TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 907, 19 July 1889, Page 11

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Native Land Court. —The headquarters of the Native Land Court being now in Wellington, it is requested that all communications for the Chief Judge may be addressed to him at the Government Buildings. National Mutual Life Association. — Mr Duthie has joined the Board of the National Mutual Life Association, taking the place of Mr W. H. Levin, who has resigned on account of Mr Pearce, the Chairman of the Association, having joined him (Mr Levin) in partnership.

The Harmonic Society, —At a meeting of the Harmonic Society’s Committee, held Friday night (Mr J. H. Cock in the chair), it was decided that the next subscription concert should be given on the 6th proximo, when Costa’s oratorio, “ Naaman, ’ will be performed. We understand that the soloists will include Lady Campbell (soprano), Mrs Webb (contralto), Mr Piischel .(of Christchurch), who will take the tenor part of Naaman, and Mr Prouse, who will fill the important baritone r6le of the prophet Elisha. The other parts are not yet definitely cast.

3 Appointment of Athesleum Librarian. The appointment of a librarian to the Wellington Athenaeum was made last week, Mr Alfred I. Masters being unanimously chosen by the Committee from the list of candidates. Prior to the matter being dealt with, the President (Mr C. Rous Marten) referred to the outside circulation of reports! that the appointment had been “cut and dried” for a particular candidate, and that the invitation of applications was a mere form. Ha gave this an emphatic denial so far as he himself was concerned, and ho was satisfied that he might say the same for the Committee generally. Their sole desire was to secure the best man for the institution. The two selected candidates were then successively called in to meet the Committee. After the respective interviews were concluded the election took place, resulting as already stated. It may be mentioned that the careful sifting of the list of 58 applicants oocupied three lengthened meetings of the Committee. The final choice was unanimous. The new librarian will begin his regular duties on the Ist proximo.

Sheep-stealing. —The man John Andrew Thompson, who was convicted last week on a charge of stealing twenty lambs, the property of the Bank of New Zealand, and who was remanded in order that the Probation Officer might make a report on an application that the prisoner should be placed ou .probation, wa3 presented for sentence before the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court yesterday week, Mr Gully (Acting Crown Prosecutor) stated that a petition signed by 150 residents of the Wairarapa had been presented, asking that the accused should be placed on probation. His Honor said he did not think he could take any notice of it. The Supreme Court was not the place for petitions. The Probation Officer’s report wa3 not favourable to the prisoner, who, it was stated, had been suspected of sheep-stealing before. His Honor did not think that it was the intention of the Legislature that the Act should be applied in suck a case, but on the whole, with a good deal of hesitation and doubt, he felt justified in passing a moderate sentence for the offence, which, he stated, was looked upon as a very serious one. He sentenced the prisoner to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour. Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill.— The Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill, now before Parliament, wts considered at the meeting of the City Council last night week. Councillor Fraser, who is Chairman of the Hospital Trustees, opposed the Bill, on the ground that it would throw a greater respoasibility upon tha ratepayers. The Bill meant that the Government eventually would not give anything to the Hospital from the Consolidated Fund. He didnot think that the Hospital would be managed more economically than it was at present. Generally he opposed the measure, and he moved that the Council disapprove the Bill. The Mayor, although admitting that the Bill had one or two objectionable features, generally approved it. The particular feature which commended itself was the attempt to consolidate local government. This multiplication of public bodies was wearisome, and everybody was tired of them. In consequence of the multiplication of these bodies they had of necessity to pay small sal/. ie-i, and the consequence was that they got inefficient officers and the work was not well done. If these bodies were consolidated in the City Council the work would be done much better, and he thought the Council should have control of the Hospital. Withregard to Charitable Aid, he was strongly of opinion that funds for this purpose should not come out of the public purse. It was a matter, in his opinion, that should depend entirely upon voluntary benevolence. Upon the whole he considered the Act well balanced and well constructed, and he moved that this Council generally approves the provisions and principles of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Act, but is of opinion that the contributing bodies should join in nominating a Hospital Committeeof Management, either to act independently, or as a committee of the controlling council. Councillor Brandon seconded the* motion. Councillor Harris favoured the Bill, because it did away with the intermediate bodies. He thought the whole amount for the Hospital should come from the consolidated revenue. Councillor Smith expressed a similar opinion. Councillor Fraser said the Bill would settle all voluntary contributions. Councillor Brandon’ thought the Bill was much better than the one in force, and of two evils they should choose the lesser. On being put the amendment was lost, the division being as follows : —Ayes The Mayor, Councillors Brandon and Harris, Noes—Councillors Chapman, Willeston, Muir, Fraser, Moeller, Heaton, aud Smith. The motion that the Council disapprove the Bill was then put and carried. It was decided to forward a copy of the resolution to the City members,

