Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 312, 13 April 1878, Page 14

Town News.

Confirmation services were held at St. Peter’s and St. Mark’s Church on Sixnday, when a large number of youug pei'sons received the saci-ed rite.

The manager of the Wellington-Masterton Railway notifies that the 11.15 p.m. train to-night from Wellington will run on to the Upper Hutt, returning from the Upper Hutt at 12.40, and Lower Hutt at 1.25, ari-iv-ing in Wellington at 1.55 a.m. The following appointments in the Minister of Lands Department have been decided upon, and will shortly be gazetted :—Mr. James McKerrow, the present Assistant-Surveyor General, to be Secretary for Crown Lands, Immigration, and Goldfields ; Mr. 11. J. H. Elliott, Under-Secretary for Grown Lands and Immigration ; and Mr. Oliver Wakefield, Under-Secretax-y for Goldfields. The inward Suez mail, which arrived here on Wednesday last by the Arawata, consisted of 387 letters, 95 book packages, and 78 newspapers, via Brindisi ; and 314 lettex-3, 156 book packages, and 86 newspapei-s, via Southampton. The outward Suez mail, despatched by the same steamer yestei’day, consisted of 373 letters, 9 book packages, and 97 newspapers, via Southampton ; and 340 lettei-s, 8 book packages, and 11 newspapers, via Brindisi. We are sorry to hear that a serious accident occurred on Tuesday to one of the men in the employ of Mr. Saunders, the contractor. The unfortunate man, whose name is Murphy, was, we understand, engaged in carting stone along the Kaiwarra-road, when by some means he was thrown down, and the wheels of the vehicle passing over one of his legs so crushed it that on his removal to the Hospital amputation of the limb had to be resorted to.

It is stated that Major Heaphy has been appointed Commissioner of Annuities, the salary for which office is £BOO a year—at least that is the amount voted by Parliament. Major Heaphy is a very old colonist, havingarrived here in the ship Toi’y in the year 1839, he having accompanied the preliminary expedition undertaken by the New Zealand Company. Major Heaphy has for several years past been Commissioner of Native Reserves; and previously was a member of the House of Representatives for a Northern constituency. It is needless to say that should the above appointment turn out to be true there will be no vacancy in the Wairarapa. poor Bunny ! The trustees of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Lambton-quay, have sold the church property to the Colonial Bank for the sum of £IO,OOO. The frontage is one of the best in the city, and considering the figures at which property has changed hands lately, the pr ce is by no means high. The bank could not have secured a better site in the whole city. We understand that it is the intention of the trustees of St. Andrew’s to purchase a suitable site at the Tlxorndon end of the town whereon to erect a handsome and commodious structure. The position on which the church now stands, although iu the very centre of the business pox'tion of the city, is not convenient for chui-ch-goers, for the reason that thex-e is really hut a small resident population in the vicinity. The following tenders have been received at the Public Works office, Wellington, for the Carterton contract of the Wellington-Master-ton railway :—Accepted : Richard Dickson, Auckland, £51,954. Declined:—J. Jay, Wellington, £53,501; A. Tavvse, Wellington, £54,657; H. Reid and Co., Dunedin, £59,587 ; Davies and Co., Wellington, £59,747 ; W. Stocks, Christchurch, £59,879 ; D. Eallon, Auckland, £61,182; M. Lake, Christchurch, £62,192 ; Deuby aixd Rowe, Wanganui, £62,499; E. O’Malley, Wellington, £63,997; Collie, Scott, and Wilkinson, Wellington, £65,467; Lockie and Dunn, Wellington, £67,077; Taylor and Dannaher, Auckland, £67,322; Proudfoot and McKay, Dunedin, £67,800; J. Brown, Wellington, £71,000; D. Ross, Auckland, £73,607; Topliam and Angus, Invercargill, £77,018 ; Seoular and Archibald, Wellington, £81,072.

xxu del-stand that the freehold of the Clarendon Hotel, Molesworth-street, has changed hands at £2OOO. The cutter Margaret Scollay. fitted out for deep-sea fishing, was sold on Wednesday at auction by Mr. N. J. Isaacs for the sum of £77 10s.

A considerable improvement was effected on Friday in Willis-street by the talcing down of the old and somewhat unsightly wooden building which has so long encroached upon the pathway near the Melbourne Hotel.

The trustees of the Scotch Clmi-ch have, it is said, offered £4OOO for a quarter of an acre of laud on the Terrace, now occupied by Mr. Compton’s saw-mill premises, and the offer has been declined. This furnishes another instance of the high price now ruling foxcity properties iu Wellington. At a meeting of the Wellington Diocesan Committee on Thursday evening the generous gift by Mr. J. C. Crawford of a site at Kil-bii-nie was suitably acknowledged. The site is more than an acre iu extent, and is vei-y eligibly situated. The Government, we heax-, have taken cognisance of some remarks made by Mr. G. E. Barton in his recent address to his constituents, containing a reflection on the Wellington police. Inspector Atcheson caused the men to turn out on parade on Thursday, and questioned them regarding the alleged illtreatment of prisoners. They all denied any knowledge of the oceui-rence said to have taken place. SSpTenders were opened on Tuesday for the construction of a road from the city to Kil-bii-nie thi-oxxgh the Town Belt. There were fifteen tenders, l-anging from £242 to £743. It was decided to accept the tender of Mr Colin McDonald for £319. There were two tenders lower than the one accepted, but as it was deemed that the work could not be carried out for the amounts of the tenders, it was agreed to give the contract to the next lowest tendei-er. The road is to be twelve feet wide, and the gradient at the steepest will not be more than 1 in 18.

