Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9243, 21 December 1888, Page 5

Is another column wo publish a somewhat intemperate letter from tho Secretary of the Federated Seamen's Union nt Duncdin. After a fashion familiar to critics who resent the interference of those who know too much for them, the writer attributes our remarks on tho conduct of the Seamen's Union to want of knowledge of it and its rules ; find he proceeds to enlighten us by an extract trora his books. As we said, it is not to the rules, but the application of them, we havo taken exception. The rules trulv enough are capable of embracing all aspirants to a seafaring life, but recent proceedings have shown that so long as the door is held by men who have the power to .*c»£use admission to any, and are disposed to use the power either in a spirit of revenge, or of tyranny, or in pursuit of their personal interests, the extent or the liberality of tho rules is of very little account. The rul-, as we have said, would have been wide enough to receive the fifty men or so who were dismissed from the Northern Shipping Company's boats under arrangements with the Seamen's Union, but were not liberal enough to induce the Union to keep the spirit ot the terms of settlement arrived at between the Union and the Company, and even the officers of the Union were unable to elleet it. The secretary correctly says, "we do not i:it< v ad to open the door to anyone that takes the notion of going to sea," and, what is more, they intend to prevent him, and to prevent the formation of that maritime population which should be the basis of New Zealand's future commercial greatness, as it has been of the greatness of England. But, we do not wish to bandy words with the secretary ><r the Seamen's Union. He assumes to :»"*acthen his position by alleging coniisotion and sympathy with the " working men who constitute the majority of the public." But, our contention with the Seamen's Union was because of its cruelty towards certain of that very class of working men, to whom it lias exhibited more remorseless enmity than it has shown to capital and the capitalist.

The Etrnined relations which have existed between America and Hayti for tome time past, in consequence of the seizure of an American vessel by tho Government of the latter country, on suspicion of carrying ammunition and other materials of war for the insurgent.-", have culminated in hostilities, the American warships having commenced to bombard Cape Hayti. A tribal war in the Soudan is said to be impending, in consequence of the massacre of a large number of women and children connected with the Mahdi's adherent?. A eortie was made from Suakim, and the enemy engaged, but the righting appears to have been of a very slight character. A decisive battle is, however, imminent. The Government now regard the letter containing the news of the alleged capture of Ecnin Bey and Stanley its a ruse.

The Minister of Lands (the Eon. G. F. Richardson) proceeds this afternoon to Wbangarei, to visit the Northern village special settlements, but will be happy to receive deputations on public business at the Ministerial Rooms, Supreme Court, this forenoon, any time after 11 o'clock, and in the early part of the afternoon before leaving for the North. He expresses himself as highly pleased with his tour of the Coromandcl and Thames goldtields, and what he saw there, especially with the Waiorongomai Reduction Works, which he thinks should prove of immense value to the miners and others interested in the development of the auriferous resources of the district. With regard to his visit to the forest plantations at Wairangi, Lower Waikato, Mr. Richardson considers that it is difficult to express an opinion at present as to their value, but that in two or three years some definite estimate could be made of their commercial value. He will be accompanied to-day to Whangarei by the Assistant Surveyor-General (Mr. Percy Smith), the object being to inspect together the Government plantations and the Puhipuhiforest. Mr. Gordon, Inspecting Engineer of Mines, will aleo be of the party, and he will inspect the Whangarei mines and those of the Bay of Islands, after which ho will return direct to Wellington.

