TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 787, 1 April 1887, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The year in which Mr Travers was offered the appointment of Attorney-General was 1874.

We have received from the Government Printer the Public Accounts of the Colony for the financial year 1885-6.

The appointment as auditors of Harbor Board accounts of Messrs H. Livingstone, J. Ollivier, R. Macalister, La Durrieu, and W. A. Speuoe, have been revoked.

Letters of naturalisation have been granted to F. J. De Ying, Pahiatua; P. Mayer, Pahiatua ; and C. Rosenthal and J. H. Burmeister, of Palmerston. A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Herbert T. Fell, storeman, was convened for yesterday week, but was adjourned in the absence of a quorum.

A married woman of unsound mind was brought in from the Hutt last week by Constable Harnett and conveyed to the Lunatic Asylum, on the certificate of Drs Fell and Gillon.

The Wellington City Council have accepted the following tenders for annual supplies : Cartage, J. Riley and Co ; gravel, T. Hayes and Co ; firewood, W. Beard; shoeing horses, M. Bohan. A committee was appointed to deaf with a large number of other tenders for supplies.

It appears that the persons concerned in the affair near the Pier Hotel, Wellington, yesterday week, were two men who wanted to get into the hotel, and, being refused admittance, adopted the expedient of screaming to rouse the inmates up, and then decamped.

Douglas Parsonage, whose death in the Napier Gaol is recorded in this week’s telegrams, was, when in the Wellington Telegraph Office, esteemed the smartest counter clerk in the Colony. There are few more striking proofs of the easiness of the passage of the downward road than the career of this unfortunate young man.

The proposal of the Horowhenua County Counoil to raise a loan to construct the main road from the ferry at Wirokino to the county boundary at Waikanae, with a branch road to the township at Otaki, was carried at the poll taken on the 15th, 16tb, and 19th insts. The number of votes in favor of the proposal wa3 91, and there were none against.

The Commissioner of Customs makes the following order with respect to the hours at which goods may be unshipped and landed : On days other than Sundays and holidays, from 8 o’clock in the morning until 4 o’clock in the afternoon throughout the year, except on Saturdays, when no goods shall be landed after 1 o’clock in the afternoon without the permission .of the Collector of Customs. iS The lease from the Corporation of the site of the premises lately known as the Exchange Auction Mart, adjoining the site of Messrs Thompson, Shannon and Co.’s late premises, has been purchased by that firm from the executors of the late Mr George Crawford through Messrs T. K. Macdonald and Co. The frontage of the section is 30ft by 85ft depth. The price of the lease was £650, and the yearly rental is £24 from Ist July, 1882, for 21 years, and £36 for a further period of 21 years.

A petition to the Wellington City Councilis in course of signature, praying that the steep rise at the top of Boulcott-street where it joins the Terrace may be lowered. There can be no doubt that the work is much needed. The access to the Terrace is exceedingly difficult and the work desired would greatly improve it. The expense would not be very large and the convenience to the public would be very great. It is a pity that means could not have been found for widening Woodward-street and easing its gradient, now that such an opportunity i 3 afforded by the destruction of Mr Lindsay’s shop and the contemplated removal of the Congregational Church.

At the meeting of the City Council last night week, the Mayor called attention to a telegraphed report he had seen in a Nelson paper, to the effect that the damage to the Wainui waterworks would cost about £7OOO to repair. He heard from a gentleman in Christchurch that it was made £70,000 in the papers there. Councillor Edwards: What must it have been in Dunedin? The Mayor said that the people elsewhere imagined by these reports that the whole place had been washed away. Alluding to this question, he said the papers had made a great outcry abont the water being shut off. The Council had not shut the water off till it was bound to do so, because when the leak was first discovered there was 4,500,000 gallons coming into town, and when that decreased to 3,000,000 they thought it was time to cut it off. The papers had invariably protested against the water being cut off without notice, and from the fact that the higher parts of the city were without water it was necessary to give notice to the people living at the higher levels, in order that they might save a sufficient supply. If the insurance companies thought there was any fear, it was their business to taka precautions. The Corporation had done their duty by keeping a man ready at night to ride out and shut the water off all round in case of fire. WHO’S YOUR HATTEROn Friday lest there was a magnificent display at Te Aro House of Men’s, Boys’, and Youths’ hats of every description, so fashionable and so numerous that a proper description of them, both in quality and quantity, would read more like a tale of fiction than of actual there they were—piles of them. To the onlookers there were Piles of Hats to the right of them Piles of Hats to the left of thorn Piles of Hats right in front of them And being bought in such quantities would mean bought cheaply, and as a consequence sold cheaply at Te Aro House. We can with confidence recommend visitors from the country to call and Inspect them. Families where there are hoy a would find this the best place for Boys’ Hats, and gentlemen could be sure of suiting themselves, both as to fashion and price, at James Smiths, Te Aro House, Wellington-.

