OUR LETTER HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10132, 15 May 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR LETTER HOME.

His Excellency the Governor, Lady Glasgow, and family have resided at Government House, Auckland, during the month, but will leave at an early date so that His Excellency may be at Wellington during the session of Parlament. His Excellency has lived at Auckland during the greater parti of Mie recess. Both he and the Countess of Glasgow have taken part in everything in which they could promote the happiness and welfare of the community, and their action in these respects has given much gratification to our citizens.

Parliament is summoned "for the despatch of business" for the 11th of June. The Premier a short time ago, in one of his speeches, put forward a programme for the session. It wi ' a very extensive programme, including a number of measures of a democratic and unsettling nature. The general conviction, however, is that he has no idea of making a serious attempt to carry these measures, but simply professes to be anxious about them in order to keep hold of the extreme democratic party, who at present give him their undivided support. The whole of the forthcoming session will be coloured by the fact that it will be succeeded by a general election. In all probability the number of new measures carried will be few ; Ministers will be far more solicitous to make provision for the general election, so that they may secure a House favourable to them for the next three yeai s. Lately they have devoted themselves to making speeches in various quarters. Captain Russell, the leader of the Opposition, Sir Robert Stout, and various other members opposed to Ministers, have also spoken. in all probability the forthcoming session will be stormy, and Ministers will be arraigned on account of the failure of some of their projects. The scheme of borrowing money to lend again has so far resulted in serious loss. The Government borrowed a million and a-half, and after six months' efiort they could not "place" more than the odd half-million. The rest of the money lay idle in their hands, earning; it is stated, not more than 1 per cent., while it was costing the country about 3i per cent. Lately, Ministers have taken to scolding the Board entrusted with the money, for not being lavish enough, and for rejecting applications that had been made for loans. The Board was composed of civil servants. Since Ministers have turned round on them, the Board hate gone over the old applications, and have granted many which they formerly had rejected. Under the Advances to Settlers' Act, the Government had power to borrow another million and ahalf this year, but seeing the difficulty they have had in getting rid of the money, they are not likely to carry the scheme any further.

The census was taken on the night of Sunday, April 12, and at present the returns are being compiled. So far, the returns show a gratifying increase in the population of the North Island, especially in and about Auckland, and in the goldtields districts of Auckland. The city of Auckland itself has increased in population from 28,773 (the figures at the census in 1891) to 31,575. But the largest proportional increase has taken place iti the suburban districts, ■where the accessions of population have chiefly gone to reside. It is estimated that the population of Auckland and suburbs will now amount to about 58,000. The population of Wellington and suburbs is now 41,745.' As showing the great increase which has taken place in our goldtields districts, we may state that the population of Ohinemuri county, comprising most of what is called the Upper Thames, has increased from 1516 in 1891 to 6900 in 1896.

The law is that at each census Commissioners shall meet and settle the boundaries of the electoral districts, so as to secure as nearly as possible uniformity. This law was enacted to obviate the party manoeuvring which always occurred when there was any question of alter the boundaries of electorates. There was always a disposition on the part of the strongest party in the House to settle all questions in their favour. Districts which had greatly increased in population were denied any increase in representation if it was thought that that increase would result in injury to the dominant political party. The present system obviates that. During last session the Premier endeavoured to postpone the taking of the census, on the ground of the cost, and he also contended that the results could not be ascertained to allow of the districts being re-arranged in time for the general election. The House, however, would not allow Ministers their way in this matter, and the census has been taken at the regular date. There is no question that the Commissioners will be able to get through their work in time unless the Ministers throw obstacles in their way.

The news from the goldfields will, as Usual, be found fully set forth in the portion of this issue devoted to that subject. We may say here, however, that there is every reason to be satisfied with the progress made, and with the prospects. The gold returns have been made up to the end of March last (the close of New Zealand's financial year), and they show an increase in the value of the gold from the Auckland district of £116,360—fr0m £261,741} to £378,106, There is no doubt that within the next twelve months there will be also a large increase, as, from the new capital being invested, there will soon be a great addition to the crushing plant, and a

number of mines will be put in vigorous working, Some trouble lias arisen respecting certain claims which have been applied for, and • some _ which have been granted, on lands which are leased to the Kauri Timber Company. The Government has given notice that these claims must be cancelled, and a vigorous protest has been been made by those who have held claims for years, and by those who have taken up ground with the pros-, pect of obtaining capital from London. Sufficient precaution does not appeal' to have been taken in the past in regard to mining claims. Tim Government have stated that they are in process of making an arrangement by which the leaseholds of the Kauri Timber Company will be made available for mining, and that a bill will be introduced next session on the subject. The Chamber of Mines in Auckland had the subject before them at a recent meeting, when 1 they passed the following resolution: That in the opinion of this Chamber of Mines all titles, granted by the Warden should be indefeasible, and if any other rights exist with other parties, the Government should satisfy those parties." So the matter stands at present. It is understood that the Kauri Timber Company are willing to come to an arrangement by which , all their leasehold lands shall be made freely available for. mining purposes. The freehold ; lands of that company stand in another : category, and on; these mining operations will shortly be commenced ?by ;; the owners, Au ■ parties concerned roust see that

