THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. . TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1801.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8474, 27 January 1891, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. . TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1801.

« We have already stated that the struggle between labour and capital is not concluded ; a truce has been proclaimed, but it is an armed truce, and both parties are preparing for a renewal of the combat. Let us suppose for a few moments that a foreign enemy had obtained, by conquest, possession of this colony, and held it with a sufficient naval and military force to render sucsessful resistance impossible. He might say, and with much truth :—" Your towns are too large, and your rural districts greatly under-populated. I intend to transfer a large portion of the town population to the country districts, and make them cultivate the soil, breed cattle and sheep, etc., and follow other rural occupations. By this plan, I shall obtain a large reserve of healthy, vigorous men for my army and navy,

instead of having tens of thousands of sickly, seedy boys and girls crowding the towns, and competing with one another for scanty employment at low wages. 1 shall add enormously to the wealth and population of the colony, and although there will be a little temporary inconvenience, you will all be very thankful to me afterwards. At any rate, whether you are thankful or not, you will have to obey." With this end in view, he limits the population of Auckland and the suburbs to. say, 12,000. These are carefully selected in order to perform the necessary functions of receiving imports and shipping exports, and for such trades as cannot be conveniently carried on in the country. At suitable distances and localities something resembling General Booth's farm colonies are established, Roads are made, and every facility given for the transport of commodities, and for intercourse between the inhabitants of different rural districts. But a heavy personal tax is placed on every person, young or old, who not being of the selected number, remains in the towns, and this tax is applied solely to the development and improvement of the country districts. Now it, must be evident that although a good deal might bo said in favour of such a mode cf colonising, yet to us, accustomed even in these days of State socialism to considerable freedom of action, the system would be one of intolerable tyranny. The hardships that would be inflicted on all the town ; populations except the select and favoured few would be severe, and in most cases ruinous and although we have assumed that the conqueror has 1 sufficient force to carry out his plans in spite of all resistance, yet some attempts at rebellion would undoubtedly be made. But this is very much what the trades unions propose to do themselves. They are in a minority, but they propose to make themselves an aristocracy— numerous indeed like that of Germany or Italy, but still an aristocracy, and that of the most odious kind. An aristocracy without the high sense of personal honour, the culture, the education, or the graces of manner which form the characteristics of the' aristocracy of birth in the old countries of the world, but as full of selfishness and class prejudices, and as regardless of the welfare of other classes, as any aristocracy or plutocracy in the world. They care nothing for the proletariat; their sole object is to raise their own wages, no matter what may be the injury thereby inflicted on other classes of the community. A few months ago we had a specimen of what they would do, if they had the power. Without the smallest reasonable cause they tried to paralyse the carrying trade of the colony. They cared nothing for the miseries they would inflict upon all classes, and they risked even the starvation of towns situated like Auckland, dependent for their food on supplies from a distance. All this they did, not because their wages were too low, or their hours too long, or that they had any injustice or ill-treatment to complain of, but simply and solely at the bidding of an organisation in Australia.

Well, they succeeded in inflicting a great loss on the colony, and in checking the rising prosperity that was consoling us for lone: years of depression. But they reckoned without their host ; they forgot that while they had been receiving high wages, paid to a large extent not out of profits, but out of capital unwisely employed or invested, there were tens of thousands

who were only too glad to take up the positions that they had given up. And

o for a time they failed,

Now they

are trying to enlarge their unions, so as to take in not merely wage-earners, but independent workers, paid by the job or the piece.

But they forget altogether one thing : every rise in wages causes a corresponding rise in the price of commodities consumed, and as the rise in wages does not increase in any way the sum at the disposal of any other class than the one whose wages have risen, something or other must go out of consumption altogether. Trade is injured, business becomes less profitable; the country people, who are the only producers, receive less for what they produce, and have to pay more for what they consume. Capital employed in commerce is deprived of its legitimate profits— and then what happens ? Why, they have to be dismissed from their employments, and instead of earning higher wages earn none at all. The structure of our social life is so artificial, each part is so dependent on every other part, that no sudden and violent change can be made anywhere without affecting the whole. Even the uncertainty that now pervades all commerce hinders the employment of capital, and we find the curious phenomenon that immediately following a great commercial crisis in London it is reported that the money market is choked up with capital seeking safe investment.