Party at Government House —An afternoon party was given at Government House last Friday by Lady Onslow. About 100 guests were present. Minister of Education. —The Governor has appointed Mr Thomas W. Hislop to be Minister of Education, vice Sir H. A. Atkiuson, resigned. _ San Francisco Mail Agent. —Mr A. A. Duncan, of the Wellington Post-office, was sent as mail agent with the San Francisco mail steamer, which left Wellington last Saturday. Police News. —A man named Thomas Euston Waugh, who was arrested at Sydney on a warrant issued at Dunedin charging him with embezzling the sum of £54 from the Postal v epartment at Dunedin, was brought back by Constable Grey in the Rotomahana on Sunday afternoon. He went South by the Rotomahana on Monday, Constable Grey also brought from Sydney a man named William Davison for deserting his wife at DennistoD, West Coast.

The Cemetery Question. - Mr G. Ander-' son, secretary to the Thorndon and Lambton Recreation Ground Society, has received the following reply from the Town Clerk to the deputation which waited upon the Council a few days ago on the cemetery question ; “I have to inform you that the City Council, after considering the request made by the deputation which attended at the Council Chambers last evening week, resolved to write to the Trustees of the cemetery, asking them to defer any proceedings in the matter of the cemetery till after the present session of-Parliament. This has accordingly been done.”

! The Atheneum.— The monthly meeting of the Athenaeum Committee was held last night week. Present—The Prosident (Mr C. Rous Marten), in the chair; Messrs Campbell, Macgregor, Flanagan, Heaton, Duncan, Morris, Macmorran, Gray, and Taylor (hon. sec,) Various matters of routine business were dealt with. A letter wa3 received fiom Mr George Robertson r<**igning the trea* surership of the institution and also his seat on the Committee on the ground of want of time to attend to the duties. Xhs vacancies thus created were filled by the unanimous election of Mr D. Gray as treasurer and Mr F. I W. Frankland, F.S.S., F.I. A., as member of Committee. Leave of absence Sill October was granted to Mr Duncan, who will be absent from the Colony. It was unanimously resolved that a testimonial should be presented to Mr S. W. Faulkner, the retiring librarian, who had served the institution so well, and that a subscription list should be opened among the members of the Athenseum. The remaining business consisted in the election of a new librarian, referred to elsewhere.

sfi 5 Deputation to the Council. —A deputa. tion of Thorndon ratepayers waited on the City Council last night week with regard to the Cemetery Reserves Act. Dr Newman, M.H.R.* as spokesman, briefly explained the object of the deputation, and stated that the present cemetery was getting slowly filled no, and they wanted to know what views the Council held on the matter. He said a new cemetery was required, and .that the >.