The monthly meeting of the Wellington Teachers’ Association was held in the Tlxorndon school on Saturday morning, the president (Mr. Mowbx*ay) in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Some eonvex-sation took place as to the best time in the day to bold the meetings, as the morning wa< found to be very inconvenient for town teachers, but most convenient for country teachers. It was ultimately decided to let the matter stand over. Lettei-s were read fi-om the general seci'etary of the Department of Education and the Count de Zaba, in reference to his recent visit to Wellington. It was decided that in futui-e meetings shall be held regularly on the fxi-st Saturday in each month. We are son-y to hear that Mr. Hooper, of Karoi-i, met with a serious accident on Friday. He had, we understand, been out in the bush pigeon shooting, and afterwards was talking with a Mr. Cole, and during the conversation

laid the gxxn down on the ground. Some of Mr. Hoopex-’s children took the gxxn up, and he, fearing an accident to them, took it from them. By some mischance the gun went off, and the contents lodged in his side. We have since learned that Mr. Hooper is now in a fair way of recovery. At first it was thought that all the shot had penetrated the body, but Dr. Bradford has since discovered that it was mostly turned aside by the ribs. Consequently the wound is not so daixgex-ous as at first believed.

The Karori-Makara Highway Board met on Satixrday last. Present—Messrs. Graham (chairman), Bowler, and Page. A letter was read from the Hutt Coxxnty Council, stating that the roads in the district would be placed in the hand- of the Board until 31st March, 1879. The various conti-acts having expired, it was decided to pay Messrs. Duignan, Leary, and Hooper in full. The Board voted £2O towards the new culvert and filling in the road opposite the Botanical Gardens. A letter was re d from Mr. Finnimore, complaining of the ntxisance created by Mr. Toohill’s boiling-down establishment, and the chairman was authorised to take s eps to have the nuisance abated at once. Mr. J. Thompson’s tender for 300 yards of metal at 4s. lid. per yard was accepted. Mr. Bowler was authorised to have a handrail put to the bridge aci-oss the Makara stream ; and the chairman was empowered to have about twelve panels of fencing placed on the new road at Baker’s Hill.

J. C. Crawford has forwarded a letter to the Committee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution resigning his position as chairman of the society. The following is a copy of Mr. Crawford’s letter : Gentlemen, —I enclose a slip from the Evening Post of this date, iu which I find it stated that my holding the office of Chaii-man of the Benevolent Institution is made an excuse for not subscribing to the funds of that society. I proceed at once to cut away the gx-oundof that excuse by l-esigning the chairmanship. I wish that the reason for my resignation shall be made public, and I trust that the i-esult will be a large addition to the attenuated funds of the institution. —I have, &c., J. C. Craayfokd.” At a meeting of the institution on Tuesday it was resolved that Mr. Crawford’s resignation be accepted, and the secretary was requested to forward the following letter to the retiring chairman :—“ Dear Sir, —Your letter to the committee resigning your office as chairman of the Benevolent Institution, was read at the meeting yesterday, and it was resolved the resignation be accepted. I was directed, in notifying this, to teuder to you the thanks of the committee for your exertions on behalf of the institution through the long period of yeai-s during which yoxx have held the office of chairman. —I am, &c, C. P. Powx/ES, lion, sec.” At the same meeting it was announced that the following subscriptions had been received : T. C. Williams, £lO ; Mrs T. C. Williams (for Orphanage Fund) £5 ; J. M. Cleland, £2 2s ; J. Budden, £l.

At the Supreme Court on Friday his Honor Mr. Justice Richmond ordered the recognisances, amounting to £SO, of a witness named Richard Harris, in Ockenden’s case, to be estreated.

Notice is given by the Boai-d of Education that oxx the 19th instant, at 8 o’clock p.m., there will be a meeting of liouseholdei-s in each of the four school disti-icts of the city, for the purpose of electing committees, &c. The skating rink is beginning again to attract l-iukists, and now of an afternoon the l-ink appears quite lively. The skating season has scarcely started as yet, the weather having been hitherto hardly cold enough for the pi-oper enjoyment of the sport.. The usual weekly meeting of the Wellington Literary Society was held on Tuesday night, when the question, “ Is it advisable to continue the present system of assisted immigration ?” was discussed. On putting the question to the meeting at the close of the debate, it was carx-ied in the negative. Elocution will form the s.tudy for next evening.

A Danish woman who some little time back was discixai-ged from the Lunatic Asylum had to be re-arrested at Marton and again committed to the asylum. She was brought to Wellington on Sunday in the Stormbird under the chai-ge of Constable Buchanan.

