NEWS OF THE MONTH.

AUCKLAND, N.Z., Sth December, 1883,

Must noteworthy of Iho occurrences of the

past month have been the arrival at this port of the large steamship Triumph, the immediate absorption in the population of over 200 immigrants landed by her,

and the stranding of the steamer on an island at the entrance to the harbour while taking her departure for Southern ports. From first to last, with the exception only of the immigrants being of a superior class and finding speedy employment, all con nected with the Triumph has been rather disappointing. Her voyage was lengthened

0 „t to lit days, which was very pro

traoted when contrasted with the smart

runs made by other steamers; and her

appearance and accommodation, as com pared with the Doric's, were of an inferior description. The crowning failure, however, was her running on the rocky shore of Tiri tiri within two hours' steaming of the wharf, and right iv the eye of the lighthouse. Her passengers numbered in all 475, of whom 322 were Government immigrants. Of the latter, 120 were for Southern ports, and these were despatched at once by the Union S.S. Co.'s coasting steamers, so that they wero placed in no danger by the subsequent disaster to the Triumph. Only one pas senger—Mr Thomson—remained on board when tho steamer left this port. She arrived here on Monday, 20th November,, and having got speedy despatch of cargo, departed for Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers at S p.m. on Thursday, 29th. About two hours thereafter, in a clear night, with no wind or current to derange calculations, the Triumph ran stem-on to a rocky cliff of 200 feet high, from the top of which shone the glare of the lighthouse far over the waters. Going as she was at the rate of eleven knots an hour, and her engines not being reversed till she was within 150 yards of the cliff, the steamer drove on the rocks with tre mendous force, going nearly half over tho obstaclo before her plates were pierced, and she was then impaled in such a way as to render well-nigh hopeless all attempts to get her off. In another column wo give Captain Brotherton's statement of how the disaster occurred, and putting the most charitable construction possible upon the circum stances, it is only too evident that there has been a deplorable error of judgment com mitted. Until tho inquiry into the casualty takes place, it would be wrong to prejudge the case; but one thing even now is certain beyond all doubt, viz., that the accident cannot be attributed to any hidden dangers around our harbour, or to unforeseen conditions of wind or tide. Vessels have been busily employed dis charging the Triumph's cargo, and, on Sunday morning, 2nd inst., four steamers went out, and at high tide attempted to move the stranded ship from the rocks. This attempt proving unsuccessful, Captain Brotherton abandoned her to the under writers. The accident to the Triumph adds another to tho list of disasters which have during the present year occurred in con nection with the New Zealand immigration scheme; it is to be hoped that it will prove to be the last. Tho immigration officers have shown themselves much dissatisfied with tho accommodation provided by the Triumph and the discipline maintained during the voyage, and have made a most adverse report to Government on the subject. They have also withheld from the captain, surgeon, and chief officer, the gratuities usually given to those having charge of immigrants in recognition of«their faithful discharge of duty.

Tne Intercolonial Conference on the questions of Annexation and Federation was opened at Sydney on Thursday, November 23, tho following delegates being present :— New South Wales: lions. A. Stuart (Premier), G. R, Dibbs (Colonial Treasurer), and Dalley (Attorney-General). Victoria : lions. James Service (Premier), Graham. Berry, and James Kerferd. New Zealand : Hons. H. A, Atkinson (Premier), and E. Whitaker (Attorney-General). South Aus tralia : Hons. J. C. Bray (Premier) and J. W Downer. Queensland : Hons. Grithths (Premier), and Mcllwraith (ex-Premier). Tasmania: Hons. W. R. Giblin (Premier) and N. J. Brown. Western Australia: Hon. M. Fraser. Fiji: Governor Dcs Vceux. The Hon. A. Stuart was elected President, and a motion was passed to exclude the press. After the preliminary business had been disposed 01, Governor Dcs Vceux presented a memorandum on Pacific annexation, and the Hon. W. a. Giblin submitted a communication from Mr Audley Coote, Hawaiian Consul at Hobart, protesting against the suggested annexa tion of the Pacific Islands. At the second day's sitting the Premier of Victoria tabled a series of resolutions : (1) Affirming the desirability of the Imperial Government annexing or establishing a protectorate over New Guinea and the islands from the Eauatortothe New Islands, so os te pre vent them falling into the hands of foreign powers ; (2) expressing the willingness of die colonies to bear a reasonable proportion of the cost ; (3) protesting against the pro posalof the French Governmentwithrespeot to recidivist convicts, and appealing to the Imperial Government to take steps to avert audi a calamity ; and (4) stating the opinion that the time has arrived for the federal union of tho colonies on such matters as the Conference may determine. The Premier of Queensland tabled a series of resolutions aimilar to theso, but limiting action to New Guinea. On the latter series the Hon. Mr Dallev moved an amendment in terms of tbe first and second clauses of the \ ictopan Premier's resolutions. Eventually a sub committee, consisting of the Premiers of Victoria, New South Wales, New Zealand, South Australia, aud Queensland, was ap pointed to consider the various propositions, and to frame final resolutions tor adoption fay tha Conference. This sub-Committee brought up its report on Saturday, December Ist, and after amendment by mSvtwe it stand* substantially as follows—(1) That it is extremely undesir -dde to'allow extension of dominion by any foreign C«'in the Western Pacific ; (2) That steps should be immediately taken to £ hat steps ww » Empire «o much of CGutneSsK clahfl by Holland; $f That the Anglo-French understanding the New Hebrito Group should ]f '^bodied in adefinite, permanent engage- W Tmu to secure those islands against J^'^rfdomrnation, and that Her Majesty* foreign »'»^ en deavour to secure tiie Gore,-n..nenfc*bOUi nterestg q{ control oi «"«»JgJ Governments repre laui (4) jfcoKnoe undertake to sub sonted at the , t t ]. e <.- respective mit and reco-wmoad to '*%,s£ the Parliaments to necessary expenses pi u*w.. t y population; M. j^&o.f fit the against the deciaieu relapsed French Government to deport l* P ■ to the Secretary of Sge.^ » institution °f .."passion, has accepted ffiEX IS. Council and defied its thcCGnferenceSirGemge y^ a . *„ adto on Annex atre on tion," in the Au. cK'a^ nvembe r 14, before a W^^S Wfi£mblS?. .Councillor .crowded public «#fe «■. ,th chair Waddel (MaJ«^i^XQ|! - 2 1l Be at« SSnttjo'Kn. members of th,

Victorian Legislative Council. SirGeorgo t.rey began by pointing out that in the early years of South Pacific colonisation he bad so shaped nffaiis as to lead up to a grand federation of all these island groups, with New Zealand at their head, and that at that time the Fijians and Tongans wero anxious for annexation, while New Cole i°"la' Loyalty Islands, and the New Hebrides already belonged to New Zealand. Great Britain, however, grew timorous and subsequently detached them. After ox-

pressing the opinion that each colony should send duly-elected representatives to the final Conference, Sir George laid down as cardinal points for consideration and adop tion by our people : Firstly, that they should recover tho rights of administering their own affairs internally, uncontrolled by any power whatever—the right which we originally had ; secondly, that we should insist upon being heard in all eases which concern our external relations ; and thirdly, that we should havo a positive assurance that no colony or part of tho Empire can henceforth be cut off from the Empire in any other manner than by Act of the Imperial Parliament, As for federation, he considered that New Zealand was almost bound to federate with the other colonies of the Australasian group upon such matters as naval defence; but it would not be advantageous for her to enter into such a federation as bound together the United States, for on questions of an importance peculiar to herself she might be out-voted and controlled against her will Above all it behoved Now Zealand not to lower her character, circumstances, and inlluenco by permitting the intrusion of a coloured popu lation, but to keep tho race pure and un tainted from its original source in Europe. In Australia the admixture of a coloured race was inevitable for climatic reasons, but New Zealand's ease was entirely different. The speaker resumed his seat amid loud and pro longed cheering, and, on the motion of Mr J. A. Tolo, M.H.R., seconded by Mr T. R. Hill, a vote of thanks to him, and a resolution " That the islands of tho Pacific should not be made a receptacle for tho convicts of any nation," were passed with acclamation. It is understood that Sir (Icorgo Grey has been invited to lecture at Melbourne, Sydney, and other Australian cities on tho same subject, and ho will probably consent to do so.

