THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, APRIL 13,1891.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8539, 13 April 1891, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, APRIL 13,1891.

In a previous article upon the subject of Australian Federation, it was conclusively shown that the immediate difficulty to be surmounted by the promoters was the financial changes which it would inevitably occasion, besides the general loss to the colonies caused by the abandonment of Customs duesnpop, intercolonial trade, a bereavement at the same time coincident with the creation of additional expenditure for federal purposes to the extent of two millions and a quarter sterling. Then the indebtedness of the colonies which it is proposed to federate, opposing, as it does, so serious an obstacle to the renunciation by them of any portion of their revenues, is also a most important matter for consideration, although it is proposed'to answer that question by a taking over on the part of the Federal Government of the whole of the colonial debt. These are very large transactions, but they do not necessarily infer, additional burdens upon the people. Thus, by the abolition of restrictions upon intercolonial trade, the communities interested are far from being losers in a pecuniary sense by the change, only the Government, in eacli instance, has less money to spend or to squander, as the case may be. So also as regards the proposed transfer of Customs and Excise from the colonies to the Federal Government, unless the duties, or the cost of collecting them, should be augmented by the latter, the pocket of the citizens remains untouched ; for them the question is only one of re-adjustment, and if the change should prove burdensome to any of them, the people have it in their power to reduce the expenditure of the State Governments to the taxable capacities of each. No doubt the revenues of

the colonies collectively would be diminished by the amount required to carry on the Commonwealth, plus the item of loss caused by the suppression of intercolonial customhouses. However, for this sacrifice there would be a substantial quid pro quo in the saving to be effected by handing over to the administration of the Federal Government many expensive and unremunorative services, such as defence, external affairs, immigration and emigration, census, influx of criminals, lighthouses, beacons, <fec., etc. The question for the people in this debate is not therefore directly one of money, although it presents that aspect to the Government of each State. t For them (the people) the point to be considered is the advantages offered by the scheme to the populations, in the matter of security from foreign aggression, in that of a strong Government at Home, of financial confidence and credit, of consideration abroad, also as the means of a closer and more influential connection with the mother country, and not least, in the increased power gained by federation of profitably using the vast extent of waste land embraced in the new dominion. All those gains, and many more besides, as accruing from the strength to be obtained by union have been pointed out by speakers and by writers "upon this subject both at home and in the colonies. Nobody, indeed, denies the great advantages held out by Federation, not even Sir George Grey, and that being so, all that remains to be secured in order to make the plan acceptable to the whole world—bigoted Separatists and rabid Protectionists excepted—is the integrity of State rights, which is amply provided for in the Convention resolutions, their powers, indeed, remaining complete, as at present, save in the matters entrusted to the care of the Commonwealth for the general good. No doubt colonial politicians will be found to express dissatisfaction with the large powers granted to the Federal Government in matters fiscal; but, unless such attributions shall be found to cripple the ability of the States to carry on internal improvements, the complaint would be void of foundation. It does not necessarily follow that diminished revenues constitute a disadvantage to Governments extremely democratic, but the fear of such a consequence following upon the adoption of federation by the Australian colonies, may be at once dismissed, the presumption being that increased confidence would quickly develop population and give occupation to capital.

Under the proposed Common wealth the existence of an armed revolt, which seems to be in fall swing in Queensland just now, would be simply impossible, and the knowledge that a force adequate for the repression of disorder was at the command of a Government uninfluenced by local considerations would do more to bring back prosperity than any number of labour demonstrations. Whatever reception the Bill may meet with from the legislatures and the populations of the Australian colonies it is impossible to doubt of its ultimate successthat is, of the eventual adoption by Australia of federation under some such shape as that represented by the scheme of the Sydney Convention, but the position of New Zealand geographically, politically, and economically makes her case exceptional, and has led to a declaration on the part of her representatives that, in the meantime, she will play the part of spectator rather than take any part in the game. In justification of this attitude on her part, Sir John Hall, speaking at the Conference of 1890, stated that nature has made 1200 impediments to the inclusion of New Zealand in an Australasian Federation, in the 1200 miles of ocean which separate Australia from our islands, in consequence of which gulf, government in sight and within hearing of the people is impossible, while that kind of government is the only one understood by the people. Again, New Zealand does not as yet contain a leisured class sufficiently large to supply her quota to a Legislature sitting in Australia. Captain Russell, upon the same occasion, urged the necessity of an acquaintance with Maori history and a knowledge of Maori character, as a preliminary to useful legislation on their behalf. Further, lie deprecated the competition of an immature people like the population of this colony, with older communities and wellestablished industries. Upon the question of Defence, Captain Russell, as an old soldier, speaks with authority. He cannot see how New Zealand is to benefit by a Federal army stationed in Australia, because before it could arrive to help us, any expedition directed against this colony would have delivered its assault, ami, successful or not, would have departed. Of course there is another side to this question, viz., its commercial aspect, which may prove stronger than distance and more pressing than time. Our exports to Australia in 1889 amounted in round numbers, to £2,150,000. By-and-bye the question will be. Ought such a.trade to be strangled in its infancy by the considerations which now determine the action of the New Zealand Government in standing aloof 'I and, if she remains out in the cold what attractions can she offer to population and to capital compared with those of Federated Australia ?