Botanic Reserve was a oiosb undesirable place. The deputation felt that recreation and other things had been neglected in Thorndon, and urged upon the Councillors the necessity of providing a cemetery. Mr G. Anderson - followed in the same strain, and stated that the cemetery was unfit for burial purposes. Several others of those present spike on the subject. The Mayor, in reply, stated that the Council fully recognised the difficulty the residents were placed in, and that the Council would do all in their power to agree to a scheme, but it was an impossibility for the Council to create funds. Councillor Brandon asked Dr Newman if he thought Mr Izard’s Cemetery Bill would be passed this session. Dr Newman said it had passed the second reading, but he did not know how it would fare in committee. Mr J. C. Harris thought that a special Act should be passed. The Mayor stated that it was money the Council required, and unless the ratepayers wonlld sanction a loan there would be no oemetery. The Corporation had tried to raise a loan some time ago, but owing to the ratepayers not giving it their support the proposal was lost. , He said the Council would give the matter their best attention, and he thought that it would be several months before it was brought about. Dr Newman thanked the Couucil for listening to the deputation, which then withdrew. After the deputation had retired, the following letter was read from Mr C. P. Powles : —“I am directed by the Diocesan Trustees, who have charge of the Church of England Cemetery, to point out to the City Council that that portion of their land at preseut being used as a cemetery is becoming overorowded, and that unless provision is made immediately the 1 Trustees will have to take steps to enclose and consecrate the rest of the laud vested in them, and set apart for a cemetery for the Church of England.” On the motion of Councillor Chapman, seconded by Councillor Brandon, it was decided to request the Trustees to take no steps in the matter until after the present session of Parliament. The Town Clerk was instructed to forward a copy of the resolution to the deputation.

Wellington and Manawatu Railway. —The traffic returns on the Wellington and Manawatu Railway for the week ending July 7th were £lO9l 6s 9d, and for the corresponding period last year £1045 7s 2d.

English Mail. —The steamer Wairarapa, which arrived at the Bluff on Sunday afternoon, had on board an English mail (via Brindisi), which arrived in Wellington by the Rotorua on Wednesday. The Weather at Havelock. Our Havelock correspondent, telegraphing Friday night, says: —“The weather here :s most phenomenal. The hills all round are covered with snow, and at present there is no sign of the weather abating. Snch a severe season has never been known here before. Mining matters at Mahakipawa are at a standstill. The late snowstorm was far more severe than that of June 9th, 18S6. The new tracks over Mahakipawa are all covered with snow. The hills present a very grand sight. The weather is bitterly cold.”

The Huntingdon Roller Quartz Mill. —The Huntingdon centrifugal roller quartz mill is now beiug exhibited in Dunedin. It is a San Francisco invention, and is greatly used in California. It was shown at the late Melbourne Exhibition. It is sa»d that the mill costs much less than a stamper battery, and runs with one-third the power. One feature of the milk is the Frue ore concentrator—3 shaking motion is given to the revolving belt that serves as a carrier of the stuff. The patentees claim that the concentrator and amalgamator save 98 per cent of the gold.

The Eiffel Tower as a Sun. M. Janssen, of the Academy of Sciences, claims to have made a discovery which upsets the entire theory t ased on the analysis of celestial bodies by means of the spectroscope. Lately the electric lamps of the Eiffel Tower were turned on the Meudon Observatory, which is 7800 metres (four miles seven furlongs) away. He reckons that the ma s of air lying in«a given section of that length at the height of the tower is equal to the atmospheric mass above. M. Janssen argues from this that the number of molecules of air encountered by a beam of light sent from the Eiffel Tower to the Observatory is about the same as that met by sunlight on its way to the earth when the sun is near the zenith. He then shows that, if the analogy holds true, the belief that the sun contains oxygen is unfounded, and that if its spectrum contains the characteristic oxygen rayß this is due to the oxygen of oar atmosphere. One of the fundamental theorems of spectrum analysis is that the width of the characteristic bands of a gas is proportionate to the number of molecules that intercept the light. Now, in this experiment the most important rays of the oxygen group were precisely similar to those of the solar spectrum. The conclusion M. Janssen draws is that there is no oxygen in the sun.