But the reply is that the wageearners are the real producers of all wealth, and that to them it rightly belongs. But. this is not true. Capital, the savings of former industry, is as much necessary as labour for the production of wealth. But even labour and capital together will not produce more wealth, unless they are wisely and skilfully employed. We have only to look around us in Auckland and see how many industrial enterprises that had a fair show have been wrecked and ruined for want of wise and skilful direction. A man with large capital can hire any amount of labour he requires ; his workmen may be skilful, industrious, and honest, but if they produce something the public does not want, or is already sulliciently supplied with, the enterprise will fail. More than this, even supposing that the articles they produce supply a real want, the enterprise may fail for want of that business tact of which the capitalist is so often destitute, The men who have grown very wealthy in this century Jin re been, in the majority of cases, not men who began originally with a large capital, but men who, with comparatively small means, were enterprising' and yet prudent, farseeing, energetic, skilful to take advantage of the markets, and possessed of that peculiar ability which is like the gift of poetry, innate in some men, but of which the majority are destitute. We continually see, even in the comparatively small business of this colony, men ruining themselves, who began business with an amount of capital that had been sufficient to lead others on to great wealth. We will venture to say that neither the shareholders nor the crews of the Union Steam Ship Company earn the dividends, but the managing director. It may be true, and we believe it is, that our present social condition, with its frightful contrasts of wealth and poverty, needs some radical change ; that the condition of the proletariat in Europe is an ever-increasing danger to society, and that we are rapidly producing a proletariat in these colonies:

but it' the change is to be made, it should be done cautiously and tenta-

tively, or the misery produced will b<? greater than the evils of the present system. Here at least there is no need for violent or revolutionary measures. It is not by creating a tyrannical body of town wage earners, or interfering with every department of industry, and dictating with stupid arrogance their own terms, regardless of the interests of all others, that the sufferings that now exist are to be relieved. The

sole way to relieve them is by bringing into cultivation our vast tracts of fertile, but at present, unused land,

by increasing the productiveness of our fields and forests and mines, and not by adding to the numbers who crowd our towns, waiting for employment that comes only by tits and starts, and spending months of every year in idleness. > One good thing the strike has done, it has forced some of our town population into the country districts. As those districts become more populous, the comforts and conveniences which make town life attractive, will be trans-fen-ed" to them, and the children born in them will be content to remain on the land as independent cultivators of the soil, instead of crowding into the towns in' search of precarious employment as the paid servants of others. If the trades unions instead of trying to do what is impossible— to screw out of capital wages that ought to come out of profits — would institute cooperative establishments, they would be able to divide all the profits among the workers; and they would then find that for the management of any industrial enterprise extending beyond the smallest, there are required faculties not very common anywhere, and that making such a concern a profitable source of wealth, something more is required than capital and labour.

We believe that the general disposition throughout the colony will be to give the new Government a fair trial, and not to be in haste to condemn their policy or their actions. But Ministers are surely in too great a hurry to show that they are in power. They exhibit the haste of inexperienced men to plunge into action, and to prove that they are alive. Mr. Seddon, we are told, yesterday morning suspended temporarily the regulation under which policemen are moved arbitrarily from one station to another, thus taking a large amount of power from the officers of the force, and j assuming it to himself as a Minister. Then apparently Mr. Rees has had sufficient influence to get Ministers to peremptorily adjourn the Arnaboldi case. We objected ourselves to the commissioners appointed, but considering the length to which matters have gone, we think the procedure ought to have been allowed to po through to the end. The advice of Mr. Rees to Miss Arnaboldi not to appear before the Commission was bad. Ministers ought not to have taken the serious step of stopping the course of a Commission which had actually commenced to take evidence, and which previously had taken measures to have all parties represented. We could have understood it if the Government had yielded to the public opinion, when that was expressed, and had recalled the Commission. But the late Ministers had the public objections before them, and declined to accede. The present Ministers decide to stop the Commission by a peremptory order from the Governor, not in deference to any public expression of opinion, but apparently from representations made by a gentleman who was engaged in the case, and who finds himself at Wellington in the capacity of a member of the House of Representatives. Ministers have not made a good beginning.

