AUSTRALIAN.

Per our Special Wire.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Sydney, Nov. 23.

Devoe's kerosene. Is. 9d : Patna rice, £l2 ; N. Z. wheat, 55.; sugar, C unpa >y’s Ho. 1 prices, £4O ; candles, D.K., 181. Adelaide, Nov. 2.5. Wheat, ss. 6tL; new seasons, os. 4d.

INTERPROVI NCI AL,

Auckland, Nov. 2S.

The Hawea and Rotorua sailed this afternoon together from Queen street wharf for Russell and Sydney respectively. For the first mile they kept funnel and funnel. The Hawea having the best position hugged the north shore, and rounded the beads 15 seconds ahead of the Rotorua. Betting is in favor of the Hawea beating the Rotorua to Cape Brett.

Wellington, Nov. 28.

It is stated that after Monday the wages of the tramway employees will be reduced, and their hours be increased.

By an order in Council the exportation of dynamite from New Zealand to the South Sea islands is prohibited. At their meeting to-day the Directors of the Tramway Company received a lawyer’s letter from some shareholders threatening legal proceedings in reference to floating of the Company. Railwsr communication with Feather *tone'w*B restored to-day. The: Tariff Committee, recently ap pointed by the House of Representatives, last night brought up the following report: —“ The Committee appointed to consider and report on the question of what relief can be afforded to manufacturers in this colony,' by.lessening or abolishing duties at present levied on articles used by them, irrespective of manufactures, and of means by which the establishment of colonial industries may be promoted. We have the honor to make the following interim report The Committee recom mend that the following articles be admitted free of duty—Grindery, except heel .and toe plates; boot lining; morocco, roan, japanned, and enamelled leather; seal skins, and goat skins; saddler’s ironmongery and harness; carriage bolts,, nuts, screws, tire bolts, shackles, holders, and other iron fittings ; hatter’s materials; al mends in confection era’ manufactures; sheet zinc, plain gal vanised iron metal ; bags, and satchels. The Committed recommend that certain duties be increased, as. follows Candles, other than tallow, l£d. per lb. ; sashes, plain, 2s. per pair; sashes, glazed, with ornamental glass, 4s per pair ; doors, glazed, with ornamental glass, 4s. each ; and that the duty on Australian wine be restored to 4s. per gallon. The Com mittee do nut recommend an import duty on coal, but consider it advisable that, in order to assist coal mining in dustry, port dues at coal pits, as well as railway charges on coal, be reduced to the lowest possible point. It is recommended that no duty on green fruits should be im posed. ” ' A railway collision, between a passenger and'ntjg’gage train, occurred on the Wel lingtonF'eatherston line, near Kaitoki.this evening. The passergers were severely shaken but sustained no serious injury. A couple of carriages were damaged. Nelson, Nov 27 The New Zealand Shipping Co. ’s ship Opawa, 97 days from London, with immi grants, arrived off the Boulder Bank late last night. A steamer, with the health officer and others, went off this morning, and ha* only just returned. The pas sengers are in good health. Alice Sutton was charged with the wil ful murder of-her infant on 18th inst., and Was remanded till Tuesday. Christchurch, Nov. 20. The fine imposed upon Edward Wil- j of Lyttelton, for smuggling tobacco lute been lessened by the Governor, in consequence of a petition, from £IOO to £26.

For the marticulation examination in the New Zealand University, 36 candi dates have sent in their names, and for the Junior Scholarships there are 33 com petitors. ’ Th«* water supply for the upper levels in-the town of Lyttelton will be turned into the mains on Tuesday next. The Borough Council have made provisions, in case of accident to the main reservoir, by constructing another at the junction of Canterbury and Exeter streets, 182 feet above sea level, of a capacity of 79,000 gallons, thus enabling the mam reservoir to bo cleaned without the supply being stopped. To still further benefit the re sidents below this level, the Council have constructed another reservoir, capable of holding €6,000 gallons, at Little Brench leyroad, 147 feet above Canterbury street reservoir, and 330 feet above sea level. This will be supplied from Canterbury street reservoir, by means of a six horse engine and Tangye patent pumps, through a four inch pipe. , The engine and pumps were made by S3cott Bros., of Christ church. Mains have already been laid to the extenfr of four miles. The average daily consumption is 60,000 gallons. .u ' i ■’ * Oamabu, Nov, 28. The’ grain l and produce market is in active, and quotations are without any change.

