MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8955, 12 August 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

MEETINGS.

PROPOSED EXHIBITION IN AUCKLAND. A conference of members of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce and others met Mr. D. Harris Hastings, one of the principal promoters and secretary of the exhibition held in Uunedin some time ago, with a view to obtaining his views as to the feasibility and desirability of promoting an exhibition in Auckland similar to or on the same lines as that held in the Southern city. There were present: Mr. A. Porter (president of the Chamber of Commerce), in the chair; Messrs. A. Bell, J. Reid, Smith (Smith and Caughey), Bridgewater, W. Orowther (Mayor of Auckland), W. J. Courtney, J- J. Holland, A. H. Nathan, A. E. Devore, G. Johnston, and others. Mr. Hastings then gave an outline of the steps which resulted in the Dunedin exhibition. The matter was started in November, 1887, bub no practical steps were taken till 1888, when a meeting was called by Mr. Innes, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. At that meeting it was decided to form a guarantee company of £10,000 in shares, the profits to be devoted to public purposes. The whole of Dunedin subscribed, some taking shares up to £250, while others combined and subscribed 2s 6d towards shares. Government agreed to give £10,000 if they obtained subscriptions of £15,000. The loss was 13s 5d per share, but he had heard no one complain, as all directly or indirectly reaped a benefit from the exhibition. It had improved business, and hotelkeepers and business people generally reaped a reward; The effect of the exhibition was not felt in one day, fend had it nob been for the strike the effect would have been much better now. To have a successful exhibition they must have a good picture gallery, fernery, etc., for these were the attractions which brought the people and revenue. As to holding an exhibition in Auckland in 1894, that, he thought, was impossible, as Hobarb had already got a grant from their Government for an exhibition in that year, bub he suggested that they should open their exhibition in November, 1895. Mr. Devore moved, " Thab a meeting be convened to be held at three o'clock on Friday, August 5, in the Long Room, Insurance Buildings, for the consideration of the whole matter."

Mr. Nathan seconded the motion, and it was agreed to. A public meeting was held in the Chamber of Commerce on the sfch August, for the

purpose of discussing the question of holding an exhibition in Auckland shortly. The chair was taken by Mr. Adam Porter (chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), and there were some 40 people present. Mr. Pout said he was under the impression that they would have had a much larger meeting than they had at that moment, hut he had no doubt that those present would be able to decide what should be done quite as well as a latger meeting. The meeting that day was merely the adjournment of a former one. It was hardly necossaiy for hun to point out the advantages of an exhibition to be (held in Auckland. Whether that exhibition could be made a financial success was for the gentlemen present to decide. A great deal had been said about the amount of money lost in the Dunedin Exhibition. The exhibition held in Dunedin was much larger than what they would want in Auckland. At Dunedin much money was spent on building which, he believed, could be entirely saved in Auckland. Their business that clay would be to appoint a strong working committee to feel the pulse of the people with regard to an exhibition in Auckland. Some people thought that 1894 would be the best year for the exhibition. This would clash with the Hobart Exhibition, but he thought that it should be held as soon as possible after the Chicago Exhibition. He would therefore suggest that a strong committee be formed of those who are good workers and who are good payers as well. After a little discussion, Mr. W. H. Smith moved, " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that an exhibition be held in Auckland at a date to be fixed upon." The motion was seconded by Mr. Eugster, and on being put to the meeting was carried unanimously. The resolution for the formation of a committee was then agreed to, and, on the motion of the Chairman, the following gentlemen were appointed, with power to add to their number Messrs. A. rorter, C. (J. McMillan, A. E. T. Devore, R. Fenwick, W. Crowther, H. C. Tewsley, W. H. Smith, M. Clark, J. H. Upton, C. Hanson, L. D. Nathan, W. T. J. Bell, H. Brett, W H. Col beck. D. B. Cruickshank, A. Kidd, W. S. Wilson, A. Bell, C. Hutchinson, Graves Aickin, J. A. Pond, John Reid, A. H. Nathan, — Seegner, J. M. Lennox, S. Vaile, W. Johnston, M. Niccol, S. Parker, F. Jaggar, — Hodgson, — Trenwith, J. L. Holland, — Julian, — Harvie, T. Gee, —Atkin, D. Goldie, J. Brown, J. T. Garlick, T. Cramvell, J. Winks, — Hall, 8. T. George, L. Ehrenfried. Moss Davis, F. G. Ewi;;gton, R. Laishley, H. B. Morton, A. Heather, — Churton, P. A. Philips, J. M. Brigham, E. Way mouth, J. Way mouth, John Abbott, H. E. Partridge, E. Hesketh, E. Eugster, J. Thornes, C. E. Button, James Russell, H. Gilfillau, J. J. Holland, T. Henderson, and J. Russell; Major Mair, Dr. J. L. Campbell, the M.H.R.'s for the district; Professors Brown, Pond, Aldis, and Thomas ; and the executives of the_ National Association, the Liberal Association, the Knights of Labour, and the Trades and Labour Council. It was agreed that ten should form a quorum of the committee, and on the motion of the Mayor (Mr. W. Crowther) Mr. A. Porter was appointed convener.

AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY. An ordinary general meeting of tho shareholders of the Auckland Gas Company was held at the company's offices, Wyndhamstreet, on the 26th July. Mr. Reader Wood occupied the chair. There were about twenty gentlemen present. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. The Secretary read the following statement of accounts for the half-year ended June 30, 1892:— Receipts : Gas (bad debts deducted), £16,657 ; residual products, £2672 lis 7d ; scrip and transfer fees, £7 9s; total, £19,339 03 7d. Expenditure : Coal, £4061 19s 8d; stokers' wages, £842 14s 8d ; distribution of gas, £413 15s 8d ; purification of gas, £30 ; maintenance of works, renewals, labourers' wages, £1372 16s 9d ; insurance, £9 17s ; rent, £23 4s; petty cash, £24 4s 8d ; directors, £155; auditors, £15; interest, £68 63 6d; salaries, £1225 ss; stationery, printing, advertising, and stamps, £137 18s fid; rates and taxes, £1142 3s 3d; legal expenses, £14 14s; total, £95:16 19s Sd.

This left a balance of receipts over expenture, amounting to £9800 0s 1 Id.

Til DIVIDEND. ~ The Chairman stated that they had mot for the purpose of declaring a dividend. The amount required to pay the ordinary dividend was £8389. They had fully earned thin sum, and had besides a margin of profit. He moved, " That an interim dividend of 7s 6d per share on the fully paidup shares, and 3s 91 per share on the partially paid-up shares, be declared, such dividend to be payable to-marrow." Mr: T. Peacocke seconded the motion. It was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously.

THE GOVERNMENT AND INSURANCE COMPANIES.

At a meeting of the managers, representatives, and agents of the Fire and Marino InsuranceCompaniesdoing businessin Dunedin on July 27, to consider the proposal in the Financial Statement requiring English and foreign companies to deposit £10,000 in cash with the Public Trustee, it was resolved to send the following resolution to the committee in Wellington, with a request to do all in their power to prevent such a measure becoming law :—" That the proposal of the Colonial Treasurer to require from English and foreign companies doing fire and marine insurance business in New Zealand is impolitic, unwise, and injurious, and should be strongly opposed." The committeoappointeddrewup tea reasons for the resolution, to the effect that no such guarantee has been required by policyholders ; that Government interference with ordinary commercial transactions is to bo deprecated, as instead of affording increased security it will weaken the power of the companies to make good their losses ; that it is unsound in principle," and if followed by similar enactments elsewhere would cause capital to be disintegrated, scattered, and unavailable for its special purpose ; that it is unequal in incidence, in excepting local companies ; that, if applied to local companies, it would be equally prejudicial to their in teres ts; that the strength of insurance capital lies in its being held in concentrated and liquid form under the control of the head office, to meet necessity at every point; that, being in cash and bearing interest proves that the Treasurer intends to utilise the money for other than insurance purposes, and is therefore practically an alienation of insurance capital; that the rate of interest offered (4 per cent.) is virtually a tax of 20 per cent, to 33 per cent, on the deposit, by the withdrawal of its equivalent from other investment; that the proposal of a forced loan from each English or foreign company finds no precedent in any commercial community in any part of the world." A representative meeting of agents, etc., of foreign insurance companies doing business in the colony was held in the Victoria Arcade on August 1, when the above resolutions were taken into consideration and adopted.