There is one great advantage in having Ministers who have risen, as it is called, from the ranks of labour. We should prefer some other term, as it is by no means certain that a New Zealand politician who has left the ranks of the producers to become a Minister of the Crown, has in any way risen. But let that pass. The advantage lies in this, that ho can put his foot down in opposition to any unjust or extravagant claims of the wage-earning class, without being taunted with ignorance of their position, or want of sympathy arising from birth and education. Mr, Seddon has shown no more than the vigour and energy which everyone acquainted with his previous career expected since lie entered upon office. But he has come out in some rather unexpected ways, and more especially in plainly telling the Christchurch unemployed that he would not admit the principle that the Government were bound to find work, except such as would be reproductive. He also very wisely refuses to pay the men by the day, even at the rate of 4s 6d, and lets the work by small sections to gangs of the men themselves at such a rate as to give them ordinary wages. Anybody who

hasher seen men at relief works in Government pay, doing the "Government Stroke," will know what a • differftnce\this .plan will make in the amount if -work done. The art of doing as. little a,. possible in the longest possible time %s been carried to perfection in these collies. Mr. Seddon has been too long oil the West Coast not to know the difference between wages men 1 and those wonting their own claims ; but a wages maVon the West Coast is a working, pdustrious man, who must do a fair city's work. But old miners all admit tlatno wages will get the work out of a nan that he can anc will do when workin* in his own claim Great will be the growings among the loafing tribe, and stiong will be thdj language in which tiny will abuse Mr j Seddon when they an fairly out o, ! | reach of his fists. It is.really a grant thing to have a Minister who is net afraid of anybody—not even of tie working man. And whatever peope j may say about " Dick" Seddon, is every West Coaster calls ' him, them is one thing that never was sail about him, that he was a coward, i better example of the regular Englia bull-dogbrave, tenacious, and absolutely without fear of any humai being—than the Hon. Richard SeddoJ, M.H.JFt., is not to be found in NetZealand. He may make mistakes, aid lie probably will, but at present ie seems to be going the right way to work, and doing what few previous Ministers have ever dared to do, tellinj the people the truth. i

Our cablo messages this morning state that at the opening of the Austrian Reichstath the Emperor in his speech referred to the maintenance of tho peace of Europe, and said from the assurances he had received that there was every prospect of a scries of years of unbroken tranquillity. Later news from India is to the effect that the outbreak of the Miranzai is spreading. The rising in Manipur appears to be at an end. It has transpired that Commissioner Quinton was killed in action, and that the usurper to the throne has been executed. The people are said, to desire peace. An outrage is reported from Zanzibar, a building adjoining the Sultan's palace having been blown up with gunpowder, causing serious loss of life. An officer of Hussars, fearing arrest in connection with the affair, committed suicide." The deaths of three members of the House of Commons are announced to-day, the most notable of which is that of the Right Hon. G. A. F. Cavendish-Bentinck, who was called to the Bar as long ago as 1846, and has sat in the Commons since 1859. He was appointed Parliamentary secretary to the Board of Trade in 1874, and in the following year was made Judge Advocate General. At the time of his death he represented Whitehaven. On Saturday morning the Earl of Onslow, accompanied by Captain Guthrie and Mr. Walrond, left Auckland on a visit to Judge Fen ton's place, near Shelly Beach, Kaipara. The party went in a special car, attached to the ordinary 6.55 o'clock train, and on arriving at Helensville drove the remaining twelve miles. They are to return to-day, reaching Auckland this afternoon. The Hon. P. Buckley, Attorney-General, arrived in Auckland on Saturday by the Hinemoa, and was the guest of Mr. J. M. Shcra, at llemuera, during his brief stay. He left again by the Hinemoa for Wellington yesterday morning, but, brief as his stay was, lie was interviewed on the subject, of alleged cases of landdummyism in Auckland province, and promised to have inquiry made regarding them. - Among the visitors in town is Mr. J. W. Hall, manager of the celebrated Mount Morgan mine, 26 miles from Rockhampton. He has been making a pleasure trip through the colony, and for the benefit of his health, with his wife and family. Mr. Hall leaves for Sydney by this week's steamer. His stay here has been so short that he has had no opportunity of visiting any of our goldfields. Last year the Mount Morgan mine paid in dividends £700,000, and the previous year £1,100,000, which ought to be satisfactory to the fortunate shareholders. Mr. Hall showed our representative some of the stone from the mine, which is not unlike the stone first got from the Shotover, at the Thames goldfield, and he stated it ran, about £4000 to the ton.