Tho discovery of a 9-feet seam of coal in the Kamo Colliery is an event of no little importance to Auckland. For many years past, owing to the productiveness of the Bay of Islands Colliery, the North has taken the lead in the New Zealand coal trade. The failure of the prospecting operations carried out by that Company, as reported at the last annual meeting, caused somo un easiness regarding the future of this most important industry. Though the extensive coal basin lying between Kawakawa and Whnngarei will undoubtedly yield that most valuable of known fuels for centuries to come, and we hope the Bay of Islands Company will yet meet with bettor success on other portions of their valuable mineral area, there appeared to be an imminent danger that our trade for steam coal might, for a time, suffer a serious decline The energy and good fortune of the Kamo Coal Company havo, however, averted this. For a considerable time past the management has been occupied in put ing down a working shaft upon the scam dis covered by boring some time ago. Upwards of £10,000 had been spent upon this shaft, and the pumping and Minding gear connected with it. The result has, however, proved beyond the most sanguine expectations of the Company. The result of the boring left the Company only the certainty of a four-feet seam, but the seam where cut by the shaft proves to bo nine feet. Tho shaft is about half-a-mile from the original workings in the mine, and only three chains from tho railway. The seam has been cut 220 feet below the surface of the ground. Samples taken from it prove, as might) have been anticipated, that the coal is very much superior to that taken from the upper workings, aud that it is equal to any coal in the colony. The Company mean business. They have 1,500 acres of freehold and an equal area of leasehold ground, in the acquisition and development of which they have expended a sum of £40,000. The site selected for their shaft gives them the whole rise of the coal. Confident of the permanence of the mine, they have entored into contracts with the Union Steamship Company for twelve months to coal their vessels in Auckland harbour. For the pur pose of performing this contract and coaling other steamers, two hulks of 1,500 tons each have been purchased in San Francisco, and will bo stationed at Auckland. The steamer Waitaki, also bought by tlio Com pany, will run regularly to Whangarei, filling up with coal and developing the passenger and general cargo trade of the Whangarei district. Facilities for coaling the direct English steamers and other ves sels arriving" at this port may thus be relied upon. Theso arrangements must confer great advantages on Auck land and advance the mercantile in terests of the city. If the recently-noted falling off in the Customs revenue of the colony has been ac cepted as a sign of commercial depression, room for congratulation is afforded by tho return of imports and ex[iorts for tho year ended 30th September last, which has just been published. Parenthetically, we must remind our readers that the deficiency in Customs revenue is not altogether traceable to dull times, but is to a great extent tho , result of over-importation in the past. The imports for the past year reached a total value of £8,320,830, and tho exports £7,321,172, making an aggregnto volume of trade of £15,048,000. This, shotting as it does, an average of over £30 to each unit of the population, is a very respectable figure, and one which demon strates a high state of productiveness and industrial activity. It will bo seen that the imports still exceed the exports by £1,005,658, a condition incident to nearly all new countries. As compared with 1882, ; the figures are most satisfactory, the in crease°in exports being £092,115, as against a decrease in imports to the amount of £173,211. The increase in exports for tho year is mado up of £17,207 in wool, £210,132 in grain, eto„ £93,000 in tallow, and £66,016 in frozen meat, Tlio value of our export meat trade last year was £79,977, while in 1882 it was under £16,000. The gold exports, which have since 1873 been steadily falling off, decreased lost year to the extent of £47,008. Those who believe that gold-mining is the mainstay of the colony will be ready to contend that the falling offin that branch of productive ness is the cause of the dull times which have been prevalent of late ; but while the decadence of the goldfields as a whole is to bo regretted, it is manifestly unfair to con cise that to their decline is due more than the merest fractional portion of the depres sion which has been felt. No doubt, gold is an export of enqriftous Value. This is proved by the fact that in )SG3, when New- Zealand produced gold to the vajug of two and a-half millions, the volumo of trade was £10,300,000 to a population of 164,000 persons, or an average of £63 per head. But It v significant to note that the development of the permanent resources of the colony has been a steady concomitant of the decline of tho goldfields. Twenty years ago, when our gold exports were valued at two and a-half millions of money, tho other products exported from tho colony were worth less than one million. Now the gold produced is worth £900,000, while wo ex port over £3.000,000 worth of wool, £2,000,000 worth of wheat, tallow, timber, Jfec, besides increasing quantities of flax and kauri gum, and our auite new trade in frozen meat, which is likely to develop largely and apidly, without at all reducing the value of our wool exports. As our wool, meat, and grain products have received a proper share of attention, tli6 trade of tho colony has been moro equablo und its development more steady. Tho near balancing of im. ports and exports denotes a healthy state of things, and the return of a more stable and less speculative basis for trade which is thus shown will speedily give a fresh impetus to every department o! commerce and industry. Rejoicing as wo do, in the pro mised wealth of the Te Aroha goldfield, there is »t least as much ground for gratula tion, in the fact that the colony is pretty nearly indepsndenfc of the gold-mining in dustry, and will not S}o set wild with excite ment, even should this latest Auckland field prove rich beyond tho dreams of the most rdent enthusiasts.

Native affairs have, during tho past month, developed a most favourable phase, whjich will practically lead to the termina tion of native exclusiveness, and the gradual opening "of'the whole of the King Country to European settlement. The Hon. J. Bryce (Native Minister) with his private secretary (Mr Butler) arrived in the Manukau on November llth from New Plymouth, by the s.s. Hawoa. His object was to meet and confer with several sections of the Kingite natives on matters connected with rajlway exploration, and to assist them in ascertaining the title te their lands by means of the Native Lands Court. Mr Carkeek (surveyor) accompanied the Native Minister to N.eM- PJyjnouth, and is to start at orw from Stratford or Waitara, with a railway exploration party, jfp pur suance of his object, Mr Bryce had ft con ference with the leading Kingite chiefs, and a most cordial understanding was arrived at for the opening up of the Maori lands. The parties to the agreement embrace 30 pfjjefs, among whom are Wahanui, Rewi,

llltm, and llopatc Rangianini. Tawhiao, the so-called "Maori King," has been en tirely ignored in the course of these nego tiations—he having no land whatever of his own, and his claim to "mana" or authority over the land of the several tribes being repudiated by the most of the native. At a largo native meet ing held ten days ago at Waotu, the principal speakers advised the Maoris to pay no attention to Tawhiao, and ridiculed the idea of the latter visiting Queen Vic toria. It is now confidently anticipated that the survey of the North Island trunk railway will go on uninterruptedly. Liquifies made in Wellington regarding the letter alleged to have been sent by the Maori members of the Assembly to the Aborigines Protection Society have elicited some curious facts. It has been ascertained that the letter was written by a European who bears the historic name of Macßeth, and who is reported to have formerly been guilty of similar intermeddling, either from an ardent love of the native race or from a desire to line his own pockets at their ex pense. Colour is lent to the supposition that Macßeth is a selfish schemer by the fact that a copy of tho letter (presumably through his agency) has been offered to the Wellington newspapers at the modest figure of 2.") guineas—an offer which was promptly declined. The statement contained in that precious communication, to the effect that the New Zealand Govern ment were preventing the Maori King from visiting Queen Victoria, is Hatly con tradicted by Major Te Wheoro, one of the most prominent Maori members of the Legislature; and from this it is to be inferred that Te Wheoro was not a party to the humbugging epistle. It is in deed questionable 'whether any of the natives who signed it thoroughly under stood its contents j and in these circum stances people at Home will see the absurdity of any action which the Aborigines Protection Society may take in the matter. The Maoris (and they arc well aware of the fact) are possessed of tlio_ constitutional means of making their grievances known, and having them redressed ; but they are unfortunately to some extent the easy prey of designing Europeans ambitions of notoriety or filthy lucre. Sir William .Jervois, we doubt not, has sent Homo such replies to the queries addressed to him by Lord Derby as will place the Imperial Govern ment in a position to give a complete refu tation to the terrible indictment which the Aborigines Protection Society has pro bably prepared against Now Zealand colo nists, on the strength of that most influen tial and pathetic epistle, evolved from tho brain of the busybody Macßeth. On Thursday, Cth inst., a banquet, to celebrate the successful issue of the first month's crushing of To Aroha quartz at tho battery, took place at the rapidly-rising township in that district. Mr ,1. C. Firth, whose enterprise has done much to develop the resources of Tc Aroha and neighbour hood, presided, and there were about -10 Auckland gentlemen present, besides gold field residents. Tho result of the month's operations lias been to prove the quartz veins of this field to have gold in payablo quantities and of excellent quality ,- and the fact that the quartz is widely distributed in reefs easily workable, gives .splendid promise of a permanent and valuable gold-field being established. There will bo no sudden access of the aim sacra fames ; no "rush" of diggers ; no wild speculations in tbe share market ; no sudden making and marring of fortunes, such as characterised operations in other goldlields in the colonies: but a steady and most lucrative industry will, it is confidently hoped, be established, and the wilderness of a year ago will bo tho centre of a largo population engaged in a variety of pursuits.