Dunedin, Nov. 28. Bsin fell all day, and interfered with the Show, whioh was nevertheh si atten ded by about 2000 persona The Lincoln sHeepof F. Sutton, J, Allan, and the N. Z. and A. Land Company were the chief prize takers. John Reid, of El lerslie, took all- the Romney Marsh prizes: Tne best draught entire in the yard was' Young Prinoe of Wales, owned byßtunell and Craig. The best draught mixd was Menlove's Countess: best thoroughbred entire, G. Coombe’s Flying Dutchman,

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thursday, November 27.

In the Council to-day the Marlborough Rivers Union Bill and Southern Native Districts School Bill passed first reading. The Waitara Harbor Bill and the Registra tion of Electors Bill were read a second time. The Christchurch Drillshed Bill and Qualification of Electors Bill passed a third reading. The Hon. J. N. Wilson moved the re committal of the last Bill so as to get the clause altered to allow all Maori holders of land owned in common to vote, but after a debate his proposal was rejected. Replying to Mr. Miller, The Hon. F. A. Whitaker said five agents were now employed in Great Bri tain—Mr. Holloway at £l5O a year ; Mr. G. M. Reid at £6OO ; Mr. Clayden, £250 ; Mr. Bathgate, £350; Rev. J. Berry, £3OO. The Council rose at 9.50 p. m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, Nov. 27.

The Marlborough Rivers District Union Bill was read a third time ; and the Voting Act Amendment Bill, No. 2, was passed through Committee before the House rose at 1.20 a.m.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p. m. NOTICE OF MOTION.

Sir r G. Grey gave notice that on going into Committee of Supply he would move —“ That the finding of the Select Com mittee that he (Sir G. Grey) had not been duly elected a member for Christchurch bo expunged, as also the finding that the Hon. E. Richardson was duly elected.” QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr. J. T. Fisher, Mr. Hall said that the subject of making provision on the Supplementary Estimates to provide suitable accommodation for His Excellency when he may please [to visit the large centres of population— Christchurch and Dunedin—was under consideration.

Replying to Mr. Reeves, Mr. Hall said that the extra cost of keeping a staff of operators at the Tele graph Office, Parliament Buildings, would be £230, and that besides the cost, such an arrangement interfered with the work ing of the central office. Replying to Mr. Andrews, Mr. Oliver said that inquiries would be made concerning the men (late unem ployed) now working on the Weka Pass railway—(l.) As to the number of single men employed, and upon whose authority. (2.) As to the rates of pay for day work and for piece work. (3.) As to the style of books kept and mode of hooking, especially as to time books. Mr. Wakefield asked whether the Go vernment have any information as to the Agent-General having taken up his resi dence at Falmouth ; whether they con sider he can properly attend to his duties while residing so far from London, and whether they intend to insist on his abstaining from taking part in politics while retaining his present office. The Hon. J. Hall replied that with regard to the first and second questions, Government had no ‘information on the subject, but they believed he I ad merely gone to reside at Falmouth for a holiday. They had, and would continue to insist, that he took no part in British politics.

Mr. Bowen asked whether Government will make some provision for the mainten ance of existing domains and public gardens. Mr. Hall replied that a vote of £IBOO had been put on the Estimates for the purpose. Mr. Reid asked if the Government would fulfil the promise made by the late Government, to send Professor Ulrich on a visit to the Rangitoto District, in the County of Westland, in order to report on the silver mines and mineral dis coveries in that locality ? Mr. Oliver said that a report on the subject had already been made by Dr. Hector, as Professor Ulrich's time was not at the disposal of the Colony. Mr. Ormond asked whether the system of letting clearing and formation of the line on the Napier-Manawatu railway in small contracts to settlers residing adjacent to the railway was intended to be dis pensed with ; also, if the work is to be in large contracts, whether any pro vision will be made whereby the settlers resident in the locality may obtain em ployment on the works ? The Hon. R. Oliver replied that the clearing would be let in small contracts. No provision could be made for the large contracts as desired, but settlers on the ground would have a good chance of getting employed on the contracts. Mr. Bowen asked whether the Govern ment was in position to supply the cadet corps throughout the Colony with light rifles, and if not whether they will take steps to do so without delay. The Hon. J. Hall replied that the matter had been placed before the War Office by the Agent-General.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY. Several resolutions were reported from the Committee of Supply, and adopted.

BILLS REPOSTED. The Special Settlements Bill was with drawn.

The District Courts Proceeding Vali dation Bill was read a third time and passed. The Onewhero Grant Empowering In tercolonial Probate Administration, the Leases and Sale of Settled Estates Act Amendment, Imbecile Passengers Act, and the Extension of Sheriffs Act, 1878, Amendment, were read a second time.