The question of the undue length of the holidays in connection with the Auckland College and Grammar School camo up at the meeting of the Board of Governors yesterday. Mr. Upton said practically the holidays this year were for nearly two months, from the middle of December till the middle of February. Parents were complaining of this, and it waa militating against the school. They stated that the children had pretty well forgotten what they had been taught before the school reassembled. The chairman (Colonel Haultain) said that what Mr. Upton stated aa to complaints was correct, and the matter would have to be remedied. Professor Brown wa3 of opinion that owing to the hot weather of January and Fobruary little ■would bo gained by keeping the lads in school; while aa to forgetting what they had been taught, it was just a question us to whether they should forget it periodically or all at once. Ultimately it was resolved to shorten the holidays by a week, making the school reassemble on the 4th February instead of the 11th. The Rev. Dr. Maclaren, tho famous Baptist minister of Manchester, is expected to urrive in Auckland on Tuesday next from Sydney. The Gazette notifies thab Mr. R. J. S. Pearce has been appointed a member of the Auckland Land Board, and Major Gascoyne defence storekeeper at Auckland. The case of the Colonial Bank against the directors of the Cambridge Dairy Company was concluded yesterday, after occupying the Court and jury for two days, and yesterday forenoon. The question at issue was a rather complex one. It appeared from the pleadings and evidence that the directors had given their several and joint guarantees for an overdraft to the Colonial Bank, not being at tho timo in a position to give a mortgage over the Company's property. Subsequently they gave the mortgage, and as they (the defendants) alleged, on the explicit promiso that when the mortgage was given tho personal securities should be returned. The defendant (Mr. Richardson) and his joint sureties, as well aa the secretary and the manager of tho company's works, distinctly swore as to the arrangement thab the securities wero to be given up on the execution of tho mortgage. This was denied by the Bank offaciala, but the jury found that the promise had been given before tho execution of the guarantees, and before the execution of the mortgage. Judgment thereforo was given lor the defendants, with costs on the highest Bcale, but leave was reserved to the Bank to apply in banco for a reversal of th.o judg. inent.

The tenants of the Board of Governors of the Auckland College and Grammar School, are, apparently, as restive under their bad speculations as souxo of the tenants of the City Council, but, unfortunately, unliko the latter, the tenants of the Board can get no reduction of rent, as tho Board has no power to grant them. A case quite as bad as Messrs. Mason Brothers, or Messrs. Garrett Brothers in its way, came beforo ths Board in a letter from Mr. C. G. Hill, of Alten Road. He pleaded for a reduction, and stated that the proporty cost him £900 ; and he paid city rates, £7 10a per annum ; water rates, £4 10s; interest, £24 ; ground rent, £40 ; wear and tear, £8 ; insurance, £S. The income from the buildings, if let, would bo £65, leaving a loss of £24 per annum, besides the interest on tho remaining £1)00, say at 7 per cent., £42, making his loss £(>t) per annum. He said this was to him a burdun ho was unable to boar, and ho proposed that tho Board should either reduce the rent, or take over the property at £4'2f>, half what it had cost him. As already said above, tho Board held they had no power to reduce tho rent, and Mr. Hill will consequently havo to stick by his bad bargain.

Now that the [Christmas and Xew Year holidays aro approaching tho polico aro, according to annual custom, layinsr themselves out to fix up a number of the " old hands" in town and from the gurafields, who rendezvous in their haunts in tho back slums to prey upon the country yokels and bushmen who come into town at this season of the year to knock down their cheques. All is fish which comes to tho police-net, tho one object in view being to give those netted a chance of getting their Christmas dinner at Mount Eden. Last evening the sideboard of tho police guardroom was adorned with the daintiest ot* hats, tho Duchess of Devonshire pattern, Cinderella satin slippers with a wealth of bows and bended embroidery, while hard by a bottle of "Bulldog "' completed the artistic grouping. "Constabulary duty must bo done," but tho artists who have to execute it have no desire to sacrifice the aesthetic to Utilitarianism.

The friends of tho pupils of tho Albertstreet public school have subscribed sufficient funds to give the children a water excursion to St. Heliers' Bay to-day, and they will be taken down in ono of tho ferry steamers, under charge of Mr. Burlinson, head teacher, and his assistant-teacher.

Ono feature of tho present demand for land is that places near the city ■which have lain unutilised since the foundation of the settlement' aro now being taken up und reclaimed. A gentleman who has recently been over Hallyor'a Creek way expresses himself surprised at the number of small clearings which sire now beiujj made on every hand, the object apparently being to go in for strawberry and fruit culture. Ho regards this as a very cheering sign, and one of tho best ways in which tho surplus labour could be absorbed with benutit to labour itself and to tho country.

At a meeting of the Dunodin Exhibition Committee, last night, it was decided to increase tho capital to £15.000, of which shares to tho extent of £10,503 are already taken up.

The letter carriers of tho Auckland Post Olliee Department have just issued their annual Christmas card, in which they present their compliments to the householders, and (jive them " the straight tip." It is of their own design, and is a standard bearing- their note transversely, as follows : —" Auckland, 25th December, ISSS. With the letter-carriers' compliments." Atright angles is inscribed another legend, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." The standard is surmounted by a dove, while the others are tlying to and fro, and it is decorated with the crimson flowers of the pohutakawa, &c. On the left of the standard is a mail carrier trudging along with his bag from a villa residence seen in tho distance, while on the right is a mounted postman (probably the Mounb Eden man), who has an excellent specimen of horseflesh under him. The Christmas card has been very tastefully and neatly executed at the lithographic establishment of the Herald office.