As stated in the Hkrald of Saturday, Mr. J. M. Shera, M.H.R., telegraphed to the Hon. R. Seddon, at the request of some Whangarei settlers, asking the Minister of Mines to visit the Puhipuhi district, and open the new machinery erected there. Mr. Shera received the following reply in a telegram on Saturday : —"I am working hard to get urgent departmental matters fixed up, so as to enable me to get away from Wellington at an early date. I cannot at present fix the date for my Auckland visit. Otherwise, I would have great pleasure in opening Puhipuhi machinery." Mr. Justice Conolly and Mr. Bruce (Judge's Associate) will leave to-day for New Plymouth, where His Honor will preside at a sittings of the Supreme Court. He will then proceed to Wellington to attend the Court of Appeal, where there is a long list of cases for hearing. He will probably be absent from Auckland five or six weeks. Tho ordinary meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board will bo held at their offices to-morrow afternoon, at three o'clock. The following business will be considered :—The reception of tenders for concrete facing, Quay-street; and landing steps at Calliope Dock. The following notices of motion also came up for consideration :—Mr. Niceol to move : " That the anchorage ground for Her Majesty's ships of war in Auckland harbour be defined as marked upon chart and duly gazetted." % " That the foreman of works be directed to submit plan and estimate for shelter shed in Calliope Dock yard." His Honor Mr. Justice Conolly sab in banco on Saturday, to hear an appeal by Robert. Kurtz hgainsb the determination of Dr. Giles, R.M., who ordered that he should be sent to Victoria. It appears that some time ago Kurtz was arrested on a warrant issued from Victoria, charging him with the larceny of £5, and when brought before the Resident Magistrate, it was ordered that he should be sent to Victoria under that war rant. The appeal was practically a new trial, and after hearing the evidence and argument of counsel .on both sides (fresh evidence being admitted), His Honor dismissed the appeal without costs, and sustained the order of the Resident Magistrate. A Huntly correspondent desires to air a grievance : —" On Monday last a settler had to wait so long for two post office orders that an extra penny stamp had to be affixed to the letter containing the same, so as to catch the outgoing mail at five minutes to eleven. Now the said'settler was at the post office in plenty of time to get what he wanted and then be in time to post his letter in the ordinary way. But owing to the three officials in the office here being so frightfully overworked, or some other cause, he was kept waiting until an extra penny stamp became necessary to ensure the lettor being duly forwarded, or else miss the mail altogether. One of our local storekeepers expected a parcel from Auckland on a certain day, and on making inquiries at the station he was told there was nothing for him. He went the next day, and after waiting about an hour he obtained possession of his parcel, which he found had actually • come up the day before. Owing to the delay a rival storekeeper, got an order for certain goods that had been ordered through storekeeper No. 1, the said goods being, in consequence, left on his hands." Our correspondent thinks if the staff is overworked that it should be increased. Yesterday evening, about half-past eight o'clock, a man named Dooley took ill suddenly, and died at the Blue Post Dining Rooms before a medical man could be sent for. It appears he has been ailing for some weeks, and been attending at the Hospital and getting medicine. . There is not likely to be any inquest in consequence. The University College opening lecture is to bo delivered in the Choral Hall on Wednesday next, at four o'clock in the afternoon—not on Monday, as erroneously stated on Saturday. The annual meeting of the subscribers and friends of the Orphan Home, Parnell, will be held in the Home, St. Stephen's Avenue, Parnell, on Thursday evening next, at half-past seven o'clock. His Lordship Bishop Cowie will preside.

