GOLDFIELDS SUMMARY.

Thames, March Ist.

The leading feature of the last ttohlh's operations has been increased activity in tho prospecting of the low leitls of tho field, particularly in lUo.w claims which are reached through the big pump shaft. In the case of Ui3 Deep Level Cross Com pany results of a most important nature hs.ro been secured, and are calculated to materially inlluence the future of tlie field. ■ .Absut a fortnight ago tho manager com menced a cross-cut nt tho 640-fcct for the purpose of intersecting the cross leader in which gold bad been discovered in rising. Tho leader was struck this (Wednesday) morning, in an excellent cluss of country, and though only a small quantity of stone ! has been taken out—tiio features of the j body preventing a mow extensive breaking —several pieces containing gold of o. rtrong and unmistakable nature have been se cured. Tho general ajipoaranco of tho quarts! m ulso highly encouraging, Tho leider is being .stripped for further break ing down, and I may bo able to acquaint tho readers of the Staii with the result bofore Saturday. Though the backs are not more than "(O feet in height at the point where the leador Mas struck, they will increase won derfully as the drive progresses southward. The discovery intimately affects tho Im perial as well as Cross Company, being within 50 feet of tho former's boundary, and the stock of both are advancing in con seijiißnce. Tho next important event is tha commencement of operations in the Caledonian Low Level Mine, also at the 640-feet level. The eastward tunnel, which is intended to traverse the company's pro perty, was commenced in the ordinary manner of working alongside the Waio t.ihi No. 5 reef. On Tuesday last a rock drill, cross-driven by means of compressed nir, was brought to bear upon the face, which is now advancing through good country at the rate of 630 feet per week. Tho Prince Imperial Company have re sumed the sinking of the shaft, which is at present passing through hard country. The cleaning up for January, which took place subsequent to the writing of our last summary gave the handsome return of 3,789 07.5. 6 dwts. gold. A dividend of os. par share, absorbing a gross sum of £S,IOO was paid from the month's profits. The time forphenomenalyieldsispast, for tho present, at least, the rich blocks upon No. 2 reef being quite exhausted. There is, however, an abundance of remunerative quartz in sight in the Mariner's lode, upon which a large block is in hand at No. 4 level, while it is also being opened at No. 5. At the same time, a winze below No. 5 level at the eastern side of the shaft has followed pay able gold to a depth of 70 feet, and it is quite on tho cards that a rich block may be opened by the new level now in prospect. Another dividend-payer is the Dakt Com pany, which, upon a yield of 419 ozs, has paid Is. per share, or a total sum of £800. In tho Qtjeen op Beauty prospecting i 3 being carried on at No. 1 level upon foot wall leaders, and the crosscut at No. 8 towards the Vanguard section is estimated to be within 120 feet of the lode. Cambria —The indications met with in the winze during the month have been most promising, but up to the present nothing Of special importance has been unearthed. The reef ia about four feet wide, and heavily charged with antimony and other minerals, and also contains a little visible gold. The crush ings of the KtJKANOi Hill and Hand op Friendship gave disappointing results. In the Lo"oos the recently-opened No. 4 level has yet produced nothii.g important. A crushing from tho winze yielded payably," and an intermediate level has since been entered, while the reef is gold-bearing. New Masbkad—Some little oxcitemant was kindled by a recent discovery of gold nt the junction of No. 2 main reef and its hanging-wall branch at the 100 foet level. A fair quantity of picked stone was secured, but in nriuging along another stopo yester day only a few stones wore seen, and hopes aic again dumped. Caledonian—The drive at No. "2 level is expected to connect ■with tho winze in a day or two, and stoping will then be commenced upon the Red Queen borders. The present crushing is yielding payably. RkSl",en- Parb—A reef about 2 feet thick in the low level shows gold frooly, but nothing important has yet been developeJ. Ota>oi District—The Eureka,

the pramiur claim of this neighbourhood, has' crushed 10(5 tons for ; the payable yield —ci'J-LG^?-;r^- t<f» l4~ t anxL a low level is now being clrivor to intersect mercerr-.rv-iiam bor of substantial gold returns came to hand immediately after tho publication of our last summary, and considerably swell the month's list, whilo none of the February yields are yet completed. Subjoined is the usual table of returns :—

Siimmatiy ov Gold Returns, From Jimiury 31at- to Feb. 27th, inclusive. OZ3. dwt3 Adelaides Tribute 12 1 AHmrnliv tribm cm 1G 16 Bright Smil\2G loads 3G 17 Caledonian Tributes 5 7 Uarr,3ootons .. ..' .. .. <U9 5 DarttrUratna 3 17 DoepLovulO.-os3.3lGloads .. .. 51D 10 Hand of Friendship. 18 loads .. .. 5 1G KuranuiHill 12 13 Kuramii Tributes 131 1 London, 11 loads 13 0 Mariner. 5 loads 7 10 Monauiari, GO tons 121 0 Miu:mU!ari tributes 11l 8 No« I'rinco Imperial, Gli loads and Wnvt .. .. 3789 G Nuw Mmukau, 18 tons 21 3" Now Kurcka (Otanui), 10-itons .. 11G 0 Sundrloa (including returns from tailings and small parcels) .. 413 G Thames Golden Crown, 18(1 tons ..117 0 Waiotahi, 18S tons 280 0 Total G. 185 16

EDUCATIONAL.

Cambridge (Waikato) haa a public library with 1,387 books and 240 subscribers. One-twelfth of the entire income of New Zealand is Epent in educating the young. Auckland Board of Education last year spent £1,641 on expenses of manage ment. Professor Haslem was, on Feb. 6, elected President of North Canterbury Educational Institute. i Messrs D. Lundon, J. Conway, C. A Clarke, F. Wrigley, John M. Clarke, J. \V. Clarebrough, and R. Henry have been elected the Tauranga School Committee. Bailiffs recently took possession of the public school at Greymouth for debt, and threatened to sell the property. Govern ment have, however, dismissed the "men in possession," and the school is again open to pupils, Mr A. H. Bengo, Head-master of Te Awamntn Public School, who has been pro moted to the charge d Devonport School, North Sliois, was, on February Ist, presented with a purse of sovereigns and complimentary address on behalf of the residents of Te Awarnutu and district. Mr Benge was for four years in Te Awamutu, and Timing that time, in the words of tho address, he " made tho school a model of order and propriety, and inspired tho children with an emulation and a love of learnin" which none but an enthusiastic teaclier°could have imparted." The address W!W signed by Messrs John Winstone and J. ll.° Mundeno, Commissioners for To Awamutu School District. Tho presentation of open scholarship certificates to tho successful competitors took placo at tho Girls' Hiirh School on February 11, Mr It. Hobbs, Chair man of the Board of Education, presiding. In the course of somo remarks, the Chairman expressed the opinion that if the limit of age were increased to six teen years, or the present number of 50 murks decreased, thevo would for tho future be more competitors. Only two girls from the school entered for tho scholarship examination, and both ware successful, their names being Frances Theobald Snell and Eliza Ferguson Gorrie, the former having obtained 906 marks, the latter 871. Each scholarship entitles the holder to free tuition at tho school for two years, and to an allowance at the rate of £16 per annum.

The University College Council are in a quandary over the provision of tbe neces sary accommodation for the student* who attend tho professorial lectures. Tho Go ernment have declined to grant the use of two or three rooms either in Admiralty or in Government Home, protest their inability even to maku a small allowance for rent, and assert that there nre no funds available for placing a sum for the purpose upon the Estiinites to be submitted to Parliament next session. The Council too.have already drawn so largely upon their rather slender resources that they hesitated at their meeting, on Feb. 20, to incur an expense of £\SO lor adding two Bmall rooms 30ft. x 20ft. nodi to - the present building for the use of ]?iofeßsors Aldis andTt.cker and-their pupils, the^result being that they appointed, iv Committee,to deal with the matter1, ,Mr Justine Gillies caustically re marked that tha Government sent for tho

Professor* eveitbefore the University was 93 ---tribliwie l.hastened to start it upon its work, and ttw vtlytt. everything- was 111 full opera fjptt they appiSiSrefl+.tflj think .that the Pro-' -' femice iitthia genialoEme'edtild teachtJieir' L classes in'the open air under the odnVeniept' tilbdeofttc^ ;-.. -,';': -;■: ~., "-; -A;,

MERCANTILE.

'CANiEhß\jftY Tram Company is making satisfactory progress, though no dividend lias yet been declared. Only half the capital of £50,000 has been called up. The Temperance Hotel Company of Christehurch have lost £774 last year, and £2,342 since the concern was started, i

In 1879, New Zealand tanneries imported 1,729 tons of bark, valued at £16,000; and in 1882 they imported 3,405 tons, of the value of £39,000.

The President of Christchurch Chamber ef Commerce, at the quarterly meeting, congratulated^ members on the improved aspect of mercantile affairs in the district. Tho McLean Pickle Company, Chriat cluirch, on February 14, declared a dividend of 10 per cent, for the year. The capital is to be increased to £20,000.

Canterbury Saleyards Company shows a profit for the past year of i 11,232, and declares a dividend of G per cent, for tho half year. Tho trustees of the Dunedin Savings Bank have agreed to pay from the profits tho sum of £1,500 to the trustees of the Benevolent Institution. This is tho third time such an ovont has occurred.

At tho half-yearly meeting of tho Southern Cross Petroleum Company at Christchurch on Feb. 7, the balance-sheet showed paid-up capital £19,G15 ; liabilities, £1,055; assets, £1,169; and expenditure, £9,300.

