AUCKLAND NEWS NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10901, 7 September 1897, Page 3

AUCKLAND NEWS NOTES.

(Faojr Ode Own Cohbespoxdent.) - Auckland, September 6. Captain W. B. Brain has returned to Auckland, haying for tha present completed his inBpeotion oE the coal measures of Mokau County on behalf of an English syndicate. He states he was very favourably impressed with the value of the coal seams. The coal varies in quality, but there is excellent semi-bituminous coal found, which he considers will prove of great commercial value. Captain Brain hag made his mark as a, scientizt in connection withthe application of electricity to mining purposes. He came out to Australia in 1885, and discovered the first good Beam of coal ever found in Victoria. , • The detective force in Auckland is to be still further strengthened. The Hon. T. Thompson has given instructions that Detective Herbert is to be stationed here instead of on the goldfields a« originally intended. Some of the spieling fraternity—recent arrivals from the south—were on the wharf on Saturday jasfc as the mail boat was leaving, but when they caught sight of some "old familiar faces" of the detectives the length of the wharf was all too short for them, and they made off as qnickly us they could. •

At a meeting of the Auckland Savage Club Bignor G. P« Nerli, • the well-known portrait painter, presented to the club a life-size oil painting of a savage on the war path; worked out in his very best style. The unveiling took place with the usual ceremony, the members present showing their appreciation of the gift in unstinted manner. Bro. Perrett, on behalf of Bro. Nerli, suitably responded.