SUMMER WEATHER.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 827, 6 January 1888, Page 20

SUMMER WEATHER.

The thermometer, as well as showing us the degree of heat, registers, to some extent, the condition of our appetite. It is important to know that Cadbury’s 1 Cocoa Essence is a valuable article of diet for summer use, giving as it does nutriment in a pleasant and appetising form.

The Executive Committee of the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition are offering honorariums of 50 and 20 guineas each for the two best poems for the opening cantata.

A slight shock of earthquake was felt in town last Friday morning about 4.45. It will be seen by our telegrams that a shock was felt about the same hour as far north as Tanranga.

Some of the gallant seamen on. board H.M.S. Nelson, now lying in Auckland harbor, sent the editor of the Herald a slioe of their Christmas “duff " as a seasonable present. The editor thanks them, but thought the “duff" had rather a nightmarey appearance.

Amongst the sufferers by the fife at the City Buffet, we are given to understand, are several “now chums” who arrived by the s.s. Tongariro, who have in some cases lost all they had. It is a sorry welcome to their new life in this Colony, and we sympathise with them in their trouble.

On Boxing Night a very successful ball was held in the Makara schoolroom, under the auspices of the local Committee, for the purpose of raising funds for the children’s annual prizes. As might be expected at this festive season everyone present enjoyed themselves heartily. The catering and music were good, and the room was crowded. A dead sheep was floating about iu the harbor last Friday near the Te Aro reclamation, half-way between the'boat shed at the foot of Cuba-sSreet, and the bend turning ronnd for the Star boating shed. As the perfumes wafted from the floating carcase was not exactly that of “ Araby, the blest,” footpassengers elevated their nasal organs in meek derision, and, like the Levite of old, passed on the “ other side oE the wa3 7 .”

An attempt was made to light Auckland by electricity last Saturday night week, but does not appear to have been a success. The local Herald says: —“So many paragraphs have appeared in the papers about the brilliancy of the electric light that, judging by remarks made, the public expected to see Queen street flooded by a noonday glare of light. They were, of course, disappointed.”

The remains, of the Mayor’s son, Master George Brown, were interred iu the English Cemetery on Sunday morning. The funeral was largely attended, and among the followers were a number of the deceased’s companions and schoolfellows. There were also a number of citizens present, including several members of the City Council. The ceremony at was performed by the Rev R. Coffey^

The Corporation flag over the City Council offices was flying at half-mast last Friday, in consequence of the.death of his Worship the Mayor’s son. The inquest on the body was held at Mr Brown’s residence, Hansenstreet, at on 9.30 Saturday morning. Mr and Mrs Brown were informed of the accident at Christchurch ■ on Thursday evening by Inspector Fender, to whom the information had been telegraphed, and they returned last Saturday.

The notice given that the Direct mail by the K.M S. Tongariro would be delivered, at the Post-office on Saturday night, drew an unusually large crowd. At 9 o’clock fully a thousand persons had congregated in front of the office, an 1 the crowd filled up the roadway as far as the breastwork of the harbor, and when the doors of the office were opened, a tremendous rush took place. Several females and young children had narrow escapes from injury by the pressure of the crowd. The postal officials had a hard time of it in trying to satisfy the wants of so many anxious inquirers. It was the largest crowd ever seen in this city on any similar occasion.

In view of the present menacing attitude of Russia, the following estimate of the strength of her army last year will be of interest: —Active army, 824,762 ; reserve, 1,600,000 ; first band of the poltsohenie, 2,160,000. There are, besides, . 30,655 officers —giving a grand total of about four aud a-half million men. The Cossacks at the same date numbered 2200 officers and 51,194 men. “This army,’ says the Moscow Gazette, “is but the vanguard of innumerable Asiatic contingents. Furthermore, the reserve might be doubled by reducing the period of service with the colors from five to two years.

The Government of New South Wales decided some short time ago to issue new postage stamps to commemorate the one bundretii anniversary of the Colony, and for that end called for competitive designs. The number of designs submitted for competition was 965 ; and the Ministers who were entrusted with the duty of adjudicating upon them have found their task by no means easy. The premiums offered were two in number the first £lO 10s, and the second £3 3s—for each of the eight denominations of stamps. The prize designs are all neatly and carefully executed, and they bear evidence of artistic skill and originality of treatment. The first prize design for the penny stamp gives a view of the Sydney harbor as a centrepiece, set in a framework of Australian ferns, with a crown on the top. The first prize twenty-shilling stamD contains representations of Lord Carrington, with the year 1888, and Governor Phillip, •with the year 1788. Lord Carrington is well pourtrayed upon the first prize twopence stamp. There are upon other stamps drawings of the Queer), of Captain Cook, the allegorical figure of New South Wales, designs of the Australian arms, and views of Sydney harbor. The first prize design for the 5s stamp has for a centre service a map of Australia, with the names of the colonies in their places. The Postmaster General intends to have the successful designs photographed, in order that the public may have an opportunity of seeing them. •/

The general manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Mr D. L. Murdoch, is about to pay a visit to Europo on a well-earned holiday.