PAYMENT OF MEMBERS. The Members of the General Assembly Expenses Bill was considered in Com mittee.

Sir George Grey moved—“ That the clause providing for the payment of Mem bers in the Upper House be expunged,” and in explanation said that he was not advising the non-payment of Members of that branch of the Legislature. That being a nominated body, it was not right that they should be provided for in the Same Act as the elective Chamber. Jdr. M'Lean opposed the motion, and moved— M That progress be reported." The House divided on Mr. M'fcean’s 4mendmentmAyus,29 i 32,

|hl Hqpuspe-Miemblei ** f.M pM>, fw dijKPHlifß <4 ft* W I WP ff. Pj* rieolda foey to Ui pull sMf

In support of the contention that a difference should be made in the amounts paid to Members in the Lower and those in the Upper House,, it was argued that the former were put to the trouble and expense of a contested election, whereas the latter had not such expense to provide for. Messrs. Gisborne and Reid argued in support of that view of the subject. Mr. Dick thought the defeated candi dates were more entitled to be considered than the successful, and if they were going to put a sum on the Estimates for themselves, he would move —“ That the claims of these gentlemen be also con sidered.” There was no argument in fact, that gentlemen in the other House were men of large means. If that argu ment was good, the same thing would apply to this House. They had men of means amongst them, and these men would be equally entitled not to receive pay as Members of the Upper House. Sir George Grey, replying to Mr Dick, said that the effect of his proposal would be that the elections would be contested by every qualified man in the place. There would be a perfect rush to the hustings were candidates to be assured of their ex penses.

On the question being put the House divided—Ayes, 41; Noes, 28. The amendment of Sir George Grey was accordingly lost.

Mr. Lundon then moved—“ That the Chairman leave the chair.”

The House divided—Ayes, 48 ; Noes, 23.

LANDS BILL. The Lands Bill was then considered Committee.

Per our Special Wire.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Friday, November 28.

The business in the Council to-day was of small interest. After a large amount of oilier matter had been disposed of, it was ordered, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Hart, that a month after the begin ning of next session a return should be submitted showing the number of elec tors in each rating district subject and not subject to the new property tax. The Reprint of Statutes Bill, The Timaru Water Works Bill, and the Wai rarapa Race-course Bill were read a second time, and the Hamilton Volunteer Hall Site Bill, and the Fencing Bill a third time. The Council then went into Com mittee on the Registration Bill, and had not made any important amendment up to adjournment at 6 o’clock. EVENING SITTING. The whole evening was spent in Com mittee on the Registration Bill. Many amendments were made, but none of im portance. Tlie Hon. J. N. Wilson made an in effectual attempt to abolish plural voting. The Council adjourned at 10.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, November 28. The House met at 2.30 p.m. MESSAGES.

Messages were received from the Legis lative Council that the Hokitika Harbor, and Mastcrton and Greytown Town Lands Bills had been passed with amendments.

QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr. Tamoana, Mr. Bryce said while Government attached great im portance to such a Bill they would not this session introduce a Native Lands Bill. Replying to Mr. Richardson, Mr. Hall said that under the Act of 1807 Govern ment has power to give authority to those persona who are at their own cost carrying on establishments for fish culture to take trout and salmon spawn from the rivers of the colony, and they will be prepared to grant the necessary authority. Mr. Shrimski asked Government if they woulc take steps during recess to have mme careful exploration made than has hitherto been possible in the short inter val of time at the disposal of the Engineer in-Chief of the passage in the Katsuma ranges, with a view of ascertaining whether a practicable route exists for a line of railway connecting central Otago with Waitaki and South Canterbury. Mr. Oliver was understood to reply in the negative, adding that Government was not yet satisfied the line should be con structed at all.

Replying to Mr. Pyke, Mr. Bryce said at present it would not be advisable to dispense with the services of Dr. Buller, who had been retained as counsel in connection with native land purchases. Replying to Mr. Shrimski,

Mr. Hall said Government did not in tend taking action in reference to the con struction of a telegraph from Oamaru to Ngaparn. SIR GEOROE grey's TROUBLES. On motion for going into Committee of Supply, Sir 6. Grey was about to move the finding of the Committee (declaring he had not been duly elected for Christ church, and that Mr. Richardson had been elected) be expunged as a record of the House, when, Mr. M‘Lean submitted the motion could not be entertained.

