MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8693, 9 October 1891, Page 1 (Supplement)

MEETINGS.

THE COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. The thirty-fourth half-yearly meeting of tlio proprietors of the Colonial Bank of Now Zealand was held ab Dunedin on September 30, the Hon. George McLean, chairman of directors, presiding. DIRECTORS* POUT. The report of the directors was read, as follows: — The Directors beg to submit to the Proprietors the accompanying Balance-sheet and Statement of Accounts for the Half-year ended 31st August last. Tin' net profits for the Half-year, after deducting interest paid ami accrued on fixed deposit), rebating bills under discount, and charging all expenses of management, rent, etc., and duly providing for bad and doubtful debts, amount to .. .. £15,592 2 7 To this lias to be added Balance from last Half-year ......... 4,507 16 4 23,419 18 11 And there must be deducted Tax on Note Circulation and Property Tax 2,219 13 3 leaving available.. „ £21,230 3 8 Which the Directors recommend to bo applied as follows :— To Payment of Dividend at the rate of 7 per cfent. per annum on the paidup capital £14,000 0 0 To Balance to be carried forward ... ... .. 7,230 3 3 £21,23fl _3_ Upon confirmation by the Proprietors of the foregoing appropriations, the Dividend will be payable at the Head Office, on and after the Ist October next, and at the Branches on receipt of the warrants. A Branch of the Bank was openod at Palmeraton North on the Ist July, 1891. Geo. McLean*, Chairman. Balance-sheet AS AT 31ST AUGUST, 1801, including LONDON OFFICE AT 3tST MAY, 1891. ' Dr. £ s. d. Capital, £2 paid up on 200,000 Shared 400,000 0 0 Notes in Circulation .. .. .. 117,150 0 0 Hills Payable and other Liabilities .. 942,300 o 6 Deposits 2,168,108 2 4 Balances due to other Banks.. ~ 1,643 0 3 lte.-.LTV.) fund 5'.1,000 0 0 Profit and .Loss ._ ... „ .. 21,230 3 S £3,600,337 17 9 Cr. £ a. d. Coin, Bullion on hand, and Cash Balances at Bankers.. ... .. 850,904 10 1 Government Securities, Consols, etc. ... £177,012 12 2 Government Loans ... 403,333 0 8 531,275 IS 10 Notes of and Balances due by oilier Banks 10,934 12 8 Landed Property and Bank Promises 122,097 10 10 Bank Furniture and Stationery .. 10,014 13 8 Bills Discounted, and all other debts duo to the Bank, including Remittances in Transitu .. „ 2,555,U0 0 8 £3,600,337 17 9 Profit and f.oss Account. Dr. £ 9. d. To Dividend at 7 per cent, per annum at 23th February, 1801 14,000 0 0 To Charges for the Half-year, including Kent, Taxes, Salaries, Remuneration to Directors and Auditors, and all other expenses at Head Office, 31 branches, and 4 Agencies 23,210 15 1 To Tax on Note Circulation .. .. 1,244 12 11 To Property Tax on Paid-up Capital and Reserves to 3lst August, 1801 .. 070 2 4 To Proposed Dividend at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum on the Paid-up Capital.. £14,000 0 0 Balance .. - 7,230 3 8 21,280 3 8 £00,660 14 0 Cr. £ s. d. By Balanca Profit and Loss at 28th February, 1891 .. .. .. .. 18,557 10 i By Gross Profit for Half-year (after making provision for Bad and Doubt- » fill Debts, Interest paid and accrued on Fixed Deposits, and Rebate on Bills Current) amounts to ... „ 42,102 17 8 £60,000 14 0 Reserve Fund. Dr. £ a. d. To Balance .. fc< u, bit* w» 50,000 0 0 £50,000 0 0 Cr. £ a. d. By Balance 28th February, 1891 .. 00,000 0 0 £00,000 0 0 Geo. McLean, Chairman. H. Mackenzie, General Manager. We have examined the Cash and Bills on hand at Head Office, and compared the Abstracts of Balances from the various Branches, and certify the foregoing statement to be in accordance therewith and correct. Keith Ramsay \ All , 1!f „„ Waltkr llislop/ Au(lltors - Dunedin, 9th September, 1891.'' The Chairman, in moviug the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said that in these days the declaration of a 7 per cent, dividend ought to be considered very satisfactory. They had seen the difficulties experienced by some of their neighbours, apd it must nob bo thought that this institution had escaped scatheless, bub their methods of dealing with their difficulties had been different. The Parliamentary returns of land hold by various institutions and companies in the colony showed that this Bank had preferred to face a loss rather than bo bam-

