THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1890.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8387, 15 October 1890, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1890.

For the control of the Soudan, whose fierce Moslem tribes are a periodical trouble to existing arrangements in Egypt, there has been an Anglo-Italian conference at Naples, according to a telegram from that city, dated 6th inst. And we learn by a later telegram from London, 11th inst., that the negotiations between Italy and England with reference to delimitation of the Eastern iSoudan have failed, England refusing j Italy the permanent occupation of Kassala. Perhaps it is not wonderful that tho Conference came to nothing, for the exceedingly ambitious pretensions which are nowadays too often exhibited in the foreign policy of Italy are much more likely to frustrate than bring about the ends aimed at. Certainly Italian politicians of our time cannot bo accused of the dark and tortuous Machiavellian statecraft. On behalf of their country, the youngest of the Great Powers, and which has but recently acquired the position to which nature so well entitles her, they have already put forward, with perfect frankness, pretensions which, it must be acknowledged, are a standing menace even to her best friends and recognised allies.

Look for example at tho Irridenta project, which Signor Crispi has at last considered it necessary to openly declare against. In that scheme the idea is to bring into the Italian Kingdom all outlying provinces which are inhabited by Italians, and could be regarded as really belonging to the nationality. But this idea is not always scrupulously adhered to in the list of countries set forth. Thus, within the Austrian Empire, but which on this contention Italy ought to acquire, we find three provinces set down, of which only South Tyrol is really Italian, while Istriu and Dalmatia have mainly a Sclavic population, with merely » proportion of Italians among the inhabitants of the seaports and other parte of tlx, coast. Then in the Irridenta list the restoration by France of Savoy and Nice is looked for

As the reader will remember, these provinces were acquired by Napoleon 111. in return for his help in establishing the Kingdom of Italy. He asserted that after aiding to raise up a powerful State on her frontier, it would bo unsafe for France not to hold the passes of the Alps. The change was preceded by a plebiscitum ; and though it was said that diplomatic means were employed to influence the popular vote in favour of the cession we never heard of the Irridentist party, since its formation in 1878, having taken any pains to ascertain the wish of the Savoyards and Nissarda themselves as to being restored to Italy. It assists the easy transfer that most neighbouring provinces of the two countries have

affinity in blood and speech, the popular dialects of Piedmont, Lombardy, <fcc., being akin to the Languedoc of Southern France, once the language of the Troubadours. Finally, and to turn in another direction, we find the' small but important island of Malta likewise occupying a place in the Irridenta list, though its people are much more of Arabic than Italian extraction.

Of course, such foolish pretentions more or less affect, three out of the other five Great Powers. Indeed, it is impossible for what is known as the Triple Alliance to possess any reality while Austria, one of its members, sees another plainly contemplating her dismemberment, openly coveting the only seaboard of her empire, and its one important port, Trieste. It would seem that Italian statesmen have not cared to set their faces too strongly against a popular idea, but the Premier must now appreciate the anomaly of the situation, for we learn by wire that, when speaking at Florence, on the 9th instant, he proclaimed that it is essential for Italy to suppress the Irridentist policy, and the organisation to effect it, and to strictly adhere to the Triple Alliance.

There is another diplomatic blunder in the foreign policy of the young kingdom, and though comparatively a mere trifle, it may yet, in connection with contemporary events, be interpreted as

savoring of exaggerated pretensions. It is rumoured that the Italian monarch will take the additional title of Emperor of East Africa, and the statement lias been so often repeated without contradiction as to wear a semiofficial aspect. It is said to have been suggested by tho British Sovereign's title of Empress of India, but to adopt it in relation to East Africa would indeed bo cooking the hare before it is •aught. Italy, however, makes no secret of her ambition in that quarter. She establishes posts along the Red Sea, and claims a protectorate over Abyssinia, which has not been success-

