GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 5

GENERAL NEWS.

It has transpired that the lad Gibson, who is the sole survivor of the wreck of the Clyde, escaped from a previous wreck on the New Zealand coast, when Ibo barque Laughing Water was wrecked some years ago in Foveaux Strait. Ha was then a child in aim?, and was rescued along with his mother from the wreck. The recent bank-note forgeries have made busine-'S people excedingly suspicious with regard to notes issued at Christchurch, A case ia point occurrediou Monday, when a local tradesman called at an office for a small account, in payment of which a Christchurch £1 note was tendered. The collector, although it was explained to him that the note had ouly just within that hour been drawn from the Wellington branch of the bunk, positively refused to accept it. The condition of carpenters in Wellington may be regarded as decidedly satisfactory, according to an oral report made last week by the engineer of the Harbor Board. Mr Ferguson remarked that Mr McKenzie’s contract for the new woolahed would in all likelihood be delayed for some little time, owing to the contractor being unable to obtain a sufficient number of carpenters. The members of the Board appeared to be pleaded with this satisfactory state of the building trade. The Maori King is highly dissatisfied with his own people since his return from Kngland. Tiie Te Awamutu correspondent of the Waikato Times writes:—“Tawhiao, not satisfied (*o it is reported here amoog the natives) with the cool reception accorded him by the Ngatimaui&potos on bis velum from England, is about to leave Whntiwha'ihoe and take up bis residence at Lower Waikato, None of the principal chiefs of that tribe were present to welcome him on his arrival. When asked what news he brought back with him, he said he only brought the blue ribbon, but that Te Wheoro would, on his return, make known the result of the mission. When questioned on religious matters, Tawhiao said be would not attempt to coerce aayone, that there were several denominations of the Christian faith, and that his people could please themselves which they adopted, or could, if they chose, profess the Hauhau religion. Like most native?, his idea of * religion ia a very hazy cue.” As showing what a cool card a certain native L(says a writer in thellaweraStar), I was told rather a good story concerning him the other day, A well known resident, seeing him carrying a large box along the road, aa.<ed what it was for. The unsophisticated aboriginal, with a candor which was worthy of a better cause (to speak poetically), replied, “Me make a coffin for my father.” The settler replied, “ Ob, but he*a not dead yet, is be ?” “ No, but very ill, and he die soon, and me like to have a coffin ready for my father, all the same as the patella,” Tiie bett of the joka was, however, that, in order to have everything deceut beforehand, the poor fellow tried the coffin on, so to speak, by placing his pater iu it while be was still bad, to see if it would fit. As I am told, the box was not quite large enough, but, sooner than be outdone, he squeezed the old man in, and the latter, though thanking his son for hie filial piety, felt that be had never worn a tighter suit than bis last would be.

Following is a list of the candidates at the recent schola-ships examination iu Wellington :—Fe; nridge, Lois Feist; Masterton, Jessie Galloway, Archc-r Hosking, Arthur D’Arsy, A. Komstedt, Ueorge Niool, William Bragge, Rodenen Gray, Arthur Richards ; Clareville, H. Booth ; Kaitara, A. Wakelin, Thomas Ward ; Featherston, R. Bunting, A. Toogood, J. McDougall. O. Bunny, KateCuudy ; Hutt, K. McNah ; Jndgeford, Aunio Stewart ; Johnsonville, A. Brown, J. Bannister, 11. Hobbs ; ICaiwarra, J. Nairn ; Tborndon, Jessie Dimant, Martha Myers, Rosa Smytbe. Henry Barnett, Albert Bright, Charles Archibald, Benjamin Wilson, Phillip Mason, Charles Fell ; Terrace, Maud Evans, Alice Wright, Mabel Oswin, Ernest Geisen, Gordon A. N. Campbell, Fortesouo Zohrah, William Withers, James littlejohu, Mowbray Denton, Frederick Judd, Sydney Dix ; Te Aro, Mary Moar, Peter Drummond, Arthur Treadwell, Emily Braoey, Harry Swiss, Nellie Browne, E. Whitoford ; Mount Cook —boy*, Alfred Ashbolt, Charles Benbow, Arthur Burgess, Richard Peterson, William Tattle j girls, Annio Mowbray, Alice Lee. Jeannie Wilson ; Newtown, Walter Rutland.

The following patent* have baon applied for : For an improvement or improvements in preserving meat (M, Clarke, Hawkea Bay) ; for improvements in tram car motors (J, Dank* and B. Barnes, of Melbourne) ; for improvements in processes of and apparatus for producing cold (D, Daggett, of New York, but temporarily of Melbourne) ; for improvements in grain-binding harvesters (being a communication from W» R. Baker and H. E, PH'l more, of Chicago, in the County of Cook and State of Illinois, one of the United States of America), (B, Waters, of Melbourne) ; for fan-light lock and suspender (T. K. Williams, of Commercial Road, Auckland) ; for an invention for the saving of ga«, &c., to be called ** Halford’s automatic gas regulator (W. Harford, of Auckland) j for improvements in metal fencing (W. Baylias, of the firm of Baylies, Jones, and Bayliss, Wolverhampton, England) ; for Triumph titree cutter (ti. Reynolds, of Taupiri, Aucklaud); for Mackay’s improved standard and strainers, with double-action power, portable or fixtures, for tightening telegraph wires and fence wires generally (J. Mackay, Suburban North, Nelson) ; for an invention for making a paint powder from a metallic ore obtained from beds at Anahau, near Tqkaka, New Zealand, to bo called “Keoghank New Zealand Terracotta Paint Powder” (O, MoKeoghan, sometimes called Owen Keoghao, of Takaka, Nel*

son). The Argus explains how the lock-out in the Melbourne boot trade has occurred. A few months ago the Bootmakers* Union decided to have the eight-hours* system, combined with piecework, introduced into the trade and also to make it compulsory that all work should be done on the employers* premises. The maj* ters were accordingly acquainted with the decision arrived at, and though some opposition was offered by them to the proposed change, the system came into operation on the 17th nltimo. Since then, however, the manufac* turers have found that the alteration did not work well, especially the restriction that the boots should be made up and fiuUhed within the walls of Ihdr factories. They discussed the propriety of abandoning the change and reverting to the old style of working, and the outcome of their deliberations was the following circular, which was signed by nearly all the leading masters : “That we will revert to the old system of giving work to be done outside each respective establishment, if deemed necessary, on and after November 17. Not to engage any bands from each other’s factories on and {after this date, unless the workmen produce a written discharge signed by their former employers. From and after this date to refuse to allow on the premises of the undersigned any officers of the Operative Union seeking to address or in any way influence our employes ; also, in the event of our employes wishing to brlpg any matter connected with their interests under notice, to decline to receive as their representative any

person not of their own number." The operatives answered with the following resolutions : —“ That we adhere strictly to the resolution of having all work done on the employers’ premises. That all disputes be settled by the officers of the Union, as before. That all overtime be strictly prohibited. That no member be allowed to take a certificate of discharge, nor work in a factory where a certificate is demanded. That a levy of 15 per cent, per week on the gross earnings of all members be struck for the purpose of carrying on any strike that may arise,’’ The strike actually began a fortnight ago, the employes of a Richmond factory having gone out, owing to the foreman wanting to give work out.