7he annual excursion and treat for the orphanages of Auckland, inaugurated many years ago by Captain Logan, when he was rid command of the steamer Hero, is, \ V{ cte glad to see, to be continued in its in. fegrity, the Devonport Ferry Company laving generously stepped into the breach by providing a steamer for the occasion {Messrs. Reid Brothers, with their usuai courtesy, have placed ac the disposal of th o committee who have arranged the picnic and excursion, the use of their beautiful island, Motutapu, and the Ferry Company, in addition to giving the use of one of their largest steamers, the Eagle or the Britannia, for the day, have sent a punt to land the excursionists. Besides this conveyance two large boats from the school at Kohi. marima" will also be in attendance, so that there will be no delay or difficulty in landing and embarking the children. The steamer is to leave Queen-street Wharf for Motutapu this morning at half-past nine o'clock should the weather prove propitious, and the Newton Band, under Bandmaster West, will accompany the expedition. The following schools will take part in the excursion : St. Stephen's Orphanage, St. Stephen's Native School, Girls' Industrial School, Parnell, and Kohimarama Industrial School. The St. Mary's Orphanage will not take part in it as they have only just got over their Easter holiday?, and the Costley Home boys being for the most part apprenticed out to various trades have had their trades holidays. Should the weather prove fine the excursion will be a pleasant one, for a good sports programme has been arranged for the children, and through the liberality of the public, who have contributed handsomely, there will be very suitable prizes for competition.

The presentation to Miss Arnaboldi will take the form of an address and purse of sovereigns, which will be made on Mondayevening next, particulars of which will be duly advertised. Any person who has not contributed, and wishes to do so, must do it at once. The secretary of the fund (Mr. IV J. Duncan) has received the following letter from Mr. George Edgecumbe" I have much pleasure in handing you cheque £2} 4s, on behalt of the Arnaboldi testimonial fund, and trust it will be an incentive to ethers similarly situated to exhibit a like strength of character as was displayed by Miss Arnaboldi in the very trying position she fiund herself placed in." We understand that owing to his private engagements Mr. J. W. Walker has found it nec3s?ary to resign the appointment he at present holds as mining superintendent for tie Kauri Timber Company in the Whargapoua district, and that Mr. .Tame; Langtord, well known as an experienced miner and capable manager in the Thames district, will succeed him. Richard Irwin was charged at the Police Couri on Saturday morning with acting in a most violent manner whilst being arrested for diunkenness. In his struggles he appears to have succeeded in cutting Constable Addison's knees and dislocating the shoulder of Constable Lamb, who is at present in the Hospital. The case was adjourned for a week. The charge of larceny brought against a young girl, Minnie Silva Waymouth, was dismissed after hearing a considerable amount of evidence. Dr. Giles occupied the Bench. At a chamber sitting of the Supreme Court, on Saturday, His Honor Mr. Justice Conolly granted an order for the windingup of the Crawford Special Gold Alining Company on a creditor's petition. It appeared that several judgments had been obtained against the company and execution issued, and the petitioner, a creditor, sought to have the company wound up in order that all the assets might not be swallowed up in satisfaction of those judgments. Counsel for the judgment creditor set up that this company (which is incorporated in Sydney as a no-liability company) could not be wound up in New Zealand, as the Companies Act, 18S2, did not apply, but after hearing argument His Honor granted the order. There is on view in the show window of Messrs. Wildman and Lvell, booksellers, four silver and three bronze medals, and the prize certificates to be awarded at tho forthcoming chrysanthemum show. The latter are surrounded by a border of chrysanthemums, hand painted by Mrs. Tizard, of Auckland, so well known for her taste and skill as a flower painter.