fully enforced. Then, ever since Gambetta's silly and unwarrantable seizure of Tunis, Italy lias shown the desire for compensation in a protectorate over Tripoli, and recent events there seem tending to that end. The country of Barca goes with Tripoli, and if there, on the west Egyptian frontier, the Italian dominion should be established as well as on the southern side, in Abyssinia and the Soudan, it would completely hedge in Egypt ; and this explains why the English delegates at the Naples Conference would not agree to Italy's " permanent occupation of Kassala," an important strategic point of the Soudan. England has overpowering interests in Egypt, and must take care of them ; her tonnage through the Suez Canal equals that of all other nations together. Italy has still in all respects a fine

geographical position in the Mediterranean, though that sea is no longer the central one of the world, as it was in the Middle Ages, and which then gave her the command of Europe's intercourse with Asia and Africa. But with great recollections she lias great aspirations, and no wonder they break out impetuously and variously now that her strength after being broken for some centuries is being at last restored and consolidated.

It is apparent that the Admiralty authorities, who are thoroughly wellinformed respecting the capacities of all the ports in New Zealand, the facilities they offer in respect to coaling, docking, etc., and their position in reference to the surrounding seas, have determined that Auckland is the best suited for the purpose of being constituted the headquarters of the Imperial squadron in this part of the Pacific. At the meeting of tho Harbour Board yesterday a letter was read from the secretary to the Naval Commander-in-chief, asking the terms on which a piece of land near the Calliope Dock could be conveyed. It was resolved that the Admiral be informed that immediate possession will be given, and that the Harbour Board wul promote legislation in next session to enable the land to be conveyed to the Admiralty. After this is done, the naval authorities will be possessed of two most suitable areas of ground on the North Shore for their purposes. It is evident that the Lords of the Admiralty are going to work systematically to have suitable stations for the ships of war in these seas. Under the modern conditions of war these are indeed essential to the maintenance of a fleet in any ocean. The consumption of coal by cruisers is necessarily very great, and no vessel can venture very tar from where fuel is obtainable. Vessels also sqon become foul, and can make very poor speed at sea, and therefore require periodically to be put in dock. A hostile squadron in these seas would in a brief period, for want of these necessaries, become inefficient. The establishment of a naval depot here must be advantageous to the port and the city.

Sfrike matters in Australia are quiet. The Coalcliffe and Mount Kombla mines are now worked by froo labour. It is stated that the loan of £20,000, which has been applied for to the London unions by the Labour Defence Committee in Australia is to bo used in tho relief of the families of the strikers, who are said to be reduced to a lamentable condition. The Portuguese newspapers are very bitter in their references to England, and are inciting attacks upon English residents. The doatli of Professor Rogers and Professor Sollars is announced. By a fire at a hat factory in London six persons lost their lives. At a meeting of tho directors of the South British Insurance Company held yesterday, Mr. Thos. Peacock was elected to the position of chairman for the ensuing year. The retiring chairman, Captain Daldy, feelingly alluded to the cordial and amicable support always rendered to him by the directors, and his decision not to allow himself to be re-elected to the directorate at the end of his present term of office was received with rogreb by his codirectors. Mr. C. C. McMillan (of the firm of Messrs. Win. McArthur and Co.) has been appointed to the vacancy on the Board caused by Mr. Hobbs' resignation. The shareholders are to be congratulated on having the services of such a sound business man at tho&r disposal.

We notice from the San Francisco papers that the Pacific Coast Board of Commerce, has had under consideration the subsidising of trans-oceanic cables. Mr. Coke, of Portland, presented a resolution whereby the representatives of the Pacific Coast in the House should be requested to urge the passage of an appropriation of 100,000 dollars, with which to erect and equip a vessel to sound for a suitable route to lay a cable between San Francisco and New Zealand via the Hawaiian Islands. he resolution was adopted. A report on the question of subsidising trans-oceanic cable lines was rendered by Hugh Craig. He deprecated the deplorable lack of interest in the subject at Washington and cited copious extracts from reports which expressed the active desire of co-operation and friendly feeling on the part of German, Australian, New Zealand, and .English capitalists. He dwelt upon the necessity of the national Government to construct and own ocean cables as an invaluable auxiliary to our rapidly growing merchant marine. He advocated the construction of ocean cables from the Pacific Coast to South America, Australia, Japan, and the Behring Sea, and from the Eastern Coast to Groat Britain, France, Gibraltar, South America, and the Cape of Good Hope. The report was adopted and the following committee was appointed to take measures regarding it: —G. Davie.-, C. T. Hopkins, J. O. Hauthorn, H. M. Cake, W. S. Holloway.