pered by properties. The resulb had shown the wisdom of their methods. For several years paeb to meet these contingencies the Colonial Bank had pub aside money out of profits to a far Greater extent than any shareholder supposed. Their way seemed clear for the future so fur as human foresight could guide them. New Zealand was not likely to go backwards. Although it might be impossible to have in the future a complete immunity from bad debts, still he was sanguine that the directors' policy, control, care, and management were such as reduced the risk of loss. The ease with which money was procurable in England necessitated it being forced out here to earn profit, and in a manner nob consistent with the principles of prudent banking. This bank had limited the amount of English deposits in proportion to the amount of business doing in the colony, preferring thab busiuess should gradually increase by deposits within the colony, so that the people interested, being conversant with the management, would repose confidence in the institution to a greater extent than could bo expected from strangers. English deposits, when taken largely, were liable to be withdrawn when the colony gob into temporary disrepute with home investors. Though tho Bank's onward progress might be slower by limiting English doposits, ib was sure, and under this policy the institution had grown; as quickly and prosperously as its supporters could wish. This was essentially a New Zealand institution. lb had no register outside tho colony. Their 200,000 shares were hold by 1415 proprietors ; of theso ; 1327, holding 182,414 shares, were resident within the colony, the remaining 88, holding 17,586, residing out'side the colony (some only temporarily), were all interested in tho colony. lie thought it a proper time to refer to this matter, on account of a statement in Parliament, that the capital of all our banks was held outside tho colony, and to show how little this statement applied to the Colonial Bank. But their doposits, with tho exception of £600,000, held in London, being the limit up to which they took money there, were all >* \v Zealand deposits. Their fixed depositors numbered 5,753, and inI eluding those in Loudon, averaged £294 each. Seeing how much they were bound up with the colony, and that it was now the only Bank directly managed in the colony, ib was natural that they should look to the Government for a share of the colony's banking account. After detailing tho history of the' Bank's transactions with the Government, during which the then Colonial Treasurer had agreed to give notice of the termii _tion of the agreement with the Government bankers, so that the account might be divided, and showing thab when less powerful than they now are the Bank had helped the Government in times of serious difficulty, the chairman went on to say that they had placed the matter before the present Government, and it was also brought up independently in Parliament as a proposal to divide the account among all the banks, to which this Bank had not the least objection. He was not sure whether this might not bo more in the interests of the colony. Thoy could not complain of the Treasurer claiming time to look into the matter before deciding on the course to pursue. He could confidently say there were not ton members in the House who did nob wish to see tho account divided. He felt sure that a sense of justice on the part of both Government and members for the extraordinary services rendered to the colony by the Bank would beforo long bring a portion of the colony's banking account their way. He pointed out that this Bank had no politics whatever. Its doors wore open for business to every shade of politics and opinions. Tho general manager's instructions to his officers were, not to use the Bank's influence in any political or public matter. While he considered that as a corporation they should take no part in politics, he urged individual shareholders, interspersed as they were all over the colony, to use their influence towards bringing tho Bank a portion the Government business they were justly