Our Rotorua correspondent informs us that the Government have declined to undertake the comparatively inexpensive work of deeping the Ohau stream |at its outlet into Lake Rotoiti. The Government here alluded to, is, we take it, the one whose resignation lias been gazetted. If so, an appeal to the present occupants of the lreasury benches may prove more successful. We cannot believe that they will turn a deaf ear to a request at once so reasonable and just. The work is necessary to open up to tourists and ethers a chain of lakes that vie in beauty with those which history and the muse have made famous in other lands. At present they are seldom visited, but if this trifling work were done, they would become one of the most pleasing and popular scenic attractions of a district teeming with the wondrous, the fearsome, and the beautiful. A description of these lakes—Rotoiti, Rotoehu, and Rotoma— has recently appeared in the columns of the Herald, and it must have, come as a surprise to many that such exquisite lacustrine gems existed in the district. The number of tourists to New Zealand is increasing yearly, and is likely to become considerable. It is desirable to encourage this traffic, and one way of doing so is to render easily accessible the marvels and the beauties of our incomparable wonderland. That is a duty which properly belongs to the Government, and one which Ave hope they will not neglect.

Our cable messages this morning state that the. Indian rising has now been completely quelled. The Central American States are greatly agitated, and are preparing for war, which is expected to break out in the spring. In the course of a speech at Manchester the Marquis of Hartington said the Home Rule agitation was dead, and advised all parties to effect a compromise in order to obtain for Ireland a system of local government so as to save it from national disruption. Mr. Parnell's attitude, however, still continues defiant and irreconcilable. A shocking murder is reported from Melbourne. While two lovers were strolling together the man in a fib of jealousy nearly severed his sweetheart's head from her body with a razor. He afterwards attempted to commit suicide, but lacking courage surrendered himself to the p^ice. The first sitting in Auckland of Mr. Justice Edwards and Mr. Ormsby, the commissioners appointed under section 20 of the Native Lands Court Act Amendment Act, 1889, to inquire into the circumstances of the alienation of lands in Pukekura and Puahue districts, Waikato, took place yesterday. Mr. E. B. Walker alleged that he had purchased the interests of certain natives in those blocks, but it appeared that the title was incomplete, owing to a former Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court having destroyed certain certificates which he then thought valueless, but which subsequently proved to be the basis of title. The Court was formally opened in the Native Lands Court, Customhouse buildings, and was then adjourned to the Supreme Court. Mr. Justice Edwards appeared in Judge's robes, and Mr. E. Hesketh, who appeared for Mr. Walker, was also robed ; but Mr. Ormsby, the other commissioner, was in ordinary clothing. There was no opposition on behalf of the natives, but the most minute and detailed evidence of the transactions had to be given, and an extraordinary lot of documentary evidence was required. Each individual interest was dealt with on its merits, and this entailed a good deal of repetition. Finally the commissioners reserved their decision until ten o'clock to-morr w, in order to allow them time to consider documentary and other evidence.

A' little boy about two years of age, the son of John Anderson, gumdigger, residing near Henderson, died on the train just before reaching the Mount Eden Station on Saturday afternoon. He had been seen picking taupaki berries in the scrub surrounding his father's house, and soon afterwards became very sick. His parents were taking him to Auckland for medical attention, but the child grew worse on the journey and died in his mother's arms. Dr. l'hilson held an inquest on Saturday night at the Eden Vine Hotel, when a verdict of " Death from swallowing taupaki berries" was returned.

As one indication of the improved state of affairs generally, it is stated that the number of houses unoccupied are less by one half than they were at this time last year. In a great many cases improvements nave been made and the premises repainted. The number of depositors and amount of depositors are steadily increasing also at the Auckland Savings Bank, a fact which tells its own tale.

An excursion will be made to-day to St, Heliers Bay by one of the ferry steamenleaving the ferry tee at half-past ten a. mi and half-past two p. m.