Early yesterday morning Mr. William Trimble, brother to Colonel Trimble, recently M.H.R. for Taranaki, and now Judge of the Native Land Court, died at the Hospital at the age of seventy-one years, after ft briof illness. The dGccasocl was born near Belfast, Ireland, and for several years was engaged as manager of large flax - spinning and linen - weaving factories there—a line of business in which he subsequently engaged on his own account. About fifteen years ago, during the excitement concerning Mr. G. Vesey Stewart's settlements at Katikati, Mr. Trimble became infected with the fever for emigration, and came out to Katikati with his family. Not being one of the selectors fortunate enough to secure a piece of good land he did not remain there very long, and came to Auckland, where he "was engaged in clerical work, by the late Mr. Robert Graham and others. Some months ago Mr. Trimble turned his attention to the methods used here for dressing flax f.nd preparing tow, and his experience as p practical flax-spin-ner proving of value lie discovered a process by which the valdo of tow could be considerably enhanced in the European market. It is believed that Mr. Trimble over-exerted himself in endeavouring to carry out operations to prove the value of his patent. Ho became ill, and was admitted to the Hospital ten days ago. Though at first quite sensible on all points, he gradually sank and became unconscious, in which state he passed away yesterday. Deceased leaver a son and three daughters, who reside at the North Shore, and another daughter is living with her husband Mr. Purvis, in England. Mr. Trimble was for many years a Freemason of the Irish and Scotch constitutions, and held almost as high a rank as anyone in the colony. It is understood that the brethren in tho city intend to accord him a Masonic funeral. By all who knew him, both here and at home, Mr. Trimble was greatly respected for his integrity and shrewdness. Mr. E. W. Pay ton,master of the Elam School of Art, has received by this mail a communication from the Science and Art Department of South Kensington,, London, stating that ho has been awarded the highest art certicate issued by tho department. This certificate, which is only to be obtained after passing nineteen separate examinations, qualities the holder for the headmastership of any school of art in the United Kingdom. Mr. Payton had to leave England beforo he had completed all the work he wished to take up at Kensington, but on account of his having successfully passed all his previous examinations he received special permission from the department to complete the required work in New Zealand.

His Excellency the Governor and Mr. Walrond returned to Christcliurch on Octo-

ber 6, from Lake Ellesmere, where they have been on a fishing expedition. During the trip the party enjoyed excellent sport. Fishing on Saturday at the mouth of the Selwyn with Messrs. Ollivier, Spackman, and JNlurciel, the Governor caught two trout weighing, respectively, 1 1 b and lfljlb, the first being a very handsome female fish in splendid condition. Mr. Walrond also caught two fish weighing lOJlb and 9ilb.

On several occasions specimens of plait for the manufacture of hats, etc., havo been made by the settlers in this province from native fibrous plant*, but as yet no regular trade has been established. We have been shown several samples by Mr. Grainger, of Messrs. W. J. Hurst and Co., which he has

received from Mr. Bland, one of the village settlers in the Hokianga district. The various plaits were made by Mrs. Bland, and they are, certainly, creditable pieces of work. Some specimens are made from the inner bark of the mangiao tree, and the others from the inner bark of the nikau palm. Mr. Grainger has also received several hats made by the same lady from the same material, and certainly, they look well, and would form handsome headdresses for picnic and lawn-tennis parties. The lady who has prepared this plait is anxious to have a trade in this material created, and we trust that some kindhearted lady of social influence will take pity upon her struggling sisters in the North. If a sufficient quantity of this plait were secured to make a well-finished

head dress by some of the fashionable lady hatmakers in town, and. worn at some lawn-tennis gathering, we have no doubt she would be the means of creating a local trade which would be of considerable benefit to hard, struggling settlers in the Northern settlements, who are now finding a difficulty in getting ends to meet.