The Bay of Islands Fish Canning Factory promises to go ahead satisfactorily. Mr T. Moody has visited the factory at Helen3vi!le, and reports favourably to the projected works at Russell. He also states that the necessary machinery can be got in Auckland.

The New Zealand tanneries turned out last year 20,619 hides, 41,877 skins, 60,642 basils, 112,011 sides, and 15,000 kips and pelts. The sides produced last year wove all the product of Auckland, which district also furnishes about one-third of the pelts prepared in the colony.

Tho Equitable Insurance Associations, likeothersimilarsocietiesin thecolony, seems to be in a prosperous condition, despite the cry of low rates and the need for increasing them. The directors' report, to be sub mitted to the first annual meeting on 3rd March next, states that the receipts have been £13,433 los lid, and tho expenditure £19,043 23 9d, leaving a credit balance of £3,390 13s 2d. Out of this sum a dividend, at the rate of S per cent, per annum on the paid-up capital, according to the dates of calls and payment, isrecommendod.

In response to a circular issued by Mr F. Williams, a meeting was held at the Waite mata Hotel on Feb. 21, for the purpose of forming a Fish Curing and Canning Com pany. The attendance was small. Mr Cole, who was called to the chair, stated that Mr Williams proposed to form his business into a company, which was made with the object of extending the business further than his present means would admit; in fact, to extend operations to Sydney, Melbourne, and elsewhere. atrßrassey read the draft prospectus. It stated that the proposal was to''form"a Com pany with a capital of £6,000, for the purpose of purchasimg tho goodwill of the business of Mr F. Williams, fish merchant, and generally fost-er the industry, the name of the Company to be called tho Auckland Fish Company (Limited). Tho promoters propose to pay Mr Williams £1,000 for his goodwill, £620 for the four fishing-boats City of Naples, Three Sistors, Christina, and Morning Star, and f 247 15s for the Fort street property and plant for smoking and curing purposes. The amount to be thus expended at the outset will be £2,177 15s. Mr Williams is, however, willing to accept £2,000 for his interest, £1,000 of this amount to bo paid in cash, viz., £500 on tho purchase, and £500 in twelve months after date, and f 1,000 to be accepted by the allotment of 1,000 shares. It is proposed to make the shares £1 each, Is payable on allotment, and the balance by calls of not more than Is at intervals of not less than a month. Mr Williams agrees to carry on the business. It is proposed that a refrigerating appara tus be purchasedfor the purpose of onsuring a constant supply of fish, and also that a steani tender should bo secured. It is also intended to can fresh mullet, wharbooka, and lobster, etc, besides the sale of oysters in Australia. After some little dis cussion of the prospects, it was decided, on account of the small attendance, to adjourn the meeting until that night week.

Waikato Coal Company.

The half-yearly meeting of shareholders in the abovo Company was held on Fob. 20, the annual report, which was submitted by Mr C. V. Houghton, Secretary, it appeared that the profit for last half-year, together with the balance at credit of profit and loss on 30th June, is £2,501 5s lOd. Considering the short time the Company has been in operation, and tho large pre liminary expenditure, this is accepted as satisfactory. The amount paid for good will had been written off, and liberal pro vision made for ordinary bad debts. There was a largo debit to interest. Tho coal mine was now in excellent order, and capable of meeting a large demand. Hitherto the Company had only been supplying coal to places on tho Wai kato River, but arrangements were now completed for delivery of coals in the city, and a contract made by which the Company will supply at Mercer one-half tho coals re quired by the Government for tho railway. The directors expect their new steamer will arrive in March, when they will be enabled to meet the demand on the coast. The accounts showed that the trading account had yielded L 8.013 7s ; freights and passage money, L 5.378 9s lOd ; coal mines, L 3.040 2s sd; rents, L 202 Ss od: Total, L 16.634 7s Bd. Tho other side of the ledger showed steamer's working expenses, L 4.903 4s Id ; salaries, &c, L 3.544 9a 4d ; interest, L 1,367 17s; bad debts and provi sions, L92316s ; goodwill, L1,4921753d; and other charges, making a total of LIG,C34 7s Bd, less balance of L 2.504 5s 10d.—Report and accounts were adopted, SirF. Whitaker and Messrs Lindsay and Souter re-olected directors, and Mr J. Waymouth auditor at a remuneration of 15 guineas.—This con cluded the business.

Bay of Islands Coal Company.

The half-yearly meeting of shareholders in the Bay of Islands Coal Company was held on February 22, Mr J. C. Firth presiding. There were nearly a dozen gentlomen present.

Directors' Report.—This report stated that the salea of coal for the. past half-year have been 13,349 tons coal, an increaso of 819 tons on the sales of tho previous six months. No further boreholes have boon Eut down, and the prospecting operations aye been confined to No. 2 and No. 6 levels. The increase in gales above alluded to is due to the work done in No. 2 level, which has opened up more coal, and thus increased the output. Nothing definite has been arranged yet in regard to tho request made to Government for assistance towards prospecting further afield. The directors have declined to tako over the rail way.andthelinowillshortlybeoponedtodccp water, and worked by Government. When this is done, steps will bo takep to dispose of tho steamer and barges now at work on the river. The statement of accounts shows a loss of L 1,500 16s Id as tho result of tho half-year's work. The expenses in ovory department have been reduced as low as possible, and tho directors will continue to uso their best exertions in the interests of tho Company. The directors retiring by rotation are Messrs Peacock and William son, who, being eligiblo, offer themselves forre-election. Twoauditorswillalso have to be appointed for the current year. For the directors—J. C. Firth, Chairman.

Pkokit and Loss Account.—This showed: Expenditure: Winning coal, pumping ex penses, stores, and labour at colliery, L 6,346 11s lOd ; railway carriage of coal to barges, L3G7 9* ; barging coal to vessels at loadin" ground, L64S 6s 8d : total, L 7.362 7s 6d • prospecting, LBO2 6s lid; forage, L 209 js 4d ; freight on goods to colliery, L 25 17s; general charges and expenses, L 479 11s 5d ; interest and discount, L45114s 9d ; interest onrailway expenditure byGovermnent, L3lO 11s 2d; Royalty fee, L 221 9s 8d ; salaries L 525 ; sawmill loss, by fire, LI00: total LlO,4B93sod;balancc,L6Bsl2s3d. Receipts —Balance of profit and loss, old account 30th June, ISB3, LBl5 3s lOd; sales of 13,349 tons coal, LS,66S ; rent of cottages and land at colliery, L 95 Is 9d ; profit on stores and timber sold, and work done at colliery, L 132 19s 2d; hulk, Bella Marina, Ll7 9d ; scrap iron gold, L 75 6b ; ialance L 685 12s 3d : total, H0.489 3a 9d.

Balance-sheet.— Thisstatementshowed: Liabilities: Capital—2,ooo shares paid up, L 20.000; 666 new shares, Ist issue, paid up, L6,0'60 ; 334 new shares, 2nd issue, paid up, L 3.340. Reserve Fund: Debts and lia bilities—Overdraft at Bank of New Zea land, L 4.204 17s 4d : money orders issued, but not presented for payment, L 845 5s ldj amount due to Government for Royalty, L5,177'7a" 8d; bills payable, L4BO 17s 9d; debts due by tho Com pany,- L 751 Us •'total, L43,4f)0 ISs lOd. Assets: Property held ;by the Company— lease of coal mine, Li,500 ; freehold land L 2.050 6s;7d; leasehold land, LIOO • bujUiun^. 'L 3,-207 13s 3d ; j-lant, L 19.571 Us.2d: tolali >L2iU43 J.fa 2d ; permanent ( works,'i J f0,351T16.-';"C-;;*!'r in hand, head 'offic'ir and,.colliery, L4O 11s 8d; debts 'due .to the. Company, Li.887 4s 8d j office

furnituro, L 145 4s 3d ; goods and timber at colliery, L'o6 Os 10d>, coal $n hulk Sella Marina, L 295 Is • profit and losS, balance) LOSS 12s Sd : total, L43-,459.i&> 10cL In moving- tile adoption a* the repdrt aWd financial Rtfttcment, tho Chairman drew at tention to the loss of L 1,500 which had been Sustained on the half-year's operations. He Said the directors had endeavburod for the futurts to avoid the recurrence of such a deficit by reducing the wages of tha men employed in getting tho coal and at work on tho mines. They had also raised the price of coal 6d per ton. The first of these arrangements came into force at the begin ning of the year, while the second, relating to the increase in the price of coal, would take effect from the first of March.—ln seconding tho motion, Mr Thomas Pea cock, M.H.K., took exception to the remarks of the Chairman about the re duction of wages. There was no inten tion on the part of the directors to mako further reductions in the wages. The real difficulty they had to faco was that the coal had given out or become so thin as to render its working unremunera tive. An increase on the output was the only moans of a return to prosperity. An application had been made to tho Govern ment for a grant towards boring for a fresh seam, and seeing that the land was ow nod by tho Government and was practi cally useless for agricultural purposes, and that they had paid L 3,000 royalty fees, being more than four times the value of the land—bethought it should be granted.—Mr Isaacs suggested a further increase in the price of coal.—The adoption of the report, etc., was then agreed to.

Standard Insurance Company.