A quantity of corrugate:! ir- o, white lead, and other goods, recovered from tbo wreck oi the Eastiugham, were sold by auction Mon* day afternoon. The corrugated iron reused up to £1! a ton, while the white lead, in kfg** and tins, fetched 22s and 23a per c-vt. Forty-two men o! the A.O. Forc ; ? left the Mount Cook Barracks onM-n lay morning, ami were marched down to the Government steamer Stella, for the purpose of embarking for Napier. The order was, however, temporarily withdrawn, owing to the departure of the steamer having been delayed until next day. The meu will he employed in cutting tracks in the Taupo district. Efforts ate being made in Wellington and vicinity to get up a cricket team consisting of old English public school men. If successful, it is intended to play a match with some loed cricket club in the Christmas holidays. Up to the present the following members have joined :—Major Eccles, Messrs T. A. C- x, Rawson (2), Heeuan, FTadfield, Bridge, and one or two ethers. Old boys of any English

public school who with to j mo the team are re* quest* d to communicate with Mr T. A. Cox or Mr Heenan, Upper Hulb. Mr J, Arundel, referring to his evidence in the Waiing Taylor charge?, says that he saw the accused iu October, ISS3, and pressed him at Messrs Brandon's office to| have .the transfers to the English legatees completed, He had no suspicion that anything was wrong, and it was not until May* ISB4, that he found out that Taylor had for a long time beou part'Ug with the shares to parties not legatees. The visit in May, 1884, was the first Mr J. Arundel had made to Wellington since October, 1883. He was not here in the early part of 1884. £f,The first competition for a telescope presented to the City Rifles by Mr Freeman, of Manners-street, took place at Polbill Gully

yesterday week. The pnze fell to Sergeant Barton, who succeeded in beating Volunteer Jackson’s score by one point. The following were the competitors and total scores (ranges, 500 and 600 yards) -Sergeant 11. Burton, 40 ; Volu'taer W. Jackson, 39 ; Sergeant Maleley, 36 ; Volunteer G. Palmer, 32 ; Volunteer D. Mcßean, 31 ; Corporal A. Moore. 31 ; Volunteer Cauty, 27 ; VofSnteer Hansen, 26 ; Volunteer Bowie, 25 ; Volunteer Hill, 22.

The spring racing carnival was brought to a close on Saturday last, and it is not going too far to say that in the matter of attendance, weather, number of events, good fields, and fair sport, it was the best season ever experienced in Wellington. It Is a somewhat singular feature in the rival meetings of Island B*y and the Hutt that, while the difference in the attendance of the public at the respective places was eo great, the amount put through the totalizator each day at the Hutt quite

equalled, if not exceeded, the sum put through the machine at Island Bay, The officials of both clubs arc to be congratulated on the sue cess of their respective meeting?. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would do well to extend their influence to the outlying country districts, to prevent, if possible, the fearful cruelties often perpetrated by men who have not at present the wholesome fear of a substantial flue to check them. There is a large field open to

the society in the shearing sheds at this season. No doubt many country gentlemen would consent to become agents for the society, and would spare the time and take the trouble of prosecuting for cruelty to animals. A correspondent informs us that an act of cruelty was witnessed in tbo Wairarapa District lately, where a man was seen to pour boiling water into the ears of a horse that had lain down

and would not get up after being unmercifully fiwgged for half an hour. it is said that the two large locomotives recently imported from England by the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company do not come up to expectations. They were constructed from specially prepared design* in the colony, but when put together here it waa found that they were unable to perform anything like the amount of work expected from them. The company sent the locomotives to the Government workshops at Petone, where they were overhauled and found to be quite perfect, so far as con-traction and fitting went. The cylinders are considered to be too small, while the weight of the various portions is improperly distributed, so that iu rounding the curves and going up steep grades the wheels do not bite. In consequence the engines cm only haul four trucks where it waa thought lh«-y would be equal totem A writer in a Napier exchange thus some-

what indignantly refers to the general practice of omitting in Supreme Court reports the names of solicitors whoso misconduct has led to an application being made to have their names removed from the roll :—“ Why are

some people privileged to commit offences without suffering the disadvantage of publicity ? I ask the question because of au occurrence in the Wellington Supreme Court last week. A solicitor in that district had distinguished himself by an act which led to au application to strike his name off the rolls. Mr Izard, another solicitor, applied to the Court for leave to set down a motion to strike ‘a solicitor ’ off the rolls. Mr Gully, another solicitor, for the solicitor who was to be struck off, consented to the application, and an order was made. What X want to know is, why ‘ a solicitor t’ Why not Thomas dinks, or Emanuel Dinks, or whatever cognomen ‘ a solicitor* is known by? Why should Dick, Tom, or Harry who get into trouble, aud who cannot either of them boast of being ‘ a solicitor,' suffer the shame of their names being blazoned forth in court information in newspaper columns, while members of the legal profession who make 1 a mistake ’ are presented to the Court incognito? The injustice of the anomaly is as great as under the old 4 benefit of clergy ’ business, under which any infernal scoundrel who could boast of 4 orders ' could escape the consequences of his crimes. 'I his was allowed up to the reign of George IV., when the outrageous exemption was abolished.” The Hasterton Horticultural and Industrial Society’s spring show was held in the Theatre Royal on Wi d lesday week, and drew a large number of visitors. During the day and in the evening also the room was crammed. The evening train from Featheraton was a great convenience to many living at a distance, and was well patronised. The show itself was like most other flower shows, aud mention need only be made of those exhibits which pre-euted special excellence. In Class 6, beat drawing or painting, Miss Bremner took first prize with a set of -three eggs b-autifully painted with unique designs. In Class 2, table bouquet, the first prize was taken by Miss XC. Ferry, with a handsome bouquet, showing rare skill and taste in arrangement. In Claes 1 the greater part of the pot plants were not so good as might bo expected, and many first prizes were awarded to the splendid exhibits sent by Mrs Beetham. Some magnificent cut roses were shown by E. Oollotte, aud took first prize. The show of vegetables was small. Some splendid poultry and ■'pigeons were shown in large variety, but there were so many classes that in moat cases there was no competition. In class 7 (apiarian) ingeniously constructed hives were exhibited, and an observatory hive with bees at work was an object of interest. In farm produce the exhibits were few in number, but of very general merit. The officers of the society are to bo complimented on the arrangements and management, aud they and the of Masterton were fortunate in baying so glorious a day to show on,. About 1 o’clock yesterday wsek there was an alarm of fire from the south end of Grey town, and clouds of smoke ware seen driven across the public toad by the strong north-wsst wind blowing at the time. It was soon ascertained (says the Standard) that it was the private dwellinghouse of Mr R. A. Wakelin. standing in front of the sash aud door factory. The fire brigade lost no time in getting out the eugine and were soon oo the spot, b.ut the deetructiou of the building was speedy, and nearly everything waa lost. There Is really no knowing how the firs originated. There were all sorts of conjectures as to the origin some believing that a spark must have been driven from the mill or one of the locomotives at the railway station, and others that it must have fallen from the chimney of the house. A little boy named Leonard Wakelin was the first to notice the fire upon the roof close to the ridgeboatd. and called out Directly attention was drawn to it the mill was stopped, and all the hands rushed to endeavor to quench it. Bat a furious wind was blowing, and the timber being dry the building was soon iu the power of the flames. Indeed the heat was so Intense and the fire spread so rapidly that scarcely anything was saved. Mrs Wakelin and the children were not able to save even a change of clothing. The loss is roughly estimated at about £6OO, and we understand there were insurances upon the house and furniture, but to what extent we have not learned. Mr Wakelin was away at the time of the occurrence in Wellington, and to him the blow is a bard one. Iu 1882 bis mill' was de-troyed by fire, and since ‘then he has worked with indomitable energy to overcome the disaster. Now he meets with another reverse, loosing nearly iall his household property. Daring the progress of the fire at Mr Wakelm’s bouse it was ob* served that smoke was ascending from the roof

of a side building to tbe hospital, This was caused by a shower of sparks being carried a distance of fully 200 yards, and falling upon the roof ran down into tbe guttering. Accumulating there tbe shingles caught. Tbe brigade were soon on the spot with the engine, and with the assistance of the bystanders a further conflagration was prevented. The fire brigade worked well, and the opjy delay oci cntring was through the hose bursting In three or four places.--rjuat after the fire at Mr Wakelin’a house, RJr Pierce Cotter, jnnr.,, discovered the flooring of an old coach bouse next to Me Kempton’s, the butcher, on fire. A I large hole was burnt in the floor, caused by some sparks having fallen from a copper. : With tbe help of two or three gentlemen tbe flames were quickly subdued.

