»,7m amone the brethren of the late Rev. &™ aXfaV was specially felt, and n i , n fpMin"- pervaded tho assembly. At f lC'™SrseUonofthel»istrictMrctng| „'Vddition to tho ministers, the following V T.'-ison S M. Green, s. A. unite, a. tddle, iT Bycroft, R. Hobbs M.H.R., J. IP (To Aroha), It. R. Lawry (Thames), Maurice 1 Harding (Wairoa) I'erana Eai rfira T. Walker (Tuakau), and 1. Cncrvillo (Tauranga). Church proper ties were first brought under review New churches were reported as having boon erected during the .year at Arch Hill, cost £2SO, and Waiuku cost £<T>o Permission was granted to erect new C bu.d.es during the coming year at Grafton Road, estimated cost £1,000, nambridce, £ 1.000; Tuakau, f.toO; Okt&ESOOj Kaipara. Native Church £100- Hokianga, three native churches attho following ploces-Mangamuka, Omanaia, Pakanae"andatthe Waiorongamni, in the Upper Thames circuit. The meeting also sanctioned tho erection ot; parsonages at Hamilton, Paparoa, and U airoa. \\ han garei was reported to havo purchased a parsonage during the year. Debts on Trust properties wore reported to be re duced in the following caws :-Pitt-street, £150; North Shore, £35; Newmarket, £1.-i0; Thames, £150; Otahuhu, ISO; Kawakawa, £33 ; Te Aroha, £24 ; Coro mandel, £12: Gisborne, £10. Leave was given to sell n section of land in Hamilton West, proceeds to be invested in tho purchase of a now site ; also at Gisborne, proceeds to bo invested in other property. The balance-sheet of Wesley College was submitted by Mr Hobbs, and accepted. Mr Edson road tho balance-sheet of the Education Trust, which M-as received. Tho total sum raised throughout tho dis trict for foreign missions last year amounted to £133 19s sd. Mr F. A. White, District Secretary of Church Properties, read his report, which showed that the majority of the trusts were in a satisfactory financial stato. In somo instances considerable reductions of debt had been made, and in ono ths whole debt had been extinguished. The total receipts throughout tho district have been £3,041 18s Gd; expenditure, £4,209 13s Bd. Mr F. L. Primo introduced Home Mission affairs. The! following amounts were re ported from the circuits:—Pitt-street, £234 17s Sd; Mahurangi, £10; Grafton Road, £65; North Shore, £29 2s 3d ; Thames, £40; Upper Thames, £4 ; Coromandel, £4; Manukau, £35; Waiuku and Puke kohe, £13 ss; Cambridge, £5 lis 3d; Hamilton, £11 10s; Te Awnmutu, £7; Raglan, £52; Kaipara, £9-15s 6'd; Paparoa, £12 3s Gd ; Wairoa, £10 ; Hokianga, £50 ; Bay of Islands, £6 7s 4el; Whangaroa, £12 7s ; Whangarei, £9 12s 7d ; Gisborne, £20; connexional properties, £103 &s lid ; in terest on investments, £112 ; sale of Maori hymn-books, £14 9s: total 'raised in the district, £956 lis. The estimated income for next year, £96S 10s.

Tho seventeenth anniversary of the Pitt street Wosleyan Church was celebrated on the evening ot Nov. 6th, by a toa meeting in the school-room and a public meeting in the church. The room at the tea was very full. Tho follow ing ladies providod tea:—Mesdames W. S. Wilson, Warren, W. Winstono, G. Winstonc, W. 11. Smith, Reid, Wiseman, McMastor, A, 0. Stevenson, Misses Baker, Davis, Reid, Spence, West, and Shorland. At the public meeting the Roy. Alexander Reid occu pied the chair. The balanco - sheet was read by Mr T. Buddie, and showed as fol -lom-s:—Receipts, £719. Expenditure: By balance JOth September, 1882, £23:! ls Oil: oxpenses of anniversary, repairs, printing, rates, and in surance, £110: organist, £;>); testimonial to Mr Brldson, £50; lighting anil cleaning. £01 lls'd; ok ran blower, £10: Auckland Building Society, tM 18s Sd; Mount Eden site, • U (Is 8d ; total, £710. Church debt liquidation account: In hank and subscriptions, £150; paid off, £150, support of ministry and connexional funds. Total receipts, £1,70:2; total expenditure. £1.760. The anniversary of tho Parnell Wesleyan Church M-as held on November '11. About ono hundred and thirty persons sat down to a bountiful tea In the school-room at half-past six. The following ladies provided the trays :— Mesdames Wood, Elliott, Witherforti.Thompson, Scofleld, Johnston, Wiseman, Missc3 Lovboum and Carmicliael (2). When everyone's wants wore duly satisfied, an adjournment M-as made to tho church, where the public meeting was held.

AGRICULTURAL.

7,000 rsovLß visited Otago Agricultural Show. The French Government provide their sailors with Australian meat. Only 15 acres planted with tobacco last year in Now Zealand. Mr Cameron has bought 10,000 acres of New Guinea land for sugar-planting. Pukekohe lnd Mauku Cheese and Bacon Factory will bo ready to start by Christmas. lii Napier dictrict shearing is much be hind on account of the unsettled weather.

Paterangi Cheese Factory has started work, and is receiving 300 gallons of milk daily. There are 703 entries for Oamaru Agri cultural Show this year—49 more than last year. . About three-fourths of tho cargo brought by tho barque Akaroa from GlasgOM- is for the Colonial Sugar Company, now erecting works at Auckland.

The steamer lonic has commenced load ing nt Wellington. She takes 5,000 carcases from that port.

Tho wheat crop in the Waikato promises to bo heavy and of excellent quality. It is also in forward condition, as some will be in full car this M-eek.

From the number and quality of the en tries, the Metropolitan Agricultural Show, Christchurch, promises to be much in acl vance of former years.

In Marlborough district, two young girls, daughters of a settler, killed no Fewer than 17,000 rabbits in the course of three months. Two men rarely kill more than 12,000 in the Bame time. Over 10,000 acres of bush land has been cleared at the back of the Waimate Plains during the past season. Tho soil takes the grass well, and it is reckoned that it will take a bullock to the acre.

Bee-culture in the Waikato is going ahead. Messrs Karl Bros., of Ohaupo, have during the winter added 280 hives to their apiary. Theyieldlastyearwasbetween four and five tons ,' this season they expect 16 tons.

At the sale of stud merino sheep on Nov. 7, the highest price was 100 guineas given for Mr James Gibson's (Tasmania) two-tooth ram by Samson, by Old Sir Thomas; 105 guineas were given for another ram of Mr Gibson's.

The project of the Auckland Meat Freezing Company to bring sheep overland from Hawke's Bay is likely to be successfully carried out. Messrs Hicks and Stubbing have returned from their trip to Napier.and report very favourably on tho facilities for establishing the several stations for sheep driving proposod to be made between Pate tcre and Napier. The Now Zealand Refrigerating Company at Dunedin have added a llaslam's machine to their works at Burnsido, which will enablo them to freeze 375 sheep per day, instead of 250. Thoy will send 11,000 or 12 000 sheep by the Tongariro, and have ar ranged for the despatch of about b'4,000 during ISB4. - • ' Tho first drove of- sheep for tho Auckland Afcat Freezing Company, numbering two thousand, passed Taupo on the morning of November 20. They aro from Mr HUlop's station, Pukotapu, Hawko's Bny, and are driven by Mr Bee, who reports bad weather for sheep-driving since ho started, but he has not lost any up to data. We have learned with much pleasure that the Auckland Fibre Manufacturing Com pany (Limited) have been very successful in their exhibits last week at the show of the Canterbury Pastoral and Agricultural Asso ciation having, in addition to the prizes offered by the Association, carried off Mr John Dean's special prize, a £5 cup, for the best collection of ropes, twine, etc., made from New Zealand flax. We congratulate the Company on this success. At a meeting of farmers, on November 17th it wiis agreed that a Farmers' Co operative Association was very much wanted in this district. It was also agreed that those present should canvass the dis trict to ascertain what support tho move ment was likely to get. Tho proposed capital is to be £10,000, and the objects of tiie \s-oi-iation, as adopted by tho meeting, are exactly similar to those of the Taranaki Farmers' Association. ..... ~, .Vt the Dunedin Agricultural Show, Mr Menlove, of Oamaru, took the principal honours i» shorthorn stock, and Messrs A. an d J. Macfarlane in Ayrshnes. Mr MeMastor, of Oamaru, took the champion prizes in merino sheep. Mr John Reid, of Oamaru, took the 20-guinea cup for tlio ten best sheep for refrigerating purposes. Messrs Reid and Gray took the principal hom-mrs in implements. There was an in teresting lot of colonial manufactures and manufacturing exhibits generally. \mon<'st the many industries which have been started recently, and hold out most encouraging prospects of success, that of apple-growing on a large scale is not the least in importance. It may not be generally known that within a few miles of the city there has been successfully started the largest apple farm south of the line. Close on 40,000 trees have been planted, and arothriving splendidly, as indeed they must do on--soil of exceptional fertility. THo varieties have born selected by experts of mature judgment ami experience, witli a special view to rapid growth and .auiek retuniß. That tins result will be oenfcwod & is. certain, as tho progress of the trees _\j «j planting l'o»«- months ago) abua.'

