TOWN AND COUNTRY

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1106, 12 May 1893, Page 40

TOWN AND COUNTRY

As some belated individuals were wending their way homeward by way of Te Aro in the 'wee sraa' hours' of yesterday week, they were astonished to find a jeweller's shop lit up and two policemen sitting stolidly on the counter with a lighted candle between them. The pedestrians were of too inquisitive a turn to pass by without probing the mystery to the bottom. They entered and asked, ' Why this fchusness ?' The constables were rather reticent at first, but at length explained that one of them in making his usual round trying the doors, found the door of this particular establishment standing ajar. As far as they knew nothing had been disturbed, and they had therefore come to the conclusion that the owner had forgotten to lock up. A 3 there was no key in the lock, one of the bobbies had to keep watch und ward until the neglectful jeweller could be.found.

The first of a series of Catholic ' socials ' in aid of the school fees for the Catholic schools in Wellington will be held in the Skating Rink on the 21th inst. An attractive programme is being prepared. On Friday Mr Martin, E.M., and two assessors, will hold, at the Magistrate's Court, a nautical enquiry regarding the going ashore of the schooner Annie Wilson at Oeo, south of Opunake, on the 22hd ult.

The following is the analysis of the brown coal forwarded bv Mr Holmes Warren, of Alfredton: -'A fairly coherent homogeneous coal, burning freely with a good flame. Fixed carbon, 35'88 ; hydrocarbon, 43'64: water, 14 25 ; ash, 623 ; total, 100 00. This is a useful coal of its kind, comparing as it does very well with the Shag Point coal, and others of the less hydrous coals.—(Signed) William Skky.'

The Hon W. P. Beeves has written, under date of the 3rd inst., to Mr T. F._ Martin, secretary to the Municipal Association, stating that he has placed the matter of the Municipal Corporations Bill in the hands of the Hon R. J. Seddon, as Premier. Mr Reeves also acknowledges the receipt from Mr Martin of a Bill to amend the Rating Acts, which Bill embodies those of the recommendations of the association that relate to the subject of rating ; also of another Bill containing miscellaneous amendments desired by the association. These Bills also have been referred to the Premier.

Dr G. Weson has been honorary surgeon to the Palmerston North Rifle Volunteers.

At the fifty-second annual meeting of the Wesley Church congregation, held recently, the annual read, from which it appeared that the in'Come for the year had been L 1613 12s 6d. The attendance at the Sunday service and Wednesday evening Bible class had been good. The church roll was 292, showing an increase of 30 members. The number of soholars in the Sunday school was 824, with 45 teachers and officers. The labours of the Ladies' Sewing Meetings during the year had realised L 46. The other departments of the church work were favourably reported upon.

Messrs Dwan Bros, report the sale of the Star Hotel, Masterton, on behalf of Mr J. 0. Eastwood, to Mr Harry Low, late of Hastings.

An accident of a somewhat serious nature occurred on Lambton quay about 1.30 p.m. yesterday week. A pair of horses attached to a cab belonging to Mr P. Maloney, being frightened by a passing tram, bolted from the stand opposite trie Dresden Company's warehouse at a time when the driver was off his seat. When in front of the City Buffet they turned round and commenced galloping wildly towards Willis street, when Constable Cairns ran up, and, catching hold of the reins, succeeded by his pluck and prompitude in somewhat checking them in their career. Before finally stopping, however, they collided with a cart helonging to the Gear Meat Company and with a post at the corner of Panama street, one of the animals sustaining rather severe injuries. The cab, which capsized, was also damaged considerably. The Trustees of the Society for Eelief of the Aged Needy held their monthly meeting at the Home yesterday week. . There were present—Mr Willeston ' (chairman), Rev H. Van Staveren, Messrs T. McKenzie, J. E. Smith, F. H. Eraser and J. Danks. The chief business was the opening of the ballot papers sent in by the subscribers voting for the admission of two inmates. The result was that Anthony S, Eobinson and A, Meek were duly elected to fill the two vacancies. A further vacancy for a male inmate having been caused since the voting papers were sent out by the death in the hospital of a former inmate (Nolan), the Trustees resolved to admit Frederick Last, whose name had been submitted to the subscribers with the other two. Accounts amounting to L3B 16s 4d were passed for payment. The Trustees find themselves much troubled by want of funds, and will be glad to receive subscriptions.

His Excellency the Governor has approved of the dismissal of Gunner Edward Brophy, of the Nanier Naval Artillery Volunteers, and Private Henry Fremont, of the Albert Rifle Volunteers, for assaults committed at the Johnsonville Easter encampment.