TAUPIRI EXTENDED COAL MINING

COMPANY. The half-yearly general meeting of the Tanpiri Extended Coal Mining Company was eld on July 29 at Mr. F. ScherfFs office. Fort-street. There was a good attendance of shareholders, Mr. John Roberton, chairman of directors, presiding. The report of the directors was read as follows: —

The directors beg to present the balance-sheet for the half-year ending June aOth, 1892. The prottfc and loss account for thai period shows a net profit of £1052 Cs id. The balance brought forward from last half-year, less dividend paid, is £490 Si 4d, making a total of £1542 14s Bd, which your directors recommend to appropriate as follows : —£9oo to payment of a dividend of 9d per share, the balance of £642 14s 8d to be carried forward to now account. The mine is in excellent working order, and th# output of coal is increasing steadily.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said the whole question of making the concern a success or otherwise rested on the competition, and this was now very great. Although now the company was in a position to employ over 70 hands, and turn out any quantity of coal they had to find a market. They had gone thoroughly into the accounts, and he thought there was a prosperous future before them.

BAY OP ISLANDS COAL COMPANY (LIMITED). The half-yearly meeting of the Bay of Islands Coal Company (Limited) was held at noon on August 1, at the office of Mr. H. Gilfillan, Junr., New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Dr. J, Logan Campbell presiding. Liabilities - r ' ' : < d:3000 shares of £1 ■'>. £3000. u^uand liabilities : Money

orders issued, but not presented for payment, £405 19s 7d ; debts due by the .company, £338 6s lOd— 6s ss. Contingent liability : Amount" credited to Government for Royalty, contingent on profits made from mine, £7692 13s. Profit and loss : Balance, £24 8s 3d. Total, £11,461 7s Bd. Assets.—Property held by the company : Coal mine, £1000 ; land,'£l96o ; buildings, £1073 6s lid ; plant, £3458 18s 2d. Permanent works, £1798 0s 2d ; cash in Bank of New Zealand, £522 16a lOd ; cash in hand, £62 17s 7d ; fixed deposit, £500; debts due to the company. £459 18s 2d ; office furniture, £149 3s 8d ; goods and timber at colliery, £188 0s 2d ; coal on hand at colliery and Opua, £288 6s. Total, £11,461 7s Bd. The statement of accounts showed :Dr.: Winning coal, pumping expenses, stores, and labour, £2789 4s 7d; carriage of coal by rail, £757 0s 8d; forage, £62 6s 3d freight on goods, £19 8s 6d ; general charges, £328 los 8d; discount, £14310s Id; royalty, £128 8s 4d ; salaries, £400; new dip (opening up present workings), £549 18s 3d ; prospecting, £73 4s lid; dividend for half-year ending 31st December, 1891, £1050; balance, £24 8s 3d : total, £6326 5s 6d. Cr. : Balance profit and loss account, December 31, 1891, £1238 9s 4d ; sales of 7705 tons coal, £5012 l'2s 9d ; rent of cottages and laud, £39 14s; profit on stores and timber sold, and work done at colliery, £'26 12s; interest, £8 6s sd; transfer fees and scrip, lis : total, £6326 5s 6d.

The report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted, and the meeting separated.

GOLD MINING COMPANIES. NORFOLK.

The annual general meeting of shareholders in the Norfolk Gold Mining Company was held at the office of Mr. D. 6. MacDonnell, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, on the 29th of July, Mr. Walker Hill presiding. The balance-sheet showed that the total receipts for the year were £1039 lis Id, of which amount £851 6s 2d were represented by calls received, and £63 3s 2d was the value of the gold won. The expenditure amounted to £1031 13s 3d, leaving a cash balance in hand of £7 17s lOd. The mine managerAMr. James McLean, in his report, congratulated the company on the improved prospects in the mine. Two vacancies occurred in the directorate, one by the death of the late Mr. J. M. Alexander, and a second by the retirement of Mr. J. Mackay, juu. On the motion of the chairman, Messrs. J. Brown and J. Mackay, sen., were elected directors of the company. Mr. R. J. Mackay was re-elected auditor.