Mr. George Kent, Mayor of has received a letter from th o Bft ,!;l" ark the Huntly Mine Accident Relief y 0 asking him to interest himself in rn „f'H the fund and to receive subscription, n ° n g half of the sufferers. Mr. Kent d ' nbe " to state that he will receive Us for the fund at any time at his bus, 10r " premises in Newmarket. ÜBl oesj

At St. Paul's Church annual upheld last night, the Rev. C. M N l *• pointed out that the present year 'w, ?" jubilee of the laying of the founrtltstone of the original Church of St Pi the first European church erected in a •' land, He also said that this year ha ' tained his majority as incumbent of «,'" Church, that is to say, he had been V nected with the parish for 21 years. The authorities seem to be determined crush the practice of overloading the tra cars, about which there have been ma complaints. Accordingly Mr. Geo. Golcr the Council's inspector, concluding th°' weather such as that which prevailed k night, would very probably create a tnl for the cars, boarded one at the ton t Wellesley-street shortly after five o'clock This car was packed. Mr. Goldie too'" down the number of passengers, and th name of the conductor, apparently » v i t u the object of instituting proceedings. Ti ' conductor stated that after the car had on board the licensed number, he warned th* others that they were getting on at their own risk; but they apparently preferred to accept this risk to that "of getting drenched. *

Two charges of forging and utter'm» cheques were disposed of at the Polic.

Court yesterday morning. The parties accused in the first case were John Burtoa and James Cunningham, the cheque jj, question being drawn on the National

Bank for the amount of £34 Ids. By means of this cheque the sum of £17 was obtained from Ah Chee, restaurant keeper. Both prisoners were committed for trial. The second charge was against Henry John Phillip?, who tendered a cheque, signed "George Loram," for the sum of £12 10a

in payment for certain drinks to M r ' Endean, of the Waitemata Hotel. Georrrj Loram deposed that he had not signed the cheque, but remembered that the accused had worked for him for a . few days, Prisoner was committed for trial. From the evidence of the clerk of the Union Bank of Australasia in the second case it

appears that a loose blank cheque had been sold, but he could not tell to whom. Commenting on this Mr. Moody, one of the J.P.'s, stated that this system of eellin» cheques to anyone ought to be seen into! It seemed to him to be an inducement for people to commit forgery. ' He never understood that it could be done, and thought that the cheques were only sold to cus. tomer?. Inspector Broham said the system was quite new to him.

• Mr. Shortland, solicitor, writes to uj vindicating his action in the case Wynne v, Baker, against the censures of. Dr. Giles R.M. Mr. Shortland then proceeds :—Re', ference was made during the case to the cause of death of my wife. I fear Ido wrong to the sacred dead and my own dignity to speak even in self-defence. However, through pain of mind and. body I will do so. At the time of the death of my wife I was a very young man. In her was vested every quality a wise and an ambitious man could long for. She was drowned in a pond in the grounds surrounding her beautiful home. She was admired, beloved, and revered by every one who knew her for she was a perfect woman. Scientific men decided that the cause of death was accidental drowning. Thirteen Judges unanimously decided that the cause of death was accident, that I was elsewhere, and that I left Court without a stain on my character. ' Counsel for the Crown shook hands with me in Court, and publicly acknowledged I was completely innocent. The whole press upheld me. My wife's

parents invited me to live with them after the death of their daughter, I have made this explanation [which in itself is unnecessary, as he who runs can read my innocence] as a duty to the public, whom I will not allow either the foolish or the wicked to mislead. Respecting all men, I fear no man in the stern performance of my humble duty. In trying to do right, I know we fall short of our best effort by frailty of mind and body.

It is gratifying to find some of our local industries are patronised even by protectionist America. By the Alameda Messrs. Cook and Sons, of the Freeman's Bay Glass Works, sent away the sixth consignment of glass shades for electric lamps.

