TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 5881, 6 February 1880, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, Thursday. The appearance of the comet causes much excitement in scientific circles. It has been seen during the last three nights, and the tail extends from the horizon to near the star Luta —about 25 degrees. It is slightly curved, narrow and bright, and inclines to the ecliptic at about 80 degrees. It is visible in the S.W. at sunset, and is believed to be travelling towards the sun. The Alburnia has declared a dividend of 10s, per share, absorbing £4OOO.

The funeral of the late Mr. J. S. Macfarlane took place to-day at St. Andrew’s Church Cemetery, Epsom. There were 50 carriages, and a large number of people on horseback ; the church could not hold those present when the mortuary service was being conducted. The Ven. Archdeacon officiated, and among the mourners where the Hon. F. Whitaker the Hons. James Williamson and Dr. Pollen, Messrs. J. Sheehan and W. Swanson. There were many old colonists present. At a meeting of the Auckland Presbytery, the Rev, Mr. Mcßae was elected Moderator, and the Rev. 11. Bruce introduced to the Assembly the Rev. 11. .Mclntosh, who had recently arrived from Scotland, and Mr. Douglas, who had completed fully the curriculum of his studies, and taken the degree of Master of Arts. A very good Sabbathschool report was presented, and showed that whereas there were only 31 schools, 192 teachers, and 1651 scholars in connection with the various churches of the district last year, there are new 38 schools, 251 teachers, and 2252 scholars. The Rev. Mr. Munro remarked that,, in answer to one of the usual inquiries, he had. received from certain ministers very frivolous and, indeed, insulting answers. The question was as to whether any particular indications of spiritual life had been discerned during the year, and one of the answers, which might be given as a sample of some of the others, stated, “Nothingextraordinary ; much linking and dancing.” This was evidently intended as a reflection upon a particular congregation (St. James'). The Rev. Mr. Maonicol took occasion to deny the authority of the answer. The Rev. Mr. Garrick thought it disclosed very bad taste on the part of the writer.

There have been eight deaths on board the ship British Empire. A lively scene took place last night at St. James' Church. Last week a resolution was carried that dancing and rinking should be allowed in the Sunday-school hall. To-night a fresh meeting was convened, the anti-dancing and rinking fraternity mustered in force, and 1 after a warm debate, reversed the former decision. New Plymouth, Thursday. The Harbor Board have passed a resolution, requesting the Government to enforce the penalties against the Titanic Iron and Steel Company for non-fulfilment of the covenants of lease. The Harbor Board Engineer having gone Home to consult Sir John Goode, and a month having passed without his telegraphing or replying to an urgent telegram sent to him in December last, the Board decided to send a cable message to the Agent-General, asking if he knew where Mr. Rees was. Mr. William Gill, of Middlesborough, England, and largely connected with the iron trade at Home, visited the smelting works at the Henui on Monday, during the stay of the a'earner here. He has gone Home by the mail steamer. Ha said on arrival in England he would interview Sir Julius Vogel, and if he was satisfied that the Government were prepared to carry out the offer made some time ago, to give 10 per cent, on the value of iron manufactured for railway plant and rollingstock in the colony, he would take steps to form a strong company with a large capital to work the iron sand here.

Another entry—Wild Rose—was received by post last night for the Autumn Handicap. Inveroaroill, Thursday.

The E. Battery of Artillery is firing a match with the other batteries in the colony. The G Battery fired last night, and the G Battery this morning. The following are the scores : —G Battery—Flans, 64 ; McKenzie, 52 ; Walmsley, 53 ; Anderson, 52 ; Sutherland, 50; Clare, 49 ; Blackians, 48 ; Braokenbridge, 45; Pay, 35 ; Taylor, 34 ; total, 474; average, 47. O Battery—Selby, 67 ; Taylor, 65 ; Friend, 64 ; Williams, 63 ; Wicks, 6X ; Hamilton, 59; Smith, 59 ; Harvey, 59 ; Dakin, 63 ; Ritchie, 51 ; total, 603 ; average, 60. The Hons. Messrs. Rolleston and Oliver yesterday received a large deputation, and then proceeded to Riverton. Thence they go to Kingston, Queenstown, and Central Otago; The Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association have appointed a committee to receive the Lincolnshire delegates, and have arranged a reaper and binder contest for a gold medal.