A lad named Mahon, who wns licensed out to a lady at Opotiki from the Industrial School recentlv, was brought up by the lona from the feast Coast yesterday, for recommittal to the school. He cleared out from his employer in a few days, and was captured at Rotorua. He was brought to Tauranga, where he escaped from the police, and was recaptured, and is now on his way to Kohimarama once more.

The man Michael McDermott, the perpetrator of the Swanson-street tragedy, is getting on favourably at the Hospital, and is now in a fair way of recovery. Tho charge of murder preferred against him comes up (on remand) to-day at the Police Ccurt, but it is probable that a further remand will bo applied for, to admit of his personal appearance.

The late Mrs. Gillies (mother of Justice Gillies) left £500 to Knox Church, Dunedin, which has been applied to the reduction of the debt, now a little over £3000.

There was high festival held in All Saints' schoolroom last evening, the cause being the presentation of prizes to the winners at the late Industrial Exhibition in connection with the Sunday-school, a Christmas tree and entertainment. The buildine was crowded to excess. A number of the school children, under the conductorship of Mr. Furby, sang very nicely a couple of Christmas carols. The Rev. Mr. Calder then distributed the prizes and prize certificates to the successful competitors. Then succeeded "Fairy Voices." On the platform was placed a circle of flowers, and about a dozen young girls, costumed like a corps de ballet, and endowed with gauzy and angelic wings, executed very gracefully, as they pirouetted round the Queen of the Fairies, a series of fairy dances —each littie maiden executing her pas seul with commendable- zeal, all agility and muslin. But this item was followed by one which attracted even greater attention, namely, a Christmas procession. Fir3t came the trumpeters, then Master Calder on the yule log, bearing the horn of plenty ; next the bearers of the boar's head and the punch bowl, with their attendants. Conspicuous in the procession wero Old Father Christmas and his son, appropriately garbed and decorated. The All Saints' people arc evidently taking an optimistic view of the prospects of the coming year, as the son of Father Christmas was in the jolliest of moods, and kept the children in a roar with his antics. The proceedings closed with the stripping of the Ghri3tma3 tree, the fortunate prizewinners being sent home happy. The affair was a great success, and the scenic representations woro enthusiastically applauded.

At the Police Court yesterday morning, four persons were punished for first offences of drunkenness. A charge against Joseph Morris, of obstructing Constable Clarke whilst tho latter was arresting a drunken woman, was partly heard, and remanded until to-day. The case against Henry Benjeyfield, charged with doserting from H.M. s. Nelson, was al3O remanded. Frederick Baker, tho lad who was convicted of larceny of money from Mr. Martin's house at Parnell, was ordered to be placed under probation for six months, and the Bench also decided that he should refund the money which he had stolen, and pay the costs of the proceedings. Messrs. MacDonnell and Gordon were tho magistrates.

Yesterday attcrnoon Constable O'Brien, of tho North Shore, arrested two men named William Langham and John Maxwell, at Cut Hill, on Lucas' Creek Road, on a charge of failing to appear in answor to a summons as witnesses in tho case of a charge of a breach of the Licensing Act against William Lynch, of tho Aurora Hotel. They will bo brought up at tho Police Court this morning. In a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald correcting some inaccurracies in a speech delivered by the Premier of New South Wales, Sir William Fox says :—"lt may be interesting to note that New Zealand was the first of the Australasian colonies to obtain representative and responsible government. After a bitter and prolonged struggle of some years' duration between the colonists and Sir George Grey, the then Governor of the colony, the colonists suoceeded in 1852 in obtaining tho present Constitution from the Tory Government of which Sir John Pakington was Colonial Minister. That we succeeded in obtaining it at so early a date was owing in greab degree to the indefatigable exertions of tho same man as founded the colony, Edward Gibbon Wakefield, a fact to which I can bear personal testimony, having been myself engaged as honorary delegate from the colony in London to assist in attaining thab object."