entitled. V Mr. W. R. Cameron asked whether, in view of the recent writing down of other colonial banking institutions, and the calls made by them, there was any likelihood of the Colonial Bank's capital being written down or of calls being made upon the shareholders ? The Chairman : No chance whatever. Mr. J. B. Neville (Wnikato) said he had intended to ask a question about the £403,000 loan to the Government, bub the chairman had anticipated him. It remained a question whether such a large amount should bo loaned to the Government, and he thought unless they gob a share of the Government business tho directors should try to get the amount reduced. The Hon. Mr. Larnach said ho would like the chairman to answer fully the question of Mr. Cameron, whether there was the slightest chance or probability or possibility of any necessity for forming globo assets, because it had been reported in town in several places. The Chairman" said he was glad to answer the question. A statement of property owned by corporations over a certain amount had been placed before Parliament, and tliab would show how small a sinner the Bank had been in that respect. They would 'see how unlikely ib was thab they should need to form (jlobo assets. There was no possibility ef their making a call for such a purpose, and there was no need to. If business increased so that there was need of more capital, and it was only natural if business kept high that they must look for an increase of capital, the directors proposed to raiso ib by issuing fresh shares instead of calls, and no doubt they were in such a position that they would readily be taken. He was glad of the opportunity of making this reply, because a statement had been made. All successful institutions would have enemies. As to the advance to the Government, they would give doublo or treble tho amount if they could afford ib, the Bank was 60 bound up with the colony, and he was quite satisfied with the colony's resources, so thab there was mo fear of making a mistake that way. A hearty vote of thanks to the directors and officers concluded the meeting. NORTH ISLAND RAILWAYS. A public meeting convened by tho Mayor of Auckland at the request of several citizons, to discuss the question of insisting upon railway communication between Auckland and Taranaki, was held on Sept. 30 at the Lorne-streeb Hall. There was a crowded audience. Mr. M. Niccol moved, " Thab this meeting protests against the isolation of Auckland from the railway system of the North Island, and strongly urges that the interests of the whole colony, and especially thoso of Auckland and Taranaki, will bo advanced by tho immediate construction of the railway from Poro-torau tunnel to Stratford." He hoped they would persevere in this movement) until the, Auckland people had had their rights in this matter. Air. A. H. Nathan seconded the motion, which was carried by a very large majority. Mr. P. Ouphant moved, " Thab representations be made to the Government, urging them to expend forthwith the sum of £65,000, already appropriated for this purpose, out of the North Island Trunk Railway loan, in extending the railway at the north end, from Mokau to the tunnel, and that the residue of this special loan should also be applied in constructing the line withoub delay towards the Stratford divergence." Mr. S. Vaii.k seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr. A. Kidd moved, " That a committee comprising the following gentlemon be appointed to invite the co-operation of tho members for the Auckland and Taranaki provincial districts, - and to promote in other ways the objects sob forth in the foregoing resolutions, with power to add to their number and to appoint sub-commit-tees in outlying districts :—Messrs. M. Niccol, A. H. Nathan, W. S. Wilson, Graves Aickin, S. Vuile, H. Thompson, J. B. Rus- * sell, W. S. Lyell, A. Porter, A. Heather, James Russell, John Marshall, O. J. Hutcliineon, F. Sharland, R. A. Carr, A. W. O'Neill, J. M. Sharp, R. Blair, D. S. Cattanach, P. Oliphant, 0. C. Dacro, J. J. Holland, C. C. McMillan, G. Cozens, W. C'rowther, and tho mover."

