THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1890.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8414, 15 November 1890, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1890.

We observe that at the meeting of the Baptist Union the question of Bible-reading'in schools was discussed, and as in all other similar assemblies, strong opinions were expressed in favour of introducing the system into our public schools. There is a certain class of public speakers and writers who dismiss with contempt all such expressions of opinion, and will hear of nothing that can in any way alter the secular system as at present existing. It seems to us, however, that those who are in favour of the introduction of the reading of certain selected portions of the Bible—for not many advocate its indiscriminate use—have a right to claim a fair and respectful treatment of their arguments. They are taxpayers, and they represent a highly important and very respectable portion of the community. They represent the actively Protestant element in the State, and when they set aside their sectional differences they can form a very powerful and influential party in the electoral body. Another very serious matter must be taken into account. When the Education Act was introduced it contained clauses providing for religious instruction. There is always great difficulty in dealing with this subject, and ultimately it was determined that the system "should be entirely secular. It was agreed that the schools should be available for religious teaching. It was thought by many that the religious teaching would be taken up by clergymen and other zealous and suitable persons, and that so, religion would be better taught than in any other way. This expectation has proved altogether mistaken. There has been no teaching of religion ; the Churches have ncr taken up the work, and the Sunday-schools have done almost nothing towards it. They say, and no one can seriously dispute the correctness of the assertion, that the large majority of our school children here are growing up without any moral or religious training, and without that reverence for authority which is essential to the well-being of any community. Of the untold, but unquestionable, influence of the venerable monuments of the past our children are deprived. No native of New Zealand who lias not left the colony has ever seen a building more than iifty years old, and it cannot bo said that the surviving buildings of even that age are calculated to infuse either veneration or admiration in the mind of the youthful native.

The history of Judaism and Christianity are essential parts of the history of the world. No person can form anything like a clear or accurate idea even of the history of Britain unless ho has some knowledge of the history of Christianity. The whole history of Europe for a thousand years is a history of the Christian Church and State, and the two, as every historical student knows, are absolutely inseparable. And not only is a knowledge of the history of Christianity indispensable for the study of the history of our own and other European countries, but no complete knowledge of English literature can be attained without a familiar acquaintance with the noblest example of the classical age of English literature embodied in the authorised version of the Old and New Testaments. About this there is 110 dispute. No English writer, be his religious or antireligious opinions what they may, would venture to assert that a course of English literature would be complete which took 110 cognisance of the authorised version. It has influenced all our literature since the day when it was lirst published, it has woven its phrases and its turns of speech into the language of all English-speaking people, o.nd some of the most popular of English books, such as Banyan's Pilgrim's Progress, must appear to be written in <» strange tongue, to those who have never read the Bible. And yet we rigorously exclude it from the public schools !

Now the objections to the introduction of Bible reading are all baaed on the idea that it would be the " thin end of the wedge" for the denominational system. That this notion is baseless is amply proved by the example of the United States. Bible reading is practised there in the schools supported by the States, where there is not a vestige of denominationalism. We therefore dismiss this argument at once. Another a— 3 -ument is, that it would afflict the consciences of (1) Jews, (-2) Koman Catholics, and (3) Agnostics or Atheists. With regard to the first, we believe, under correction, that the Jews would have no objection to the reading of selected passages from the Old Testament in the authorised version. As to the reading of portions of the Ne> -, a conscience clause would protect their children. As regards Agnostics, the number of these in the community who would object to their children reading any portion of the Bible is very small indeed. Advanced or aggressive Agnostics are not a numerous body, and those of them who have children have also for the most part wives, and it very rarely happens that the wife is an Agnostic too. And the male Agnostic would find that in this, as in most other matters relating to the children, the wife would have her own way. The chief objection would bo with regard to the Roman Catholic children. It is supposed that the reading of the authorised version would exclude Roman Catholics. To th's the reply is that a conscience clause would of course be available for them as well as for the Jews and Agnostics; But as a matter of fact, we know that in all the towns where there is any considerable body of