A very interesting ceremony took place at the Kauri Timber Company (late Auckland Timbor Company) works at half-past twolvo p.m. yesterday, the occasion being the presentation by the employes of a very handsome tea and coifee service to Mr. James O'Brien, an esteemed member of the staff, who has lately severed his connection with tho company for tho purpose of starting business for himself. Mr. A. Neill, hoad of tho box departmont, made tho presentation, and said it afforded him great pleasuro to have been called on by his follow-workmen to express to Mr. O'Brien the high ostocm in which he was held by them. He assured him that when it became known ho was leaving tho service a feeling of universal regret was felt, coupled with n hearty wish that he would be successful in his new undertaking. He had been intimately connected with him in tho company's service for the last eleven years, and could bear testimony to the kind and courteous manner he had shewn to all who had dealings with him. He folt sure he echoed the sentiments of all when lie wished him every success, and would ask him to accept the tea and coffeo servico as a slight tokon of tho high esteem in which he was hold by hie late fellow-employds. Mr. O'Brien, in reply, thanked them one and all for their nice present, and more especially for their kind wishes on his bohalf. He felt he was unworthy of the high compliments which Mr. Neill had paid him. He assured them that although ho had left the employ, he would ever feel an interest in his fellow-workers. He had been in tho firm eleven years, and had always received the greatest kindness from the management and his fellow-workmen, and he would over cherish their handsome present as a souvenir of some of his happiest days. Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr. O'Brien, and the meeting terminated.

The Salvation Army Prison Gate Brigade is continuing its useful work, quietly, but. effectively, under the management of Secretary Gladding, who is proving a worthy successor to Captain Little. ISo regard is paid to creed or race in the benevolent work of reforming tho criminal. During tho past week a Maori, who has done a lengthy sentence, was mot at tho prison gate, taken to tho Home, and given shelter, food, and clothes, till the officer could send him down the coast, and put him into tho way of earning an honest living. One ot the Salvation Army oflicers, who went and spoke to tho discharged prisoner about leading a bottor life, was one of his own countrymen, Rangi, and there is reason to hope that the poor outcast will in the time to come, show that the efforts which havo buen made to redeem him, have not been made in vain. Secretary Gladding desires through our columns to appeal to the beno-volentiy-inolined to provide some Christmas cheer for the inmates now in tho Home.

The wheat produced in England this year is not only poor in quality as a food stuff, but poor as a seed. Mr. Carruthors, the botanist of tho Royul Agricultural Society, after testing it, reported a general failure of germination to the extent of from 32 to 5'2 per jent. "Even tho living seeds,' , ho says, " Would at the best produce weak and poor plants, many of them no plants at all."

One of tho prettiest displays ever witnessed in Auckland took place last nisrht at the Opera House on the occasion of the last performance of the Uaylord and Silbon Company. This was a series of statue and tableaux scones, in which six ladies and four gentlemen performers took part. The first was a bathing scene on the beach at Nice, the white dresses of tho bathers having a wonderfully pretty effect. The next display was a series of five tableaux from the life of Mary Magdalene, the first " Triumphant," then " Despised," "Stunned, , "Failing," "Death," and finally "The Rock of Ages." These scones were most rapturously applauded by the audience. The last of the series was " The Last Moments of Mary Queen of Scots" in six tableaux. This also found great favour with the house. During these exhibitions the Silbons and Dale Brothers introduced a number of clever ground and lofty tumbling feats. Another remarkable act was that performed by Mr. Moulton, who threw a complete somersault from one outside horizontal bar to tho other, a distance of '20 feet, the middle bar being taken away. This astonishing feat was greeted with enthusiastic approbation. The rest of the entertainment, which was similar to that of former evenings, was also well received. The attendance was fair.

Ab. St. Sepulchre's schoolroom yesterday afternoon a Christmas-tree and fancy bazaar in connection with St. David'? Presbyterian Church, was held in aid of improvements to the church property. There was a large attendance, and this, combined with the decorations of ferns and evergreens, cave the sceno a very gay appearance. There were two trees, one with 6d and the other with Is prizes. The first was superintended by Misses Angus, K. Paterson Anderson, and Bell, and the second by Misses E. Paterson, McCrae, and Mr. J. Paterson. In addition to the trees there were a number of stalls, a produce stall being presided over by Mr. McGregor ; a flower stall, by Misses Hamilton and Jowitt; a fancy stall, by Mrs. Fraser, Mrs. Austin, and Miss J. Paterson, and a refreshment stall conducted by Misses Robertson and Paterson, and Mr. Robertson. Among other pastimes, a galvanic battery was a centre of attraction. During the afternoon and evening music was provided by Misses Fraser and Paterson, Mr. J. Robertson, and others. The sale will also be open this afternoon and evening.