Miss K. Hardy’s Matinee. —The musical matinee given on Saturday by Mias Katharine Hardy in the Tinakori-road Schoolroom was attended, in spite of the wet and boisterous weather, by a numerous and appreciative audience, which included Lady Onslow and a party from Government House. Miss K. Hardy’s contributions to the programme were 4 Nydia’s song” (WallersCein’, Scenafrom Gounod’s “Faust” (including the “ Kingof Thule” ballad and the 44 Jewel ” aria), and Gaye’s song 44 1 wait for thee” (with Mr McDuff Boyd’s violin obbligato), all being interpreted with much charm of voice and expression, excellent style, and artistic finish. She was warmly encored in her last song. This accomplished 3’oung singer would do well, however, to be on her guard against a tandency to indulge unduly in the tremolo, which, if carried to excess, is very apt to impair purity of intonation. Miss Hardy played her sister’s accompaniments with admirable taste and sympathy. Miss Medley was the solo pianiste. She gave two of Bach’s “ Two-part Inventions ;” a quaint piece by Grieg, the new Norwegian composer, who is just now creating so marked an impression m Europe ; one of Bach’s three-part fugues, and Mendelssohn’s “ Perpetuum Mobile.” All were very exacting tests of executive skill, which were triumphantly surmounted. Miss Medley’s performance of the Bach fugue was one of the most thoroughly artistic piecssof pianoforte playing we have yet heard in Wellington, the expressive clearness with which the subject and counter-subject were given out and “phrased,’' and the crispness and brilliancy with which the florid counterpoint was manipulated being meritorious in the highest degree, while she executed the very difficult movement of Mendelssohn so splendidly as to elicit an enthusiastic redemand. In her other two solos she was scarcely so happy. Mr Boyd, the solo violinist, was in his beat form, and played a Spohr barcarolle with exquisite tone and delicacy. Yieuxtemps' arduous “Lombardi” fantasia was also very finely played by him, but we were less pleased with the andante from Mendelssohn’s concerto (op. 64), which lacked firmness of attack at the outset, and was too much slurred. The matinee, which lasted only about an hour, was thoroughly enjoyed. We hail with much pleasure the introduction of this class of musical performances, and hope that Miss Hardy will soon give another one.