The Customs returns at the Port of Wellington for the month of December was £3557 2s Sd, and the beer duty for the same period £135 11s 10d. Sir Arthur Stophney, M.P. for Carmarthen, South Wales, was a passenger by the Tongariro, which arrived here from London on Saturday erening. We learn (says the Manavvatu Times) that so soon as the contract for the line from Palmerston to the Gorge is in progress very considerable additions will be made to the Palmerston railway station. The new steamboat Aliuriri, just built by Messrs Cable and Co., was taken round for coal to the bulk Ladybird yesterday afternoon week. The result of this first trial of her engines was very satisfactory. It is expected that she will be ready for a trial trip next week.

We (Timaru Mail) understand that it is the intention of Mr J. Ivess to enter an action against the late proprietors of the Napier Evening News for a refund of purchase money and special damages, consequent upon certain alleged misrepresentations made by the late company when affecting a sale of that newspaper property. The shipping at the Queen’s Wharf on Sunday afternoon attracted the notice of the crowds of people who thronged the wharf. In So, 1 was the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company’s steamer Doric, and above on the same side, were two of the New Zealand Shipping Company's splendid steamers—the Tongariro and the Kaikoura. The presence in port of three of the ocean steamers at once is uncommun.

Twelve Mormon families have already settled at Alberta, in the Dominion of Canada, and others will soon settle at Medicine Hat. The Toronto Globe has heard that the Mormon rulers have been in correspondence with the Canadian Government on the subject ot colonising in Canada, and that the answers they received were not such as to prevent their endeavoring to effect their purpose. It has been suggested that the possibility of accident might be averted if the chimney pots were removed from the ruins of the Post-o fiee. Already one of them has fallen into the vestibule of the building, and it is quite within the region of probabil ty that others may be blown down, in which case anyone passing along the t avement underneath would be liable to severe injury.

It is expected that the yield of gold from the Queensland goldfields for the present year(Bays the Brisbane Courier) will exceed that of last year by 100,000uz, of which about half will be to the credit of Croj'don and the greater part of the remaining increase to Mount Morgan and Charters Towers. In 18S6 the output of gold was 310,0000 z. This year it will probably reach 440,0000 z. Zadkiel’s almanac for ISSS has already made its aiipearance. If .ve are to believe the astrologer earthquakes are to form a prominent feature in the events of the coming year. So far as can be observed by the uninitiated there 13 no startling novelty in the prophecies this time. It may interest the ladies to know that in February next they should he very guarded iu “all affairs.” Why not extend the advice to the other eleven months ? As usual Zadkiel prints in parallel columns a number of last year’s prophecies and their fulfilment. A list of those which did not come off might also prove interesting.

It will be remembered that a few weeks ago a baker named Moran was victimised in Manners street by an individual, who succeeded in getting him to cash a valueless cheque for the sum of £3. The same individual subsequently endeavored to victimise several tradesmen and hotelkeepers, but fortunately failed. Since then the police have been on his track, and last night weelc he was arrested by ActingDetective Walker in trie Ship HuteJ. The accused is a young man by the name of Herbert Henry Hunt. He was brought before tbe Resident Magistrate's Court last Friday, vide report elsewhere. The proprietors of the New Zealand Herald have evidently plenty of faith in the future of the C >lony, and especially of Auckland. They have just ordered a second web printing machine from Messrs R. Hoe and Co., the well known machine makers of London aud New York. This is the first one of the new invention made in London, and will not only print at an enormously rapid rate, but will fold the sheet-) ready for the post, cut them at the head, paste them together, and count them iuto dozens. Mr Horton, • ne of the proprietors of the Herald, is now in London, and we understand he has shipped out some eight tons of new type by the Direct steamer for our northern contemporary.

The residence of Mr Sidney Smith, manager of the city tramways, in Adelaideroad, had a narrow escape of destruction by fire yesterday week. A few minutes before 5 o’clock Mrs Smith observed smoke issuing from one of tbe front rooms. She immediately called out to her husband, who happened to be in the tram yard, which is next door to the house. He at once attached a hose which is kept on the premises to a tap at the back of the house, and commenced to subdue the flames. The fire, it appeared, had broken out between the wall of the front room and the outside wall of the building. Some of the boards,had to be cut away before the fire was completely extinguished. Several of the men in the tramsheds assisted their employer in getting the fire under. An alarm was run out by the city firebells, and the brigade were promptly on the setne, but all danger was over when they arrived. Both Mr and Mrs Smith are at a loss to account for the origin of the fire. It appears to ’have commenced from the outside, and the supposition is that it mu t have been caused by a spark from a fire which was burning in the washing boiler in the yard. The house is the property of Archbishop Redwood. Mr Smith estimates the damage to the building at about £3O. The furniture was also injured by water, aud Mr Smith considers that £lO will cover the damage. The building is insured for £2OO in the South British office, and the furniture for £IOO in the Colonial.