Catholics, they have schools of their own, and they do not send their children to the State schools now, although there is no Bible reading. They want for their children a religious education, and schools conducted by religious orders of their own church, and completely under the supervision and control of their own clergy. It is therefore only in small country districts, where for pecuniary reasons no Catholic school can be established, that Roman Catholics are permitted, by the regulations of their church, to send their children to the State schools. What the Catholics want is, a pecuniary grant to their own schools, and this we venture to say, they will never get. Catholicism in the colonies, is so mixed up with Irish nationalism that the two terms are almost synonymous in the minds of the great majority of the public. That the State will never subsidise Catholic schools we feel perfectly c rtain. It is the one question on which men of all parties, and of no party, are absolutely at one, and every attempt, even under the most favourable combination of circumstances, to endow the Irish Catholic schools has always failed, and we hope always will fail. We may, therefore, put these three classes on one side, for the purpose of the argument, and ask what possible danger to our State school system can attach to reading the early history of the .Jewish nation, the early history of Christianity, and the moral code embodied in the teaching of Jesus Christ and his apostles, together with selections from the Psalms and some of "•he prophetical writings of the Old Testament in the exquisite and melodious English of the authorised version 1

Our cable messages this morning state that the total loss of life by the wreck of the British warship Serpent was 175, only three out of the whole number on board being saved. Mr. Stanley's first lecture in New York was rendered inaudible, owing to the interruptions of the audience, his charges against his dead officers having apparently raised a strong feeling against him in that city. He was understood to say that further disclosures were forthcoming. These have now been made in the columns of the London Times, which publishes the affidavit of Stanley's native interpreter, who confirms the stories of Major Barttelot's cruelty and Mr. Jamieson's brutal beartlessness. It will, however, require stronger evidence than this to make Englishmen believe that Stan leyls charges are well founded. The condition of the Countess of Jersey is very serious, the fever having increased. Another old officer who served in the first Taranaki campaign of 18t>0 lias passed away in the person of Major-General Pasley, of the Royal Engineers, who served on the staff of General Pratt. He came down from Melbourne with Gsneral Pratt, and took an active part in conducting the engineering operations at the Pukerangiora pa.

We are sorry to hear that Sir George Grey is so much indisposed as to render it necessary for his medical adviser, Dr. Haines, to forbid the access of visitors to him, absolute rest and quiet being essential for the patient. The worry of persons interviewing him 011 political matters, and the labour of preparing his recent political addresses have, apparently, overtaxed Sir George's strength at his advanced time of life. Those who desire to see his recovery to health and strength again cannot show their sympathy better than by refraining from calling at his residence for the present, as such action will aid in contributing towards his recovery.

Mr. John Bryce returned yesterday from Waikato, after having consulted with a number of his friends in the district. It has been arranged that he shall speak at Hamilton on Tuesday evening, and at Cambridge on Wednesday. Cambridge town is not in the Waikato district, bub it is the most convenient centre for a large number of the electors. Mr. Bryce will afterwards visit as r.-any other portions of the electorate as possible, but lie is afraid that he will nob be able to reach nil parts, and probably he will come up again shortly before the opening of next session. In the present position of affairs, much inherit will be attached all over the colony to the opinions which Mr. Bryce will express.

Intelligence was received in town yesterday, by private telegram, of the death of Dr. Mclntyre, of Timaru. He will be remembered as taking a prominent part in the Hall case, and in fact laid the information. Some two years ago he married Miss Burns, a descendant of the poet Burns, and who was present at the unveiling of the statue to the poet at Dunedin. Dr. Mclntyre was highly esteemed in the Timaru district for his many personal qualities, and had a large practice there. An inquest on the body of Robert Booth, guindigger, who was found dead a few days ago near Whangaparoa, was held by Mr. Palmer, J.P., when, after hearing the evidence, a verdict of "Found dead" was returned by the jury. It appears that deceased suffered from heart disease, and it is supposed that he died in his sleep. Booth had at one time been a lumper on the wharf. He leaves no relatives in the colony.

The New Zealand Baptist Union closed its sittings yesterday afternoon. The principal business of the day was the election of officers for the ensuing year. Rev. J. T. Hinton, of Caversham, Dunedin, was elected president of the Union. Among the delegates who have been present throughout the meetings of the Union is Mr. Joshua Robinson, whose name is first on the roll of the church in Auckland when formed some thirty years ago.