Unfounded Report. A v report was current in town on Monday afternoon to the effect that his Excellency the Governor had met with an accident while returning from the Hutt, but upon inquiry we ascertained the rumour to be wholly without foundation. New Zealand Alliance. —The annual meeting of the Wellington Auxiliary of the New Zealand Alliance was held at the Rechabite Hallon Monday night. There was a moderate attendance, and Mr F. H. Fraser presided. The annual report and balancesheet were read by the Rev H. 11. Driver, and seconded by Mr Monk, M. H.R. Mr J. Collins moved its adoption, which was carried. Addresses were delivered by several of those present. Meeting of Creditors. —A meeting of the creditors of Willie George, gardener, was held at the Official Assignee’s office ou Monday. The debtor submitted a statement attributing his present position to having built a house at Tawa Flat and got into debt, and was unable to pay it off. He had endeavoured as far as lay iu his power to clear himself of debt but without effect. He had obtained the money with which to file from two of hi 3 boarders, which they had advanced for their lodging. The bankrupt stated that he could make no offer. The meeting then terminated. Inquest —Mr H. W. Robinson (District Coroner) held an inquest into the circumstances connected with the death of one of the inmates of the Lunatic Asylum named Mary Smith, which occurred on Friday night. Mr Charles Brown was foreman of the jury. Annie Finch, one of the attendants at the Asylum, stated that deceased had been an inmate of the Asylum for about 12 months. She had always been rather weak, and for the last three weeks had been slowly sinking, and died at 7.45 on Friday. Dr Hassell, Medical Superintendent of the Asylum, stated that he was called to attend deceased three weeks ago and found that she had dislocated her shoulder. He had made the most searching inquiry, and found that deceased was continually falling out of bed, and it was probable that in one of these falls she had sustained the injury. After this he made her sleep on a mattress ou the floor. He was of opinion'that deceased had died of senile decay. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, Limited. —The Directors of this progressive colonial institution are to be congratulated on the very creditable appearance of the building they are having erected on their Dunedin property. We have seen a photograph of the perspective, and it would be hard to select a more attractive design than that decided upon (Mr J. A. Burnside’s, Dunedin). As a business site the Colonial Mutual’s property is, we suppose, about .the best in Dunedin. It is at the corner of High and Princes-streets, and faces Cargill’s Monument, with the Bank of New Zealand, the Colonial Bank, the Post Office, and the Grand Hotel on opposite corners. We have to thank this Society for a publication containing illustrations of their buildings throughout the British Empire, and we are glad to note that a space is left blank in their sheet of New Zealand buildings for the new Wellington offices at the corner of Cus-tomhouse-quay, Harbour and Victoriastreets. which we understand will soon be proceeded with. The erection of substantial structures of this nature evidences the advancement and permanent identification of these insurance companies with the progress of the Colony, and will assuredly be gratify, in? to every resident not entirely devoid of that patriotism which characterises the colonial citizen. The Case of Chemis. —-Mr N. Fernandos writes to us as follows:—“The feeling among the community of this city regarding the verdict of 4 guilty ' returned by the jury against the unfortunate man Louis Chemis is very much against the verdict pronounced. There is no doubt this feeling has been created by the fact that the whole of the evidence produced was entirely circumstantial, and this class of evidence is, at best—as is generally admitted —unsatisfactory. Be this as it may, the previous good character possessed by the accused, as evidenced by highly respectable and credible witnesses, and the quiet demeanour of the man under all circumstances during the fourteen years that he has resided in the neighbourhood, has created this feeling in his favour, and those who know him best will not bolieve that the man could perpetrate an act of the kind with which he was obarged, much loss an act accompanied by such brutality a 3 that which slaughtered the unfortunate man Hawkings. The feeling in favour of the condemned man Chemis appears to be so strong that a monster petition is in course of signature to his Excellency the Governor praying the clemency of the Crown in this case. The petition has been headed by me on behalf of the Italian residents in the district.—l am, &c., N. Fernandos.”

Tiiorndon Mutual Improvement Society.—There jjwas a fairly large attendance at the meeting of the Tbarndon Mutual Improvemeat Sootety ou Monday night. Mr Lewis delivered a lecture on oceaD currents, which was very ably dealt with. The Rev C. Laws presided. Gas Bills. —There is grumbling in the city about the increase, without apparent cause, in the ga9 bills for June. Pay-day has come round, and cheques have to be drawn from 25 to 40 per cent in advance of the average cost for months past. Gas is a serious item of expenditure in many businesses, and a marked increase in it would certainly pave the way for electricity. The new gas engineer will dou itless look into this.

Organ Recital. —Mr Robert Parker gave a very pleasing organ recital at St Andrew s Church Monday evening, which was well attended, His selections included two movements by Haydu, a concerto of Handel, Chopin's Marche Funebra (in memory of the late Rev Dr West), an offertoire of Lefebure We!y and a Festival March by Henry Smart. The excellent choir of the church contributed some well-sung anthems, and Miss Greig, Miss Newton, and Mr Hill some enjoyable solos.