The Star of Wellington Lodge held its usual weekly session last week. There was a large attendance of members and visitors. Three brothers were added to the roll of membership. The reports of the officers for the past quarter were rend and adopted. The officers for the ensuing quarter were installed by Bro SherSherwood, L.D.. as follows:—Bro P. A. Savieri, C.T. ; V.T.. Sis Armstrong ; Secretary, Bro lleary; F.S., Bro VVyatt; Treasurer, Bro Hall; Chaplain, Sis Kimbell ; Marshal, Bro Norris; P.M.. Sis Da vies; Guard, Bro Burhush; Sen., Bro Pyke; S J.T., Bro Savieri; P.C.T., Bro Poyter; L.D., Bro Sherwood; Libr., Sis Smith; Rog., Bro McCauley; Pianist, Bro Biggs; Press Reporter, Bro Savieri. A vote of thanks to the visitors terminated the proceedings at 9.45.

A Press Association telegram from Nelson fla y ß . —Jt is understood here that Major Franklyn will be a candidate for the Inangahua seat. He will be a supporter of the Government.

An extraordinary general meeting of the Star Gymnasts was held at their gymnasium, Tory street, on Tuesday, 2nd inst., for the election of officers "for the ensuing twelvemonths. Mr Craiglbeing in the chair. Mr Charles Nicholls was elected president, Mr Jones treasurer (reelected), Mr McNamara secretory, Messrs Milligan and Waters auditors, Messrs Brett, Wells and Durrani management committee, and Messrs Reid, Milligan, Smith and Barr amusement committee.

The Government have decided to define an area at Ohingaiti under section 15 of the Licensing Act, 1832, and to appoint the Licensing Committee of the Paraekaretu district to exercise special. authority in the granting of licenses within each area. Shortly after half-past 5 o'clock yesterday week, as the tram horses were being turned round at the Thorndon end of the line, one of them became restive and tried to bolt. The driver hung on to the reins, and began to turn it on to a small vacant section near the Railway Hotel, but as some children were playing there he had to let it go down the road. The animal went about 40 yards along Thorndon quay, and then collided with an express, cutting its shoulder and breast rather severely. The express and the horse in the shafts escaped without injury.

At Palmerston North a minstrel company to be called ' The Tui Christy Minstrels' has just been formed. On Wednesday evening the Palmerston North Chess Club was established.

MrE. M. Smith, M.H.R., interviewed the Premier yesterday week with reference to the harbour works at New Plymouth and the survey of what is known as Donkin's route for a railway line between New Plymouth and Auckland. This is the route that is viewed with the greatest favour by the New Plymouth people, as it would avoid the detour by way of Stratford (30 miles south), and passing through coal-bearirg country would connect with the central line at Taumaranni on the Upper Wanganui. The Parliamentary committee which sat last session recommended that this route, as well as the Ninui route, the Strat? ford route, and the Central route should all be surveyed and reported upon. The Premier said he hoped to be able to make arrangements to have the survey of Donkin's route commenced within a few days so that the report may be ready when Parliament opens. Mr Smith also received the assurance that an additional party of prisoners would be sent to New Plymouth to be employed upon the construction of an apron, on the seaward side of the breakwater.

The Greytown School and the Featherston School Rifle Cadet Corps have been disbanded.

Lieutenant. Colonel McDonnell, Acting Coroner, held an inquest at the Asylum yesterday week on the body of a late patient named Cornelius Coughlan, aged 45 years, who died the previous day. The medical evidence showed that deceased, who was admitted to the institution in June of 1890, had been ill for some time, and had lately had frequent attacks of violent vomiting, which weakened him considerably, and finally resulted in his death. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

The Rev L. M. Isitt, on arriving at Feilding on Monday, was not welcomed by a single Prohibitionist. His meeting in the Salvation Army barracks, in the evening, was crowded. With the approval of the School Committee Mr Robt. Drnmmond, assistant in the Mount Cook B6ys' School, has been appointed to the Te Horo School, which was opened on Monday. There were 24 applicants £for the position.

The newly-erected Catholic school at Newtown opened with 150 scholars, which number has since risen to 175. The school provides accommodation for 240.

Ministers have received telegrams from Canterbury, Otago and Auckland expressing satisfaction with the new Ministerial arrangement. Sir George Grey has sent his cordial good wishes, and intimated his opinion that there is a fine chance to do great good for the people of New Zealand. An enquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Joseph McFarlane, the fix-year-old son of a railway guard, was held at the Esplanade Hotel, on Friday morning, before Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, actingcoroner, and a jury of which Mr S. Drawbridge was foreman. Mr Skerrett appeared on behalf of Mr F. Pownall, against whom the deceased ran and fell. Dr Anson, who was called in to attend the child, said he found a very slight bruise on the left side of the forehead. There were no other injuries to the head. The symptoms showed that he was suffering from hemorrhage of the brain, which was due, probably, to some fracture of the skull. Frederick John Pownall deposed that as he and his brother were running down the Tinakori road on Wednesday morning, three children rushed across from a fence just as they were passing a sart. Witness cleared one of the children— a girl—but in doing ao knocked down the deceased, who fell flat on the ground. He could only find a mark over the eye of the boy, and after a few minutes, as the child said he was not in pain, he left him, concluding that there was nothing the matter with him. He thought the boy's head 'must have struck one of the numerous little mounds in the road. Mr Skerrett having expressed Mr Pownall's concern at the sad accident and his deep sympathy with the parents in their bereavement, the jury returned a verdict of accidental riW.h, and entirely exonerated Mr Pownall from blame.