The report and balance-sheet to be sub mitted at the tenth annual meeting of shareholders in the Standard Insurance Company, to bo held in the Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Buildings, Bond street, Dunedin, on Monday, March 3, 1884, states:—

"The total incorao for tho year, including c],o.'!o 15s Id brought forward from last rear, has boon £74,825 7a 7d, and tho expenditure £G7,.j!12 13s Id, leaving a balnnco of £7,232 1 Is 3d. From this amount your directors paid an interim dividend in June last, absorbing £2,812 10a. lnaving a balance of £4,420 is 3d, whioh (hey recommend shall be appropriated as follows: To payment of dividend at the mto ef 7}d per cent, per annum, £2,812 10a; to be carried for ward to next year, £1,60714s 3d. Provision has been made in the accounts for all ascertained losses to close of the year. Your directors regret that the result of ths underwriting account for tho period under review is not more favourable; however, our experience is not singular, aa the year has been an extremely unfortunate one to insuranco companies almost everywhere The casualties to shipping engaged in tho Australian and New Zealand trade with tho United Kingdom have boon ex ceptionally numerous, in aomo cases involving tho Company in very serious loss, and in the fire department the losses have also been ab normal. Tho premium income for the year shows an increase of £5,096 48 sd, as compared with the corresponding period of tho previous year, notwithstanding tho koen competition that exists, and the fact that your directors have declined a very large amount of busi ness rather than accept rates which they believe to bo totally inadequate. The dividend now recommended, if approved by the shareholders, will be payable at the head office Princes-street, Dunedin, on Mon day, 10th March, and at tho branchos on roceipt of advice. Messrs James Curie and Charles Stcwar trctlro from tho directory as provided by tho articles of association. The formor, only, oflers himself for re-election. Mr Bsgtf offers himself for re-election as ouditor.

Tho balance-sheet shewed:—Receipts: By flic, marine, and guarantee promiumo, £01,777 103 Id; interest on investments, £5,009 la lid; transfer fees, £17 17s 6d. Total, £70,791 12b 6d. To fire, marine, and guarantee losses, £33,278 5s 3d; re-insiirancea, discounts, and return premiums, £18,871 15s 2d: commissions, ox pensos of management, and oharges. £11,158 08 lOd

Thames Gas Company.

Tho half-yearly meeting of the abovo Com pany was held on February 28, Mr C. J. Stone, Chairman of Directors, being in the chair. Tho profit and loss account sub milted by the Secretary (Mr F. A. White) showed that tho expenses for the year amounted to £1,124 4s lOd, tho principal items being—Coal account, £3-14 15.5 ; salaries, £225 ; general expenses, £20G 10s lid; stokers' wages, £163 16a; and wear and tear and extension of mains, £145 13s 2d -, whilo the receipts made up a total of £1,(580 13s, leaving a credit balance of £562 8s 2d. The balncee-sheet showed cash in band and in bank to the amount of £728 13s lid, and debts due to the tune of £308 18s 7d. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the Chairman said that in consequence of the reduction in the price of gas by 2s 6d per thousand feet, the balance on profit and loss account for the past half year was not sufficient to pay the usual dividend, which necessitated the appropria tion of a sum of £748 13s. »y "«fe-s««±he credit balance Drought forward from lasl half-year, however, tho directors were enabled to declare a dividend as usual at tho rate of Is fid per share. If, however, at the close of the next term tho profit upon the consumption of gas did not warrant tho continuance of this dividend, the price of the commodity would havo to be increased again. Tho motion was seconded by tho Hon. P. Dignan, M^L.C.andcarried. —This was all the business.

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

A little girl named Stark was drowned in the Opawa River, Blenheim, on Tuosday night, February 12.

Andrew Geddis, aged 13 years, was drowned while bathing in a creek at Rangi ora, Canterbury, on February 12. A man named James Cook went into the sea at Oamaru while intoxicated and was drowned.

Thos. Osborne Somman, aged three years, has been drowned in a creek at Sydenham, Canterbury. Fred. Jones, while driving a dray at Kaikora, near Napier, on February 11, was killed by falling before tho wheels.

John Hayes, farmer, Southbridge, who fell from his horse on Thursday, February 13th, died from tho effects on Saturday. A man named Anan Golden was found dead at Warkworth on February 17. Very little is known regarding deceased by the residents.

Elizabeth Jane Keen, aged nine years, was killed while playing with railway trucks at the Dunedin goods station on February 19.

Archibald McPherson, a lecturer, was found dead on the road near Roxburgh, Otago, on February 20. Supposed cause of death is heart disease.

Mr W. C. Bailey, Rabbit Inspector, re siding at Timaru, fell dead on the morning of February 8 in his own house. Heart disease is supposed to be the cause.

Mr Mills, gunsmith, of Dunedin, fired a bullet through his hand from a revolver left to repair, and which he was told was empty.

, The five-year-old son of Mr Jag. Wilson, brewer, Dunedin, was on February 215 th pitched out of a buggy attached to a runa way horse, and had his skull badly fractured.

Mr IT. Dignan, of the Bank of Now Zea land, Ashburton, was seriously injured while riding, on Wednesday, February 20, by coming into collision with a drunken man named Boody, also on horseback.

The Chinese leper, at Invercargill, about whose ease so much has been heard lately, was found hanging by the neck in a hut. Ho was then quite dead, and is believed to have committed suicide.

Two prospectors, named Williams and Bvorott, have been seriously injured by falliug from some rocks in Wilberforce Valley, Canterbury, while searching for gold. The Chinaman who committed suicide at Invercargill on February 11 was not the leper, but another Celestial at Round Hill, who, it is said, had reason to suppose ho was afiiictcd with the same malady.

News has been received from Wairoa that a man named Louis Lambert, em ployed as a fencer on Gooton [and Stevens's station at Waihou, committed suicide on Feb. 12 by hanging himself to a tree. Captain Bongard, of the mission schooner Southern Cross, was driving through Par nell on Saturday, Feb. 9, when the vehicle in which he was collided with an omnibus; Captain Bongard was thrown out upon the road and sustained some slight injury. Mr Robert Moroton, one of the Thames Valley Land Settlement Company's officials, was found dead in bed on February 22. The cause of death has not yet transpired. Deceased was a man of unusually healthy appearance.

On February 19 a firemen on board the steamer Wareata, named George Johnston, while on the voyage from Lyttelton to West port, dropped dead. He was shipped at Lyttelton, and tad only been on duty one hour and a-half trimming coal in the bunkers when he died. He had not been complain ing.

A man named Kennedy, who was assist ing in shipping frozen meat on board the B.s. Bombay at Wellington, on February 13, accidentally trippeci and fell down the hold, a distance of 20 feet. He received a severe injury to tho spine, which is probably fractured.

William Henry Morgan, a fireman em ployed on the railway, killed himself at Te Awainutu, on 12th February, by shoot ing himself with a shot gun. Jealousy is supposed to have been tho causo, as letters have been found referring to a girl in Auck land. An inquest was held before Mr Gresham, solicitor^ the district coroner. a At Thames, oh Saturday, 9th Feb., tvfo men named Dick and Oldbam werßseriouwy.

injured tlirdii'gll ah accident at tho works oh iVdbthSon and Gordon's railway contract. The men were riding on a railway truck, Which was accidentally thrown from the line, and Dick was badly injured about the spine, while Oldham had his head and shoulder bruised.

A woman named Adelina Mackay, agod 45 years, engaged as domestic servant at Spencer's, Heddon Bush Estate, Invercar gill, was found drowned in a well near the house on Thursday, 14th February. At the inquest there was nothing adduced to show how deceased got into the well, and there was no reason to suspect suicide. A verdict of " Accidental Death " was re turned.

On February 11th an old man (Walter Murphy), whilst riding along the Hamilton Road, in the direction of his home, fell off his horso, being, it is said, slightly tho worse of liquor. His foot remaining entangled in the stirrup, he was trailed a considerable distance; and when picked up was found to have his thigh bone broken. Dr. Wad dington was called in, and recommended the removal of the patient to tho Hospital, it being a serious caHc.

A terrible accident occurred at the West port Company's incline on February 12. Joseph Brown, butcher, and a member of the County Council, and William Harrison, storekeeper of Wangaroa and Denniston respectively, were ascending in an empty t:uck, -when the shacklings of the descending loaded truck broke.and the full truck dashed into the empty one, killing Brown instan taneously, and seriously injuring Harrison. The doctor has pronounced Harrison to be out of danger. Brown's back and neck were broken. Brown leaves a wife and a large family. On the night of February 11 two natives were seen galloping through Cambridge in the direction of the Lake. It was coming dark at the time, and little heed was paid to them, as they seemed to be on their way home. It appears, however, after passing the church corner the horse of one of the party fell, throwing its rider rather awkwardly. Shortly after, two mon were passing down the road, and heard the un fortunate native lyirg groaning on the ground ; but, believing him to be enjoying a drunken sleep, let him Ho unheeded. They communicated the matter to the police, who, on reaching the man, found him dead. The body was conveyed to the National Hotel, to await an inquest. At Coromandel on Thursday night, Fob. ruary 14, as the men were coining :?rom the DUBh by trucks on the tramway, they wore going down the incline when tho break was put on suddenly, causing a jerk. A man named Hammond was thrown off in front, and three trucks went over him, breaking his thigh and seriously injuring his back and internal organs.

It was reported from Tophou3e on Feb. 6 that a horse with a saddle, to which a swag was attached, and turned round under tho horse's belly, was out by the rocks in tho river, and the rider (a man named George) has nptyetbeen found. There inlittledoubt that the unfortunate man, who had been on a visit to Canterbury, and who has a wife and family living in Nelson, is drowned.