Death. Mrs Eleanor Winifred Robson, who was formerly proprietress of the Branch Hotel, died suddenly on Sunday afternoon at her residence in Marjoribankastreet. Dr Gillon was passing the deceased's house about 2.30 p.m. when he was called in by her son to see hsr. He found the deceased, who had just been delivered of a male child, quite dead. She had been attended by a nurse uarned Mrs Patterson, but no doctor had been engaged to attend her. Dr Gillon considered that a post-mortem examination was necessary, and consequently would not give a certificate of death. An inquest was held on Monday. Mr James Trevor was chosen foreman of the jury. Mary Ann Paterson, a certificated midwife, deposed that she had been sent for to attend deceased in her confinement on Sunday, and arrived at deceased’s house at 9.45 am. Deceased had engaged witness to attend her three months previously. Witness visited deceased three weeks ago, and found that she was suffering from shortness of breath and a bad chest. When witness visited her on Sunday she complained of pains in her stomach, and could not bear to be touched. She was delivered of a child at about 12.15 pm on Sunday. Soon afterward she fainted, and witness sent for a doctor. Dr Gillon arrived shortly afterward. By the foreman : It would be about 20 minutes after the birth of the child that deceased was taken ill. Before and after her confinement deceased complained of pains in her stomach. Witness removed the after-birth completely, and did not use any violence. Deceased assisted witness to do it. Witness had great experience in midwifery, and had never lost a patient before. Dr Gillon deposed that he was called in to attend deceased on Monday, about 12.30 pm. Wheu he arrived he found deceased quite dbad, and all efforts made by him to restore animation failed. Witness thought that death must have occurred 15 minutes previous. There was not sufficient blood on the bed to account for death by hemorrhage. The uterus was uncontracted. Witness had reported the matter to the police, and stated that he was unable to give a verdict of death, and at the Coroner’s suggestion he made a post-mortem examination on Monday, and found the heart quite healthy and the stomach in a normal condition. Ga examining the uterus witness found an extensive rupture, five inches long, throughths oiivex, and considerable effusion of blood in the abdomen. The opinion of witness was that death was due to extravasation of blood from the rapture of the uterus. Witness stated that this complaint was very rare, and would possibly have been caused by hard work shortly before confinement. By the foreman: Could not say whether, if medical aid had been called in at the time of birth, it would have prevented death. There were no signs of negligence present. Margaret Frances Coleman, sister of the deceased, deposed that her sister’s age was 32, and she had a family (if eight children, the eldest of whom was a little over 15 years of age. Believed that deceased’s husband was in Queensland. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. Inspector Thomson was present on behalf of the police.

Fatal Accident. —lnformation was received by Inspector Thomson on Tuesday that a man named George Hutt had been killed at Manakau, while bushfelling, during the mciming. Lunacy. —A Maori woman named Ta-rn-maiei, who has been committed to the Asylum from Normanby, was brought down by the Manawatu train on Friday night in charge of Constable Sharman.

The Rangitikei Hunt Clur. —We have received a copy of a pamphlet designed by Mr A. K. Cox and illustrated by Mr J. S. Allan, depicting stirring scenes and popular persons in oonnection with the Rangitikei Hunt Club.

Missing Friends. —The following list of missing friends is from Lloyd's Weekly of June 2nd: —Florence Ayers went to Auckland four years ago, and in 1886 wrote from the General Post Office, Auckland. Her father writes. Alfred Huxford, gardener, three years ago was at Parnell, Auckland. His brother Robert asks. Harry Rawlinson, in ISS6, sailed from Wellington to Cambridge Gulf, afterward going to the Teetalpa goldfields. His parents seek news. Joseph Young, who sailed for New Zealand in 1884, is requested to write to his mother.

R. M.S. Tongariro. —The R.M.S. Tongariro arrived from London, Plymouth, Teneriffe, Capetown, and Hobart on Sunday afternoon, after a passage of 42 days 14 hours 7 minutes. Her actual steaming time was 41 days 1 hour 5S minutes. The Tongariro brings 92 passtngers for New Zealand, 16 of whom are for Wellington. Her mail is a large one, consisting of 223 bags of mails and 18 boxes parcels post. She brings 2000 tons of cargo for New Zealand, of which SOO tons are for Wellington. The passage out, iu spite of the small number of passengers, appears to have been a very pleasant one, and the passengers speak highly of the attention and courtesy shown them by Captain Bone and his officers, The officers connected with the Tongariro remain the same as on last voyage, with the exception that Messrs Messenger and Hall are now third and fourth officers respectively, and Dr A. H. Williams surgeon