Allusion has been publicly made to 'discourteous conduct' on the part of the Manawatu Railway officials on a recent evening. We are informed that there was no discourtesy whatever shown. The acting station master and his staff were just as obliging as usual.

The Agent-General has cabled to say that the announcement of the new Ministry has been well received in London, and that the publication of the surplus has been followed by emphatic comments on the fine position and excellent prospects of the Colony. A cable message was received by the Government on Friday from the Midland Railway Company in answer to the ultimatum which the company's manager, Mr Wilson, tookTlonie with him some weeks ago. The company now offer to finish the line to Springfield if the Government give them L 850.000 for their land grants, payable in ten years by half-yearly instalments. In addition the company wish the Government to buy for LIOO.OOO the line between Belgrove and Motueka, to relieve them of the liability to construct the line between Motueka and Reefton, and to purchase at once their line from Reefton and Brunnerton, and from Stillwater to the Teremakau. A letter containing these proposals in detail has been posted, and will arrive by the time Ministers will have considered the company ( s offer,

The late lamented Premier was held in high esteem by the various women's franchise leagues throughout the Colony. Messages of condolence having been forwarded to Mrs Ballance from the various centres, in addition to which a beautiful wreath to be placed on the coffin was fent by Mrs Marion Hatton, the President of the Dunedin league, inscribed with the sympathetic and appropriate motto, 'Trusted and True.'

The Wellington Navals held one of their periodical invitation 'socials'in Thomas and Co.'s hall on Friday, The room was crowded, and the gatheing was evidently a complete success. C.P.O. Armstrong, P.O. Davenport and Seaman Carmichael carried out very efficiently the duties of Masters of Ceremonies, and Piatt's String Band discoursed the dance music, while Mr Mawson was the caterer for the refreshments. In the course of the night various songs were contributed by members of the corps, and Seamen Bowater and Donaldson danced a Sailor's Hornpipe. LieutenantColonel Newall and Lieutenant Campbell were present during the earlier portion of the evening;

Mrs Newman wishes to acknowledge the receipt of L?, a donation from Mr James Gear, of Porirua, for the Convalescent Home ; also promised subscriptions, as follow :—Mrs Judah Myers, L 5 annually; Mrs R. H. Blundell, L2 2s; Miss Phoebe Myers, LI Is ; Mrs Werry, LI Is ; Mrs Page, 103 6d; Mrs Ansen, L2 2s annually for three years. Shortly after 11 o'clock on Friday an incipient fire was discovered in the Union Company's yards, Bunny street, by Nightwatchmen Wedder (Railway Wharf) and Brown. The central station was at once acquainted with the fact, and several members of the Brigade, under Captain Kemsley and Foreman Woolcott, proceeded to the yards, where some old sails in one of the sheds were discovered to be on fire. The outbreak was promptly got under before any serious damage was done. The Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, who was sentenced to pay a fine of L 250, and to a term of six weeks' imprisonment in Holloway Gaol as a first-class misdemeanant, by the President of the Probate Court, Sir Francis Jeune, for contempt of Court, is taking full advantage of her privileges as a first-class misdemeanant. Two vans of furniture have been forwarded for use i" her cell, including handsome blue plush tapestries to hide the bareness of the walls.

Only one tender has been received by the Public Works Department for the supply of a clock for the Invercargill Post Office tower. A few days ago a well-known Wellington official had occasion to take a journey to the suburbs, and, for a change, decided to make the journey on horseback, Accordingly he arranged with the livery 3tablekeeper to provide him with a steed of good moral character, one without any inherent propensity for mischief, which, being provided, the official in question commenced his journey. But, alas ! for the assurance of livery stablekeepers, he had not gone far when he found that the animal he bestrode had not a feeling in sympathy with him. Canter he would not, and when he trotted it shook his rider a system up to such an extent that he all too quickly resolved on returning him. Accordingly he did so, and selected another steed, recommended as having a canter as easy as a rocking horse. Once more he started, but soon found ho had jumped out of the frying pan into the fire, for, in addition to being an inveterate trotter (the official hates trotting), it refused to pull up when requested. After a gallant attempt to overcome the difficulties of the occasion, the would-be equestrian returned this animal also to the stohle,aud, saying that he was in a hurry, started to make the journey on foot, finally resolving uever again to trust himself to the tender mercies of a horse so long as he has a leg of his own to stand upon. One hundred and twenty-six pounds' worth of law books and papers arrived by the lonic, and were delivered at the Supreme Court on Friday. Fifty pounds' woith are for the Wellington Law Society, and the rest come to the order of various members of the Bar practising here.