City improvement works are now all in train, and during the summer good pro gress will be made with them, the only difficulty being the scarcity of labourers. Chief among tho improvements is the laying of the street tramways which are to connect the different parts of the city and suburbs. Levelling of the streets is being done where required, and the rails and other plant being now on hand, tho work will be pushed forward with all expedition. Tho City Council, Harbour Board, and Meat Freezing Company, have come to a final agreement for the cutting down of Point Britoinart, and using tho earth for foreshoro reclamation purposes. Tenders for this vast undertaking, involving the removal of 200,000 cubi2 yards of earth, will shortly be accepted, and within a year tho whole aspect of this portion of the city will have changed. St. Paul's Cathedral Church, an old and pro minent landmark, stands in the way cf this improvement, and is to be removed along with other buildings on this eminence, so that old colonists returning after a time will miss a familiar feature of the land scape. Between Albert-street on the cast and Hobson-street on the west a similar im provement is also to tako place. The streets aud blocks on this area are to be cut down for some distance, involving the re moval of 218,000 cubic yards of earth, and the work will be jointly undertaken by the City Council and Harbour Board. The lay ing of mains to supply water from the city reservoirs to the .suburban borough of Par nell is being proceeded with, and it is also proposed to extend the pipes to the suburb of Remuera.

The fourth Industrial Exhibition which lias been hold under the auspices of the Auckland Sunday School Union was formally opened in the Volunteer Drill-shed by Mr J. C. Firth on Tuesday afternoon, November 27th, and continued open every day and evening up till and inclusive of the Saturday following, Excluvivo of exhibits from certain country schools, which arrived too late for competition, 51 schools were represented, 1,252 exhibits Mere sent in, and 2GS certificates were awarded. The bulk of the articles consisted of feminine handi work in tho shape of plain and fancy needle work, but tliero wero also numerous draw ings, kites, pretty modols of yachts, steam engines, dwelling-houses, and miniature suites of furniture, chests of drawers, &c. Special certificates were awarded for ex hibits of flowers and cookery. A portion of the building was partitioned off as a placo of cntertainmont, and herein con certs and exhibitions of limelight dis solving views wore nightly given, while the use of tho electric telegraph and olectrio light, and tho presence of a brass band each evening, also contributed to the enjoyment of tho visitors. Thp patronage af the public was well sustained, and when tho Exhibition closed ft Mas found that the gross receipts by admission fees amounted to £185. All tho proceeds of sales M'ero handed over to the exhibitors whose goods M-ere sold. His Excellency Sir Wm. Jervois does not appear to have enjoyed good health during his stay in New Zealand. Tliero have been constant reports of his suffering from severe colds, contracted in that misorablo place of wind, mud, and general wretchedness which claims to be tho Empire City of the colony. His Excellency, who lately loft for an extended tour of tho South Island, has become sc ill at Christchurch that ho has boen forced to abandon his intention in the meantime. Ho shortly comes to try the genial air and reviving sun of Auckland for a month or tM-o.

Among tho passengers by the mail steam ship Zealandia, which arrived from San Francisco on the morning of Nov. 11, wero the Earl and Countess of Roseberry, who aro on a visit to the Australasian colonies. Upon arrival of the steamer hero, His Worship tho Mayor (Mr J. M. Clark) waited upon Lord and Lady Roseberry and cordially welcoiped them to Auckland, after which tho distinguished visitors were driven to Mr Clark's rosldonco at Remuera, where thoy remained until late in tho afternoon. TheM-eather, which had been very boisterous during tho morning, having cleared up, Lord and Lady Roseberry visited Mount Eden, from the highest elevation of which an admirable view of the city was obtained. Afterwards they called at the Northern Club in company with Dr. Haines, and in the evening they dined with His Worship the Mayor at Remuera. Lord and Lady Roseberry, who went on to Sydney by the mail steamer, intend to return to Auckland about a month hence, when tho Hot Lftljps of Rotorua and Rotomahana and othor plaoos of particular interest will probably be visited, The Hon. F. Whitaker, accompanied by his privato secretary (Mr D. Maunsell), was a passenger by the Zealandia on November jltji, for Sydnoy, to attend tho Inter colonial Conference on tho annexation question, which opened on the 28th Novem ber. Amongst tho other passengers from Auckland by tho Zealandia there wore Baron Hiibner (the Austrian statesman), who will pass through here again on his way home, after visiting India ; Colonel Hosuer, a re tired officer of Her Majesty's service, who has boen residing V.ere for somo time past ; and Mr and Mis Thomas Motrin and Miss Morrin,

THE LABOUR MARKET.

Ix all branches of labour and trade there appears to have been a degree of dullness unusual at this season of the year ; conse quently there has been no scarcity of men. Tlio ropof-ts from the various sources upon which we relied for fuller particulars and details havo not all come to hand, and in the absence of some, wo cannot give a coin

plete summary of the state of the industrial interests in Auckland. We would urgo the

■ importance of sending in the reports regu arly every mouth on those who receive the circulars issued by the Trade and Labour Council (Secretary, Mr W. Cowper).— Carpenters: This trade has been over stocked, Wages, 10s per diem of eight hours ; overtime is generally allowed at the rate of time and a quarter,]jbut there is no recognised trade rule on that point. Boot and Shoemakers : Trade is rather quiet. Wages, 7s lid per day of eight hours. Mechanical Engineers : Work has been slack. In this trade, overtime is allowed at the rate of time and a-quarter, time and a-half, and double time, as cir cumstances demand. A few extra hands were required at the railway shops, but more applied than were required. Wages, Gs to lis per day of nine hours. Brick layers : Rate of wages, 12s per day of eight hours. As there will be a large amount of building during the present summer and autumn, the demand for this class of labour is expected to increase. Bricklayers' labourers : Wages, 10s per day -, hours same as bricklayers. Cabiuut-innkelfe Wages, Ss <ld per day of eight hours. Blacksmiths are in fair demand at from lOsto 12s per day. Boilermakers and iron shipbuilders (both these trades being incorporated in this colony) have been in demand. Wages, Ills to 12s. Moulders: There is a demand for good men at 10s to 12s per day. Printers : There are about 100 men employed, and only one or two out of work. "Stab." wages range from £2 10s to £:! per week, working nine hours a day. Piece hands got ls por thousand without "fat," Shipwrights: There is a fair amount of work doing. Wages, 10s per day of eight hours. Tailors, for whom there is little demand, at present, receive lOd per hour. There are a great number of young women employed in this business. At the railway workshops, wages range from 7s Od to 12s per day of eight hours. Bakers : No demand for labour. Hours, unlimited ; wages, from 7a Od to Ss lOdperday. Labourers: There is an un satisfied demand for agricultural labourers, and as a quantity of railway and other work requiring pick and shovel men will shortly be commenced, tlio demand for ordinary labourers and navvies may soon be ex pected to increase. Tiie sawmills in the city) are employing about GOO hands, and aro busy. Wages range from 7s Od to 10s per day, and no loss of time, Plasterers are busy. Wages, 10s and 12s per day of eight hours. Painters: This is a trade which has always been well supplied, and there appears no further de mand. Wages, Ss -Id per day of eight hours. Tho Triumph's Immigrants. A more satisfactory indication of the state of the labour market is afforded by an observation of tho effect produced upon it by tho arrival of the Triumph's immigrants. The wholo of the mechanics and tradesmen, numbering between 40 and 50, were engaged on tho day of arrival at current wages, and wo aro informed that thero was still a very unsatisfied demand for bricklayers and plasterers. Tho demand for tlio 42 female servants who ar rived was very great, and not only did ovory one rind situations on tho day of arrival at wages ranging from 10s to 12s por week, but those who went South might also have been accommodated with places. We may add that situations have been found for tho thirty specially selected servants expected on the next vessel by the members of the Girls' Friendly Aid Society. This satisfac tory state of affairs may bo contrasted with the labour markets of the South Many of the immigrants who went to Southern ports by tho lonic aro still out of employment, while unemployed agitation is proceeding in Otago.

THE GOLDFIELDS.