A meeting of justices of the peace was held in the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Friday, to i-evise the jury list. There were present — Messrs. J. C. Crawford, R.M. (chairman), J. Smith, J. Moore, G. Crawford, Lewis, J. H. Wallace, C. C. Graham, J. MartiD, -J. Dronsfield, and Kebbell. Sevei-al names were struck off the roll, and about thirty were chosen for recommendation as special j ixi - ors.

It will be seen by reference to our telegraphic columns that Messi-s. Stuart Brothers’ saw mill near Carterton has been burned dowix—it is presumed by accident. The insurances on the property are as follows :—National : £2OO on the building, and £4OO on the machinery, of which £2OO is reinsured with the Soxxth British, and £l5O with the Phoenix. We understand that the machinery is not much damaged. militax-y funeral took place on Friday afternoon, when the mortal remains of the late Lance-Sergeant George Brewer were followed to the cemetery by the members of the City Rifles (to which coi-ps the deceased belonged), the ban delaying the “ Dead March in Saul ” as the funeral procession passed through the streets. The coffin, which was borne oix a gun-eax-riage, was covered with the Union Jack. A large number of people followed in the wake of the procession from the deceased’s late residence to the grave. The first of tln-ee competitions for a l-ifle and pictures, presented to the City Rifles, took place on Saturday last. The weather was clear and bright, and this no doubt contributed t.x the excellent shooting. Private Cording, who was not competing for the prizes, made an excellent score of 72. The following is a list of those who competed, with the shots fired, and the scores made :

The Cadet carbine match which was fired on Saturday last between the Wellington and Wanganui Cadets, i-esulted in a victory for the Wellington team by 32 points. The following scoi-es were made by the Wellington Cadets:—

The Wellington Cadets made a total of 408; Wanganui, 376 : majority for Wellington, 32.

An alarm was rung- by the Central fire-bell shortly before noon on Monday, and almost simultaneously there was a genei-al rush of citizens to the scene of the fire, a sixroomed house on the Terrace, below the Bonl-cott-street school. It belongs to Mr. Compton, and was occupied by a widow lady named Mrs. Cai-penter and her family. The building, which is a two-storey one, had caught fire in the roof, and Mrs. Compton, who was the fii-st to observe it, at once gave the alarm. Both fire brigades and the fire police wei-e promptly on the spot, hut for a time the efforts of the former were futile, attributable to the fact that the water was not on. Fortunately, it was a dead calm at the time, and the fire being confined to the top of the roof by a cement ceiling, willing hands were enabled to remove all the furniture, though a deal of damage was done by fire aixd water, which could not be prevented. A hose was quickly ruix down to the street below, but soxne minutes elapsed before it produced any water, and at no time was there much force on. The fire was iu the meantime kept from spreading by means of buckets of water, and when at last tlie hydrant was brought to bear, a very weak stream sufficed to extinguish the source of danger. With x-efex-ence to the origin of the fire, there is very little doubt that it was accidentally caxxsed by a spark from the chimney of Mr. Compton’s saw-mill. On several previous occasions the root of the same house has been slightly bixrued by sparks from the xnill. The building was insured in the Standard office for £4OO, and the furniture in the South British for £350. The whole of the damage caused by the fire is estimated at £IOO.

There are now 106 inmates in the Lxxnatic Asylum, and the result is that the place is fearfully overcrowded. It is time that additions wei-e made to the building, as the health of the unfortunate inmates must sxxffer through the crowded state of the rooms. There is also not sxxfficient space for the pi-oper classification of the inmates ; though Mr. Whitelaw, the efficient superintendeixt, does all that lies in his power to alleviate the condition of those placed under his chai-ge. To add to the drawbacks the institution labors under, there is a scarcity of water, the whole of tlie establishment being supplied from one well, which is now vei-y low. Some time ago it was xxrged that tlie water from the Corporation reservoir should be laid on to the asylum, but we regret to say no action has been taken in the matter. The water should be laid on without delay, as it is extremely necessax-y that in a building of this nature all appliances should be provided to extinguish fires. It is only a few weeks ago that the lunatic asylum near Auckland was burned to the ground, and a similar calamity here should be carefully guarded against. At present if a fire originated in the Lunatic Asylum here there would be virtually no water to extinguish it, fox-, as we have said before, the only well in connection with the institution is now nearly dry.

We have before us a copy of tlxe “ Underground Woi-ld,” by T. W. ICnox, and a careful glance over its pages shows that it is a work of sterling worth and merit. It is not, as might be suspected from a cursory glance at the topics treated, a di-y description of scientific facts, but statements of most important and curious deeds, intei-spersed with lively anecdotes. Mr. Sheridan, who is the sole agent for the publishei-s, has just arrived from Sydney, where we hear that the work has met with great success. It is replete with interesting sketches of mines and mining in all parts of the world, caves and their mysteries ; in fact, it is full of vivid descriptions of the hidden works of natxxre and art. Some of its chapters are of an exceedingly dramatic character, while the knowledge it dispenses is as i-are as it is excellent. The book ti-eats of a great variety of subjects. There are adven-tux-es by land and by sea ; visits to localities closed to the ordinai-y traveller ; stories of Siberian exiles, and the cruelties practised upon them ; tales of life in prison, and escapes therefrom ; horrors of mining accidents, and the dangex-ous realities of mining life ; experiences under earth and under water. The work is calculated to extend our ideas, and to bring before us things which are daily occurring in oxxr midst, and of which many are doubtless wholly ignorant. The names of those who are desirous of subscribing for the work may be left with Mr, Sheridan, at the National Hotel, Lambton-quay.