This waa agreed to, and the meeting closed with a veto of th»nk« to tho chairman.

The committee met on October 5 at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, New Zealand Insurance Company's Buildings. The Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Upton, preaided.

On tho motion of Air. Kklly, of the AntiPoverty Society, Air. A. Withy wa3 elected a member of the League, in place ; of Air. Piatt. Mr. Coutts was also elected.'

It was decided that the platform of the League should be as follows: —

.The objects of this League are practical and absolutely apart from all politics or parties.

1. To stop the misappropriation of the North Island Trunk Railway loan. 2. To insist on the immediate expenditure of tho £65,000 voted for the extension of the North Islaud Trunk Railway to the Porotorau tunnel, and also to insist upon the completion of the line via Stratford instead of by the central route. With these objects in view, the League propose to create an organisation which shall unite all sections of the community to support our members in bringing pressure to bear upon any Ministry to enforce the just claims of Auckland with regard to railway extension. The Mayor telegraphed to the Premier at Wanganui, after the meeting, informing him of the policy which had been decided upon. Air. Upton received the following telegram from Mr. Ballanco: —" In reply to your telegram covering resolutions, the matter will receive the attention of the Government." GOLD MINING COMPANIES. I CONSOLS. The annual general meoting of shareholders in the Consols Gold Mining .Co. (Limited) was held on Sept. 14 in the large room of the New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Auckland. Mr. L. D. Nathan, in tho absence of Mr. W. S. Wilson, chairman of directors, presided. The directors' report, balance-sheet, engineer's and mine manager's " reports wero read, and, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. James Reid, were adopted, passed, and approved. The retiring directors were Mr. W. S. Wilson and Mr. T. H. Barclay. On the motion of Mr. J. F. Leigh ton Mr. \V. S. Wilson was re-elected, and, on. the motion of Mr. J. Reid, Mr. J. J. Dixon was elected a director in the room of Mr. Barclay. Mr. T. A. Menzies was reappointed auditor. 1! AL A ,\" C - 11 ET. Dr. Receipts : Calls received, £1564 17s •2d ; cash from sale of 38,000 shares at 6d, £950 ; gold from tribute percentages, £25 5s 5d ; total, £2540 2s 7d. Cr.—Disbursements : Wages, £192 14s 7d ; general charges, £425 lis lOd; promoters' money, £200 ; machinery, including erection contract, £1582 18a 5d ; cash balance in bank, £138 17s 9d; total, £25-10 2s 7d. capital account. Dr.—To capital, stock 50,000 shares at 10s each, £25,; total, £25,000. Ck.—By capital called up, £1666 13s 4d ; bv ditto, to call up, £23,333 6s 8d; total, £25,000. NEW ALBURNIA. The annual meetirig of the New Alburnia Gold Mining Company was held at the company's office, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, on the 30bh September. Mr. J. Friar Clarke presided, and called upon the secretary to read the report and balancesheet, which stated that the total receipts were £3246 7s, and after paying expenses there was a balance in hand of £656 15s 4d. The mine manager reported that the works were now completed and the mine thoroughly opened up and ventilated, so that there was every reason to believe that tho future workings will prove satisfactory to the shareholders, and that during bhe coming year good returns will be obtained. The following gentlemen wero elected directors for the ensuing year : — Messrs. J. Friar Clarke, Charles Alexander, J. Dickey, Thomas Dunlop, and S. T. George. Mr. T. A. Menzies was re-elected auditor. VICTORIA. The annual general meoting of the shareholders of the Victoria G.M. Co. was held at the company's office, Victoria Arcade, on the 30th September. Mr. R. Spratt presided. Tlisre was a large attendance. The secretary read the annual report and balance-sheet, showing that the receipts from calls, &c., were about £3600, while the expenditure, including purchase of Deep Level Cross and Prince Imperial mines, about balanced the income. The mine manager reported favourably on the future prospects of the company. The retiring directors, Messrs. Spratt and Kissling, wero re-elected, and Mr, 1). B. McDonald was re-elected auditor. HAURAKI. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Hauraki G.M. Co. was held at Mr. Chambers' office, Queen-street, on the 30th September. Mr. E. C. Carr presided. In their report the directors stated that they could not congratulate the shareholders on any marked success. The total receipts for the year amounted to £673 10s Bd, and the expenditure to £644 10s, leaving a balance in hand of £29 0s Bd. The assets of the company amounted to £271 13s, and the liabilities were £06 5s Id. The following gentlemen were elected directors for the ensuing year : —Messrs. Carr, Buckland, Taylor, Baslev, and Crawford. Mr. Ebenezer Waymouth was appointed auditor. MEETINGS OF JOURNALISTS. A meeting of the journalists of Auckland was hold on the 3rd October at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, to consider the desirableness of forming a branch of the New Zealand .Journalists' Institute, recently established in Wellington. Air. G. M. Main presided. A good deal of comment was passed upon the haste with which tho Institute had been formed, none of the journalists outside Wellington having been consulted, and considerable objection was taken to the constitution as ib now stands. Eventually it was resolved, on the motion of Air. W. Robinson, seconded by Mr. T. W. Leys, " That in tho opinion of this meeting it is nob desirable to form a branch of the Institute of Journalists under the constitution adopted at the meeting held in Wellington; but the journalists of Auckland represented ab this meeting will be prepared to co-operate with journalists in other parts of New Zealand in framing a constitution adapted to the circumstances of the colony." Mr. Wm. Berry suggested the formation of an Auckland Press Club, but the consideration of the matter was deferred in the meantime.