The Speaker ruled the motion could be entertained, and Sir George Grey moved it accordingly. He road a decision by a previous Com mittee finding that a candidate may be nominated for more than one seat. Such was the case when the Christchurch elec tion was questioned. On these grounds he was justified in asking the finding of the Committee, as it referred to himself, to be expunged from the records. As re gards the second part of the report, finding that Mr. Richardson was elected, he held that was invalid. The law was that notice should be given to the electors before the election took place. Then, in that case their rates were thrown away. In other words, the Disqualification Act might be used for unseating the member disquali fied, The law did not go the length of holding that the next candidate on the polling list was elected. If so, that would be affirming the principle that these elec, tors wore to bo punished by having their votes literally thrown away. Ho moved the motion altogether apart from party foolingi Mr. Hall contended the argument put forward by thtf mover plight have very properly beeti argiled by the Committee by whom the matter Was tried; Jft Would he d»ngeroii» fo go behind a qUcetiPt} of this kind hpaet t|i9 decision $1 an aJflistJah ? co»j|Mitfoei ?nd * fiomoiittae My gfefC B 81*1 '|!)g

I case. Whether, these committees wore I the best tribunals for the trial of election I petitions 1 s questioned. So long, how- I ever, as it was a function delegated by j law to them, ho hoped the House would | respect their decision. He combated a j statement by Sir G. Grey to the effect j that the finding of the Committee had j practically disfranchised a majority of the j electors of Christchurch.

The question was put, and on the voices was given in favor of the original motion. A division took place—Ayes, 36 ; Hoes,

Ayes—Adams, Bain, Colbeck, Hurst, Allwright,Bowen, Gibbs, Hurst, Andrews, Bryce, Hall, Hursthouse, Atkinson, Kenny, M’Lean, Murry, Masters, Mont gomery, Oliver, Ormond, 8011, Pyke, Richmond, Richardson, Rolleston, Saun ders, .Stevens, (teller) Studholme, (toller) Sutton, Swanson, Tomoano, Trimble, Whitaker, Wallis, Wood.' Noes—Harris, Seddon, Barron, Hutchi son, Shephard, Delatour, Ireland, Shrimski (teller), Finn, Lundon, Tainui, Grey, Mason, Tawhai, Hamlin, Reid, Thompson, Tole (teller), Wallis. The motion for going into Committee accordingly carried. The Speaker then left the chair. THE ESTIMATES. Native Affairs Department Salaries and contingencies, £15,74:2. Mr. Bryce said there were a good many things in this Department with which he was dissatisfied, vnd if he continued in office he would attempt considerable re trenchment, failing which, he would retire from office.

In reply to Mr. Montogomevy,

Mr, Bryce said Government had already taken steps to check the spread of con tagious diseases amongst the natives at Little River.

On the item, General Contingencies for purchase of food and clothing for natives, also, for rewards and presents to native chiefs, and for the purpose of encourage ment of agriculture, Ac., £6OOO,

Mr. Gisborne moved that it be reduced £2OOO.

Mr. Bryce opposed the reduction on the ground that the sum of £2OOO out of the vote had been spent before the present Government took office.

The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING.

The House met at 7.30. The vote as printed was put and car ried.

Native Land Court, £12,129. Mr. Hamlin proposed tho item, chief judges (also judge of the District Court) £IOOO, be reduced £2OO. Mr. Reader Wood supported the reduc tion, but suggested that the remodelling of the whole department be left with the Native Minister.

Mr. George proposed to reduce tho item 5 judges, at £6OO, £3OBO, to £2500. The total vote as reduced was passed.

Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act, 1870, £558. Passed. Miscellaneous services £13,360. The rate was passed as printed. Lands and Mines Department votes — Crown Lands Department, £10,579. Vote passed. Crown Lands—Miscellaneous services, £14,064. Passed. Coalfields, £413. Passed. General Survey Department, £BB,OOO. Passed.

Photographic and Lithographic Print ing Branch, £2llO. Passed.

Mines, £27,000. Vote passed as printed. Colonial Treasury Department.—Trea surer, £6,732 ; Land Tax, £5,985 ; Mis cellaneous services, £7,123. Passed. Commissioner of Customs Department— Customs, £34.235. Tho Collect at Auck land, £OOO, was reduced £SO. With that reduction the vote was passed. Miscel laneous services, £lO,lOl.

The bonus to bo given to the exporters of rabbit skins, £BOOO, was objected to, and a motion made that the amount shall be reduced to £4OOO. The item as printed carried on the voices, and the vote as printed was put and earned. Marino and Harbor—£33,32o. The item Hinemoa, including expenses while laid up for 0 months, £4OOO, was objected to by Mr. Andrews, who moved it be struck out. Neither of the Govern ment steamers were adapted for the pur pose, and much more suitable steamers, more especially than the Hinemoa, could be got.