A number of alteration and improvements are being made at the Auckland Telegraph Office. For some time past the operating room has proved too small for the growing business of the department, and trom its stuffiness and lack of proper ventilation was very unhealthy for the operators working in it. Five offices north of it, occupied by the officer-in-charge, Mr. Furby, the chief clerk, and other officers of the General Government, have been thrown into one large hall, with louvred ventilators, and which apartment will accommodate double the number of operators. New operating tables, etc., are to be fitted up. Mr. Farby will find new quarters in the offices form erly used by the Registrar of Marriages and as " Ministers' room." The chief clerk will be accommodated in the present opera-ting-room, which will be curtailed in width by a corridor being taken off it leading from the operating-room to the Telephone Exchange. Further accommodation' will be provided for the Telephone Exchange, the business of which is increasing, and the battery store-room will be shifted to a more suitable position. On the ground floor the public office is to be improved in various ways, and the whole department renovated. These alterations will greatly promote the facilities for telegraphic business, and promote the health and comfort of the officers engaged in the department.

The anniversary of the birthday of Scotland's national poet was celebrated last evening in St. George's Hall, by the Auckland Burns Club, with a concert and ball. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weathei there was a good attendance, a number being in Highland costume. The audience was very representative, including Highlanders, Lowlanders, and Borderers. Mr. McCrae, of Waipu, was the piper of the evening. Mr. James Stewart, president of the club, presided, and paid an eloquent tribute to the memory of Burns, from whose poems he freely quoted illustrative examples of his spirit and patriotism. Burns was pre-eminently a national poet, and his songs and ballads were enshrined in the memory and affections of his countrymen, whether they lived in Scotia, or in these sunny lands. The following was the concert programme, which was gone through in a highly creditable manner :— Bagpipe selections, Mr. McCrae; song.

"There Was a Lad Was Born in Kyle, Mr. Armstrong ; song, " Here's to the Year that's Awa'," Miss Barron; song; " A Man's a Man for a' That," Mr. Lank ham; dance, "Highland Fling," Mr. McLean; song, "Green Grow, the Rushes, 0." # r - Lyle ; song, " Rothsay Bay," Miss Lye; song, "Oa' the Airts the Wind Can Biaw," Mr. Carter; dance, "Ghillio Galium,' Master Moncur ; song, "Willie Brewed a Peck o' Maut," Mr. Armstrong ; recitation, "Tarn o' Shanter," Mr. John Robertson; song, "Corn Riggs are Bonnie," Mr. Carter; song, "And Ye Shall Walk in Silk Attire," Miss Grindrod; song,

"Scots Wha Hae," Mr. Lankham; duet, "In the Dusk o' the Twilight," Misses Barron and Lye ; " Auld Lang Syne. The next part of the programme was awaited with intense interest, namely, the advent of the " haggis." After a brief period of anxious suspense, it was brought forth from the ante-room escorted by the committee, and placed upon a table in front of the platform, in view of the assemblage. Mr. Stewart, the president, after eyeing it critically, knife in hand, recited with dramatic fervour Burns's "Apostrophe to the Haggis," and it was then cut up and served round to the company. By general consent th« haggis was pronounced to be the best which had ever been turned out by the Club, and some enthusiastic Caledonians recklessly passed up their plates, Oliver-like, wanting " mair !" The hall was then cleared for dancing. Messrs. Reed and Davis provided the dance music, and Messrs. McLean and Moncur officiated as M.G'.'s. Mr. Buchanan, ol Wakefield street, was the caterer. On the supper-table, which was nicely laid out, were four large shortbread cakes bearing respectively the mottos in sweeties. " Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot, " For Auld Lang Syne," " Unco Guid toe » Dram," " May a' That's Guid Attend ie., Dancing was kept up to the "sma''oors, the reunion proving very enjoyable » nft successful.