A meeting of Christchurch journalists was held on Saturday evening, the 2Gth ulb. (says a Christchurch paper) for the purpose of forming the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Journalists' Association. There was a large and fully representative attendance. Mr. G. R. Hart was voted to the chair. After a little preliminary discussion, a resolution forming the Christchurch branch of the Association was proposed and carried unanimously. The election of officers was then proceeded with, and resulted a3 follows Chairman, Mr. George R. Hart; ; treasurer, Mr. W. H. Triggs ; secretary, Mr. George Capper ; committee, Messrs. S. Saunders, W. G. Aback, P. Selig, W. H. Graham, A. H. Brieted. and J. Plunkefc, with the officers ex officio, "ROWING CLUBS. The annual general meeting of the West End Rowing Club was held in the Clubroom;' Suffolk Hotel, on Saturday, the 12th September. There was a verv large attendance of the members. _ The financial condition of the Club, as disclosed by the treasurer's report, showed that the total receipts amounted to £101 19s, including a balance of £4 ISs brought forward from last year; the expenditure was £90 14s, leaving a balance on hand of £5 ss. The election of officers resulted as follows: — President, Mr. T. Peacock (re-elected); vicepresidents, Mr. A. E. T. Devore (re-elected), Captain W. Farquahar (re-elected), and Mr. A. S. Russell; captain, Mr. Murdoch McLean; deputy-captain, Mr. J. Clark; secretary, Mr. M. G. McGregor; treasurer, Mr. R. Baxter; committee, Messrs. J. W. Baxter, F. W. Edwards, «T. Knight, A. N. Snedden, and O. Wells; delegate to Auckland Rowing Association, Mr. F. W. Edwards; delegate to New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, Mr. J. R. Gibbons (Wellington). The retiring captain, Mr. F. W. Edwards,-in his annual report, gives the members some very valuable advice, and his decision to resign. his position was received with great regret. A number of new members were elected, bringing tho membership of tho Club up to SO, .