The Knikoura is expected to arrive hero from the South to morrow. She leaves Wellington finally for London on the 7tb. • The Wellington Racing Clnb’s Autumn Meeting programme has been published. Nominations for all the handicaps will be found in another column.

Acting-Detective Walker arrested two men on Wednesday named Thomas Lawson and James McNeil, for the robbery of a carpet bag from the Star Hotel. The owner of the property, Robert McNaught, informed the police that he had been robbed of a carpet bag containing property valued at £ls. Most of the missing property was found daring the morning by Constable O’Brien in a yard off Featherßton-street. The accused were brought before the ’ Court yesterday and charged with the robbery.

53' Mr R. * A. Lawson, an architect of experience, will take up his residence in Wellington for some months. Mr Turnbull, F.R.1.8.A., whose recent departure for Europe we announced in our columns, prior to his leaving arranged with Mr Lawson, if possible, to come to Wellington, and take the control of his extensive business during his absence. Mr Lawson, having completed his own business matters in Dunedin, left this week, and his many friends in this part of the Colony will hope that his residence in Wellington may prove permanent.

Frederick Arnold was arrested by Detective » Chrystal on Wednesday for brutally assault* iug a woman named Eleanor Driscoll, living in a brothel situated in a Chinaman’s gardeD, off Ghuznee-street. The woman states that Arnold first bit her on the check, then tore a piece out of her hand with his teeth, and next dealt her a blow with his clenched fist between the eyes, and concluded his brutal assault by throwing her down and kneeling on her. Arnold was brought before MrWardell yesterday, and charged with the offence.

The following capital suggestion is made by a correspondent :—I would suggest that an improvement might be made in the by.law regulating repairs to wooden buildings in No. 1 district by making it compulsory to* plaster all walls that have to be relined. Those * who wished to do so could paper over that material. The appearance of Messrs Buckley,. Stafford, and Fitzherberfs walls after thelate large fire showed that plaster is nearly equal to brick in stopping the progress of? fire, and those who watched the fire lastnight racing down the wall of the New Zea--land Insurance Company’s building must: have been struck with the fact that, had the upper as well as the lower part of the building been plastered, the progress of the fire would have beeu different. The would not be muoh more than wood lining, and the weight would not be felt by thelower story.

In the course of a laudatory article- on: Milner’s safes, the Australasian Trading. World says : —“ Practically a good Milner’s fireproof safe is an insurance office in petto, and also goes further than it is possible foran insurance company to go, inasmuch as it; preserves documents upon which no money value can be put. The article goes: on to say that Milner’s safes have over and overagain stood the test of fire or burglary. ” Several references are made of the severe* trials to which some of the safes have been subjected by fire. Concerning the great; fire that took place in Clerkenwell in, October, 1885, Messrs T. and! J. Brodie,. whe were sufferers by the fire, wrote to the Milner’s Safe Company stating that on the safe being dug out of the rains and opened the contents were found in a perfect condition. Two other testimonials were received from Messrs J. and D. Foley, 23 Well-street, and Barritt and Ellis, Vauxhall, London, both stating that the safes had preserved their contents intact. In the latter case the safe was 20 years old, and had been subjected to a, most severe test. The article points out that “ample evidence can also be-produced, of their resisting any burglarious, attempt, but these latter evidences must grow fewer and fewer for the simple reason that the name-plate—‘Milner’s safe’—will be a sufficient hint t© any intelligent burglar that ho can put his labor to better account by going elsewhere. The moat remarkable evidence of the hold that the principle of preserving documents and property has taken, upon the public mind is adduced by the construction of the Chancery-lane safe deposit building, for the proprietors of which. Milner’s Safe ' Company have conatruoted strong rooms and safes te such an extent that if each safe was a house a very large provincial town would be the result.”