For a considerable period Rev. John Macpherson, of Findhorn, Scotland, has had a penchant for keeping goats, amongst his flock being a tierce billy goat, with horns upwards of two feet long. This brute used to go about butting and trampling on the inhabitants of the place, smashing furniture, and became quite a terror. Recently, however, a colonial merchant from New Zealand on holiday in the neighbourhood took the law into his own hands and shot the disturber of the village peace. Mr. Macpherson brought an action against the gentleman, but the Sheriff derided that as only one. witness saw the accused shoot the goat, he could nob lop-ally convict him. The evidence for the defence proved that the New Zealander had earned the lasting gratitude of the inhabitants of Findhorn.

The preparations for the Auckland Sunday School Union Industrial Exhibition are progressing vigorously. The members of the Exhibition Committee and all subcommittees meet at the Drill-shed this morning at eight o'clock sharp to -confer with regard to the allotment of space and the use of the side rooms. Mr. Battley, president of the Union, will open the Exhibition at three o'clock on Tuesday next. The full programme of the Exhibition will be found in our advertising columns.

The Auckland University Lawn Tennis Club announce, as per advertisement in another column, that the grounds will be open for play at three o'clock this afternoon. Owing to the great quantity of water and dirt washed over the lawns during the late heavy rains, the lawns are not in as perfect a state as the committee would wish ; but, with the advent of warm weather, it is believed that they will become second to none in the city. The membership list is now almost full, and early application is necessary to the secretary, Mr. Battley. Entries for the mixed doubles close with the hon. secretary on or before the 2'2nd November. The opening of the West End Lawn Tennis Club will take place this afternoon, when members and intending members are expected to muster well.

The Wellington Post says :— " Hitherto the groat Smith family has never been adequately represented in the New Zealand Legislature. Indeed, we can only remember two who have ever sat there. The Smiths generally have been of a retiring disposition, and have hitherto shown little desire for Parliamentary power. Now, however, a change seems to have come over the family, and a considerable number of its members have been fired with ambition to assist in the government of the country. There are at present no less than five candidates bearing the honoured patronymic in the field, the seats they are contesting being Bruce, Dunedin, Christchurch, New Plymouth, and Waipawa,"

The following telegram was received by a firm in town on Thursday :—" London, November 13. New Zealand flax, market falling." A later cablegram, received yesterday, gays " Collapse in flax ; bottom out of market."

Growers of tomatoes will be sorry to hear that a destructive insect pest has appeared, which is very destructive to the plant. A grower over at Northcote found many of his plants greatly injured, and on telling Mr. Barber that gentleman brought over a plant to Mr. Cheeseinan, at the Auckland Museum. After examination Mr. Cheeseman found that the insect was alturodti vaporarium, an insect which has been very injurious to tomatoes in the United State?, but which has not hitherto been noticed here. The insect bores in the leaf, and then turns into a small white fly. It must be dealt with by kerosene solution, applied with a syringe.

A meeting of the Auckland Institute will beheld in the Museum Buildings on Monday evening, when Mr. E. A. Mackechnio will give a lecture on " The Study of Shakespere." This lecture is one of a popular series arranged for by the council of the Institute, and to which the public are admitted free of charge. The lecturer will endeavour to show the advantages to be derived from a study of Shakespere, and the aids afforded to such study by the formation of Shakespere clubs and societies. Mr. Mackechnie lias been an active member of the Parnell Shakespere Club for some years. This club has done much good in making the members familiar with the dramatic works of Shakespere, and many of them have given considerable study to the text of the plays and the characters represented. The lecture should prove interesting to all lovers of Shakespere and his writings.

We are informed that the Auckland Orchestral Union is to have their fourth concert on Friday evening, the sth of December, in the Choral Hall. This will be the final concert of the season, and it is expected to be superior to any of the former ones. This splendid orchestra will perform two overtures, namely, "Bohemian Girl" and "Masaniello," also movements from two symphonies, Mendelssohn's " Scotch," and one of Haydn's. There is to be other lighter and popular music, such as Brahms "Hungarian Dances" and march "Indicnne," by, Le Thiere, which will be great favourites. Madame Louise Thompson will make her debut before an Auckland audience. This lady has a voice of very pure quality, and also of unusual compass, united with lightness and flexibility. Her vocalisation has much grace of style, and we are pleased to know that she intends to permanently reside with us, therefore the musical public will have an opportunity on the sth of December next to hear this new and great acquisition to the musical profession. Also our great favourite, Mr. Percy Dufaur, is to sing a solo, with orchestral accompaniment. There need bo nothing said about this gentleman's musical abilities, for all musical people in Auckland are proud of him. There is also another gentleman who is to take part in this concert, that is Mr. Ferriday, who has a splendid tenor voice. This gentleman has sung in several concerts in Auckland. His name has been handed to the Union a3 a very good singer. He is to sing a solo with orchestral accompaniment, and the Union may be congratulated upon obtaining his services.