A well-attended meeting of the- Auckland Amateur Swimming Club was held in the club-room yesterday evening, when a number of new members were elected and other business connected with the approaching carnival, to be held on the 19th January, was dealt with. It is probable that arrangements will be made to secure the services of Mr. Pennall, ex-champion of tho Mersey, to give an exhibition of fancy swimming on this occasion, and tho presence of oight of the warships of tho Australian squadron will ensure a number of entries for their events. Active preparations aro being made to make tho polo match a success.

The Gospel Temperance Mission continued its tent services last evening, at the corner of Custom-street. Mr. J. H. Harrop presided. There was a good attendance. The chairman delivered a short but pithy speech, in which he advocated tho claims of temperance upon old and young. The Rev. B. Hutson, of Whangarei, also camo up specially to show his sympathy with the movement, and narrate some telling incidents of the drink trailic and drinking customs, which he had witnessed during his ministry. Tho Rev. A. J. Smith delivered an impassioned appeal to those present to " don tho blue," who had not done so. Mr. G. Aldridge stated that ib was a singular thing that a Temperance Mission should be required in the city of Auckland when so much of the evil effects of drink could bo .seen on every hand. Tho Government discouraged tho best interests of the country to favour tho liquor trade. Mr, W. R. Cook reminded the audionce of tho prayer-meeting at 12.30 every day. On behalf of the Mission he thanked the North Shore choirs for their valuable sorvicos in singing three times during the Mission. Ho then graphically depicted the state of " Outcast London" through drink, a few of tho victims being rescued by onrnest workers, and in turn aiding in saving others. The North Shore choirs gave some capital selections. To-night the chairman will be Mr. W. H. Smith, and tho speakers the Rev. Mr. Smallfield, Mr. T. W. Glover, and Mr. C. W. Homery. Tho Y.M.C.A Choir will be in attendance.

"C.C." writes :—"The orrery described in your issue of Saturday last as having been exhibited by Mr. Hosking, of tho Mount Edon School, to the Board of Education, may have some now details in its construction, bub it is not, as implied, a novelty. Such an apparatus has been uaed in well-appointed schools for yoars, and one was introduced by the Taranaki Inspector of Schools, Mr. Murray, into the primary schools of that district some four years ago."

Yesterday evening a very pteafianfc entertainment was given in Waite's Hall, Mount Eden, by the ladies of St. Barnabas' congregation, in aid of the funds of the church. A Christmas tree was the great attraction, but considerable attention was also directed to the magic well and the refreshment stalls. A committee of ladies, consisting of Mesdames Sprott and Duffus, and Misses Gibbes and Armstrong, Cooper, Jourdain, and Davis, efficiently managed the affair, with the exception of the musical portion, which was under the able direction of Mr. T. H. Webb. Th< entertainment realised the BU m of £15 nett.

A meeting on the subject of the prohibition of the liquor trailic was held in the Salvation Army Barracks last night, and there was a very large attendance. On tho platform there were representatives of the Good Templar Order, the Now Zealand Alliance, tho Women's Christian Temperance Association, and the Independent Order 6f Rechabites, and a feature was the attendance of a number of sailors from the men-of-war now in harbour, decorated with the regalia of the Good Templar Order. The demonstration was a thorough success. It was organised by Captain Ross, tho local commander of the Salvation Army, with Mr. T. W. Glover, tho ugent for the New Zealand Alliance. Prior to the meeting a torchlight procossion took place, and when tho meeting a-ssembled Captain Ross took the load, and the proceedings took the hearty, emphatic features of the Salvation Army organisation, singing comprising ft leading feature. Captain Ross read an apology from Mr. R. Hobbs, M.H.R., who explained that his absence was caused by his having to accompany the Minister of Lands. A number of apologies were also received from the various temperance organisations, accounting for what they considered their small representation. Addresses, limited to ten minutes, were delivored by Mossrs. C. G. Hill, J. T. Garlick, T. W. Glover, Captain Ross, and others. The proceedings wore interesting throughout, and the short speeches were made as telling as possible.