At the wreck of the steamer Change h»w, near Sandy Cape, 104 Chinese were on board on their way home to China. They had amor.yt them £10.('00 in tr«dd. A Chinaman who was drowned with 301 h wight of tuH hud the coin tewed in a h*ng leather hag. which wa* twice round his cb* at :uul back and once round each|!eg, the two ends King thd round Ids waist. No fewer than 6000 trout fry, the ova of which had been imp rled or brought North by Mr George T>eulop, the hou. secretary of the Wellington Acclimatiz ition Society, have recently been turned emtio the Hutt River. The young fish look healthy, and, should the shag spare them till next season, our local Isaac Waltons may anticipate good sport. Towards the month of the river, however, quite a colony of voracious birds may be s<.eu each day prey* iug on the young fish. Wabauui, the Maori chief, was entertained at a banquet at the Maori Pah, near Boa* ht?im f on Tuesday last week, when he counselled his people to keep on friendly term* with the Europeans, but to carefully retain possession of their land, and then, he assured them, with sobriety and industry they would have do need to fear for the future. His address was most interesting, and his visit to the Pah will long be remembered as the greatest event which has occurred in it since the days of Te lUuparaha, It may be mentioned that previous to leaving Wellington Wahauui was offered a seat iu the Legislative Council. The chief expressed himself sensible of the honor, and personally seemed very much inclined to accept the offer. Before giving a definite answer, however, he said he should prefer to consult his people to ascertain their wishes upon the subject. The Kangitikei Advocate of Saturday last says ;—Mr Bruce, M.K.H., had an interview at Wanganui yesterday with Mr Blackett, Engineer iu-Chief, and Mr Ilochefort, who has chaige of the surveys for the central railway. The result was that a definite decision was arrived at that the central railway should connect with the Foxtoa-New Plymouth Hue about thirty chains fr-m the borough boundary of Marten. The precise spot will be on the first level land in Mr Hammond's paddock, immediately beyond the cutting winch starts near the left bank of the Tutaenui. It is the intention of the G .veromeut not to remove the present Mai too station. It will be the principal station, and theie will be a flag station oc the

*outb pule of the Tutaenui. The Engineer-in-Chief will arrive at Marton on Monday with bis party to start the working turveye. The Colonial Museum has lately received from Mr J. Mackley, of the Owuke Powder Mills, in Otago, a collection of specimens of (bo product of that establishment, and the raw materials used in the manufacture of gun* powder. The collection comprises saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal in various stages of preparation, and a variety of the different kinds of gunpowder, from blasting powder and cubes for 100 and 38-ton gnus down to the finest sporting powders. The collection also includes specimens of wood from which the clmrco.l is made. Mr Mackley finds that the kind of wood most suited for this purpose is muko-moko, although he also uses heua-hena and to tar a. The importance of this industry is very great, especially in connection with the defences of the colony, as should New Z.aland ever be blockaded in time of war, we should be independent of outbids supplies of un important item in modern warfare. The importance of increasing the travelling facilities of the public by adding to the means already existing for easy and cheap transit is so great that we are pleased to learn that , application is about to be made to his Excellency the Governor for permission to construct a tramway from the town to Island Bay. That such an undertaking will add greatly to the comfort and convenience of the people of this city uo one will for a moment doubt, and all will agree that it is a m»ve in the right direction. As cur city grows in population, so do our wants become more palpable of a cheap and speedy exit from the busy scenes of city life. The tramway about to be constructed to join on to the present tramway will afford the citizens an opportunity at all limes of visiting that delightful retreat, the Brighton of Wellington. We understand that a sufficient amount of support has already been obtained by the promoters, Mewrs Bruce Wallace and Davies, as to warrant the enterprise being a success.

The only surviving female of the few persona who were rescued from the wreck of the ill-starred Strathmore has pa'Sed on to, iu all probability, again meet those with whom she was associated in the dire catastrophe on ibc cruel rocks of the Crozets. Frances Wordsworth, whose obituary notice appears elsewhere, was known aa the “heroine of the Crozets,’' she being the only female who escaped at the wreck of the Strathmore, and for long months participated in the hardships and sufferings endured by the survivors until the rescuing vessel came. The incidents of the wreck are no doubt stilt familiar to most of our readers. After recovering in a measure from the sufferings of that trying time, Mrs Wordsworth returned to England, and eventually came to New Zealand with her ton and daughter. The former, with his family, settled at the Wairarapa j the latter resided with her mother iu Wellington, and the two followed the occupation of teaching music and dancing. But Mrs Wordsworth never entirely overcame the shock her constitution received at the wreck and during the subsequent struggle for life on the island. She had been ailing a considerable time, and died last Saturday of general breaking up of the system. . Considering the small amount voted towards the maintenance of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, the domain v ill bare favorable comparison with similar reserves in other parts of the colony,, but still there is much room for improvement. That portion of the grounds which has been left in Its primeval condition

i„ tl.e chief attraction to visitor*, more especially to new arrivals, whether from Europe or the Australian colonies, but having seen and admired the beauties of the natural gullies and their precipitous slopes clothed with the most lovely ferns and shrubs indigenous to the soil, all is seen which is worth seeing. The feeble attempt at landscape and floral gardening skirting the Tiuakori-road, although fairly well kept, is disappointing, whether the area under cultivation or the flowering plants are considered The attempt at z jology has proved a dismal failure, and the only survivor of caged species is a forlorn white peahen, which appears to ho in a chronic state of moulting. Her cage is strewn with a conglomerate mass of feathers and filth, and she appears to want a regular supply of water and food. The ferneries exhibit a want of attention, broken flower-pots and ill-condi-tioned plant tubs being the chief feature* in the sheds- Either the vote is too small, or the gardeners are too few to make this otherwise delightful resort worth visiting, A correspondent, writing to the Otago Daily Times from Opunake on Wednesday last, says the native gathering at Faribakn is rapidly breaking np. “ This morning I paid a visit to Parihaka under the guidance of Major Farris. A number of Maoris were playing football, putting the atone, dpc., and entered with great heartiness into the amusementa. Wending our way among the raupo whares, and among the large numbers of women and children (some of them In costumes of the scantiest character), we were shown To Wbiti’s whare, and on entering found the prophet amid an assemblage of about forty natives at their midday meal. Wi Batata was amongst the number, also Mahuke, the native who tied up Mr Hursthouse. Te Whiti greeted Major Parris as an old friend in a cordial manner, as

indeed did all the native* wo mot, men and women. Tha visit w»S purely a friendly one, no speeches being made either by Major Parris or To, Whili. Subsequently we entered a tent occupied by Tohu, the same cordial welcome being given. In Te Whirl's where food and tea were placed before us, of which we par. took. This morning Titokowaru left with all his tribe, including about eighty maidens, who a few days since danced the buka, dressed in white. The Waikato patlvqs still remain, but return home shortly. The epidemic recently prevailing is now ceasing, but there have been a number of deaths, principally of old people. There was o«e burial yesterday , and another to.-day. The village is on the ’ whole tolerably clean, and the Maoris all seem contented and quiet." The performance of Byron’s drama " Blow for Blow" by the Garrison Dramatic Oiub last week, in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Society, attracted a very large audience. The performance, as an amateur effort, was a thorough success, the parts being judiciously allotted and weU played. Miss Guthrie, first as Mildred Craddoek.and subsequently aaAlice Pethrick, claims pride of place, for her acting I right through was extremely good, more especially in the somewhat trying scene at the end of the first act Miss Kiblett, as Kitty Wobbler, rendered her part carefully, hut naturally, and the rich comedy underlying the lines lost nothing in her delineation. Captain Loveday, who appeared as .John Drummond, was a most acceptable villain, and much more natural than the majority of stage ruffians. Mr Brooker's Charlie dhnaggs was absurdly funny, as all Charlie Shnaggses are, although a serious blemish on his acting was the extent to which he "spoilt” the business of the other performers. The remaining party! were very creditably filled by the following ladies and gentlemen Lady ! Ethel Linden, Mies Brett; Mrs Monsaey, i Miss Stackpoole ; Sir Harry Linden, Sergeant i Hale ; Dr. Grace, Sergeant Alexander ; servant, Seaman Hare ; Jonah Craddock, Corporal Jensen ; Mr Bolder, Private K. Godden ; Sergeant Brent, Private Oeisen- In consequence of P.O. Armstrong being laid up with sickness, Mr Seaton, stage manager of the club, undertook the part of Mr Keuward, at a. moment’s notice. The Garrison Band performed several selections during the even- ! ing, and incidental mu io was supplied by the Gori-on String Band,

MrCremg- Allan tav.d the c •nnedion with hU n .■lainath-n for ti.t* joMtiou of Mayor. The Act provide? that any im ucce* rul cat dM.it" imut poll an eighth of the tital votes of the lowest number p'lhd. Mr Te;herick, the nv.c ml candidate, p >ll*M 405 votes ana as Mr Alhn polled 72

votes, he just managed to save his deposit money (£10). By the death of Mr George Watson, which took place at Christchurch Monday morning, Canterbury loses an educated and popular

gentltumn, and oue of its beit cricketers. The deceased gentleman, who was 23 years of age, was for years connected with the Normal

School, Christchurch, and was a brother of the present headmaster of the Willls-street School, Iu the cricket field Mr Watson was a splendid

left-handed bat and a smart field. He was for years captain of the Midland Cricket Club,

and figured prominently in every representative match that has been played for many years past.