Private advices have been received by the last mail, from an apparently trustworthy source, which give a very encouraging view of the improvement in the position and prospects of the New Zealand Shipping Company. Our informant states that the financial arrangements of the Company have at last been placed on a thoroughly favorable, footing, thus relieving it of all embarrassment on that score ; that a satisfactory reorganisation has been effected of the system of working, with highly benefidal results in the direction of economy; that considerable benefit is anticipated from calling at Hobart, and large saving from bringing the steamers direct to Wellington, and distributing the cargo fc&ence ; that Captain Hallott, formerly of the R.M.S. Rimutaka* has been appointed Marine Superintendent of the Company, and that his experience, ability, and special knowledge are expected to prove very valuable in facilitating economy, combined with, improved efficiency; also, that an exceedingly strong and able London Board has been formed, including Sir John Gorst, Mr Mundella, Mr Pearce (of Elder and Co.), and a director of another steamship line who is noted for his large acquaintance with such servioea as this. "We learn further that those changes have inspired greatly improved confidence in London, and that the Company is looked on as having at length overcome it 3 preliminary difficulties, and as being in a fair way to enjoy a pros-, sperous future career. Wo learn that Mi» Harper will probably return to New Zealand by the R.M.S. Aorangi next month* We give this information as it reaches us; it cannot fail to be of much to the large number of shareholders, resident in Wellington..

Ah adjourned meeting of creditors in the estate of Herbert Thomas Fell, storeman, lapsed last Friday morning owing to the want of a quorum. In consequence of the inclement state of the weather on Sunday the Garrison Baud have decided to repeat their programme at the Basin Reserve on Sunday next.

The proprietors of the Brisbane Telegraph were fined £IOO for inserting an advertisement— * Lost, black and tan terrier. Finder handsomely rewarded. No questions asked,” thereby advertising an offer to compound a felony. Bret Harte, the celebrated American writer, author of, amongst other remarkable works, “Truthful James’” oft-quoted dissertation upon “the ways that are dark and the tricks that are vain ” of the Heathen Chinee, is expected at Sydney during the year.

Emin Pasha, in search of whom Mr H. M. Stanley’s expedition has started, is said to have escaped from Wadelei, cut his way through Ugandas territory. 1 his was published in the London Globe of the 2Sth January ; and it was also stated that Emiu Pasha was making for the East Coast. Mr F. M. Willmott, theatrical manager, has laid an information against Mr W. P. James, Registrar of Electors for the Te Aro district, charging him with failing to comply with the law by giving the complainant fifteen days’ notice of proof being required in connection with his claim to be enrolled as an elector.

Mr W. H. Thompson, licensee of the Albion Hotel, who was summoned some few weeks ago for allowing gambling to take place in his licensed bouse, has paid the fine. It will be remembered that Mr Gully, who appeared for the defendant, gave notice of appeal. Now, of course, the appeal will be abandoned.

A number of reductions are being effected in the Colonial Secretary’s Department throughout the Colony at present, and last Saturday several officers’ services were dispensed with. Retrenchment is being carried out where possible, both by amalgamating the duties of officers and by relieving officers of their duties where such can be done. The heavy N. VV. gale which set in yesterday week, and blew continuously until Sunday night, increased on Saturday night to almost hurricane force, which was also approximated in the squalls during Sunday morning. Notwithstanding the exceptional violence and duration of the gale no damage is reported either in the harbor or in the city. The gale broke on Sunday, when rain set in, and the wind got round to the sonthward daring the night.

The picnic of the employes of the railway workshop, which had to be postponed a week ago, came off last Saturday at Somes Island. The Ellen Ballance took about 30 members and some invited friends across to the island during the afternoon, where a few items of the programme of sports were rnn for. The other items of the programme will be competed for at a future date. Only such a small number attended owing to the fact that a great many thought the picnic had to be postponed again on account of the_ wet morning, for only those who were living in the vicinity of the wharf and heard the steamer’s whistle were aware that the boat had come up to fulfil its part of the programme. Before the ordinary meeting of the City Council last night weeks special meeting was held for the purpose of considering the proposal to amend the provision to further amend the provision in the Building Regulation by-laws as to repairs in No. 1 district, as follows “That the external walls composed of wood or iron any building already ierected may be repaired with the same material as that of which they are composed, provided such repairs extend only to the outer or inner flining of the original walls, and not to the studding or plates, and also provided that the frame of the building ia in a sufficient state of preservation to admit of such repairs.” On the motion of Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Richardson, the by-law was adopted. Mrs George Cooper, cordial manufacturer, had a very narrow escape last Friday after* noon from being very seriously injured. Mrs Cooper was out riding on horseback, and white opposite the Government Buildings the saddle-girth by some means became loose, and the saddle in consequence slipped round on to the horse's side. Mrs Cooper’s foot became entangled in the stirrup iron, and she could not for some few minutes extricate herself from her awkward and dangerous position. Fortunately the horse did not move very far until Mrs Cooper had been released. Then, however, it galloped off in the direction of Ripitea Point, and was eventually recovered in Moore-street. Beyond a severe shaking Mrs Cooper was unhurt.