Thc Auckland volunteers and public T r*llv have reason to be proud at the P C " e SJ exhibition of marksmanship shown firS tS£ "reps" during the Rifle Associaby meeting, the final results of which are UoU Za 'dw'here, and though doubtless d "«-ill be a large measure of regret felt % champion belt nob being amongst the Bt 'brought here, the splendid struggle "Sfor it must take any keenness out of A appointment. Bombardier VV ebster th aw*ii A" Battery) got second honours ( vrii«e of Wanganui, the scores being % ands3? respectively. The formers St, Performance is all the more meritorious ''" ~P i t is noted that owing to his unfor- " .Vlv small score at the 600 yards range, hHSrted to fire at the 700 yards as far i «as fifth, with 16 points to the bad. In . . \»*t seven shots which concluded the the hl Ablegate Match he had by splen-j-X steady "work gained second position S however, still 10 behind Kruee, the , 1 ",' The extra 10 shots gave him a final SortuMity of victory, but the odds were ? , "re-it • nevertheless, he managed to run k- r .,nNK'Onist as close as two points • the ° grand total. Webster has I'L.iilv been in the front rank of that crick'' shooting corps the "A" Battery Artillery and has frequently won tip"company's cup, besides other trophies, well as earning distinction in previous Awociation meetings, more particularly in the carbine class now abolished. Arrangement's are now on foot to organise a fitting reception for the reps, on their return here. \\V notice the return to New Zealand of Admiral the Hon. A. Dennison, after an Vb«encc of nearly 30 years. This officer scr ved in the New Zealand war as lieutenant in the Pelorus under Admiral Seymour. He pays us a visit for the benefit of his health, going on to the Lake District shortly.

At .i meeting of the- Auckland Federated Butchers' Union, held in the Trades Assembly Rooms last evening, it was resolved to commence the year with a clean sheet, by wiping off the books all claims on members in arrears to that time, from which all members will bo expected to piy monthly, according to rules, or be fined. It was also resolved to hold a social monthly for members and their friends only. The revision 0 i ? ome of their rules was arranged for, collectors of monthly contributions were -■•'.ointed, and reports of canvassing committee for the butchers' annual picnic were received. It was considered advisable to alter the place previously chosen for that festival, ami after considerable discussion it was resolved to hold the picnic and sports on the Devonport racecourse, and to include several hoise races, viz., a butchers' hack race, pony race, trotting match, etc. Satisfactory arrangements were reported by the secretary a? having been offered by the pevonport Ferry Company, and the employees seem determined to make a successful' meeting of it. The employers, who have in the past carried out the picnic, have decided to hand the matter over to the employees ; and a most enthusiastic meetin.', which was adjourned till Monday next, si the same time and place, closed with a vote of thanks to tho chairman. There was .a large attendance.

The Official Visitor to the Asylum, Mr. F. U. Ewington, in his last report, treats of the causes of the insanity prevalent here. g e : _" What is the cause of all this insar.ity? Some say 'drink.' I do not believe" it. Drink is only one of many causes. Dr. Macgregor's estimate of 16 per cent, from drink may possibly be below the mark, because there are so many 'unknown' cause*. Some cases cannot be traced. It is, I think, wrong to assign drunkenness as the principal cause of insanity here. Domestic and business worry, hereditary taint, religious excitement, sexual excesses, solitude on our gumfields, and diseases incidental to women, are prolific causes of insanity. Our modern ways are not favourable to long life and mental health. We are running at the pace that kills. Cutthroat rivalries in business, unsatisfied amlitions, disappointed hopes, haste to be rich, anxious efforts to keep up appearances, help to till our asylums. It is gratifying to observe many recoveries—even some apparently hopoless cases have been cured."

It will be seen from an advertisement elsewhere that a duly-qualified medical man is required in a rising township near Auckland, where a good income may be relied on. A correspondent says : —"Some months ago there were two doctors living in Holcnsville —one Dr. T. W. Bell, formerly of the Auckland Hospital, the other Dr. S. J. Denton. They have both left, and we are now without a doctor, so that if one is required he must be brought from Auckland at a cost of from eight to ten guineas. The only doctors in the whole Kaipara district are Dr. Montaine (Mauneaturoto) and Dr. Norton (Dargaville), so that a doctor living at Helensville would have a big district to look after. Dr. Bell has gone to take the practice of Dr. Clarke, of Whangarei, who was compelled to go away for his health's sake ; and Dr. Denton has gone to Kawakawa. I am confident that a competent and energetic man could make a practice in the Helensville district of £400 a year. There is a chemist at Helens.ville."