Tbs employment of Females Act is about to be rigorously enforced in Wellington. The local Inspector, Sergeant Major Goods.!!, ia the course of his perambulations with this object iu view on Saturday last visited a dressmaker's establishment iu town, where nine girls were found at work after 2 o’clock. An information under the Act is likely to ho laid in this case, and as the Inspector intends to visit all the business place* in town where

fstnalvn are employed, it w«>uUl be well for tradespeople to make ibrinsMves acquainted with the provisi.-ue of the Act to avoid unpleasant const qiiQces, The Akaroa correspondent of the Lyttelton Times says that > u November 15 four bodies were seen at Horseshoe Bay, one a child, one probably a woman. Sergeant Brookes went iu a boat from WainM before daylight on Sunday, hut found nothing, and returned to Island B »y. This afternoon the Wrights went in a boat again, and fouud a man's body floating near the reef where the wreck occurred. Ia coming to Akaroa, they found a leg, off Wakamoa, some miles this wav. The remains were taken to the morgue. Another body had been secu close to the wreck, hut the sea wan too high to get near it. Francis Gibson, the lunatic who created so

much auxiety at Nelson while at large a few weeks ago, was brought up ou remand at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Nelson, ou the 20th inst., charged with the attempted murder of Joseph Busch by firing at him with a gun on October 20. l)r. Satchell deposed to the

injuries which Buech had sustained, and said the result of the wound iu bU left lung was still uncertain. Accompanied by Dr. Boor ho saw his patient on Sunday last, and it would take three or four weeks before Busch could leave his homo, and then only if the ca&e went on satisfactorily, which, according to his opinion, was at present extremely doubtful. The accused was agaiu remanded till the 125th instant.

The extension of the middle T on the southern side of thu Queen's Wharf is now completed, and was used for the first time for

teveral months past by the s.s. Go-AbtaJ on Monday. The only obstacle at present iu the way of steamers lying there are two piles standing about a foot from the middle of the T. They were formerly part of a small jetty

situated thcie, and a considerable amount of trouble has already bteu spent on their removal. Several union screw-jacks, and a patent lift were first tried, but without effect. Later on a coal hulk was chained to one o! (he piles with a view to dragging it up with the rise of tbo lide, but at about half tide thu chain, which was supposed to be capable of hearing a strain of iiity tons, broke, and the hulk was jerked up about 3ft 6iu. Ou Saturday last a charge of dynamite was tried, but, owing to several minor difficulties, the charge could not be fireJ.

The first handicap of the season, for a trophy presented by Messrs Blundell Bros., came off successfully on Saturday afternoon, there being a light southerly breeze during tho afternoon. All the yachts that had entered started, viz, Xarifa, Thetis, and Inca

(scratch), Gumma (5 minutes handicap), Sappho (12 ininu'e*), Lily (15 minuter), Agnes, and Poneko (3C minutes). The course was about 10 miles in length, and extend' d from the btirt between the two wharves round the Port Nicholson Yacht Club’s buoy iff Ngahauranga up to the Patent Slip, in Evans* Hay, and back to the starting point. The Isca very soon look the lead, and maintained it until the finish, coming in after a run of 2 hours 15 minutes, about 8 minutes ahead of the ThetL, The latter, although the second to arrive, was third according to time, thn Sappho being the second, and the Gamma, fourth. The other yachts were a considerable distance behind, one of them, tho Xarifa, having started late. The Edward Anchor mentioned in the Press Association telegrams Wednesday as a sailmaker on board the Osprey, which vessel picked up the “claimant,” was in Wellington last week, and sailed for Sydney. Mr Aucher for many years was an hotel keeper in Greymouth, and up to a short time since was

landlord of the Anchor Hotel, Market square, Wanganui. Mr Aucher’s business in New South Wales was to see Captain Barry, who possesses documentary evidence in favor of the Tichborue claimant. The paragraph in

a recent issue of the New Zealand Ximek relating to the finding of certain ammunition cases bearing the transport ship Odprey’a brand in tho Mount Cook Barracks* stores, would appear to have caused quite a sensation throughout the colony. Many of the Southern papers not only have copied the paragraph, bat have had also articles in their leading columns calling attention to the matter. Thu discovery of this missing link iu the caso for the claimant has also been wired by several special correspondents both to Australia and Groat Britain,

The lust meeting of the members a! tho Wellington Acclimatization Society, prior to amalgamation with the Wellington and Wai* rarapa Acclimatization Society was held yes-* terday week. The chair was occupied by the Yen. Archdeacon Stock, who explained that the business of the meeting was chiefly to hand over the balance of the funds in pos-

action of the hon, treasurer to the treasurer of the new society. The hon. secretary of the old society, Mr W. T. L. Travers, said that it had been suggested to him that the new society should appoint a number of salaried rangers to look after the interests of the society. To this proposition, however, he was averse, and be flrmly believed that if it were adopted, it would introduce Into the

society nothing mi>re than a class of legalised poachers, He considered that altogether apart from motives of economy which should

actuate a young society’s operations, tba members would forward better the objects they had in view by acting themselves aa honorary rangers. Mr Travers added that if this was done the new society would assuredly grow in strength, as every subscriber would have, a direct interest in its working. He also said that he desired to offer hi a tribute (which, ho firmly believed, would he supplemented by the whole of the society) of praise to the energy which had been displayed by Hr George Denton, the bon. secretary of the society, who had ever displayed not only great energy, but also expended time and his own money towards the interests of good fishing and shooting. Mr Travers again referred to the subject of appointing rangers, and remarked that it was hia con* ; firmed opinion that both game and fish would be better preserved if the sportsmen of the province constituted themselves honorary rangers. Mr George Denton, hon. treasurer, said that the balance of lands in hand amounted to £33, which sum he would have great pleasure in handing over to the secretary of the new society. The meeting then closed.