dnntly proves. The Otnra farm is in , charge of Mr Philip J. Perry, I who is throwing himself eon, a more into his work, and is enthusiastic regarding the im mediate future. lie will be happy to show 'every attention to visitors at any time, and we are sure that the existence of such a place only requires to bo widely known in order to induce many mlio take an interest in fruit-growing to pay a visit now and then to the locality. The first spring Show, under the auspices of tho Horticultural Society Mas opened on the loth November, in the Volunteer Drill-shed, and made a highly creditable appearance, Great trouble had been taken with the floral orna mentation of the building, and tho exhibits were displayed to the best advantage, while in number and quality they compared favourably with any provious show. This is, perhaps, more than one would be inclined to expect when the exceptional severity of the season is taken into consideration. Tho exhibits were arranged in three classes, viz., Allcomers, Amateurs, and Cottagers, and while this places the competitors on as equable terms au possible, it restricts their number. In no department M-as this fact more observable than in that alloted to store and green house plants. The vegetables were un doubtedly the feature of the shoM-, and a choicer collection has never been shewn in Auckland. They were really splendid. The season, of course, M-as too early for fruit, but there were some magnificent loquats and strawberries on exhibition, besides such novelties as bananas and pine apples. Capital collections of seeds and plants wero furnished by Messrs C. T. Wren, A. Yates, and Thos. Steadmnn, garden implements and requisites by Messrs T. and S. Morriii and Co. and E. Por ter and Co., and there was a large dis play of pottery ware by Mr Geo. Boyd, while Mr Hitchens exhibited blood restorer, and Mr Paul Porch plaster of Paris figures. In addition to all theso articles, there was a very ingeniously - fashioned fountain, in the style of a Chinese pagoda tho work of a lad of 17 years named Allen. Tho show M-as highly creditable to all con cerned.

MEETINGS

The Otago Land Board, sitting with closed doors on Nov. 8, agreed to forfeit five licenses at Silver Park, as the holders were not occupying the land for their ex clusive use anil benefit. At the annual meeting of the Star of Eden Loyal Orange Lodge, on Nov. 10th, the following officers wero installed by Bro. A. W. Gladding, Installing Ollicer -.—Bro. J. Donaldson, W.M. ; Bro. J. Rosemnn, D.M.; Bro. Hill, Secretary; Bro. Linnet, treasurer; and Bro. Patterson, G.L.D. At a meeting of tho Auckland Amateur Photographic Society, held on Wednesday, evening, November 7, in Robson's Rooms, the following gentlemen More elected to office :—Mr J. M. Clark, President; Mr W. J. Hurst, Vice-president; Mr J. L. Sinclair, Secretary; Mr C. Bnrtley, Treasurer; and Messrs A. B. Bromhall, H. Clayton, and F. Bnrtley, with the officers from the com mittee.

At the first quarterly meeting of the Samaritan Lodge, No. S, of N.Z.0.G.T., held iv the Young Men's Lodge Room, Wellesley - street, the secretary; and treasurer's reports wero satisfactory, showing an increase of 30 members during the last quarter. P. W.C.T. Bro., acting Lodge Deputy, then installed the following as the officers for the ensuing quarter :—

W.C.T., Bro. Campbell ; W.M.T., Bro. Williams ; W.S., Bro. Proscott; A.S., Bro. Clifford ; W.C., Bro. Ellison ; W.T., Sister Kellor ; W.F., Sister Banks ; W.M., Sister Letlinm ; W.D.M., Sister Ray ; W.1.G., (Somerville ; W.0.G., Bro. Read ; P,W.C.T., Bro. Townsend. The usual meeting of the Star of Newton Lodge of Good Templars M-as held in the Newton Hall on Thursday, Nov. 8, wheu the reports of the various ollicers Mere read and adopted, the reports showing the Lodge to be in a sound financial state, and steadily progressing in numbers and in fluence. The officers for the present quarter Mere then installed by Bro. J. Longbottom, G.W.C.T., assisted by Bro. Walker, 1.M., and Bro. Pocklington, D.l.M.:—Bro. Prout, W.C.T.; Sis. A. Lightfoot, W.Y.T.; Bro. Watson, W.S.; Bro. Lightfoot, W.F.S.; Sis. Lightfoot, sen., W.T.j Bro. Bright, W.C.; Porter, W.M.j Bro. Lightfoot, jun., W.G.; Bro. Daniels, W.S.; Bro. . Hill, W.A.S.; Sis.Wilson, W.D.M.; Bro.Hooker, P.W.C.T.

The Hope of Manukau Lodge No. 29, 1.0. G.T., under the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of tho World, held their regular weekly meeting on November (i, in thoir hall, and after the initiation of three candi dates, the ollicers read their reports, show in"- the Lodgo in a very nourishing condi tion, having a good cash balance in hand. Then the following officers were installed by Bro. Stephen R. Skinner, D.W.C.T., assisted by Bro. C. W. Cold ham as 1.M., and Bro. Hunt as D.I.M. :— Bro. John Franklin, W.C.T. ; Sis. M. Bryant, W.V.T. ; Bro. H. Jeffery, W.S. ; Bro. E. Oxenham, W.F.S. ; Bro. J. Haydon (re-elected), W.T,; Sis. Skinner (re-elected), W.C. ; Sis. Hipplln, VOL ; Bro. J. Neeve, W.I.G. ; Bro. W. Meant, W.O.G. ; Sis. J. Speakman, W.D.M.; Sis. Haydon, W.R.H.S.; Sis. H. Dutton, W.L.H.S. ; Bro. Stephen R. Skinner, W.H.S. ; Sis. E. Bulcraig, P.W.C.T.

The quarterly meeting of the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge Mas held on Nov. 13th, in the Alexandra-street school-room. There M-as a good attendance. The following members .Mere installed to oflico for the ensuing session by Rrother Lye, acting Lodge Deputy, assisted by Brother Townsend, I.N, and Brother Chalmers, 1.5., viz. :— Brother A. Weir, W.C.T ; Brother Mc- Keown, W.V.T. ; Brother Petherick, W.S.; Brother Taylor, W.F.S. ; Brother Yearing, W.S.; Brother Whidden, W.C. ; Brother Scott, W.M. ; Brother Crabb, W.I.G. ; Brother Crouch, W.0.G.; Sis. ConM-ay, W.R.H.S.; Brother Lawford, W.L.H.S. ; Sister Scott, W.D.M. There is every pros pect of this lodge doing a large amount of goed in tho temperance field, situatod as it is in the heart of the town, and possessing a good piano and a library of over five hundred volumes, consisting of complete sets by the best authors. Several mem bers contributed songs and music at ntervals.

The adjourned annual meeting of sub scribers to the Young Women's Institute was held on Nov. IG, in the Commercial Dining-Rooms. His Lordship Bißhop Cowie presided, and there were also present -. Messrs H. G. Seth Smith, Dr. Purchas, Mr W. Rattray, Mr J. Coupland, and a number of ladies. The minute 3 having been read and confirmed, Mr H. G. Seth Smith said the Committee of Selection had recom mended the following ladies and gentlemen as tho Committee of Management for tho ensuing year, and thoy, having been communicated, had agreed to accept ofiice:—Mesdames J. M. Clark, Potter, Clark, Gamble, Shirloy Hill, Judd, and Kendordine, Misses Yiekers and Leackman, aud Roy. J. S. Hill, Messrs Coupland, Shirley Hill, and Rattray. A series of recommendations by tho Commit tee were then read, and adopted on tho motion of Mr Smith.

SPORTS.

A NUMBER of Victorian bowlers propose visiting New Zealand and playing a series of intercolonial bowling matches. Now Zealand football is looking up. The Canterbury Rugby Union have resolved to apply for affiliation to tho English Rngby Union.

At the Dunedin Caledonian Society's Sports next month, Donald Dinnie, the great Scottish athlete, is expected to be a competitor. He will arrive here by next mail steamer from San F .ancisco.

The 24 hours walking match at Welling ton terminated in a victory for Edwards by one lap. A match for 48 hours is to take place between Edwards and Scott in tho same place. The Whau Regatta took place on Nov. 9. The inhabitants in the locality turned out in very small numbers, and, apart from com petitors, only about twenty or thirty persons camo from Auckland.

Raynor, of Adelaide, Australia, has chal lenged Scott, the Otago "ped.," to walk 4S hours for £300, tho match to take place in' Adolaide, and Scott to be allowed £S0 for expenses. Scott declines the challenge. The usual athletic sports which were held in connection with the Agricultural Show took place on the 9th November, and were watched with keen interest by a large crowd of people. Mr R. E. Ellis acted us starter, and Mr M. Gallagher as judge, both gen tlemen discharging their respective duties very impartially. The racing season ISS3-4 M-as inaugurated in Auckland on Saturday, November 10, by the AucklandllacingClub's Spring Meet ing. This usually pleasant 'gathering M-as somewhat marred by tho rain that fell heavily early in the day, but despite tho damp, the large number of persons who attended succeeded in enjoying themselves thoroughly. Additional interest was lent to the proceedings from the fact that Wood nymph, by Musket—Sylvia, and conse quently a full sister fp the brilliant Martini- Henry, .who a ; few Meeks ago carried off ft>e.V ? R..C. Derby; Melbourho Cup, and debut Vto^hpp Stakes, >ya? to make hor

FIRES.

Tin: Spyalan Hotel, Tuapekn, Otago, has been burned down, tho loss boing £800.

The I lelensvillo Fish Factory had a narrow escape from total destruction by fire on the morning of November 11.

By the recent explosion at Owake Powder Mill, Otago, damage to tho extent of £200 was inflicted, tho whole building being de molished.

Mr Leslie's cabinetmaker's shop at Te Aroha Mas completely burned down on 3rd December. Tho building M-as insured for £75 in the New Zealand ollice, and the stock for £75 in the National.

