TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 745, 11 June 1886, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

John Reuben Ingram, of Xcgestre-street, described a?' a caligraphist, Las filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt. Mr D, Campbell has been appointed Forest Ranger for the Southland District under the State Forests Act, 1885. The Premier announced in the House yesterday week that the Hoa Mr Reynolds, M.L.C., had been Bworn in as a member of the Execut ve.

Mr C. H. Reeves has been appointed Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, and Vaccination Inspector for the district of West Oxford.

The Governor has accepted the resignation of Mr J. Murray, of Auckland, and Mr F. Wi Smith, of Paikakariki, of their appointments as .Justices of the Peace.

The Hon W. Kolleston, M.H.R , has been appointed a School Commissioner for the Provincial district of Canterbury, vice Mr E. P Lance, deceased.

Mr A. Mackay, Crown Lands Ranger for the Hawkes Bay Land District, has been appointed Steward of Village Special Settlements in the same district. It is notified that trees and shrubs consigned to Public Domain Boards for planting in public domains will be carried free on the Government lines of railway. Mr Justice Gillies has been appointed a member of the Aucklaud University College Council, and the Rev. D. Bruce to be Graduate’s member of the same body. A meeting was to have been held yesterday week, at the Supreme Court Buildings, of the creditors of Robert'Rising, carpenter. 'No one attended, so the meeting lapsed. An offer to supply, under certain conditions, the Borough of Masterton with a high water pressure supply has been made by Messrs J. E. Hayes and A. J. Hunt, of this city. •

The Gazette contains a notice that 245 acres at Watts’ Peninsula, being sections 1 and 2 and part of section 3, Port Nicholson Survey District, have beeh taken for defence purposes.

Sections 307 and 308. township of Palmer, ston North, containing 9 acres 2 roods, have been vested, by Order-in-Council, in the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association as a site for a showground.

Mr Beetham asked the Defence Minister, without notice,' yesterday week, whether he was aware that on Sunday last the battery at Kaiwarra was left without a custodian ? He remarked that the only person in the battery on Sunday afternoon was a small boy, who amused himself by turning the guns about. As a Russian man-of-war was in the harbor at the time, he thought it was rather a strange circumstance that the battery should be left in this manner. Mr Ballance said he could not give an answer to the question. Had notice been given, be could have obtained the information.

In presenting a Native petition to the House last weak, Mr Hakuene remarked that the language in which the document was drawn was rather strong. In mitigation of this he pointed out that the Maoris were ignorant and not accustomed to drawing petitions ; and he asked that on that score the House would overlook any strong language in the petition. The Speaker said the petition could not be received, of course, if it was not couched in proper language ; but on an assurance from the Clerk of the House that he bad seen the petition, and did not observe anything to warrant its rejection, Sir Maurice allowed the document to be presented.

Mr Edward Pay eon Weston, the progress of whose great walk of 5000 miles without alcohol, at the rate of fifty miles a day and duly recorded, has just won another victory for temperance. His opponent was O’Leary, a younger man. The contest took place in the United States ; the condition being, that each should walk twelve hours daily, the first to cover 2500 miles to be the winner of a purse of 3000 dollars. Weston walked fifty-four days, averaging 46 15-54th miles daily, and was in excellent condition at the termination of his brilliant performance. O’Leary collapsed after finishing 2,290 miles, and did not reappear on the track. As Mr Weston has beeu a total abstainer for some years, and his opponent is in the habit of regularly drinking intoxicating bexerages, they were regarded as representative men, and the partisans of both abstinence and moderate drinking were sanguine of the success of their respective champions.

Men’s Clothing. —We have imported about 2000 pairs of Men’s Tweed Trousers, and can give a very durable Tweed Trouser for 5/-, Tweed Trousers Extra Strong for 7/6, and All-wool Tweed Trousers for 10/6. Customers should find no difficulty in selecting from our stock of 1000 Trousers and Vests. We commence these as low as 6/6, and can give excellent value at 10/6 and 12/6, being fully one-third less than usual prices. Having made a special purchase of Colonial Manufacture we can offer a lot of Geelong Tweed Trousers and Vests for 19/6, fully worth 27/6. —Te Aro House. We would call special attention to our Stock of Overcoats in Witney, Beaver, Pilot, Tweed, &c., &c.; our prices for these range from 17/6 to 25/ : , and we have opened out a splendid lot £of Waterproof Tweed Overcoats, marvellously cheap at 25/. —Te Aro House. Through the Care and Judgment exercised in selectiou, we are prepared to give better value in Men’s Suits this Season than on any previous occasion We are prepared to supply a good Sac Suits for 17/6 and 21/-. Our 30/- Suit is wonderfully cheap. We have 150 Blue Serg Suits from 15/6, and a large and varied Stock of Colonial Clothing, from the Kaiapoi, Roslyn, and Mosgiel Factories.— James Smith, Te Aro House.

It was computed that 13,200 houses were burnt down in the great fire of London. The population of Rome is increasing at the rate of. 20,000 per annum, and building sites outside the walls of the city have become eo valuable that the owners of some of the most famous of the historical villaß, which have adorned its'environs ever since’the middle ages, are selling them and their surrounding pleasure grounds to syndicates. A telegram from Beauvais adds another to the many terrible crimes that have been committed in France lately. A farmer named Breton, and his wife, both old people, were found murdered in their house, their heads being nearly severed from the bodies. The house was ransacked, and all the money and valuables were stolen.

A circular has been issued by the Russian Minister of the Interior, prohibiting Roman Catholics, Protestants, and members of religious denominations other than the Russian Orthodox Church, from using at funerals wreaths or other emblems not in conformity with the ecclesiastical and State regulations in such cases provided. The complexions of the German race have of late been studied by Professor Virchow* who reports that 32 per cent, of the German youths are blondes—that is, have light hair, blue eyes, and fair skin ; 14 per ceat. are brunettes, while 54 per cent, show some mixture of these types. The proportion of blondes is largest in the north, especially in Oldenburg ; rarest in Bavaria and Alsace. Since the clerical party came into power in Belgium it has suppressed 877 primary schools and 1079 schools for adults, besides 228 ecoles gardiennes, by which means a saving of £40.000 per annum has beeu effected. In lieu of the institutions which have been closed 1465 “ free schools ” have been opened, in which instruction is given by religious teachers, under the direction of the Jesuits and other ecclesiastics ; the main object pursued being that of maintaining and extending clerical influence over the rising generation f The Hobart Mercury says :—A Juvenile Club of an interesting nature has just been started in Hobart by a number of ladies for the purpose of rescuing street arabs, and teaching them better modes of life. The idea was originated by the Ladies’ Chaistian Temperance Association, but with a view to widening its scope, several other ladies were admitted as members of the Committee. Th« project is to have a . clubroom where the youngsters can sit and read, and have a good meal if they want it. There will also be amusements provided, such as magic lanternp, music, &c. A small fee will be charged, thus enabling the boys to feel their independence.

