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Thames Star, Volume IIII, Issue 1757, 20 August 1874, Page 2

The contractors for sinking the United Pumping Association Shaft Trill probably commence with th« twelve inch lift tomorrow. We must apologise for the absenco of our usual mining intelligence during the last few days. Arrangements are in progress, on completion of which we hope to bo able to tire give latest and most reliable news of the progress ef the field, as heretofore. ! Some time ago we called attention to the insufficient means of egress from the stalls and gallery of the Academy. The audience from these portions of the house meet in a narrow passage, and the door opening on the street is a double or folding one. On no occagon for a long time have we seen the door opened to its full extent. The consequence is that whenever there is a full house, as now during the opera season, persons are subjected to on unpleasant crush. This should certainly! be altered, as the preaont arrangement might lead to serious consequences in case of an alarm of fire, during » performance. The weekly meeting of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening at the usual hour and place. Mr. Hill, the president, was in the chair, and a very good show of the best attending members was present, while the number was further increased last evening by two. The subject for debate was ". Is Mr Vogel's Immigration scheme beneficial to the colony ? " Mr. Scott took the affirmative, and Mr. Sawyer took the negative side. The debate was very spir ited, most of the members taking part in it; and on the question being put to the judgement of the meeting, the majority were found to bo against it.

Thß building of the new bridge over tho Hape Creek in G-rey-street hati been commented nt last, tho worn-out old structure having been removed. Thi» work ia undertaken conjointly by the Borough Council arid tho Parawai District Board, and, whon completed, it will be a groat public convenience, besides being much »afer for ordinary traffio than the primitive erection -which has been made to to duty in the pas'". In the Bank of New Zealand to-day were exhibited in v glass case some magnificent specimens of gold-bearing quartz, or quartbearing gold, for it is difficult to say which Is in greater proportion." A small card in one corner of the case, with the word VManukau" written thereon, explained tho [ shov, and accounted iov the marvellous richness. The value of the stone as estimated by Mr. Severn from its specific gravity was £290. Tho stone is now broken, and its Vulue is let down at about £250. ■ In an article on the necessity of removing teachers from patty local control the Otago "Times soys:—" Wo feel certain that any attempt to lessen local influence in regard to the appointment and removal of teachers would meet with, opposition in many quarters at the pretest time. In Victoria the question has been thoroughly ventilated, and ban been decided against local influence. And the question must- sooner or later force itself upon the notice of our legislators and education managers whether the interests of education would rot be better served !were the schoolmasters placed entirely under the control of the Central Board.