WAIOTAHI. The annual meeting of the Waiotahi G.M. Co., which was to have been held on the 29th July, lapsed for want of a quorum. The retiring directors—Messrs. W. S. Wilson and J. Dickey—-were, according to the articles of association, re-elected.

RACING CLUB MEETINGS. AUCKLAND. The annual meeting of the Auckland Racing Club was held at the Club's rooms, Durhamstreet, on August 1. Mr. L. D. Nathan, the president of the club, presided. The Secretary read the annual report, which congratulated the Club upon its continued prosperity, notwithstanding the severe weather experienced at almost all the meetings. During the year six meetings were held, giving in added money the sum of £9785, as against £."385. During the season the amount of money put through the machine has been £67,191, as against £50,568, which shows an increase of £16,623, or £8647 over the corresponding meetings of last year. The statement of accounts was then submitted as follows —

Balance-sheet for the year ending June 30th, 1891.—T0 creditors secured, £11.0(0; distressed jockey fund, £404 lis ; capital (£15,475 9s 5d ; less writt n off for depreciation, £712 0s 7d) -£14,763 8s lOd ; pro and loss, £1020 I4s Od : total, £27.254 14s 4d. By debtors, £572 lSs Gil ; unpaid subscriptions, .£lO7 lis; racecourse, £17,000; now grandstand, £S'H)O; Derby stand, £300; furniture, £250; working plant, £275 ; Savings Bank, £50 3s; balance in cash and in bank, £133 0s 8d ; suspense account, £1 Is 2d : total, £27,254 14s 4d. Profit and I.oss Account for the year ending .Tune 30th, 1892.—T0 wages, salaries, etc., £872 15s 3d ; to office rents, £52; to interest, £811 13s id ; to Onslow Meeting, £145 14s 3d ; to tan gallop, £35 ISs. To charges, viz. : Property tax and rates, £60 2s lOd ; insurance, £35 8-< 3d ; telephone, £14 Its ; conference, £19; Turf Register, £10 10s; caretaker's cottage, £20; sundry charges, £288 8s lid ; balance, £1020 lis Oil. ; total, £3388 5s 4d. By members' .subscriptions. etc., £814; assumed names, £15 15s; registration colours, £;i 2s ; rent of course and training fees, £140 lis lid; first Spring Meeting, £122 3s; second Spring Meeting, £374 15s lid ; Summer Meeting, £1334 fis 5d ; Autumn Meeting, £Bs> 12s Id; Winter Meeting, £218 9s lOd ; Spring Meeting, 1833, £55 5s fcd; Summer Meeting, 1893 94, £193 4s; Autumn Meeting, 1893, £47 19s tid : total, £3383 5s Id.

Capital Account.—To amount written off for depreciation, £702 0s 7d ; balance, £15,790 3s 4d : total, £18,5' 3s lis. By balance 30th June, 18;)], £15,475 Ds ;'ii; profit, fur ywir ending 30th June, ISO:.', £1208 lis 6d: total, £16,502 3s lid.

The Chairman, in a lengthy speech, moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. After some discussion, Mr. Devour pointed out in reference to the balance-sheet that he noticed that a sum of £1390 had been paid away as sundry charges. That was a large sum, and ought, he submitted, to have been set out in detail. There was also £464 of the Distressed Jockey Fund which appeared to have been used by the club. He moved, " That in the opinion of this meeting full details as to the sundry charges should be printed with regard to this and future balance-sheets."

This was carried.

The report and balance-sheet were then put and adopted, subject to the conditions mentioned in Mr. Devore's resolution.