REPORT OP LAND SALE, APRIL 9. Lower Hutt Township.—Sold on account of John Martin, Esq., J. P., by Mr. J. H. Wallace. There was a good attendance and spirited bidding. A lunch was fux-nislied by Mr. Laing. The following lots were sold : Lot 1 IL Bunny, £75 ISs 8d ; 2 H. Bunny, £37 19s; 3 It. J. Duncan, £33 ; 4 T. AV. Young, £3l 7s ; S F. G. Ladd, £33 : 6 F. G. La<!d, £34 13s ; 7 H. Cliurton, £34 13s; 8 H. Cliurton, £39 12s; 9 It. J. Duncan, £39 12s ; 10 James Baird, £39 12s ; 11 W. Gatliorcole, £39 12s ; 12 It. Port, £42 ISs ; 13 It. Port, £53 6 ; 14 H. Cliurton, £45 3s ; 15 H. Cliurton, £9 18s; 16 Jas. Baird, £l3 4s ; 17 It. J. Duncan, £8 5s : 18 11. Churton, £l3 4s; 19 11. Cliurton, £l3 4s; 20 Jno. Richards, £l4 ; 21 John Richards, £ls 13s Cd ; 22 T. AV. Young, £lB 3s ; 23 R. J. Duncan, £IS 19s Cd ; 24 H, Bunny, £lB 3s ; 25 H. Bunny, £75 12s : 26 11. Churton, £37 19s ; 27 J. M. Taylor, £36 6s ; 28 F. Mills, £l3 4s: 29 AY. Gilpin. £33 ; 30 AV. Gilpin, £33; 31 \V. Gilpin; £33 : 32 James Elders, £33 ; 37 AV. Gilpin, £65 5s ; 38 AA r . Gilpin. £2O 13 < 6d. ; family hotel, let for 5 years to T. AV. Young at £3 10s per week, furniture to he taken at a valuation, 53 AV. C. Devereux, £648 7s 6l ; 54 George Gilbert, £375. Intervening lots withdrawn. Pioneer Temperance Hotel, Masterton, withdrawn. Total amount of sale, £2325 7s 2d.

The auctioneer announced that any unsold lots could be treated for privately, and that ■his next great sale woxxld be on the 25th inst., of the farm sections, Mutigaroa.

$ CHORAL SOCIETY. The AVellington Choral Society gave a private concert in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Thursday evening. The hall was chosen in consequence of the theatre being engaged, and the limited space compelled the committee to restrict the right of admission to subsci-ibers only ; but notwithstanding this, there were more present than could be seated. The society is determined ixot to keep in the background, and must have held frequent i-ehearsals almost immediately after their last appearance, so short is the time that has since elapsed. If any misgivings were entertained as to their not taking sufficient time to become perfect, the manner in which this, the third private concert of their fifteenth season, was rendered on Thursday evening, justified any such fears being dispelled. Tlie programme opened with Mendelssohn’s grand “ War March of the Priests,” from “Athalie.” The orchestra gave it with spirit, the instruments blending in mutual harmony both as regarded time and intonation. The quartett, by two ladies and two gentlemen, “ The Lord is a spirit,” was given with a subdued melody that secured for it a well-deserved encore. The trio and chorus, “ The Heavens are telling,” fi-om the “ Creation,” were sung with exquisite feeling, and were highlv appreciated. The “Hallelujah Chorus,” (“Mount of Olives”) concluded thefirst pact of the programme. The overture “ Cenerentola” introduced the second part, and was followed by the charming aria, “ O, gentle moon, good night,” which was pleasingly rendered. The young lady who played a pianoforte fantasia from “ La Sonnambula ” proved herself an excellent performer, her instrumentation combining those qualities which distinguish an accomplished musician. She earned the enthusiastic plaudits of the audience. The song “ Oh were I blessed above” was a supreme vocal effort, and the gentleman who sang “.Farewell my mountain life” proved himself to be possessed of a rich voice with good register. In response to an encore he gave “ Come into the

garden Maud. “Joy, joy, for ever” (“ Paradise and the Peri”) was the finale to an excellent concert. The conductor (Mr. Rous Marten) kept the orchestra and singers well together, in fact, the accompaniments were played with almost perfect accuracy.