The Melrose Borough Council have accepted the offer of the City Council for the removal of night-soil from Mitchelltown and Taitville.

We have received from the Dresden Piano Company a couple of new songs as specimens of the sheet music that they are now constantly receiving from Home. ' This and That' (words by 'Nemo,' and music by Henry Pontet) is a very attractive little composition, full of archness, and bound to earn an encore if sung with proper expression. It may be had in the key of E flat with a compass from B flat to E flat, or in the key of F, wi'h a compass from 0 to F within the stave. ' Yesternight ' is a taking song, but of sentimental character. The words are by H. L. D'Arcy Jaxone, and the music by Alfred J. Caldicott, Mus. Bac, Cantab. There are two arrangements of it, of similar compass to the arrangements of the first song. Amongst a large variety of other new songs which the Dresden Company have recently received, we may mention ' Last Night/ by Isidore de Lara (composer of 'The Garden of Sleep'); 'Beauty's Eyes,'by Tosti; 'Sweet Phyllida.'by Roeckel; 'GoodBye, but Come Again,' by Piccolomini; and 'Dream of an Hour.' by Mile Chaminade, a young French lady who lias been attracting some attention of late in London both as a pianist and as a composer.

Measles are prevalent in Dunedin, and a large number of children are suffering from the malady. In some of the schools the attendance dropped 50 per cent in two days. William Collard, railway porter, of Welling, ton, was adjudged bankrupt on Monday upon his own petition. The first meeting of creditors is called for the 15th instant, at 2.30 p.m. A man named Timothy McCarthy, was brought down to the hospital from Shannon on Monday, suffering from very severe injuries to the head which he had sustained by a l"g of wood falling on him while engagad in working on the roads. Constable Bowden, of Maryborough, has sent a telegram to Inspector Pender, stating that a fire occurred at Tullorh, Halford Station, Maryborough, on Saturday. The damage to the barn and grain is estimated at LIOO The building is insured for L2OO, and the barn and contents are valued at L 350.

Messrs Ferguson and Wilson, of Otaki, are the successful tenderers for the additions to the Otaki Post Office. Their price is L 142. The funeral of the late James Purcell took place on Friday at Foxton. It was very largely attended. The Rev Father Patterson conducted the service.

5 A large crowd assembled in Manners street about B.SO on Saturday night, attracted thither by a disturbance which was taking place in the Bank Hotel. Constable McCarthy went inside and found two men—named respectively Bennett ami Evans—fighting, smd at once proceeded to separate them. This he eventually succeeded in doing, but they quickly broke away and resumed the encounter. During this time, he states, a man named Charles Corbett occupied himself in endeavouring to prevent the constablo carrying out their arrest, and accordingly, after securing the pugnacious couple, one of whom struggled violently, the constable returned to arrest this individual on the charge of obstructing him in the execution of his duty. _ This task, however, was not accomplished without considerable difficulty, and he ultimately had to call on a member of the Permanent Force named Wainhouse to assist him, and with his aid McCarthy managed to convey the man to the police station. We understand that Parliament will be summoned for the despatch of business towards the end of June.

1 The Public Library at Christchurch is being enlarged by the addition of a room, which is to be 58ft by 34ft; 24ft from floor to ceiling, and 36ft from floor to the apex of the roof. The walls are to be of brick on concrete foundations. The interior is to be lighted by means of six skylights in the roof, which will be hipshaped ; the walls inside plastered, and the place fitted with hot water pipes.

"'-In its report of Thursday's popular concer 1 at Christchurch, the Lyttelton Times says Miss Marguerite Johnßon, of Wellington, at once established herself a prime favourite by her singing of the soprano part in the duet, 1 Maying,' with Mr Weir, but her very clear, flexible voice wa3 heard to even better advantage in Bishop's excellent melody, ' Tell me my Heart,' hers being by far the best rendering of this song that has been heard in Christchurch for some time, and she won the honours of the evening. On the following evening, at the Art Exhibition, Miss Johnson was equally successful.

The committee of the Boys' Institute hold an Industrial Exhibition in Victoria street, opening on Her Majesty's Birthday, the 24th inst. and continuing open on the 25th, 26th and 27th. Further particulars can be obtained at the, institute each day between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock and in the evening between 7 and 9 o'clock. The committee desire loan collections, the special work of boys, and the proceeds of the exhibition will be devoted to the purpose of erecting and maintaining a carpenter's shop for the use of the boys and starting technical classes generally at the institute.