Another horrible death of a bather from tho attack of a shark took placo (says tho Sydney Morning News of tho 10th instant) in the Iron Cove yesterday afternoon, in the vicinity of which four other similar deaths have occurred. Tho victim was a little boy named Stephen Carter, aged 11 years, son of William Carter, residing at No. 43, Evans-street, Balmain, and the circumstances conncoted with tho sad affair are peculiarly painful. The lad was sent from home shortly after two o'clock to go to Sunday-school, but instead of doing so ho went to bathe with three other boys. The place selected was near the sawmills, close to the Iron Cove bridge, in Iron Cove, and after bathing some time the boy came out of the water with tho intention of dressing. Unfortunately for him, ho changed his mind, and decided to have' another divo. While ho was in tho water the second time ho suddenly disappeared beneath the surface, and diroctly afterwards the water became tinged with blood. Conjecturing that their comrade had been taken by a shark, the other boys lost no time in getting out of the water. The police wero notified of tho occurrence, and Constable Callaghan recovered tho body shortly afterwards. It was viewed by Dr. Bott, who found that a wound cxtondod from the breast to tho abdomen, and that the body was completely disembowelled, evidently the work of a shark. No ono saw tho shank.

Tho "tournament fours" of tho Auckland Rowing Club wore rowed off last ovening, in one boat of four crows, representing banks, law, Civil service, and mercantile pursuits. Mr. C. F. Minnitt acted as starter, and Mr. J. Perrin as jttdgo. The Bank crew got away at tho start with a rattling spurt, and was lost to the others for the rest of the course, and won easily. Civil Service was second, a length and alialf away, Mercantile and Law following in the order named. The winners were:— L. R Wilson (stroke), F. J. Hull, A. H. O'Brien, J. Ansonne, and G. Von der Heyde (cox )

A very successful concert was held last night in tho Wellesley-street School, in aid of the sports fund, Mr. W. Gorrio occupying the chair. A largo number of parents and friends attended, showing their appreciation of the e (Forts made by tho teachers to provide good and beneficial recreation for tho pupils. An excellent programme, comprising songs by Misses G. Crowthor, M. Slator, A. and L. Coombes, Knight, M. Tudehope, B. Lewis, Drummond, Burke, Mr. Bltikey, and tho scholars, recitations by Masters S. and A. Vaile, Butlor, and Strong, instrumental items by Misses Keene, Ellis, Ballantine, McGibbon, A. Goldie, and a stump speech by Mr. C. Worthington. In responding to a vote- of thanks proposed by the head-master, the chairman thanked those prenent for their atlendance. The children had now commenced their six weeks' holiday ; and, although lie knew many people would urge thorn to study during that time, ho strongly advised them to put aside their lesson-books entirely, and enjoy themselves as much as possible. The proceedings were then brought to a close by singing the National Anthem. The school sports are to be held to-day in the Domain. Arrangements have been made for a party of the senior boys, under the supervision of some of the teachers, to spend two or three days under canvass at tho Waitakcrei Falls during the holidays.

The following circular was issued yeater day by the Auckland Grocers' Association : —"Auckland, December '20, ISSS. Dear Sir, —The quotation for the current week is —Fresh butter, (3d per lb ; and fresh eggs, 10d per dozen for prime quality, delivered. —Richd. Wootton, Secretary." The above reduction of price is consequent upon reception of telegrams from Sydney to cease shipping.

It is surprising how well the attendance at the Columbia Rink keeps up during the warm weather which has now set in. Yesterday evening was exceptionally hot, and yet tho rink was crowded with skaters and onlookers. This is due no doubt to tho excellent arrangements which have been mado for the ventilation of tho building. A delightfully cool breeze is constantly blowing, and this combined with the pleasant band music, and the gay dresses of the ladies, makes the Columbia Rink about tho pleasantest evening resort in Auckland. There is every likelihood of its being kopt open all tho summer. Tho races every evening form another attraction. Last night there was a one mile handicap, which was easily won by J. Clout, who was scratch. This was followed by a well-contested boys' polo match for tho championship, the teams being tho rink boys v. all comers. The former won by 4 goals to 2- The return match will be playod next Thursday. Tonight there will be a ladies' and gontlemen's race and a boys' race.

Tho Wesleyans at Devonport are organising a water excursion for Boxing Day to Omea Bay, Waiheke, and have chartered the Britannia from tho Ferry Company. Every arrangement has been made for tho comfort of visitors and for bringing the excursionists back at a reasonable nour.