COOPER AND BAILEY’S CIRCUS. “ The biggest show in the word,” as the bills announce it, arrived in the Union Company’s s.s. Wakatipu from Lyttelton at noon on Thursday, and opened to a crowded house last night. Public curiosity has been aroused respecting this gigantic circus and menagerie by an endless variety of large colored prints stuck up on every hoarding and available wall space in town. The advance agents have placarded nearly every small town in the district in a similar manner. On the steamer approaching the wharf the circus band played an inspiriting air, and a crowd of onlookers immediately assembled to see the landing. The steamer’s deck was covered with large cages and other paraphernalia, whilst the horses and other animals were stowed in the hold. The unloading commenced immediately after the vessel came alongside, very heavy tackle being used for hauling up the large vans, and in addition to members of the troupe a number of other men were employed to assist in discharging the novel freight. There are fifty performers in the “ show,” and the menagerie comprises the lai'gesb wild beast collection that has ever visited these colonies. There are elephants, camels, tigers, zebras, lions, educated dogs, performing pigs, and a number of other attractions. The tents are pitched in Mr. Martin’s paddock, at the corner of Taranaki and Vivian streets. The Wakatipu will remain in Wellington until the end of the season, for the purpose of taking the circus on to Auckland.

The Lyttelton Times of Wednesday last thus refers to the closing performances at Christchurch of Cooper and Bailey’s circus and menagerie :—“At the matinee performance yesterday, some 2500 school children were present, amongst them being about 1500 from the Christchurch east, main, and side schools, 950 from Christchurch west, and 34 from Sheffield. All the children from Christchurch east owed their treat to the generosity of a member of the committee, by whom a cheque was given for a lump sura, which Messrs. Cooper and Bailey agreed to accept. The eight within the tent, where all the children were seated together, was a particularly striking one, and the performers, as if catching animation from the scene, did their utmost for the amusement of the youngsters. In the evening there was, as a matter of course, a good audience, although not nearly so large as on previous occasions, and it was apparent that the length of the Christchurch season had been pretty accurately estimated. Soon after the performance had been commenced, active preparations for the departure of the company were iu progress, and it was in these details that the completeness of the arrangements was clearly shown. By half-past eight o’clock all the vans containing the animals had been shut up and secured, with the tarpaulins strapped, and the poles placed in position. At the same time the side canvas of the menagerie tent had been rolled up and stowed away, all the interior stakes had been drawn, and the numerous ropes coiled. The ponies, camels, and elephants were duly tethered together, and the latter were enjoying a final and plentiful feed of oats. The spotted dogs, which have attracted so much attention on account of the strong friendship existing between them and the elephants, were fully conscious of the near departure, and were indulging in all kinds of antics with their huge companions. Within sixteen minutes from the commencement of operations, all the animals were out of the tents, and most of them were on their way to the station. The elephants and camels walked down by way of Manchester-street, and at the tank opposite the Borough Hotel a halt was made for a last ‘ nip.’ At the railway station trucks were in readiness, the loading up taking place from the unfinished passenger platform. As there was a considerable amount of lumber lying about, and the lights were conspicuous only by their scarcity, the patience of those in charge of the animals was severely taxed, but their work was admirably accomplished. The elephant known as Titania was employed running the vans on to the railway tx-ucks. So soon as the performance at the circus was ended, the large tent was also struck, and in. comparatively short space of time every vestige of the great show had disappeared. Of the uniform courtesy, both of the proprietors and their officials, many kindly recollections will be cherished. Without for one moment desiring to make invidious comparisons, special mention in this respect may well be made of Professor Johnson, who had charge of the menagerie department, and of Mr. Charles Warner, to whom the elephants are entrusted.”

TE ARO THEATRE AND PUBLIC HALL COMPANY (LIMITED).

The first annual meeting of the above company was held last evening at the exchange land mart, Featherston-street, Mr. A. P. Stuart in the chair. The advertisement convening the meeting having been read, the following report was taken as read : The board of directors, in presenting their first annual report to the shareholders of the company, have pleasure in stating as follows : 1. The purchase of the freehold land in Mannersstreet was completed in the month of May, 1877, and Mr. J. Kanson’s tender for the erection of the building for £7307 10s. accepted in the same month. The directors regret, however, to state that in consequence of the builder’s early abandonment of the contract to his sureties and subsequent insolvency, they have been compelled to carry on the work through their architect. Considerable loss of time and consequent expense have thus been unavoidably incurred. 2. The directors are happy to be able to state that the building already shows that in point of accommodation, scenic details, and architectural effect, together with safety in case of panic or fire, it will be superior to anything of the kind in the colony, and will add another to the many important public buildings of the city. To the architect (Mr. Thomas Turnbull), the scenic artist (Mr. T. S. Willis), Mr. Thomas Scoular (of the firm of Scoular and Archibald), and

the various contractors engaged in the erection and fitting-up of the building, much credit is due for the skill and care brought to bear throughout. 3. The directors are negotiating with various companies for the opening of the building in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. They have named it “ The Imperial Opera House,’’ and hope that under that name it will have a long and successful career. A statement of the receipts and expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 1878, is laid before you. A balance-sheet and profit and loss statement will appear next year, when the directors hope that, with judicious management, they will be able to declare a satisfactory dividend. In the early part of the year Mi'. James O’Shea retired from office as a director, and in accordance with the company’s articles of association, all the present directors and auditors retire from office, but are eligible for re-election.