The Journal of Jurisprudence for November now to hand contains two interesting papers discussing “ Suicide as a Crime ” aud “The Impunity of Perjury.” The lovely weather ou Monday tempted nearly everyone to go holiday-making. From midday till about 5 the main streets of the town were perfectly deserted, and the suburbs were absolutely denuded. The members of tbe Wesleyan body held a picnic at Petone on Monday, which was largely attended, about 890 people being present. The picnic passed off very successfully. An enjoyable picnic was also held bv the Good Templars at McNab’s gardens, Hutt,

No little amusement was occasioned on Monday morning in the Basin Reserve by the gentleman known as “ The Whifller,” who, with the logs of his trousers tucked up and his socks turned down, and a rabbit-skin hung as an apron, made a very efficient burlesque of a Highlander’s dress. The “ Whiffier’s ” capers greatly _ amused the crowd, much to his evident satisfaction. The ship Invercargill, which arrived in harbor on Monday morning from London, made the very quick passage of 77 days. She would have been here even a few days sooner but for calms which were encountered off the New Zealand coast. Captain Muir, who is a well-known and popular skipper in Wellington, must be congratulated on having beaten the record of several years.

The first number of aa important daily journal, entitled Grajdanine, or The Citizen, will appear in St Petersburg shortly. This paper has been published for the last 12 years by Prince Mestchersky in the form of a bi-weekly review. The programme of the new organ will be of a purely national Conservative character, and firmly opposed to the system and principles of the Russian Liberals.

Samples of stone aud tailings are now beiug analysed by Sir James Hector and Mr Skey, with a view to ascertaining the cause of the disappointing result of the recent crushing of stone from the Owen Creek (Nelson) claim. It is estimated that at least an ounce to the ton was lost by the presence of a quantity of bismuth in the stone. Means are being taken, however, to remedy thi3, and to recover the gold from the tailings. ? We regret to have to announce the death of a well-known lady, an old settler amongst us, the wife of the* eminent barrister, Mr W. T. L. Travers, who died at her residence on Monday morning. The deceased some time ago underwent a critical operation. For a time she progressed favorably, but lately she has gradually got weaker, aud passed quietly away on Monday. She had been married some 46 years, and leaves a grownup family. Great sympathy is expressed all over town, iu which we sincerely join, with Mr Travers iu his great bereavement. Messrs R. Holliday and Co.’s stock was considerably damaged by water at the fire on Sunday morning. The water whioh was turned on to their building to avert the fire got through the roof, and flooded first the upper story, and (afterward the shop, spoiling the stock to the extent of about £4OO. The stock was insured for £looo—£soo iu the Sun Fire office, £250 in the North German office, and £250 in the Phoenix Fire office. The shop fixtures were insured in the Colonial Fire Insurance office for £2OO. The upper story was occupied by Mrs Richardson, dressmaker, and she estimates the damage to her furniture, which was insured in the’New Zealand Insurance office for £l5O, at about £2O. The damage to Messrs Holliday and Co.’s stock is very great, owing to the fragile nature of the goods. Books, albums, photo-frames, and in fact every variety of beautiful articles have been in many instances quite ruined, and in nearly all much defaced.

Advantage was taken of the splendid weather on Monday by a large section of the public to take a run into the country, and in consequence both the railway lines were largely patronised. On the Wellington and Wairarapa line about 5500 people travelled during the day—nearly 3000 outward, and 2500 inward. There were two large trains outward in the morning—one ot 9.35, which took about SOO members of the Wesleyan body to a picoic at Petone ; and one at 10 am, which had an equal number aboard for the Catbolio picnic at Belmont. In the evening one of the largest trains whioh has ever come into the station arrived from the Upper Hutt at 7.30. It consisted of 50 vehie’es, iu which there were about 2000 passengers. On the Wellington and Manawatu line the traffic was also considerable although, in consequence of the frequent trains, no single train was very heavy. The through traffic to Longburu and stations beyond was as follows : —First class, 64 ; second class, 121. Local traffic—First class, 332 ; second class, 762. The largest train during the day was tbe Otaki race train, consisting of seven carriages and two vans. It left town at 9 a.m., and took about 300 passengers. On both lines trains were started punctually, and there was fortunately no mishap of any kind. The Union Company’s steamer Penguin ran an excursion to Picton and back on Monday, starting from the Queen’s Wharf a little after 8 a.m., and returning at 10 last night. The trip to Picton . and back ia always a popular one, and this added to the fact that a large number of peoule were disappointed in the Wairarapa on Monday week (Boxing Day) swelled the numbers, who took lufvantago of last Monday’s trip to about 200. The Penguin did the run across in about four hours, arriving at Picton shortly after mid day, and left again on the return journey at 5 o’clock. A band was provided on board, and added to the attractions of the trip. A number of the passengers on the steamer's arrival at Picton went up to Blenheim, aud a great many of them witnessed the local. regatta which was going on. The only drawback to an otherwise very enjoyable day was that both going and coming a fresh S W wind was blowing in tho Strait, and a lumpy sea prevailed. Iu the harbor a nasty sea was running, and in consequencs the number of marine excursionists was not as large as otherwise might have been tho case. The H ia and Maim ran to So men Island, and the Dispatch, St. Kilda and Napier also plied for fares. The number of passengers by all the boats, however, was under a thousand.