A general meeting of Die Wellington Philosophical Society was held at the Colonial Museum Wednesday, Dr Newman, M.H K.» occupying the chair. The following new members were enrolled Dr Albert Martin* Messrs Troanor and Baroicoat. Mr Richard Bowlder Sharpe, M.A., K.L.S., ornithologist, waa nominated by the society as an honorary member of the New Z -aland Institute. Ur Hector then read a paper entitled “ Notes on New Zealand Ornithology,’* communicated by Herr Keischeck, a German ornithologist, Dr. Hector stated that the author of the paper had spent about seven years in New Zealand studying tbe habits of the birds of the colony, and had thus acquired a very intimate knowledge of the subject. He went down to the West Coast in tbe Government steamer Stella, and spent six mouths in the vicinity of Dusky S'juod by himself, studying the birds inhabiting that region. He navigated tbe sound in an old Maori dug-out canoe, lent to him by a prospector living in that neighborhood. He also explored the table land lying between Dudcy Sound and Wet Jacket Arm, and mot with fifty-one different species of birds. On one occasion be went up to the summit of a EDOw-clad mountain, and remained there three weeks for the purpose of observing tba habits of certain birds, hia principal sustenance during that time consisting of a load of oatmeal which he had carried upon bis back. Dr Hector thought that if expeditions were made ; into that district in the same spirit as they were made to other remote parts c£ tba woild, they would add to great discoveries, there being at the top of the cliffs at the West Coast Sounds a comparatively fiat open grassed tableland of 100 square miles in extent. He then gave some information on the. subject of the nomenclature of dolphins, in which be pointed out, a great change waa being made at present. Professor Flowecthe successor of Professor Owen at the British Museum waa endeavoring to show that there was no difference between the mammalian in* habitants of tba sea in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.*, and, in- consequence, numerous specie* hithect:* regarded as different could be amalgamated. Skeletons and skulls of various kind* of dolphins were exhibited . and it was stated that theie wus difficulty obtaining .good

The Wellington Heat Preserving and Refrigerating Company Wednesday displayed two eurcuKen of entn measly fat prize sheep, one in the Willia-street shop and the ether in the Cnha-etrcet liraneh eatahliahmcut. Thu sheep weighed, when hilled and dressed, 1761 b and lliOlb respuotively. They wore grown by Mr A. Matthews, of Wairarapa l ake, and were taken from the first prize pen at the^ recent C'arlnton show. An sptclinuns nf lb inn .-y Marsh fat sheep bred in #» Zealand liny are well worthy of attention. Rofote hung killed the sheep turned the stale at 3051 b and 30211) each. Now that the ncaffokling I>aa nearly all b.'en removed from tbo St, Patricks (.oilego, in course nf erection in 'l'ory and Wuckle-stresls, an exceedingly good idea may be gathered of the dimensions and architectural bomues Of the edifice. Thu original plana have been slightly altered, with a view to rawing the tower audits battlements sours six feet higher than was intended, and the effect is a deemed improvement in the structure when viewed from a distance. The exterior of the building is now slur coed from roof to basement, and the plasterers aiu busily engaged inside. The joimra and BinircafO hands will be put to work next we-k. and it is tiie confident exnictation of the contractors, Mea-rs Murdoch and Rise, that limy will bo enabled to have the colli go ready by f t. Patrick's Day Missis Robertson and Go., of the Pl-maix Foundry, are at picient bo-ily engrged in lire manufacture of the first _ of tlicir patent meat pressing machines, which lias been ordeiol by the Gear Meat Preserving and Refrigerating Comp my. The machine, which will be e ected at the company’s prosei ving w.,rks at Lamhluiiqnay, will be propelled by hydraulic power, and its chief recornniundation is that it v.-ili in ilw action caosj the exudation of all blood and fluid matter from the meat, By the band process the meat is merely placed in a tin, and after a kind of steaming process the tin is soldered up. By tlrs pioccss the chief difficulty is toexelu le any air ; hut in the Robertson pat, nt tiie rnc-at is compressed iatn the can, and i-.veiy particle of space is utilised ; couserpiently no air can possibly remain in the tin, which can he closed ami s I'dtred immedi .lely 'I he patentees also claim flint by their process meat when taken from the can will fie found as firm as a fiesh’y killed and cooked juiut. The invention minks the cniiimeiiceiiieut of another epoch in our local industries S'ill another 1-in lina.k of old Wellington Pas been obliterated by Ihe iin-xi rahlo hand of modern improvements—viz , fhs powder rnagazno at Mount. Cook Rarracks. Ihe building referred to, which in days gone by was as cnrafitllv guarded by Imperial sentries as Uni entrance to one of Her Majesty a palaces stood out. in hold relief, and was a landmark for miles arottud, when Newtown was only afl ix swamp. Recently the Mount Cook Prison authorises have acquired the building from the Defence Department, and a remarkable change iota within a short lima been effected .interiorly. I’he place has been gutted, and has been transformed at the expense of much pria m labor into a large store and a commodious workshop. One seel ion of the edifice litis been set apart as a workshop for carpenters, blacksmiths, plumbers, &c., anil forges, lathes, machines fur sowing, screw-cutting, and other iron works have been erected under the siipeiintomlance of Mr Printer, the warder foreman :.f the works. Altogether some sixty or seventy bond operators are employed In the prison undvr the superintendence of Mr Garvey, the gaoler. ..... Mr J. Jfi. Hayes has just completed a totalizer to tbo order of the Dunedin Jot key Club, which for ingenuity of design and finish is ci-r!aitdy a eto it to the craftsmen wltt, hare turned it out. The machine, which provide s for twenty-one entries or horses, is the invention (if Mr Jenkins, who is a'so the patentee. The front of the ease presents an *xeeedingly handsome appearance, the panels being in polished kauri, whilst the headings, embosses, and general ornamentation are of highly polished cedar. The chief feature of tbo Jenkins patent is that by no possibility cau fh operator fraudulently manipulate the numbers. A mechanical pull inside the machine is worked by simply turning a handle placi d under the number to ho registered. No half palls are possible, and a loud bell rings on thii addition of tacit number. Another distiugiiishiitg characteristic of the Jenkins patent is that Ihe numerals ate boldly painted, and may easily bo read at a considerable distance. A second totalisator, also for the Dunedin Jockey Club is being constructed by 'Mr Hayes, which will be finished by February mxt. The lli-tributiou of the £4OOO voted for public libraries will take place on February Bth next. Every public library maintained by rates will ho entitled to share in the disf.fibuiiou according to its income from rates ; and every public library maintained by subacriptiona aud voluntary contributions will be entitled to shat e according to its income from subscriptions and voluntary contributions. The admission to libraries claiming must be free, not being under the control of nn association, society, or club, whose membership is composed of a section of the community only. As a rule, a subsidy will not be given to mure than one library in the same town. The dis tribution will not be in proportion to the several incomes of the libraries ; but a nominal addition of .£25 will be made to the amount of each income, and the vote of £4OOO will ho divided in proportion to the amounts ns thnr augmented, but so as that no institution shall receive more than £SO, and than no payment shall be made in respect of income derived from endowments or grants from borough or county councils, or of moneys received for building purposes, and not simply for the current expenses of the library itself, or of moneys received as rent, hire orconsidera tion fur the use of any building or ro .in belonging to the Institution. Claims must reach the Secretary of Education not later than January 1 next. A deputation consisting t.f Mr G. Beetham, M.U.R., and Mr W. W, MoCardle (chairman of the Pahintua Highway Board), waited on the Minister fur Public Works last Friday to advocate, ou behalf of the settlers in North Wairarapa, the extension of the railway from Mnstertou through the Forty Mile Bush. Mr MoCardle explained that the deputation had been decided upon in consequence of the representations made by Mr R 3. Hawkins (president of the Settlers’ Association of Wairarapa North), that the settlers favored Government money being epeut nn roads rather than on railways. Those represent.!tions were not correct j indeed, he said, the act tiers felt that they were wronged by the line not being extended. He pointed out, farther, that the deputation which had aflootnpanie.l Mr Hawkins was appointed at a portly attended meeting, and did not by any means fairly represent the district. Mr McOardle dwelt upon the advantage to be gained by opening up such a block of land the I’orty Mile Bush, and presented a petition from auttlers in the Pahintna district protesting against the stoppage nf the line. Mr Beetham corroborated the statement made by Mr MoOsrdla as to the wishes of the settlers in the matter, Mr Richardson, alluding to the petition, said it was drawn up on a wrong assumption, as the Government had no intention to allow the lino to atop at Masterton Money had bean voted for the extension, and contracts were in course of progress, so that the matter was one of time only. Mr Beetham, while acknowlngiog that Miniature were in* variably well disposed towards the country settlers, pointed out that a strong anti-Wel-lington element was often encountered, and therefore it was well to bo on the alert. Mr Richardson said that there was little doubt that the line would bo extended to Kketahuna at an early date, and the remainder would probably be started from the other end. The deputation then withdrew.. , Some years since* the friend* and adherents ( of the Tiobbnrna claimant applied to the Victorian Government, their object being to ascertain through the Customs of that port, if any vessel named the Osprey had visited Port Phillip between 1840 and 1852, with a view to prove the probability of the claimant s story that he hod been picked up os a castaway off the fionth American coast by a • vessel named the Osprey, bound for Melbourne. ; The answer of the Melbourne authorities was exceedingly disappointing to the applicants, inasmuch as tiro former stated that their records showed that the only craft called the Osprey which had over visited Hobson’s Bay was a schooner, which was built in the colonies, and which fur some years traded between Melbourne Wharf and Geelong. It is now Sneontestibly proved that a transport ship named the Osprey did sail periodically between tho Thames and Melbourne, Hobart, and Sydney Within the past few days the Defence Department have been engaged in removing a number of shot and cartridge eases from the old stores in Monot Cook Barracks to the newly-erected brick stores, and amongst other boxe* and c»*©s arc several on which may still be plaiolv read the words “for Melbourne, OP <• Sydney,” or “ Hobart," as the case may be. The vessel referred to would appear to have been a regular trader to the colouies, as tho boxes, in addition to the name “ Osprey," bear the dates 1844, 1848, 1854, and 1858. These facts would, therefore, do away with tho oft-re. posted assertion that no snob ship as the Osprey ever visited Australia. It is notorious that in tho early days of tho Australian coleDies the public records were badly preserved, and nothing is more probable than that the arrival of a Government transport ship would net be ;o accurately recorded as a merchantman. The finding of ammunition cases in New Zealand which originally were consigned to a sister colony is easily explained by the fact that during the Maori troubles, the trooea drafted (rum Amtralia and Hobarton brought with them the original ammunition cases. At auy rate, the packages and cases bearing the Osprey mark placed upon them at tho Imperial arsenals is prrma facie evidence that a ship named the Osprey certainly did visit the colonies in the early days of the settlement.