The death is announced of Mr. Charles

Roach Smith, the well-known archaeologist and antiquarian, aged 85. He was the author of a large number of works on archajological subjects, including " Illustrations of Roman London," a work based on the author's personal researches made during his residence in the city of London. He formed a large collection of antiquities, which was transferred to the British Museum in 185(5. He was one of the founders of the British Archajological Association. Ho also devoted much attention to pomology, and especially to the culture of the vine in the open ground. He published two books 011 Shakespere, and assisted in editing the " Dictionary of Roman Coins." The deceased was related to Mr. E. Harrow, of Lake Takapuna. The anniversary soiree of the BaptistTabernacle was held last evening. The tea tables were presided over by the ladies of the congregation. At the after public meeting, presided over by Pastor Birch, about 300 were present. Apologies w«re received from the Revs. G. B. Monro, W. Gittos, and B. L. Thomas, who were expected to have given addresses. The chairman, after referring to the early days of the church, which he understood were times of

peace, expressed a hope that that evening's meeting would be made profitable and instructive to all. The church secretary then read portions of the annual report, the contents of which were already familiar to the members, through having been read and dealt with at the annual church meeting. It was of an exhaustive character, but only reviewed church matters up to the end of July last, the close of the church's year. It showed that there were 693 members, with the affiliated branches. Death had been busy among the members (luring the year. The Sunday-pchool was in a satisfactory condition—s6o on roll, with 55 teachers, and the children had contributed to mission work £18 odd. Nineteen scholars had joined the church. There were 427 members in the Band of Hope. The Young Men's Literary Society had a membership of 40. Rev. J. Dukes (Devonport.) gave an address on " Loving One Another;" -Rev. G. Cox on "Restoring Backsliders Rev. J. Gilmore oil "The Importance of Prayer in Secret and in .Mootingßev. VV. C. Woodward on " Being Thankful and Living in the Spirit of Praise." Mr. R. B. Shalders also spoke. The proceedings were closed with the Benediction.

The Monowai with Madame Marian Burton and her concert company on board is expected to arrive about noon to-day. The opening concert will be given early next week, but the date will not be definitely settled until the arrival of Mr. R. S. Smytbe, who comes with the company.

The recent development of the Hikur&Dgi coalfield is leading the Government to look more sharply after the alienation of Grown lands in that district. It is notified in our advertising columns by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, that the S.E. portion of Section 38, N.E. portion of 39, and Is.itportion of 40, Parish of Hikurangi, Whungarei County, advertised to be opened for sale or selection on the loth instant, are withdrawn until further notice.

On Friday next the Chamber of Commerce will take into consideration, at its monthly meeting, the forthcoming elections.

Our Mangapai correspondent writes:— Mr. John Thompson, who died on the sth instant, came to New Zealand shortly before the Waikato war, and settled at Kaukapakapa. Ker« his wife ind daughter were murdered by a Maori. It was at first thought that a rising of the Maoris was meant, but as it turned out, only robbery was the object, and only one native was concerned in the murder. Sir William Fox, who was then Premier, acted promptly in the matter, going personally to Kaipara, and sticking to it till he brought the murderer to Auckland. He also acted very generously with Mr. Thompson, compensating him for his and so arranging with him that he left Kaukapakapa. This sad trial had a bad effect on Mr. Thompson's future life, quite unsettling him, as there were more than ordinary affection between him and his wife and family. After a long time of unsettled life, he bought a block of land in Puparata, but gave this over to his daughters, and bought another smaller section in the same block, on which he resided with his daughter, Mrs. Mannine, at the time of his death. He was of a peculiarly kind disposition. I knew at one time of his lending a friend £150 without any acknowledgment or writing to secure it, and when at the end of thirteen years it was repaid he would | accept of no interest.