According to Dr Dawson Burns, the drink bill of Great Britain was less last year than it has been since 1872, with the exception of 1880, when it stood at £122,279,275, as against £123,268,760 in 1885. The maximum was reached in 1876, when it touched £147,288,759. The improvement is perceptible, the decline being £3,000,000 in the twelvemonth, but there is still ample room for a further decrease. At present Dr Burns calculates we spend £4 2s per head, or £2O per family, in alcoholic beverages per annum. In other words, if. we could confiscate to a Socialist fund all the money spent in drink, we could endow every family in the land with a minimum income of 8s a week. The conclusion is so vast that we Bnspect there must be an error somewhere.

A writer in a French astronomical paper proposes a rearrangement of the calendar, which would save all the trouble and expense caused by the necessity at present of producing a fresh calendar for every year. He proposes to Btart January with 30 days, February with 31, and so on, the months alternately containing 30 and 31 days, December, however, containing 31 only in leap year, 30 every other year. Tne last day of an ordinary year is not to be counted as belonging to any week, it is to be a nameless holiday. In leap year the last two days are to be nameless holidays, the year is to start on a Sunday. Thus every year will start on a Sunday, and the same <Ly of a month will always be the same day of the weak. If September 3, for example, is a Tuesday one year it will always be a Tuesday. A very fine solar halo and four mock suns were seen in the neighborhood of Greenwich about 2 p.m. on April 1. At half-past 1 the upper edge of a halo was seen, and shortly afterwards the halo was completed. At 1.35 p.m. two mock suns were seen, one on each side of the real sun, and about 5 deg outside the halo ; almost immediately afterwards spurs were noted emanating from the mock suns and spreading towards the north. By about 1.40 the secondary halo was complete, and two other mock suns appeared on its circumference. The phenomenon remained complete for about half an hour, after which it gradually faded off. The mock sun near the east was distinctly visible till a quarter past 2, when that in the north-north-west (which, with the other two, had disappeared some minutes earlier) reappeared for a little while. When complete the large circle was about 103 deg in diameter, extending from about 37deg above the north horizon to about 40deg above the south. At 20 minutes past 2 only small frae,ments of the largest circle remained visible in the north and north east, and these shortly afterwards faded away. Three English divers. and Captain R. F. Stephens, Lloyd’s surveyor, have returned to London from the island of Grand Canary, after raising a sum of no less than £90,000. The amount was lying submerged 153 ft deep about a mile from the southermost limit of the j island of Grand Canary. The treasure went down about two years ago in a brand new Spanish steamer called the Alphonso XII. The steamer had on board £IOO,OOO worth of Spanish dollars on their way to Cuba* They were five-dollar gold pieces, and were specially coined for the trip, being the only five-dollar pieces bearing the year 1884. The insurance on the money was effected at Lloyd's, and was paid over to the insurers after the vessel foundered. After a lapse of over a year Captain R. F. Stevens and three English divers were sent out, and succeeded in bringing up nine boxeß containing specie of the value of £IO,OOO each, but the tenth box could not be found, and the divers had to come away without it. The dangers and difficulties which were encountered and overcome in the undertaking were of the most extraordinary nature.

The Union steamer Maitai was gaily decorated with hunting on Tuesday in honor of the marriage of the purser, Mr Hstchtnough. On Monday morning next a train will The run, for the first time, to MauriceviUe, about fifteen miles north of Masterton. This will be an excursion train, and no doubt many will take advantage of the opportunity thus afforded them of seeing the Sue plain country north of the Wairarapa plains. Mr Huxley has opened a branch of his tailoring business in the premises lately occupied by Mr Rowley, tobacconist, Williestrfcet. Mr Huxley’s well-known trade sign, a huge lion, occupies a conspicuous position on the top of the building, and can be seen from a long distance on Lambton-quay. The sign was painted by Mr Lawson, and 18 creditably executed.

As an indication of the pecuniary advantage accruing to this port from the visits paid by men-of-war, it may be mentioned that one firm (the Gear Co.) obtained orders from the Japanese warship Tsukuba to the extent of nearly £6OO. The Russian ship Vestnik, however, got very few stores here, having just previously had her wants supplied at Sydney.

The clauses to make Justices of the Peace elective, which Sir George Grey proposes to introduce into the Justices of the Peace'Aet Amendment Bill, provide that on the coming into operation of the Act, any Commission of the Peace existing in the Colony shall cease upon Gazette notification. Any 'elector of the Colony shall be eligible for the office of Justice, but is to cease to act if he is convicted of felony (this in adorion to the present disqualifications). Before the Ist of January, 1887, and on .he same day of every third year, a proclamation shall be published, assigning the number of Justices to be elected in each district, who are then to be elected under the Regulations of Local Elections Act. Provision is made that in a district where there iB an insufficient number of Justices or vacancies occur, which reduce the number of Justices to below that which is considered necessary, the Governor may appoint Justices. Any Justice may at any time resign his position. Mr Wardell, R.M., with Messrs Taylor (District Hospital Board), H. J. Williams, (City Council), and W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R, (United District Charitable Aid Board), occupied the Bench at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning. Two cases of appeal were heard one from the City Council against the assessment requisition made by the District Hospital Board, and the other was a similar requisition by the United District Charitable Aid Board. Mr Travers appeared for the United District Board ; Mr Chapman, solicitor for the District Board, was present. Mr Martin appeared for the City Council, and applied for an adjournment, as he had not had sufficient notice aa to the time fixed for the hearing. The Magistrate expressed surprise that no notice had been given, as he had given instructions to the Clerk of the Court to notify all parties concerned, Mr Travers stating that no additional expense would be entailed, the Commissioners agreed to an adjournment to Tuesday next, at 2 p.m. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, before Mr H. S. Wardell,. R.M., Charles Dowsett was charged with failing to comply with an order mads by the Loc.ll Board of Health for the removal of certain rubbish from his premises, Tinakoriroad. Mr T. F. Martin, City Solicitor* appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Browa appeared for Mr Dowsett. The prosecution tended to show that a nuisance had been committed by allowing a quantity of refuse to accumulate, thereby endangering the health of people living close by. Alfred G. Johnson* Inspector of Nuisances, who laid the informa, tion, gave evidence to the effect that the refuse consisted of a large collection of rotten fruit, bones, vegetable and animal matter. Several witnesses were examined at great length on both sides, the case occupying the greater part of the day. Mr Wardell stated that he would look at the place, and deliver his decision on Friday (to-day). The Australian cricketers, have the best of the match against the Gentlemen of England, and that too playing with only ten batsmen. Bonnor, whose enormous hits have made him so famous, has come out of bia ehell with a comparatively long score, and Scott, the Australian captain, has also put a tidy number to the credit of his side. The accident to Spofforth is greatly to be regretted, for the “ demon ” apparently was never in better form than he has been during the last few weeks. However, with Garrett, Palmer, Evans, Jones, Trumble, Giffen and Brace in the team, there is no lack of bowlers. It is well known that in Australia the opinion has been widely held that Evans was a better bowler and a better all-round cricketer than Spofforth. If he is either (which is very doubtful) this is his opportunity. A man named Samuel Faulkner appeared at Tuesday’s sitting of the Resident Magistrate’s Court to answer two informations charging him with assaulting a tram-conduc-tor, and also with refusing to pay his tramfare. He pleaded not guilty. William Richards, tram-conductor, deposed that on Thursday evening last accused jumped upon his car in the Adelaide-road, and in answer to the usual demand for hi 3 fare, replied that he had no money. Witness ordered him off the car, and accused got off at the next curve. On arriving at the Newtown terminus, accused, who had followed the tram, came up to witness and abused him with bad language for having compelled him to walk up through the rain and get wet through. Accused then struck witness a slight blow on the face. Faulkner was fined £l, with 14s costs, in default seven days mprisonmeut with hard labor. For riding on the ear and refusing to pay his fare, he was further fined ss, with 123 costs.