The annual general meeting of the Auckland Rowing Club was held on Sept. 14 in the British Hotel, when despite the bad weather there was a large attendance present. Mr. John Marshall, president, occupied the chair. The yearly report, read by the secretary, Mr. R. St. Clair, showed that a very successful season had been gone through last year, and stated that the plant was in excellent order, while the committee had ordered two new practice four-oared gigs from Melbourne, which would very shortly come to hand. The balance-sheet disclosed a satisfactory state of affairs as regards finance, there being a substantial surplus of assets. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows President, Air. J. Marshall; vicepresident, Mr. H. Brett; captain, Mr. T. Henderson ; deputy-captain, Mr. C. Colebrook (all re-elected); secretary, Mr. T. F. Wallace; treasurer, Air. G. A. Creeth; committee, Messrs. A. N. Gibbons, C. J. Kcnderdine, L. M. Myers, R. St. Clair, W. Sharland; auditors, Messrs. C. F. Minnitt and Wiseman; delegate to Rowing Association, the captain. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring secvotary, Mr. R. St. Clair, for his services, and his health was drunk with musical honours. The following oarsmen were then presented with the trophies, handsome silver medals suitably engraved, won at last year's club fixtures Inaugural Fours, E. Davis, W. G. Allan, 1). Meldrum, C. Colebrook; Club Fours, A. E. Smith, A. H. Busby, A. J. Okey, L. M. Myers; Trial Fours, E. F. Darby,E.Yates, E. R. Reeve, A. N. Gibbons; coxswains. B. Graham, W. Minnitt, and G. Dutliie. The meeting then went in for some social and musical eujoyments, breaking up after a pleasant evening at 10 p.m. The sixth annual meeting ot the City Rowing Club took place on Sept. 10. Mr. J. M. Marshall, Commodore of the Club, presided. There was a good attendance. The secretary, Mr. A. E. Smith, read the annual report, which congratulated the members on the success of the past season. The balance-sheet presented by the hon. treasurer showed the receipts amounted to the sum of £SBl6s, which, with £13 lis in hand at beginning of season, brings the total receipts to £102 7s, while the expenditure was £101 14s, leaving a cash balance in hand and Bank of 13s. The secretary announced that Dr. La wry had given a donation of five guineas to the funds of the club; Captain Nearing, one guinea; and the commodore (Mr. J. M Marshall) had offered a set of five medals for competition by the junior members of the club during the coming season. The election of officers for the ensuing year then took place —Commodore, Air. J. M. Marshall; vice-commodores, Messrs. M. Gallagher and A. Taylor; president, Dr. Lawry; vicepresidents, Messrs. Johnstone (Carr, Johnstone, and Co.), J. Dickey, and J. D. Connolly (American Consul); captain, Mr. R. White ; vice-captain, Mr. P. Purcell; hon. secretary, Mr. A. E. Smith; lion, treasurer, Air. M. P. Foley; committee, Messrs. Burrows, Rowles, J. B. Evitt, McCoy, and Fielder; auditors, Messrs. Evers and Nolan; delegates to Auckland Rowing Association. Air. White, captain. Messrs. A. L. Smith and J. A. Cooper were elected honorary members. A vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring officers, and also to the donors of gifts to the club. Ttie annual meeting of the St. George's Bay Rawing Club was held in the Russell-street Schoolroom, Parnell, on Sept. 17. There was a large attendance of members, and Mr. J. H. B. Coates, commodore of the club, presided. The report and balance-sheet, which congratulated the club on the success achieved during the past season, stated that the receipts, exclusive of the loan, were £132 l(Js 3d as against £84 l'2s 4d last year, and expenditure £116 19s lid as against £83 lis, leaving a balano.< in hand of £15 16s 4d. The statement of liabilities and assets shows a balance to credit of £169 14s 4d. Mr. J. H. B. Coate3 was, amidst much applause, re-elected commodore. Messrs. C. F. Bourne, Dr. J. L. Campbell, S. T. George, W. S. Lyell, F. Richardson, O. F. Thomas, J. Brigham, and J. M. Butt, were elected vice-commodores first six being reelected and the last two added. Mr. F. Jervis was elected captain, Mr. A. G. Buchanan vice-captain. Seven gentlemen wero nominated for tho committee, but, as only five were required, a ballot was taken, resulting in the election of Messrs. Harington, Kissling, Ashton, Johnston, and Clark. Mr. Kilfoyle was elected secretary, and Air. Bankart treasurer. Messrs. W. Clayton and F. J. Sanderson were re-elected auditors.