The lasL meeting of the Otahuhn Mutual Improvement Association was a " Parliamentary evening." The '■ Chineso Immigration Bill," providing for the introduction of Chinese to New Zealand under certain specified conditions, was ably introduced by Mr. R. Dick. Mr. J. Muir, in the absence of Mr. W. R. Wills through indisposition, led the opposition. This question seemed to have excited great interest in Otahuhu. The attendance was large, and much greater spirit than usual characterised the speeches. At the conclusion the question that the "Chinese Immigration Bill" be read a second time was put by the Speaker, and lost on the voices. The business for the next meeting is a paper by Mr. W. R. Walker on " The Literature of the Elizabethan Period."

The automatic candle extinguisher (Beyer's patent), which is being manufactured at Te At'oha, is a most ingenious invention. The extinguisher,- when placed on the candle, may be adjusted to any height required by the user, and then closes on the candle when the required length has been burned. It should prove invaluable to persons in the habit of reading in bed, and give security from fire in various ways.

A public meeting in connection with the anniversary of the Bereeford-street Congregational Church was held yesterday evening at the hall adjoining the church. The Rev. J. Chew presided. Mr. H. Potter read the financial statement showing that the receipts for the year were £92 lGs Bd, and the expenditure £84 12s 2d, leaving a balance in nand of £7 4s 6d, to which should be added the Sunday collections, £35 6s. The annual report was read by the secretary, Mr. C. A. Campbell, and showed that there had been good progress. The number of scholars on the roll was 227, and there had been an average attendance of 139, with 16 teachers. Addresses were given by the Revs. H. J. Lewis and Lee, and Mr. R. Tudehope. Refreshments were distributed during the evening. The room was neatly decorated, and over the platform there was an appropriate motto.

After the usual practice of the Auckland Fire Brigade last night Superintendent Hughes presented the United Fire Brigades' long service medals to Foreman J. Wilkins, Firemen F. Nelson and W. Walsh ; also an extra two-year service bar to Fireman Harris, which represents for the latter member 13 years' service. Superintendent Hughes congratulated the members on their becoming entitled to these medals, and said it always gave him much pleasure to present such tokens of worthy service. Yesterday evening Mr, Bridgewater gave a "Homely Talk on a Trip to Australia" in the social hall of the V. M.C.A. Association. He went on the first excursion of thes.s. Monowai to Melbourne via the South, «aok a coasting steamer from Melbourne to Sydney, a tour to the Blue Mountains, and back from Sydney by the Monowai to Auckland. The object of the " talk" was to show how much could be seen of the Australian colonies by a young man on such a trip at very little expense. Travelling first-class by steam and rail, the whole trip of seven weeks did not cost him over £20. In his bill there was no allowance for drinks or cigars, as he did not require them. The \.M.C.A. building of Melbourne was not so good as the one in Auckland, but a new one was to be put up to be completed in 1891. He then described the " lions" of " marvellous Melbourne." The price of land was enormous, the Equitable Life Insurance Company of New York was putting up a block on land which cost £2150 per foot. In Sydney he visited the Y.M.C.A. which is a very fine building situate in Pittstreet. He was present at the president's reception, there being 700 people assembled, and there was a magnificent gymnastic display under the conductorship of the gymnastic instructor. The reaaing-room is well supplied, and ho noticed the Auckland Weekly News filed there up to latest dates. After seeing all the public institutions and sights of Sydney he visited the Blue Mountains. In Sydney the Sabbath was observed more ad a public holiday than a day of rest, and the churches were only half filled, and scarcely that. Religious matters were almost dead. After all lie had seen he came back to Auckland better pleased with it than ever, and content to spend his days here. When he went up again to Mount Eden and looked down up.m the wonderful panorama of sea and plain spread out, he could recall nothing equal to it in all his travels. The young men in Auckland who were discontented with their lot, and who thought "distant hills looked green," should spend a £20 note in making the trip he had done, and they would come back wiser and happier. Here there was a home life, a natural condition of things socially, which was painfully absent in Sydney and Melbourne, where there was nothing but fierce competition, the living at high pressure, and the recklessness of future consequences expressed in the maxim " Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die." A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer on the motion of Mr. Brakenrig (secretary, Y. M.C.A.), and which was carried by acclamation. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council was held in the Council Chamber, on Monday night. There were present: His Worship the Mayor (Captain M. Yates, in the chair), Messrs. Hills, Barr, Mooney, J. Shaidrick, Tapp, Hastie, Burden, Bray. Mr. Edwards, clerk to the Mangere Road Board, wrote, stating that on the 6th ultimo he forwarded a detailed account of the cost of repairs to the Mangere bridge, but no reply had been received, which his Board considered very discourteous, if the Council had received the documents. The Town Clerk was in-