Something New in Coaching. —From the announcement in our columns respecting ‘ The Wonder ’ Coach, it will be seen that Dr. Rumney (of Ridge’s Food fame) is preparing ‘ a new sensation ’ for his Colonial and American friends this year, in view of the influx of visitors to the Colonial Exhibition ; i.e., he will drive a team of six horses up Holywell Hill, St. Albans, thus adding a new attraction to a trip which always possessed the charm of a fine road through beautiful country, and the opportunity of visiting the cathedral, which is one of the finest specimens of ancient architecture in the world.

The appointment ®- on ev .I nolds as a member of the Executive Council is gazetted. Mr A. N. Campbell has been appointed a Hanger under the Animals Protection Act for the Southland District.

The R M.S. Kaikoura is advertised tosail for London, via Kio de Janeiro, from Weilington on Thursday, July 1. Mr G. E. Tolhuret, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, who has been for a trip to Australia, arrived in Wellington last Friday by the b.s. Wairarapa.

Three tenders were opened at the CUy Council last week for the Te Aro reclamation (No. 2). The lowest tender was that Mr J . Saunders, which was accepted. The City Council held a special meeting iust previous to the ordinary meeting last night week to consider the by-law to amend the Hackney Carriage Bylaw of November 14, 1878. The by-law, with a slight technical alteration was adopted as already advertised.

The Governor, by Order-in-Conncil, has extended the close season for seals till the Isd of June, 1887. By an order of Connell of last year, a close season was prescribed till the Ist of the present month,,

The following Receivers of Gold Revenue Lave been appointed Dunganville, Mr W. A. Barton ; Ross, Mr C. A. Barton ; No Town Mr F. H. Ibbelson ; Queenstown, Mr R. B.’Matthias (in thb absence on leave of Mr H. N. Firth).

The following additions have been made to the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act Rev R. B. Bradley, Church _of England ; Rev A. B. Todd, Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland ; Rev ±. Wagßtaff, Baptists. The Minister for Public Works gave a few interesting figures last night week in reference to railway works duiiag the year. They will be found in the Parliamentary report. It will be seen that the Minister estimates a saving in the year of £BO,OOO or £90,000. Another New Zsaland man has won Home University honors. From the Aberdeen University Magazine we learn that James Johnstone, 8.A., son of the late Rev William Johnstone, M.A., Port Chalmers, has scored the following marks in the faculty of medi* cine, Aberdeen University Third year students’ first-class certificate of merit, 85 per cent: Fife Jamieson, memorial gold medal. In junior physiology he is ranked first and bracketed medalist. In surgery (lomor students) first prize-man, medal and firstclass honors.

Mr Garvey, Governor of the Wellington Prisons, in answer to MrWardell, last Friday, said that a prisoner sentenced to 24 hours would be released at 10 o’clock the morning after conviction ; if sentenced to 7 hours he would be released at half-past 4 the same day ; and if sentenced to a week’s imprisonment on a Mondav would be released at 4.30 p.m. on the following Saturday. His Worship said he was glad to have the explanation, because he had noticed that Mr Stratford had sentenced several offenders to terms of Beven or eight hours. Under the latter arrangement men were, of course, enabled to return to their employment the next morning. The following applications for patents have been received :—W". Littlejohn, of Wellington, for improvements in surveyors’ land wire chain-measures ; J. H- Stevens, of Feilding, for a numbered metal label to be affixed to kegs • G. W. N. Hamilton, of North Fitzroy, "Victoria, for cleaning composition for wood, silver, &c. ; J. Selby, of Dunedin, for an improved washboard ; J. Coventry, of Wellington, for water-heating apparatus ; H. Allen, of Christchurch, for a rabbib-exfcermiuator ; J. Mcßedmond, of Auckland, for an improved hose-reel ; J. W. Wilkinson, of Christchurch, for a lock-protector ; W. Andrews and A. W. Beaver, of Christchurch, for improvement m chaff-cutters; W. S. Bayston. of Melbourne, for invention for hardening resius, fats, &c. A meeting of the Committee of the Chamber of Manufactures was held last night week in Mr W. Brown’s office, when there were present—Messrs J. R. Blair (in the chair), T. K. Macdonald, E. H. Crease. S. Kohn, D. Robertson, W. Brown and T. K. Bishop (secretary). A discussion took place on the desirableness of extending the scope of the Chamber to take in various local industries, and of forming an Industrial Association in connection with it. It was suggested that the annual subscription should be lowered from a wuinea to ten shillings. It was finally resolved to call a general meeting at an early date to which merchants, manufacturers and artisans should be invited. At this meeting full proposals will be made of what it is proposed to do in the way of extending the usefulness of the Chamber.