The Chairman said : In moving the adoption of the report of the directors which has been laid before you I have little to add to what it contains. Affer Mr. Ranson abandoned the contract, the work was cai'ried on by the architect on behalf of the company. Almost all that requires to be done now is a portion of the decorations, which it is expected will be finished in about ten days. It is seated to hold as follows :—Ten boxes, 120 ; stalls, 280 ; pit, 400 ; dress-circle, 390 ; gallei-v, 216. Total, 1206. Besides thei-e is standing room in the pit for 200 more, and in the gallei'y for 50 more, making a grand total of 1456. Water has been laid on, and ten hose, each 60 feet long, have been distributed throughout the building, to ensure the rapid extinguishing of a fire, should one occtu’, while there are numerous outlets offering abundant means of escape to those inside. A balcony has beeu erected in front of the building for the use of the band, and other purposes. Several applications have been made for renting the shops, but they have not yet been let. In retiring from office, the directors hope that the Te Aro Theatre Company will grow and prosper. He then moved the adoption of the report.

Mr. Warburton seconded the motion. A Shareholder inquired if the Theatre was let to any one ? The Chairman said not at present, but sevei-al negotiations were pending. The report was unanimously adopted. The following gentlemen were elected dii'ectors : Messrs. G-. Crawford, L. Levy, J. Fenton, J. Arlcell, A. P. Stuart, A. McDonald, and 11. Mace. On the motion of Mr. Arkell, seconded by Mr. Fenton, Mr. T. K. Warburton and Mr. G. Pirie were re-elected auditors. Mr. Mace moved a vote of thanks to the directors. Mr. Paell seconded the motion, which was cai'ried. Mr. Craweord returned thanks, saying that his colleagues and himself had done their best to push matters forward, and believed that very shortly the new theatre would be opened, and ere long he hoped to have the pleasure of announcing a dividend. Mr. Craweord moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Turnbull, the architect, for the excellent manner in which he had carried out his work. All who had seen the theatre were pleased with it, and he (Mr. Crawford) had very gi-eat pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to him. (Cheers.) Mr. A. P. Stuart seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Turnbull briefly thanked the meeting, and wished prosperity to the company. A vote of thanks to the chairman tei'minated the proceedings.

EDUCATION BOARD. The Education Board held its adjourned meeting on Wednesday morning, when there were present the Hon. C. J. Pharazyn (chairman), Archdeacon Stock, the Rev. Mr. Paterson, and Messrs. Bunny and Gisborne. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. FINANCIAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The following report was submitted : 'i.“The committee appointed to inquire into the financial position of the Board reported : 1. That they have reason to anticipate a credit balance of over £SOO, after all expenditure is met, for the quarter ending 30th June instant. 2. That the amount of building grant, £IO,OOO for the year, has been already reduced by a sum of £2016, if buildings under contract be considered in the estimate. 3. That they consider the sum of £8387, spent at the early part of the year, might be considered by the Government as chargeable upon last year, aud that it is an unfair charge upon this year’s grant. 4. That they wish to point out to the Boax-d that there would not have been excess of outlay in the grant for buildings had the position of the Board been understood, as nearly all the amount of excess arises from contracts immediately undertaken on receiving verbal assurance from the Minister of Education that the moneys expended before the Education Act of 1877 came into opei'ation would not be charged upon the allocated grant of £50,000 voted for buildings. 5. They recommend that the Government should be asked for their interpretation of the word ‘ yeai',’ in the thirty-ninth section of the Education Act. 6. They recommend that the claim for conqxensation on account of the abolition of rates be submitted for consideration to the Government. They also recommend that the position of the building fund account be l-epresented to the Government, and that they be asked under all the circumstances to ari’ange, or authorise the Board to arrange for an overdraft at the bank to the amount of penses for the next six months.” Accompanying the report was a statement of accounts containing the estimated income and expenditure for the next three months, being—lncome, £3605 ; expenditure, £3050 ; leaving an estimated credit balance of £555. Mr Gisboi’ne : There is a blank left for an ovei'draft.

Mr. Bunny: Well, I move that that blank be filled in with £SOOO ; there is a good deal ■due. The Rev. Mr. Paterson remarked that they should be careful about fresh expenditure.

The Board adopted the report, and authorised the committee to fill up the blank with £SOOO. MR. DOUGHERTY. A letter was read from Messrs. Barton and Fitzherbert on behalf of Mr. Dougherty, who applied for compensation for alleged wrongful dismissal from the Te Aro school. The letter stated that the Act only provided that dismissal should ensue through immoral conduct or gross behavior. It was further stated that Mi\ Dougherty, who had been brought here from Victoria, could not expect to get a situation, after what the Boai'd had stated of him. Mr. Bunny moved that the letter be referred to Mr. Brandon, who had dii’ected them how to act. The motion was carried. DOCUMENTS. Mr. Bunny stated that he wanted to bring something forward inspecting some alleged missing documents. According to a Wanganui paper Mr. Hislop had stated there that he could not give the Wanganui Board certain information, because he had not received the documents from Wellington. He wishel to state that the reports in question had been sent to Mr. Hislop, and that there was no blame to be attached to the Board iu Wellington. ROUTINE. A number of minor matters, including accounts, weie dealt with, and the meeting adjourned. WELLINGTON LITERARY ASSOCIATION. The usual weekly meeting of the Wellington Literary Association was held on Tuesday, the 26th March, when the following report was presented : “The committee have much pleasure in presenting the third annual report of the Wellington Literary Association, and desire to express their gratification at the manifest progress that has distinguished the past year of the society’s existence. “In the important matters of membership and attendance a steady improvement has taken place, the roll-book at the close of last year showing 38 bona fide members, with an average attendance of 18, as compared with the coi’responding 27 and 11 of the year preceding.