Mr. Saunders supported the proposal for striking out the item. Major Atkinson said the money was very nealy all spent.

INQUEST.

The inquest on the bodies of the twin children, dames Downey and Henry Arthur Penny, who died so suddenly last Saturday morning, was continued to-day in the Central Hotel, before Dr. Trevor and a jury of whom Mr. \V. T. Davison was foreman.

John Pratt, Sergeant of Police, said : On Saturday, 2. r md iusfc., J received horn James Downey Penny, the father of de ceased, 1 bottle of milk, 2 feeding bottles containing milk, 1 bottle which had traces of milk in it, 2 bottles which I was in formed contained aniseed, |1 wine glass, 1 cup and some sugar. Some portions of the bodies of the deceased children I also received from Dr. Ross, and I forwarded the whole to Professor Bickerton for analysis. I have this day received a tele gram from Superintendent Borhani, stat ing that Professor Bickerton had been un able to discover poison in the portions of the bodies of the deceased forwarded, nor in the milk, nor in any of the other articles forwarded.

Wm. Grey Ross, sworn, said—l am a duly qualified medical practioner, residing in Ashburton. I was culled to see the de ceased children on Saturday morning 22nd, atfi.fiO. Mr. Penny, who called mo, said wbenhecamofnnnethey were both dead.’ They were the children on whom I afterwards made a post mortem examina tion, When I arrived, one of the children was in the cot and the other in the mother's arms, Both were dead. They were warm, and in my judgment had been dead about an hour or less. Their limbs wore rigid, hands clenched, and the body of the smaller and weaker one already begin ning to bccotnu discolored, This child hacf a small dUantlty of bloody froth ex uding from tlia mouth and nostrils, I nO.tictil no other appearances respecting the pocllqß. Tbg bottles in the prib were lexamiuedabottle of miiseed 'Uuit pm Ml |£ U

I also examined the bottles that had con tained the milk the children had been supplied from the previous night. They were empty, and there was no particular odour or taste, except that of sour milk. I also examined the crib where tho babies had been lying for the night. The im pression of their bodies was well marked, i also examined the clothing covering the children and the relative position of their

s ho lies. There was nothing to show in any of these things how tho children came by their deaths, or to excite any suspicion of foul means having been used. There were no marks of violence on the , bodies, nor of any struggle—the cot and bedclothes appearing as if the children had been quietly taken out of bed. On the same day, about eight hours after I first saw them, I made a “post mortem” examination of both bodies;. The signs in both wore much alike—the only difference be.jng such as would naturally exist be tween a smaller and a stronger child. Tho congestion and discoloration were as a natural consequence more developed in a weaker child. Both bodies were well nourished, and without a single mark of violence anywhere. They were cleanly and well cared for ; the limbs were still rigid, the lips were blue, and the e3 r ea natural, and also the pupils of the same. The nails were not livid, but of tho usual pink tint ; the thumbs were turned in strongly. On opening the bodies, I found the right side of the hearts healthy and flaccid, the left thoroughly contracted, and also empty. The blood in the arteries leading to and from the heart, was very dark and fluid. At tho base of the.heart, under the pericardium, were many extravasations of blood of-the size of millet seed. The pinus gland was intensely' congested, and * also bad extra vasations of this size. The lungs were congested in part, but for the most part healthy. In the lungs were also minute extravasations under the pleura. There were about itotpe drachms of serum in the pericardram, and about one ounce in each pleural cavity. The livers, spjpens, and intestines were all healthy. ’ The stomachs were healthy throughout, and were half full of partly digested food, having the natural smell and appearance. The brain was intensely congested, but the bn-in substance itself was natural. The ventricles were full of serum. The throat was slightly congested ; wind-pipe and gullet clear. I gave the stomachs and their contents, spleens, portions of tho lungs and livers to Constable Farmer to take to Christchurch to Professor Bickerton. for analysis. Appearances led me to sus pect poisoning by strychnia, and it was for that reason I forwarded parts of the bodies for analysis. The other cause of death with which post mortem appearances would agree is sud den suffocation. Strychnine produces death sometimes by suffocation by its action on the muscles of the chest. I consider the most probably cause of death suffocation. The cause I consider must have been rapid. I think the evidence of the mother, that the children were all right at 3.30 on the morning of their death is perfectly correct. I cannot ac count for their death by suffocation if it occurred. There was enough air in the room ; the coverlet was thin, and if it had fallen accidentally on the faces of the children would not probably have produced suffocation. In some respects I should not have expected to find the right heart empty, and should have expected the faces would be pallid. The signs of death by suffocation were however uncertain. There were no marks of fingers on the throat. The thumbs were not so rigidly turned in as they would have been by convulsions. From the appearance of the bodies soon after death, I do not think they died of convulsions. Had they taken strychnine it would have been found in the liver or spleen. There were no marks to present any attempt at suf focation. A pillow would leave no mark. In many cases suffocation has been mis- , taken for death by natural causes. Tho signs are very uncertain. ;

Constable Farmer deposed to having delivered the bottles and other articles to Professor Bickerton, in the same condi tion as he received them from Dr. Ross.