A meeting of creditors in the estate of Robert Norrie Cowan, plumber, was held in the Official Assignee’s office last Friday morning. The bankrupt submitted a written statement, from which it appeared that in November, 1884, ha entered into business with Mrs C. Lennox, widow, and her son, John Lennox, and carried on the trade of plumbers and gas fitters. The capital of the partnership consisted of £2OO. The partnership was dissolved in October last, and the debtor retained the assets, except so much •s passed to the incoining partner, Mr Robert Hearn Mrs Lennox received £ll6 in promissory notes given by Mr Hearn in respect of the capital he brought in. In consequence of Mrs Lennox refusing to appropriate any portion of £ll6 to the payment of the firm’s creditors, or to the payment of the overdraft to the Bank of New South Wales which ahe had guaranteed, he was, on the 22nd February last, served with a wilt, at the suit of the bank, for recovery of £65 2sAd. The writ was issued by the solicitors acting for Mrs Lennox, and he assumed that she was anxious that the action should be proceeded with, and that his goods should be -taken to answer the bank no was subsequently advised by his solicitor that it was an offence, as well as improper, to put in a defence so as to gain time, and he filed. The firm’s liabilities amount to £242 19s lfld. Owing to the absence of the "Official Assignee, it was decided to adjourn the meeting till next Wednesday, at 3 o’ clock. Mr Jelliooe appeared for the debtor, and Mr, Rcaattea far Mrs Lennex. 1

At the adjourned meeting of ratepayers at the Lower Hutt, held on March 23, it was decided to authorise the Town Board to carry out the scheme for a water supply for Lower Hutt, particulars of which were given when it was first proposed. Mr Macdonald, Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, held a sitting yesterday week under the Native Lands Administration Act of last session. The Court was held on the upper floor of the Government Buildings, and is the first sitting of the Court which has neen held at Wellington under the Act of last session. His Honor sat again next day, and on Monday left for Wanganui. The programme of sacred music for Easter Day at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral has been altered. It has been found that there iB not time enough to rehearse Haydn’s “ Imperial Mass ” so as to give it in its entirety, as was originally intended. The Gloria and Credo of the “Imperial Mass ” will, therefore, only he given, and the Kyrie Sanctus and Agnus Dei will be supplied from Mozart’s Twelfth. Messrs Halley and Ewing, sawmillers, Courtenay-place, have written to the City Council calling attention to the great inconvenience they are put to, and the annoyance caused to their neighbors, owing to the want of drainage. Since the reclamation has been commenced, the writers point out, the drainage has been stopped. The letter was read at the meeting of the Council last night week, and was referred to the Public Works Committee.

The official meteorological statistics for February show the mean temperature was slightly abo.e the average at all stations, while the rainfall was greatly deficient. The mean temperature of the air was 69'8 in Auckland, 63‘9 in Wellington, and 62 - 9 at Lincoln, in Canterbury. The high test temperatures inside were : —Lincoln, 92'0 ; Auckland, 81’0 ; Wellington, 78 5. The lowest night temperatures were :—Aucklaud, 57 ; Wellington, 46'5 ; Lincoln, 40’0. The rainfall was :—Auckland, 307 on 7 days ; Wellington, 1.42 on 9 days ; Lincoln, 1-S2 on 10 days.