An outbreak of fire took place shortly after one o'clock on Sunday morning, 2nd December, on tlio premises of Mr John Torrance, grocer, Wakefield- street, and Masspoedily extinguished. A seven-roomed house at Cavorsham, un occupied, and ownod by Mr Townsend, of North-east Valley, was burned down on December 1. It M-as insured in tho South British ollice for £335.

Tho residence of Mr James Muir, car penter, Panmure Road, near Otahuhu, Mas destroyed by lire on Tuesday morning, 13th November. The buildings were but newly elected, and although insured, it will be a serious loss to the owner.

On Sunday, November 2, Turley's bake house at Whangarei, the shop occupied as public library and reading-room, and a cottage adjoining, were all destroyed by fire. The buildings Mere insured in the Colonial and New Zealand Ollices, and the library books in the South British. A fire broke out in Broadway-street, Eeeflon on the morning of December 5, and totally destroyed four buildings, which Mere insured as follows :—Quigley's hotel, £150 Standard, £209 Scottish Imperial ; Dick, 1200, Standard; Bridge, £200, Imperial; Bell, £200, Imperial ; Ceilings (littlo or no damage), i'GOO, Equitable. About .'! o'clock on Friday morning, tho 9th November, James Waltnnm's brewery, Christchurch was discovered on tire. Tho City and Railway Brigades turned out, but tho M-oodcu portion of tho building M-as almost entirely destroyed. Tho damage is estimated at £300. Insurance in tho South British, £700 ; in the London Liver pool and Globe, £850; in tho Australian Mutual, £SSO; in tho London Liverpool and Globe he had £500 on tho malt-house, which Mas of brick, and only partly damaged. About 1 o'clock on the morning of Dec, 4 an alarming outbreak of lire occurred at the corner of Symonds-street and Grafton Road, just opposite the Choral Hall. The tire broke out in a two-storied wooden building occupied as a grocery shop and dwelling house by Mrs Impoy, senior. Its progress Mas very rapid, and in a short time from tho discovery of the fire it was evident that there M-as no hopo of saving the building. Tho inmates, indeed, had a very narrow escape with thoir livos, having to tlee from tho house in their night-dresses. The stock was insured in tlio Union Office for £100.

A tiro broko out at ono o'clock on the morning of November 8 in Hutton, King, and Co.'i confectionory factory, Hanover street, Dunedin. The front part of tho building M-as completely gutted. _ No ex planation of tho origin con bo given, but it is supposed that it must havo been caused by ft spark from stoves. The property is insured for £1,200 in the London and Lan cashire, and £2-10 on the building, on plant

and machinery £4SO in the Equitable, and the samo in the Australian Mutual. Mr Hat ton states that the building is over insured, but the stock and plant Mere worth nearly i':i,ooo. He expects the firm to lose heavily. An outbreak of fire occurred on Monday night, November 12, the scene being the centre of the block of two-storey brick buildings in Lower Queen-street, close to the wharf, The lire-alarms sounded shortly before 9 o'clock, and within a few seconds afterwards a bright glare on the sky indi cated the direction, when it was found that the outbreak had originated in Mr A. H. Nathan's store. The Fire Brigade was quickly on the spot, and leads of hose were soon utilised for the conveyance of an ample supply of Mater from the nearest hydrants. The lire had obtained a good hold on the interior of the building, but

the crowd which surrounded both front and

rear were not ablo to see more than tho smoke and flames which occasionally shot upwards from tho centre of tho premises. The goods amongst which the lire Mas raging consisted ot oilmen's stores and in flammable matter of various kinds, and

some difficulty was experienced by the fire-

men in getting to the actual " seat of war." tiloamvhilo, tho parti-Malls confined iho flames most effectually to Mr Nathan's premises, and the work of extinguishment was merely a question of time and Mater. Tlio interior of tho premises m-;is Hooded with the latter clement, and iv the course of half-an-hour the conflagration had been practically extinguished. The pre mises in the immediate vicinity of Mi- Nathan's were those of Mr Ehrenfried, brewer ; Mr Raymond, bootmaker ; Messrs Mennie and Day, biscuit manufacturers : the Sailors' Rest; and Mr Roynayno, tobac co list and stationer. Nono of these build ings were damaged. Nothing is known concerning the cause of tho outbreak. Mi- Nathan says that ho was detained in the store waiting for a friend until six o'clock, and that the storeman then locked up the ollice and gave him the koys, with which he went home. The insurances are stated as follows :—On stock in Mr Nathan's OM'ii store: Union, £1,000; South British, £3,000 ; Standard, £1,000 ; North British and Mercantile, £2,000. One division of his warehouse, comprising upper storey, Mr John Lamb's premises : Union, £1,000 ; South British, £2,000. One division of Mi- Nathan's warehouse and its contents remain uninjured.

AMUSEMENTS.

The concert given by Miss Canncll took place on Nov. 28, in tho Parnell Hall. It was well patronised by tho Parnell public, amongst the audience being the Rev. Mon signor Fynes, V.G., and Father O'Gara. A fancy dress ball, under the auspices of the Parnoil Social Union, took place at the Parnell Hall on Nov. 8. It was a most unqualified success, fully 70 couples boing present, and all wore fancy costumes.

A concert was giTon in tho Theatre Royal on tho evening of Nov. 9, in aid of tho St. Benedict's Church Fund, and was very largely attended, overy part of tho building being crowded. It was held under the patronage of Bishop Luck, and among3t thoso presont wore the Very Roy. Mon signore Fynes, V.G., and tho Rev, Fathers Walter McDonald, Paul, Downey, Lcnihan, and Vaggioli.

A juvenilo concert was givon on Nov, 29 by tho pupils of St. Patrick's School, Lower Hobson-street, and M-as veiy success ful. The school was M-ell filled, and amongst thoso present were Dr. Luck, Monsignor Fynes, Fathers Walter ; Mac donald, Lonihan, Downey, O'Gara, Costcllo, and O'Hara. Thoro were ninetoon numbers on tho programme, which M-as a very choico one.

The fourth anniversary gathering of the Loyal Pioneer Lodge, No. 93K, National Independent Order of Oddfellows, was cele brated on the evening of Nov. 8, in the Lome-street Hall by a grand ball, at which upwards of 300 persons took part. This order was established in Auckland four years ago, since M-hich time three lodges havo beon opened in tho district, numbering over 400 members. Tho Loyal Pioneer Lodge has at the present time 200 financial members, with a fund of £870. Since its formation it has paid away in sick ness and deaths IViOO.

On Nov. 29 all the instrumental and half of the vocal ability of Auckland united in giving a farewell concert to Mr Gordon Gooch at tho Choral Hall. In spite of othor attractions, tho hall was crowded in every corner, as well it might bo, seeing tho very superior nature of the programme and tho exceptional collection of local per formers. Professor Cftilliau M-as there, also Messrs Forrest, Hood, and Slater, and the Orchestral Society. Between tho parts Mr Heath made a valedictory address to Mr Gooch, while presenting him with an illuminated testimonial from his admirers, to which Mr Gooch responded previously to singing his only solo. Tho average of per formance was throughout tho highest- Auckland has probably ever heard, and it will most likely be long before such an assembly of local talent is again heard to gether. Tho chief features of tho evening wore tho playing of Messrs Forrest and Hood, the accompanying of the same gen tlemen and of Mr Slater, the singing of Mrs Kilgour and of Mr Gooch, and the duet of Miss Gribble and Mr Sceats.

The officers of tho warship Eclaireur were entertained at a vocal and instrumental concert in the Lorne-st. Hall by the French Literary Society on the evening of Nov. 15. Admission was by invitation card only, and the place was thronged, amongst those present being Sir G. M. O'Rorke (Speaker of the House of Representatives), Mr T. Peacock, M.H.R., the Town Clerk (Mr P. A. Philips), and a number of City Coun cillors (tho Mayor being unavoidably absent), Mr C. B. Stone (Chairman of tho Harbour Board), several of the foreign consuls, including Mr G. W. Griffin (U.S. Consul), while the pulpit and the medical faculty «ere largely represented. Mr C. i de L'Eau met tY a -«~*. of the evenin" "« '

the Queen-street Wharf, and escorted them to tho hall, where they wore received by Mr Albiu Villeval (Hon. Sec-.) and tho mem bers ot committee, whoeseortad them to their scat.'. Commnndcr do hi Mnison-Ncuve M-as prevented by indisposition from being present. All tho officers of tho Society wero distinguished by wearing tricolor rosettes. As the guests made their appearance, tho Garrison Band opened the concert with the French national air, " La -Marseillaise." The programme was admirably-arranged, and it was gone through witli great success, the French ollicers expressing their ac knowledgements very heartily, MrdeL'Eau and Mr villeval, upon whom devolved the labours of organisation, deserve great credit for the manner in which thoy acquitted themselves of an onerous task. Had time permitted, a ball would have boen given in stead of a concert.

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

A mas named George McLoskoy has been killed at Naseby, Otago, by falling from a

At Oamaru a child named Holmes has been killed by sucking the heads of matches.

A miner named James M'clvor M-as killed in the Brunnor mine, Greyniouth, on the 27th November.

Wm. Johnson, late schoolmaster and postmaster, has committed suicide at Dun edin by taking strychnine.

The body found on the North Beach, Greyniouth, has been identified as that of a sailor named Kelly.

At Groymouth, a Chinaman named Ah Young has gone mad, killed ono of his own countrymen and seriously Mounded another with a chopper.

