly to •xist, especially in the carrying business.'"

Yesterday afternoon there arrived by the brigantine Lady Mabel a cargo of 3-5 tens of Newcastle coal, which, with that on barquentine Jessie, now on her way here, will probably be one of the last imports of "black diamonds" we are likely to receive for some little time from the New South Wales port. On the other hand an export trade is likely to spring up; indeed, a cargo of Kamo coal has been fixed from Kamo to Albany, Western Australia, by the barque Mercury, which will arrive at Whangarei to load in a couple of days. Sydney advices also state that the barque Ordovic, which had been chartered to take coal to Valparaiso, is instead to take a cargo of New Zealand coal to South Australia at an early date.

During last week rumours were afloat in Onenunga that a serious leakage had been discovered at the reservoir in One-tree Hill, and that although the reservoir had been pumped full the water had disappeared. This version of the state of affairs has proved to be too true, the leakage having occurred through a portion of the flooring of the reservoir having giving way, owing to its not being built on a solid foundation. From what we have been able to le-irn from the contractor, it would appear that a large cavity, caused by the removal of rock, had been bricked over without the earth beneath it being made sufficiently solid to resist the great pressure caused by the weight of water on it. A strange feature of the occurrence is that the water had all run away as though it had been let off into some storage capacity below, so rapidly did the reservoir empty itself, and it is surmised that there must be an immense cavern somewhere in the vicinity into which lie water found an easy access. A staff of workmen lias been engaged in remedying the defect. The damage will cause great loss to the contractor-, as the work was to be handed over to the town on the Ist instant, and now he is under a penalty of £5 a day.

A meeting of the Auckland Institute is to be held in the Museum Buildings, Princes-st-eet, at eight o'clock this evening, when Professor Thomas will give a lecture on "Micro-organisms and their Power in Every day Life. - ' In no department of scientific research has progress been more marked than in the investigation of the minute forms of life known popularly k; microbes, and they t have been found to exert a profound influence on the life and Material prosperity of man. The lecture * il! deal with their bearing on the preservation of all kinds of food; on sanitary Ratters, and the connection of microbes R 'ith infectious diseases. It will be illustrated by limelight diagrams and by the Modern apparatus employed in the cultivation of microbes.

Mi.«.= van Finkelstein, according to Sydney papers received by the Zealandia, had attracted immense audiences in that city. Every night for three weeks the Y.M.C.A. Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity ; &tl 'l at the matinees on Saturday afternoons. in the more commodious new Masonic Hall, hundreds of people were Unable to obtain admission. The audiences cf the eloquent native of Jerusalem included not only people of all shades of ffcligious opinion, but the attendances at the theatres were sensibly diminished by the popular lecture entertainment of Miss Va 'i Finkelstein. When the Zealandia left the lady was taking a well-earned holiday ' ri , the Blue Mountains prior to starting for Wellington, where she is to begin her New Zealand tour.

A crowded house attended the variety performance given in the City Hall on Saturday evening by Miss Georgie Smithy's company, and an excellent programme *as fjone through, in a manner that evoked Sequent applause. Amongst the audience jjtre a large number of the English and Auckland footballers, and when in thanking .he audience for their patronage, Mis? Jwiithson alluded in a few graceful words to ne victory of the visiters, at the same time a hop that the local. players v 11 l'i reverse tie verdict on Wed net-*ay ®ext. Her remarks were greeted with loud applause.

A letter was read at the Christchurch Acclimatisation Society recently from Mr. J. C. Boys, one of its members. Mr. Boys wrote : —" I had it on very good authority that a farmer made £60 from red clover seed off two acres of land." Dr. Fraukish supplemented this remark by observing that he knew of a Christchurch firm which had paid for a half-ton of red clover seed at the rate of Id per lb more than was paid by merchants in England (exclusive of expenses) for English seed. From the above it would appear that the society has done some good by introducing the humble bee into Canterbury.