The Premier has received a long and very elaborate report from Mr Turnbull and a shorter one from Mr O'Dea upon the best means of improving the ventilation of the Houses of Parliament. Arrangements are now being made to improve the ventilation in conformity with the recommendations contained in the reports.

Mr W. G. Haybittle has been appointed a director of the LongbuM Freezing Company, in place of Mr C. Bull, resigned. The Christchorch Press has the following . On Monday, 24th ult., at Oxford, the death occurred of the Rev Matthew Baxter, at the advanced age of 81. From his friends we learn that he reached the Colony in 1869. and became the superintendent of the United Methodist Free Church, which position he ably filled for many years. He retired from the more active services of the Church about. 16 years ago, and has been resident for a considerable part of that period at Oxford, where ha conducted many services. The late Mr Baxter held the position of editor on the United Methodist Fren Church magazine, and has also penned volumes entitled ' Law of the Blessed Memorials of Free Methodism' and ' Ministerial Sketches.' He was a well read and shrewd minister, and. having retired on a competency, he leaves 150 acres as an endowment to the St Asaph street Church in this city. He leaves one son, Mr M. Baxter, chemist, of Christchurch, and two daughters, who reside in England. There was a very large following at his funeral obsequies at the Oxford General Cemetery on Thursday, when the burial service was taken part in by the Revs H. B. Redstone, S. Macfarlane, J. Honking and E. Mason.

The committee of the City Council, consisting of Councillors Harris, Penty. Parsons, and Petherick, appointed to consider the applications for the post of building inspector and select the three most eligiblo men presented their report to the Public Works Committee on Monday, and the latter committee de> cided to recommend that Mr W. C. Watson, builder, of Adelaide road, should be appointed to the position.

The question of opening the Working Men's new club at the corner of Victoria and Mercer streets was considered at a fvell attended meeting of members of the club on Monday, when Mr P. Hutson presided. It was reported that the financial arrangements in connection with the new building were satisfactory, and the committee were instructed to make arrangements for the opening, which will take place in about three weeks' time. The members congratulated the committee, the president and other officers of the club on their efforts in connection with the erection of the new building. The new club will be opened with a banquet, and a prominent citizen is to be asked to formally open the premises. It is intended to entertain the lady friends of the members at a ' social' and dance soon after the new bsildjng is opened,

Mr Lee, Inspector of Schools, is at present examining the Bchools in the Wairarapa. His dates from the present are :—Cross Creek, May 18th; Kaitoke, 19th ; Stokes' Valley, 22nd; Whiteman's Valley, 23rd; Wallaceville, 24th ; Mauncaroa, 2oth. The Assistant Inspector (Mr T. R. Fleming) has completed the annual examination of schools in the Forty Mile Bush. His further dates are :—Manalean, 10th; Otaki, 11th and 12th ; Levin, 16th ; Tokomaru, 17th ; Shannon, 18th ; Kereru, 19th.

A serious collision occurred in Newcastle Harbour on April 26 between Messrs Howard Smith and Sons' steamer Time and the Government silt steam tug Castor. The Castor sank in seven minutes.

His Excellency the Governor, who takes great interest in all efforts to. assi.st people, han consented to become patron,of the Thorndon Badminton Club. This club-holds two or three meetings a week in the Thorndon Wesleyan Schoolroom. It is nnßectarian, and has been promoted for the purpose of supplying healthful and legitimate recreation and amusement for the young of both sexps. The meetings are held on Monday and Thurfday evenings and Saturday aftcruoone. His Excellency the Governor has been invited to attend the Ballance Memorial meeting, to Be held this evening at. the Theatre Royal.

The annual meeting of St Paul's Relief and Dorcas Society was held on Tuesday afternoon in the Diocesan Library, Mulgrave stre-t. The Rev T. If. Sprott, incumbent, presided, and there was a fair attendance of members. The annual report stated that during the past year the society had been quietly fulfilling its mission of affording temporary relief in cases of sickness and distress, and the investigating committee had spared no pains in ascertaining the true facts of the cases presented to its notice. Over 50 families were relieved and a few individual cases received relief for weeks together. The Dorcas branch of the society had made 104 garments, which, with 11 made by the Work in Aid Society, were distributed with five pairs of blankets. Ten parcels of left-off clothing had been received, some of which had been sold and the remainder given away. Three new members had joined, but more workers' were urgently required. The balance-sheet showed a balance in hand of L6l lis lid, the receipts being L 175 2s 6d, and the expenditure Lll3 10s 7d. The officers and committee were reelected with the exception of Mrs O'Hara Smith, who had retired from the committee, and whose place was filled by the election of Mrs Morrison. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs O'Hara Smith for the excellent work she had done while on the committee. The chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the officers and committee for their work during the past year, which was carried unanimously.