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Wellington Meat Company was held yesterday week at the Company’s office for the purpose of confirming a resolution passed by the shareholders at a meeting on the 24th of February, empowering the Directors to increase the capital of the Company to £40,000. On the motion of Mr W. Buchanan (chairman), seconded by Mr H. R. Bunny,, the resolution was confirmed. In declaring the resolution carried the Chairman drew the attention of the shareholders to the fact that the applications for freezing were in excess of what had been expected up to date. The following notification from the Colonial Secretary’s Department appears in last week’s Gazette : -His Excellency the Governor directs it to be notified that he has received a telegram from his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who hopes that the Governor will organise measures for collecting, in the Colony, contributions for the Imperial Institute in London. The organisation is proceeding throughout the United Kingdom, and her Majesty the Queen has published her approval of the scheme. In reference to the above, it is hereby notified for general information that subscriptions for the object in question will be received by the postmasters throughout the Colony. Applications for patents have been made as follows : —A. D. Hunter of Melbourne, for improvements in compositions for treating matters having on offensive smell; «. J. Roberts, of Auckland, for “ Roberta’ Filtering Cistern ” ; Edward Seager, of Wellington, for Seagar’s hydraulic lift valve ; H. C. A. Ffrost, of Sydney, for an invention for parti color, alternate color, and radiant tints, and blends or prismatiogcolor printing process ; J. C. Pelham and JT C. Roberts, of Auckland, for “the patent simplex incubator ” ; H. T. Hill, of Aucklaud, for “Hill’s Patent Martingale”; J. S. Longhead, of Canada, and Norman Selfe, of Sydney, for improvements in machinery for drilling and boring in the earth j T. H. Copeman, of Auckland, ror “ Cepe’s patent paragon wire-wheel”.; D. Jones, of Auckland, for a patent Acme tubular propeller ; G. S. Jakins, of Christchurch, for the Eureka butter machine; W. Douslin, of Blenheim, for improvements in twin buckles.

jMVery great improvements are now being n&fie to back portion of Mr Moeller’s Occidental Hotel. The additions will comprise (down-stairs) a large kitchen 28ft by 21ft, also lavatories, &c. All these additions will be lighted with Wenham burners. A small portion of the present dining-room will also be greatly improved. On the next floor are to be seven new and large bedrooms, thoroughly ventilated and well lighted, with both-room 3 and every convenience for ladies. Each of the other stories will also contain seven additional bedrooms, making in all twenty-one new rooms, each of which will have every' convenience. One thing in particular worth mentioning is a large bathroom with a huge shower 18in square. The servants’ apartments will be situated at the top story, to which easy access can be obtained by an additional staircase running from the rear of the new building. The front part of the hotel will be greatly improved by the erection of an iron balcony running the entire length of the house facing Lambton-quay, and turning a small portion round and into Johnston-street. The frieze work and bracketing iB very chaste, and supported, as it will be, by numerous ornamental iron columns, will present a very handsome appearance. The whole of the work was cast by Messrs Scott Bros., of Christchurch. The floor is to be caulked liked a ship’s deck, so that there will be no leakage and dripping of water below. The present billiard-room is to be done away with, and the apartment turned into a large sitting-room, and from this access may be gained to the balcony by French windows. The latter addition, beside adding greatly to the aDpearanco of the hotel, would be found most useful in case of fire. The whole of the additions, which will be of brick, are being pushed on with all speed, and are expected to be completed in a little over two months. The architect is Mr W. C. Chatfield, and the contractors (with the exception of. the balcony) Messrs Thompson and McLean, the contract prioe being £2OOO. Mr J. Ransom is the contractor fox the verandah.

James Martin, publican, of Kaitoke, has filed a declaration of insolvency. At Pabiatua the other dav, according to an exchange, Mr W. W. McCardle had two of his ribs broken by tripping over a log. The Colonial Treasurer, accompanied by his private secretary, left by the Hinemoa for Christchurch on Monday evening. The steamer Tarawera arrived at the Bluff with a Brindisi mail at 7 a.m. on Monday. The Penguin brought down the Northern portion of her mails on Wednesday,

It was not the s.s. Hawea which ran down the Eli Whitney—as stated by a; local cantemporary —but the Taupo—not the present boat of that name, but the former one—subsequently wrecked on the East Coast. We learn with pleasure that the Bishop of Wellington’B health continues to improve rapidly. We understand that his lordship will probably pay a visit to Te Aroha. immediately after Easter to seek the benefit of the hot springs there. The Rev J. A. Dowie delivered a special sermon at the Opera House last evening on “ National Righteousness ;. or the privileges and duties of Christians in pulpit affairs, with special reference to pulpit, presd, aud parliament.’ The Government steamer Hinemoa returned from the South on Saturday morning, bringing three first-ola3s carriages for the Wellington and Masterton line, manufactured at the Addington Workshops, Christchurch. The carriages were brought up put together, and not packed in oases in the usual way ; and,, owing ’to the care taken by Captain Fairchild in stowing them, &0., they have arrived in first-class order.