The coroner said he was sorry there was no evidence to point out how the deceased came by their deaths. He was sorry for the public, sony for the parents, and sorry for himself as a medical man. The medical evidence pointed to suffocation. That was improbable, as the children were un covered when the mother saw them. There was no evidence to point out whe ther the children were suffocated or died by other causes. The theory of death by poison was cleared up, and the analysis showed that none had been found in the stomachs, and he could not recommend the jury to do anything else than return a purely open verdict. 3 ho jury returned a verdict in accord ance with the coroner’s recommendation.

WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

Tuesday, November 25.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury district opened its session in the Durham street church, Christchurch, on Tuesday last.

The following Ministers were present:— Revs. A. Reid (chairman), J. Aldred (Christchurch). W. Worker (Leeston), W. Gunnell (Rangiora), J. A. Taylor (Spring ston), J. B. Richardson (St. Albans, Christchurch), J. S, Smalley (Colombo road, Christchurch), W. H. Beck (Lyttel ton), W. Koall (Ashburton), W. S. Har per (Temuka), J, Armitage (Kaiapoi), W. Baumber (Christchurch), T. Fee (Wai mate), Te Kote (Native Minister, Rau paki).

The Rev. W. L. Salter, of the Welling ton district, was invited by the chairman to a seat in the meeting. The session was opened by singing and praj er. The Rev. J. Aldrod was unanimously elected secretary. The Rev. J. B. Richardson was appointed to prepare statistics.

Four candidates for the ministry were presented for examination, viz i—Messjv. T, F. Jones and J. Alison, from the Ash burton circuit; Qt. Hall, Rangiora circuit; and fQ. Bykee, Obrlshohurch (Colombo road) circuit. After arrangements had been made for the preaching of their trial sermons, they underwent an oral ex amination, conducted by the chairman, as to their conversion, religious life, and cull to the work of the ministry, ministers flf«e appointed to hear then; trial eer mgHfi and report thmwm black cmuli piplmimedm $ writtmj aemuii; tbs d| jijnj (j; 8 .

ti'ict roll being called, it was reported that the Rev. Henry Ellis, of the Rangiora cir cuit, had died during the year. Testimony was borne by the be vs. Messrs. Aldred, Cannell, Armitage, and the chairman, to the sterling Chris, iau character of the de ceased, and to ius conscientious devotion to his ministerial work. A letter of con dolence with Mrs. Ellis was ordered to be sent, and instructions given to prepare an obituary notice for Conference.

The names of the ministers were read over, and the usual questions proposed, which in each case were answered satis factorily.

Winter the question station do we propose to occupy !” atten tion was called to Rakaia and Cnertrey, in the south of the district, and to Arnberley in the north. Both the places had occu pied the attention of previous district meetings, but with the exception of send ing a home missionary to Rakaia for the past six months,-it had not been possible to furnish them with a stated ministerial supply. Referring to the Rakaia, the chairman read a report from the home missionary there, .which showed that while chnrch operations had been retarded somewhat by the-prevailing financial depression good had yet been done. Rev. W. Keall, of the Ashburton cir cuit, undet whose supervision the home missionary had been, employed, believed that though the financial prospects were at present not of the most encouraging character, yet the Conference ought to bo asked to continue a home missionary iu the Rakaia district. The Rev. J. B. Richardson and others expressed themselves iu favor of the re commendation, which was carried.

It was also unanimously resolved to ask Conference to appoint a home missionary to Amberiey.

The book committee was re-appointed, with the addition of the superintendent minister of the Leeston circuit. The church building committee was re-ap pointed. Permission was given to the Rev. Messrs. Worker, Cannell, Taylor, Keall, Smalley, and Armitage to attend the Conference, to meet in Dunedin in January, 1880.