The Benevolent Society Trustees held their usual weekly meeting on Tuesday. PresentRev H. Van Staveren (chairman), Messrs R. C. Kirk, J. H. Heaton, S. Lancaster, C. E. W. Willeston, T. W. McKencie, G. Beetham. The final account of L 63 on the Benevolent Home was passed for payment. It was decided to communicate with the_ Labour Bureau for the purpose of ascertaining what persons on co-operative contracts had relatives receiving assistance from the Trustees, with the object of appropriating a portion of their earnings for the support of such relatives. A n old man 73 years of age, a cook, asked for employment at the Home, stating that he would accept 103 a week. He stated that he had walked to the Upper Hutt and back to Ngahauranga in one day (a distance of 3C miles) in search of work, and he could not do more than that. The Trustees decided that he could stay at the Home, but they could not give him any remuneration. A coloured man was granted a pair of boots, numerous other deserving cases were dealt with, and the Trustees adjourned.

The committee of the Tailoresses Union met in theTradesHall on Tuesday, Mrs Young, who is about to depart on a trip to Europe, being present by invitation. The President (Hon J. Rigg) spoke in eulogistic terms of the services which Mrs Young had rendered to the union during the time she had been connected with it, and the energy she had shown in forwarding its interests. He then, on behalf of the members of the union, presented her with a very handsome cream jug, sugar basin, teapot, and in conclusion expressed a hope that sho would enjoy a pleasant trip, and assured her of a hearty welcome ou her return. Mrs Young, who appeared much surprised and touched by the generosity of th-i members, replied in suitable terms, and the pleasant proceedings terminated with the singing of 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

Surveying operations are actively proceeding on the Cheviot estate for the pnrpoHa of enabling it to be cut up and offered (or settlement when the existing leases expire. Five surveyors are engaged upon the work. The sixth anniversary of the Courtenay place Congregational Church was celebrated on Tuesday in the schoolroom, which was tastefully decorated, by a tea meeting and an after meeting, open to the public, at which the pastor (the Rev Mr Powell) presided, There was a large attendance at both functions. The names of the ladies presiding at the tables are as follow : Mesdames Levy, Thawley, Elliott. Rountree, Ru« Bell, Julieff and Misses Mitcaff (2). The secretary's (Mr A. M. Lewis') report stated that the debt on the church building, which was L2OO odd at the last anniversary, had been reduced to L 37 lis Bd, chiefly due to the Jubilee Movement. The number of names on the roll is 52, and an appeal was made to the members and congregation to pay strict attention to their attendance •at services. Passing reference was made to the late treasurer (Mr J. Thawley) leaving the church to take up his study for the ministry ; to the Sunday school, which is making good progress under the charge of Mr W. D. Hagsjett; to a branch of the school started in Wallace street under Mr J. Bingham ; to the Band of Hope; to the P.S.A., and to the services rendered to the church by the choir. The treasurer (Mr Pollard) read the finance report. A lengthy programme was gone through. It consisted of anthems by the choir, singing by the congregation, and stirring and encouraging addresses by the llev Messrs Powell, G. J. Allen, W. A. Evans and C. H. Bradbury. - The Taranaki Herald of Saturday reports : A most daring burglary was reported from Inglewooi this (Saturday) morning. It would appear that some time early this morning Mr Henry Julian's Railway Hotel was entered by burglars, a window having been forced, and the safe in the bar was taken outside and broken open and several pounds' worth of silver taken, alsq four spade guineas, several Jubilee sovereigns; and a four-shilling piece. The thieves, however, dropped two LlO notes and a cheque, and they also overlooked, in ransacking the safe, two watches and two gold rings. From the traces left behind by the robbers, it would seem that they, for judging by the weight of the safe there must have been more than one, lifted the safe through the window, and carried it to the back of the Gymnasium Hall, and there broke it open and ransacked it. _ This is apparent, as part of the contents, including the notes and cheque, were found there. After going through the safe the robbers must have carried it back and placed it near the window through which it had been taken out. The inmates of the hotel heard nothing to disturb them during the night, which, it might be stated, was rather stormy, and nothing was known of the robbery until the inmates arose to go about their day's work.

William Collard, who was adjudged bankrupt on Monday, has furnished the Official Assignee with a statement of his assets and liabilities. It shows his liabilities (all unsecured) to amount to LlO5 15s 9£d, divided among 47 creditors, of whom nine reside at Wanganui, four at Ashurst, five at Palmerston, one at nine at New Plymouth, one at Lyttelton, five at Timaru, and thirteen at Wellington, The amounts are small, ranging as they do from L 7 to 10a. The only assets are LlO worth of furniture. As one of the evening papers has been very oracular of late on the subject of the alleged desire of the Government to delay the meeting of Parliament, it may be stated.for public information that it was definitely decided a week ago to summon Parliament for the despatch of business on Thursday, the 22nd of June.