The gifts ti) the city bave been so few that it Is toin-wbat remarkable that they are not properly looked after by tho civic anihoiitie". tine if tbiso gifts is tho Martin Fonn'a'n which is utp.cstnt in a dis/ra-jtfa'ly neglected eor dit’oii. The paint wotk aud ornamentitit n i« in an cxceediigly dilap'datrd ) t it", v h ie tho vvayfart-r is debarred from quenching bis thirst owiii.'to the tap b-.Trg out if order, and tl e drinking cnpi nvss’ng This may lie c ns’dcr- d a small matte-, b it it is end -uVc lly one - b'ob sb/.u'd n.t l.e bsnea'lr tli-i 11 tic-o of our City (! ii.no’llo s. The usual schedule of tho business of the session was laid on the table of the House ou Monday afternoon. From it we learn that a total number of 118 public Bills originated In the two Houses ; 88 from the I.ower House received the Royal assent, and 89 were “ droppe lor otherwise di.posed of.’’ I wclve of those originating in tho Council received the Royal assent, 1 being dropped, Of private Bibs, 5 originated in the House, 4 receiving tho Royal assent, and 1 being dropped. Ihe total number of petitions presented was 5(52 417 from Europeans, and 115 from Maoris, 552 cjiiostlons were asked of Ministers fh Home sat on 50 days, the total number nf hour./ being 370, giving an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes, Tim Naval Brigade (45 strong) proccodol to Evaua Bay on Monday for the purpose of holding their annual ordnance practice, tho effiners in command being Li-aits. Hl.slop, Wallace, and Gross (of Wanganui), _ Major Butts was also present, Hie parade being ordered by the Government, and counting, consequently, as a daylight parade. The result of the shooting (14 shots to each gun) was as follows :—No. 1 cun, under Warrant Petty Officer A-dier, 34; No. 2, unihr Potty Officer l.eevc'f, 48 ; No. 3, under Petty Officer Armstrong, 46 ; No. 4, nnder Warrant Officer Davy, 61. The shooting on the whole was remarkably good, notwithstanding that a stiff south-east gale was blowing ; and Mnjw Butts expressed himself as highly pleased w'th tho score-. A uumjier of spectators were on the ground. The second and longest tunnel on llie rail way section in course of construction by Mr Samuel Brown, 1 etween Pnkarna and Paika kariki, was successfully pierced .-n Tuesdiv morning. The lonuth of this tunnel is 301 yards. It is intended to commence bricking three of the tunnels on tho section next week, and it is anticipated that the wink will require -45,080 bricks per week in order to keep the bricklayers busy. The contractor has, in addition to several smaller kilns, just completed the erection of a Hoffman kiln, with a shaft sixty feet in height, at Pukarua, aud some idea of the energy displayed in the pro sedition of the work on tho section may be gathered from tho fact that only ten days elapsed from tho time tho first brick of the kllu was laid till tho moment tho last course was completed. Tho firing for four prizes, presented by Captain MeCrodio, Lieutenant Lyon, Bombardier McKenzie, and Sergeant O. Robinson, was commenced by the H Battery of Artillery on Saturday last. Six matches will be fired, the highest five scores to count, and the contest it expected to Ire finished about January next. The firing is done on ranges of 208yds, ten shots at each range, and tho result of last Saturday’s match was, in totals : —Quarter* ma-ter-Sergeant Scott, 78 ; B irahardier McKenzie, 75 ; Corporal Kuohen, 72 ; Gunner W. Williams, 72 ; Corporal Holm's. 67 ; Corporal Turner, 65 ; Bornbar Tor Petrie, 64 ; Gunner Scott, 62 ; Sergeant-Major Book, 54 ; Gunner Ludwig, 54 ; Gunner O. Williams, 50 ; Sergeant Webb, 48 ; Gunner Beale, 41 ; Gunner Robins m, 37 ; Gunner Easton, 36 ; Gunner Conrie, 25. The final scene of this somewhat eventful Parliamentary session was enacted on Monday in tire Legislative Council Chamber when the prorogation took place by conimiasiorl, the commissioners present being Sir W. Fitzherbert, tbo Hou. the Speaker of tho Legislative Council, the Hou. the Colonial Secretary (Mr P. A. Buckley), and the Hon. Mr Reynolds. The fourth commissioner, the Hon. Mr Waterhouse, was absent. The ceremony lasted but a few seconds. The Hou. tile Speaker of the House of Representatives attended, in answer to a summons, followed by hon, members, and preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Having been informed that Parliament stood prorogued to March 19, 1885, everybody salaamed everybody, and the Commons shuffled out into the lobby. Thus the curtain fell upon another epoch in colonial history. Mr Rochfort, daring bio explorations tor a route for the North Island Main Trunk Line, came upon an exceedingly beautiful natural feature. It is thus described ;—“ At 130 miles np the Pipipietea river oornrs the Matskerapna fall, probably net previously seen by any Europeans and by very few native«. It is nn object of great interest. The whole river, some 90 feet wide, shoots over a precipice 60 feet deep, springing clear from its bed in an unbroken transparent arch, through which ferns and growth beneath can he spun as through a window. On one side there is a sort of cave hollowed in the rook, which is colored red and yellow with iron oxide. The banks of the river above and below are lined with ferns, which hang over tho river oliff and add to the beauty of the scene. Below the fall the river falls rapidly, and swirls and eddies in heavy rapids for about 100 chains, while above it for a long distance the water is still, deep, and lake-like.” The death is announced of Hereraia, one of the principal chiefs nf tho Mokau Country. He is related to To Weti.ro, and, though no! so shrewd as .the “ hero ” of White Cliffs, he possessed far greater tribal irifl lence. Hereraia was a thorough goin g savage of the old sob ool—very hospitable, but extremely inconsistent. He viewed with considerable disfavor (says tho Auckland Star) the opening of the coalmines on the Mokau, and occasionally, when the humor seized him, he would man his canoe, paddle down to tho mines, and throw the newly*dug coal into the river- A big tangi is now being held on his remains. Weils’ “ History of Taranaki ’’ mentions Heremia as having been one of tho While Cliffs murderers, b. t this is generally denied by the natives ; and Heremia himself informed the writer that he was not a member of the war party on that occasion, though he was present at the preparatory incantation. The managers of the Quin-street mission school had intend 'd taking their scholars for a country ramble and picnic un Monday, but the intention had, in consequence of the severe weather, to he abandoned. Nothing daunted, however, tho teachers sought for other means of entertaining their lilflo guests, and gladly accepted the offer of Mr Rfflhsrd Holmes, who placed the St Peter’s infant school at the disposal ot Mr R. P. John-on, the super intone dent. The youngsters, to tho number of 60, enjoyed themselves thoroughly daring tin afternoon, and at 6 o’clock they were treated to a substantial tea In tbo mission school house, which had been tastefully decorated with evergreens, pictures, &c. After the tables had been removed, the - teachers gave a concert, at which several ot the children assisted. The proceedings, which were thoroughly enjoyed, were brought to a conclusion at a reasonable hour. Tho children were all well and comfortably clad, and reflected the highest amount of credit on their teachers and parents. The school has not been opened fo? more than eight months, yet the difference jn the ottire and'manners of the pupils is most noticeable ami satisfactory. The plague of rats in tho Nelson province does not sspm Ip abate, and some queer stories are told in connection with the rodents. In | the Wairnea district they penetrate to the' bedrooms, hide in teakelfiaq get locked in; boxes, drown themselves in wells, and allow | themselves to bn caught by boys, small and) large, cats, dogs, and even swine. They | cliipb t,rees, and afford amusement to the : happy possessors of catapults. One writer says that it js qqile witbin the mark lo afli-ro that one-half the number of wells contain water unfit fpr drinking purposes, being rendered offensive, if not positively injurious, by the presence of these nojtious little creatures. A neighbor, net satisfied with Ihe extraordinary savor or flavor of tire j well water, on looking in saw the well whb s teeming with gg-ls—as many as half-a-dozen then in the act of afjijmming for dear life: ou the surface of the water. He naturally procured a long stick to expedite their despatch, when some of them, to his immense; a.tcmishmont, smartly effected their escape by using the pole as a ladder. Many people j allow their swine to devour times vermin, and, if the rat is one of tho few refuges of trichinae,. then it behoves ns to be careful what pork we: oat next season, i