The Prince of Wales, though he has an income of £200,000, was well nigh bankrupted by his Jubilee expenses, and is a frequent borrower on the street. It is satisfactory to learn from our telegrams that at the wool sale at Dunedin yesterday week the prices were from Ad to Id per lb higher than they were at the corresponding sales last year. It is with much regret we learn of the sad fatal accident to the promising son of our worthy Mayor, and we beg to tender our deepest sympathy with tho bereaved parents in their great sorrow.

Tbe Wanganui Chronicle says that Mr James Duigan retires from the literary control of the Herald, and that the editorial chair will be occupied this week by Mr Ballance.

The New South Wales Minister of Mines said in the Assembly the other day that the subsidy this year for rabbit destruction would amount to between £400,000 and £500,000. I? Mr E. L. Jellicoe, the well-known solicitor, accompanied by Mrs Jellicoe, arrived hero by the steamer Taravvera on Mouday morning, after their recent trip to the Old Country. The funeral of the late Mr George Adams took place yesterday afternoon .jyeelc, and was largely attended. A number of gentlemen connected with the press availed themselves of the opportunity of paying the last compliment to the deceased.

The brother of the late Mr Adams, journalist, who died a few days ago, is now in town, and informs us that his brother’s age was 35, and his name in full waa George Nathaniel John Adams. He was a native of Uplyme, in Devonshire.

We have received from the New Zealand Mutual Creditors’ Association a copy of their Commercial Handbook and Directory for ISSB. It is well got up, and conveys some useful information suitable for storekeepers, merchants, &c., with regard to the credit system.

There was a very good attendance at tho Columbia Skating Rink last week, when the second polo match was played. After a very good game Luckie’s team won by three goals to two. The goals for the winners were scored by Luckie, C. Godden and R. Rotherani, and for the losers (Dixon’s team) by Gillon and Young. We have received a copy of a cookery book called “Dainties,” bv Mrs Murdoch, and can heartily recommend it to all housewives. Their “lords and masters,” for whose benefit it was written, ought to place a copy of the book iu the hands of their wives or sisters, so that they may enjoy the appetising dishes the authoress has selected for them.

Mr A. McKay, Assistant Geologist, on his recent visit to the Maharahara, expressed in emphatic language that tho district “was an immense copper country.” We (Examiner) understand that Mr McKay, the Crown Lands ranger, has been exploring up tbe Pohangina, and has found the oopper ors reef corresponding with that on this side. If this is correct there is abundauce of material to work at.

A peculiar accident occurred on board the s.s. Penguiu on Monday night last week soon after she had crossed the Mauukau bar. Tho sea being rather lumpy, she did a fair share of rolling, and by some means one of the cannons on deck broke adrift from its lashiugs, and commenced a lively promenade to and fro across the deck, eventually making a bold dash through the iron stanchions ani disappearing overboard to tho bottom of the deep blue sea. The monster Catholic picnic, which has been arranged and promoted under the auspices of the Catholic Literary Society, and which had to be postponed from Monday (Boxing Daj') on account of the boisterous weather, was held at Belmont on Monday in Judd’s paddock, and was a most successful reunion. The first train which left town taking pleasuro - seekers to Belmont had about SOO people aboard, and two other trains which left before mid-day swelled the numbers to about 2000. Arrived at the grounds there was no lack of amusements in theshapo of sports of eve*y kind, which were carried on vigorously throughout the day. The usual stereotypeA-orpgramme of sports, customary at large ~'»ugs of the kind, was, in this instance, not adhered to, the main object being the hearty enjoyment of the excursionists, aud to this end the committee turned all their attention with the happiest results. A “popular" programme of sports was gone through, the principal item in which was a “Men’s Rice, 220 yards.’’ 1 here were five entries for this race, whioh was won by J. Mahony. There was no second prize. A refreshment stall was provided on the O round under Mr W. F. Ross, and was largely patronised.