Win. Thomas, a seaman who M-as sup posed to havo deserted from the ship Firth of Dornoch, has been found drowned in Lyttelton harbour.

A man named John Taylor M-as seriously injured in Wellington on Tuesday night, November 13, while attempting to stop two runaway horses with tram-car attached.

At Nelson, on the afternoon of Nov. 17, a girl carrying a baby M-as knocked down by a passing vehicle whilst crossing the road. The infant mos kicked by the horse and has sineo died.

Emanuel Bowdun, a Kumarn minor, nar rowly escaped death on November 9th, by falling into the sludge channel and beiug swept out with tho "tailings."

John Grant, a Scotch seaman belonging to the barquentine Waitemata, M-as re cently drowned while bathing in tho harbour at Suva.

A few M-eeks ago a girl named Sarah Softon, whose parents reside in Auckland, M-as accidentally drowned at Whakatane, near Opotiki. The body of a man, unknown, was found in the river at Wainiakariri on December 1, A letter found on the body bore the address, "Mrs Violet Sinclair Jones, Post office, Wellington."

John Skippington, a surface-man em ployed in the Dunedin railway yard, while engaged shunting, on Tuesday morning, November 13, slipped and fell, one of the trucks passing over his neck. At Wanganui the body of a man named Joseph Shelly, who has been missing since Thursday, November S, was found in tho river on the morning of the 10f.li November by dragging.

A littlo fellow of 13 years named George lloram, employed at Gledhill's cordial manufactory, on Nov. Si, received a serious cut on the left eye from the bursting ul a bottle.

Mr Ellis, a settler at Orakau, Waikato, and a person of unsound mind, drank a poisonof vcrdigrisaud nitric acid on Friday, November I), and died at noon the follow ing day. The stuff Mas used for foot-rot in sheep.

Two foreign seamen, named Olsen and Bui-man, deserted from the barque May Queen at Nelson during Sunday night, '-Villi November, and made for the shore on a raft. It is not known whether they are drowned or reached the shore in safety.

At Nelson on Nor. 13, Capt. Whitwell, of the steamer Charles Edward, was injured on board while assisting at tho removal of a boiler. Ho sustained a compound fracture of tho right thigh and other serious in juries.

A man named John Booth, gardener, residing in Yaldhurst, Christchurch, was found m bed with his throat cut on tho night of November 25. On tho table was a paper on which Mas written :—" lam mad,

John Booth." Deceased had boen drinkint heavily lately.

By the arrival of the s.s. Argyle from Northern ports on November Sth, wo loan that ono of Mr Wigmore's sons, of Russell, Bay of Islands, lias reported on Novembei 1 seeing a boat, painted red insido, con taining four men, beating into the Bay, suddenly capsize. All hands arc supposed to be lost.

Superintendent Thomson has received a telegram stating that two men named Morgan and Webb left Aratapu on Nov. 13 for Tikinui in a sailing boat, and have not since been heard of. It is feared the boat has capsized, as the wind has beon blowing a gale. The body of Charles Lockhart, aged 5-1, Mas found off the end of Rattray-street Wharf, Dunedin, on Nov. 20. Deceased, who M-as a fisherman, and of intemporate habits, had been missing since the 7th. When last seen ho Mas in the boat, on which he slept, and tho dingy Mas found capsized next day.

In the case of poisoning at Orakau, the coroner's jury found that the deceased, Albert Harry Ellis, was of "unsound mind." Ho was a native of England, 27 years of ago, and arrived by tho steamer Doric. Just before the unfortunate oecurronco his brothers were arranging for his removal to the lunatic asylum.

A man turned Matthew Loathor, arrived at the Thames from Tairua, and reports the discovery of a body unidentified among tho rocks botween Whangamnta and Tairua. A whaleboat is lying near, painted white with blue streak under gunwale, A broken oar bearing tho Union Bash and Door Co.'s brand had been used as a mast.

An accidont of a painful nature happened on Nov. 3 to Mr R. J. O'Sullivan, In spector of Schools. Ho was driving under the railway bridge in Parnell, wlien tho horse Mas startled by a passing train, and Mr O'Sullivan throM-n out. His faco Mas badly contused, and he Mas taken to his homo in Remuera, whoro he Mas subse quently attended by Dr. Haines.

The Chinese murderer, when brought up at tho Greyniouth Court on Thursday, 29th Novembor, bocamo so violent that his logs had to bo tied. Ho was committed for trial for tlio murder of Ah Jim, and maliciously M-ounding Ah Soi, who had nine cute on his hoad. The evidence of tho doctor showed that tho murdered man had several wounds, each of which M-ould be sullicient to cause death.

When tho barque Ganymcdo Mas boing berthed alongside of tho Queen-street Wharf on November 12, a seaman belonging to tho vessel, named Burrows, met with a very serious accident. Ho accidently got ono leg caught between the capstan and a rope connecting the barque with tho wharf, tho result being a .severe wound, He M-as sent to the Hospital.

A fatal accident occurred on Nov. 29 at tho excavation work, in connection with tho new road to the ocean steamers' wharf. A solid lump of earth weighing a ton struck Benjamin Gregory and H. Rydor, working with pickaxes bolow it. Tho former M-as killed instantly, and tho lattor's leg Mas broken. Tho doceasod is said to bo married and to have throe children resident in Christchurch.

Captain John Morgan, master of tho barque Ganymede, reports that during the voyage from London, when in latitude 47deg. Gmin. S., and longitude 145deg. 15min. E., a boy belonging to tho vessel named William Norris, while loosing tho mizen middle staysail, fell from aloft on to the bridge. He sustained a severe cut on tho head, and also broke his right log. The boy M-as instantly attended to, and ban daged up to tho best of Captain Morgan's ability, and he is now doing M-ell with the leg firmly set.

A fatal accident arising out of tho floods is reported from Palmerston. A party of six of the train passengers chartered a buggy to carry them through to Dunedin; and about three miles this side of Palmers ton they got oll'lhe road (which M-as covered with Mater) in tho dark. Ono passonger named Hobbs, who was tho caretaker of Mr Dodson's horse, Cassivelaunus, whioh is stationed in tho Ashburton district, M-as drowned. The other passengers had a narrow escape, but some young men named Sloane, who live in the neighbourhood, lent them valuable assistance. The horses wore drowned.

A sad boat accident, resulting in th death of three men, took place at the Spit, Napier, on the morning of Nov. 12. Captain Setton, of the ship Pleiades, now lying in the bay, with a crew of four men, came ashore for the first mate. There was ! a nasty rippling sea on the bar, but they arrived safely, and started to return with a crew of six. A nasty sea m-ivs running, but the captain gave orders to start. On the bar a sea struck the boat broadside on, and capsized her. Kreft and Captain Ton quin, of the barque Langstone, imme diately started to rescue the men, and the pilot boat was on the scene of tho accident M-ithin throe minutes, but only three men, the captain and two A.B.s, wern saved, the

first and third mate and ono A.B. being drowned. The first mate of the Pleiades m-,ih named Stevens, and Ihe third mate Veil ell.

A very heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by a deluge of rain and hail, passed over the town of Invcrcargill on tho afternoon of November 11. Unfortunately, tho storm was marked by a fatal accident. On the eastern confines of 1 he town is.i. small station

known as Ellisroad, and when tho storm Mas ut its height, about four p.m., several persons were I here awaiting the arrival of tho out I rain for Clinton. Among thorn wero Mr Arthur Crisp and Mr F. G. Stone, pro minent officials of the Oddfellows, Man chester Unity, on their way to establish a lodge at Mataura. While waiting at the door of the shelter shed, a very vivid Hash of lightning, which waa remarked all over the town, struck tho station. Mr Crisp only survived the shock a short time. Mr Stone M-as scorched down the arm and dazed, while others felt the effects of the electricity in a slighter degree. Tho weatherboards of the station wero driven oil', and thrown across the rails. The track of the fluid from one rail to another was visible. A stud of the building M-as shattered, and one of the piles of tho platform M-as split. Mr Crisp M-as convoyed to the Hospital, but nothing could be done for him. On the inner side of his leg a representation of a tree M-as as distinctly marked ,-is if photographed. Mr Stono wont home somewhat stunned. Mr Crisp was a labouring man, but, very widely known in Iho district, and the leading spirit in benevolent and political affairs, lie had been councillor of the borough of South Invcrcargill, whore he resided, and was X.l I. of tho district lodge of Odd fellows, and in that capacity was making a survey, lie leavesn widow and large family of young children. A rumour has been circulated to (lie effect that two children named Fraser have been killed by lightning at Ihe Gap Road station on tho Northern line, about 17 miles from town. Their parents are also said to be injured or prostrated by the calamity. The storm is unprecedented in its results in this district. Telegraphic poles have been split, and telephones in town woro charged with electricity. Bells in (he offices wero ringing frequently. News has reached Invcrcargill of two other deaths from lightning at Forest Hill. Two daugh ters of Mr Kirkpatriok, settler, aged ten and eight years respectively, woro ovortnkou by the storm and took refugo in a stable, where somo men had placed them. The eldest girl stood in the doorway, when a flash cumo and struck her dead, death boing instantaneous. The other occupants escaped with a scorch ing, but a horso and dog wero destroyed. At North Forest Hill, in the samo district, a boy named McGregor, aged about 15 years, was looking out of a door at tho storm, when ho was struck to the ground and never spoke again. In another quarter six telegraph poles were shattered.