There was a full meeting at the City Council last week, the portion of the room set aside for tbs public being crowded by people apparently anxious to learn the result of the tendering for the Te Aro reclamation. Just as the question of opening the tenders was about to be put Councillor Fitz Gerald arose and moved that the Council adjourn to the Town Clerk’s room and consider the tenders in committee, at the same time condemning the Bystem which had hitherto prevailed of certain interested Councillors crowding round the Town Clerk as the tenders were being opened, while others held aloof because they took no interest in particular works. Councillor Williams seconded the motioD, and thought the practice referred to very objectionable. Councillor Wilson opposed the motion, aDd the Mayor thought the tenders should be opened before the public and the Press. He considered that notice of motion should have been given. Councillor FitzGerald urged that in such important matters Councillors should have an opportunity of exchanging opinions concerning the tenders and sureties offered. After some further remarks the Council divided on the motion : Ayes, 6 Councillors Richardson, Dank 3, Fitz Gerald, Smith, Williams, Benzoni ; noes, q The Mayor, Councillors Petherick, Coombe, McKenzie, Wilson and Edwards. The voting being equal, the Mayor gave his casting vote with the noes, and the tenders were then opened in public. The result was received with applause by the strangers present, but his Worship immediately intimated that tokens of approval or disapproval were not allowed in that chamber, and that should a similar exhibition be given again he would have the offending_Eersonß_ removed by the police.

A large number of miners, bound for the Kimberley goldfields, left by the Hauroto for Sydney on Monday. It is estimated Bhe took about sixty.

The Karori Licensing Committee met •on Saturdav, there being present —Messrs Dowsett (in "the chair), Cook, Tabor, and Hayes. Two’ applications were made and granted— Sarah Jane Compton, for a license for the Kilbirnie Hotel, and Alexander Taylor, for a license for the Island Bay Hotel. The St. John’s Ambulance Association, encouraged by the Buccess of the course of lectures delivered last year, has decided that another course shall he held. Ladies and gentlemen wishing to attend are requested to send their namss at once to the secretary, with the fen of 7s 6d, entitling them to be present at the “ First Aid ” lectures. We have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the sixth annual report by the Committee of the Wellington Ladies’ Christian Association, on the Aleaxandra Home for Friendless Women, at Newtown. The number of admissions during the year ending on the 31st of last March was 40—36 adults and four children and the average number of inmates 21. The conduct of the inmates was generally very good, and the Institution continues to thrive.

The heavy sea rolling in the harbor during the early hours of Saturday effected another breach in the railway embankment of the Government line about a mile north of Ngahauranga. The ballast was washed away for some distance, leaving the raild in an insecure condition ; bnt on the discovery being made at 7 o’clock by the look-out man sent in advance of the first train from the Hutt, traffic was stopped at the point of injury, and the passengers were obliged to walk to Ngabauranga, where they had to wait until a train from town arrived to bring them to the city. The authorities at once took energetic steps to have the breach repaired, and in a short time traffic was resumed. Some idea of the height attained by the sea may be conceived from the fact that a wave struck one of the first-class carriages of the 8 o’clock train from the Hutt, depositing a quantity of water inside the car through an open window. Mr T. R. H. Taylor, the well-known bcatbuilder, of Clyde-quay, met with some startling adventures on Saturday afternoon and evening. At about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Mr Taylor, accompanied by a man named King, started from his boat shed in the yacht Flirt, for the defence works at Point Halswell. The weather was very stormy, and when the yacht was in the middle of the bay, a squall carried away her jib. Mr Taylor, however, managed to reach Point Halswell, where he moored the yacht and went ashore, accompanied by Mr King. While they were on shore they observed the yacht drifting away from her moorings. They immediately ran to the defence works and obtained the loan of Sergeant Roberts’ whaleboat, and the assistance of Messrs Phillpotts and Crawford, members of the defence force. Launching the boat the party set off in pursuit of the yacht, but a 3 by this time darkness was coming on they were unable either to catch up with her or to return to the Point. About this time the wind blew tremendously, and daring

the gale two of the oars were broken and one lost. Eventually, between 8 and 9at night the boat was beached near Petone, and Mr Taylor desires to thank a number of residents of Petone who came to the assistance of the party and did everything they could for them. On Sunday morning, the yacht was found in an inlet between Ngahauranga. and Petone, filled with sand almost completely wrecked.

The continued success of the Saturday evening concerts must be very gratifying to the Rev L, M. Isitt and those who show their practical sympathy in the work. On Saturday evening the Athenasum was densely packed with an appreciative audience. The first item on the programme, “ The Oak and the Ivy,’’ by Mr Prouse, was very well sung, and an encore demanded. Miss Warren’s ballad, “ We’d better bide a wee,” was much admired, and also won an encore. Master F. A. KiDg carried the audience with him in the violin solo Home, Sweet Home,” and received an unmistakeable recall. Mr Reid recited “ The Fireman’s Love ” with much force and feeling, and had to respond to an encore. Mr Widdop gave “ The Village Blacksmith ” in his well-known musicianly style. Mr Hobb3 then addressed the meeting for ten minutes, and earnestly urged his hearers to avoid the rocks and quicksands that beset life’s path. Miss Randall, who was in excellent voice, took the house by storm with her singing of “ Dream Faces,” and received a double encore ; Mr Hill’s flute solo was very brilliantly played. In the duet, “(The Sea of Glass,” Miss Randell’s and Miss Warren's voices blended effectively. A very enjoyable and instructive evening was brought to “a close by a vigorous delivery of “ The Moss Troopers ” by Mr Jupp, followed by an able and telling address by the Rev L. M. Isitt. Mr Harland presided at the piano with his accustomed skill. The feeling so common among certain classes of people that in cases involving police interference nothing should be done without the presence of a constable or witness was strikingly displayed on Friday la3t, when the suspended body of Mercer was discovered in a stable at Newtown. Only a minute or two could have elapsed between the committal of Mercer’s rash act and his discovery by a neighbor, yet the latter, taking it for granted that Mercer was dead, instead of immediately cutting him down, rushed off to get assistance. It would, of course, be unfair to assume that Mercer’s life would have been saved had he been released from his position when first discovered ; but, considering that his feet were touching the ground, and that consequently he was strangled not hanged, there is a possibility that prompt measures might have led to the saving of his life. The Coroner (Dr Johnston) strongly animadverted last Saturday on the conduct of one of the witnesses in this connection, and it cannot be too widely known that the first duty of every man in such emergencies is to endeavor to save life, apart from every other consideration. As the Coroner very aptly put it, no sane man would think of leaving a person to drown while he went in search of a policeman, but would at once render what assistance lay in his power. Presence of mind is of the highest value in emergencies of the kind, and is a quality that cannot] be too highly cull7*>ated.