The Chairman then moved the following resolutions 1. " That the trustees of the Ellerslie Racecourse be empowered to borrow from the Australian Mutual Provident Society the sum of £10,000 for the term of ten years, at the rate of interest of 9 per centum per annum, icducible to £7 per centum per annum by punctual payment of the interest at the said rate of £7 per centum per annum on the security of the Ellerslie Racecourse, the property of the Auckland Racing Club." 2. " That the mortgage deed, securing the said sum of £10,000 and interest shall contain all such covenants and conditions as the committee of the said club may authorise, and a power of sale by the mortgagees of the mortgaged property in case of the non-payment of the principal and interest at the times appointed, or on breach or nonobservance ot any of the covenants or conditions of the mortgage." 3. " That the said trustees arc authorised to execute a deed of mortgage containing the above terms." 4. "That tho trustees of the said club are authorised to take all necessary steps to have the land, the property of the 3aid club, brought under the provisions of the Laud Transfer Act."

These were all carried without discussion,

Mr. Devoke then moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting (1) racing in the provincial district of Auckland is excessive ; (2) that the use of the totalisator is excessive ; (3) that it be an instruction to the incoming committee to reduce the number of race meetings within this provincial district during the ensuing season, and thereby decrease the use of the totalisator; (4) that racing bo centralised at selected centres as much as practicable." The motion was seconded by Mr. Hawkins, and carried.

There being seven candidates for the office of committeemen, and only six to be elected, a ballot was taken, which resulted as follows Morrin, 46: Dickey, 46: J. Russell, 46 ; Garrett, 45; Philson, 44 ; Thompson, 44 ; and Alison, 14.

WANGANUI. The annual meeting of members of the Wanganui Jockey Club was held on the 28th July, at which there was a large attendance. The report submitted by the committee showed that the receipts from all sources amounted to £4986 Os lOd as against £3819 13s 9d for 1891. The total expenditure for the year was £4918 17s 4d, leaving a surplus of £50 4s 6d. The stakes given away for the year amounted to £3168 ss, as against £2569 53 for the previous season. The balance-sheet showed the club's finances to be sound, for after providing for all liabilities there remained a credit of £718 16s 3d. Office bearers for the ensuing year were elected as follows —President, John Cameron, Esq.; Vice-President, Dr. Earle; Judge Dr. Earle ; Clerk of the scales, Mr. Ewin Campbell; Timekeeper, Mr. William Wilson, Clerk of the Course, Mr. C. H. Chavaime; Hon. Surgeon, Dr. Tripe; Stewards, Mr. A. J. Parsons, Dr. Connolly, Mr. A. Higgle, Mr. H. N, Harrison, Mr. W. Wilson, Dr. Saunders, Mr. H. B. Williamson ; Committee (to replace four retiring members), Mr. W. Wilson, Mr. Nixon, Mr. P. Hogg, and Mr. A. Hatrick.

SOUTH AUCKLAND. The annual meeting of the South Auckland Racing Club was held at Hamilton on August 5. Mr. George Edgecumbe occupied the chair. The report of the committee and balancesheet showed that the total receipts were £1435, including £528 from totalisator. There was a credit balance of £121. The following six committeemen were elected: — Messrs. Edgecumbe, McNicol, Barton, McCullough, O Neill, and Booth. The membership fee was fixed at a guinea and a-half, A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the Secretary, Mr. G. H. Carter, and the meeting separated.

hawke's bay jockey club. At the annual meeting, at Napier on Monday, the Ist August, of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club the balance-sheet showed £300 to the credit account after paying off £1,000 overdraft. The Hon. Captain Russell was re-elected President.

A meeting of members of the Auckland Institute was held on the 25th July in the Museum Buildings.. There was a fair attendance, and Professor Brown, President of the Institute, occupied the chair. Discussion took place on the paper read by the Rev. J. Bates on " Evolutionary Ethics" at a recent meeting. Mr. T. P. Cheeseman read a paper on the capture of a luth, or leathery turtle, off the Bay of Islands by Captain Subritzky, of the schooner Medora, in the month of May last. Professor Brown exhibited a machine for illustration of wave motion. It was by no means complex, but is admirably and ingeniously adapted for its purpose, and his explanations of wave motion in water, sound, and electricity were rendered perfectly comprehensible and intelligible by the use of this apparatus. Dr. Purciias read a very lengthy and somewhat erudite paper, on " Some Peculiarities of the Maori Language," prepared by Mr. F. D. Fen ton, late Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court. Discussion on the paper was deferred until next meeting.