James Young, a watchmaker, committed suicide at Dunedin on Dee. 1. Deceased ar rived in the colony about four months ago from BriUiin by the British King. On his arrival he went to live with his uncle, Mr Cunningham, at South Dunedin. lie became attached to one of Mr Cunningham's daughters, but his suit was discouraged by his uncle. A short time since deceased went to Outram, and tliero opened a small shop as watchmaker and work ing jeweller. On Nov. 29 he came to town and met i\(is3 Cunningham, who declined to have anything to say to him, After this he looked alioiil town, drinking, and once or twice spoke of committing suicide. About two hours before lie shot himself, he lold a young woman that he had been badly Irenled, and that liv would do so owing to Ciiiiniiigliiiiii. At i 0 o'clock Mr Cunningham was told what the de ceased had threatened, and sent for the police, who were in the house and were male ing en quiries at the time that Young lired the first shni. which took effect in his throat. The de ceased ran from the building and lired again. ilk-! shot pcm-iraling his right breast. Young wrote this letter, addressed to a re porter:—"l have dune tho deed myself, all through love. Illume my friends, for I died all through their fault. They promised me their daughter's hand, and withdrew their con sent. I cannot live without her. Let all who value true love slum them. They have heen my curse all through life." At Ihe coroner's in quest the iurv returned a verdict of "Suicide Idle insane."

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS ITEMS.

A I'c ni.lo school to hold 130 children is to be built at Kihikihi.

Gas in Oamaru costs 13s 4d per 1,000 cubic feet.

All tho single girls by the lonic have got engagements at Wellington.

The "Tauranga Telegraph" mado its dcbiil on the 2-lth November.

Male immigrants to Canterbury by the lonic have not found employment.

There are now 180 names on the Auck land Telephone Exchange.

Sir George Groy contemplates residing permanently in or near Auckland city.

120 workmen have been discharged from the Otago Central Railway works,

Otago sent home Cl3O for tho relief of distressed Highlanders.

Auckland vital statistics last montii :— Births, 172; marriages, 39; deaths, -18.

Owako Powder Mills, Otago, havo been blown up, but no ono was injured.

The report that diamonds havo been found in Otago is denied.

A Fijian was executed for murder at Suva on 9th ult. Ho M-as half deud from fear before he was swung oil".

Closo on £.'I,OOO will bo needed to repair damages to roads and bridges in Waikouaiti County, Otago, by the recent floods.

According to Mr Ellery, tho Victorian

astronomer, I'ons's comet will shortly be visiblo in these parts.

The Customs revonue of tho colony last month M-as £100,403 5s (id, against £127,018 18s Id in November, ISB2.

Mr Bryce thinks that when tlio King Country is oponod tho Nativo Ollico mny bo abolished,

Tho property tax returns will, it is con fidently expected, exceed tho estimate (£250,000) by a considerable amount,

Tho Waotu natives. aro still at logger heads on all points savo ono, and that is to throw oil'tho " mana " of Tawhiao.

A salutary lesson to surgeons. A doctor at 1 lastings mulcted in £175 damages for badly sotting a broken leg.

Two political associations, for the promo tion of financial reform and tho interest* of tho South, aro being formed in Dunedin, Canterbury Cliainher of Commerce takes the initiative in inviting the othor Chambers of the colony to an annual conference.

Sir Goorgo Groy Ls invited to doliver addresses in Molbourno and Sydnoy on Federation and Annexation.

A shock of earthquake was folt at Tc Awamutu and Ngaruawahia on tho night of the 15th Novombor.

Births in the chief cities of the colony last month wero—Auckland, 122 ; Welling ton, 90 ; Dunedin, SO ; and Christchurch, 33. Sir William Fox visits England as soon as his labours as West Coast Commissioner are concluded.

A Chamber ot C'onnncrco has beon estab lished at Nelson, Mr James Sclanders being Chairman.

Mr Potrie, Inspector of Schools, has boon clouted President of tlio Otago Institute for the ensuing year.

Orangemen believe there is " imminent danger" of Roman Catholicism becoming " the dominant power in Now Zealand."

Christchurch Exhibition is to bo lit by 150 Incandescent and 0 arc lights by tho New Zealand Electric Light Co, Tho Salvation Army Barracks at Auck land, to cost £2,49", aro to bo proceeded with at onco.

Justices Johnston and Williams have de clared the Christchurch drainage rate to be invalid.

The Government havo turned the Napier Borough Council out of thoir chambers, and the latter body is starting a public agitation against tho eviction

Here isaworthy example for "tho trade." At Hamilton, Waikato, tho landlord of tho Frankton Hotel has taken out a prohibi tion order against one of his customers.

The Hospital Committee have elected Dr. Knight, of Ponsonby, honorary surgeon to tho institution, vice Dr. Stockwoll, re signed.

A Canterbury bushman is in charge for sheep-stealing. It was his habit to go out " pig-hunting " and bring home a sheep or two.

A gang of shcop-stealers have been cap tured by tho police at Hokianga, One of them lias confessed to having lived by plunder for three years.

Colonel Roberts has pulled dou-n the native meeting-houso at Parihaka, where tho Waikatos have beon in the habit of assembling periodically..

Topia, the Murimotu chief, has tele graphed to Government that lie has with. drewn all opposition to the railway survey under Mr Rochfort.

A young man named Tixon has got three months in " chokey" for "ringing the changes" on twenty-one Wellington trades men.

Nominations for 72 immigrants by friends in Otago have been sent for despatch by next outgoing mail. More than half of the immigrants are Scotch.

The Protestant Alliance Friendly Society at Christchurch celebrated the Luther anni versary by a tea, soiree, and public meeting.

The Dunedin Peninsula and Ocean Beach Railway has been purchased by a new pro prietary, and will bo started as a tramway service shortly.

AtJ^the Napier Cham1'"- •' ''""-""imerce

meeting on November, it, was stated that the delay in prosecuting railway works was owing to the scarcity of labour.

A Christchurch manufacturer has re cently received a letter from one of the Salvation Army converts enclosing postage stamps for the valuo of certain goods which he confesses to having appropriated while in the manufacturer's service, and which themselves he cannot restore.

Two youths wont seafowl nesting at Ocean Beach, Dunedin, on November 211, and after swimming out to some rocks, wove unable to return. They took refuge in a cave, and were only rescued by means of a steamer, after having been naked on the rocks for twelve hours.

W. J. Glasgow, late pupil of the Nelson College, loftfor Eng.and on Nov. 23 to take up the Military Cadetship at Sandhurst, which was at the disposal of tho Senate of the University of New Zealand, in which he passed tho first section of the B. A. examina tion.

In 1882, 161 men deserted from 11.M.5. Nelson, only a comparatively small number having been returned. It is said that it it will be impossible to maintain a vessel of her class on the station unless the men will stand by her. There is always intense dis incßnation on tho part of colonists to give iqW deserter, and tho encouragement to settle in the colonies is very great.

Our own correspondent, telegraphing on November 10 from Mercer, says :-- "Judge Mncdomild has been holding a Lands Court here. The Court opened yesterday, and will likely continue for a fortnight. The block being adjudicated on is Ihe Te Akau, the subdivisions of which are being settled, and a large number of natives aro attend ing." MrT. Fergus, M.H.R., leaves Dunedin for Hobart by the next steamer, to super vise the contract of tho railway line from Mersey to Deloraino, a distance of 37J miles. Messrs. Fergus and Henderson were the successful tenderers for the work, and tho amount of their contract is upwards of £100,000. Over -100 men will be em ployed on the works next month. It will bo interesting to our readers to learn that Her Majesty Queen Victoria has conferred the decoration of the Order of the Red Cross on Miss Alice Crispo, lady super intendent of the Auckland Hospital. His Excellency will publicly present the Order to Miss Crispe, on the occasion of his next visit to Auckland, which will probably bo in February. She already holds tM-o medals for service as a nurse in the field.

There M-as a largo attendance at the sale of steamers by Messrs E, and A. Isaacs on tho 22nd November. Tho City of Cork realised £1000; tho Lily, £450 ; the ICina, Minnio Casoy, and Durham, together with Government mail subsidy, trade, plant equipments, offices, and coal sheds at Helensville, £0000 ; book debts, office furniture, and stationery, £5. The cutter Stag was withdrawn at £200. A court of very summary jurisdiction M-as lately constituted in a small country town in Otago. A drunken man ejected from an hotel indulged in some rowdy behaviour on the street, whereupon Mr Watt, 11.M., who had been standing quietly by rolling a cigarette, stepped up to tho offender and there and then fined him 20s, or in default three days. The local con stablo collected the line.

Mr Gladman, the principal of the Train ing College for Teachers at Melbourne, has, at tho request of the Hon. Mr Uick, agreed to give his services as examiner in the sub ject of school management at the next January examination of candidates for certi ficates under the Now Zealand Education Department. Mr Gladman is the author of a very popular work on school management, and is regarded as ono of the best authorities on the subject. It is gratifying to know that the Auck land industry of glass-making is getting colonial recognition. A telegram from Wellington states that carriage-lamps nnd lamp chimneys of Auckland manufacture are about to bo used on the Wellington railway lines, an order for six dozen of the former and twenty-four dozen of the latter having just boon executed for tho Govern ment by Messrs Cook and Sons, Freeman's Bay Glass Works.

Mr Gudgeon's noM- work on the war, entitled " Recollections of Individual Acts of Bravery Performed by both Pakeha and Maori during the Maori Rebellion of ISb'O," is now nearly ready for the press. In it tho author records instances of daring and hair breadth escapes never before published, and which in a foM- more years Mould be entirely lost sight of, as many of thoso who took part in the struggle have either left the colony or gone to their last home. Wellington has had a little trouble over tho question of hospital management, which, as in the easo of Auckland recently, has led to the houso surgeon being superseded. Several complaints recently made respecting the treatment of patients resulted in an interview taking place botween the Colonial Secretary and Dr. Hammond, the Superintendent. The upshot of the conference M-as that Dr. Hammond has decided to resign.