is very important that the grew timber industry should not bp, inter fered with in any respect. That in dustry gives employment to 11 larg< number of men, and a vast amounl of capital is embarked in it. A Church Congress, under the aus pices of the Auckland Diocesan Synod was opened on Tuesday, the 6th inst. and continued durinp the two follow ing days, live meetings in all being held, and as the first gathering ol this nature in New Zealand, it at traded a great deal of attention not only amongst members of the Anglican body, but amongst the public generally, The meetings were largely attended, The Conference was held in pursuance of a resolution passed at "She Diocesan Synod at ics annual session held in October last, the Synod being of opinion that the Congress was necessary to afford opportunity for the discussion of questions of importance to the Church, for which there was no opportunity during the session of Synod. The Congress was opened on Tuesday evening, the sth instant, at the Young Men's Christian Association lecture hall, by the Most Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland and Primate of New Zealand, and amongst those present was the Right Rev. Bishop Wallis, of Wellington, who visited Auckland for the purpose of being present at the Congress and taking part in it. On the opening night, the Rev. W. Beatty, M.A,, vicar of St. Mark's, Remuera, read a lengthy and exhaustive paper oil the subject of "Church Re-union,"and amongst those who took part in the subsequent discussion was Bishop Wallis, who showed an earnestness in his desire for re-union which was unmistakable. On Wednesday afternoon the subject was that of "Religious Education," and it was dealt with from three aspects, papers on each being read by a clergyman and layman respectively. These aspects were: (a) "in the Home (Archdeacon Dudley and Mr. S. Luke) ; (6) "In the Church" (Rev. Canon Nelson, M.A., and Mr. V. E. Rice); (c) "In the Dayschool" (Rev. Percy Smallfield and Mr. Theo. Cooper). Although the limit for each paper was ten minutes, the subjects were exhaustively dealt with, the papers being of exceptional merit, so much so indeed that -the Rev. W. S. Curzon • Siggers, acting • vicar of St. Mary's cathedral parish, gave the admirable paper prepared by Mr. Luke as his sermon in the cathedral on Sunday evening. The evening session was held in the Choral Hall, Symonds-street, and His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, Governor of New Zealand,presided. The papers were on " Biblical Criticism," the Right Rev. the Bishop of Wellington opening on criticism regarding the Old Testament, in an address displaying profound research and thorough knowledge of the subject, together with all the latest views aud expressions of authorities. He was listened to with an earnestness of attention which could hardly be expected for a subject which is so highly technical. The Re*. W. S. -Signers also gave an able paper an Biblical criticism regarding the New Testament. Discussion was not allowed 3n those papers, but the Primate especially thanked Bishop Wallis for his ible paper, giving expression to the ?reat pleasure felt that Bishop Hadield, the late Bishop of Wellington, limself an able and profound scholar, lad been succeeded by a scholar such is Bishop Wallis. The afternoon sitting m Thursday was again presided over jy the dlost Rev. the Primate, when japers were -read on "The Church in lelation- to' Public Life." Mr. H. G. seth Smith, M.A., late Chief Judge at ;he Native Lands Court, and Dr. Giles, ate Resident Magistrate of Auckland, lealt with "The Church and Politics." \lr. A Boardman treated of "The Church and Commerce," in a terse, practical manner, and the Rev. F. G. Evans dealt with "The Church and Social Life." The subject for the final sitting, at., which the Primate again presided, was "Neglect of Public Worship," and it was treated under ;he phases of how far it was due : (a) To inferior preaching (Mr. J. W. Tibbs, M.A. (Headmaster of the Auckland College and Grammar School), (6) to )ur present modes of worship (Rev. W. E. Lush, M.A., Vicar of Epiphany), and c) shortcomings of clergy and laity the Rev. Philip Walsh, and Archleacon Willis, of Waikato). Each meetng was limited to two hours, and ipeeches in discussion were limited to ive minutes each, but no votes were ;aken upon any subject. The flagship Orlando, with Rearadmiral Bridge on board, and the Walaroo and Ringarooma left Sydney for Auckland yesterday, and are expected ;o arrive about Wednesday next. The (hips will remain in port for a few veeks, the Orlando going into the Jalliope Dock for overhaul during her itay here. The Pylades arrived from Sydney on' April 29, having on board Captain Castle as a passenger, and left : or Fiji on the 7th inst. She proceeds m to the Solomon Islands from Suva, md will remain in that group for some nonths. The Ringdove left for Wellingm, via the West Coast, on the 4th inst. she is due at Wellington about Monday lext, and remains there over the Queen's Birthday. The Royalist lias eft Sydney for Noumea and the New Hebrides. The Penguin, after an exensive overhaul, at Sydney, has gone m a surveying cruise to the El lice 3roup, and is to return to Sydney about November next. The Rapid is at jyttelton at present. The German varships . Bussard and Falke were at iipia at last advices. The Auckland Society of Arts Exlibition was opened on the 21st ult. at .he Choral Hall by His Excellency the governor, at' a conversazione of the nembers and their friends. The Exlibition contained a larger number of }ictures than at any other previous exlibition, and the water colour section ,vas unusually strong and excellent, [here was no'one picture standing out :rom the other works as the picture of ;he year, but there was a general improvement on the average. All our ocal artists were well represented, >ave Mr. L. J. Steele, who was unable :o exhibit through circumstances oyer which he had no control. The outsidS •xhibitors were Mr. J. D. Perrett (now settled in Auckland), Miss Stoddart Christchurch), Miss Joll (Dunedin), Miss Nina Jones (Nelson), and G. W. Christmas (Adelaide). Of the local irtists, Messrs. E. W. Pay ton (president >f the Society), F. Wright, C. Blomtield, T. L. Drummond, Trenwith, Gregory, 3ollard, T. Ball, and the Misses Home vere well represented. Some of the vorksofthe late Mr. Robt. Atkinson, md S. R. Keesing, recently deceased nembers of the Society, were also on sxhibition. The Exhibitioa was very iuccessful in all respects, the attendee being much larger, the sales (rftater, and the art union showed an idvaiice in receipts of 25 per cent. It s anticipated that the net profit will bo irom £50 to £00.