An interesting conversation then look place on the Three Kings Training Institu tion at Auckland, and ultimately the Revs. Messrs. Richardson and Beck were appointed to bring up a resolution on Tuesday morning approving of the work done by the Three Kings institution, and commending the claims upon the Church. The next district meeting was appointed to sit in Christchurch on the fourth Wed nesday in November, 1880. The report of the Maori mission was ordered to be presented by the Rev. Te Kote on Tuesdaj’, and the meeting then adjourned. Wednesday, November 26. The meeting was opened with the usual devotional services at 10 a.m. The Rev. J. H. Simmonds, Timaru, took his seat. The Secretary read the record for the previous day. Preliminary to the financial meeting, to be held on Thursday, the charges likely to be made upon the connexional funds were estimated.

The Rev. Te Kote, of Raupaki (inter preted by the chairman),. then gave an account of his work among the Natives of Canterbury for the year. He deplored the fact that although the Maoris had the Gospel preached to them a number of years, they did not seem to him to have laid hold of it as they should have done. He was sorry to say that while his people in former years were numerous, now they are few. It was difficult to give a reason for their declining numbers ; perhaps it was due to their own folly. In 1863 this island had many people in it. Then, as he went from village to village, the people under his spiritual charge numbered about 1000. This year the following were the numbers : —Raupaki, 89 ; Taumutu, 28; Little River, 78; Akaroa, 47 ; Temuka, 74. The deaths during the year had been 55, births 16. Altogether, he had now 355 persons under his charge, consisting of 129 men, 89 women, and 137 children. He had ten communicants being two at Akaroa, and eight at Raupaki. He had paid visits to the above named places during the year. The Rev. W. S. Harper (of Temuka) — Did he understand that the Rev. Te Kote had visited Temuka ?

The Rev. Te Kote —Yes ; three times. The Rev \V. S. Harper did not remem ber to have seen him there. The Rev. Te Kote—When the hawk goes a-hunting, it does not see a mouse. (Loud laughter). I will call and see Mr. Harper next time I am at Temuka.

The Rev. Te Kote resumed his report— At the other places besides Raupaki and Akaroa, no desire was expressed for the administration of the Lord’s Supper. There were four churches, three of them in good condition, one dilapidated. Sunday schools were held in all the churches. The number of Sunday school teachers was seven. The contributions of his people had amounted to £l4 13s. 9d., and in addition this bo had received £SO from the Home Mission Fund. The devotional aspect of the people was, on the whole, satisfactory ; but be would like to see more evidence among them of the fear and love of God.

The Rev. W. H. Beck brought up the motion on the training of candidates for the ministry, which he had been instructed to prepare. He moved—“ That in view of the accession of ministers now on their way from Home to join the New Zealand ministry, this meeting urges upon the Conference the importance of taking ad vantage of this fact to place as many young men as possible in the Three Kings Institution, to be trained for the ministry ; and further, that the Conference shall insist upon the enforcement of the law which requires that no student shall be withdrawn for circuit work until he has been at least two years in the Institu tion.”

The Rev. J. B. Richardson seconded the motion, which was carried after an animated discussion on the subject. The written sermons of the candidates were read,

The obituary notice of the Rev Henry Ellis was read by the Rev. W, Camiell, tijul ordered to bo sent on to Conference. The meeting adjourned nt fi p,m.

The Morning session apehed at 10 Tlie usual duvutfanal services ttevqil. ' ' iJoitjmi to the ihNsters fa tb« «•?«« jin*

vious days, the following laymen were present :—Christchurch (Durham strei t), Messrs. C. W, Turner, and W. Harris Christchurch (Colombo road), Mr. Shier law. Christchurch (St. Albans), Mr. W. T. Smith. Lyttelton Mr. J. W. Smith. Springston Mr. J. W. Peryman. Rangi ora, Messrs. J. Thompson and Little. Temuka, Mr. Buxton. Ashburton, Mr. H. M. Jones. Waimate,Mr. G. Manchester. The Chairman reported that the Rangi ora circuit was due to take a second married minister. Mr. Thompson presented the following, resolution, passed at the Rangiora quar terly meeting—“ That as this meeting sees no possibility of supporting a second m '.rried minister in this circuit, owing to financial depression, it urges the Confer ence to relieve ns of the responsibility to do so at present. ”

After some discussion, the request Was declined. e

It was reported that a gallery had been erected in the Colombo road (Christchurch) church, at a cost of £560, of which £360 had been raised. The remaining £2OO was expected to be raised during the forthcom ing year. A section of land for the erection of a church had been acquired in Lincoln 10 id. An organ had been erected in the Kaiapoi church, coating £2OO, for which part payment had been made, and the whole to be raised within two years. A lengthy discussion took place res pecting the present depressed financial condition of the Ashburton church pro perties. The Rev, W. Keall made a statement, and asked for an expression of j opinion as to what was best to be done under the circumstances. The '' was a very grave one, and he had serious . doubts as to their ability to retain the property much longer unless something was devised.