Sir W. Jervois. —The London correspondent of the Christchurch Press, writing on reached London on the 18th, after a pleasant voyage, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His friends remark of him that New Zealand appears to have agreed well with him, as he is looking better than he has done for years. Sir William is not quite decided as to his future movements. Ho has taken a very fine house at 23 Princess Gardens for three months, which will take him on to the end of the season, and then he may go abroad, or possioly to the seaside only ; it all depends on Lady Jervois. You have an able and eloquent laudator in your ex-Governor. He declares that New Zealand is bound, for certain prosperity, and i 3 especially san guine as to Wellington. The clouds have rolled away (according to Sir William), and the sunlight is streaming upon a highly, favoured Colony once more. I hear this on all hands now An eminent financier in the city told me that he looked for great things from New Zealand in the course of the next few years.

The Visit of the Irish Delegates.— A meeting in connection with the reception of the Home Rule delegates vvas held in the Marist Brothers’ Schoolroom, Boulcottstreet, on Monday, Mr J. J. Devine in the chair. His Grace the Archbishop, the Very Rev the Vicar-General, the Very Rev Dr Watters, Rector of St Patrick’s College, and several of the clergy were present. After some discussion, his Grace the Archbishop moved, “That a public meeting be called, to be held in some public place in Wellington, in order to arrange for the reception of the Irish delegates in Wellington.” This was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Proposed by the Very Rev Father McNamara, and seconded by his Grace the Archbishop, “ That the public meeting be held this day week.” A Committee was then appointed, consisting of the Very Rev Father McNamara, Mr M. Bohan, Mr E. Carrigan, and Mr Duncan to make arrangements for holding a public meeting. It was proposed by Mr O’Dea, and seconded by the Very Rev Dr Watters, “That the President (Mr J. J. Devine) be empowered to cable to Sydney in connection with the reception.” Carried unanimously. Mr Duncan (Auckland) afterward addressed the meeting at some length in favour of Home Rule. It was ultimately decided to hold the meeting next day week, in the Exchange Hall, the Committee to make the necessary arrangements.

New Ze.vland Life Insurance.—The Commissioner’s report upon the New Zealand Life Insurance Department appears on page 29 of this issue.

Wellington Building and Investment Company. —The anuual report and balancesheet ot the Wellington Building and Investment Society will be presented at the third annual general meeting on Friday, July 26th. The report states that the net profits on the year’s business, including £2OO 16s 7d brought forward from last .year, amount to £2489 193. An interim dividend of 4 per cent, wai declared and paid in January, and it is now proposed to pay a further dividend of 5 per cent., making 9 per cent, for the year. This will absorb £1546 3s lOd, leaving a balance of £943 15s 2d. Of this sum it is recommended that £750 be carried to reserve fund (which will then stand at £1250), and the balance, £193 153 2d, carried forward to next year’s profit and loss account. Mr J. R. Blair is the director who retires from the Board, in accordance with the articles of association, and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election. The Directors have to regret the loss by death of one of their number, Mr Joseph Nancarrow. The vacancy thus created is left for the shareholders to fill up. The business continues to be of a most satisfactory character, and there is every prospect of a steady increase during the coming year. The Auditors, Messrs D. T. Stuart and Walter Knowles, retire from office on this occasion, and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.