ihe R.M.S. Ormuz (Orient line), which left Plymouth ou the sth February for Australia, had on board, as passengers for Wellington, the Rev G. F. and Mrs Grace. Mr and Mrs Levett, and Mrs Gaze and two children, left Plymouth on the 19th February also for this port by the s.s. Oroya,,belonging to the same line. By the s.s. Balaarat (P. andO. Steam Navigation Company) which left London on the 11th February, Mr Izard left for Wellington, and Mr T. H. Hadden left on the 25th February by the s.s. Shannon also for this port. It will be remembered that some time ago Mr H. Corrick, of Christchurch, better known to Wellington readers as the inventor of the patent bootback protector, applied for and obtained a patent for an improved species of asphalting, which was specially suited for tennis grounds,, garden paths, &<?., as it was said to be soft, pliable, while, at the same time, very durable. He has been for some time testing it, with very satisfadtory results, and it is now pleasing to know that the Government are so satisfied with it th.at they have issued instructions to have it used on" their railway premises at Christchurch. The first place it will be used in is around tbe booking office windows, where, it is needless to add, it will be subjected to a very severe test, as at that spot the best concrete only stands a few years. But the encouragement of a new local invention is very commendable. The Right Rev the Bishop of Nelson (acting on behalf of the Bishop of Wellington) held a confirmation service at St. Mark’s Church on Sunday morning- The Churoh was crowded, and seats had to be procured from the adjoining schoolroom to accommodate the congregation. Forty-one candidates presented themselves for confirmation. His Lordship delivered an admirable address appropriate to the occasion. The Bishop of Nelson also held a confirmation service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday afternoon- The ceremony, which was a most impressive one, took place at 3 o’clock. About thirty candidates presented themselves for confirmation. An eloquent address was delivered by the Bishop, and appropriate hymns were sung. In the evening the Bishop held another confirmation service at St Peter’s Church, at which there were 27 candidates. The Bishop delivered a striking address, during which he pointed out, to those newly confirmed their duty,, their privileges,, and the difficulty they would have to contend with, advising them that one of the bes: days to be right was to do right. He referred in feeling terms to the death of one of the candidates during hia preparation course. After the confirmation service the Bishop addressed the candidates with a few affectionate words, and concluded a most interesting service by pronouncing the Benediction.

The album containing the congratulatory Jubilee address from the New Zealand Legislature to her Majesty the Queen has recently been finished, and is in the possession of Mr S. Kohn. The volume is a magnificent piece of work, and is without a doubt the most beautiful of its kind that has ever been executed in the Colony. The rim of the cover is of silver, and there is also a border of the same metal ranging right round it in scroll work and laurel leaves. Immediately within this is another silver border of the “bush lawyer,” with flax in each corner. The inner frame is bordered with greenstone, and in each corner is a small Imperial crown in green gold, with oak leaves branching from it. The centre frame represents Maori carving in its original style, set with pawa shell. Within this, Maori weapons and mats are depicted, beautifully worked in Maori reeding ; and the whole is surmounted by a heavy silver-embossed crown. In the centre of the cover is a silver plate, on which are inscribed the following words in Old English “The people of New Zealand to the Queen, 1887.” The plate is surrounded by three-fold laurel in silver. On the back of the cover a view *of Auckland harbor is artistically represented in New Zealand woods. This part of the work was done by Mr Senfret, of Auckland, and is of a first-class character. The eleven pages of the volume which contain the address and the signatures of the members of both Houses of Parliament, are beautifully illuminated, teach page is ornamented with decorations and scroll in all oolors aud shades, and is finished with perfect taste. This portion of the work was executed bv Mr Bock, and bears testimony to the great excellence in which work of this class can be done in the Colony. The address will be sent to England in time to be presented to Her Majesty on the 20th June. The gold and silver work was designed and executed by Mr Kohn.

The Rev. J. A. Dowie delivered a lecture at the Opera House Monday night, entitled “ Spiritualism Unmasked, or the doctrines of devils and the healing imposters of seduciDg spirits.” There was a very large attendance.