The annual general meeting of the members of the Olympic Club, Newmarket, was held on the 9th July at the Newmarket Hij.ll. The retiring committee's re port showed the club to be in a prosperous condition, and confidence was expressed as to its success in the future. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing season. President, Mr. J. Friar Clarke; vicepresidents, Messrs. W. S. Cochrane and A. J. Denniston. Committee : Messrs. W. H. Browne, A. B. Christian, W. Hutcheson, W. Sibbald, and E. P. VVatkis ; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. R. J. Hosking. A meeting of the Onehunga Literary and Debating Union took place on July 26 in the board-room of the Land Society's offices. There was a good attendance of members, also a number of lady visitors. Some time was spent in arranging a syllabus for the session, and Mr. J. D. Jackson subsequently read a paper on the advantages accruing from institutions of the kind. The following officers have been elected President, Mr. J. W. White; vice-presidents, Rev. R. Ferguson and Mr. J. D. Jackson; hon. secretary, Mr. E. Breckon ; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. McAlpine. The usual half-yearly meeting of the Miners' Union was held at the Thames on July 23, the president (Mr. W. H. Potts) presiding. The balance-sheet presented showed that the finances of the Union were in a healthy condition, there now being a sum of £700 on fixed deposit, with a working balance of £96. The total receipts for the half-year amounted to £337 10s 3d, and the expenditure to £326 15s lid.

A meeting of temperance workers was held in the Foresters' Hall, Newton, on July 26, under the auspices of the Auckland Band of Hope Union, for the purpose of discussing the question of the introduction of amusements, such as semi-theatrical representations, in connection with the temperance movement. Mr. I>. Goldie presided. There was a very large attendance. Mr. Plummer read an interesting paper on " Amusements." The Rev. J. Guy moved, "That this meeting is of opinion that semi-theatrical representations are entirely out of place on the Band of Hope platform, and would earnestly urge all Bands of Hope affiliated with this Union to discontinue their use." Mrs. Kerr seconded the motion. Mr. W. J. MacdermotC moved, as an amendment, " That this meeting of Temperance workers is of opinion that, though there is no harm in dress character representations, it is inadvisable, owing to the diversity of opinion amongst our friends, to introduce dress dialogues at the gatherings, especially as the time, labour, and expense devoted to the production of the same might be more profitably employed in other directions." Mr. C. G. Hill seconded the amendment. The amendment was put and lost, and the original motion was carried by a large majority. A large number of those present refrained from voting.

A public meeting was held at Dunedin on Thursday evening, the 21st July, in the City Hall, to give Mr. H. F. Bastiugs an opportunity of giving details of his scheme of co-operative industrial settlements, which he considers will provide a solution of the charitable aid difficulty. The outlines have already been brought before the local bodies of the colony. After he had explained the details, the following resolution was carried " This meeting while recognising the great evils arising from irregularity of employment, also from defects in the present charitable aid system, is of opinion that these evils will be greatly lessened by the addition of the scheme propounded by Mr. Bastings, and strongly recommend the scheme to the Government foe favourable consideration.

The annual meeting of the Oddfellows' Society, Manchester Unity, Auckland district, was held on July 29 in the district chambers. Cook-street Hall. The meeting was presided over by Brother Cyprian Rowe, Grand Master. There was a large attendance of delegates, representing the various lodges belonging to the district. After a large amount of routine business was transacted, the election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with Deputy Prov. Grand Master John Clark was elected unanimously to the office of Grand Master; Brother John D. Gow was also unanimously elected P.D.G.M. ; Brother H. J. Smith continues to hold office as district secretary, there being no opposition. Brother Smith has now filled this office consecutively for 17 years. Brother Hurley was re-elected warden. The financial statement was as follows : —Balances to creditor. June 30, 1892: Value of the sick fund of lodges, £26,988 5s lid; value of the management fund of lodges, £6254 3s Id ; value of the district fund, £7617 9s 2d : total value of the society in Auckland, £40,889 18s 2d. Two lodges have not sent in their statement; had they done so, the sum of fully £500 would be added to the above amount. During the quarter ended June the sum of £732 6s 6d has been paid to members during their sickness, and £214 18s 6d for medical attendance to the sick members and their families. The returns show 1006 members on the roll. During the quarter six members and one wife died, and the funeral donations paid were £162. The above assets show the value of funds to each member to bo no less than £40 l'2s 3d, a position which not only the members, but our city, should be proud of. The valuation for the past five years shows very satisfactory progress, and the valuer's report will be considered at the next district meeting.