Our Clevedon cortespondent writes Death is thinning the early pioneers of this district. The funeral of the late Jana Wright, t' Ness Valley, who died at her late residence on the 19th October, took place on Wednesday, the 2"2nd. Her remains were interred in the Presbyterian Cemetery. The day wa3 very wet and stormy ; bub a great many settlers, to show their respect to the deceased and family, were present at the funeral. At the graveyard, as the day was so stormy, the coffin was taken into the church, where the Rev. Thos. delivered an impressive burial service .. r elling at length on the amiable and Christian traits in the character of tha deceased. A short prayer at the grave concluded the service. Mrs. Andrew Hamilton died at her late residence, Otau, on Wednesday, the sth instant, at eight a.m. Mrs. Hamilton had been an invalid for upwards of twelve years. The deceased was buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Friday, the 7th instant. The funeral cortege left her late residence at two p.m. The day was fine, and there wer« upwards of 100 people at the funeral. Th« Pvev. Thos. Norrie performed the funeral service in an impressive manner. The Ik of the coffin was literally covered witi beautiful floral wreaths. The deceased wa 53 years of age.

The following additional passes for soli citors' general knowledge examinations ara announced : — R. Wells, Hokitika ; I). Barker, Gisborne; W. E. Kinnerney, Christchurch ; and H. J. . M. Thomson, Wellington. Barristers' general knowledge : —W. F. Styak, Auckland ; E. Gordon, Wellington ; K. E. Rawson, Palmers' ton North.

The certificates of merit; given by the Band of Hope Union to the successful competitors in the recent examination of Dr. Ridge's Band of Hope Catechism are now being got ready for issue. They have been prepared at the Herald printing establishment, and form ( a very neat and tasteful piece of letterpress printing. They are printed in five colours, and the surrounding border is an object of general admiration.

The Christian World says :—The death is announced of the widow of the Rev. R. B. Lyth, of York, in her 80th year. Her life has been the romanco of a missionary heroine. In IS3G she went out with her husband to the Friendly Islands, and for nineteen years laboured among cannibals, living a daily life which was a gospel those savages could not resist. Subsequently she spent eight years with her husband in Auckland (New Zealand) and Gibraltar.

The entertainment and sale of work was continued in All Saints' schoolroom last night, and was again well attended. Several very agreeable changes were made in the programme, and the business at tha various stalls appeared to be very brisk. The sum raised on Thursday, during the afternoon and evening, amounted to about £38, and judging from this, when the three days' totals are added up, a sum amply sufficient for the painting of the church building should be realised. The promoters are certainly above reproach as far as raising money by gambling methods and other questionable means is concerned, all the sales being of a legitimate nature. The sale will bo continued during this afternoon and evening.

The members of the Y.M.C.A. gave a delightful "At Home " in the Loature Hall last night to the various mutual improvement societies of the city and suburbs. Of the invitations sent to members about 400 were accepted, the societies represented being the Beresford-streetand Mount Eden Congregational, St. James', St. Peter's, St. David's, Baptist Tabernacle, Free Methodist, Pitt-street and Grafton Road Wesleyan, and St. Sepulchre's. Mr. J. L, Wilson, president of the Association, occu' pied the chair, and welcomed the guests in a few well-chosen and appropriate remarks. One could not help being struck by the suitlo nature, for improvement societies mora especially, of the motto over the platform : "In things necessary, unity ; in things doubtful, liberty ; in all things, charity." Such, surely, is one great aim of all true culture. The following programme was nicely rendered : — Pianoforte duet, Mr. Hemery and son; song, Miss Battley; song, "Everlasting Life," Mr. Jones; song, " Dear Little Shamrock," Miss Reid ; recitation, Mr. Caley ; flute solo, Mr. H. Watts; song, Miss Mercer ; pianofore solo, Mr. Wells; sone. Mr. Walton (encored) ; recitation, "The Wreck," Mr. Hutchinson; song, " Consider the Lilies," Mr. Kilpatrick; song, " The Clang of the Hammer," .Mr. McGibbon. During the evening the gnestt retired into the social room, where they were provided with some light refreshment. Before the company dispersed Mr. Wilson thanked them for their hearty response to the invitation of the Association, and then pronounced the benediction. The usual weekly social of the Gospel Temperance Mission was held in the Temperance Hall, on Thursday evening. Mr. A. Cox presided, and gave an address, as did Mr. E. Carr. The following programme was gone through Pianoforte solo, "The Last Rose of Summer," Master J. Pollock ; song, " Dorothy," Mr. Mason ; song, "Three Fishers, Miss M. Tye; recitation, Mr. Oswald ; vocal duet, " O Mays't Thou Dream of Me," Misses Tye ; recitation, Mr. Potter ; song, " Liquid Gem," Mrs. Collins ; recitation, " Little Snowball," Miss Jennie Pollock; song, " The Miller and tha Maid," Miss Tye ; song, Mr. Middleton.