Tiiamks, December 4. The last month's goldfields life has not been signalised by any important dis coveries, and steady application to work rathor.than brilliancy of result has been the general feature. The New Prince Imperial mine maintains tho foremost position as a gold-producer which it has held for the last eighteen months, and promises to continue fruitful for some months to come. The blocks in hand on No. 2 reef above No. 5 level yield a pretty regular supply of speci mens, and about Sowt have been secured since our last Summary. There are, how ever, highly remunerative sections opened on the Mariner's lode, at No. 4 level, from which the bulk of the crushing material is now derived. These slopes are about 450 feet in length, extending from the Cross to the Hand ofFriendshipboundary, and the roof is payable for tho wholo distance. The cleaning up at the end of October gave the handsome yield of 2,1300z5. gold, enabling the directors to distribute another dividend of 3s per share. A sum of £2,700 was thus ab sorbed, making a total sum of £37,800 paid by the Company while working tho present runs of gold. Tho November retorting took place on Saturday last, when 1,5900z5. gold wero obtained as tho result of tho treatment of 912 loads general stuff, and the attendant specimens. It is understood that the directors have tho wherewithal to distribute another dividend, but prefer delaying until the next clcaning-up, which takes place a fortnight honco, when a larger sum will in all probability be avail able. Tho only othor clnim on a dividend paying footing is tho famous old Waiotahi, which has realised surprisingly regular returns for several years. During the present month tho directors have paid 2s Od por share, representing tlio total sum of £750.—Deep Level Cross : This Com pany is working tho branches of the Im perial lode at tho 430 feet lovel (No. 5) with payable results. A winze, intended to con nect with tho 640 feot level tunnel from tho big pump shaft, is 120 feet in depth, nnd a rise has been commenced at tho lower lovel for the purpose of communicating with it.— Hand of Friendship : Operations were com menced three weeks ago by driving a cross cut at No. 5 Imperial level to intersect Mariner's reef, and sinking a winzo on the same body from No. 4. Adverse country, however, compelled the contractors to desist in tho crosscut, and thoy are vow ongaged in continuing tho eastern drive at tho reef at No. 4 level, which the Imperial Company extended to the boundary.—Queen of Beauty: Directors and a mine manager have been appointed by tho new Company, but the only work yet in progress is tho ex tension of the crosscut through tho Bird in Hand section at No, 8 level. A mullocky leader has been intersected, and the main lode is looked for daily. A crosscut is being driven to prove branch loaders at No. 10 level.—Dart (formerly Hope Creek): A material improvement has been noticeable in tho western drive on No. 2 lodo at No. 3 lovel, as well as in the winzo carried through from No. 2 level. The reef in both places has (produced specimens, of which about 401bs. are on hand, and the general crushing is yielding at an average rate of IJozs per load. The prospects, as a whole, aro decidedly clicor ing.—The Queen of England Company is cross-cutting at Nq. 4 level, towards No. 1 reef, and havo intersected a small leader within the Mariner ground, upon which tho latter Company are driving, and finding a little golcl.—The London manager is driv ing at tho same level to connect with a winzo sunk from No. 3 lovel on No. 2 lode, and after breaking through will cross-cut towards No. 1 reef, which also showed rich gold at the bottom of a winze carried down upon it. —The Moanataiari Company is securing payable results from No. 9 lodo, at the 132 feet level, and tho Kuranui has also been fairly successful in prospecting upon the same body from the Belfast tunnel. —The Caledonian is obtaining remunerative quartz from leaders in '-.lie Red Queen section at No. 1 level, and cross-cutting to inter sect the samo veins at No. 2.—Waiotahi District: Mining operations in tho Darwin havo been at a standstill for tho greater part of the month, during the erection of winding machinery, Winding operations will bo in progress early in tho coming week. About 22 loads of quartz have been taken from the reef at tho 150 feot level, showing gold freely, and a trial crushing will shortly bo made. The Cambria forfeited holding of 10 men's ground was sold by the Warden on Satur day last, and purchased by Mr J. M. Lennox at £550, A new company is being floatod for tho purpose of working it.—The New Diamond Company owns a claim which embraces the original New Caledonia pro perty. In driving upon a lode about a foot in thickness, gold is seen freely in a well-mineralised and generally favourable class of stono. —Tho Moanataiari extended shaft has been sunk SO feet, latterly through hard country.—The New Columbia test parcel from the Papakura reof proved worthless.—The Bright Smile Company commenced its new financial year with a sum of £500 to its credit. Payable quartz is still coming to hand from the stopes on the branch of tho Candlelight lode, and another crushing will shortly be arranged (or.—Moanataiari District: in this neigh bourhood the only mines at work are the

Alburnia and Reuben Parr. The former is prospecting at its new low lovel, and the latter sinking a winze on the Dauntless lode. —All mining works nt Otanui are at a standstill, the wrotchad state of the road* precluding transit of quartz. Negotiations are being made for tho diversion of the Government road vote towards the construction of a tramway,—The latest mining scheme is one for the creation of a new tribute company to work the ground below the 400 ft. levels of tho Moanataiari, Caledonian, Golden Crown, Manukau, and Waiotahi properties. It is proposed to con stitute a company with a capital composed of 100,000 shares of 5s each, and work from the 040 ft. level of the Big Pump, extending a main tunnel parallel with the Moanataiari creek, whence cross-cuts will be driven to prospect the main lodes of the district underneath the famous Moanatairi and and Caledonian shots of gold. The Com pany will, of course, assist in the drainage of the surrounding mines, which now falls as a heavy burden upon the Company maintain ing the pumps. The promoters are sanguine of success in floating the venture.—News from the Ohinemuri gold fields is of a scanty nature. —The Martha Extended Company (Waihi) has secured another payablo return from the large but low grade reef, and have now 30 stampers continuously employed upon a similar class of quartz. — Karangahake is languishing, owing to the partial destruction of the battery finning and tramway during a freshet, and most of the claims are idle ; whiie at Owharoa the principal mine, the Smile of Fortune, has reduced its stall' to two or three men who are engaged in prospecting at a now low level. Summary ok Hold Kktukns, From Ist November to Ith December, inclusive. Ozs. dwts Adelaide claim II i 4 Do. tributes 38 17 Alburnia tributes 121 Hi Caledonian tributes II! 8 City of Manchester 211 8 Do. tributes 22 17 Deep Level Cross -I'fl 0 I-f an raid (Karangahake) 30 17 Kuranui Hill (II 10 Do. tributes 119 10 Martha Extended (Walhl) .. .. ISO 5 Moanataiari 139 13 Do. tributes IST I New Prince Imperial (Oct. return) .. 213!) 0 Do. (November) 1596 0 New Columbia I 8 Sundries (comprising returns from tailings and private claims) .. X 0 0 Small parcels 18 I) Thames Golden Crown (October) .. 113 15 Do; (November) 212 1(1 Waiotahi (October) 2(10 10 Do. (November) 3uf> I) Waitekauri No. 2 tributes .. .. 110 13 Total 11,7,10 18

DRAMATIC.

At the time when our last summary was issred (Nov. oth) tho Polks were in tho first week of their season at Abbott's Opera Houso, and "Tho Strategist" was being performed to capital " business." Since then they havo produced "The American," " An Arabian Night," and " Sam'l o' Posen," and thoy brought the season to a close on November 28th by taking a bonefit. On tho following night Stanley and Darbyshire's Juvenile Opera Houffe Troupe "nd Pantomime Company opened with the "Pirates of Penzance," which after running for three nights, was replaced by "Les Cloches do Corneville " and it in its turn was withdrawn after two nights' performance. The troupe still occupy the boards, and are moderately well supported. It is quite ovidont, however, that these juvonilo performances, having outgrown their novelty, are now palling upon the public taste. In all likelihood Miss Ponie roy's Dramatic Company, now working ite way up from the South, will succeed the youngsters. At any rate, there will be no interregnum, as the o;>era House has been hired in advance continuously up till Juno next.

MERCANTILE.

Tin: Mahinapua took 2,0530z5. gold from Hokitika for the Hank of New Zealand, Auckland, on November lit. Mr King, of tho Hank of Australasia, has been promoted from the Auckland to the Melbourne ollice.

Tho Mosgie! Woollen Company's profits are t'S, 140. They pay ten per cent, divi dend, and add £s.3S<t to the reserves.

Branch ollicos of the Australian Mutual Provident Society are to bo opened at the New Year in Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch.

At the annual meeting of the Mosgiel Factory, Otago, held on November 2:i, a dividend of ll) per cent, was declared, £2SOO carried to reserved fund, and UI3S4 carried forward.

Champion Copper Company, Nelson, has been formed on a larger scale with a capital of £00,000. Former shareholders .subscribe to the extent of £20,000, and the other shares are being rapidly taken up.

The Waikato Timber Company are about to erect a sawmill at Hamilton East to supply totara and other timber for all parts. The timber in the log will come by water from Waotu and elsewhere.

Tho mail steamer City of New York, which left for San Frnncisoo at an early hour on November 7, had on board specie, shipped at Sydney, to the value of £122,000, and two boxes of gold, shipped at Auckland, valued at £7,489.

At the first annual meeting of the South Canterbury Refrigerating Co., at Timaru, on November 20, it was stated that 3,328 shares had been applied for. Land has been secured for permanent works, the cost of which, with machinery and buildings, is estimated at £12,000.

An extraordinary meeting of the Auckland Nativo Lands Colonization Co. was hold on Nov. 16, Mr Vinos presiding, when it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Claude, that the resolution passed at a previous meeting authorising the directors to sell tho business and assets to the New Zealand Native Land Settlement Company was confirmed.

A spocial meeting of shareholders of the Taupiri Coal Company was held on 16th November, Mr Roberton presiding. It was agreed to amalgamate with the Taupiri Extended Coal Company, and Mith n view to this, the Company was voluntarily wound up, and Mr Franz Scherff appointed liqui dator. Tho conditional agreement Mas approved, and tho liquidator M-as authorised to carry it into offeot. Steady progress is being made with the construction of tho Sugar Refinery Works at Northcote, and the last few months have dovoloped important changes on the Company's sito. Tho hill at tho point has been ciit away, and on the reclamation formed tho Malls of tho refinery works are already built. Tho wharf is so far com pleted that tho ship Akaroa is steadily dis charging her shipment of pipes and machinery alongside. Numerous cottages have beon built on the hill, and the whole operations now give employment to about 100 men,

Tho appointment of official assignees under tho new Bankruptcy Act was made at Wellington on Mov. 14, and confirms tho forecast given by our own correspondent as to tho gentleman likely to bo chosen for Auckland. The names recommended to the Governor by the Cabinet aro :—For Auckland, Mr John Law-son, formerly Commissioner for North Island Railways ; for Wellington, Mr C. C. Graham, at present Town Clerk ; for Ghyistchiirch, Mr C. E. Latter, a well-known resident; for Dunedin, Mr Ashcroft, until recently editor of the "Otngo Daily Times." The appointments will be gazetted as soon us His Excolloney has given his assent.