The Ot'ago Daily Times of the 4th instant contains the following :—"Mr. Ward, Post-master-General, was in Dunedin yesterday, and did not at all look as if his labours at the Postal Conference had been of an exhausting character. Notwithstanding his past enmity to the San Francisco Mail Service, he has passed scatheless through the city of Auckland, where opposition to anything that is supposed to benefit that city is regarded as a deadly offence. Fortunately for him, he approved of the service on the last occasion on which it was before the House—when the terms on which it was to be carried on were such that he could not but approve. But it enabled him with perfect truth to say to Mr. Shera, M.H.R., and others; 'Look what I said last year ; doe.s not that satisfy you ?' And it did. Mr. Ward does not intend, it turns out, to remit the postage on newspapers. These same newspapers misreported him. What he does intend to do is to make a halfpenny intercolonial and European rate. This will lose the revenue only some £1200 on the present transmission. It is a very much wiser scheme than the other, and will benefit the colony by increasing the diffusion of information about it at little expense to the sender. This is, of course, on the assumption that Mr. Ward and his colleagues administer affairs so that information about the colony is calculated to do it goodwhich remains, of course, to be seen." The Chrysanthemum Show which opens in the Choral Hall, on Thursday, promises to be a great success. There are 200 entries, the number being about the same as last year, but there are a larger number of exhibitors this year, and the exhibits themselves contain more blooms, 1600 being the number that will be shown. The number of bouquets are the same as last year, 53, with 27 competitors as against 26 last year. Fifty-three ' bouquets have been entered in the Open and Amateur classes, and over 250 blooms will be shown in the ladies and novice classes. These classes are new, and have been the means of bringing out a large number of exhibitors.. The areneral cut flower classes have produced good com tition. The exhibits will fill the main Choral Ilall, and both the side halls, and excellent accommodation will be provided for visitors, the. committee having so planned the stands that tin -'e will be seats in all the hall. There will be a promenade concert on Thursday evening, and on Friday afternoon tea will be provided for the visitors, arrangements having been made to provide for at least 500 guests. The lion, (Secretary, Mr. A. E. Dewes, deserves credit for his exertions to ensure the success of the show. At Timaru on Saturday Devitie and Watson, fireman and. greaser .on the s.s. Bay ley, were committed for trial for "going through " the portmanteau of a young man who shipped there as trimmer. The bottom of the portmanteau was slit, and the .watch, £2 in money, and a bank draft for £50, and clothing were stolen in a very barefaced way. Instructions have been received from Wellington by Inspector Broham to hand over the Thames Station to Inspector Emerson, and it will in future be attached to the East Coast Police District. Coromandel and Mercury Bay districts will still remain under Inspector Broham's jurisdiction. The election of a licensing committee for the Mount Albert district will be held on Wednesday, 29th April, at the Christians' Meeting House, New &orth Road, between, the hours of nine a.m. and six p.m. Nominations will be received at the same place on or before noon of Tuesday, 21st day of April, by the returning officer, Mr. Brooking. The local option poll will be taken at the same time and place. We notice that Sir Edwin Arnold's great poem, " The Light of the World," a por fcion of which we were able to give in out Saturday's supplement, will shortly be on sale at Wildman's. There is some hope for the mute inglorious Milton to burst into song when we state that this single poem has netted to the author before publication the extraordinary sum of £10,000, which is, we believe, the largest amount by far that has ever been paid to any, poet for one of his productions. The universal popularity of " The Light of Asia," by the soma author, has doubtless led the astute firm of | Longman's into the committal of this un« J precedented extravagance.

The strike pay paid over during l»i Week to the operative bootmakers on strikll amounted to about£2so. A number of men! and some of the women of the Machinists'' Union, leave to-day for the South. A delegation from the Knights of Labour interviewed the Operatives' Union, but the result has not transpired. Mr. Shera's letter will be considered by the Boot Manufacturers' Association at their meeting this evening. A special meeting of the Board of Management of the Auckland Typographical Association was held at the Forester's Hall on Saturday evening. A communication of a satisfactory and pleasing nature was received from Mr. H. _ Brett, stating his willingness to comply with tho rules, and his intention to put them in force in all departments of his office at once ; also to carry out the terms of tho agreement entered into with the Association relative to the female compositors employed in his office. All tho master printers in Auckland have now given in their adherence to the rules except .Messrs. Kelly and Baulf, and two smaller houses that do not employ labour. The trade thinks that as every endeavour has been made by the Association to induce .Messrs. Kelly and Baulf to abide by the rules in the future working of their office, supplemented by a promise to those gentlemen not to interfere with their existing arrangements, there is now no other course left than tho adoption of extreme measures, and a special general meeting of the trade will bo held in Kobson's Rooms on Saturday evening next to decide upon some definite action. A deputation was received from the Federated Boot Operatives' Union, who fully explained the causes that led up to the present strike in the boot trade. After hearing the deputation, the Board decided to lay the matter before tho special general meeting on Saturday next, with a view to rendering tho operatives moral and financial help, the deputation promising to supply the Association with a list of the brands of boots that are made by union labour. It is notified by Dr. Kidd, Registrar of the University College, in reference to tho medical curriculum, that students attending the University College can register as medical students, and can complete the course of study for the intermediate examination for the medical degrees of the Uni- ' versity of New Zealand. Certificates of instruction in bioloey, physics, and chemistry given by the Auckland University College are recognised by the University of New Zealand, and also by the Universities ofi London, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, and students who have kept the year's terms in the University of New Zealand can enter and complete their medical course at Cam-' bridge and Edinburgh.