An accident of a most unfortunate nature happened ut the new buildings in course of erection in Albert-street, opposite Maso field's foundry, on Feb. (i. A boy named Joseph Bradbury, employed by Messru Bi-anston and Forstcr, was ascending with some warming-irons which aro used in plumbing work, when s falling brick struck him and fractured his skull. lie was taken to the Hospital, his condition being rather serious.

A quarrel arose botwoen two Maori mon on February 7th, and ono of tho parties pushed his opponent over tho reclamation wall to the eastward of tho Quoon-stroet Wharf. Tho man fell lioavily into a boat that was lying alongside of the wall, and smashed ono of tho thwarts of tho craft. Ho appeared to have severely injured his left side, and was convoyed in a native boat to his home at Orakoi.

A man named Frederick Blades met with a painful accident on tho Bth February at Roe's timber mill, Onohunga. Ho. was working at tho boring-bit, when ono of tho spikos of tho instrument accidentally caught his clothing and piercod right through his thigh, tearing his flesh in a chocking manner. Though the wound was a painful one, and bled freely — Blades having fainted beforo tho spiko was extracted—it is not believed to be dan gerous.

On Sunday, February 10, a young man named Patrick McMnnus, son of Mr McManus, of the Oxford Hotel, Cam bridge, was riding in company with three other men in the direction of Litchfiold. It seems that the party wero croincr along brißKiy at tno prims ttj.o.i MtAtnmA i.».<£ tripped, throwing the ridor violently to tho ground. When picked up ho was found to bo insensible, and was conveyed homo to Oxford, where he died at twelve o'clock noxt day, before medical assistance) could arrive.

At Warkworth, on February 18, an inquest washeld beforo Mr M. Angove, Coroner, on tho body of a man named William Goldie, who died on tho gum-field there. It was elicited that deceased, who left a wife and six children at Kaukapakapa, was ill when he went to the gum-digging, having gone from Auckland Hospital to work, though nnlit to do so. A gum-digger named Wm. Jas. Dawe, and Mr Parkinson, a settler in the district, did what they could for tho un fortunate man, who died after a week's suffering. After consideration the jury re turned a verdict of " Death from natural causes."

The Queen-street Wharf was the scene of an accident on Feb. 7, and the sufferer by it was a lumper named William Henry Joseph Williamson, who resides in Shortland:streot. He was assisting at the unloading of cargo from the steamship Doric, when some iron bars which wore being slung ennted, over and threw him from the wharf. Ho was caught between the shin's side and wharf piles, and struck on the left leg by a bar of iron, sustaining a tracture of the limb. He was taken to the Hospital, and the in jured limb having been sot, he is now pro gressing favourably towards recovery. At Foxton, on February 7, a horrible caso of suicide occurred, when Henry Bucken dahl about tea time blew his head off. He took a gun, went into hia room, locked the door, and calling out, 'Good-bye' to his wife, discharged the weapon by pulling a string attached to the trigger end fastened it to his toe. The man had not been drink ing, but was despondent on account of ill health. He had no belief whatever in re gard to a future state, and was not in poor circumstances. Buckendahl arrived in the colony with a number of German im migrants some eight years ago. He leaves a wife and a boy aged 14. He had threatened on a previous occasion to deßtroy himself. Some excitement was caused on the Queen street Wharf on the evening of February 20th by a narrow escape from drowning, and a gallant rescue, which were witnessed by a large number of persons who had nssembled to see the steamer Te Anau take her departure for Sydney. A Mrs Sullivan was walking near the edge of the wharf when she suddenly tripped, and fell into tho water. It was feared that she would be drownod boforo assistance could be ren dered, but two young men named W. Lang ham and W. Cranch bravely jumped from the wharf, and proceeded towards the unfortunate woman. They succeoded in bringing her as far as one of tho stringers under the wharf, and then fastened round her waist a rope which had been lowered, and by this mea-ng sho was lifted into a secure position. The woman was unconscious, but soon came round, aided by a little skilful treatment.

A narrow escape from a riolent death occurred on Feb. 11. A horse, attached to the delivery cart of MrEasdown, baker, bolted down Wellesley-atreet. When near tho bottom it knocked down a little boy, about seven or eight years of age, named William Churton, of Abercrombie-street, who was endeavouring to run out of the way. He passed under the cart, and the horrified spectators fully expected to see him picked up mangled and bleeding. Beyond the fright, however, the little fellow was un injured, except a slight bruise on the wrist. The cart-wheel passed within a few inches of his head, but without hurting him. The horse pursued its wayward course round Wellesley - street into Queen-etreet, and collided with a telephone post near the Thistle Hotel and capsized. The driver, Francis Murphy, says he left the cart in Grey-street while delivering bread. The chain, he asserts, was securely fastened round the wheel.

A very exciting occurrence took place at Northcote on Feb. 10. Captain Alexander, of the steamer Devonport, accidentally fell over the wharf, and having struck a por tion of the woodwork in his descent, he fell iuto the water almost helpless. A person on the wharf pushed a ladder towards him, but he was unable to get hold of it, and appeared in great danger of drowning until the McKay brothers, who had observed the accident from the cliff above, came to the rescue. George McKay and another stripped and swam to Captain Alexander, who was in a very exhausted condition, and they hold him above water until their com panions, who had secured a boat, camo to their assistance and rescued the drowning man. Captain Alexander was almost un conscious when brought ashore, but soon recovered undor judicious treatment. lie had a very narrow escape indeed, and great praise is due to those who so plii.ckily ■*"*; smartly' proceeded to his assistance' wo. eayed his lifa~- . .._. * -—

A three-year-old child named Gilford was drowned on February 27 In a ditch at Nelsori. . . ;

A man named Lally fell into the. Grey Kiver at Bruhnerton oh Tuesday, Febru ary 26, arid was drowned. Thos. Kennedy, injured by falling down the hold of the s.s. Bombay, died in Wel lington Hospital on Feb. 23. The inquest on tho body of the young man Michael Hogan, who lost his life in the recent disastrous fire at Parnell, took placo on the 28th February beforo Dr. Philson and a jury, of whom Mr Frederick Tomlinson was chosen foreman. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that they believed tho remains viewed were those of Michaelllogan, and that he was accidentally burned to death ; also that there was no cvidenco to show how the fire originated. Tho jury also added a rider to the effoct that the Borough Council should pass a by-law making it compulsory that all boarding - houses two and three storys in height should be provided with firo escapes or ropes affixed to tho windows for uso by the inmates in case of lire.

An inquest was held at the Railway Station, To Awamutu, on Fob. 14, on the body of the young man William Henry Morgan, who shot himself there on Tues day. The inquiry was conducted by Mr Thos. Gresham, District Coroner, beforo a jury of twelve, of which Mr James R. Wright was chosen foreman.—-Constable Gillies was present on behalf of the police. —Tho evidence went clearly to show that the unfortunate man's mind had been affected.—Michael Hickoy deposed to strange conduct on the'part of deceased on returning from the railway picnic on Mon day. He was sobbing violently, and tearing up gras9 and eating it. Deceased told wit ness that he had been informed that his sweetheart had been flirting, and was about to marry another man. He also burned a lot of letters, and appeared very dejected.— After further evidence tho jury, without retiring, brought in a verdict that deceased committed suicide while in a state of tem porary insanity. The inquest held at tho Hibernian Hotel, Onehunga, on the 6th February, before Dr. Philson, Coroner, on the body of Frederick Voight, late of Wakelield-streot, whose body was discovered under peculiar circumstancos resulted in an open verdict ol "Found hanging from a tree." Sergeant Greeno and the youth Muir deposed to tho circumstances under which tho body was found hanging in tho lonely and unfrequented gully in a bay noar tho Whau blockhouse, and its removal to Onohunga, as did also Dr. Scott to the nppearanoo it presented end tho probability of death boing oaused by the deceased's own hand. Mr George Wenninger, of Arch Hill, fully identified tho body as that of Voight, who had boen missing about four months. An old purse found with tho romains was one which at ono time belonged to hlmsolf. Witness, on reading tho description given in Monday's Star pf the remains, know they.were thoso of Voight. Ho went out to Onohunga and satisfied himsolf on tho point. Doconsod belonged to Weimar, Germany. Voight was last hoard of going in tho direction of tho Whau. He was rather intemperate in hia habits, and becamo worso since ho got into somo trouble. Mr Max Kobor also identified the remains of tho clothing, especially tho pith helmet hat.

On the evening of February 23 a barmaid at tho Union Hotel, Wellington, named Olga Stenesse, a Dane, aged about 24 years, died under very suspicious circum stances. She was well known thoro somo timo ago, but only recently returned from a vixit to Auckland, and was accompanied by a man named Millor, who represented him self as hor husband. She was engaged at tho Union as barmaid, having been there formerly, and Millor lived in the houso. It appoara that on tho date named about ono oclock, through somo cause unascer tained, but supposed to bo joalousy, she took about half a box of " Rough on Rats," mid soon began to suffer greatly. Miller wont to a chemist's and got something for her, but it was not till late in tho evening that Dr. Gillou was sent for. He was out at the timo, but returned hi about half an hour, and then found her suffering from the olFects of an irritant poiso:i, and in great agony. She was at times delirious, but at intervals stated she had taken tho "Rough on Rats," not thinking it was really poison. She died in about an hour and a-holf after wards. At tho inquest the jury returned a .vpedipt that deceased met her death by hor own hand, not believing at tho time in tho deadly nature of tho compound. A rider was added that Mr W. R. Millor dosorves sovoro consuro for not calling medical aid „—i:

FIRES.