The Secretary of the Benevolent Trustees reported at the meeting of the Trust on Tuesday afternoon that he had received a donation of £lO from Mr Joseph Burn. It was decided to send a letter of thanks to Mr Burn in acknowledgment of his munificent gift. Our Petone correspondent writes calling attention to the circumstance that 10 cottages recently built at Petone, near the Railway Hotel, have not been provided with closets, or any means of drainage. The occupiers, in consequence, throw slops, &c., on to the road, whioh must have a very bad effect in the neighborhood. Mr Dowie delivered a special address to men only on “Secret sins, their causes, consequences, and cure,” at the Opera House on Tuesday evening. He closed his mission in Wellington Wednesday night, when he delivered a lecture entitled “ Scenes and stories of my Australian life,” at the Opera House. A charge of Is was made for admission. Lennie, the diver, went down on Tuesday and inspected the wreck of the Eli Whitney, sunk off the end of the Queen’s Wharf, and found that abont half the hull was still hanging together, and that a quantity of silt and sand had collected about the wreckage. In all probability the remaining portion of the old vessel will shortly be blown to pieces.

The Government steamer Stella left tbe Bluff early on Tuesday morning, and is now coming northward by the West Coast. It will be some time before "the Stella returns to Wellington, as sbe takes the West Coast contingent (from Westport. Hokitika, etc.) of Volunteers to the Easter Encampment at New Plymouth, and returns with them to the West Coast before coming here. A large number of people who were standing near the Star Hotel while the firemen were engaged in subduing the fire at the New Zealand Insurance Company’s offices Monday night, were drenohed.by the branchman directing a steady stream of water on to them. Probably the height of the pressure made absolute precision in direction a difficulty ; but such an act, if done wilfully, is highly reprehensible, and proper precautions should be taken against a recurrence of it at future fires.

A letter, of which the following ia a copy, has been received by Mr T. Ballinger :: — Sir, —In reply to your letters of the 26th February and 10th inst., I have to inform you that the City Council has decided to adopt your suggestion as to the name for the new street on the Te Aro reclamation. The resolution of the Council is that the new street on No. 1 reclamation be named Victoria-street, in commemoration of Her Majesty’s Jubilee.—l am, &c., J. E. Page, Assistant Town Clerk.

The statement of assets and liabilities in the bankrupt estate of James Martin, publican, of Kaitoke, shows the bankrupt’s liabilities to be £533 6s 4d, and the assets £412 6s 4d. The principal creditors are C. Bacon, £3B 10s ; Junction Brewery, £37 6s ; Staples and C 0,,. £37 12s ; T. W. Young, £35 3s; A.. Richardson, £32 5s 8d; A. Macdonald, £32; Blundell Bros., £3O; Mr Greenwood,. £3O ; J, McHattie, £26 19s 4d ;. and United Importers’ Company, £26 6s. The remainder of the creditors are owed amounts varying from £6 to £2O. The usual quarterly meeting of the Excelsior Lodge, U.A.0.D., took place in the Fire Brigade Station, Manners-street, on Tuesday. About 200 members were present, A.D. Bro. E. Pain presiding. The Fete Committee brought up a report in connection with the coming demonstration on Easter Monday, notifying that the arrangements were in a very forward state and tickets were being disposed of rapidly, and advising members that intending purchasers should get their tickets as early as possible. During the evening P.A. Bros. W- Howden and H. Jenkins were presented by D.P. Bro. E. Jones, on behalf of the Lodge, with framed diplomas, as a mark of recognition of the services rendered by these Brothers. Visitors from Auckland, Canterbury, and Otago were present during the evening- After a quantity of routine business, the Lodge closed in the usual Druidical custom. An ordinary meeting of the Trustees of the Society for the Relief of the Aged Needy was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon. Present—Messrs H. S, Wardell (in the chair), J. E. Nathan, J. Plimmer, T. McKenzie. Mr Plimmer stated that he would give a donation to the funds of the Society of £75, in addition to the £2O already given by him, to be payable in instalments of £25, at three, six and nine months. The offer was thankfully accepted. A letter was read from the Premier's offioe in reply to one sent by the acting-secretary in reference to the vesting of the site for the home. The letter Btated that “it has been pointed out that the name * The Society for the Relief of the Aged Needy Contributors’ under which the institution in question has been incorporated, is at least ambiguous, aud that it would be as well to alter the style as follows : — 4 The Contributors to the Wellington Society for the Relief of the Aged Needy,’ before any land has been vested in the institution ; as after that has been done it would be difficult to make the alteration.” In conclasion the writer stated that he had been requested to ask the Trustees whether they would agree to the proposed change which would have to be made by Order in Council. After some discussion it was decided on the motion of Mr Nathan, to ask that the word “ contributors ” be omitted. The meeting went into committee to consider applications for the position of secretary. On resuming it was reported that Mr Powles had been appointed. There were 21 applications considered. The meeting then terminated.