The Mount Albert were visited on Saturday by a very interesting 1 and large number of young boys, who, it appears, hailed from Newton East District School. They had very wisely resolved to do what was required at home in the morning, and, with lunch and the means for collecting specimens, made the first of a series of expeditions to Mount Albert. Full of life, and respectfully careful to, observe the behests of their teacher (Mr. Reid) they appeared to most thoroughly enjoy themselves. On arriving at the mountain they very properly had lunch, arid, after the bracing walk, it is scarcely necessary to add that they did full justice to this part of the programme. A few eager enquirers after knowledge could not wait to finish their repast, but made for the cave, candle in one hand and remainder of lunch in the other. The school museum could be replenished, and everyone was ambitious to add to its treasures. The cave having been explored, the boys lost no time in examining the places around, and it was very gratifying to tind so many interesting specimens of rocks and plants in the hands of the returning youngsters. All enquiries regarding these having been satisfactorily answered, the boots and stockings were removed, when running, jumping, etc., became for a while a much-appreciated pastime. It was refreshing to see these young lads running about, all in the enjoyment of perfect, health, and all thoroughly determined to appropriate as much oxygen as they could, and so be able to tackle their book and slate work during the coming week with a clear head and a bright eye. A start was now made for the caves at- the Three Kings. The boys were given permission to enter these, and there wes little left to be seen that their lynx eyes did not see. Stones were picked up, and many stiff questions were asked about them, while the botanical enthusiasts had no end of plunder. The specimens that were carried home must engage their attention for many days. At length he naturalists made a start for home. Their step was still elastic, and their good-natured and laughingly-received banter amongst themselves made the distance appear as nothing. Excelled idea, -Mr. Reid ! Well it is for us parents that we have teachers who think that the education of a boy need not be confined to a strict adherence to the standards. The value of the school work must obviously be enhanced by such expeditions, and we hope to be able to record many of a similar character from this and other schools.

A five-mile race was run at the Columbia Rink on Saturday evening before a crowded audience. The starters were:—C. E. Carter, Eaton, J. Rix, A. Hough, Pelham, and L. Dixon. Dixon got a bad start, and after the first round he fell heavily, injuring his knee and breaking his skates, and he therefore retired. At an early stage Eaton also fell and lost a skate, and a second mishap of this character put him out of the race when he had gone about three miles. The event now resolved itself into a contest between Hough and Kix, who kept closely to each other until Rix fell, losing a lap, which he was never able to regain, and Hough proved victorious by about that distance, amidst loud applause. Mr. Salmon presented the winner with a cup. It is probable that a race between Hough, Rix, Dixon, and Eaton will take place in about a fortnight.

Mr. Pearce, of Waitara, undertaker, writes to the pa}>ers with respect to the sensational articles re Captain Bailey being alive. He says : " The supposed phenomenon of the eyes opening and shutting is untrue. The body was perfectly cold and stiff, and signs of decomposition had set in." He adds : How any sane person could imagine the deceased showed symptoms of life is beyond my comprehension."

As the price of wheat advances (says the Lyttelton Times) and the wool market hardens from day to day, men's minds are naturally excited. The state of the frozen meat industry increases the general satisfaction, i and an impression begins to be entertained that the depression is passing away rapidly like the mists before the morning sun. The talk in all the streets is of these things, the wonder is how long will the improvements last, and there is a fear, begotten of the pale lean years of depression, lest there may be nothing more than a flash of prosperity. On the other hand there i- a general understanding of what a general rise along the whole line of prices would really mean. Sir F. D. 801 l prepared us for that, when ho published for English readers the marvellous record of our progress during the six years of depression. He made prominent the great truth that the colonists have pulled themselves together during the depression, and worked so hard and so wisely that they have very largely increased the area which can be benefited by an increase of prices. If it is really true that these improved prices will continue, and continue to rise, the benefit to the colony will simply be astounding.

When the newspaper runners were vociferating the other day, "Suicide of Dr. Campbell !" some kind friends of our old identity, Dr. Campbell, rushed to tell him not to be alarmed, that it was not he who had immolated himself, but the Mahurangi Dr. Campbell. The Doctor, with lively appreciation, expressed his heartfelt obligations on being made aware of the fact that he was not dead.

On Saturday afternoon about two o'clock while Mr. Morton, with Mrs. Morton, sen., and his little boy, were driving down Station Road, Remuera, the horse suddenly shied at a milk cart, causing the carriage to partially upset, and throwing Mr." Morton, who was driving, on to the road. The carriage righted, bub the horse with the reins about its feet bolted, and after going sorre ">OO yards, finally upset the carriage with its occupants in a ditch near the Remuera station. Mrs. Morton, a lady 68 years of age, fell violent ly on the left side of her head, and for a time became unconscious. She also received several contusions. The little boy, who was strapped to his seat in the overturned carriage, had a marvellous escape, and when released was found to have received only a few scratches. Mr. Morton, who was the first to be thrown out, escaped without serious injury, although the carriage wheel had gone over him. Dr. Leger Erson, of Parnell, was telephoned for, and promptly attended. We learn from latest reports that Mrs. Morton is progressing favourably, and should no erysipelas supervene a good recovery is anticipated.