Riverton, Thursday. Messrs. Oliver and Rolleston arrived here last night, Messrs. MoKerrow and Blair also. Messrs. Bain, Hirst, and McCaughan, M.H,R.’e, accompanied them. The party were entertained by Mr. MoCaughan at a banquet, at which a few toasts were given. McCaughan was well leceived here, and Mr Daniel, in proposing his health, complimented him on his action during last session.

Mr. Oliver received deputations from local bodies to-day, and leaves for Winton, via Ofautim, this afternaon. Mr. Rolloston went to Lougwaod to inspect the reefs this morning. O amaru, Thursday. -Pastor Chiniquy will visit Oamaru on the 19th inst, A meeting of sympathisers will be held at the Young Men’s Christian Association rooms on Friday.

At a meeting of the Irish Famine Belief Fund Committee, held yesterday, it was stated that £2OO had been forwarded to the Mayor of Dublin this week.

Palmerston North, Thursday. A concert was given in aid of the Irish Relief Fund last night,and was a magnificent success. The Town Hall was crowded. The prices of admission were five and three shillings, but nearly all paid five shillings. The concert was entitled “ An Evening with Irish Bards and Composers." Visitors attended from Bulls, Feilding, and Foxton. Mr. \V. F. Baker (late of Lyater’s Opera Company) came from Wanganui to give his services. Christchurch, Thursday. The total receipts at the late Amalgamated Benefit Societies’ Fete amounted to £363, leaving a credit balance, after paying the prizes and all expenses, of £9B. This will be divided pro rata among the various lodges taking part in the fete, on the basis of Is. 2d. per member. Sub-Inspector O’Donnell, of Clyde, sueceeds Inspector Hickson at Christchurch.

At the recent examination of one of the Canterbury schools by the Government Inspector, the following instances of phonetic spelling occurred in the dictation lesson :—lzizone,” for Is his own and “ frosfrus,” for “ phos phorous.” The new fire-bell presented to the city by the Union Insurance Company was again tested last night. When worked by two men the tone was loud, but very flat, aud too much like a church bell. It is believed that the tone woul I be improved by further alteration in the hanging. For the Great Autumn Handicap the entries are five fewer this year than last.

The Odd Fellows’ Hall was crammed to excess last night to hear Pastor Chiniquy a third lecture. The Rev. J. S. Smalley, the chairman, in introducing the lecturer, said that in spite of lying priests and lying editors, Pastor Chiniquy would continue to be regarded as one of the noblest men living. The lecturer, in the course of the evening, referring to the Boxing Day riot, advised the audience not to conceal their colors, but to go into the streets with'r'them round their ah adders. If they are not free to do so, they had better be slaves to the Pope at once. He will lecture three nights more next week.

At the quarterly meeting last evening of the Liberal Association a resolution was carried, on the motion of Mr. S. P. Andrews, M.H.R., .—That it be recommended to the Minister for Lands that it' is desirable to afford as much assistance as possible to the Co-operative Land and Labor Company towards their settlement on the lands of the colony. Dukbdih, Thursday.

Mr. J. B. Shallon, B.A, of the Sydney University, is the successful candidate for the post of master at the Girls’ High School. Duncan’s Sale Yards Company has declared a dividend of 10 per cent. The Otago Agricultural Society has appointed a committee to show the Lincolnshire delegates round. / Samuel Willis came by his death very suddenly at the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock Hotel, Great King-street, last evening. He had a glass of wine at the bar, and went upstairs to his room, where, some time afterwards, he was found lying on the floor lifeless. The cause of death is not yet known. Nelson, Thursday.

It is stated that some eighty applications have already been received for the office of secretary to the Nelson Education Board, the salary for which is £350, The appointment will probably be made to-morrow.