Mr David Hean, manager of the National Bank, left for tho South by the Rotorua on Friday, Nov 9, for tho purpose of assuming tho position of inspector for New Zealand. Mr Hean has been a resident in Auckland for the last ten years, and has made himself extremely popular in business and social circles. Ho is ono of the most experienced and successful banking officers in New Zealand, and the con fidence reposed in him by the directors of the Company is M-ell placed. A large number of friends assembled at the steamer this afternoon to wish him good-bye. Mr J. Coates, accountant of the Auckland branch, will assume tho position of acting manager at Auckland.

The New Zealand Native Land Settlement Company's Annual Meeting.

At tho annual meeting of tho New Zealand Native Land Settlement Company, Dr. D. Pollen in the chair; there were ten shareholders present. The roport stated : Your directors are glad to bo able to re port that, as its objects and operations be come more M'idely known, the Company continues to acquire and enjoy the con fidence of the native people; this is evi denced by the increase in the extent and value of tho land entrusted to it for dis posal ;in the return of property now pre sented with tho balance-sheet for the year, tlio estimated value of the lands so en trusted is £275,901 lGs 9d, as against £167,893 as shown in the schedule ac companying tho report of the previous year ; whilst the estimated profits of the Company thereon are £42,952 lOsllld, as against £33,893 2s Gd on 30th September, 1882. Extensive tracts of land in Waiapu, Wairoa, and elsewhere, the titles to which are not yet obtained, are represented in this i return not by their value and acreage ex

tent, but only by the actual cash payments made to the lutive owners as advanc*s on account of them. During the short period since their appointment, delays,apparently unavoidable, iv obtaining subdivision (if claims iv l!._. Native Land Court, have prevented your directors from attempting to effect largo sales of land, and as, in consequence, no sufficient profits have been realised, they do not propose that any dividend should at present be declared. But as, at the sittings of the Native Land Court which are now being held on the East Coast, titles will, to a great extent, bo cleared and brought under the Land Transfer Acts, it is proposed in January next to offer for sale or lease, as already advertised, lands in the neighbourhood of the rapidiy-rising town of Gisborne, tho returns from which ought to be considerable. If the reasonable expec tation of your directors in this respect should be realised, the half-yearly report to be presented in tho mouth of May next will show results which will be satisfactory at once to the native clients of the Company and to the shareholders. Preparations are also being made for the disposal of blocks of pastoral and agricultural laud in Eng land, with Hie view to encourage bona fide settlement and the influx of capital and labour in the East Cape district." Tho Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that he had nothing to add to nothing more, but, would move the adoption of the report.—MrGraves Aickin seconded, IXUKKASE IN NOAIIiKR ol' DIfiKOTOHS.— The next business was the consideration of the following rosolutioa :—" That section 00 of the Articles of Association be altered by inserting tho,word 'thirty,' in place of 'twenty,' throughout the said section."— The Chairman explained that this referred to the number of directors. —It was proposed to increase the number from 20 to 30, which would enable them to keep their engage ment with the Auckland Nativo Land Company, to give their representation in the Board, anil also provide for the English directors. The resolution was approved of, and Mr ,1. G. Firth strongly advocated the continuance of the Company as an Agency Company, pure and simple. This terminated the proceedings.

The Union Oil, Soap, and Candle Com pany's Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the above Company was held on the 15th November, Mr John Batger presiding. The financial .statement, which was taken as read, showed on profit and loss account that £8,124 14s lid hail been expended on cost of material and packages, and £2,047 Is Gd in wages, salaries, commission and traveller's expenses, which, with other dis bursements of a miscellaneous character, made up a total of £11 ,303 3s 2d. Against this (here was a sum of £11,020, being the value of manufactured goods, sold and on hand, which, with a balanco of £247 3s lid from last account, and 17s Od transfer fees, left a credit balance of £505 (is Od to be carried over to new ac count. The balance-sheet showed that there was an overdraft at the Bank of New- Zealand amounting to £3,412 13s 3d, un called capital representing £S,OOO, 13,150 unallotted shares, £13,800 lis 8d worth of landed property, buildings, and plant; aud £0,070 2s Sd worth of raw material, manu factured goods, etc., besides some smaller assets.

The National Insurance Company's Annual Meeting.

The tenth annual meeting of shareholders in the National Insurance Company was held at Dunedin on Wednesday, the 14th November, Mr .J. M. Ritchie, Chairman of directors, presided. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The three re tiring directors, Hon. It. Oliver, Messrs A. Hurt and J. M. Ritchie wero re-lected.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said : I regret that, in meeting you upon this, tho tenth anniveiiary of the birth of your Company,your directors cannot congratulate you on a successful's year's work. From the accounts, you Mill see that the underwriting for the year shows a loss of about £11,000, and but for the handsome income from our investments, which suffices for the usual dividend, it is open to question how far we should be justified in distributing these. Happily, tho amount of this, and our ample reserves, relieve all doubts on the point. You will observe that our premium income has increased over 15 per cent, from last year, which must be regarded as so far satisfactory, considering the great caution which has been exercised, and the continued shrinkage of rates in various parts of our field. On the other hand, our losses are un usually heavy, tho per centago being, in lire 04 per cent., and marine SI per cent., against 75 per cent, and GO per cent, in IISS2, and 71 per cent, and 59 per cent, in ISSI respectively. Our expenses show an improvciront, being 21.73 ]ier cent, against 22 per cent, in ISB2, and 27 per cent, in iSSI; but this has but little appreciable effect in neutralising the sweeping evil of our abnormal losses, and the fact re mains that, after taking all but £300,000 off the net premiums during the past two years, we aro out of pocket £7,000, after paying our losses and expenses, and recover ing our unearned premiums. Turning for a moment to the balance-sheet, you will see that after the withdrawal of £14,364 to profit and loss account, the reserve fund is increased by some £13,000, which is caused by the payment on account of now shares. The £28,000 unpaid and not duo will come in at the various duo dates, when your re serve will stand at the respectable total of £137,000. Mr Ritchie went on to explain the apparent causes of this stato of things, referring to tlio commercial depression, reckless competition, and numerous marine losses between the Colonies and Britain.

Now Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company.—General Meeting.

The first general meeting ot tho share holders of the above Company Mas held on November 12, Mr J. C. Firth ( Chairman of Directors) presiding. There were also present—Messrs P. Comiskey, A, Buckland, A. Bull, J. Fisher, L. D. Nathan, Joseph Howard, D. L. Murdoch, Tisdall, Brookes, Every Maclean, Green, and Captain Steele.

After tho meeting had been duly opened, tho following report was submitted :— This being the first general meeting of tho shareholders in this Company (to beheld by tho Articles of Association), the Directors have to report: 1. That the purchase of the business and property of the late firm of Fisher and Co. (Limited) has being com pleted. 2. That the operations of the new Company are being continued on tho basis of tho late firm of Fisher and Co. (Limited). 3. That all shares of tho first issue of 20,000 have been taken up, and calls paid. 4. That negotiations for the cutting down of Emily Place are on the point of comple tion. 5. That the plans aud specifications for a portion of the necessary reclamation have been prepared, and that tenders will shortly be cillod for. (i. That preliminary measures are being taken to secure stations on the overland route between Litchfield and Hawke's Bay. 7. That Messrs Russell and Banks have beon authorised to purchase the necessary refrigerating machinery. Tho Chairman-, in moving the adoption of tho report, said: Of course, as the report states, nothing has yet boon done in the way of commencing refrigera ting operations beyond ordering the ma chinery. By the" time this machinery arrives, the directors intend to have the reclamation ready for its reception and fixing up. It will be, perhaps, expected that I should say something as to the Mataura's cargo. Of course, m-o all regret that it did not turn out more success fully ; but looking at the various difficulties surrounding tho innugura ion of all new industries, and especially an enterprise so surrounded with difficulties as tho freezing of meat on board ship, we need scarcely be surprised, for until the operations have really passed out of the region of experiment, we must bo prepared for a failure now and then. Ido not look with any apprehension upon tho failure of the Mataura'* cargo. If it teach the Nor- Zealand Meat Freezing Companies to exercise greater care, it Mill also certainly give them the opportunity of bringing more experience to bear on the very important work of placing New Zealand meat, which is admitted to be of very high quality, on tho London market in such a condition as to render it at all times a sale: able commodity, The question of tho over land route is referred to in tho report the adoption of which I have just moved, and perhaps I may bo permitted to say by May of explaining more particularly what that means, that it i.s well-known that a very considerable number of sheep exist in the provincial district of Hawke's Bay, the surplus from which, increasing year by year, will have to be disposed of. We think that after the freezing operations now being inaugurated in tho neighbourhood of Napier, together with the sheep which will probably be transmitted to Wellington for freezing, a surplus will remain quite beyond the power of this Company, with its proposed machinery, to deal with—that is, after dealing with our own stock. I am not aware tliat anything more requires to bo said in the matter. The report, as I have said, though brief, is to tho point. _ I have therefore much pleasure in moving its adoption. Tho motion was seconded by Mr P. Comiskey and carried. After fixing tho next annual meeting fm the second Tuesday in November,,lßß4, thp shareholders passed a vote of thanks to tho Chairman, and then dispersed,