The usual meeting was held last Saturday evening in t he Temperance Hall, which was crowded. Mr. Souster was in the chair. The proceedings were opened by singing " Hold the Fort " and prayer. The following programme was presented by St. John's Wesley an Band of Hope : — Piano duet, Misses Good ace ; recitation, "The Wild, Dark Storm," Miss Jane Woodhead ; song, Miss Kate Bushill; recitation, " The Coming Struggle," Master F. Souster; instrumental solo (flute), Mr. W. Crawford ; recitation, " Dip Your Roll in Your Own Pot at Home," Mrs. Sayers ; recitation, "The Husband's Vow," Miss B. Souster ; song, Miss E. Butler ; address, " What Can bo Done Without Strong Drink," Mr. Souster ; Pianoforte duet, Misses Bambry and Main ; song, "The Staunch Abstainers," the Souster Family; recitation, "The Temperance Fanatic," Percy Harris ; pianoforte duet, Misses Goodace. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the friends who contributed towards the entertainment. It was announced that the Parnell Congregational Band of Hope would furnish the programme next Saturday. The shooting competition last week, in connection with Mr. Hazard's shooting gallery, for a gun or revolver, was won by Mr. Webster, Mr. Thomas Quoi being second. The prize offered this week is a handsome nickel-plated air-gun, and for bowling, a pair of binocular field glasses. Mr. Hazard has moved from his old premises to those lately occupied by Mr. Wool lams, tobacconist. Very considerable alterations and improvements have been made, especially in the gallery, which has been entirely pulled down and rebuilt.

Although the effect may nob be very generally apparent, there can be no doubt (says the Post) that the recent rise in the price of all our staple products has greatly benefited this colony. Depression still continues, but it is not so deep, and there is a much more hopeful feeling growing up. The advance in wool and in the price of frozen meat has been most welcome to the sheepfarmers, and will relieve them to a considerable extent of burthens which were becoming almost too heavy to bear. The prospects of the agriculturists have also been vastly improved by the rise in the value of grain, and by the expansion of dairying, to which we alluded more particularly yesterday. Altogether the pastoral and agricultural outlook is far brighter than it has been for some time past; and if prices of produce are maintained, or a further advance kikes place in values, as is not improbable, confidence will speedily be restored, and fresh enterprise encouraged. There are also, we think, hopeful signs apparent of a revival in mining matters, in an increased gold production, and a development of new mineral resources. This colony, too, is likely, ere long, to attract an overflow of the English capital which has recently been pouring so freely into Melbourne, to the great advantage of that city. Taken altogether there is good reason to believe that the lowest point of depression lias not only been reached but passed by this colony.

The following extract from a letter, dated the loth of May, received by a gentleman in River ton from his brother, who resides in Canterbury, England, shows why New Zealand mutton is bringing better prices at Home — We buy a good deal of New Zealand mutton, and prefer it to English. It is always tender and good. We give f>kl per lb for shoulders, and 6d for legs—that is 3d per lb less than English mutton, and better quality. So you see it is appreciated here."

The letter from Sir William Fox to the Hkkald, defending his sentences of drunkards, does not appease the Christchurch Telegraph, which heads a leader 011 the subject, " Making Matters Worse," and says : —" His defence is even worse than the action which he at last thinks it necessary to justify."

The Panlire public school has made a good record during the recent examinations. The report of the examiner was forwarded to the local school committee this week through the Board of Education, and the result showed that 65 had passed and .10 had failed out of the pupils sent up for examination. The result was : In standard seven one pupil entered, but did nob pass or even present herself ; in standard six there were no entries ; in standard five, 7 presented themselves for examination, and 5 passed; in ' standard four, 11 presented themselves, and all passed; in standard three, '22 were presented, and '20 passed ; in standard two, 19 were presented, and 17 passed ; and in the first standard the whole 22 presented passed. The result of the examination was considered very satisfactory by the school committee and highly creditable to the head teacher, Mr. T. L. May, to the assistant teacher, Miss Murray, and the late assistant, Miss Kells.