The first annual meeting of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists was held at the Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington, on August Bth. Mr. E. T. Gillon presided. The annual report stated what has been done since the Institute was established. The balance-sheet proved the society to be in a healthy condition. The report and balance-sheet wero adopted. The revision of the constitution was considered, the principle alteration being the election of three vice-presidents in place of two. Mr. E. T. Gillon, however, was elected first president, and Messrs G. Bell (Dunedin), W. McCullough (Auckland), and G. R. Hart vice-presidents.

A conference of fruit-growers was held at the Mercantile Chambers on the 19th July, for the purpose of taking into consideration the present condition of the fruit industry, and of discussing the advisability of approaching the Government tor assistance in dealing with insect pests. Mr. H. Dobbie, of Whangarei, occupied the chair. The following were the delegates present, together with an approximate estimate of the orchard acreage, and members represented by them: — Whangarei, Messrs. Dobbie and Macky, 500 acres, 30 members; Northcote, Messrs. Flewellyn and Thompson, 70 members; Onehunga, Captain Daveney and Mr. Roberts, 90 members; Papakura, Messrs. Pulton and Watkinson, 70 acres, 38 members; Waikato, Mr. G. Edgecumbe, 1205 acres, 120 members; Wade, Mr. Yickers, 70 acres, 20 members: Otahuhn, Messrs. Lippiatt, Foster, and Hutton, 250 acres, .21 members: Port Albert, Mr. Browne, 50 acres, 20 members. The meeting affirmed that it was desirable that legislative steps should to taken for the suppression of the codlin moth and other insect pests, and a number of resolutions were carried having for their object the placing of the fruitgrowing industry oa a more satisfactory footing. " ■

At the Protestant Hall, Newton, on the 4th of August, the usual quarterly meeting of the Star of Newton Lodge No. 4, 1.0. G.T., for the purpose of installing the officers for the ensuing term, was held. Brother Leßoy, D. D., was Installing Officer, and Brothers Britton and Hardwick, of the '' Light of the Ocean" Lodge, H. M. S. Goldfinch, were Installing Marshal and Deputy-Marshal respectively. The officers installed were:C.T., Brother M. Cook; V.T., Sister Gardner; P.C.T., Brother Potter; F.S., Brother Lightfoot (reelected); T., Sister Lightfoot (re-elected); sec., Sister Garland (re-elected); A.S., Sister Nicholson ; C., Brother Clarke; M., Sister A. Archer; D.M., Sister Lockhart; 1.G., Brother Derrick; S., Sister Robb. Hearty votes of thanks were given the installing officers. A meeting of subscribers to the Jubilee Institute for the Blind was held at the office of Mr. F. A. White, Queen-street, on Tuesday, August 2, for the purpose of electing six trustees. Mr. J. H. Upton presided. The following six gentlemen, being the only persons nominated, were declared duly elected :—The Rev. Joseph Bates, and Messrs. John Abbott, W. J. Hill, J. H. Upton, W. H. Smith, and J. T. Boylan. The trustees subsequently held a meeting and elected Mr. J. Thornes honorary secretary, and Mr. John Abbott honorary treasurer.

The half-yearly meeting of the Auckland Law Society was held at the R.M. Court on July 29, Mr. E. Hesketh (president) occupying the chair. The report for the half-year was read and adopted. Mr. Theo. Cooper called attention to the fact that there were several members of the profession practising who had not taken out their practising certificates. It was resolved that all members who had not taken out certificates should have 14 days' notice given, and that proceedings be taken against those who had not paid their fees.

The half-yearly meeting of the Auckland District Assembly, No. 259, Knights of Labour, having jurisdiction over the provincial district of Auckland, was held on the 26th July in St. George's Hall. A full representation was present, the assemblies at Hamilton and Aratapu being the only ones not represented. The returns of the various officers showed the order to be in a healthy state. A large amount of business was transacted. A suggestion of forming one executive head for the colony was remitted to the executive for their consideration, to be dealt with next session.