OBITUARY NOTICES.

jMn Joseph Browx, a very well-known j old Auckland resident, died ;••'.: resi dence, in Symonds-street, on Nuwuio.r 14, j after a four months illness* Mr Brown I anil family of seven, arrived here twenty ; eight years ago, and since then ho has i devoted neatly all his time to the I studyingand practise of music. He was the | originator of the Choral Society, which remained under his conductorship until about five years ago, when he was forced to resign his position in consequence of ill health. Mr Brown also conducted numerous music classes, and for 25 years -was organist for St. Matthew's Church. He was highly respected by all who knew him, and his death will be greatly regretted. The funeral took place on the 15th November from the residence of Mr A. Heather, Mount Eden. The cor tege included a very large number of personal friends of the deceased gentle man, both in carriages and on foot. The chief mourners were G, J. Brown (eldest son), who came from Napier, Mr H. L. Brown, Masters Heather (grandchildren), Messrs A Heather and Y. E. Rice (sons-in law), ilr T. Burnham, Mr A. Aitkcn, and Messrs R. and W. Mason. Amongst the other mourners were the representatives from the various choirs, the Choral Society, ■ &c\, including Judge Fenton, I'resident of the Society, Herr Carl Submit, conductor, Messrs Gordon Gooch, Slater, Hartley, 1 louden, E. Harker. Hen derson, I'liileox, Brett, Upton, Heath, Edger, Impoy, Browning, dough, Doonin, Heimis, Garland, Ryan, Eady, C. Lankhnm, W.Sibbin, Kissliug, Willoughby, Woollams, and l.)r. Hooper. The cortege was met at the entrance to St. Sepulchre's Church, by His Lordship Bishop Cowie, Archdeacons Dudley and Clark, and Revs. Tebbs, W. Colder, J. llnselden, 11. Sparling, and J. K. Davis. The other clergy present—Revs. Archdeacon Maunsell, Bur rows, Bates, P. Mason, Whewell, Br Kinder, and others. The colfin was carried into the church, where a short service prior to inter ment Mas held. The sympathy of friends was testified by the number of beautiful floral wreaths and crosses which had been placed on the casket. Rev. Mr JJavis read pronounced the Benediction. The ceremony was a most impressive one.

A native chief in tho Ohinemuri district, well-known as a groat obstructionist to European progress, has just died. Tellira to Tuiri (for such was his name) was about 80 years of age. Natives are preparing to give him a big " wake."

An old Auckland identity, in tho person of Mr Alexander Cook, passed over to the great majority on November 10, at the remarkable age of 99 years and 10 days. The old man, it may be remembered, lived in a small cottage in Victoria-street for upwards of a quarter of a century, and generally enjoyed very good health. About a year ago he experienced a brief illness, and in consequence was induced to reside with his son, Mr.Joseph Cook, at Northcote, where he remained until his decease.

We regret to announce th* death of Mr Robert Whitson, brewer, of this city. The sad event occurred on th* afternoon of November 20, at his residence, Waterloo Quadrant, in the 79th year of his age. Mr Whitson was a native of East Lothian, iv Scotland, where he commenced business as a brewer about sixty years ago ,- subse quently he brewed at Leith. Tho latter town he left twenty-six years ,«lnce to try his fortune in New Zealand, and in this city lie succeeded in establishing.the well-known brewery of Messrs Whitson and Sons.

The members of tho Wesleyan Church iv Auckland and throughout the colony, to gether with members of other churches,will be sorry to learn that the Rev. C. W. Rlgg, for many years ono of tho most prominent ministers in tho Methodist Church, New Zealand, Inn been accidentally drowned in America. The deceased gentleman was, during ids years in the ministry, almost " Law-giver " for the connection. " Rigg's Digest of Methodism " was acknowledged as the standard laws by the Wesleyan Con ference. He was brother to Dr. Rigg, one of the "lights of English Methodism." Mrs Rigg and family live somewhere in New- Zealand.

The Rev. Wm. Shirriffs, M.A., whose melancholy death by suicide occureed on the 23rd November, at Wellington, occu pied an important position in the Presby terian Church. For twelve years he was minister at Blenheim, and two years ago he was translated to Waipnkurau; in tho province of Hawke's Bay, of which church ho was minister at tho time of his death. Having a good knowledge of Church law, he was appointed junior clerk of the Assembly a few year* ago, and, owing to the resignation of Roy. IX Bruce, he was, by the Assembly which met in Auckland in February last, raised to the position of chief clerk. Ho Mas very reluctant to accept the ollice, involving as it did much additional labour and responsibility. He yielded, however, to tho pressure brought to bear upon him by his brethren, on the promise that his labours would be lightened as much as possible by thoso who had it in their power to help him. Tho responsibility was too much for him. Deeply anxious for tho prosperity of the Church, he was easily depressed when things did not go on as smoothly as ho de sired. It was noticed that since last Assembly he has not been iv his usual cheerful frame of mind. He complained that there was not so much real vital God liness in the Church as there ought to bo, and ho wrote to several of hie brethren ask ing them to bestir themselves to bring about a happier state of spiritual prosperity. He was also an ardent advocate of the cause of temperance, and he grieved that it did not make more rapid progress. For some time back it has been noticed that his mind was weakening. Melancholia at length took such a hold of him that it became necessary to place him in confinement. He gradually recovered, and his roason was so far restored that a fortnight ago lie was removed to Wellington for a change of air and scene. Last week he was pronounced to bo almost quite well, and his friends little thought his ailment would have such a sad ending. He seemed to have the enjoyment of his mental faculties in such measure that it was not considered necessary to place him under strict watch. But tho decoptive calm has proved a source of grief to his friends, and opened the way for the removal from earth of one who was a diligent and faithful watchman and served his church with ability and zeal.

The Rev. John Warren, Wesleyan clergyman, died rather suddenly at his resi dence in Ponsonby Road on the afternoon of November 24, from heart disease. He had partaken of dinner as usual, and was very cheerful. About half-past one o'clock he sat doM'ii in his chair, looking over some numbers of the "Graphic," and for a few minutes ho weut out of the room as far as the back door, but returned, saying that it M-as too cold for him. While standing in the room a spaem came upon him, and he fell backwards on the floor. Death inter vened in a foM- minutes, and before the arrival of Dr. Evans, who had been sent for. Deceased had been 44 years in the colony, having arrived at Hokianga in 1539. lie was present at tho great meeting held at Waitangi, Bay of Islands, on February Gth, IS4O, when the treaty between Governor Hobson and tho leading Maori chiefs of tho North of New Zealand M-as signed. He also witnessed from the further shore tho sacking of Koro rareka (Russell), in the Bay of Islands, by the Maoris under Hone Heko on March llth, 1545. For nearly sixteen years Mr Warren occupied the lonely station at Waima, near Hokianga, and Mas subse quently transferred in turn to Nelson and Wellington, and then to Auckland. He Mas appointed to Onehunga circuit in ISCG, and remained there till IS"!*, Mrs Warren having died in IS7G. Ho M-as seized with heart disease in 1579, and his life Mas for somo time de spaired of, but ho temporarily recovered. The funeral took place on Nov. 2G, the cortege leaving the late residence of the deceased, corner of Hepburn-street and Ponsonby Road, at three o'clock, for the. Pitt street Wesleyan Church, where a short mortuary service M-as held before proceed ing to the Symonds-street Cemetery,

MINING NEWS.

Kamo coal mino will soon be in a position to put out 2,000 tons of coal per week. In the Rakaia gorge, Canterbury, a gold bearing reef six feet wido has been dis covered. A practical test is to be made to ascertain if it is payable. , The Kamo Coal Company shortly expect to receive two vessels of I.SOO tons each, to lio employed as coal hulks. These havo been purchased in San Francisco, and tho object of the Company is to place themselves in a position to coal ocean-going steamers at Auckland at a cheaper price than can be dono by any other port in tho colony. The Champion Copper Company, Nelson, recently sent 20 tons to Newcastle and have received tho following cable ._" Out turn 3SJ per cent., and sold at 12s per unit. It is calculated that tho shipment realised £-23 per ton, which is considered very satis factory. The manager estimates the Doctor's lode to be worth £150 per fathom. Samples c.f drilling, which appears half native copper, aro to be sent for analysis. The highly encouraging reports are creating excitement.