Hospital Trustees. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Trustees was held on Tuesday, there being present—Messrs F. H. Fraser (chairman), 0. E. Willeston, G. Allen, C. M. -Luke, and Rev H. Van Staveren. The Trustees decided to grant leave of absence to Mr G. M. Kebbell for the present meeting, and they decided to forward him a letter of condolence on the death of his wife. Dr Newman, M.H.R., was granted two months’ leave of absenoe on account of Parliamentary duties. A letter was read from Mr C. J. Johnston, applying for the lease of section 4 of the Molesworth-street endowment at 8s per foot per year. The Trustees decided to grant him a lease. Mr W. H. Quick forwarded a donation of £1 for the convalescent fund. The donation was received with thanks. The House Committee reported that an elderly man had complained to the Inspector of the treatment he had received while in the Institution. The Chairman explained that the Trustees had previously inquired into the matter, and had satisfied themselves that there was nothing in it. The Rev H. Van Staveren stated that the Trustees knew the man so well that they should take no further notice of his complaints. He (the speaker) had been treated in a very bad way by the fellow, and no doobt members of the trust had had a similar experience. The Trustees decided to forward the Inspector-General a copy of the report of Dr King, who was in charge of the Hospital. The monthly liquor bill was passed, and showed that last month 27 patients consumed 170 pints of wines, spirits, and [malt liquors, being about 6J pints for each. For the corresponding month last year 12 patients drank 124 pints wines, spirits and malt liquors, or about 10J pints for each. The quantities last month were prescribed as follows:—Dr Martin, 3 patients, 14 pintß 8 ounces; Dr Cole, 3 patients, 10 pints 14 ounces ; Dr Ewart, 6 patients, 98 pints 6 ounces. This being all the business, the Trustees adjourned.

Bankruptcy. —The liabilities in the estate of Joshua George Wylly, book accountant, are set down at £394 3s sd, and the assets £495, the surplus being £IOO 16s 7d. The unsecured creditors amonnt to £356 13s 6s, and the secured creditors to £37 108, the estimated valus of the security being £2OO. The assets are made up of book debts, £487 5s sd, estimated to produce £4BO, and furniture, £ls. The principal unsecured creditors are—Joseph Nathan and Co., £BB ; W. F. Barraud, £6O ; G. N. Liddel, * £4O; F. (Crawford, £SO 11s ; Blandell Bros, £27 ; R. N. Newby (Christchurch), £l7 3s 8d ;Dwan and Co., £l3 10s; Press Company (Christchurch) £l3 10s; Kelly and Baulf (Auckland), £ll Is ; Wakefield and Roydhouse, £,L3 6s 3d. The secured creditors are the ; Wellington Loan Company, £27, and J. M. Tabuteau, £lO 10s, the estimated value of the security in each case being £IOO. The security for both debts is an acceptance in favour of the debtor. The creditors will meet at 2.30 D.m. on Tuesday next.—A meeting of creditors in the estate of Joshua George Wylly Brook, accountant, was held at the Official Assignee’s office on Tuesday afternoon. There were four creditors present, and Mr C. C. Graham (Official Assignee) presided. The debtor submitted a statement, in w hich he set forth that his position was partly due to temporary inability to realise book aebts, and a decrease of business ; it had mainly been brought about by the extreme pressure of a Southern creditor—pressure of so severe a nature that, in the interests of his creditors as a whole, he had no other recourse than to seek the protection of the Bankruptcy Court. On the other hand, his assets were far more than ample to fully liquidate all liabilities, and in that fact lay ths hardship and loss which the enforced step would necessarily entail upon him. The debtor, examined by the Official Assignee, stated that he was a single man. The sum of £SO 11s, due to Miss Crawford, of the Albert Hotel, was for board and lodging. Had conducted the business of MrG. W. Ell, of Christchurch. Was advertising agent of the London Watch Company. It was a venture of his own, but it came to nothing. There were only three subscribers, and he had sent Home £lO for two watches. The total sum owing to him by Mr Ell was £452. The debtor stated that if the creditors waited until he got the money from Mr Ell, whose bills were due in a few months, he would be able to pay 203 in the pound. The debtor, in reply to a creditor, said that he had not registered the letter in which he had sent the £lO Home for the watches. The Official Assignee remarked that the debtor appeared to have kept his books properly. It was eventually decided to leave the estate in the Official Assignee's hands, and the meeting then adjourned.