A destructive conflagration, unfortunately attended witli loss of lilo, broke out on the tha 27th Febrnary in a, large two-etoriod house situated at the north-oast corner of Manukau Road and Earl-street, Parnell. The building-was the property of aMr Mc- Intosh, who resides at Mongonui, and it was leased by him to Mr C. W. Goodson, of the London Arcade;' who, it appoars, sub leased it to two persons—the lower story to Mr Biggs, bootmaker, who carried on buei ness therein, and the upper portion to Mr Curtain, boarding-house keepei. It would appear thct Mr Curtain and all his household, with tho exception of a boarder named Michael Hogan, retired to rest about 9 o'clock, the kitchen firo being out> and everything apparently safe. About one o'clock, Mr Curtain was awak ened by the ominous crackling of flames, and almost immediately a volume of fire i and smoke burst into tho bedroom. Cur ! t^in, with his wife, children, and two female boarders, managed to leave tho burning building without much difficulty, but a boarder named Daniel Reevoy pnly escaped from his bedroom by lowering himself on the veran dah by means of a blanket which he had tied to his bedpost. While on the verandah he heard Hogan, tho other lodger, call out, "Oh, Dan r The fire, which had ap parently originated'in the top story, spread with amazing rapidity, and: by the time the Auckland Fire Brigade, with its appliances, arrived on the scene, all hope of saving Mclntosh's building and the house adjoining, occupied by Mrs Noill, was apparently lost. The Superintendent refused to render assistance ;in the work of extinguish ment, alleging that he had instruc tions from the Auckland. City Council nbt to act boyond the municipal boundary. He, however; that ho Was willing'to give Captain Field and the Salvage Corps the benefit of. his advico as to what steps should bo taken to suppress tho fire. During the parley, Mrs Revitt's residence, on tho upper side of the boarding-heuse, had becomu a complete mass of flames, and it also was completely destroyod.' After the fire in . Mclntosh's building had been partially got under, Hogan's charred remains wore found amidst the smouldering embers. The oharred skeleton wns taken charge of by the police, and conveyed1 to tho Barrel Hotel. Tho deceasod arrived hero in tho s.s. Doric somo months ago. Ho was about 23 years of age, and was employed by the Auckland Gas Company. He bore the reputation of being a very temperate young man. Last night ho had been at a concert in the Par nell Hall, but it is nbt known at what hour he retired to rest.

A six-roomed houso, workshop, and stablo at Napior were destroyed oy 3ro early on tho morning of 29th February, in the main street. The inmates wore aroused by the screams of tho children, by which timo the flames had obtained a good hold. The family escaped in their night clothes. The Firo Brigado was quickly on the spot, but there was no occasion for the engines, as there was a splendid pressure of water. Being in an out-of-the way part of the town, however, by the time the brigades arrived there was no hope of saving the premises, and the fire had communicated with the stable and workshop, which being but shells containing inflammable materials, were quickly consumed. The efforts of the brigades were therefore dirocted towards saving the adjoining dwelling-houses. An eight-roomed house lately vacated by Dr. Leggatt, at Gisborne, was wholly des troyed by fire on February 18.

A house at Rohotu, belonging to Mr W. R. Wright, wag burned down on February 18. It is stated to be insured for £200.

I Mr Keoghan's ochre paint works at Takaka, Nelson, were destroyed by fire on Sunday, Feb. 2. No insurances.

Power's boarding-house at Manaia was totally destroyed by fire on February 13. Insurances—Building, £300 in New Zealand, and furniture, £50, in the Colonial office.

Fire broke out in the boiling-down works of Messrs Robb and Kate, at Ophir, Wellington, on Feb. 25, and damage was done to the amount of £100.

A saddler's thop and house at Makaraka, Povorty Bay, were burned down on Feb. 4. They wore owned by D. Malone, and in sured for £475 in the Imperial Office A iire at Napier,on Februarylo destroyed a store and three small cottages. The Now Zealand Insurance Compuny loses i'OCO, and the Union £120.

A liouso at Cireertown, .Tauranga, was burned down on February 25th. Mrs U$ rVM'AIv--wile,.of..the owner, isjinable to j ;_ «o.take this. JJ^v- -oV sbq.waf; \notannounced, *. ~ ; • '

On Sunday, Feb. id; fire.broke out in the residence; of Mr.Butler.at Kauri Mountain, Whangarei, and the house and most of the contents whi-e destroyed. The house was insured for £200 in the National Insurance office

T. Forbes's ship chandler's shop at Lyttel ton was burned down on Feb. 17. Build ing was insured for £400 in the Australian Mercantile office, and the stock for £1,000 in the New Zealand Company. Very little was saved, and the loss is estimated at £1,000 ovor the insurance.

An unoccupied three-roomed house at Hamilton East, the property of James Coombes, who lives next door, was burned down on Tuesday night, the 12th Feb ruary. Tho house was used for sleeping accommodation, but an Coombes's men were not at work the room had not been occu pied for some days. The insurance is £100 in tho London and Lancashire office.

A telegram from Te Awamutu states that tho sawmill at Te Rahu, belonging to Messrs Couthard and Graham, was burned down on February 24. The outbuildings alono wero saved, though there was a pleniiful supply of water. Tho mill was insured for £300 in tho New Zaalaud office. The fire is belioved to have originated through the fur nace fire igniting somo woodwork close to it.

At Masterton, on February 28th, the houso of Mr John Harding was burned to the ground. A spark from the kit chen chimney is supposed to have ignited the shingles. Ihree adults and eight chil dren in bed at the time were all saved, ex cepting a boy, 9 years old, sleeping in an upstairs room, whose charred remains were subsequently found. The house was insured for L2OO in tho South British Office.

A large building in Esk-street, Inver cargill, formerly used as a flour-mill, but latterly used as a store-house by Trew and Hall, ironmongers, was burned down on February 19. The fire was discovered by a constable, who had noticed nothing wrong when passing the plaoe a few minutes before. Theßrigadeturned out, and managed, in spite of thehigh wind, to confine tho fire to the building, wkich belonged to tho Hon. W. Wood, M.L.C., and was uninsured. The stock was insured for £500 in the Hanseatic Office, and tho loss is estimated at about £300 over that.

A liro broke out on Thursday morning, 14th Febrnary, in Messrs W. Ashmoro Brothors' Ropo Factory at Burnsido, about four miles from Dunedin, by which tho whole of tho buildings were destroyed, with tho exception of the engine and the ropo walk. The damage is estimated at fully £4,000. Tho linn will bo heavy losers, tho insurances amounting to only £1,400, as follows:—South British, £200 ; Northern, £250 ; Union, £350 ; Equitablo, £250 ; Aus tralian Mercantile, £250 ; Norwich Union, £150. Tho hands wore in full work at tho time of the outbreak, and it issuppoeod that tho firo was caused by a spark from the ongino igniting somo of the hemp. An inquiry into the origin of tho fire at Mount Bdon was concluded at six o'clock on Feb. 14. After a conference of about half - an-hour, tho jury returned the following verdict: —" We, tho jury, havo agreod that thoro has boon no evidence given to show how tho firo originated, but that it started in Mr Jones's kitchon; and that tho ovi donco of Mr and Mrs Jones has be«s givon in a vory unsatisfactory manner; also that tho insuranco effected was far in excess of tho value of tho goods lost." The following ridor was uddod :—"Tho jury wish to add that thoy conflidor thero is a great laxity in the management of the inßuranco companies by [Bailing policies beforo a strict super vision of the value of tho property has been ascertained, as in this case."

Mcksm. R. Nicholson and Sons' sawmill at Port Albort was totally destroyed by liro early on tho morning of February 6, within about two hours of itß breaking out. Thotimborstacks, wharves, office and books, also dwollings and flour mill, wero saved. Tho steady rain during tho night, and tho chango of wind, prevented tho total des truction of theso. Tho new chim ney and boiler appear uninjured, but tho intense hoat prevents an examin ation. Mr E. Nicholson saw all right near 11 p.m., as did somo of the hands returning from ft meeting nftor midnight. The origin of tho firo is unknown. All hands worked bravely to save property. Tho insurances amount to £1,500, and arc as follow :—Colonial, £500 ; South British, £500; London nnd Lancashire, £500—half of which amount is re-insured in the Now Zealand.

MEETINGS.

A meeting of porsons interested in tho formation of a Ratepayers' Association mot UJgtjUim vn PoUumj O in Ob. Jntnoo'o 11.U1, Mr Win. Thome being in tho chair. A de sultory kind of discussion as to tho proper aims and character of the proposed Associa tion ensued, and it was generally agreod that it should act as a kind of mouthpiece for tho expression of ratepayers' views with regard to matters of municipal interest. Eventually Mr Ryan mooted the desirability of appointing a Provisional Committee to convene tho next meeting, and in tho moan time to select tho preliminary questions that needed settlement, besides laying down a basis of the proposed Association. Tho suggestion was warmly approved, and the following Provisional Committee was there fore appointed : — Messrs Batty, Hughes, Adams, Thorno, iWarburton, Ryan, and 8011.