Mr E. E. Collins, the New Zealand agent for Reuter’s Company, who has been absent from the Colony for more than a year, is a passenger by the b.s. Wakatipu, which left Sydney for Wellington on Saturday, and was doe yesterday. We have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the Australasian Medical Gazette, of May 15. It contains a leading article on the recent libel action, Stewart v Koydhouse, strongly in favor of Dr Stewart’s Bide of the question. At the conclusion of the business at the annual meeting of the Te Aro Licensing Bench last Fiiday, Mr G. Fisher (Chairman) expressed a hope that the Wellington hotelkeepers, for their own sake, would prevent the sale of liquor to children in bottles or otherwise.

Only two creditors—Messrs Watkins and Millward (the latter representing the Gear Meat Company) put in an appearance at the meeting in the estate of G. H. Sadler, contractor, Point Halswell. Mrs Sadler wag present, and stated that she ccnld not tell where her husband bad gone. The meeting, of course, lapsed for want of a quorum. There has been p .blished a letter from Sir William Fox to Mr S. S. Downes, of the Pier Hotel, in which he expresses his regret for indirect references made by mistake to the Pier Hotel in a letter to the New Zealand Times of 9th November. We understand that the action brought by Mr Downes against Sir Wm. Fox haß been withdrawn. In answer to Mr F. H. Fraser, Inspector Shearman expressed an opinion ac the meeting of the Cook Licensing Committee on Monday, that if the accommodation at present offered by the hotels in Wellington was offered by half as many houses, it would be a great deal better both for public and publicans. That, however, was only his private opinion.

Proceedings in the House last Friday night were extremely dull and uninteresting, reminding one very forcibly of the scenes which the Chamber used to present in the days when the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Bill was passing through the ordeal of committal. Late at night, however, Mr Seddon infused a considerable amount of merriment into the proceedings by cheerily addressing the Speaker as “Your Worship.” The Wellington Special Settlement Association have been able finally to start survey work on their block at Eketahuna, Mr Reardon, the contractor, having proceeded thither on Monday, 31st May. The time limited for survey is 6 months, with c pos3ibly some slight extension for survey of town and suburban allotments. There is every reason to believe that Mr Reardon will be within his •contract time in completing the survey. Mr Ballance replied last Friday to the question put to him by Mr Beetham on the previous day as to the Kaiwarra Battery being left unattended on Sunday. He had, he said, had inquiries made into the matter, ahd he found that there is no time at which there are not men in charge of the Battery. He also found that there had never been any children playing there, and that a gunner was in charge at all times. The inquiry, the Minister added, was very full and complete. Mr Beetham said he was glad to hear this. A very successful “ book reception ” was held in connection with the Young Men’s Christian Association at the Athemeum on Monday night. A large number of books were received ; and a concert, which took place during the eveniog, was well attended, and passed off moat enjoyably. The chair was occupied by Mr Fulton, M.H.R., and a programme of songs, recitations, &e., was submitted, in which the following ladies and gentlemen took part:—Mesdamea Smith, Reid, and Draffin, Misses Gillespie and Steel, and Messrs Wilson, Webb, Draffin, Lankshear, Hutton, Silk, and Stenhouse. A well-attended meeting of persons interested ia the Kimberley goldfields took place on Monday eveniog at tbeTa Aro Hotel. Mr Neidergesaess occupied the chair. It was decided that the list for the signatures of those intending to join the expedition be opened next day. A deposit of £5 will have to he made by persons signing it, and should the affair fall through, the money will be refunded. It was stated that the Committee was to receive an answer next day as to whether the Carnarvon Castle would be available for the voyage. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. Although all the licenses for hotels in the Te Aro district were re-issued last Friday, the Committee demurred in several cases, and showed a strong disposition to enforce compliance with the strict letter of the law. An extension of the hour of closing to 12 o’clock was applied for by Mr Howorth on behalf of the licensee of the Dnke of Edinburgh Hotel, and by Mr E. Shaw for the Bank, Greymoutb, and Nag’s Head Hotels, on the ground that the Opera House would be opened about October next, and people would insist on obtaining refreshment at the close of the performances, whether legitimately or by means of back entrances. Counsel thought the temptation should be removed by allowing the houses to keep open until 12 o’clock. The Bench, however, turned a deaf ear to the plea, and insisted on all the hotels closing at 11 o'clock. Mr Collins remarked that there was a shop on the premises of the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, contrary to the Act. but did not press the matter. Messrs Collins and Fraser objected to several houses on the ground that they were not required, but it was pointed out by Mr Fisher and Mr Hayes that it would be unfair to take the licensees bv surprise. It was well that the applicants should be reminded that the Committee were of opinion that there were too many houses in the district, particularly in Manners-street, Twelve months’ notice of the fact was considered to be a more equitable proceeding than closing the houses abruptly. In the case of the Panama Hots], a new building was ordered to be erected and satisfactory progress made within six months or the license would Dot be renewed. Mr Fraser directed attention to the Sunday trading at the Te Aro Hotel, and Inspector Shearman said that efforts had been made to catch the offenders, but without success. With reference to the Nag’s Head Hotel, Mr Collins said that the licensee had shown an indisposition to grant accommodation to boarders, but Mr Shaw, who appeared for the applicant, said he was not aware of it, but that he knew i the Colonial Secretary had induced the distinguished delegates from Samoa to stay there.

The Adelaide Steamship Company advertise tbeir means of communication between Melbourne and King Sound and Cambridge Gulf. One steamer goe3 right through about every two months, and others as far as Freemantle every ten days. There passengers tranship for their destination. At a time when there is likely to be a considerable influx to the Kimberley goldSekl, it is well that the means of conveyance should be widely known.