RELIGIOUS.

Bishop LUCK goes shortly tn vi..it the Popo.

The Salvation Army contemplates a Maori war.

The Presbytery has .sustained the call to Dunedin of the Rev. Mr Patterson, of Napier.

Tenders will be called shortly for the erection of the new Baptist Tabernacle at Auckland.

Tho debate on " Conditional Immor tality," between Messrs Brown and Dunn, concluded on Novembers.

At Timaru on Friday night, November 9th, the Salvation Army held an "all night" meeting, with an interval at mid night for refreshments.

The Salvation Army Barracks at Wil liainstown, Victoria, have been placed in the charge of Captain Jennie White, a young woman from New Zealand.

The Rev. James Cosh, M.A., of Balmain, formerly minister of St. Andrew's, Auckland, has been unanimously elected one of the Clerical Councillors of St. Andrew's College, the University of Sydney.

An Old English Fancy Fair in aid of St. Peter's Church, Wellington, was opened by the Governor on Ist December, and has realised tOOO during the two days it has been open.

The anniversary services of the Mount Eden Baptist Sunday-school were held on Nov. 11, and, considering the inclement weather, were fairly attended. The Rev. T. Cato, of Nelson, discoursed in the morn ing, and the Rev. D. Why took delivered an address in the afternoon, also preaching in the evening.

The Salvation Army and thefr friends, numbering some 400 persons, embarked on board the p.s. Victoria, on oth November, for a picnic excursion to the Tninaki. The steamer returned at 0.25, arriving at Auck land at 7-30. Altogether the picnic proved a perfect success, and was enjoyed by all. During the past few days a Skeleton Army has been organised in Christchurch, and its members have been parading the streets in opposition to the Salvation Army. They carry a black Hag with the skull and cross-bones, and the mottoes are " Blood and Murder" and "No Surrender." Several skirmishes have already occurred between the two armies.

The Christian churches of tho Auckland district have secured tho services of Mr Henry Exley, evangelist, to labour for them. We understand that he is M-ell and favourably known for his successful work in many of the Western States of America, and comes here very highly recommended from Dunedin, where he has been labouring for more than a year past at the Taber nacle. .... The anniversary services in connection with the Primitive Methodist Sunday-school were fairly attended on November 11, in the Alexandra-street Church, considering the unsettled state of the weather. Impressive and suitable discourses were delivered by Rev. A Reid, S. Maofarlane, ■ and W. S. Potter. The collections at the three services amounted to £21. The church was decorated for the occasion with evergreens, fiowers, and appropriate texts. The anniversary sermons of the Primitive Methodist Church, Newmarket, M-ere preached on Nov. 18, by tho Rev. G. B. Munro and Mr Horsley. A public meeting M-as held on the 21st Nov., when addresses were given by the Rev. W. S. Potter and Mr Rotlnvell. The report showed that the Church had difficulties to contend against that prevented progress during the first part of the year, but that considerable im provement had taken place of late.

At the Wesleyan District meeting, held in Wellington on the 28th Nov., it was resolved that New Zealand be constituted a separate and independent Conference'; and that the Conference be recommended to considor the abvisableness of regulating general Conference to send to New Zealand the Rev. Edward Youngman, of the Chinese Mission in Victoria, to consider the spiritual needs of the Chinese in this colony. Reference was made to the death of Revs. Buddie, Hobbs, and Warren, men who had done pioneer and noble work.

Pursuant to announcement, the Salvation Army imd friends congregated together on tho evening of Nov. 5, in the Choral Hall. The doors opened at seven o'clock, and although admission was by ticket only, the place was densely crowded, and even the gallery Mas almost filled up. The object of the gathering was to show to the general public what the Army M-as doing. Tho proceedings were most orderly, and the larrikin element M-as absent in toto. Many of our leading citizens wero among those present.

The friends of the Mount Eden Baptist Sunday-school celebrated their nineteenth anniversary by a tea and public meeting on Nov 13. There was a full audience, and the proceedings were of a cheerful and interesting character. A goodly number sat down to the well-spread tables, and M-ero courteously waitetl upon by the pre siding ladies—viz., Misses Wells (2), Davis, Lovott, and Philson, The chapel was tastily decorated with floM'ers and Scripture texts. The Roy. Mr Cato(of Nelson), in the absence of Mr Spurgeon, occupied the chair.

On Sunday. Nov. 11 .thecongregation of St. Peter's Church, Takapuna, were agreeably surprised to find that the three-light Mindow in the chancel had been filled in with coloured glass, representing some of the scenes in the life of Christ. Tho win dows are the work and gift of Miss Seaman, one of tho energetic ladies of the congrega tion. A beautiful altar cloth has also been worked and presented to the church by the Misses Whitaker, and is indoed a "tiling of beauty "if not " a joy for ever." These, together with a costly chancel carpet (the gift of Mrs Whitaker), have-added the linishing touch to this pretty suburban church.

A children's flower service was held in St. Paul's Church at three o'clock on Nov. 18, and was numerously attended. The scene was most intereresting, every child bring ing an offering of flowers of the season. There was a largo attendance of teachers, scholars, and friends. The lessons were read by the Rev. J. W. Alloway, and the address was delivered by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, M.Aj The rev. gentleman ex pounded the words " Bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God," taken li-om the first book of Samuel; c. 2% v. 29. A number of suitable hymns were sung from the children's new hymn book, closing with the favourite, " Onward, Christian Soldiers." The service was hearty throughout, and much appreciated, At the close the flowers M rere collected and sent to the Hospital and Old People's Refuge.

A new church in connection with tho Presbyterian body was opened on Sunday, November llth, for public worship, when Rev. James Bruce, of Onehunga, preached able sermons. Tho building is Gothic, 40 x 25, te seat 200 people. The vestry 10 x 10, porch, 9x9. It is lined with six inch diagonal boards, which adds much to the beauty of the interior of the build ing. Great credit it due to tho skill andfaithful workmanship of the oontractors, Messrs George Darroch and P. Lipscombe. On Nov. 13th an opening soiree was held. tables being provided by Mesdames Pin-it, Mclntyre, C. Boyd, Hunter, Fitness, Kidd, Campbell, and Crosbie. The tables were ladened with good things, and beautifully decorated with flowers. The chair was occupied by the Roy. Thos. W. Dunn, pastor of the church. The new church cost about £350, and is opened almost free of debt, Tho pulpit, Biblo, and hymn-book are the gift of Mr Campbell, se«t of the Church.

The United Mothodist Free Church anni versary soiree was held on the evening of 4th Dec. There M-as a capital attendance.and an excellent tea provided in the school room, presided over by tho following ladies: —Mesdames Cain, Major, Walker, Sinclair, Tattersall, Wheeler, Parker, Watts, Bain, Coupland, Robhey, Wilkins, Bain, and Ross. Roy. S, Macfarlane presided at the Church meeting, and introduced the proceedings. Mr R. Tudehopo, the Secretary, read a lengthy roport on tho progress and prospect of tho school, showing 200 scholars and 22 toachersinthoSunday-school; thattheyear'g revenue was £423 17s 4d, and that £50 had beon paid off the church debt, leaving it now at £400. Tho collections of the pre vious Sunday's services were £11 IGs 2d. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Robertson, M.A., Mr Thomas Spurgeon, and Messrs Colo, Knight, and Williams.

The ordinary meeting of tho Auckland Presbytery was held on tho 3th December, Present: Revs. J. Bruce (Moderator), It. Sommorvillo (Clerk), J. Macky, T. Norrie, R F Macnicol, D. W. Runciman, G. E. Monro, Dunn, Fraser, McLean, Boyd, and several elders. A minute M-as adopted ex pressive of condolence to the widow of the latcKev.W. Shirriffs. Ataprevious meeting, a committee was appointed to examine and report on the new hymn - book issued by the Presbyterian Church of Eng land, and styled "Church Praise." The report of the committee was now submitted, and adopted. It strongly recommended the adoption of " Church Praise," to supersede, in the course of time, the present book of psalms and hymns. The report will now be forwarded to the Assembly. Revs. Fraser, Monro, Bruce, McKinney, and Messrs Lennox, Lamb, Thos. Macky, and A. Bell were appointed repre sentatives of tho Presbytery to the ensuing session of the Assembly in Wellington, at the end of next February.