In his work on " Earthquakes," Professor Milne, of the Imperial College of Engineering, Tokio, Japan, who is recognised as the highest authority on the subject, concludes a chapter on " The Cause of Earthquakes " as follows : —Although it would be an easy matter to discuss the relationship of earthquakes and other phenomena, we must conclude that the primary cause of earthquakes is endogenous to our earth, and that exogenous phenomena, like the attraction of the sun and moon and barometic fluctuations, play but a small part in the actual product of these phenomena, theirgreatesb effect being to cause a slight preponderance in the number of earthquakes at particular seasons. They may, therefore, somecimes be regarded as final causes. The majority of earthquakes are due to explosive efforts at volcanic foci. The greater number of these explosions take place beneath the sea, and are probably due to the admission of water through fissures to the heated rocks beneath. A smaller number of earthquakes originate at actual volcanoes. Some earthquakes are produced by the sudden fracture of rocky strata, or the production of faults. This may be attributable to stresses brought about by elevatory pressure. Lastly, we have earthquakes due to the collapse of underground excavations.

The Wellington Press has the following : "New Zealand is surely entitled to the reputation of the most apathetic country in the world. The other day the population of a northern locality had a dispute about some land. They divided themselves into two bodies, armed with guns or rifles, fired at each other for a whole day, and killed or mortally wounded four or five men occupying a resectable position in the neighbourhood. The circumstances were rejxirted to the Government, and were communicated to Parliament. This was six weeks ago, but no further notice has since been taken of the matter. No inquest was held, though one of the wounded men died in a public hospital. No arrests were made, and, as far as we know, the authorities simply ignored the whole business. Now we hear of a most extraordinary natural disturbance in the Middle Island, by which nearly all the dwellings over a large extent of country were wrecked, and a great change caused in the condition of a part of the colony which has been rapidly growing in interest and importance as a sanatorium of late years. But the Government do not appear to have yet received any intelligence of the event, or to think it in any way worthy of their attention."'

Sir,—The proposal of the Newton protectionists to get up a requisition for Air. Withy to resign is a piece of cool impudence, as he was not elected by Protectionists but by Freetraders. On several occasions I heard him address the electors, and invariably he told them in clear English, "If you want to send a Protectionist to Parliament, don't send me!" Mr. Withy is one of our best members, and it is to be hoped that ho will treat the requisition with the contempt it deserves. I ask heads of families who have to pay for grocers' bills, if the so-called protective measures have not increased instead of diminishing their weekly expenditure for the necessaries of life ? at all events this is my experience, from lucifer matches upwards.—l am, etc., Another Ass.

The nominations of five commissioners for the Tc Awamutu Town District Board will be received to-morrow (Tuesday), and the election will take place on the 19th. The election of Town Board Commissioners for the Kihikihi district will take place on the same day, and the nominations will be received on Thursday next.

Mr. Ewington acknowledges, with thanks, receipt of pictorial papers from Miss Home, Mr. Stewart, and an anonymous donor, for the patients at the Lunatic Asylum. Mr. 11. Waite, of firelighter fame, has challenged the inventor of the Electric Firelighter to a public trial of their respective inventions, at Mr. hey don's auction mart, at three o'clock this afternoon. Dr. Moore advertises that he is going home for the benefit of his health, and wishes all his debtors and creditors to settle their accounts with him this week. A notice by the City Council anent licenses for public buildings and other places of public meetings, amusements, etc., will be found in another column.

Purchasers of Crockery and Glassware will find it much to their advantage, before selecting elsewhere, to inspect Boylan Tanfield & Co.'s immense stock, which for extent and variety is unequalled in the colony, and being bona fide importers of their own goods, they can confidently challenge a comparison of their prices with other houses. The fact, however, that in nineteen cases out of twenty parties return and place their orders with them after making inquiries all round, speaks for itself, and is the best proof that the public find theirs is the cheapest and best house to deal with. Smith and Caughey beg to intimate that every department has .just been replenished with new spring goods ex steamships Ruapehu and Coptic. Smith and Caughey are also advised by their London buyers of further immense shipments by the s.s. Tainui (now almost due) and other steamers and sailing vessels expected at an early date. Gents' suits, 15s 6d, 17s Gd, 21s, 25s 6d, all wool, new shapes, at A. E. Fcnton's, -200, Queen-street, next to Tuttle's, photographer. Read list in wanted column). If you want really first class fresh butter and absolutely pure milk patronise the London Dairy Company, Victoria-street and Mount Eden Road.