Oil October 7 the Auckland Amateur Rowing Association held its annual general meeting in the Waitemata Hotel. Mr. Malcolm Niccol, patron, presiding. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The secretary then submitted the yearly report, which congratulated the Association upon the success which has attended its efforts to promote amateur rowing in Auckland during the past year. The following officers were then elected: — Patron, Chairman of the Harbour Board; vice-patron, the Mayor of Auckland; president Mr. John Marshall; vice-president, Captain Farquhar, Messrs. R. Monk, J. H. Coates, J. Palmer, A. H. Nathan, and A. E. Devore: auditors, Messrs. E. W. Burgess and F. J. Sanderson. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Mr. H. S. Ashton was re-elected secretary, and Mr, D. Miller appointed treasurer. At the YVaitemata Hotel on October 6 the Waitemata Boating Club held their annual general meeting. There was a good attendance, and the eapUin, Mr. T. B. O'Connor occupied the chair. The minutes of the special general meeting held in December were confirmed. The balance-sheet showed that after disbursements to the extent of £S5 there was cash in hand. The statement ot assets and liabilities proved that the club possessed a substantial credit of £213. The office-bearers for the following year were chosen as follows Commodore, Air. L Ehrenfried ; vice-commodores, Messrs I). McGregor, J. Hughes, J. Endean, T. Inglis, A. Porter, Captain J. Fisher, Captain H. Parker; captain, Mr. T. B. O'Connor; deputy captain, Mr. 6. Moore ; treasurer, Mr. J. Clarke; secretary, Mr._ M. H. Keesing; committee, Messrs W. Smith, C. Bailey, T. Foley, R. Thorne, R. Moore, G. Moore, G. Tuck ; auditors, Messrs T. Foley and W. Skeen ; delegates to Auckland Rowing Association, Air. H. Parker ; to N.Z. A.R. Association, Air. J. B. Speed. About a dozen new members were elected.

A meeting of the Auckland Institute was held on September 14, Professor Brown presiding, when Mr. James Stewart, C.E., read a "valuable and deeply interesting paper on " The Rotorua Railway" and District." Unfortunately, the wet weather prevented a large attendance of members, a circumstance which those who were absent have the most cause to regret. Mr. Stewart's long professional acquaintance with the railway and the country through which it is being constructed renders him eminently qualified to thoroughly deal with the subject, and he succeeded in placing before his audience the information he had to impart in a most instructive and attractive form. On the motion of Dr. Purchas, seconded by Mr. T. Peacock, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Stewart for his able and important paper.

The eighth annual meeting of the Auckland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held on the Ist) October at three o'clock at the Chamber of Commerce. Bishop Cowie. presided. The report stated that the cautions given during the year numbered 308, while thirteen prosecutions resulted in ten convictions. The following gentlemen were then elected as officers of the Society for the ensuing year: Patron, His Excellency the Earl of Onslow; vice-patrons, Bishops Cowie and Luck, and Sir George Grey; president, Judge Munro; vice-presidents, Professor Brown, Dr. Kidd, Captain Webb, Sir W. Fox, and Mr. C. J. Hutchinson ; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr. James Burtfc; . hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr. T. 1). Ilalstead; lion, solicitors, Messrs. W. Thorne, E. T. Dufaur, F. Earl, E. Mahony, and Gresham ; executive committee, Messrs. W. H. Kettlewell, F. Lawry, Hull, E. Morton, E. Withy, R. Cranwell, J. E. Baker, and W. Tait; auditor, Mr. W. Tait; inspector, Mr. W, Redgate. The receipts totalled £181 and the expenses about the same.

The annual meeting of Auckland Tattersail's Club was held on Sept. 29. The report of the committee of management showed that the club was in a very sound financial condition, the profit for the year being the substantial sum of £49 12s 4d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, and the following committee of management appointed : Messrs. Levy, J. Dickey, M, D.. Malavey, W. Percival, J. Armitage, T. Craig, and R. Garrett. Messrs. M. M. Levy and Stitchbury 'were re-elected auditors.

A meeting was hold in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, at three p.m. on Sept. 13, for the purpose of forming a branch of the Irish National Federation in Auckland. Mr. D. Flynn was voted to tho chair. Mr. Cox, M.P., explained the objects of the Federation. A committee was appointed to carry out Initial wattle.