Another new car on the Pullman principle has been placed on the Hutt line of railway. It may be mentioned that the day's of the “bone-shakers” aie now numbered. Four' handsome cars with bogie springs have been brought up .from the Addington workshops, and four on the same principle are being turned out at Petone, but the latter, though equally serviceable and comfortable, are not quite so ornate in appearance. The seats in the Addington cars are covered with crimson and blue plush, while those ic the Petone cars are covered with leather. The complaints so often levelled against the accommodation on the Hutt line will now cease to have any foundation on the score of comfort, although the rate of speed maintained may not suit the requirements of many. The numerous families bearing the name of Smith in this Colony will doubtless be pleased to learn that a small .fortune of 1400 dollars lies in San Francisco waiting to be claimed by one of their number. At'anv rate, a man named John Smith left San Francisco some years ago for Australia, or New Zealand, or some other place south of the Line, and has since fallen heir to the sum indicated. So the City Council was informed in a letter from a San Fraucisco firm of solicitors received on Thursday evening. Nothing was said in the letter about stamps being required up to a certain amount before further information would be vouchsafed, so intending applicants need not doubt the bona fides of the communication. Still, considering the number of Smiths ia this Colony alone, to say nothing of those in adjoining colonies, particularly of those who rejoice in the familiar Christian name of John, it would be well if extravagant transports were not indulged in by those who fancy they answer to the somewhat general description given.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the report by M. Emil de Harven, on his commercial mission to New Zealand in 18S4-85. The object of his mission was to inquire into the resources of this Colony with a view to open up close commercial relations between it and Belgium, and to inquire as to its fitness for the reception of Belgian immigrants. M. de Harven writes with evident gratification at the attention and hospitality shown to him in this Colony by all classes, from the Governor downward, and appreciation of the facilities offered for the prosecution of his mission. The volume is a thick one, of over 400 pages. New Zealanders will have no cause to say that their .resources are not stated with sufficient fulness. Much of the information is set forth in tabular form. The writer has evidently been deeply impressed with the natural advantages of New Zealand, and with the energy of her colonists. M. de Harven especially expresses his esteem for Mr McKerrow, who, at the request of this Government, acted as bis guide, and his smeere thanks for the important services rendered in a friendly manner, and with as much intelligence as modesty.

The annual meeting of the Te Aro Licensing Committee was held last Friday at the City Council Chambers. Present Messrs G. Fisher (chairman), F. H. Fraser, J. Collins, J. T. Hayes, and P. Coffey. No objection was offered to any of the applications by the police, and no licenses for new houses were applied for. New applications for old houses were granted as under :R. Scott, Duke of Edinburgh Hotel ; M. Gallagher, White Swan Hotel ; F. S. Cooper, Victoria Hotel ; P. O’Shea, Foresters’ Arms Hotel ; T. White, Panama Hotel ; E. B\ Crawford, Albert Hotel; R. A. Beatty, Masonic Hotel; and M. A. Woodley, Bank Hotel. Renewals were granted as follows :—T. Smith, Te Aro Hotel ; J. H. Hamilton, New Zealander Hotel ;G. Evans, Brunswick Hotel; S. Gilmer, Greymouth Hotel (late Royal Oak) ; J. Ziman, Royal Tiger Hotel ; B. H. Price, Star and Garter Hotel ; A. Barry, Imperial Hotel ; and E. Levell, Nag’s Head Hotel. Permanent transfers were granted to the following :—Thomas White to Mary A. Woodley, Bank Hotel ; H. Gilmer to Robert Scott, Duke of Edinburgh Hotel ; J. C. Eugen to F. P>. Cooper, Victoria Hotel ; G. Chandler to Patrick O’Shea, Foresters’ Arms Hotel ; and P. O’Shea to Thomas White, Panama Hotel. An extension of the hour of closing to 11 o’clock was granted in each case.

The Wellington Educational Institute held a well attended meeting on Saturday forenoon at the Education Board office. Mr C- Watson, 8.A., being in the chair. Miss Craig, Messrs De Mey, C. Barry and Ward were elected members. A resolution was passed congratulating Mr Watson on his having obtained the B.A. Degree. It was decided that all meetings of the Institute be advertised in the local papers instead of being notified to the members fcy postcard as formerly. The following resolutions were passed: —“ 1. That this Association desire to express its gratification at the recent utterances of the Minister of Education with regard to the probability of a University College being established in Wellington at an early date. 2. That the members of the Association, severally and collectively pledge themselves to forward, to the best of their ability, the establishment of a University College. 3. That a copy of these resolutions b« forwarded to the Minister of Education.” A paper on the subject of schoolprizes was read by Mr Macmorran, and was followed by a discussion, in which most of the members took part. Mr Macmorran cendemned the prize system, in that it stimulated only tho3e pupils that would work well, even without the inducement of a prize, while it did not affect those most needing a stimulus, the dull or lazy pupils. It was difficult also to apportion prizss fairly, as so many elements ought to be taken into consideration—for instance, the natural capacity of the scholars, their different home surroundings, and so on. The only case in which it was suggested that the system might be retained was in the case of attendance, certificates, or prizes. Most of the members agreed that the schoolwork would not suffer greatly if the giving of the prizes were entirely done away with.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of Messrs McTavish and Tatum’s Wellington Town and Country Property Register. In addition to the usual full list of properties for sale there is much useful and'interesting information, besides several well ■ writtenarticles. The controversy on the respective merits of auction sales and sales ”oy private contract is continued.

At the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Monday, a case of alleged cruelty on the part of a dog-tax collector was reported. It was said that the collector shot at the dog (which was unregistered) and left it in a horrible conditionhalf dead and half alive. It was decided to make inquiries, with a view of taking legal proceedings, if necessary.

The Wellington Young Men’s Christian Association is doing all it can to extend its usefulness. In addition to religious duties, the Association hasundertaken others of a most important and useful description. A number of classes will be held during the winter evenings in the rooms of the Association, at which classical and modern languages, history, geography, and other subjects will be taught by gentlemen of thorough competence. Some of the classes will he free, and for attendance at others a trifling fee. will be charged. In addition, there will be a number of musical and other entertainments stftd lectures, generally at fortnightly intervals. The opportunity is offered to young men of completing their education at the cost of a few shillinga quarterly.

The ball in celebration of the completion of the Star Boating Club’s new sheds on the Te Aro reclamation was a very great enccess on Monday night. It was held in the sheds, where capital accommodation was provided for a large number of people. The whole of the interior of the building had been artistically decorated with ferns, flowers, &c., and . nothing, in short, that could have been done to complete the success of the ball was left undone. His Excellency the Governor was prevented by ill health from attending, but Major and Mrs Jervois were present. There were among the visitors a number of members "of Parliament, including Sir Robert Stout, Lady Stout being also present. The general arrangements reflect great credit on the gentlemen who undertook the management. The catering was entrusted to Mr Scott.

A robbery, the history o? which reads very much like a chapter in a novel, has just been brought to light. It appears that a few weeks ago a quantity of articles of jewellery*.'valued in the aggregate at £3OO, were stoleu from the premises of Mr Dickenson at Westport, and a man named Harry White, who disappeared at the tame time was suspected of the robbery. It appears that White left Wellington by the Wakatipu on her last trip to Sydney, and the stolen goods had been disposed of to various jewellers in this city just before the steamer left. Detective Campbell has recovered all the articles, and meanwhile White has been arrested at Sydney. On Monday afternoon Constable McKinnon proceeded to Sydney to escort him back to this Colony.