Last evening, in spite of the very unfavourable weather there was a good audience to hear from Mr. E. T. Smith the recital of Gough's famous oration, " Man and Hi* Masters." This oration has been called Gough's masterpiece, and certainly it is from first to last a grand specimen of natural eloquence. The various illustrations were given with splendid effect, and elicited frequent and hearty applause, his. rendering of "A Scene in Pandemonium" was remarkably tine, and one cease 3 to wonder at the crowds which used to hang upon the great orator's words when a recital can be given in such a manner as to move the audience :>t will. This evening Mr. Smith gives a special treat, and anyone who has not heard him should make a point of being present. The entertainment will consist of selections from tho various orations, including the most pathetic, humourous, and dramatic incidents, and in addition he will recite that wonderful poem of G. K. Sims, "Ostler Joe." Mr. Smith has made his mark here as being one of the best elocutionists who have visited Auckland, and doubtless, with fine weather, the hall will be crowded.

Considerable alterations are being made at the Auckland Roller Flour Mills, Fortstreet. Wheat stores are being erected of brick and concrete, and wheat binns which will accommodate 10,000 3acks. They have been built through the Auckland Pwoller Mill Company losing the use of the store in Gore-street, now occupied by Messrs. Butcher and Co. for storing wool and flax. A large corrugated iron shed, capable of holding 4000 sacks, has also been built, which will accommodate the large shipments of wheat from the South which the company receive. By the business thus being concentrated in one block the cost of cartage and handling is greatly reduced. The alterations and improvements are being carried out by Messrs. W. Philcox and Sons, contractors.

Last evening Mr. Frank Bradley gave his farewell organ recital prior to his leaving for Australia to-day en route for England. The great concerto in F major, of Handel's, opened ( the performance. Mr. Bradley's rendering of this noble piece was moat brilliant. The solo effects of the nightingale played on the swell organ on ;he piccolo stop, answered by the flute stop 3n the choir, was most effective, and the allegretto movement with its rich harmonies, "vas most artistically given. Mendelssohn's sixth sonata in I) minor was executed with great clearness and power. The impressive chorale was boldly given out, and the who effects played on the swell organ after the pause was very effective. The intricate arpeggio accompaniment in the allegro molto Movement was faultlessly given, and the exquisite andante received a delicate interpretation. The judicious use of the swellMai in Gounod's beautiful solo, "La Uolombe " greatly added to its finished Performance. The famous fugue in 10 minor, of the great Bach, was played in a firm and resolute manner. Mr. Bradley displayed very great taste in Lux's '* O Sanctisstma." A masterly performance of the Grand Chorus in D major, of Guilmant's, brought or| fe of the most artistic organ performances to a, close that has been held in Auckland.

' Tenders are invited for the erection of a native schoolliouse and teacher's residence M J'oroporo, near Whakatane. The annual meeting of the Working Men's " lu will be held in the olubroom on Friday uext.

The house steward of the District Hospital ,® r ,?i through our columns to thank Mr. •™ Mrs. Gharrington for a gift of flowers for in use of the patients. The Orange Institution will hold a monster wrauc on Regatta Day to Motutepu.

The annual meeting of the trustees of the Auckland Savings Bank will be held on Friday next at three o'clock. The regular monthly meeting of Lodge Ara will take place this evening, at Freemasons' Hall, at 7.30. We have been requested to announce that St. Mary's (Parnell) Sunday-school picnic is postponed until to-morrow (Wednesday), on account of the weather. Mr. J. Harris Edge (Edge and Sons, Rhifnal, Salop) has returned from the Southern Island, ami will be glad to see his Shropshire and other British friends at the Grand Hotel. Messrs. Cochrane and Son will offer by auction today a valuable library of books, consisting of upwards of one thousand volumes of choice works. "Sylvia Park."—This fine estate is to be sold to-morrow by public auction, by Messrs. Arthur and Buddie, at their estate salerooms, Agricultural Hall, City Market. It contains 322 acres of superior volcanic land, subdivided into convenient paddocks, well watered, having large frontages to Great South and Panmiiro Roads, also to the Tamaki river, making it a convenient and valuable property for subdividing into small farms and homesteads, it being close to the township of Otahuhu. There are valuable buildings on the estate, consisting of dwelling-house, cottages, large concrete stables, and other buildings.