The fifth annual meeting of the Eden and Epsom Lawn Tennis Club was held ia Waite's Hall, Mount Eden, on Monday, tho sth October, Mr. A. Heather presiding. The annual report stated that tlie total membership of the club is 68, composed of 32 ladies and 30 gentlemen. The results of the various matches were given. Tho following officers wero ' elected for tho ensuing year: — President, Mr. Arthur Heather; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Batger and E. Mahony, jun.; committee, Misses Spiers, J. Paton, and Hall, and Messrs. Hudson, Carr, and Paton; secretary and treasurer, Air. H. T. Maclean ; delegates to the Association, Messrs. Paton and Maclean : auditor, Mr. B. J. Esani. The committee of the Takapuna Jockey Club held a meeting on Sept. 1(!, when tin- : following officers for the ensuiug season were elected President, E. Mitchclson, Esq., M.H.R.; vice-presidents, M. Niccol| Esq., and Jackson Palmer, Esq., M.H.R.; stewards, Messrs. E. W. Alison, F. Wells, J. Mays, A. Alison, W. H. Fen ton, W. Adams; judge, Air. W. H. Fenton; clerk of course, Mr. Fred. Wells; clerk of scales, Air. F. Alarks; starter, _ Mr. J. Wattie: liandicappcr, Mr. W. Knight; treasurer, Air. E. W. Alison; secretary, Mr. R. Wynyard. The annual meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and 'Cycle Club was held at tho British Hotel on Sept. 25, Mr. J. H. B. Coates presiding. There were about 50 gentlemen present. After some preliminary business had been disposed of, the honorary treasurer, Mr. B. J. Esam, read the annual report, which showed that the number of members had increased from 100 to 181. The amount) of money from two meetings and the championship meeting aggregates £354 lis Cd, while after paying all expenses the assets in cash was £101 Is Id, against £97 3s 9d last year. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year Patron, His Excellency the Governor; vice-patron, His Worship the Mayor of Auckland; president, Air. J. H. B. Coates; vice-presidents, Alessrs. R. Garrett, J. F. Logan, and B. J. Esam; lion, secretary, Air. J. Haliday; hon. treasurer, Mr. B. J. Esam ; committee (ten representing the Athletic Club, and three the Cycle Club), Messrs. Arneil, Cotter, Speight, George, Service, Cooper, Upfill, Mackinley, Powley, Howard, Edwards, Lusk, and Smith; captain of the Cycle Club, Mr. Nicholson; deputy captain, Air. Reynolds. The Chairman then referred in feeling terms to the lamentable death of Mr, Sibbin on the football field some weeks ago. He was quite sure that all present deeply sympathised with that gentleman's widow and relatives in their bereavement. He would move. " That a letter of condolence from the Club be forwarded at an early date to Mrs. Sibbin." This was agreed to. The annual meeting of the Auckland Cricket Association was held on the 29th September at the British Hotel. Air. B. J, Esam presided. The statement of receipts and expenditure showed a credit balance of £4 0s 3d. Air. C. F. Bourne was re-elected president, and the vice-presidents of last year were reappointed as follow Colonel Burton, Dr. Lindsay, Alessrs. A. J. Dcnniston, A., E. Devore, J. H. B. Coates, H. Atkins, B. J. Esam, W. L. Rees (M.H.R.), H. R. George, J. H. Upton, W. F. Buckland (M.H.R.), A. E. Whitaker, and Captain Lambert. Alessrs. C. S. AlcKinney and C. E. AlacCormick, whose services as secretary and treasurer were highly spoken of, were re-elected to those offices. Alessrs. R. L. Holle, A. Al'. Beale, H. B. Lusk, J. Fowke, and W. C. Speight were elected as the committee, and Alessrs. R. Neill and N. Williams as auditors. The annual meeting of the Gordon Cricket Club was held in the Central Hotel on Sept. 18. There were 23 members present, and Air. B. J. Esam, the president, occupied the chair. The yearly report read by the secretary, Mr. H. B. Lusk, showed that the club was in the proud position of having again " won the double " by carrying off both the Senior and Junior Championships in the Cricket Association _ competitions. The balance-sheet gave evidence that the club was sound financially, there being a credit balance of over £31, while the stock of assets, in the shape of club requisites, was a large one. Last year's honorary officers were all re-elected, and Alessrs. J. W. Fowke and H. B. Lusk and N. Williams appointed to a | second term of service as captain, secretary, and treasurer. For the delegates to the Association Messrs. Fowke and Lusk wero chosen, and Alessrs. Fowke, Williams, and Outhwaite elected a selei a committee. The trophies offered for t> ; bowling and batting averages wero co. ated to the dinners.