structod to inform the Mangere Road Board that the subject was under the consideration of the Finance Committee. Mr. Ewington, secretary of the Employers' Association, wrote requesting that the Council take steps to have the Manukau electoral roll purged. The matter was referred to a committee. Messrs. Russell and Campbell wrote, forwarding the conditions of lease for a portion of the market reserve. Mr. T. M. Jackson was appointed auctioneer to sell the land. The Town Clerk reported that the earnings of the water-works for the first eleven months amounted to £252 14s Id, while the working expenses have been £107 12a 7d, leaving a profit of £145 Is 6d. The Town Clerk reported that at last meeting the credit balance of the Borough fund stood at £597 19s lid ; paid away during term, £68 14s 7d ; paid in, £22 17s ; leaving a credit balance amounting to £552 2s 4d. The tender of Mr. J. Melntyre for the supply of an iron gate for the cemetery reserve, at £6, was accepted. Mr. Shaldrick, upon notice, moved that tenders be called for the removal of a portion of Roe's rock in Selwyn street. Mr. Bray seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

The proposed " log " of the journeymen tailors has not proved acceptable to the master tailors, and a meeting of the Master Tailors' Association will be held in Robson's Rooms to-morrow, at half-past seven, to further discuss the statement.

Six young men from the Hutt, concerned in the recent fatal affray, were before the Wellington Court yesterday morning, charged with throwing stones at the Chinamen's house. It was understood thab most of them intended to plead guilty and have the case summarily settled, but at the last moment they decided to defend, and the case was adjourned till next week. The choir of the Gospel Temperanca Mission afforded the people of Otahuhu a treat last, evening. Two of Crowther's large breaks were engaged to convey the members to the public hall, where a raided gallery had been erected, so that the singing might be more effective. "Father, Come Home," was the service of song selected. Prior to the choir singing, a short musical programme was gone through: Pianoforte solo, "Home, Sweet Home," Miss Bond ; song, " The Little Hero," Mr. J. Mitchell; song, "The Song Thab Reached My Heart," Miss E. Clemens. The Rev. J. Steele, chairman, then introduced the choir to the Otahuhu public. " Father, Come Home " is quite out of the ordinary run of services of song, being full of bright sparkling music, and the connective readings short, but highly interesting. Miss Edmonds was highly successful in°the solo and chorus " I Am the Light," her fine voice being heard to great vantage. Mr. Strickett's rendering of " Waiting on the Shore " was good, but undoubtedly the gem of the evening was the singing of that magnificent solo by Miss Edmonds. "He Wipes the Tear from Every Eye." The choruses were all sun? in good style, particular attention being paid to time and expression. Mr. Innes has every reason to be proud of his cuoir. The performance was highly successful in every part, nob the slightest hitch occurring. The following were the musical illustrations : —"Blessed are the People," opening chorus "I Will Bless the Lord at All Times," "Gather Them In," "Go Ye Into All the World," "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord," and " He Careth for the Lilies," chorus : " I Am the Light," solo and chorus; "He Wipes the Tear from Every Eye," solo. Miss Edmonds ; " At Jesus' Feet," solo and chorus ; "A Cup of Water," chorus ; "Ah ! 'Tis the Old, Old Story," solo and chorus; "The Unseen City," chorus; "Waiting on the Shore," solo, Mr. Strickett and chourus ; " The Tread of Mighty Armies" (temperance chorus), full chorus.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Yacht Club will be held in the Harbour Board office this evening. A very successful quarterly tea and meeting was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Port Albert, on Monday, September 29th. About five o'clock, at the close of the preachers' meeting, a liberal and well-appointed tea was enjoyed by a large number of people, there being two sittings. The evening meeting commenced at 7 o'clock, the chair being taken by the Rev. S. Griffiths. The proceedings were opened by prayer and singing, after which Mr. J. Shepherd was called on to read the financial report for the past quarter, the balance being on the wrong side by a little over thirty pounds. This is mostly owing to the long wet winter, and consequently small attendance at the Suiida" services. During the evening short and instructive addresses were given by Messrs. Griffiths, Reid, Boon, Moore, and French, interspersed by selections of sacred music, which were well rendered by the VVharehine Choir, also Mrs. 1). Becroft and her young friends. The chairman spoke at some length on " making the best of things," giving some most excellent advice to the young men and women, on making the most of their spare time by that reading and study which will tend to improve and elevate their minds; also, that parents may do their best to make the home an attractive and pleasant place. A loving Christian home had a good influence on boys and girls all through their lives. At 'the close a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Coupland, and seconded by Mr. Mander, to the musicians for their kindly assistance, also to those friends who provided such an excellent tea. After singing one of Sankey's collection, the company dispersed about nine o'clock.[Own Correspondent.]