Two lectures were delivered in the Opera House yesterday by Mr. W. \Y. Collins. In the afternoon he took for his subject, "Capital and Labour, or the Coming Revolution," and in the evening he discoursed on " Charles Bradlaugh, Sunday-school teacher, Iconoclast, and statesman." Referring to the struggles of the late member for Northampton, Mr. Collins said that for forty years he had done unceasing battle with unlimited numbers arrayed against him. A battle with fashionable hypocrisy and sincere bigotry ; with misunderstanding and misrepresentation ; with the bitter prejudices of popular opinion, and with unjust and priest-inspired legal enactments. Against all of these he fought a vigorous fight and had come off more than ccnquertir, for he had lived to command the esteem and affection of his opponents. .Mr. Bradiaugh's death was, the lecturer declared, a world's calamity. His integrity was equalled only by his courage, and both were matched solely by his life-long disinterestedness. He was a hater of shams, and he despised the dissembler, while his fearless determination was often mistaken by thoseof lesscourageand foresight for reckless audacity. He was a friend to the poor and the champion of the oppressed, while the tyrant, the hereditary ruler, and the possessor of unjust wealth ever found in him an outspoken exposer and a fearless denunciator. One of the bravest of brave soldiers he fought for a higher humanity. To enthrone right in the hearts of men and to hurl wrong from the pedestal of privilege and power were his life's work. In the midst of his severest conflicts, with "Thorough " for his. watchword, he always said, "I may break, but I will never bend." And now the giant and rugged tree has broken. The persistent wear and tear of years have done their work, and the world is made poorer by the loss of one who lent it an example of untiring energy and unswerving integrity. May we honour his memory by endeavouring to emulate his zeal, and with increased devotion to that humanity hi 3 life has done so much to elevate, and in the interest of those virtues he so persistently endeavoured to advance. The lecture was listened to with rapt attention by the large audience present. A very interesting meeting was held at the Temperance Hall on Saturday night, Mr. Tremain in the chair. The programme was given by friends from the fleet, which was as follows :—Songs by Messrs. Haly, Gribbin, Tiddy, Elliott, Reid, Moon, Knight, Storer, Offord, and Flowers ; trio by Messrs. Haly, Knight, and Miss Kelloir, Speeches were delivered by the chairman and Mr. Haly. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the sailor friends for their help. An "At Home" for the sailors of the warships in harbour will take place this evening, in the schoolroom of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church. The programme is a good one. Not only are the Methodists and Temperance men invited, but any of the sailors' friends who may be ashore on leave will find a hearty welcome. In addition to the unusually interesting programme, the Rev. Alexander Reid will deliver an address, and the Rev. J. Berry, the new minister of Pitt-street Church, is expected to take part in the meeting. The tea will be at half-past six, and during the evening Professor Lambert will contribute an organ solo. Mis.? Amy Vaughan's Amazon Variety Company gave one of their very attractive and agreeable entertainments at the City Hall on Saturday night, and the various items were received with satisfaction, many of them being not only applauded but encored. Several novelties in the shape of Bones, dances, etc., were introduced. The company is now admirably constructed and the scenic effects are excellent so that the present season should continue to attract good houses. Messrs. S. Cochrane and Son will offer for sale to-day, at their rooms, a number of valuable city, suburban, and country properties, full particulars 'of which will be found in another column. All accounts re the citizens' ball must be furnished to the hon. sees, to-morrow. The Timaru Harbour Board invite tenders for. the purchase of the p.s. Titan, with sails, rigging, &c.