A call of £1 per share, payable on the Ist July, has been made by the Directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company. The circular to shareholders accompanying the call notice is as follows :—“ Referring to tbe accompanying notice e£ call on shares in this Company, your Directors desire to state that the proceeds of the call are required to meet liabilities enly which have been incurred in connection with the building and equipment of the Company’s steamers. Your Directors have pleasure in assuring shareholders that the operations of the Company are being conducted profitably, and that the business of the past year, so far as has been ascertained, shows satisfactory results.” We understand that a meeting of Wellington shareholders is in contemplation for the purpose of consider, iag the position.

A meeting of creditors in J, Stuart Reid’s estate was held on Monday. There were present, in addition to the Official Assignee, Messrs H. M. Lyon, A. Boardman, Richardson (of Wilson and Richardson), Barton (Buckley, Stafford and Barton), and H. Kember. Mr Kembsr submitted a statement, prepared for the Assignee, in connection, from which the Assignee said it appeared that Mr Reid had been living, for the last three years and a half, at the rate of about £SOO a year above his income. In answer to a question, Mr Kember said the book debts, in connection. with the Bradshaw were about £2OO. Mr Richardson expressed an opinion that the Bradßhaw would have been a good thing properly managed ; and he put a number of questions to the bankrupt as to his transactions in this disection. Mr Reid said, in answer to these questions, that the Bradshaw cost about £2O a month to publish. The Assignee said the net profits on the Bradshaw bad been about £350 a year. Mr Richardson remarked, that for three years and a half Mr Reid’s f receipts had been about £2063, and his expenses a little over £BOO. Mr Boardman moved, that the creditors do not desire to oppose Mr Reid’s discharge. The motion was carried. It was decided to pay Mr Kember £l2 123 for preparing the statement.

Considering the solicitude so freely evinced by the Colonial Press regarding the establishment of local industries, it is somewhat singular—to use no harsher term —that certain journals should, before taking any trouble to ascertain the correcfcnc-s of their grounds, be found ready to attack those who have embarked their capital in an enterprise calculated to add to the prosperity of the Colony. A few days ago an Auckland journal—the Evening Bell—published a statement to. the effect that there was a secret agreement between the New Zealand Sugar Company and the Oceanic Company, that the latter Company were not to convey any sugar from San Francisco or Honolulu to this Colony for the public without the consent of the New Zealand Sugar Company ; also that the Bank o£ New Zealand and the Government were parties to this agreement. This damaging statement was republished by the Otago Daily Times and by a local journal, and in the latter case the advice was tendered that the Company’s sugar should be boycotted. Comment would be superfluous in face of the Premier’s absolute denial of the existence of such an agreement, when the question was put to him in the House by Mr C. J. Johnston on Thursday last week.

The adjourned meeting of the Bankruptcy Court will be held at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.. Detective-Inspector Browne, whose six weeks’ leave of absence expires on Monday next, is a passenger by the Te Anau. from Melbourne, which is expected to arrive on Monday morning. GnTaesday morning a horse and cart belonging to Mr Barber, butcher, bolted from opposite the National Hotel, and went tearing down Bambton-quay in the direction of the Government Buildings. Luckily, before any accident happened, Constable a. O Rourke succeeded iu stopping the runaway opposite the Police Station. Last Tuesday night a meeting waß held in the Young Men’s Christian Association parlor for the purpose of forming a chess and draught club amongst the members, Mr DrafEn, hon. secretary, presided. After some conversation, Mr J. Howard Smith was elected hon. secretary and Tuesday was selected as the club practice night. For the present the games will be played in room No. 1L It is pleasing to state that owing to the assistance of a few ladies and gentlemen the members parlor has been entirely renovated, and now presents a comfortable and inviting appearance.

The Fine Arts Association's conversazione will be held in the Museum on Wednesday, the 16th inst. His Excellency the Governor has intimated his intention of being present, and the gathering is expected to be a large -and representative one; The Museum, when .lit up at night, is an attraction m itself, and ■with the the works of ar„ and decorations which the members of the Association Will collect for the occasion, should prove a very suitable place for such a gathering. There is every prospect of the con versazione being a most successful and pleasant affair.

A trial took place on Tuesday afternoon at Mr J. E. Hayes’ establishment, Lambtonquay,’ of Oppenheimer’s patent metallic tubular telegraph and telephone pole. The pole is made either of a single piece of oval iron tube, tapering from the bottom to the top, or of three pieces of different s.ze shrunk on to each other. Two shoe-platea fixed by bolts and straps, opposite each other, give toe pole a firm hold of the ground. The arms that sustain the wire can be put on very quickly, being also fixed by nuts and bolts. The patent is a decided improvement on the cumbersome wooden posts now in use, it being besides ornamental, much lighter, and stronger, and likely to be everlasting. The Supreme Court was occucied the whole of Tuesday in hearing an action brought by Catherine Syme against John Frederick Rockßtrow, both of Fox ton, to recover ±,500 for damages sustained by plaintiff through defendant’s, negligent and unskilful treatment of a broken arm. The jury, retired at 6.50 p.m. . and returned at 8 o’clock with a verdict for plaintiff, assessing the damages at £2OO. Defendant’s counsel, Mr Baber, of Jj oxton, asked that execution might be stayed, as he intended to move for a new trial; but Mr Justice Richmond declined to grant the request, as he saw no grounds for staying execution. The Court stands adjourned until to-day.