r - ! « ®" de "', who is on of the Candidates for the Selwyn constituency, in grossing a meeting a few days ago, mid : The Financial Statement presumed even more than usual upon the carelessness and ignorance of the House and country. In the main it was composed of extraneous matter. It exhibited the usual talk of economy and the usual practice of extravagance. It talked of a surplus of £115,174, and yet the expenditure of the year was some £4'-5,000 more than the revenue. Indeed during the last three years we have spent £2,570,000 more than our income, so that the annual interest to be paid has increased by about £254,000 ; and our national debt, which in IHB7 was £34,955,034, was in 1890 £37.284,518. v> 'th all the pretended economy, the treasurer practically admitted that lie could not continue the present expenditure without additional taxation and more borrowing. It was a most unpleasant task to find fault. But although Sir Harry Atkinson was preferable to Sir Julius Vogel, he was running the country into debt—a course, he need hardly say, exceedingly fatal to progress. He had always strongly urged that they should have a far less pretentious Government establishment, effect wry many more economies, so that wo could live within our income."

Tho staff of workmen who came from America with Mr. Booth, petroleum expert, arrived at New Plymouth in tho Takapuna, and have taken up their quarters at Maturim. Mr. Booth has decided to sink the first well on the site of the old locomotive shed near the foot of the breakwater. Preliminary operations have been commenced, and it is expected drilling will be started about the beginning of the year. Work will then be carried on day and night.

St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom was crowded to the doors last night, tho occasion being an excellent entertainment of a varied character. The programme consisted of solos, duets, trios, instrumental selections, and a well-rendered cantata. The performance concluded with the laughable farce, "Ici on Parle Francais," which was carried through in a highly creditable manner, and created great amusement among the audience. Great credit is due to all concerned for the efficient manner in which the whole entertainment was carried out.

The body of a young woman, named Charlotte Leech, was discovered floating down the Avon on Thursday. She was missed from her employment three weeks ago. The body was much decomposed.

A seaman, named Alfred Weegner, was engaged painting the funnel of the Duke of Buckingham at Wellington yesterday when the rope broke and ho fell to the deck, breaking his thigh and fracturing his skull. He was taken to the Hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.

The Christian Leader prints the following anecdote about a farmer and the late Dr. M Kerrow, the historian of the Secession Church : —The doctor was visiting one of his members, a comfortable farmer, and he noticed—as ho had noticed on a former visit—that, a deep open well in front of the house was unprotected by any sort of paling or fence. The doctor took the liberty of calling Mr. F.'s attention to the well, and urged him to have a light paling put round it, if it were only for the sake of his own children. " Aweol, doctor," said Mr. F., "I often think aboot the wal ; but, ye see, the wife prays every mornin' that, naebody may fa' intill't, an' sae I just let it alane." "That's very good," said the doctor— *' very good, Mr. F. ; and I would just let Mrs. F. go on praying every morning ; but you go and pub up the paling."

There was a good attendance last evening at the London Bellringers, at the Opera House, when the previous night's programme was repeated with great acceptance. At three o'clock this afternoon there will be a special matinee for children, under the patronage of the chairman of the Board of Education (Mr. R. Udy), to which the children of the Orphan Home, Parnell, St. Mary's, and other orphanages, have been invited. The programme will be the same as at nipht. Before their departure for the South the company will give a performance at the Oddfellows' Hall, Onehunga.