“ The financial position of the society is also satisfactory, as will be seen from the treasurer’s balance-sheet. The various entertainments held during the past year —and having for their object more the bringing of the society into notice than direct pecuniary profit—have likewise answered well, the exhibition conversazione, held last Septembei', being especially noticeable for its success. “ With regard to the actual business done by the society during the late session, it must be stated that the work has been very fairly shared by the members, and that in every department a signal advancement has been made; a fact which well illustrates the importance and utility of the association. During the year 13 questions have been debated—4 being philosophical, 3 ethical, 3 political, 2 semi-political, and 1 scientific. Noteworthy among these was the debate upon the question ‘ Ought New Zealand, in her present financial condition, borrow more money ?’ aud another discussion, which will not speedily be forgotten, was that upon the justifiability of a departure from the truth. The essays of the past session were numerous and varied in subject, and in the majority of instances evidenced careful preparation and considerable literary ability. The readings from Shakspere having been found comparatively unbeneficial, were discontinued about the middle of the session, and the evenings which would have been assigned to them have since been devoted to the practice of general elocution. “ With much pleasure the committee have to report that the library of the association is in a highly satisfactory condition. It will be remembered that at the date of last annual report the number of volumes was a little over 30. The catalogue at present shows a total of 144—a1l healthy, high-class standard works. The librarian, Mr. W. Miller, states that the circulation is very considerable, thereby amply testifying to the appreciation in which the library is held by the members of the association. Before leaving this part of their subject, the committee have with regret to note that a few of the members have been in the habit of infringing the rules of the library by retaining books for a longer period than fourteen days, and that one or two, despite frequent requests for return on the part of the librarian, have kept books out for five or six months, to the no small annoyance and inconvenience of other members wishing to stud y the works so withheld. The committee hope that the mere notice of this irregularity will have a salutary effect. “In accordance with rule 13, the present committee and officers of the society, having held office for a period of six months, retire tonight ; it will therefore be part of this evening’s business to elect othei's in their stead. “ In conclusion, the committee, while feeling thankful for the success which has attended the society in the past, with the commencement of a new year feel it their duty to again ask the members, one and all, to attend regularly and pxxnctually the weekly meetings, to zealously endeavor to increase the number of members, and to conscientiously bear their share in the work of the society, for by these means only can the strength and value of the association as an educational agency be augmented or even maintained.” After reading the above report the officers for the ensuing six months were elected, viz., Rev. C. S. Ogg, M.A., president ; vice-presi-dents, Rev. J. Paterson, Mr. R. Gardiner, and Mr. G. Macdonald ; committee : Messrs. Farmer, W. Waddell, G. Allport, G. Baker, W. Hopkirk ; secretary, Mr. H. E. Nichols ; librarian, Mr. W. Mills ; treasurer, Mr. Jas. Kirker.

CORONER’S INQUESTS. The adjourned inquiry regarding the death of John Stephenson, who died on the 2nd instant from the effects of an accident, was resumed at the Hospital on Tuesday, before Mr. J. G. Ci'awford.

William Arthur Bradford deposed : I am a duly qualified medical practitioner. I made a post mortem examination of deceased with Dr. Harding on the 4th instant, and found, externally, the only mark of violence was a scalp wound. It was an irregular shaped contused wound, about four inches long, situatednear the middle line at the back part of the head. The wound was stitched together with silk ligatures. It divided all the tissues of the scalp down to the bone. On removing the scalp we found a fi'acture of the bone, commencing about an inch above the suture formed by the pai-ietal and occipetal bones. It extended along the base of the skull to within a quarter of an inch of the foi'anem magnum. On l’emoving the brain, which was healthy in structure but greatly congested, we found a large clot, which in a fluid state would have measured about an. ounce and a-lialf, lying between the rnenxbrances and the skull. The fractui-e throughout consisted of a single fissure, thei’e being no loose or depressed portions either on the outer or inner plates of the skull. The cause of death was exti'avasation of blood at the base of the bi’ain and fracture at the base of the skull. A Jui'yman : Do you think anything could have been done in the Hospital to' save his life ? Dr. Bradford : No treatment at all could have saved his life. The injury was of such a> nature that it would have been impossible for surgical aid to have saved him. Robert Harding, who had assisted in the post mortem examination, corroborated the evidence of Dr. Bradford. Edward Wheeler deposed : I am master of the Havvea, and deceased was chief officei\ The boat left the wharf on Monday the, Ist April about half-past five, and when crossing Evans Bay I told Mr. Stephenson to set the sails. He was giving ordei-s to set the upper-topsail by means of the steam winch, and holding on to the winch. The yard was about half-way up the mast, when it fell, and I saw Mr. Stephenson knocked on to the bridge. It was evident that the block had strucxc him on the head, and he fell on to the bridge. I rushed and got hold of him, and two men carried him aft. I saw the blow had been very severe, and bi*ought the ship back to the wharf. I sent for Dr. Diver, who arrived soon aftei', and attended deceased. Cross-examined : I believe the breaking of the chain was dxxe to a foul up aloft. It has been in use for three years. There was no apparent defect in the chain, though the link produced, which was the one that broke, appeared defective inside. Robert Watt, second officer of the' Hawea, said he knew nothing of the accident until after it had happened. He received orders to take the ship back to the wharf, and did so accordingly. He accounted for the accident through a bad weld in the link. It was usual to use the steam winch in hoisting the topsails.