Mr. Turner hoped they would not yield to a feeling of panic in this case, as had been the case in other instances in in times of prevalent commercial depres sion. He believed that after next har vest Ashburton and the surrounding dis tricts would be in a prosperous condition, and if arrangements could be made in the meantime, he had no doubt that the diffi culties would be removed.

Mr. J. W. Smith thought that the circuits in the district should be appealed to for assistance by flections and con tributions, and he had no doubt that a ready response would be made to auch an appeal. Expressions of sympathy with the Ash burton Minister and people were made by several of the ministers and laymen, and it was ultimately resolved to leave further discussion till the subject of home mis sions came before the meeting. On a ballot being taken the Rev. J. B. Richardson was elected as district repre sentative to Conference.

The Rev. J. B. Richardson was sensible of the honor done him, but felt it incum bent upon him to ask the meeting to re lieve him from the position in which they hod placed him. meeting acceded to Mr. Richard son’s request, and elected the Rev. W. Cannell, who stood next On the list.

The afternoon session began at two o’clock, and, after singing and prayer, the accounts of the respective Connexional funds were read.

A discussion arose as to the basis of as sessment for the children’s fund, which is at present that of the number of mem bers in each circuit.

The Rev. W. H. Beck moved— “ That it be a recommendation to the General Conference that the children’s fund and the education fund be amalgamated under some new name, and that the General Conference be requested to state what amounts towards the fund shall be raised by each Conference, leaving the latter to determine the mode of assessment.”

Mrr Thompson seconded the motion, and it was carried.

The Rev. J. B. Richardson read the following returns :—There are in the district 46 churches, 19 preaching places, 15 ministers and probationers, 2 catechists, Sunday school teachers, 419; local preachers, 68 ; class leaders, 52; full and accredited church members, 1026: on trial fur membership, 41 ; communicants 41 ; catechumens, 160; deaths, 8 ; Sunday schools, 46; Sunday school scholars, 3953; attendants on public worship, 1,310. The increase of members is 41, of communicants 7, of Sunday school scholars, 335, of adherents 441. Two home missionaries have been em ployed in the district.

The returns gave rise to a lengthy and unusually interesting discussion on the class meeting. The Rev. J. H. Simmonds asked for information as to the principles upon which the return of members were made. He had deviated from the usual method in making the returns fo the Timaru circuit, and reported only those who actually met in class.

The Chairman replied that the superin tendent minister must return such mem bers only as mot in class.

Rev. J. H. Simmonds expressed his willingness to correct; his returns, i Mr Buxton regretted the evident indie position there was growing up in the colony to meet in class, and moie so because many, like himself, would never have been identified with the Methodist Church if they had not regarded the class meeting as its distinctive feature and privilege. Rev. W. Worker thought it should be made known by the ministers in their circuits that to be a member of the Metho dist Church every person must actually meet in class. He also believed that too much discussion on the class meeting a* a •• test of membership in the “ New Zealand Wesleyan ” and elsewhere had donelnjury to the class meeting. The Rev. J. H. Simmonds thought It should not be allowed to go forth from this meeting that an intelligent discussion of all questions belonging to their Oh'irch, and especially so important a subject as that of class meeting, was not be allowed; on the contrary, snob dlwus sion, as he conceived, ought by all means to be encouraged, and was never more* necessary than now.

The Rev. J. 8, Smalley regretted th«f the statistics did not represent a mnrw gratifying state of progress, Especial!* (ffcl he regret the Insufficient supply of cla<# leaders, It was to be deplored that wmV ter* should in some instances be celled upon to act as class leaders, and fa m* instance he found that the ctrenft mfafftfr did all the class meetings. He ftmd, «t«o. that there was not gtj g«n«rft Iff

Saturday, November 29, 1879.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

3



TautOßAPmo.—Atalegnph station has hem opetted at De Vauohelle's Bay, County of Akarot. WoMUtn OtTT.—The once famous mine on the Thames Coldfield, the " Cale donian/' was closed early in the present month, and all hands were discharged. Thr shares ia this mine stood once at £3lo,'and the tailings from the battery, during the. periods of the richest crush ing!, nwd <0 bring from £fl to £Q per ton rt Wttipn | me pwool p( geveral hundred feMlNwwwfn«um«whersabout£7. The {|Wwnt lM9!«nt flf gala jwmefrom ml Jltwi m tin moil ionrishina days Hlgtwiaa <w MCounFal