The annual tea and soiree in connection with the Municipal Fire Brigade was held atthe Dril shed Mouday night, and was a most successful affair. There was a large attendance, about 250 persons being present, aud among the guests were several members of the Greytown Fire Brigade. The interior of the building, which had been decorated with flags, ferns, etc., presented a very pretty appearance, and reflected great credit on the management committee, who had designed and carried out the decorations. The music for the dancing was supplied by Mr E. J. King’s string band, which gave every satisfaction. The following fermod the Committee :—Captain Page, Foreman J, Adams, A. Dodsworth, Woodward, J. and W. Jenkins, E. Martin, G. Taylor, P. Kennedy, J. La Gros, Gillespie, and Hardcastle. The above, assisted by the energetic Secretary, Mr F. Kennedy, did all that was possible to make the gathering successful, aud their labors were amply rewarded. Refreshments were provided during the evening, and Mrs Page, Misses Lawrence (2), Elordham, and Page assisted iu dispensing thorn. Several songs were sung (luring the evening by members of the Brigade and their friends. The prooeeds were iu aid of the Accident Fund of the Brigade, aud, as the affair was so successful, it is expected that the fund will be augmented by a very considerable sum,

Two or three French men-of-war are expected daily in Auckland, and they may possibly come on to Wellington during the visit of the Australian squadron. An advertisement, worthy the attention of our numerous readers, appears in our sheet. # almanack, enclosed with this issue. We refer " to the New York Life’s illustration of its' return-premium policy. We would merely add to those contemplating insuring, that the Company take 3 a very high place amongst the financial institutions of the world, and offers it 3 policyholders, who now number 100,000, absolute security, which in such matters is the first consideration.

The Australian Squadron, now in Auckland, were to leave that port yesterday for Wellington, but as the official date for its arrival here is the 15th, we presume the vessels will call in some ports on their way down. The Tauranga people are very anxious that the fleet should call there, while Napier will feel neglected if the Nelson does not put in an appearance. The fleet may, therefore, be looked for about the end of next week. They will remain in this port seven days, and then proceed direct to Sydney.

An accident occurred at Bowie’s Skating Rink on Saturday evening about S o’clock, when a boy aged about 16, son oE Mr Morris, of Hopper-street, fell while skating aud broke one of his arms, both bones being smashed. The manager of the Rink paid every attention to the sufferer, and conveyed him to Dr Cole’s residence, where he was speedily attended to, and under that gentleman’s care is progressing favorably. The case is singularly unfortunate, the boy’s father being unable to work, and the boy had ouly just been put to learn the trade of a blacksmith, in order to be a help to his parents.

The New Zealaud Shipping Company’s R. M.S. Tongariro arrived here from London shortly after ’ 5 on Saturday evening, and was at once berthed alongside the Qneen’s Wharf. She brought 251 passengers of all classes (45 of whom were landed at Hobart). Her mails consisted of 307 sacks, which were quickly sorted, and a public delivery took place at the Post-office at 9 p.m. Her Southern passengers and mails were forwarded by the steamer Mawhera on Saturday evening, and Wanaka yesterday morning, and those for New Plymouth and One. huuga by the Takapuna on Saturday night. The Tongariro brought 2000 tons of cargo ; 650 tons for Wellington, 950 tons for Lyttelton, 200 tons each for Port Chalmers and Auckland. The passage out has been a very pleasant one, and has been much enjoyed by the passengers, all of whom arrived in good health.

A good deal of apprehension is entertained as to what may ensue to the peace of Europe if Prince William is soon called to the throne. Ilis Roj al Highness, who is about 28 years of age, is said to be an ardent soldier and to long for nothing more than an opportunity of making use of the splendid army which has been perfected for him by the genius of Von Moltke. He has no feeling oE dislike toward England, as eome have alleged to be the ease, nor indeed against R ussia, but he is described as very eager to come to blows with France. Should he ascend the German throne at a time when France is plunged in a state of internal confusion—as seems likely to be the case, judging from the growing feeling against President Grevy, on account of the conduct of his son-in-law, M. Wilson—an opportunity might be afforded him of provoking a conflict, of whioh, it is feared, he would not hesitate to take advantage.