The question of creeling largo fresh water swimming baths in the centre of the city was introduced at the usual fort nightly meeting of the City Council on Nov. 8, when a petition from a large number of influential citizens M-as read asking that this great want should lie sup plied. It M-as pointed out that the present salt-water baths wero totally inadequate to moot tho requirements of the inhabitants of tho city, besides boing situated in .an out of-tho-way locality, not easily accessible to the majority who desired touso them. Dr. Dawson, honorary .surgeon of the Firo Brigade, was presented at the brigade station by Superintendent Hughes on Nov. 5 with an officer's bolt, bearing tho follow ing inscription : —" Dr. F. W. E. Dawson, hon. surgeon of the Auckland Fire Brigade. Presontcd by the ollicers and members as a mark of appreciation and esteem. —nth Novombor, 1883." Tho presentation was responded to, and at the call of Dr. Dum- son cheers M-ere given for Mr and Mrs Hughes. Mr F. J. Shortt was elected nn honorary member. "Guy Fawkos'Day," sth Nov., was kept up by the youngsters of the pleasant suburbs of this city more for the fun than from any supposed Protestant feelings theso precocious lads might possoss. Bonfires blazed in various directions—from paddocks and side places, voices and potty lira works hissed and cracked in the gloaming, and wo are not nM-aro of any accident having taken place. At ten o'clock tho tires had burnt out, the crackors had all exploded, the youngsters had retired to rest, and tho sports of the memorable night M-as ovor for another year.

At tho Orange demonstration held in Christchurch on tho afternoon of tho sth November, resolutions to the following ofl'ect woro carried :—(1) Renewal of pledge as Orangemen; (2) Condomning tho Irish Land Leaguo as responsible for tho state of anarchy, the froquont crimes, and the gonoral demoralisation in Ireland ; (3) De termination to maintain tho present system of State oducation ; (4) Expressive of sorrow at the Phauiix Park murders, and protesting against the attempt, by tho Government of England to opon diplomatic relations with tho Court of Rome.

At tho Protestant Alliance fete, held in Dunedin on tho 9th Novombor, Mr Larnach moved, and Rev. Mr Want seconded tho following resolution, which Mas carried :—" Wc condemn tho Irish Land Leaguo and its professional agitators as boing responsible for ntrooious assassina tions and outrages whioh have recently disgraced Ireland, and therefore aro of opinion that it behoves all Orange men and Protestants in Ncm- Zealand to carry out thoir principles, to increaso their vigilance, and to still further provo their loyalty." Amongst tho cargo brought by the Triumph there is somo further material for tho Sugar Company in tho shape of machinery and fittings, and besides this tliero is a largo consignment of cement for the Tramway Company, The work of laying down tho train-rails has had to be kept in abeyance pending its receipt, and now that it has como at last, opera tions will doubtless be vigorously prosecuted. The contract expires in April next, so that tho greatest expedition will have to be used, and even then it seems pretty obvious that an extension of time will have to bo applied for. A bust of Garibaldi, subscribed for by tho Italians of Canterbury, has arrived from Italy, and is pronounced by connoisseurs to be a lino work of art. It will bo formerly presented to tho Museum at an early date. A meeting of the Parnell Borough Coun cil was held on Nov. 14, for tho appointment of a person to fill the ofiico of Foreman of Waterworks, Turncock, &c. Tho six can didates selected at the laat meeting Mere in attendance, and after a long delibera tion the Council decided to appoint Mr William Henry Littlejohn to tho vacant post. There M-ere present at the meeting the Mayor, and Crs. Barber, Mullins, Mo Cabe, Pollard, and Winks.

The body of the late Judge Manning, who died in London, arrived aboard of tho barque Antares, which arrived in harbour on November 21, and has been interred at Auckland, the funeral being attended by a large body of citizens. It is rather remarkable that neither Captain Lewis, master of tho ship, his crew, nor passengers, had the remotest idea that a dead body was included in the cargo until they arrived hero last evening, and wero informed of the circumstances. As Captain Lewis Misoly remarUwl. " W«11, perhaps its

just as M-ell, for we who travel on the water arc sometimes rather superstitious." Most sailors have a great, dread of a dead body, and many have been known to refuse to ship iv a vessel which has been engaged to

No wonder the colonies complain ! There is a French convict at New Caledonia sen tenced to 153 years' hard labour, and after that 105 years' police surveillance. Babbit's in some districts of Otago are dying by the thousand of a tubercular disease. It is hoped tho complaint will

spread. Since they are forced to give full weight, the Wellington bakers havo raised the price of bread to 4d per 21b loaf. Rather suspicious ! At Auckland Girls' High School, in future, piano lessons are to bo given by preference to those pupils who cannot be taught elsewhere. At a recent meeting of the Caledonian Society at Invcrcargill, livo members wore nrolled whose united ages amounted to 00 years. They aro all old settlers, and °one of them teetotal 1

11 A Southern paper says that the Minister of Education has decided that plain eook iug is to bo taught to girls in the public schools, and that it will be a compulsory s object of instruction,

Waterloo veterans arc not yet extinct, despite the cruel neglect of this generation, an old Black Watch soldier named Gor don, aged 01 years, is now residing near Auokland.

200 deaths look place in New Zealand last month, against 502 births. Of the deaths, S.S were of children under live years, being <I<l per cent, of tho whole

Bain fell heavily at Tauranga on Nov. 2, and two bridges Hero washed away, besides damage caused by landslips and collapsing of embankments. The rain Mas the heaviest known for many years.

During last year, Christchurch Benevo lent Association relieved 270 cases, the amount disbursed being £1,038. There wero !)00 children dependent on the parties relieved.

Mr Oliver Mays has been appointed Immigration Ollicer in place of Mr Brophy. lie will doubtless provoan energetic ollicer. Extensive alterations to the quarantine building at Motuihi aro contemplated by the Government.

The barque Ganymede, which arrived from London on Saturday, November 10, brings the old English armour presented by ,1. T. Mackclvie, Esq., to the Auckland Museum. The collection is a very valuable one.

Professor Aldis, the newly - appointed Professor of Mathematics for the Auckland University College, arrived by the steamer Manapouri on November 14th. Professor Aldis is accompanied by Mrs Aldis, son, and daughter. Messrs James Macintyro and Caleb Wood were the only candidates for the vacancy at the Parnell Borough Council, caused by the resignation of Mr Worthington. The poll resulted—Mucin tyre, 121 ; Wood, 35, MrMacintyre has, therefore, been elected. An enormous icrolito struck the earth with terrific force at Qucenstown, Otago, on Wednesday, November 28, causing a shock which was felt through the whole district. At Skippers, a portion of the it-rolite des troyed a stable and set a telephone bell

ringing. A largo waterspout passed over Hie harbour about three o'clock on the after noon of November 22, to tho westward of the wharf, and Mas watched with interest by a largo number of persons until it disap peared. Six female servants at Wellington Hospital have resigned over the squabble which led to tho retirement of Dr. Hammond. They demand an inquiry, and indicate that the fault is on the side of the honorary stall', and not of the resident .surgeon,

A severe thunderstorm passed over Tap anui, Otago, on the afternoon of Nov. 10. Largo hailstones fell, and the street of tho town M-as like a flooded river. Great damage was done to gardens and farm pro duce.

Wc understand that tenders will be shortly invited for reclaiming portions of the foreshore, Auckland harbour, and cut ting down Emily Place. This will involve the removal of some 200,000 cubic yards of material.

The testimonial which M-as presented to Mr Gordon Gooch by his pupils and somo of his friends was on exhibition on Nov. 29, in Messrs Upton and Co's shop-window,ns M-as also tho bfiton presented to him by the Devonport Musical Society. Amongst the passengers who arrived by the barque Antarcs from London arc three families of Jews, refugees from South Russia. One is n baker, another a brick layer, and a third a carpenter, so t-.'iat they will probably find plenty of employment here.

A man named Alfred Watts Mas arrested on wan-ant at Helensville on Nov. 10 by Constable Nnughton, on suspicion of being tho perpetrator of systematic robberies nt the Victoria Hotel. He came to Auckland some time ago in the steamer Wcstmeath, and M-as employed as night porter at the Victoria. The robberies are alleged to have been committed during his period of ser vice, and the stolen goods M-ere subsequently recovered from a house in Wellington street, occupied by a Mrs Reynolds, and where Watts had been living. The prisoner disappeared, and no trace of him could be found until Constable Naughton recognised him by the description which had been issued, and traced him to tho fish factory where he has lately been employed as cook.

Mrs Brookes, who lost her husband and two sons by a boat accident some tM-o or three years back, and who was subsequently assisted by the charitable institutions at Dunedin and Wellington, abd her passage paid Home, is returning to the colonies. The London Charity Organisation Committee wrote to tho local Benevolent Institution stating that her late husband's friends have exhausted all charitable sources, and as she refuses to work, thoy thought the best means of getting rid of her M-as to pay her passage back to the colony, which has been done in tho steamer Victory. The local Committeo will refuse to assist her on her arrival.

A Wellington accountant, Mr T. C. Jenkins, has invented nn automatic check billiard-marker, which keeps record of the number of games played. It is to be patented in Norn: Zealand, Great Britain Franco, and Germany.