' The Government have determined to erect a larger Courthouse at Stratford than was at first intended, and fresh plans are therefore being now drawn up. As soon as they are ready tenders will be invited. The modt successful candidates in the last junior Civil Service examination have been offered, and have accepted, appointments as cadets in the engineering branch of the Public Works Department, We give their names in the order in which they passed :—Hugh Dickson, 18 years of age, Dunedin: John Harold Lewis (son of the late Under-Secretary of the Native Department), 19 years, Wellington ; and John W. E. McEnnis (son of the clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court at Kumara), 18 years. Thev will receive their preparatory training in Wellington during the first Bix months, and will then be drafted off to stations where the work is most pressing, so that they may be fitted for the field work that will come afterwards.

The Hon Mr Cadman is in receipt of further applications from Native chiefs in the Driwera Country to have their lands surveyed. Evidently the desire is growing to get the land through the Court and the title and boundaries ascertained and determine;!.

The report of the Ellesmere Commission furnished to the Government finds that the degeneration of the Lake Ellesmere flounders is due to three causes:—lst The Bmallneaa of the meshes of the fishing nets; 2nd the excessive fishing, and 3rd the unseasonable and irregular letting out of the lake waters whereby the fish do not get away to sea, or get back at the right times. The Commissioners recommend the enlargement of .the mesh from four inches (the present regulation size) to five, and the increase of the minimum size of catchable fish from eight to ten inches. They would have insisted on larger dimensions of both fish and mesh, they report, but they were deterred by consideration for the fishermen who have to make a livelihood. The figures of the industry are interesting. There are 20 boats each furnished with two miles of netting, and allowing for repairs and other things, the average length of water daily netted is 20 miles, the weekly take averaging between 18,000 and. 30,000 fish. The Commissioners think that 12 months' notice of the new regulations should be given, they advise that these regulations should apply to the whole of the South Island, they recommend the appointment of inspectors, to be paid by the proceeds of licenses, and they urge the establishment of fish markets.

A Gazette Extraordinary, issued on Tuesday, contains a proclamation further proroguing Parliament till the 22nd June, on which date members are summoned to attend for the despatch of business.

The Premier has received a letter from the Mayor on the subject of the site for the proposed goods shed at Te Arc We understand that His Worship now withdraws altogether from the Grainger street proposals. He does not furnish the estimate requested by the Minister of the cost of acquiring the additional land which the Engineer-in-Chief said would be requisite if the Grainger street site were adopted. A very pleasant evening was spent in St Mark's Parochial Room, Newtown, on Tuesday night, the room being well filled. After the overture the Rev A. M. Bradbury showed some excellent Views of London with his new bi-uiiial lantern, to defray tho cost of which the entertainment was given. The views showed up exceptionally clearly, but the gas would not work satisfactorily, and several small explosions rather startled the audience. At the finish of the first exhibition of views the gas bag collapsed entirely, and the entertainment had to be completed without any more views. Mr J. G. Chambers sang ' Out on the Deep,' and, in the absence of Mr Hawley, Mr R. P. Johnson Bang ' The Millwheel,' and subsequently 'Father O'Flynn.' The latter was encored, and Mr Johnson gave ' Simon the Cellarer.' The Rev A. M. Bradbury recited ' Billy's Rose,' and Mesdames Moore and Mason rendered the duet ' Golden Love.' Mr Ritchie sang ' Beauty's Eyes ' and the church choir gave the glee 'O, who will o'er the downs so free?' Mr W. P. James sang ' Robinson Crusoe,' and upon being encored gave ' Crossed in Love.' Mr Bradbury then apologised for the misadventure to the lantern, and said he would give another entertainment shortly, which would be duly advertised, and to which all present would be admitted free of charge. The Sailors' Rest Committee met at 5.10 p.m. on Tnesday. Present—Mr George Eeetham (chairman), Messrs J. H. Heaton, W. Ferguson, D. Hall, J. G. W. Aitken and Captain Rose. It was resolved that the annual public meeting of the institution should be held in the Sailors' Rest, on Tuesday the 30th instant, at 5 p.m. A unanimous vote was carried thanking the ladies who had so kindly worked to obtain funds for the institution. The following sums were reported as having been received since the last meeting:—A Friend, ss; Mrs , Moeller, ~ LI. Is; McEwan and Churchill, 10s 6d ; James Smith.Te Aro, LI Is ; Danks and Son, LI Is ; R. S. Ledger, L2 2s; Mr Snow, LI Is ; A. de B. Brandon, LI Is; A. Hoby, 10i; Mrs J. M. Richardson, 10s; Mrs M. Moore, 10s; M. Chapman, LI Is: A Friend, 6d ; C.H.8.. Is; S.T.C., Is; T.A.8., 2s; M., 2s; E.W., Is; Stranger, Is ; Blair, Is; H.M . Is; Mrs S„ 6d ; E.P., la ; J.A.L., Is; A Friend, 6d ; Anon, 6d ; 11., 6d; A Friend, 6d ; Rits'on, Is; T.W.C., Is; J.R.V., 6d; T. Rinne, Is ; A Friend. 6d ;M. White, Is; E. Turnbull, 2s 6d ; A Friend, 6d; do, 6d ; do, 6J ; do, Is ; Well-wisher, Is ; Anon, 6d; Anon, 6d; W.G., Is; flume, 2s 6d ; McGrath, Is; W.M. J., Is; A Friend, Is; do, Is; Mrs S. A. Downeß, 2s 6d ; Mrs A. Anderson, 2s 6rJ; M. Paul, Is ; A Friend, Is; do.ls; A. Sinclair, Is ; J. Drummond, Is; A Friend, Is; Gordon, 6d ; G.K., Is ; J. 8., Is; A Friend, 6i; P. Metz, Is; A Friend, 6d; do, 6d; do, Is ; A Friend, Is; Young, 6d ; A Friend, 6d ; K.H., 2s-; M.E A., 2s 6d ; A Friend, 6d ; J. A. Chisholm, 23 6d; P.H., 6d; F.W.M., 6d; E.J.It.. Is ; C.H.P., 6d; J., Is ; Anon, 6d ; 0.W.W., Is ; New Zealand Tract Society, Is. It has been arranged that Mr Grahum, Official Assignee, Is to receive a short leave of absence before going to. Dunedin, commencing on 29th, on which date Mr Ashcroft takes full charge of the Assignee's office in Wellington.

