FIFTY YEARS AGO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20888, 2 June 1931, Page 6

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

extracts from the herald.

The following are extracts from the New Zealand Herald of<June 2.1881: A new ferry company between Auckland and the North. Shore is freely spoken of. The prominent advantages are:—A sixpenny fare, uniformity of family tickets and boa's until midnight. The whole block in the town of Tauranga within the square, Harrington Street, South Strand, Hamilton and Willow Streets, with the north side of Harrington Street, was destroyed by fire on May 31. It is expected the loss will be not less than i.25,000. The Auckland Presbytery met yesterday, the Rev. Mr. Monro, Moderator, being in the chair. The principal subject of discussion was the reacting of the Bible in schools. The following resolution, proposed by the Rev. Daniel Bruce, was passed That this Presbytery instruct ministers within the bounds to endeavour, in addition to any plans that may be at present in operation, to make suitable arrangements for the instruction on week days of children belonging to the seveial congregations." Considerable surprise and much unfavourable comment has been excited by disclosure of the fact that the Wellington College Governors, being unable to obtain money elsewhere, have actually borrowed £SOO at 8 per cent, from the newly-ap-pointed principal for repairs, improvements, etc., to the college. The institution has long been noted for chronic mendicancy in relation to the governors, but raising loans from a master is a new development. The board has pledged to give him a mortgage over the property, if possible. The inspector of prisons completed his periodical inspection oi Mount Eden gaol yesterday and proceeds to Napiet»in the Te Anau this morning. We understand that much of Captain Hume's time and thought since his arrival in the colony has been spent in preparing a scheme for placing the gaolers and their officers on a proper footing as regards pay and allowances, promotion, leave, etc. The scheme, on completion, was submitted to the Government for approval, and a sum has now been entered on the estimates carrying the recommendations into effect. A Presbyterial visitation was held in St. Andrew's Church last evening. This is an old practice of the Church of Scotland, revived upon the recommendation of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. fli« ordinary meeting of the Presbytejy adjourns to the evening, when the congregation is assembled. Questions are put by the clerk of Presbytery, the moderator of the Presbytery being in the chair, to the elders and office-bearers as to the manner in which their general duties are discharged. The prescribed questions were put to the deacons and elders last night as to the holding of the kirk session, the reading of the Scriptures and the visitation of the sick. There was a moderate attendance of the congregation. •