Tho annual meeting of tho Auckland Institute of Architects was held in the Museum meeting-room■ on Fob. 11 ; Mr E. Mahoney occupied tho chair. The Secretary's report was read by Mr W. Groy, and was unanimously adopted. The report expressed regret that owing to tho limited time at the disposal of members tho Instituto had been prevented from coming to a satisfactory solution of tho difficulties discovered in tho city build ing regulations, but stated that it was proposed that the matter should bo further considered at a spocial meeting to bo called by tho President. The following officers were . elocted for the onsuing year :—Presidont.Mr E. Mahoney (re-eleoted); Vice-Preßident, Mr W. F. Hammond; Treasurer, Mr H. G. Wodo (re-elected); Secretary, Mr F. W. Grey (re-elected); Committee, Messrs Bartley, Bell, and Watt.—A general moot ing of' the Institute was then held, when Mr Watt read a short paper on the season ing of timber and of artificial drying. He produced specimens of kiln-dried timber, and shavings from the same, and argued that although it could not be said that artificially-dried timber was really better than timber which had been seasoned by the weather, it was necessary that drying by heat or somo similar process should be re sorted to in order to permit of a sufficient supply for building requirements.—Messrs Belli Baber, and Bartley also spoke, and expressed the opinion in favour of drying by natural processes.—The meeting then adjourned.

The annual meeting of Grand Lodge Loyal United Friends was held in the Masonic Hall, Newton, on tho February I2th, and was well attended, many visitors being present. There was a largo amount of businoss transacted relativo to the regis tration of all the sub lodges. The following officers were elected and installed by Senr. P.G.M. Bro. Cox, as Installing Officer:— Bro. P. Drummpnd, R.W.G.M.; John J. Skelton* G.D.M.; Bro. James Cox, G. Sec retary ;W. L. Niddreo, G. J.; Bro. J. C. Dawson, G.A.S. ; Bro. J. Tyo, G. Steward , Bro. A. Silvia, G.A.S. ; Bro. D. Horly, G. Guard ; Bro. J. Wara, G. Tyler. The annual report of the Auckland district, of tho Independant Order of Odd fellows (Manchester Unity), shows numeri cally that this society is increasing and widening its colonial sphere of usefulness. In looking through the annual report, wo notico that there are 16 lodges in tho pro vincial district of Auckland, with a total of 1,272 members, to date December 31, 18S3. During thoyear2l4membors were admitted; death, 7 members, and members' wives 3. The funeral donations paid woro £211 ; amount to sick members, £1,105 8s 4d ; and for medical attendance, £1,055 17s 8d ; interest received from investments, £1,186 Is sd. Total worth of the lodges and district on 31st December, 1883, £35,662 7s 6d, being an average of £2S per member. At the close of tho financial year, tho total worth of tho Society in Auckland waa £22,512 8s 3d, showing a gain during the last hve years of £13,149 19s 3d.

At the conclusion of the usual morning service at St. Luke's Church, Mount Albert, on Sunday, Feb. 17th, Mr J. H. Sloman, who ia retiring from the position of lay reader, was presented by the Rev. J. Hasol den, in the name of the congregation, with an escritoire, epergne, and Church Service. Mr Haselden eulogised the gentleman's services, and Mr Sloman neatly replied. The proceedings ended by the incumbent, on behalf of himself and the congregation, wishing Mr Sloman many happy years of work in God's service and in his Master's Church.

The opening by the Australian Mutual Provident Society of central and commo dious offices in Queen-street was, on Mon day night, February 18, made tho oc casion for a gathering of the chief Auck land members of the Society. Mr Win. Aitken presided. The toast of the evening, '' Prosperity to tho Australian Mutual Provi dent Society," was proposed by Rev. David Bruce, who ha=i beon,^—"""-' —/..thirty yean. -In"dbing 1I se» Jrt>': P !,;^.''._«Apeech, in which he ffivornw upoq tbfl.

bUsiness of the Society and ib the valuable services of the chief district agent; Mr D, J. McLeod. In responding, Mr McLeod pointed out that the Society had now 52,000 members—7,ooo new members having joined last year, while the accumulated fund had reached the total of £4,349,000; and the claims paid exceeded £1,500,000. Mr Mc- Leod then proposed the toast " Our Late Agent, Mr A. Saunders," and, in doing so, referred to the esteem in which that gentle man was held by the Board of Directors, which had impelled them to make him a very handsome present on the occasion of his severing his connection with the Society ac a substantial recognition of the manner in which he has discharged his duties as tho Society's agent in Auckland. Mr Saunders responded, and avowed his intention of con timiing his interest in the Society's welfare. Mr J. M. Alexander proposed " Prosperity to the City of Auckland," to which Mr P. A. Phillips replied. The other toasts were: —" Our Medical Officer" by Mr Norman Gibbon, responded to by Dr. Honeyman ; "Our Oldest Member" by Mr McLeod, coupled with Mr V. A. Phillips ; " The Ladies," by Mr Groves Aickin; "The Press," by Mr J. Anderson, and "The Chairman."

Tho 19th annual mooting of tho Now Zew land District, No. 84, 1.0. R., S.U., was held at Aratapu on Saturday, February 16th, and from the reports of the Tents Secretaries, the past year proves to have been one of the most successful the Order has enjoyed for some time. The following brethren were elected for office : — D.C.R., Cyrus J. Brown ; D.D.R., Thos. Webb ; 'D. Sec, J. G. Carr ; D. Treasurer, J. Nodder : D.G., George Lowrio ; P.D.C.R., .T. B. Hell; auditors, Rothorham and Lee. District Funds : Funeral Fund, £!,791 12s sd; total mem bership, 391 ; increase for year, 73; total funds of Tents and District, £3,532 12s 5d ; average per member, £9 16s. During the year there had been two deaths. The total paid for sickness has been £273 17s. A few of tho boekeepers in the Franklin district met at Pukokohe on Saturday, the 23rd February ; Mr Morgan in the chair" After a little amount of what may bo termed conversational speechifying, re solutions wore carried for tho formation of an association called, " The Auckland Pro vincial Beekeepers' Association." It was resolved that Mr J. C. Firth, Auckland, be invited to accept office as President of the Association ; that Messrs Capt. Hamlin, Capt. Jackson, R. Proude, J. Hopkins, and J. Bagnall, son., be elected Vico-Presidents; Mr Collins, Treasurer ; and Dr. Dalziel, Secretary. Messrs Brown, Beloe, and Sprout were appointed Executire Com mittee members; and Messrs Elliott, Brown, Beloo, Morgan, Bevan, J. Allen, J. Reynolds, Jamieson, Savage, Collini, and Dalziel members of tho General Working Committee. Tho annual subscription was fixed at five shillings. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Buchanan for the free ugo of tho hall in which the meeting wa» held.

The annual meeting of members of the Auckland Institute was held on the even ing of February 25, in the Museum Build ing, Princes-st., His Lordship Bishop Cowie presiding. The list of donations received sinco last annual meeting was read. It in eluded 45 volumes on the early history of New Zoaland and seven valuable oil paint ings, from Mr J. T. Mackelvie. Roferenco was made by the President to tho generosity which actuated these repeated gifts ; and it was agreed, on tho motion of Mr James Baber, C.E., seconded by Mr Graves Aickin, "That tho thanks of tho members of the Institute bo forwarded through tho Presi dent to Mr Mackelvio for his gifts to the Institute." Tho annual report was then read -.—The numbor of members elected during tho past year has been unusually small, amounting only to 12. In tho pre vious year tho elections numbered 34. The losscßhavobeen : By death, 7 ; by resigna tion, 6; and by dofault of subscription for two consecutive years, 16. Thereisthusanet decrease of 17, tho total number on the roll at tho present timo being 304. The total ncomo for the year ended February 20, 1884, wai L 422 9s 3d, of which L 294 con sisted of the entrance fees and subscrip tions of tho members. In tho previous year (18S2-83) tho total not income -.vas £403 Ss Id; and the amount of subscriptions, etc., L 317 2». Tho expenditure has amounted to 1-472 10s (id, loaving a balance of LSO Is 3d duo to tho Bank of New Zealand. The_ex pondituro of tho previous year was L 397 8s (id. Tho romaindor of tho roport was dovotod to a review of ovonts in connection with tho career of tho Institute during the last twelve months. In conclusion, it said : —" Tho Council wish to draw the attention of tho members to tho continued services rendered by Messrs W. K. Graham and VO. and Mr 11. Craig as ugeuta o£ tho In. stituto in London and San 1 rancisco, The thanks of tho Institute aro also duo to tho Pacific Steamship Company, tho New Zea land Shipping Company, and other shipping firms for their kindness in carry ing freight free all packages intended for tho Museum."—The report was adopted on tho motion of tho President, seconded by Mr E. A. Mackechnie. Hia Honor Judge Smith waß olected President for tho ensuing year, Mr Thomas Macffarlane Auditor, whilo tho Council for the ensuing year wag chosen as follows :—Messrs G. Aickin, J. L. Campbell, Noil Heath, J. Martin, J. A. Ponof, Dr. Purchas, T. Peacock, Professor Brown, Dr. Murray Moore, and Colonel Haultain.

SPORTING, ATHLETICS, &c.

Captain Cotton, Christchurch, has won a wager of £50 by walking 72 miles in 18 hours.

Christchurch Hunt Club receipts last year wcro £535; expenditure, £525 j credit balance £10.

Two Christchurch bicyclists have ridden a distance of 170 miles in 22J hours ; said to bo the best Now Zealand record.

Mr Moss, of tho Victorian Bowling team, has given a gold medal to be competed for by all tho Bowling Clubs in New Zealand.

In tho bowling match at Christehurch, tho local team were victors, making 75 againßt 72 by tho Dunedin players. A four-oared race, Invereargill v. Dune din, was rowed in Dunedin harbour on Fob. 24. Dunedin won by four lengths. A hundred-mile bicycle raco took place between Mosgiel and Lawrence, Otago, on February 21, and was won by O'Keofe in 11 hours 25 minutes.