There will be a plain and fancy dres3 carnival at tho Eureka Skating Rink, Parnell, on Boxing night, and it is anticipated there will be a good muster of gay and festive linkers.

Tho matron of tho Jubilee Kindergarten, High-street, acknowledges with thanks the following donations from the ladies of the committee and kind friends, for children's treat: —London Dairy Company, four gallons of milk; Mr. Ball, supply of milk ; Mrs. R. Browninu, 10s; Mrs. Harry "A. Keesing, 5s ; Mrs. Bright, cake ; Mrs. Tonks, sen., butter, milk, tea, &c.; Mesdatnes Basley, Atkinson, Burgess, Miss Kidd, and Mrs. Hammond, cakes and scones; Mrs. Lennox, butter, cake, and lollies ; Mrs. Hale, scones and cake; Mrs. Pieroe, cakes; Mrs. Pickmere, two cakes ; Mr. Parsons, baker, small goods; a Friend, small goods and lemonade; Mrs. Blades, large cake; Mrs. Brett, tin of lollies; Mrs. P. Smith, bread and cake; Mr 3. Ashton, cake'; Mr. Burton, baker, six loaves, four dozen buns; Close Bros., large tin of biscuits : Mrs. Robley, three dozen buns and cakes: Mr. R. Keesing, packet of lollies; Mrs. Philson, meat for sandwiches ; parcels of clothing from Mosdames Digbv Tonks, H. Gorrie, and R. Browning (rU Remuera), also Mrs. Basley, Miss K. LennoxJMesdames Buddie and Ashton; Mrs. "Sealy, Parnell, six new pinafores; Mr. Upton, illustrated papers ; Scripture Gift Association, cards.

Lime-light views of tho Holy Land, Christmas Carols, and Organ Recital, at St. Andruw's Church, this evening, at eight o'clock.

The annual meeting of the Industrial Building Society will be held this (Friday) afternoon at 4 o clock.

Mr. C. Kohn offers £5 reward for some articles taken from the salvage of tho late fire in Jermyn-street.

The Rose Casey will make an excursion to Kawau on Boxing Day. Mr. J. Thomson, the proprietor, haying kindly accorded permissiou to excursionists. On Monday next she will make a special trip to Waiwera and Mahurangi Heads, at 3 p.m.

For retail prioes of meat delivered, see New Zealand Frozen Meat Company's advertisement gin the Herald of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company (Limited) has now entered on the retail butchery business. See business advertisement in this pMiar with list of current; r.ricaa.

IMPORTANT LAND SALE. » An extensive sale of city and suburban properties was held yesterday afternoon by Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. at the Brunswick Mart, Queen-street, and it will be seen from the successful result, as noted hereunder, that it was a great improvement upon any sale which has taken place for some time past. There was a largo attendance of buyers, and the competition for the various lots offered was spirited. The desire thus manifested to secure freehold property is a pleasing sign of confidence in the future prosperity of Auckland, which will doubtless have considerable effect upon the value of other property in the market. The sale was held under instructions from Mr. J. Aitken Connell, attorney for the trustees in the estate of the late Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and some properties belonging to the estate of the late Mr. W. Payne, of Ponsonby, were also sold. The properties disposed of were as under :— Victoria-street.—Lots 4 and 6, £34 per foot, purchaser, Mr. H. H. Adams; lots 3 and 7, £34 per foot, Mr. A. G. Pulleng ; lot 2, £32 10s per foot, Miss Lloyd. Chapel-street.— Lot 8, £140, Mr. A. G. Pulleng ; lot 9, £120, Mr. A. G. Pulleng. HonsoN-STKEET.—Lot 13, £15 per foot, Mr. J. Andrews.

Poxson'dy (St. Mary's Road). —Lot 9, 47s per foot, Mr. S. Upton ; lot S3, 80s per foot, Mr. F. H. Hutchinson ; lot 84, 50s per per foot, Mr. J. Knight; lot 93, 35s per foot, Mr. D. Mac Donald ; lot 96, 30s per foot, Mr. G. B. Howard ; lot 79, 35s per foot, Mr. G. B. Howard ; lot 94, 30s per foot, Mr. J. Clarke ; lot 95, 29s Cd per foot, Mr. J. Clarke; lot 85, 41s per foot, Mrs. Margaret Alexander ; lot 89, 40s per foot, Mr. John Thompson ; lot 90, 40s per foot, Mr. J. Thompson.