On Monday evening Mr. Fairclough and Miss Lisa May commence their unique performances at the Opera House. Mr. Fairclough's great abilities as a tragic representative of the characters of Shakespeare should command crowded houses, as they will be sure to bo a great artistic success. Miss Lisa May's beautiful voice and finished execution will be heard in some of her most belling solos during the evening.

A benefit will be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Vivian at the City Hall, on Friday next. The second act of " The Sorcerer" will be performed by the Auckland Amateur Club, and the Vivians and company will also appear in comedy and musical sketches. Professor Cnrrollo and pupils have likewise volunteered their services.

Auckland Fishing Club's second excursion to-day. Mr. J. T.Johns, of Ponsonby, has invented a new form of fruit-dryer, by which he anticipates to prepare a superior article .is well as cheapened production. A medium-sized dryer upon his principle is now in course of manufacture. Sir Maurice O'R-orke notifies elsewhere the places at which lie will address the electors of the Manukau electorate. The usual ecclesiastical notices will be found in the eighth page, including those relating to Wesleyan Methodist Jubilee of New Zealand in churches of Grafton Road circuit, Wesleyan Jubilee celebration; Baptist Conference services at various churches. The annual meeting of the Northern Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company (Limited) will be held on 4th December. Tenders invited elsewhere for erection of a chui-ii at Mercer. The Auckland Fishing Club leave the ferry tee at one o'clocK to-day in ferryboat Tainui. Bank of New Zealand and Colonial Bank notify special bank holidays at the WhanKurei branches on Wednesday next, owing to it being the Whangarei Annual Agricultural bhow day. In our advertising columns will be found notices regarding meetings of the members of the Hon. K. Mitchelson's Mount Eden and Avondalc committees, and of various places at which lie will address the electors of Eden. We would again remind those interested of the picnic of Professor Carrollo's pupils today, per Britannia, from the North .Shore Ferry tee, at a quarter-past one. The Auckland Harbour Board invite tenders for repairs to the roadway, Auckland Dock. The Borough of Newton invite tenders for the drainage of Mackclvie-street. The H.A.C.B.S. meet at the Catholic Institute on Monday evening. The annual meeting of the Maraitai Land Company (Limited) on Friday, '28th instant. Sale of work and tableaux at All Saints' School-room, this afternoon and evening. Next Wednesday Messrs. Wilson and Clayton, auctioneers, will sell at their mart, next Herald Office, the following freehold properties Lot 1. Villa residence and acre and a-lialf at Ellerslic, two minutes walk from station ; lot 2, villa residence and half acre at Bell wood, Mount. Roskill; lot 3, villa and allotment, Bulwer-street, Bayfield, close to trams ; lot 4, 17 acres of land, Uellyer's Creek, and lot 5, an allotment at I'okeno, fronting Great South Road. Sale commences at twelve o'clock noon. Mr. J. T. Arundel will leave Auckland next week on his way to the Australian colonies. He will give an address at the Young Men's Christian Association meeting this evening at half-past seven, and will also give an address at the Sunday evening City Hall evangelistic service. Mr. W. Skeates, of " The Reform Jewellery j and Plate Supply," Queen-street, notifies the public by advertisement within that his I already large stock has been largely increased by direct importation from London of various lines, among which are articles specially suited for wedding and other presentations. Mr. Skeates' long English experience enables him to buy only of those manufacturers whose goods are known to be thoroughly reliable. Intending buyers should not fail to inspect hi.-: large and greatly-diversified collection, which, for quality, variety, and style, would be creditable to one of the large home cities.

Mr. Wm. Earl, of 265, Queen-street and Newmarket, intimates through our advertising columns that he has revised his pricelist for December, and introduces a new feature in the co-operative system of trading. Besides giving his customers the benefit of all reductions in groceries,provisions, etc., he announces a list of presents which accompany each order he executes, the value of which varies according to the amount of the order. His new pictorial calendars for 1891 are almost ready for distribution, and these KJ) with all orders received, but other valuable presents are likewise enclosed in parcels of groceries, etc.. sent nut of his establishments. We need scarcely add that his stock : '■S the most complete and well-bought in i Auckland. Send for a price-list at once, and I keep it at hand for reference. i