Dr. Diver, being re-called, was examined by the jury as to whether he concurred in Dr. Bradford’s statement that it would have been impossible to save the life of deceased. He said: Dr. Bradford is a good surgeon in my opinion, and I have no reason to think otherwise. It would entirely depend upon what action had been taken. We can only depend upon the possibility or impossibility of recovery by the result. If the surgeon thought there was an effusion of blood at one place, he would have been able to relieve it by trephining, that is, to take out a piece of sound bone so as to let out the blood. By this process I have seen marvellous results. It is impossible for me to say now what might have been dene, as I was not at the post mortem. In fractures of the skull we trephine to look for extravasation of the blood. I have known many lives saved by trephining in cases of fracture of the skull. I do not refer to this case. It would have been wrong for me to go to the Hospital to attend to this case, because it is against the rules, and would have been a slight to Dr. Johnston. If Mr. Monteith had sent for me it would have been different. Directly a patient goes into the Hospital the housesurgeon attends him, and previous outside treatment is ignored by him. The Coroner said there could be little doubt abetftf the cause of death, and the only thing for them to consider was whether any blame attached to anyone. The jui-y retired to consider their verdict, and remained in consultation for a time, an opinion being expressed by some that a rider should be attached expressing disapproval at the conduct of Mr. Monteith, and of Dr. Diver for not going to the Hospital to attend deceased ; but as there was no unanimity among them on these points, they returned a simple verdict of accidental death.

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT TO CAPTAIN ALLEN

An inquest was held on Wednesday at the Morgue, before Dr. Johnston, coroner, touching the death of William Edwax'd Allen, late master of the schooner Maiden City.

The jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was taken : Stephen Ellis, master mariner, deposed: I am in charge of the schooner Poueke, now lying in Wellington Harbor. I have seen the body of the deceased; I recognised it as that of Captain William Allen, late master of the schooner City* The last time I saw him alive was on Wednesday, opposite the Fire Brigade Station in Manners-sti-eet. He was then perfectly sober, and appeared in his usual good health and spirits. The deceased was about 35 years old. William Cochrane deposed : I am a seaman belonging to the Day Dawn schooner. About 8 o’clock on Tuesday morning I saw the body of the deceased floating in the water. I recognised it when drawn out of the water as that of Captain Allen. It was found off the breastwork close to Mr. Mills’ foundry. The police

were sent for, and took charge of the body, which was much disfigured, but I recognised it by the clothes and general appearance as that of Captain Allen. I don’t know for how long the deceased had been missing. I do not know anything of deceased’s family. George Chapman deposed : I am a master mariner, and have known the deceased foi three or four years. He was not a married man. His only relative that I know of is an aunt living in Wellington. Deceased usually lived on board the vessel. I last saw him on Tuesday evening about six o’clock ; he was then near the Telegraph Office. His schooner was lying off Captain Williams’ place. Deceased was quite sober. He was walking towards Willis-street. I did not hear that he was missing until Thursday morning, when the mate of the Maiden City asked me if I had seen him, observing that deceased had been on board since Tuesday afternoon.. The mate said he had given notice to the police. Police- Constable McGrath deposed : On Thursday morning the last witness came to me on Lambton-quay, where I was on duty, He told me that he had seen a body floating in the water near Mr. Mills’ foundry. I went to the spot, and with the assistance of some other men recovered the body and removed it to the Morgue. I searched the body and found a pocket book and 7s. 6d. in money and some papers. Peter Curran and Peter Edwards were with me at the time. They belonged to tho schooner Maiden City. The former is now master and the latter mate of the vessel. Both of these men recognised the body as that of Captain Allen. They have gone away with the vessel, which left this morning.. The jury returned an open verdict, that deceased was found drowned.

Name. i 200 yards. 1 400 yards. 500 yards. Total. Private W. Ballinger 3333333 4434444 3334343 71 Private J. Ballinger 3341344: 3332444 3332434 70 Captain Crowe 3333343 4434443 4334304 60 Corporal Bowie 3443233 444343313433332 63 Lieutenant Hale (Cadets) .. 4343334 4433343'3222304 64 Private Nodder 4344323,3324233 2243234 63

Name. 100 (yards 200 yards 300 yards Total "W. Madeley 19 18 ll 4S J. Croucher 39 15 13 47 A. Ballinger 18 15 11 44 J. Taylor 17 12 14 43 J. Parker 19 10 8 43 W. Kan dell 19 13 9 41 S. Lester 14 10 13 37 N. Gooder 1C 15 G 37 A. Rowlands 11 11 12 34 J. Gooder.. 19 12 3 34