An excited individual whose equilibrium had apparently been upset by frequent hallings of the new year, attracted a good deal of notice at the fire on Sunday morning. When the flames were at their wildest in the City Buffeti Hotel, he coolly walked through the passage and into tbe bar, whence he presently emerged with dve bottles of special brands in his arms and a a unlighted cigar in his mouth. As he crossed the footpath a large piece of timber tell close to him, but lie walked on, not in a mathematically straight line, ' into the middle of the road where certain watchful policemen laid hands upon him, and rudely questioned bis right to the liquids for whose sake he had braved so many dangers. Being stopped short in this unceremonious way, he was overcome by emotion, and wept copiously ; and as it was evident that he was only laboring under strong excitement, and affected by the powerful rays of the morning sun, the man was allowed to go free, leaving the strong drink and the cigar behind him.

New Year’s Eve being remarkably fine, drew out large crowds of citizens, who thronged the streets from dusk till midnight, aud notwithstanding the hospitable intents of many kind-hearted and liberal people, who would insist upon drinking each other’s health in wishing tho compliments of the season, there was very littleseen of the effects of over-indulgence. The light-hearted youths iu many parts amused themselves, and annoyed pedestrians, by the continual c’ isckarge of crackers. In some of tho suburbs a few solitary rocket 3 made matters gav, but there was no 'systematic or brilliant display of fireworks such as is seen in some of our colonial ports. Several of tho religious bodies held “ watch night services ” in their various churches, which were in all ease 3 well attended. The Salvation Army paraded in great force, andheld special services at their own place of worship. A stalwart Highlander with the “pipes” skirlled and droned melodious sounds along Willis and Manners-street just before midnight, followed by three brawuy chiefs clad in the airy costume of old Gaul, the sight and sound drawing a large and admiring crowd of spectators and followers. The unruly larrikins played their usual foolish pranks. A wood j 7 ard in. Taranaki-street had a portion of its stack lifted and deposited iu front of several dwellings, and logs lay along the street for some distance. Soon after 1 o’clock some paltry scoundrel rang an alarm upon one of the tirehells,' which caused the brigade to turn out. The bells of several Churches rang out several peals, and just upon the turn of midnight the big gun near the signal station fired a volley of two rounds, which woke up numerous echoes from the neighboring hills, and then witll noise and din ou a brilliant moonlight the New Year was duly ÜBhered in.

An inquest was held at Peeterd’s Hotel, Lower Hutt, ouTuesday morning, on the body of a German named Edwin Warner, aged 20 years, who was drowned while bathing in the Wahvetu stream on Monday afternoon. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

The London Chamber of Commerce have sent a circular to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, calling attention to the passing by the British Parliament of the Merchandise Marks Act, the objects of which are to extend further protection to the owners of trade marks, and to preserve the community at large from fraudulent misrepresentation. The London Chamber suggests that the eoveral Chambers in this Colony should endeavor ta secure the passing of similar Acts through our Legislature.,

The other Sunday at Greymouth the local Salvationists were holding forth on the wharf when they were jeered at by some of the bystanders, and a scuffle took place, in which the lasses were compelled to run for shelter. In the evening the disturbers visited the meeting hall, and a r«w took place in which the Captain of the Army got one of his eyes discolored. A series of summonses were issued, and the disturbance has caused much party feeling in the town. Our railways don’t pay yet (says a Napier paper), nor are they likely to do so till proper facilities are afforded the public for travelling. On Monday many people desired to visit Hastings, but on getting to the station were told r-hey could only purchase tickets including admission to the racecourse, and a 3 they were not “ sports,” but just wanted a day’s change iof air, they remained at home. It does seem ridiculous to say that all day Monday it was impossible to fake train to Hastings except at 8 o'clock in the morning, unless you were bound for the races, and yet that was the case.

According to the Australian Star, Holt, the defaulting Bank of New Zealand manager at Sydney, is slowly dying in Darlinghurst gaol from Bright’s disease. He is receiving careful treatment at the hands of the visiting surgeon, Dr Maurice O Connor. At the hands of the gaol officials he is treated precisely in the same way US other prisoners, and is allowed no extra privileges in any shape or form. He is acting in the capacity of clerk to the dispenser, which duties occupy all his time, he having in addition to this to ..assist in the ordinary work of the hospital.

The erection of the new Government Print-ing-office (a full description of which we gave in a previous issue) is fast approaching completion, and Messrs Carmichael and Son, the contractors, hope to have it out of their bands in less than a month. The new building, though dedicated to the useful more than the ornamental, nevertheless presents a handsome appearance. The “ tuck pointing ” in white shows a very nice contrast to the bright red bricks, and the ‘‘compo ” facings also look decidedly ornamental. Inside, the building is also well furnished in every detail. In the left wing of the building facing LambtonQuay is the machine-room running the whole length of the rear of the printing office. In this room, the roof of which i 3 supported by three arches, the foundations for twelve large printing machines have been laid. The machines, which will be according to the latest designs, are to arrive short’y. At the back of the machine-room is the engineroom, which still remains in an unflnished state, as the contract has not yet been let for the engines. Outside the door of the machine-room is a concrete foundation on which will be erected a steam lift. Off the passage leading from the front to the rear are several spaoiou3 apartments called respectively the type store, the stationery store, fitted with counter, where requisitions for stationery will be filled in, the wettiug-down-room fitted with all necessary appliances, the paper store, &c. Next to the main entrance which leads from Ballance-street, is the Government Printer’s room and clerk’s offices. Thsse constitute the whole of the rooms on the ground. The ironwork for the special staircase is in the building, and will be erected forthwith. It is noteworthy that there is not a single chimney in the building, th 9 rooms being fitted throughout with -Asbury’s patent steam-heating and ventilating apparatus. The possibility of accident by fire is therefore reduced to a minimum. The building when finished will be aa ornament to Thorndon and to the city.