The weekly meeting of the Trustees of the Benevolent Society was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday. Preaent—Messrs H. S. Warded, S. Danks, Petherick, A W. Brown, McKenzie, A. Wilson, and the Rev H. Van Stavereu. Mr Wardell was reelected permanent Chairman, and Mr McKenzie thanked the Trustees for his re-election. It was agreed to grant relief to two old men until their mental condition could be ascertained by medical examination. The Relieving Officer reported the application of a man with a family for relief. It was deeided to leave the case in the hands of Mr Johnson to get medical opinion as to the ability of the applicant to work. Mrs Hart wrote in reference to a woman in indigent circumstances. It was pointed out by one of tbe Trustees that the woman needing relief bad refused assistance from a nephew, and it was resolved that the latter be written to with a view to ascertain it he would be willing to assist hi 3 aunt through the Society. Wilkinson’s case came up again, but no action was taken it being understood that he would obtain assistance if he consented to work at the Corporation yards. The Secretary _(Mr Johnson) stated that Mr Powles had written to the Government in reference to the subsidy on the amount received by the Benevolent Society, but no reply had been received. The ration list for the week was approved, and accounts amounting to £63 odd passed for payment# This was all the business, Mr F. H. Fraser, Chairman of the Hospital Trustees, recently wrote to Mr J. H. Abbott, of Melbourne, in reference to the mode of raising funds in Victoria for hospital purposes. The following is an extract from Mr Abbott’s reply, and was read at the meeting in the Athemeum Hall on Monday night : “ The method of starting the Hospital Sunday collections adopted in Sandhurst (which was the first place to inaugurate the movement m the colonies) was simpiy to get the Mayor to call a meeting of the ministers of religion and others interested, at which it was unanimously aoreed to set apart one Sunday for a simulfcaueous eollecfcion in all fche places of public ■worship in the district. The great point is to insist ou the collections being, made on the one day agreed upon, as this excites considerable emulation. Our collections have been fairly successful, and the total cost of printing, &c., &c. r has rarely reached two per cent., so proving that no cheaper method of getting in money exists, so far as we know. I enclose you our last year’s appeal, together with copy of the Hospital Sunday hymns. These latter have been used at the church parade of Volunteers held in the Park, which has always been a very successful feature. Regarding the Easter Fair celebrations, I have not recently been actively engaged in them. However, they vary in attractiveness, but in each case a committee, consisting of delegates from all the Friendly Societies, Fire Brigades, _ Hospital Committee, City Council, &c., &c., is formed to make arraugements for shows, ana all kinds of amusements, the various societies walking in procession with the Mayor to open fihe Fair, to which of course an admission fee is charged, and which is usually kept up for three days with us, and has been marvellously successful, the one just terminated havmg taken some £3OOO (three thousand), about half of which will probably be profit. Any further information iu my power I shall be happy to supply.”

Mrs Caroline Guthrie’s petition for relief was presented to Parliament by Mr Johnston on Tuesday. Mr S. Vaile, the well-known writer on railway reform, arrived in Wellington on Monday from Auckland by the s.s. Rotomahana. A number of miners arrived from the West Coast on Sunday by the Omapere. They are on their way to the Kimberley goldfields. Dr Pemberton, F.R.C.S.E., &c., gives notice of his intention to apply to be registered under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1869. A female member of the Salvation Army has arrived here from Dunedin to take charge of the home for fallen women in connection with the Army. Reductions to the extsnt of about £10,150 were made in the Estimates on Tuesday. The principal item struck out was the vote of £IO,OOO for repairs to the Hinemoa. Mr O’Oonor has tabled a motion for the appointment of a Committee to consider and report what retrenchment may be made in expenditure connected with the Legislature. The Government steamer Hinemoa, which arrived from Lyttelton on 'i ue (day, brought up a large locomotive and fittings, and a quantity of railway material for the Government railway.

The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company’s s.s, Doric arrived at Port Chalmers on Tuesday morning at 8.45 from London, after a passage of 39 days 6 hours 17 minutes 32 seconds, including-etoppages. She should reach Wellington to-day or to-morrow. She brings a number of nominated immigrants, A circular has been issued by the Russian Minister of the Interior prohibiting Roman Catholics, Protestants, and members of religious denominations other than the Russian Orthodox Church from using at funerals wreaths or other emblems, not in conformity with the ecclesiastical and State regulations in such cases provided. We are informed that the Union Company have withdrawn the s.s. Hero from the proposed Kimberley goldfields trip, as she is too small. The Company propose arranging for a larger steamer, but intending passengers in the meantime should avail themselves of the Melbourne and Sydney boats, as there are plenty of large steamers on the berth at both ports.

While addressing the Cook Licensing Bench at , Monday’s meeting, Mr Travers was applauded by the public for some remarks he made concerning the action of the Bench in refusing to grant a license without stating the grounds of objection. Mr Travers at once referred to the interruption in the strongest terms of disapproval, and denounced it as a degradation to himself and the Court. Having administered the well-merited ' rebuke, Mr Travers resumed his argument. His Worship the Mayor ha 3 given notice that he will move at the next meeting of the City Council—“ That a respectful address be forwarded to Her Majesty the Queen expressive of the heartfelt congratulation of the citizens of Wellington upon the beginning of the fiftieth year of her happy reign, conveying the assurance of loyalty and attachment, and expressing the hope that her Majesty may long be spared to reign happily and pro perously.” Mr Johnston was to ask the Government yesterday, If, to further encourage the manufacture of New Zealand flax into fibre for export, they will offer a bonus of £2OOO, such bonus to be payable to the person who shall first, within twelve months from the present time, export, at a cost not exceeding £ls per ton on board ship, fifty tons of fibre of the value in the opeu market in London of not less than £3O per tou? Mr Justice Richmond complained at the opening of the Supreme Court on Tuesday of the unpreparedness of couusel to go on with their cases when they were called on. He said it was often stated that the Supreme Court was not able to gee through the work because it was insufficiently manned, but it was caused by members of the Bar not being ready. It was a very serious matter, for it resulted in much loss of time and inconvenience.

We are indebted to Captain Stuart, of the s.s. Aravva, for some interesting particulars of the lust Homeward passage of that steamer. It appears that the run was a very fast one, the steaming time being only 35 days 15 hours 55 minutes from Wellington to Plymouth. This was only surpassed by the same steamer’s second Homeward voyage, which she made from Lyttelton to Plymouth in 35 days 3 hours steaming time. Captain Stuart states that this last passage was a “ fine-weather ” one throughout, but that a good deal of ice was met with in latitude 56 degrees south. The stoppages at Rio de Janeiro and Teneriffe occupied 1 day 20 hours. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Benevolent Society the Secretary stated that the date by which the Trustees had promised the Premier to raise £250 for charitable purposes would expire on the 23rd of next month. The promise was given in order to obtain an advance of subsidy to an equal amount. Mr Danks said he believed that many who had subscribed to the Hospital funds were under the impression that that portion of their donations went in aid of the Benevolent Society and charity generally. The Rev H. Van Staveren and the Chairman also thought that was the prevailing opinion. The Mayor pointed out that it ought to he made known that those who subscribed to the Hospital funds were contributing to that institution solely. The Chairman stated that Mr Booth’s subscriptions to the Hospital and Old Mea’s Home were conditional on no snecial rate being struck. The Chairman also mentioned that about £l5O out of the £250 promised to be raised by the 23rd July had been subscribed, and they would have to endeavor to collect the balance as soon as possible.