A Volunteer review took placo at the Hutt, Wellington, on November 9, In a rifle match on November 9th tho Thames Killo Rangers beat the Coromandel Volunteers by 30 points. The labours of Miss Hall, matron of tho s.s. Triumph, were brought to a happy and agreeable termination on the 29th Nov. A number of her young charges assembled at tho HoM-o-street Homo for the purpose of testifying their esteem and regard for thoir matron by presenting her with a very handsome dressing-caso as a mark of tho attachment to and in consideration of her unremitting attention and kindness to them during tho voyage from England to New Zealand, and wishing her a speedy and pleasant passage back to dear old England.

Dr. Mackolhir, who lately resigned tho position of House Surgeon of Auckland Hospital, after a short rcflime marked by continual conflict between himself and the other officials, has found a more appreciative field in the South, having beon appointed Professor of Pathology and Morbid Anatomy to the University of Otago, The following is tho comploto list of appointments made by tho Council at Dunedin yesterday:— Practice of Medicino: Dr. D. Colquhoun, M.D., London, lute senior assistant phy sician at Charing Cross Hospital, London. There where tM-o other candidates. Path, ology nnd Morbid Anatomy: Dr. E. D. Mackcllar, M.D. There Mere two othor candidates. Midwifery: Dr. Bachelor, of Dunedin. There Were two other candidates, Materia Medica: Dr. McDonald, of Dun edin. There M-as ono other candidate. Medical Jurisprudence nnd Public Health : Tliero M-ns only one applicant, and the appointment M-as deferred for the present.

To show how expeditiously mails aro car ried if sent by the now, fast steamer Talca puna, plying between Onohunga and Lyttelton, M-e may mention that tho issue of tho " Otago Daily Times " of Saturday, 24th November, was delivered in Auckland on Tuesday morning, 27th Nov. Tho actual time occupied in the passage front Lyttelton to Onehunga, inclusive of t:i:op pages at Wellington and Now Plymouth, besides waiting for tho tido to cross the Manukau bar, was 07 hours. If to that is added tho train journey from Christ-church to Dunedin, it will be seen that under favourable conditions of wind and tjde the Northern and Southern capitals of the colony are within three days journey of each other. The distance is over (150 milep by tho shortest possible routes, and it is thus clearly proved that for convenience and rapidity of travelling New Zealand is in no way behind the age. An Auokland mer chant is now able to go to Dunedin, trans act business, nnd be buck here again with in a wock, at the same time finding a spare hour or tM-o to land at Lyttelton aud Wei liugton, whether on business or pleasure.

A pleasant re-union, old Oxonians and Cantabs., i.e., erstwhile students at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, took1 place at the Star Hotel on Nov. 13. Bishop Cowie, who Mas a student at Trinity Hall, Cantab., presided, and the' following' gentlemen were also pVoseot:.—ltev. Di\ Kinder, Trinity 'College," Cantab,'; Mr

Albin Martin, Jesus Co'dogo, Cantab. ; Pro- I feasor Thomas, Balliol College, Oxon. ; Mr Russell, Trinity College, Cantab. ; Mr Williamson, Pembroke College, Oxon. ; Mr R. C. Barrtow, Jesus College, Cantab. ; Dr. Shortland, St. Catherine's College, Cantab.: Professor Tucker, St. John's College, Can lab.: Mr Woodward, Christ's College, Can tab. ; Mr A. DeL. Hammond, Christ's Col lego, Cantab. ; Judge H. G. Seth Smith, Trinity College, Cantab.; Mr V. E.Rice, ('hristchureh, Oxon. ; Rev. C. C. C. Frith, St. John's Ccllege, Oxon. ; Mr C. F. Bourne, St. John's College, Oxon. ; Rev. C. M. Nelson, Queen's College, Can tab. The following gentlemen were pre vented by unavoidable circumstances from attending:—Sir George Grey, hon. D.C.L., Oxon., and hon. L.L.D., Cantab. ; Pro fessor Brown, hon. M.A., Oxon. ;: Rev. W. Tebbs, Cantab. ; Rev. E. H. S. Walpole, Cantab. ; Rev. F. Lnlly, Cantab. (Mr Lally has lately left the colony) ; Mr B. Tonks, Oxon. ; Mr W. Outhwaite, Lincoln College, Oxon. ; Mr A. ('. Yarborough, and several others. During the course of the evening a number of toasts wero drunk.

By proclamation of the Governor, Patea Gaol has been abolished.

The erection of new buildings for the Young Men's Christian .Association at Christchurch commenced on Dec. 5.

Joseph Fnntham, farmer, Sandhill, near Christchurch, was accidentally drowned in Stewart's Gully on sth December. The meal which was being frozen in Wellington for shipment by the steamer Triumph numbers4,soo carcases of mutton, and this will be shipped ijy the steamer Victoria, duo in a few weeks

A body, supposcdtobethutofJolmWhite, wlm committed suicide in October last, has been found in the Clutha River, near Dunedin. The remains are much decom posed. Mr James Garvoy, manager of the Bright Smile mine, Thames Goldfields, died on tho (ith Dec. from inflammation of the lungs, ageil 38, The deceased gentleman was an experienced mine manager, having been on the colonial goldfields since 185G, and M-as at Thames during tho first year after its opening. Very general regret is expressed at his untimely decease. Mr W. J. W. Hamilton, an old Christ church settler, having come to New Zealand prior to the settlement of Canterbury, died early on the morning of oth December, after a very short illness. Deceased formerly held several Government appointments,^aud was one of the proprietors of the "Lyttelton Times."

Tinikai, an aged native chief residing at Te Puna, died on the 3rd December from consumption. Tho above chief M-as one of the greatest warriors the British troops had to contend aguinst at the Gate Pah, Teraiigu, and Whakamarama engagements. A big tangi over the remains is anticipated, at which the Waikatos will muster in force. From the scarcity of food prevail ing just now among the natives, the usual "tangi-kai" will come in, not "tangi aroha " as of yore.

Among patents applied for this month are tho following :—Mr R. J. F.Wilson, of Dunedin, patent for an invention for making concrete blocks for marine and other works, so that they can bo floated to their position, and sunk, without the uso of expen sive machinery. Mr Win. Douslin, archi tect, Blenheim, patent tor a rabbit-catcher. Mr Simon Bolt, Coromandel, patent.for safety disconnecting shackle or socket for life-boats from ships. Mr Wilson, Dunedin, also applies for letters patent for an inven tion for guiding the. currents of rivers, &c., by means of loaded timber screens, and for a new cradle .washing machine.

Mr ami Mrs Gordon Gooch were passen gers for Melbourne by the steamer Torn wera, which left on Dec. oth. A large number of friends Mere on the wharf to wish them lion voyage. In the course of yesterday Mr Gooch was the recipient of several souvenirs presented by his former pupils. The girls of the High School pre sented him M-ith a beautiful gold pencil case, while the singing pupils at Mr Clay ton's school, along M'ith others, made like presentations. These eloquent marks of affection and esteem will no doubt be highly appreciated by Mr Gooch, and will, in his new sphere, servo to remind him of his many friends and well-wishers in Auckland.

"FEDERATION AND ANNEXA TION."

Public Address by Sir Gcorgb Grey.

Sik Geokge Grky delivered an address on "Federation and Annexation" on the evening of Wednesday, 14th November, in tho Theatre Royal, before a crowded, assemblage of people. Provision had been mado in the dress circle for the accomodation of ladies, and as a conse quence, the gentler sex was well repre sented, while the space downstairs was wholly and to its utmost capacity utilised by tho male portion of humanity. The entire space upon the platform was also occupied, and amongst tlio visitors there Mere the lions. R. J. Reid and Major Wilson, members of the Victorian Legisla tive Council.

On tho motion of Mr J. M. Siikra, seconded by' Cr. Thompson, Cr. Waddel Mas voted to the chair.

Sir Gkokoe Grey began by expressing doubt whether he would succeed in carrying their sympathies with him throughout the address, inasmuch as tho subject M-as of no immediate public utility to this place, but M-as rather valuable as it affected coming times. All legislation M-as destined to mould and shape the future, and this subject that he had to discuss that night would very powerfully influence the future of this quarter of tho globe. Ever since IS4O he had boen engaged in tho making of laM-s, and he perceived very clearly the importance of a matter which in 50 years Mould affect-a very largo population in this colony, for in that time he felt sure two or three millions of people would be added to the number of people settled here. His audience would be interested in the subject wheffthey reflected that it would affect the welfare of a son or a sjn's son. He wouidfirst of all recal their attention to the state of things which prevailed in the South Pacific 40 years ago when ho and the coadjutors he had M-ere clothed with some authority over it. Tho savages M-ere more or less cannibalistic, and they were already become the prey of adventurers and unjust traders. He and his friends felt that if those islands Mere so abandoned to the evils of savagery and the unscrupulous designs of traders a just punishment would fall upon all those countries. Seeing this he took large en doM-ments in this colony to found charitable institutions for the benefit of the South Pacific islanders, as well as of the inhabi tants of Auckland. This intention of his was clearly and explicitly stated in the trust deeds of our orphan houses, our grammar school, and gui- hospital. At that time the heads of tho Wes leyan, Catholic, and Anglican and other South Pacific missions then centred in this town gladly co-operated in tho good work. So largely did tho feeling spread that the aboriginals gave oxtensive endowments for the same purpose. Through the interrup tion of the Mar many af theso tracts still re mained unutilised, but they would become valuable yet. So general and enthusiastic indood was the feelio" that tho trust deeds of similar institutions in the South contained tho same provision for the benefit of South Pacific islanders. Negotiations M-ere opened up with the Fijians and they gave in their consent to annexation to Grentßritain, the Tongans listened favourably to, the same overtures ; and New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, and the New Hebrides, already belonged to New Zealand. But a tremor seized tho British public, and tho ory arose that tho Empire was overgrown, and that no. extension of territory was required. Groat Britain, however, M-as then passing through a period of distress and tribulation, and men and women began to pour out from the old motherland, resolved to found new homes elsewhere. We now bohold the result of these forty years, and it was the result that lie looked forward to writh im patience all that time — when a grand confederation oi English land and people, sliould becomo possible —a confedera tion speaking the same language — glorying in a common history and litera ture, and able to dictate mid enforce peace in the world, Thoso ohangos rendered neccs sovy hotter forms of government and tho es tablishment of new relations between tho off shoots of the Empire and their great parent, They had made it necessary that these off shoots should havo some power of shaping their own aiuiu^andindotovmining whether or not certain praiuci.ii that engaged public attention should or should not be carried QUt! and. ho felt sure that the desires of great communities, spread over a vast ex tant of territory, would bo respectfully listened to and regarded at Haiv,c although 40 years since thoy would have been treated with cOMtenvpi, ' Having gone over this psuly.o'umry matter, he "now propose.'! ;-,» state what had been done in she matter by our Legislature. In the first place, he wished to say that this Conference Irid not beon entered upon under the best auspices. It was unfortu nate that the tend.ejic.y was to look upon it as a small party question—as a potty ques tion of constituencies; whereasitshouldhave been regarded as a great national question, and the people at largo called, upon, to select then- representatives, for the* Con ference, A.n,d ho. hoped that whon the time came to settle the question once for all the