Mr McConachy, of Port Glasgow, has patented an invention whereby the gang ways which span the spaces between poop, deck-houses, and forecastle of a ship can be admirably adapted as life-saving appliances in cases of disaster at sea. Messrs Robert Duncan & Co., Port Glasgow, forMessrsThom & Cameron, Glasgow, are just finishing a large sailing ship, the Oceana, for Mr E. H. Paterson, Greenock, and these patent gangways form part of the deck fittings of this effici-ently-equipped vessel. Tn order to test the appliance thoroughly', the inventor (Mr McConachy) recently had two of these gangways (which, are 18ft long) placed in the waterside by side, about 2ft apart, and connected by cross rods of iron at extremities — the space between the gangways being covered by a plank tbe same lengththus constituting a raft 18ft in length by Mb broad. Each gangway is fitted with three rowlocks on each side, so that when two are placed in position in the manner above described, tbe raft can be rowed with six oars. It was manned by six rowers, wit Mr McConachy and one of the builders of the Oceana steering, which was very easily and effectively done by means of an oar. They set out from Port Glasgow, and rowed to the Tail of the Bank, sailing round the vessels of the Channel fleet, and causing considerable sensation amongst the sailors and visitors, who seemed to take some interest in the novel craft as it glided swiftly along from one vessel to another. On returning from the, cruise the raft was taken asunder, and the gangways which formed it were placed in their respective positions—on board the Oceana —to span the spaces between the deck erections, and servo the purpose of bridges for officers and crew. They are fixed in their places by means of slipbolts, which, in case of emergency, can in an instant be withdrawn, thus freeing the gangway, rad making it available as a lifesaying raft.

Messrs Tqrnbull and Co. have received a cable message from their agents at Rio de Janeiro, stating that the Tainuileft that port on Sunday for London with her cargo of frozen meat in good condition. A notice is issued to the common jurors summoned to attend at the Supreme Court on Monday next, that their services will not be required on that day. but they must attend on Monday, January 16, at 10 a. m.

Mozart’s “First Mass,” with orchestral accompaniment, which was given so succesfully at the church of St Mary of the Angels, Boulcott-street, last Sunday, will be repeated at the church next Sunday, when there will doubtless be a large congregation. An examination of papers and letters belonging to the late Lord Lytton has revealed that the once popular novelist was a firm believer in astrology and spiritualism. It appears that Lytton once cast the horoscope of "Beaconfield when the latter was a very young man, and that it worked out true to the letter.

Mr A. Mault, engineering inspector under tbe Health Act, at Hobart, has forwarded a circular to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce referring to the system of quarantine adopted,in Australasia. An opinion is expressed that the present system is useless, and as it will probably be discussed by the Federal Council, the writer suggests that the Chamber shonld furnish an expression of its views before that body commences its sitting on the 16th instant.

The December return of patients at the Hospital was submitted at a meeting of the Trustees yesterday. It set forth that the number of patients in the Hospital at the beginning of the month was 79 ; admitted during the month, 43 males, 15 females ; discharged cured, 24 males, 14 females ; relieved, 5 .males, 4 females ; unrelieved, 1 male, 2 females j dead, 3 males, 1 female. The total number remaining under treatment at the beginning of the present month was therefore 53—65 males and IS females. On Friday (this) evening the present season of the Columbia Skating Rink will close, when a complimentary benefit will be tendered to Mr V. A. Harris, manager of the rink. For the occasion a host of novelties are announced. There will be a ladies’ and g utleme i's skating race; a Siamese twin race between polo players ; and a fancy costume match. The wearer of the most original costume in the polo match will be presented with a pair of all-clamp skates. On this occasion the rink will be kept open until 11 o’clock. Mr Harris has made himself very popular by his courteousness to patrons of the rink during the season, and he will doubtless receive a substantial benefit. The rink will probably be open again in a month or two.