There were over 2,000 people present at the Caledonian games Christchurch on Saturday, 16th February. Donald Dinnie carried off a number of prizes.

Donald Dinnie was badly beaten in the Bordor wrestling contest at Christehurch on February 16, two local men, Hudson and Robertson, taking first and second prizes respectively. Mr H. M. Lyon,Secretary of the Wei lington Racing Club, was entertained at lunch on February 27 by the stewards, and a presentation of a valuable racing chrono motor was mnde to him.

A billiard match betweon Weiss (tho Australian champion) and Sydney Pell took place on Friday night, February 8, tho champion giving his opponent 250 out of 500. Pell was tho victor by 38.

On Feb. 16, at Dunedin, F. Woods of that city, and C. Hulston, of Christchurch, competed for £100 a side and the cham pionship of New Zealand, at running dis tances of 100, 200, 300, and 350 yards. Woods was declared victor.

A four-oared raco, Wellington Star Club versus Cliristchurch Union Club, took place on Heathcote Estuary on February 21. Tho CUristohurch men won by two feet. Tho Wellington crew, who had no coxswain, lost a considerable distance through bad stooring. Regattas nppoav to be all tho rago horo just now. On St. Patrick's Day, March IV, three nro announced to tako placo, ono at Thames, ono at Whangaroa, and tho other at Corp' mandol. The day following brines witj it tho Tauranga Regatta, then will folloi the regatta of the Auckland Rowing Association, to be held during the san? month, and after it comes the Ponson^ annual aquatic festival, which has boh fixed for Easter Monday. Nor is this si. So great is the interest taken at presentm aquatic sports that another effort has bfin made to rovive tho North Shore Regaia, and there is every probability that tho marine suburb will again come out ,jro rainently by the presentation of a coital programme, the succsss of which maypven eclipse previous effcrts. / The bowling match at Mr Porter's jjneri can Bowling Saloon attracted a cr/vd of spectators on February 21. Thd com petitors were Mr John Green and MJ J. R. Scott, of the Nevada. The bettiit com menced with 15 to 10 on Mr Gren, who waß the favourite. The game urned, however, in favour of Mr Scott, whi&ained the victory. The play was conside/d slow for such crack men as Green and Sett, and the scores were below the averse. Ist game: Green, 83 ; Scott, 57. 2nd/Green, 5.3 ; Scott, 82. 3rd : Green, 75; Sott, 93. 4th : Green, 7S ; Scott, 01. stt Green, GO; Scott, 58. Cth : Green, 3; Scott, 81. 7th : Green, 85: Scott, I. Sth : Green, 63; Scott, SS. 9th : d;en, 79; Scott, 72. 10th: Green, 69 ; /cott, 78. 11th: Green, 76; Scott, 116. Mr Scott, therefore, won by 1 game and 4|pins. Mr Green has, we understand, issue? challenge to repeatjMift.matcbyarid it wilfio doubt Be >nfjinted:hri<W9ggT>VM>>- /

MISCELLANEOUS.

CiißisTCHUßcil Exhibition shows a credit balance of £165.

The Governor comes to Auckland on 15th March.

Christchurch Public Library ia to be closed on Sundays.

The Doric takes 7,000 carcases of mutton from Wellington. Births in Auckland oity in January were 99, and deaths 30. Masonic and Druid Lodges are shortly to be opened at Whangaroa. Twelve sperm whalos were caught on February 18 near Napier, It is said that Sir Georgo Grey will shortly visit Melbourne. It is proposed to build a big now lunatic asylum at JJorirua, near Wellington. Christchurch Drainage Board pay £12,058 a year for maintenance of eewers. Government propose to test the quarts roefs in Wilberforce district, Canterbury. £1,000 reward offered for the discovery of a payable goldfield in Tauranga district. Two men with boats and nets have been caught fishing for trout in Lake Wakatipu, Mr Rochfort is pegging out the main trunk lino from To Awamutu southwards. Bay of Islands coal mines have increased their output to 110 tons. In Wellington last year 13 wives, with 43 children, were deserted by their husbands. The salary of the Mayor of Dunedin has been fixed at £400 for the current year. Mr llobbs, M.H.R., has received votes of confidence throughout the Bay of Islands electorate. Wellington Benevolent Society last year spent £2,172 in relieving 140 families, in cluding 367 children and 31 men. Fifty A.C. men are to be stationed at Alexandra, to work on tho Kawhia Road from that end of it, Dunedin Ocean Beach Domain Board, lately constituted, has no funds, and aeks a paternal Government to supply the needful. Parliament is to be petitioned to have Dunedin reformed into one electoral dis trict. Kihfkihl ratepayers, have unanimously resolved to borrow £200 for works in tho township. . . Tho Road Boards in Auckland Provincial District number 5157, and give employment to 2,835 persons. A Dunedin tourist has been up Mount Earnslaw 2,000 feet higher than Rev. Mr Greon got. Professor Anderson, a son of the " Wizard of the North," shortly visits New Zealand. MrW. S. Blair, Chief Engineer for the Middle Island, is publishing a pamphlet on "Tho Industries of New Zealand." Three Maoris have been committed for trial at Wanganui on a charge of wilfully burning down a house. Dr. King, late of Wellington, has been appointed Surgeon Superintendent of West land Hospital. Mr Smith, M.H.R., addressed his Wai pawa constituents on February 12, and re ceived a vote of confidence. Blue Ribbon principles are making great progress in Hokianga district among Euro peans and Maoris alike. The New Zealand Parliament will, it is expected, meet for the despatch of business about tho end of May. A soa captain, who was deaf for 15 years, has recovered tho lost sense by two or three weeks' bathing at tho Rotomahana Lakes. Dr. Levings, late of the s.s. Doric, has been appointed Superintendent of Welling ton Lunatic Asylum. Single girls by the British Queen have been engaged at Wellington at £26 to £40 a year. Wellington Corporation are sued for £0,500 for seizing tho plant of the contrac tors for the Te Aro reclamation contract. Mr Hobbs, M.H.R., addressed his con etituents at Kawakawa on February 15, and received a vote of confidence. An explosion of petroleum gas has taken place in the South Pacific Company's bore at Gisborno ; oil Bhould bo near at hand. The valuation of the Borough of Timaru this year is £42,000, and last year it was £43,800. Major Swindley, Inspector of Armed Constabulary, has resigned in order to con test Tauranga for the General Assembly. A big potato grown atPacroa brought £1 at raffle, and Thames Hospital benefits thereby. Tho tender of Mr H. Downes, Auckland (£31,425), has been accepted for the Eopua ranga contract (construction only) of the Wellington-Napier Railway. Mr Win. Lovott's tender, £7,800, has beon accopted for ballasting and laying the permanent way of the Cambridge branch railway. During last year there were 6,282 propo sals made to tho New Zealand Government Insurance Department for sums equal to £1,463,632. Sir Win. Fox says tho cost of elementary education in New Zealand is less than the value of half a glass of beer per day to every adult in the population. W. C. McDormott, clerk in the Govern ment Insurance Department at Wellington, is suspected of embezzling £40 by falsifying the books, and has absconded. The journeyman bakers of Dunedin have formed an association for the attainment of their rights, tke protection of their interests, and their social elevation. Tho sontence of death passed on William Poarco for the murder of his paramour at Dunodin has beta commuted to imprison ment for life. Tho Mayor of Dunedin declined to call a publb meeting to consider licensing matters, on the ground of illegality of spend ing Corpomtion funds to do so. Tho mining village of Shag Point, Otago, with a population of 400, has beon deprived of support by the stoppage of tho coal mines through danger trom water. TyphoU fevor is raging among the Maoris of Holdaiga—-scarcely a week passing with out ono or.more victims falling before the scourge. The Timaru " Herald " traces the decrease in tho beer duty to tho increased use of roapingmachinosand consequent diminished consumpt of boer by harvesters. McDermott who is charged with embezzl ing Government Insurance funds, is also said to have pocketed a lot of subscriptions to VYollngton Regatta. Local Dodies in Hawke's Bay are grumblng at loss of revenue through native !ands being exempted from taxation by protlamaiion of the Governor, The management of a travelling panto mime company have loft a number of youne firls al Dunedin with board unpaid, and estituio of means to take them home. Mr ?etrlo, M.H.R., rocoivod a money presoiwtion at Greymouth on Friday nicht, February 22, in recognition of his Parliahontary services.l Mr Yon Stunner, R.M., Hokianga, states that hough two cases of low fever among tho rativos of that district have endea fataty, there is very little more sickness than is usual at this season. Tlra Moorhouse statue, to cost £1,100, is to bo trdered at once from Mr Geo. Lawson, A.R.i. The New Zealand Shipping Com pany >ffer to convey it to Lyttelton free of freiglt.

Thi ship Marlborough took from Dun edin (O,SUO carcases of frozen meat for the Now Zealand and Australian Land Com-

pany London. Tbre are more than 1,000 immigrants nomnated from and on the way to Auck lanc at the present time. The great majrity of these havo been nominated fro» tho country districts.

S"dney Taiwhanga is at Ohinemutu, ad voAting tho formation of the railway, and th* appointment of a Maori European Com mttco tn manago the affairs of the dis t>ct. |

Tho natives of tho Solomon Islands maintain their character for ferocity. The labour vessel Windward Ho was lately fired on by unsoon foes in the scrub, and two natives of her crow were wounded.