The entertainment given on Tuesday in the Tinakori Church-room, under the presidency of the Rev T. EL Sprott, and in aid of the prize fund of St Paul's Sunday Schools, passed off most successfully. The' large room was crowded to its utmost .extent, the' young folk being particularly well represented, and everyone seemed to be highly pleased with the meanß taken to amuse and entertain. The first part of the programme comprised an overture by a small orchestra conducted by Mr M. Mantell, the song ' Queen of the Earth' by Mr C. J. Hickson, a violin solo by Master L. Parsons, a recitation (' The Lifeboat') by Mr C. Russell Chase, a comic duet in character by Messrs W. Bastin and G. R. Hall, the quartet 'Oh Hills, Oh Vales' by the Misses Parsons and Messrs G. and H. Parsons, and a song ('The Admirors Broom') by Mr W. J. Wratt. Then followed a very effective representation of Mrs Jarley's waxworks, the role of the portly dame being ably sustained by Mr A. S. Paterson, who looked extremely well in petticoats. He supplemented the waxworks with the pretended materialisation of a spirit, whose face, uncannily got up, was seen at the further end of a candle box, which was mounted on a table with two 'flares-up' in front of it. After this Mr A. Newton sang a comic song in character, and the entertainment closed with the farce of 'Box and Cox,' the parts being taken by- Messrs G. R. Hall, W. Bastin and O. Beer*.

At the anniversary services of the Courtenay place Congregational Church on Tuesday, the Re" Mr Powell, in a few well-chosen introductory remarks, presented, on behalf of the church and congregation, the following addreps to the church's organist:—' Mr Thos, Forsyth —Dear Sir,—On behalf of the church and congregation we take advantage of the opportunity afforded by our anniversary soiree to give expression to our high appreciation of the valuable aid you have rendereol to the service of praise in your honorary position as organist of the church. We do so the more heartily on account of the cheerful and unostentatious manner in which you have always responded to the general and special calls which have at different times been made upon you, We, therefore, beg your acceptance of this address, with the accompanying souvenir (a gold albert chain), as an earnest, though inadequate, . expression of our thanks, arid we trust that you may, in years to come, find pleasure in looking back upon this event, and upon the pleasant hours which we have jointly, and hope still to spend, in this department of the Lord's service to which you have put your hand.' The address, a very pretty piece of work illuminated by Mr W. D. Haggett, was signed by the officers of the church. Mr Forsyth expressed himself as quite taken by surprise, and thanked the people, with whom, he said, he trusted to remain for many days. As only one tender was received for the supply of a clock for the lavercargill Post Office tower, the Minister of Public Works has resolvad to invite fresh tenders. One of the conditions is that the clock shall be made in the Colony, and the contract time is to be extended beyond the six months previously specified, as the department has been advised that that period would be inaufficieut for the purpofiei