Tee anniversary soiree in connection with the Grafton Road Weslcyan Snnday-school was held on the evening of December 4, j and largely attended. The public meet I ing was' held in tho ch.irch, and opened j with the hymn " Praise ys Jehovah." Rcvi Wm. Oliver engaged in prayer, and pre« posed Mr Hunt a 5 chairman of the meeting, Mr Hunt having mado a few remarks lon his past experiences, called upon * Mr ]t\ A. White to read the anmu.l report, which was rather elaborate, goin c ' minutely into details. Tho practical part of tho report stated that the school library contained 570 volumes. The amount col- i looted was £10 3s 4d, which was ,11 12s in j excess of last year. Their present staff of teachers was: Morning, 0 ; evening, If-'. The attendance of scholars was : Morning, 55 males, 31 females; afternoon, 102 male--, 103 females ; the average attendance being- US. The receipts for the last year wero fc'sß 15s lid, which left them a balanco of £2 12s 4d ; but against this there wrs a liability of £12 lis Od. Tho folio-w ---ing gentlemen delivered addresses: —Mr Hunt* on his " Experienco3 in Sunday. J school Work;" Rev. John Hollow, on " Homelnfluence ;" Rev. A. Reid, "Sketch of the Early Ye*s of Robert Moffatt, the Missionary;" Rev. Joseph S. Hill, "Memo ries of Life in London, with Anecdotes of Elderly Ladies."

Ou Sunday evening, November 11, tho Rev. J. Robertson gave, in the Congre gational Church, Beresford-street, Auok-

land, the lirst of two lectures on "Martin Luther," in connection with tho anniversary of the great reformer's birth. The lecture, which was specially addressed to young men, dealt with the life of Luther up to the time of his visit to Rome, and was heard wit)) close attention by a largo audience. The Rev. A. Reid preached a sermon on Luther, in tho Pitt-street Wosleyan Chapel, on same evening. Tho basis for the remarks was found in the end of the 10th and beginning of the llth chapter of Revelations, and a powerful and impressive discourse was delivorcd to a large congregation. In tho course of his remarks, Mr Reid commended the Stab, for having published Eroudo's life of Luthor, which he advised his hearers to road.

Among the hymns sung was that of Luther, "Out of tiie depths 1 cry to Thee ;" and referonce was made to the Luther colebra tion in Germany. An excellent sermon, with special reference to the anniversary, was preached at St. James's by Rev. R. F. Macnicol. . The rev. gentleman reviewed tho career of the great reformer, aud in con-

elusion, said he had no fear whatever that there was any danger of the Romish Church gaining the ascendancy and power which it once possessed. There were, ho thought, greater dangers to bo guarded agaiiißt by tho young, chief amongst which nfidelity was mentioned.

A good representative meeting of St. Patrick's parishioners was held on Nov, 27, to consider tho question of orccting tho new cathedral. Bishop Luck presided, and the following resolutions M-ere agreed to :— (1) Moved by Mr Leahy, seconded by Mr Eyre, "That this meeting having heard from His Lordship that it is his intention to fix. the site of Wyndham-street as tho site for the new cathedral, convey to His Lordship its determination to heartily co operate in raising tho necessary funds." (2) Moved by Mr Hamil, ' seconded by ill- O'Meara, "That immediate steps be taken for the erection of some portion of the new cathedral." (3) Moved by Mr E. Mnhony, jun., seconded by Mr W. G. Connolly, "That a committeo consisting of seven members of the laity, together with tlio local clergy, witli power to add to their number, to be called tho Cathedral Building Committee, bo now formed to assist His Lordship in carrying en the erectien of the portion of the Cathedral proposed to be built." (4) Moved by Mr Peter Dignan, seconded by Mr Beehan, "That seeing the amount of the cathedral fund already in existence reaches the sum

of only £3,000, steps should bo taken to make up any deficit in the money to be expended." The following committeo was elected in accordance with a previous resolution:—Messrs W. G. Connolly, G. Leahy, Peter Dignan, Pierce Lanigan, Hugh Mcllhone, Dempsey, and O'Meara. Mr Peter Dignan was elected to fill tho vacancy as cathedral trustee, on behalf of the laity, caused by the death of Captain Casey. The fancy and useful bazaar in aid of the funds of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was opened on November Bth, in the new

auction rooms of Mossrs Cochrane and Sons, Queen-street, by the Rev. A. Carrick, minister of tho Church, and under tho. patronage of the congregation of St. Andrew's and the public of Auckland. Upon entering the rooms it could be scon at a glance that the efforts of tho ladies and friends had been a labour of love, and that nothing had been spared to make the bazaar a financial success, for rarely have wo seen such an attractive array of stalls, or such a numerous collection of useful and ornamental articles set out with such artistic skill. The floral decora-' tions by Messrs Goldie and Gillespie wero artistic and attractive. Messrs E. Bartley J. B. Blakie, J. W. Jones, and J. J. Holland assisted in fitting up the stalls and decora ting the room, under supervision of a sub committee, viz. :—Captains Le Roy, D. H. McKenzie, W. Anderson, and Messrs M. a! Clark, Campbell, and J. Haslett. The Art Gallery was also in charge of a sub-corn' mittee, the most active member being Mr J. J. Holland. The attractions M-cre numer ous, and the stalls laden with all kinds of articles. The following ladies presided :— No. I.—Mesdames Arch. Clark, sen., M. A. Clark, C. C. McMillan, and Thos! Morrin, Assistants—Misses Russell (2) Rooke, Bruce (2), McKay, Stewart (2), Tonks, Pratt, Goldsbro'. No. 2.—Meidamos Stockwell, .Carrick, T. Whitson, H. W. Heath, Cowen. Assistants—Misses ilow' bray, Whitson (2), Armitage, O'Neill, Blaikie, Hewin, Roy, Holland (2), Bakor. No. 3.—Mesdames Keir, Campbell, F. J. Bennett, J Kirkwood, Miss Haslett. As sistants—Misses Campbell, Sliera, Keir (2). George (2), Finlay, Alexander Clayton! Williams, Frazer, Mrs and Miss Moore. No. 4.—Mesdames Chapman, G. Fraser, Assistants: Mrs John Reid, Misses M. Chapman, Maxwell, McLennan, Crokerj Winks, Fraser, McKenzie, Slater, Patterson, Gilmour, Robinson. No. 5 (Flower Stall). ■ — MrsDennes. Assistant, Miss RatieFroscr! No. 6 (Refreshment Stall).— MrsW. Culpan. The gross receipts at St.-Andrew's Bazaar wore £822, of which £760 was while £300 worth of goods remaining on hand will form the nucleus for anotiier bazaar. The result that has been achieved is exceedingly gratifying, and the ladies who assisted in the undertaking, as M-ell as tho committee who had the management, may fairly take credit to themselves for what has been done.

Aii event of considerable importance in connection with the Salvationist movement in Auckland M-as celebrated on December 4 We refer to the laying of the foundation stono for the neu' Army Barracks in Albert-street. Since its establishment in Auckland, the movement has mado such remarkable progress that the Temperance Hall has long failed to afford either tho necessary accommodation, comfort or facilities for the prosecution of ' tho evangelistic work which tho oliiccrs of the organisation have in hand. With the object, therefore, of providing these, Mr Herapath wus engaged to prepare plans of a new structure, and these having been approved, tho contract for the erection of the barracks M-as let to" Mr Matthews at tho price of £2,473. Tho new barracks are to be on the east side of Albert-street close to its intersection by Welles^y-street' The building will be of one story, built of Boyd's ornamental pressed bricks, and will he capabla of seating 1,200 persons, allou- ing a space of eighteen inches to each 'Ihe frontage to Albert-street will be 47 feet, with a depth of 104 feet There, will be kitchens and class-rooms unuVncath and every convenience, including a SLipt.K of water through the whole "structure. Three o clock was the time fixed for tho commencement of the ceremony, and at that hour there was an immenso concourse of persons in the vicinity of tho scene of operations. A platform adjoining tlio site of the foundation was occupied hy Army officers, ladies, elersy (including Rev. Arch deacon Maunsell, Revs. Bond, Whylock, Willis, Potter), Mr and Mrs Phelps, Messrs C. J. Stono, Wiseman, Mackie, White, Brame, Herepath, Parker, Boynton, and others. At tho conclusion of an address, Mrs Hampson laid tho foundation stone. In tho cavity underneath it was placed a zinc box containing copies of the SI'AK "Herald," "Free Press," " Korimako," English, Australian, and New Zealand War Cries, Id and Id as coins of the realm, and tho following document: Doeomber4 ISS'I Salvation Army, Auckland, New Zea land, No. 2 Corps, Barracks Buildim- Provisional Trustees—C. 0. Davis Alex* Mackie, John Castle, F. W. Boynton H n Secretary and Treasurer—F. \y. Boynton' Foundation stono laid by Mm Margaret Hampson, Evangelist. Total cost of build ing, £2,600.

Tho annual sittings of tho Wesleyan Di--: trict was began on the 21st November, in the I ltt-street Schoolroom. Most of the ministers were present. The Chairman of the District (the Rev. A. Reid) presided. In the evenrng two of the ministers (pro^ bationers) preached', before the brethren. Two candidates from the Pukekohe District preached trial sermons, one at Pitt-street I and the other at Poneonby, The ab 6e nc*

ppE^JJEJSJ^Bff^*^^'^^^s>3i-__pwi,l.i.l_t<aiLi i ~a*^if_a_-_h__fe-A „a<_i^ . ■>' ■■■'.-■ , -"t',:Bsawi^:* THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1883.

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