people of New Zealand, at any rate, would insist upon choosing the representatives who would have to assist in moulding tho destinies of this new nation—for that M-as what it meant. It M-as a great and irre vocable step. What the Legislhl urc here had dono was simply to nliirm the desirability of annexation and to seek representa tion at the Conference, the representatives duty being merely to report to Parliament the Act which ho had drafted upon tho subjictof annexation, and which had been passed into law by an overwhelming majo rity, had been sent home for the Queen's assent. That v,-as the position now. No one knew what was to be laid before the Conference, or M-hat it proposed to do, and there M-as danger that tho representatives might seek to bind their respective colonies to certain resolutions. He wished to lay down certain cardinal points which must be borne in mind when shaping their decision. The first was that no exterior power should interfere in our internal affairs. When our Constitution was framed, and our Provincial Councils wero erected, we wero given the power of making our laws with out any reference to the Queen, the Governor only by the advice of \\\_ Ministers exercising the power of veto. But wo repealed that provision, and the unique spectacle had been presented of a free people casting back such an in estimable privilege in the face of the conn try which cheerfully conceded it. Now wo must take this power back and utilise it. Another reflection might be embodied in tho question, "Can a nation be a nation which has no power over its external affairs?" No nation could bo a groat nation that shut itself in isolation, and was indifferent to tho fate of thoso countries which sur rounded it. Tt must bo nllowcd to somo extent to consider the condition of lands and stales external and beyond its own limits. " What wore Mo to do with tho numerous populations which surrounded us?" How should we conduct ourselves amid the dillicult circumstances which in the future must arise in tho various islands of the Pacific ? He had no doubt that the statesmen of Great Britain would, on this question, be glad to tako us into their council. They should insist upon being heard and consulted in regard to matters that affected their om-ii interests, and the claim could not in justice be refused. He came now to another important point and his views upon it, ho thought) should havo the entiro support of the Australian colonies. In his youth what might be called a sect grew up, with whom it M-as fashionable to declaim against the continued support of tho colonies, and M-ho preached the advisability of detaching the colonies, so that England's care might be concentrated upon herself, and her money spent upon her own needs. In that day.tho Orange Free State was cut off from the Empire, and by the fiat of ono man, himself a subject, thousands of British subjects ceased at once to own anyallegiance orclaim any connection with tho Empire. In the same way, the Islands of the Pacific which had been added to the Empire were severed from it. Now,we should insist upon it that this sort of thingshouldnot beallowedagain —that it shouldno longerbedependentupon the caprice of any one man to dismember the Empire. It should be made law that no portion of the Empire could be detached without a special Act being passed for the purpose. These three points, then, hepar ticularlyrecommendedtoattontion: Firstly, that wo should recover tho rights of admin istering our own affairs internally, uncon trolled by any power whatever—the rio-hfc which we originally had ; secondly,thatwe should be heard in all eases which concern our external relations; thirdly, that wo should have a positive assurance that no colony or part of the Empire can henceforth be cut off' from the Empire in any other manner than by Act of the Imperial Parliament. On the question of federation he would not speak at any length, but he would say this, that there were certain thirgs which we Mere almost bound to federate upon with the other colonies of the group, either by treaty or in some other way. One, for instance, M-as the defence of the colonies, if there was a necessity for a navy,wo ought to combine in that respect. But still he did not think that New Zealand would derive any advan-. tago from entering into such a federation with the Australian colonies as binds together the United States. All his efforts hero had been to preserve New Zealand a European nation. Let it stand among the.coloured nations by which it was surrounded as a European nation in habits, customs, national instincts and taste, and form of government, and let no con sideration of temporary gain cause us to swerve from that resolve. We occupied a singularly advantageous position for purposes cf attack and defence, and m-o had als.o the opportunity of being an example to neighbouring peoples. With Australia the case Mas different. The nature of that vast island M-as such that its centre would inevitably havo to be settled and occupied largely by a coloured population and the white people who admin istered the concerns of the southern portion of that country Mould havo a great and grov.'ing difficulty to cope with in withstanding the evils produced by the presence of a less civilised people. It M-as for New Zealand not to lower it 3 character, circumstances, and influence by permitting the intrusion of a coloured popu lation, but to keep the race pure and un tainted from its original sourco in Europe. Our beginning as-a great people should be worthy of the end, going down to pos terity with applause and reverence for tho men who had helped in it. Wo who are out here were men who wore tho most reso lute and determined of tho several races from which wo came, who resolved to da that which was great and useful, who determined to encounter perils together, to, found a nation under very adverse circum stances, and in a land which was very barbarous, and presented many difficulties to its occupation. Bound together by this common, bond, then, let us now in this, the greatest crisis which had taken place in his lifetime, stand shoulder to shoulder to do that which was right, and determine that from this groat movement good should como forth, and that as ono man we would help to bring it about. The speaker resumed his seat amid loud, and prolonged cheering. . • ~ On the motion of Mr J. A. Tole, M.H.R:, seconded by Mr T. B. Hill, a vote of thanks:' to the speaker, and a resolution " That the Islands of the Pacific should not be made, a recoptacle for the convicts of any nation," were passed with acclamation. On the motion of Sir George Groy, a vote of thanks was passed to tho Chairman, and tho assemblage dispersed after giving three cheers for the speaker of the evening.

MAYORALTY ELECTIONS.

At the hour fixed for receiving nominations for the Mayoralty of tho City of Auckland, °" Monday, November 20, Councillor W. R, U addel was the only candidate nominated. He, is, therefore, elected Mayor for the en suing tweßo months without opposition. Iho election of a Mayor for the Borough, ol Parnell took place on Monday, Nov. 20. Captain D. H. MeKer.zio was nominated by. Messrs John MoCbe and George Roger* and being the only candidate, was returned! without opposition. r Colonel Eraser's M-as tho only nomination ior Mayor, at the Thames, on November 20. He was declared, elected. Mr Win., Lowes was re elected Mayor of Mastovton unopposed. Mr John Jackson was re-elected Mayor of Innaru without opposition. • M°ss''? Spedding, Street, and Guthrie, all m the City Council, wero nominated for the Dunedin Mayoralty on Nov. 20. Mr S. Proctor is re-elected Mayor of

At A\^ liam Bay'y was elected Mayor ot .New Plymouth on Nov. 21 without oppo sition, this being the third year of his being in ollice.

O-NEiirjNu.v.-Dr. Scott (elected), 98 ; Mr Jackson, 78. There are 310 names on tlio burgess roll; of these 170 voted. Tac-raxga —My Thomas Wrigloy M-as re elected by a small majority. The voting was as follows :—Mr Wriglov, 08; Mr Jordan, 57 ; and Mr touch, 2!>. Waxgaxvi.—The election resulted in the re-election of Mr Gilbert Carson by a majority of 12 over Mr George Hutchison.. Wellixotox. —Mr Fisher was elected, polling, 924 ; Mr William Hutchison, .105. Gmstmoutk, - Mr Dnpre defeated Mr 1 nomas by 12 votes. <•' lloKmicA.-Mr \V. L. Fowloy was re-: elected for a third term. Cmbistcih7Ec.ii.—Mr' Hubert (elected), 672; Mr Ayers, 496. ,«"™™X>-Mr S. R. Webb (elected), 158 ; Mr McDonald, 157. Apnorrrox. _Mr W. Williamson was ejected for a third tern:, beating Mr A. Harrison by twenty-six votes. Dt-KEDIN.— The "numbers polled were !--' Mr Street (elected), 815 ; Mr i luthrie, 477 ; Mr Spedding, 334. Blow.—Mr J. G. Ward was returned for a third term.

Kai-apw. -The Mayoral election resulted —Mr R, Moore, 112; MrsGallaghor, 7L >'> < Rangiora.—Mr A. Ivory was elected wwpposed. WiisM'oitT.—Mr John Hughes was elected Mayor by a majority of 89 over MrStrntbOTl Myles. Mr MeP.iden miis elected County Chairman.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1883

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