Hospital Board invite tenders for bed quilts. Kuaotunu Quartz Crushing Company (Limited) invites tenders from scow owners for conveyance of machinery from Thames to Kuaotuna. This evening a public meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Home Mission will be held in St. John's, Ponsonby, when addresses will be delivered. Messrs. F. Andrew and Sons, 'bus proprietors, Otahuhu, notify the new timetable for their Otahuhu 'bus to Auckland. The Auckland Furniture Company, whose advertisement appears in our columns, draw special attention to several leading lines in the trade in which they are heavily stocked. They are large direct importers, shipments of latest and best materials and designs in furniture and furnishing requisites arriving by every direct steamer and sailing vessel. They are also manufacturers of every description of furniture, and have facilities in the shape of steam plant second to none in the colony, and the largest and best stock of wellseasoned New Zealand and other timbers which can be collected. They were awarded " first order of merit" at the Dunedin Exhibition for their exhibit of a bedroom suite, etc., in New Zealand'wood, of their own design and workmanship. Wire-woven mattresses they are now making a specialty, having recently imported and erected at their steam factory, Stanley-street, a machine for wire-weaving. Their large three-storied warehouse in Wellesley-street East, opposite the Free Public Library, is crammed from floor to ceiling with every variety of furniture and furnishing requisites suitable for all classes and conditions of men. Special attention is given to packing j*oods for the country, men of experience being employed under the direct surveillance of the manager.

The. treasurer of the Women's Home, Parnell, begs to acknowledge the receipt of the following sums received in September Mrs. Ashwell, £1 Is; Mrs. Cowie, £1 ; Lady Chute, £1; Mrs. McCosh Clark, £1 ; Mrs. Kinder, £1. Also a parcel of children's clothes from Mrs. .J. King Davis ; quarter of a ton of coal from Mr. J. H. M. Carpenter, and boots and odds and ends from Mrs. Carpenter ; piece of print from Mrs. Young, Parnell; parcel from Mrs. Wyman, and three little suits of clothes from Mrs. Ford, Russell. Any contributions, however small, in money, clothes, or household requisites, will be thankfully received by members of the commitee : Archdeacon Dudley, Rev. G. H. Preston, Rev. P. S. Smallfield, Mrs. Cowie, Mrs. Kenderdine, Mrs. Kinder, or by the matron, Miss Hall, May Cottage. Parnell, to whom orders for washing and needlework can be sent. The Home is dependent on voluntary contributions, and on the work of the inmates, and more help is urgently needed, in consequence of the less prosperous circumstances of some who would gladly contribute more.