On inquiries being instituted by the police relative to the supposed attempted suicide of Mrs Martin, with a view to prosecution if correct, the woman makes tbe following statement, which is corroborated by her husband She returned to her house at Evans Bay from town on Sunday, the Ist insfc., and was quite sober at the time. About 6.30 p.m. she had severe pains in tne stomach, and went to a shelf in the bedroom for some chlorodyne to ease the pain. By mistake she took a dose of a mixture she had obtained irom Dr Fell some months previous for lumbago, and which made her very ill. She at once told her husband and asked him for an emetic which he gave her, after which she became very sick and then unconscious. She had no intention whatever of committing suicide as stated. The police are satisfied with the explanation, and have decided to take no further action in the matter.

A series of matches for the cup presented by Mr S. Kohn, with his usual liberality, for competition amongst the members of the Wellington Bowling Club, are now nearly completed. No. 1 rink, consisting of Messrs Kempthorne, Sample, and Blair, with Mr R. Wilson a 3 skip, have defeated Messrs Crombie, Edwin, and Gray, with Mr Maskell as skip, by 21 to 7. No. 2 rink had Messrs Kerr, Blackett, and Campbell, and Mr J. C. McH’orro'v as skip ; against Messrs Barron, Eliott, and Dransfield, with Mr Gale as skip. Mr McKcrrow’s side won by 21 to 16. No. 3 rink played Messrs Duthie. Reid, Barraud, and Secular, skip ; against Messrs G. S. Cooper, G. Wilson. Crease, and Flyger, skip. The former team won by 21 to 16. The three winning teams have now to play off. Messrs Kerr, Blackett, Camphell, and McKeirow (skip) will meet Messrs Crombie, Edwin, Gray, and Maskell (skip', and the victorious team will play Mr Scoular’s team. The next contest will be for the silver mounted bowls presented by the VicePresident of the Club (Mr J. Duthie). As the green is beginning to suffer through the largo number of players who turn up to practice every day, and also because of the absence of rain for a considerable time, It has been decided that thejgreen shall only be open for play on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. An ordinary meeting of the Hospital Trustees was held on Tuesday, there being present MossrsF. H. Fraser(chairrnan),Taylor, Allen, Danks, Ivebbell, Gaby, Luke, and Willestou. The House report was read. The principal subject dealt with was a matter of an account of Mr H. Gaby’s with the Government. Mr Gaby fitted gas-saving burners up in the Hospital in October, ISB4, by agreement with the Government, under which he was to receive the amount saved for the first year, and be recouped cost of fittings. The saving, amounting to £23 odd, the Government were willing to pay, but the Colonial Secretary considered that the Hospital Trustees should bear the cost of fittings (£l7), of which they had the use. The Committee recommended that the Trustees should not recognise the liability as theirs. This recommendation was adopted. The liquor bill for December showed that during that month 12 patients consumed 156 pints of wines, spirits and malt liquors—an average of 13 pints each ; and that in the same month of 18S6 the average was 10J pints, 13 patients having consumed 13S pints. Mr Kebbell gave notice to move at next meeting, That the Trustees should combine with other bodies engaged in carrying out the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act in obtaining the services of a permanent secretary and central offices ; and that the Chairman, should be appointed to act on behalf of the Trustees in the matter.

The takings at the gates at the Caledonian gathering on Monday realised £274 19s 6d. Last year the amount taken was £2Bl 10s 3d, and in 18S6, £25l 9s. A man named William Vickers died at the Hospital on Saturday morning. Deceased, who was an elderly man, had been an inmate of the Hospital for some time. The cause of death was Bright’s disease. With this issue we present our readers with our annual sheet almanack for the present year. Any subscriber not getting the almanack in the usual course can have one on application to this office. At the Columbia Skating Rink on Tuesday night, a handicap between representatives of the press was run, and was won by G. A. Dungan (scratch) iu 4min sseo, L. Dwan (scratch) being second, and G. Percy (15sec) third. L. Woolcott and C Mnrter also started. Tbe first prize was a pair of allclamp skates, given by the manager of the rink, and the Heeond a pair of boxing gloves, presented by Mr J. Young.

A movement is on foot in the town of Preseot, in Lancashire, which is noted for its manufacture of watch movements, to establish a factory for turning out complete cheap aud good watches to compete with the Swiss and American rivals which are now in the field. According to one cf the speakers, Prescot has been supplying the highest class of movements at the lowest possible margin of profit, leaving it to Coventry', Loudon,and the retailer to reap the harvest. English watches are sold at a profit of about 100 per cent, on the cost price, while the American watches are sold at about a profit of 2s 6d per watch. This immense difference gives the market to the foreigner ; and so it is proposed to work at a less profit, and by' a sort of co-operative effort fight the battle with the foreign watch. The capital of the projected company is to be £IOO,OOO, and it is proposed to raise the money iu the district.