Fact for "Railway Reformers." —At Dunedin lately a cheap Saturday train was run into tho country—return trip of 40 miles for ss, and only 40 persons went out of a population of about 30,000. At the Dunedin Police Court on February 4, Win. Calder, for giving two receipts for one sum of money and thus defrauding tho Government of stamp duty, was fined £2 and costs.

Mr W. J. Offer being the only person nominated for the vacancy in the repre sentation ot the South Ward, has been de clared by the Returning Officer duly elected.

Mr Jas. McDonald, M.H.R., was, on Feb. U, fined £25 and coßts at Dunedin Police Court for neglecting to furnish returns under the Property Tax Act. He is also to be charged treble the tax for which he is liable.

A practical view of a delicate situation is taken by a hardy Southern lover, who advertises : —" Wanted, a Sweetheart, I havei lost mine ; she is about to marry. For particulars, apply to Y.Z., Post-Office, Kumara."

George Simmonds, of Kumara, has been fined in two sums of £50 and costs for acting as borough Councillor when in capable, under the 4th sub-section of the 61st section of the Municipal Corporation Act. 1876.

F. W. Roiminschneider, late native in terpreter for tho Legislative Council, has been lodged in gaol at Wanganui for three months, for disobeying the order of the Supreme Court to repay .to the Hon. Makena

A patent fire escape has arrived by the Ruapehu to tho order of the City Council.

Hawke's Bay Board of Education cannot provide sufficient school accommodation for lack of funds. At Hastings 250 children are in a school calculated for 150, and several are carried out fainting every day,

Bishop Cowie and the Rev. D. Bruce left for Nelson by the s,s. Rotorua on the 26th February, to attend the sittings of the New Zealand University Senate, of which they are members.

Ex-Judge Fenton and Hcrr Schmidt have beon requested to submit to the Senate of New Zealand University, now sitting at Nelson, suggestions for amending the regu lations for granting degrees in music.

Further applicatians for patents are pub lished in a "Gazette" of 21st Feb. John Smith, Wanganui, seeks a patent for im-. proved portable receptacle for conveying frozen meat; Thomas Turnbull, Hokitika, fora live-saving oil ship; Chas. Gittos, Auck land, for " climax "screw-head easy tuning pianoforto string sustainer ; Colin MaGkay, Dunedin, for spiked wire for fencing ; Thos. Cosßims, Dunedin, patent for quarrying or cutting Oamaru stone ; J. J. de Lambert and S. E. Hubbard, Oamaru, for machine for making wire-barbs for fencing at one operation.

At Nelson, on February 27, the N.Z University Senate commenced its annual session. The Chancellor's report stated that including the Government grant of £3,000j the revenue of the year had been £3,713, and the expenditure £3,434. This year the Senate will have to make provision for examinations in medicine and science, but this is not expected to amount to over £150. For the B.A. degree first section there were 44 candidates, and for the final section 27; for tho LL.B. degree, four ; for the M.A., one; and for the LL.D., one.

On Wednesday, February 27, at a special meeting of the Newton School Committee, 22 applications for the post of teacher of New ton East School wero considered. Eventu ally, it was resolved unanimously to recom mend Mr R. Coatcs, 8.A., present Head master of Kamo School, for the post.

Sir Robert Douglas, Bart., died early on Thursday morning, February 28, from cancer, at Mr Ashforth's residence, Wa nganui, where ho had been on a visit for several weeks past. The deceased gentle man camo to the colony as Captain in the 59th Rogment, and sat in the last Parlia ment as member for Marsden.

Among tho attractions at Mr R. Graham's new sanitarium at Wairake is a swimming bath 10ft. x 40ft.. with a fall of 6ft., all boarded. The bather passes from a Btream of hot water to a cold stream, the sensations attending the transition being delightful. It is very satisfactory, as showing the con dition of the labour market, that the whole of the Government immigrants who arrived here this week have already found employ ment, and that to all appearance there is room for more. If there be any want, how over, the batches daily expected by the Northumberland and Rangitike should meet all requirements. Single girls, especially general servants, are most badly wanted both in town and country, and the large number now on the way from •Home should provo weicome arrivals. f^A north-west gale on Tuesday night, February 20, at Oamaru, blew a portion of the roof off the Grand Stand on the race course, unroofed stables at Livingstone, and did other damage. Two Otago bakers were, on Feb. 26, pro secuted under the now [Adulteration Act for failing to stamp loaves sold by them. Ono case was discharged, the loaves having been proved to be "cottage" and "pan, but the other defendant was fined for one loaf, tho penalty being one shilling. At Timaru, a trustee in bankruptcy lias committed the unusual indiscretion of spending £250 of his own money in trying to realise an estate, and he now wants to get recouped from the creditors. The latter don't just see it. ':■..■■'■ At Awanui, on the East Coast, the whole township is on the move into the sea like the devil-possessed Bwine, though not at such a rapid rate. The progress of the Rose Hotel has been stopped by a series of ingenious contrivances. ' Lake County Council, Otago, are seeking to obtain control of Lake Wakatipu ana other lakes in the county, with a view to conserving them for fish-breeding purposes, obtaining revenuo from the issue of licensea, and taking steps to prevent poaching. The capabilities of Te Arona are not con fined to gold-bearing reefs. The local

".News" has been shown a potato (only ono of a lot, too) which measured 74 inches in length, and 10 inches in circumference, its weight being nver 22 ounces. A destructive waterspout, which was seen to rise from the sea, passed over Cheviot and Waipara districts, Canterbury on Feb. 19. Among other damages inflicted, about 2,000 tons of earth were dislodged from the side of a gully, and a bullock was along with it washed out to the sea.

Walter G. Smith, chief olerk to Welling ton Gas Co., absconded the other day with a barmaid from a hotel near the gasworks, and took passage to Australia. The erring man's wife, who has three children, got a warrant against him, and he has been ar rested at Bluff.

It's a bad rule that won't work both ways, so England is sending us out supplies' of frozen fish and poultry. A consignment per British Queen has been placed on the market at Wellington, whiting being sold at Is and cod 7s 6d each. The fish, etc., wore in fine condition.

At the R.M. Court, Timaru, on February 4th, Elizabeth Archer, a married woman, suffering trom religious mania, was com mitted to the Asylum. Tho unfortunate creature had been a regular attendant at the Salvation Army meetings, and her in sanity is of the most violent character suicidal and homicidal. Amongthe travellers who reached Auck land on Feb. 25, by the Tarawera were Sir Jamos McCulloch (a well-known Victorian politician), Lady McCulloch, and Miss Inglis, their niece. The party are on a tour of New Zealand, and this inorniuc they went by train to Hamilton, en routelof the Hot Lake district.

During tho past fow days a strong seam of a substance supposed to be coal has bsen cut in one of the railway cuttings near Whangarata, on the Waikato railway line. Opinions seem to be divided as to whether the " find " is coal or lignite. Ah excellent though small seam of coal was re cently found by a Mr McDdugall at Meremere, near Mercer.

The consignment of Shropshire • Downs rams by tho Brenhilda ■were landed from that vessel on Feb. 26, and have attracted a great deal of attention. It is to the enter prise of the Auckland Stud nhd Pedigree Stock Comrjany that the introduction of these sheep is due. They have been recom mended by the most reliable London butchering authorities as tho best class with which to ctoes the sheep of this colony to ensure good flesh making and wool giving animals. They have now been im ported with the object of crossing the breeds, and the result of the experiment will be awaited with no small amount of interest by our sheep farmers.

An exciting scene was witnessed at Mr B ogham's Good Hope Dining Rooms in Wellesley-street on tho 23rd Feb. One of the lodgers named David Wallace, who has been eccentric in his conduct lately, camein from tho back yard with a revolver in his hand and threaten ed to send all those in the house to oternity. Police assistance was sent for, but before Constable Sole arrived, one phot was fired by Wallace, but the bullet passed through tho floor. The constable closed with the man, and during the struggle tho weapon again wont oil', but without injuring anyono. Wallace was handcuffed, and taken to tho Police Station. He has been peculiar in his habits latoly, and has, generally speaking, been abstemious, although scon several timos the worse for liquor during tho last few months. Wallace underwent medical examination this afternoon, and was com mitted to tho Lunatic Asylum. He was very violent, and the uso of handcuffs was found necessary.

The Waotu survoy obstruction oasecame on for hearing at the R.M. Court here yesterday. Perepi Whatino, Natoua, Kiko, Uporo, and Hanta Hamucra were charged on the information of Mr Percy Smith, Assistant Surveyor-General, with obstruct ing and hindering; also with resisting Donald Stubbing, surveyor, in the execu tion of his duty in surveying Waotu South Block. Mr Keesing appeared for accused, and pleaded not guilty. The charges having been proved, His Worship asked accused what they had to say re garding future conduct. Natoua re plied that they would not agree that surveyors should come on to the ground. His Worship explained that the surveyors going on to the land did not interfere with the question of title in any way.— Manata replied that when Government granted their application for the re-hearing of the Waotu South case, he would allow the survey to go on.—Tho Bench then delivered the following decision :—On the first charge wo fine Matana £20, Whatuao £10, and the two women £10 each with costs, £16 10s (id to be bo divided over all. On the second charge wo fine Matana £5, Piriri £5, and the two women we caution not to do anything of the kind again. The four to pay £1 3s 6d costs. The natives subsequently agreed to allow the survey to . goon conditionally thati they, were allowed j

THE 'AUCKLAND EVENING .s&..*.f&osi& 'Mjfttfr X I^JL ■<

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