The Conference of Railway Servants has finished! Mr. Hoben was re-elected president ; Mr. Handsides, vice-president; and Mr. Edwards, general secretary. The present committee were re elected. The president and secretary were instructed to wait on the Manawatu and Midland Railwas Companies to thank them for carrying out their contract in regard to concession to the men.

The final meeting of the Kaihu Valley Railway Company was held on August 10, when the liquidators' reporb and statement of accounts were adopted. The chairman Mr. J. M. Dargaville) expressed the opinion that when the railway was completed there would be no more profitable piece of railway, and, indeed, perhaps few more payable enterprises of any kind in the colony. He hoped the time was not far distant when the earnings of the completed line would warrant the shareholders in expecting as favourable consideration from the colony as that received by the share - holders in the Rotorua railway. An extraordinary general meeting of the Auckland Co-Operative Building and Investment Society was held on the 19th July at the offices of Mr. J. Batger, Queen-street. There was a large attendance, and the object, as was thoroughly uuderstood, was the alteration of certain rules, more especially rule 34, relating to investing members. Colonel Haultain, who presided, moved that rule34be amended as follows —By striking out the words " 8 per cent, per annum " in the 14th line and inserting after the word " paid " in 15th line the following words : " At the same rate, but not exceeding 8 per centum per annum, as was credited to investing shareholders for the last preceding financial year." And by adding to the rule the following clause: " But it shall be lawful for the committee by resolution to suspend the operation of this rule, and no investing shares shall be withdrawn when the rule is at any time so suspended. The committee may again bring the rule into force by withdrawing the order for its suspension." There was a brief discussion, more especially on the second part of the motion, but after explanations had been given by the chairman, the motion was carried unanimously. • A meeting of the Auckland Tailoresses' Union was held in the Wesley Hall, Pittstreet, on July 15, the Rev. James Chew presiding. There was a very large attendance of members. The following officers were elected : —President, Mr. W. Jennings; vice-presi-dents, Miss Willis, Sir George Grey, and the Rev. J. Berry ; secretary, Miss E. Birley ; treasurer, Miss Johnston ; committee, Mrs. Btirgell, and Misses Carnie, Lynch, Jackson, Wild, Hopkins, Lawson, Hogan, Israel, Rugg. Little, Saunders, Gardiner, and Wright; supplementary committee, Messrs. Hampton, ludehope, Bruce, Fell, Preston, Radge, Reeden, and Worth. The annual meeting of the Auckland West Kindergarten was held on the sth August in the Howe-street building (old Industria Home). The Rev. R. Sommerville, at the request of the lady president, took the chair. The report and balance-sheet were satisfac tory, there being cash to credit of about £25 The Rev. R. F. Macnicol moved the fol lowing be the officebearers for the ensuing year President, Mrs. Stewart: vice-presi-dents, Mrs. Faulder, Mrs. Knight; Treasurer, Mrs. Daldy: secretary, Mrs. Ogle; assistant secretary, Miss Stewart; committee, Mesdames Chapman, Morpeth, Lewis, C. Purchas, Dickson, Blomfield, Parker, Gibbs, Elkin, Armstrong; clothing committee, Mesdames Purchas, Gibbs, Chapman; house committee, Mesdames Faulder and Knight; school committee, Mesdames Gibbs and Lewis. Captain Daldy seconded the motion, which was also carried by acclamation. The annual meeting of the Birkenhead and Northcote growers' Association was held in the Zion Hill schoolroom on Monday evening, the Ist August. The accounts for the year showed receipts, £32 5s 8d; expenditure, £31 lis Id. The report of the outgoing committee was received with general satisfaction. The following are the officers elected for the coming year President, Mr. J. G. Kay ; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. Clark and W. Thompson; secretary, Mr. Hardy; treasurer, Mr. W. Fuller; committee, Messrs. Tugby, Brown, Swindail, Fuller, Robertson, Tonan, Flewellyn, Stanley, Nicholls, Edmonds, and A. Wilson, junior.