At the meeting of the City Council held last evening week, his Worship the Mayor referred to tho completion of the Wainoiomata waterworks, and complained of the small amount of credit the corporation received for anything they carried out aucce'sfufly, while people were always ready to cast aspersions on them for any mistake they bad made. He gave the following statlatles, compiled by Mr Ward, one the engineers who had carried out the work, to show the magnitude of tbs undertaking. Tho presrure in the mains of the new supply was 1501bs to tho square Inch, that of the old Polbill Gully supply, 1201bs. The amount brought fnto town by new supply ia sixteen hours was 0 l-sth million gallons; that by the old supply only one quarter ot a million. The horse-power available for sale from the Wainniomata supply was 250, which was equal to a daily consumption of 4.000,000 gallons. Supposing this to be dispose 1 of at 2-i per thousand gallons, one. half the present rate, it would more than ' suffice to cover the annual interest, viz., £BOOO on the capital sunk io the works. The corporation wore thus in a position to sell waterpower at a rate that no other motive power could compete with. He referred to the waterworks at Geelong, which had cost £350,000, and had been pronouncad a complete failure iu contrast with the £137,000 ezptnded ou the Waiauiomata works.

We have received a piece r,f new nr"ric ambitiously styled a national anthem. Tiro words arc from the pen of Mr Thomas Bracken, and do him credit. The music rained for its composer, Mr J._J. Woods of Otago, this ten guinea prize offered lor the beat musical composition nf a national anthem, but in our opinion New Zealand’s anthem has yet to be written. This effort smacks too much of a poor kind of Sunday school hymn The lithographer has contributed mod towards the attractiveness of the pieo as published.

The (-pitting services in connection with the ne.vly-erected .-abhatb schools of .St. Johns Presbyterian Church, Willis and Dixon-slreets, were held on Sunday, when divine worship was c inducted, both morning and evening, by the Rev Jam :S Treadwell, of Wanganui, In the morning the rev. gentleman selected as his text Ist Kings, 17th chapter, 22nd verse, and in the evening an eloquent discourse was founded upon St, John’s gospel, 17ch chapter and 15'h verse. On Sunday afternoon a special service, dedicated ti the Sunday-school children, was held in the schoolroom, which was attended by about GCO children from the various Presbyterian Sunday-schools in the district. A Special service ot song was held and folcresses were delivered by the Revs Pater son and Treadwell. Amongst tbo two hundred lambs suit to the Old Country on private friends’ account by the Ruapehu, two may be set down as sent from the New Zealand Thies office. One of these goes to a very well known West of Engl nd man, Mr Hmry Spackmnn, a leading Bath citizen, and long time secretary nf the Bath and West of England Horticultural Show. The other goes to our London correspondent. At the suggestion of Madame Elino, of the New Zealand Mail, hunches of mint are to be placed .inside each lamb, and of course fiozen with them, io order that New Zealand lamb and miut sauce in reality may be eaten ia January by some of our Old Country cousins. We hope that these trifling contributions from a member of the Times and Mail stuff may tend to help along the frozen meat trade.

Freezing operations bavo been recommenced by the local refrigerating companies, fnd probably for the next few months at any rate the Wellington freezing works stimulated by the hardening of the Home market, and the quantity of mutton which is now coming forward, will bi iu full swing. The Gear Meat Preserving and Refrigerating Company are preparing 3000 sheep for transmission by the s.s. Victory which leaves for London early next week, and the Jubilee will go alongside the steamer either to morrow or Monday next to load up. Tbo same company will despatch another shipment ot 3000 frozen sheep for tho s.s. Ruapehu which leaves here about the 18th or 2lst inst. Another parcel of 6000 sheep will also leave here for the Home market by the s.s. Coptic, which will leave this port about the 14th of next month, and by tho same opportunity the Wellington Meat Export Company will send off 7000 carcases of frozen mutton in addition to a quantity nf hindquarters and legs ot beef. A gratifying little ceremony took place on the Queeti’s Wharf at noon Tuesday. Mr H. E. Nioholls, the popular accountant employed by the Harbor*Board, who is about to be married, was presented, on behalf of his fellow employ di, with an illuminated testimonial and parse of sovereigns. Mr W. Spinks, the- cashier ot the department, made the presentation. Mr H. M. Lyon, the secretary of the Harbor B .ard, referred to the recipient of the present in flattering terms, and Mr NieholL responded suitably. Three cheers were tl.en given by the assembled employ 6s for the future bride and bridegroom, aud the proceedings terminated. The address, which was very tastefully executed by Mr W. R. Bock ro id as billows ‘ We, tho undersigned leliow-officers of yours in the service of the Wellington Harbor Board, aukyonr acceptance af the accompanying as a slight testimony of the respect and regard which we entertain for yon, and tender yon onr hearty congratulations on your approaching marriage. Earnestly wishing you and your bri le many years ot happy life, and every prosperity, wears,” &c. It is pleasing to note that the advertisement of tho Gear Company, in reference to forwarding frozen carcases of lam! a and sheep to addresses at Home, has been productive nf eonsiderablo business. So great has been the demand made upon tho company that some difficulty has been experienced in meeting it ; aud we learn that further orders for frozen lambs will have lo be declined. Some 200 lambs will be f ,rwardtd by the s.s. Ruapehu, which is to arrive in England in time for the orders t< be distributed by the New Year. No better means could l e adopted for popularising New Zealand froztn meat, for the article will he delivered to many families which, uud.-r ordinary circumstances, wonli probrbly not think of purchasing it direct from the butcher’s. It is now undisputed that a large amount of Now Zealand meat is retailed as genuine English, the latest dodge to assist this fraud bring tho attachment of feet to the imported carcasts ‘1 ho butchers aTude to the fact that frozen sheep arrive without feet, and then paint triumphantly to their stock with the feet attached. It is needless to say that, when the catcrses are subdivided, the feet are pat on one side to do duty again and again. The Dunedin Evening Herald gives the following interesting obituary notice of Mr Thomas Luther Shepherd, who died from paralysis in the Dunedin Hospital on the 28th ult. :—Tito deceased gentleman was a native ot London, aud in the early colonial days filled the position of managing clerk for a firm of solicitors at Sandhurst, Victoria, He was much respected there, and had excellent opportunities for doing well, but taking a notion to go to Melbourne found himself among a gre it many others out of employment. About the time of the Hokitika rush he went from Melbourne to West Coast, thence lo Queenstown, where he obtained employment with Mr Campbell, a solicitor, and subsequently practised for himself at the Resident Magiatrate’s Court, as was allowed in those days. The late Mr Wilson Gray had a high opinion for Mr Shepherd’s ability. In 1£67, from among eight or nine candidates for the representation of the Goldfields districts in the Provincial Council Messrs J. C. Brown, Mr Monat (solicitor), and the deceased were the throe successful candidates, Mr Bpjwn heading the pall, with Mr Shepherd next. I’be latter was elected to the House of Representatives as member for the Dunstan in the fifth Parliament of the colony. Subsequently he was appointed clerk to the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Naseby; thence was removed to Palmerston, and afterwards to Charleston on the West Coast, aud then to Te Ahatua, where he resigned his appointment. Eve? since he bad been iu a desponding state ■ £ mind, and it is supposed by tho o who knew him that the excitement consequent upon bis bearing the news that «>me of those who had promised to use their influence ip pro. curing him another Government situation wore in office was the indirect cause of his sudden iliceos.