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f Mr C. C. Graham; the Official returned from Wanganui on Tuesday. Mormon Elders are carrying on a campaign in Poverty Bay. The Mariposa arrived at Aucklaud from Sydney with a BHudisi mail at 4.50 p.mou Suudav.

The following tender ha 3 been accepted by the Public Works, Department for the Buller-road improvements, section No 3, contract :—Stephen GarveD,. Rough-and- Tumble Greek, £1263. A man named William Jones was given in charge of the police on Sunday morning, for obtaining a passage surreptitiously on board the steamer Stormbird from Wanganui to Wellington, A cable message was received from the Agent-General by the Government on Saturday, stating that the Actuaries’ final report (Government Insurance) re the quinquennial investigation was posted on the previous day (Friday).

Mr Frank M. Wilmott, theatrical manager, has withdrawn the information laid by hinx against Mr W. P. James, Registrar of Electors, for having omitted to give him certain, notice, as required by the Act. The following tenders have been received, by the Pnblic Works Department—Freight* from Lyttelton to Wanganui :—AcceptedCuff and Graham, Christchurch, £367 ; de-» dined—C. Seagar, Wellington, £385; W. FJ Wheeler, WelUngton, £482. An agitation against opium-smoking is goings on in Sydney, and it is probable that a memorial will be presented to the Legislature* praying for an enactment prohibiting the importation of opium into New Sonth Wales,, except in small quantities for medicinal purposes.

The Colonial Secretary has replied to thar Totalisator Conference, that the matters put before him are such as could be dealt with by enactment of the Legislature ; and he suggests that the propositions of the letter sentto him should be embodied in a Bill, to bar brought in in either branch of the Legislature

We regret to learn that his Honor Mr Justice Richmond has heen confined to his room with an attack of bronchitis brought on by cold. It is expected, however, that his Honor will have sufficiently recovered to be able to preside at the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court on Monday next. The R.M.S, Tongariro, which arrived on Saturday, brought another shipment of trout aud salmon ova for distribution throughout different parts of New Zealand. The ova came from the Rivers Rhine and Tweed. That from the former was not in very good order, but the Tweed ova was in excellent condition.

A middle-aged single man named Thomas Temperley made a deliberate attempt on Tuesday morning to take his life by drinking poison. Temperley, who had obtained temporary employment as bottle cleaner at the warehouse of the New Zealand Drug Company, appears to have been in rather needy circumstances, and was somewhat despondent in consequence. Early on Tuesday morning he drew off half a tumbler of acetic acid and swallowed it. Shortly after Mr Maddox, one of the employes, heard the man groaning, and on being informed of what had occurred, prepared a strong dose of carbonate of soda and ponred it down Temperley’s throat for the purpose of making him vomit. Dr Henry was then sent for, and. advised the man’s removal to the Hospital, where he was at once conveyed.

The usual* weekly meeting of the Benevolent Trustees was held in the Council Chambers ou Tuesday afternoon. Present—Messrs J. E. Smith (in the chair), Edwards, McKenzie,. B. Smith, and Hall. It was decided to pay the passage of a woman and her three children, who are in indigent circumstances, to Greymouth, where she has friends who will assist her. The Secretary reported that he had received a tender for providing board and lodging for the old men under the care of the Institution at 11s 6d per week. As the tender was dated jthe day after the tenders were advertised to be received, it was decided te take no action. It was decided to send a tetter of thanks to Mr Martin, Town Clerk, for his services in procuring an order for the adoption of a child. It was decided on the recommendation of the Committee appointed to consider tenders forproviding the old men of the institution with board and lodging, to accept the tender of Mr John Barry, Willis-streefc, at 12s per head. Mr McKenzie remarked, in connection with this matter, that it would be necessary, in the future, to go fully into the matter and see if it could not be managed with less expense than at present. A number of cases were dealt with.