The Defence Department hove just completed the erection of a large and substantial brick store at Mount Co dr Barracks, which will prove of great ntility for the proper classification of the various munitions of war which will be bestowed in it. The building is 85't in length by 35ft wide, and is of two stories. The walla ore double ones, the outer wall being of 14iu brick and tho inner one of 6in work, with a 6in space between. The etructnre haa been built with grant solidity and with a duo regard to the heavy weight which the fleers will be required to carry. The basement is asphalted, and the planking of the upper storey is of nolid hard word, supported by massive beams and j .ists The contractors were Messrs Murdoch and Bose, the pripo being £I4OO for labor alone, the brisks hoping ’ been made and supplied by the Mount Cook Prison Department. The additional storage thns placed at their disposal will be highly appreciated by the Defence Department, and already Mr Anderson, the Government storekeeper, aud his assistants have token possession of the premises. Tits basement floor is devoted to the storage .of aqsalj arms, rifles, carbines, revolvers, bayonets, ' s.ws?«p, ho., and it is computed that there ore upwards - iff 30,000 stand of arms at present in store at the pirracks. The upper portion of tbo jnllding Is used os a bulk store for accoutrements, military blankets, ■ nateroroof sheets, shakos, and other impedimenta necessary for militory camp bivouacking.. The old barrack buildings form quite an t arsenal on a small seaie, fn one shed the: chief armourer (MFBradford), has a forge, and i here all the repairs to the Government: arms of t.he colony, whether belonging to; the police gv fo the volunteers, are i effected. The strides which have bseu; made in fin arms of every description within : the past few years are remarkable. From ; amongst a pile of carbines the armorer j selected one whioh only 10 or 12 years since i was need by the mounted Wellington colonial | defence force, and which then was regarded j as the very perfection of a trooper’s piece. It i is now nn obsolete firearm, and is being done up with a view to its being presented to the Colonial Museuip as a specimen weapon of a by-gone ego f Mr Henderson tprns from his i antiquated pieoe and Loudly pats a Nordenfaldt gun, which bas just teen imported by the Government for the Wellington torpedo boat. The gun, which has two barrels, is placed ol a pjvot, and all the gunner has to do after sighting bis object ia to turn a handle, and the piece discharges eliota at the rate of sixty per minute from each barrel. The Government have also received two torpedoes for tbeuseof atorped" holt whDh is to be stationed in Wellington harbor. The waning stope is filled to repletion with army ft nd police slothiui; hnue piles of blankets, shirts, and other necessaries for the field police and volunteers, and the department is in snob a state of preparedness that 2000 man oould easily, m case of an emergency arising* be fitted out with clothing and arms at a few boarV notice.

Hearn, our local champion oarsman, iu view of his coming encounter with Harrington, of R r v<jrto r », for £IOO a-i le, on January 2nd, h w up hi* ordinary occupation for tho prtarid hgone into active training, under the coaching of Burn*. Hesru and tMaer will leave for Riverton about the midcl * of next nuntb. Oa Saturday evening last a nasty accment occurred to atr un-yu \n\ named George Gordon. The lad was, !□ the execution of his duty, going fr-m the front to the rear of his trim when he slipped and fell, tho result Indn.! that one of the wheels passed over his ankle and crushed it. Thi accident happened in Willis-strect, and the sufferer was at once removed to tho surgery of Dr. Gillon. The injuries having been attended to, Gordon was removed to his residence in College street. The mishap was one of pure namdeut, and in no way reflects carelessness on the part of the driver. Dr. Gillon states that the injuries are not very serious—no bones, strange to say, having been broken, notwithstanding that the wheefof the tram passed right over G -rdou’* ankle. A special public meeting was held at Wesley Church Friday evening in the interest of the Grgpel Temperance and Dine Ribbon Union, there being, however, in consequence of the inclement state of the weather, only a moderate attendance. Tne llev. Mr Oliver occupied the chair, and Rev. Messrs J. J. Lewis of Napier, K. Young of Greytown, L. M. Litt of Masterton, and J. T. Jones addreasel the meeting on behalf of the temperance canse. The Rev. Mr I*itt related several anecdotes showing the baneful effect of drinking, which, he said wa-< very prevalent in his district. other things, he narrated how a hardworking woman, the wife of a now reformed drunk ud, had been locked out on a verandah, clad merely in her night throughout a winter's night by her drunken husband, who bad spent bis wages, together with his wife’s savings, on drink. The Rev. Mr Oliver stated that ho knew of a similar case which happened in Wellington to a lady in good society, whose name he refrained from mentioning. Daring the intervals of the meeting, hymns were sung by the church choir and tho audience, and at the close a number of people took the blue ribbon. , A meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul 8 was held at the Tinakori-road Schoolroom last night wesk to consider the question of purchasing the freehold of the school. The Rev. Archdeacon Thorpe occupied the chair, and there were about forty ladies and gentlemen present. At the commencement of the meeting it was reported that the Rev. J. Still, now of Poyn* ton, England, had been appointed as the successor of the present incumbent, and that the vestry had decided to allow him £l5O travelling expenses. On the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr D. Anderson, the action of the vestry was approved of. The Chairman then stated the objects of the meeting, and Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr D. Anderson, proposed that inasmuch as it appeared that the balance of the purchase money required for the Tinakori • road property, over and above the aura railed by the Oriental Bazaar, could be obtained from the Porirua and Havington trusts at 9 p;r cent., the vestry’s recommendation that the parish purchase the whole property at the price named by tho trustees—namely, £•>3B7 —be adopted. Some considerable discussion then ensued, during which Mr Stow adduced figures to show that the parish, in addition to £ISOO already owing to She Havinglon trust, would incur a further debt of £1387. He thought the opinion ot some experienced person should be obtained on the subject. Mr O. P. Powlos thought the site of the property would iu future become valuable, as a second church might have to be built there. Mr E, Lowe was of the opinion that the property should be purchased, as the Oriental Bazaar had been got up for the purpose of acquiring the freehold of the schoolroom, otherwise they would be guilty of misappropriating the fund thus obtained. Mr W. A. Marobant, seconded by Mr Wright, thea proposed as an amendment that the meeting should adjourn until the 27th instant, and that in the meantime a statement should bo prepared and circulated among the parishioners sotting forth particular* of tho area and buildings thereon, the price which the parish will be expected to pay, and the additional debt, annual revenue and charges connected therewith. Several gentlemen spoke to the amendment, and at tho request of Mr Wilson, Mrs Smith, of the Ladies Working Society, explained lhat the ladies bad undertaken to work for the schoolroom fund with the understanding that the fund was to be devoted to the purchase of the property. The amendment was then put to the meeting, and a show of hand* being taken, was carried by a large majority. The meeting then adjourned. '