NEWS OF THE MONTH.

AUCKLAND, N.Z., May 24, 18S4. His Excellency the Goveuxoi. takes his departure from Auckland on tho 27th inst., after a very pleasant stay oxtending ovor about two months. During that time, Sir Wm. Jervois has added to his popularity by his urbanity, accessibility, and readiness to render service to tho community, and on the other hand tho public have neither been too exacting in their demands upon, nor over obtrusive in theirattontions to,hisExcclloncy and Lady and Miss Jervois, At this season of the year, in contrast to the cold and snow of the southern portions of the colony, it not unfrequently happens that Auckland enjoys a kind of "Indian summer"—a fragment of the bright and balmy season placed on tho very verge of tho wet period which with us does duty for winter. Such a season have His Excellency and family enjoyed whilo here, though a week ago the weather gavo the first sign of breaking. On the 23rd inst. Lady Jervois gavo a farewell "At Home" at Government Houso, which was attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen. His Excellency proceeds to Wellington by steamer leaving hero on tho 27th instant, to be present at tho open ing of Parliament.

Her Majesty's Birthday is to bo observed throughout the colony cither to-day (24th inst.), or on Monday (20th inst.), instead of the observance being postponed till tho 2Sth of June as suggested by tho Queen horself in a memo, received by tho Governor. His Excellency submitted the communication to the Government of tho colony, but as the latter declined to make any order in tho matter, tho holiday is being observedasusual. Though thia action savours discourtesy, no such feeling enters into the question. Tho notico given of proposed change of date wos really too short, and colonists aro so punctual and strict in their holiday observances that they found them selves unable to agree to a postponement, lest haply thoy should lose the occasion for relaxation and enjoyment altogether. The Governor, however, in deference to Her Majesty's wish, countermanded tho orders 'which ho had issued for holding a lovde on the 24th.

Parliament meets for the despatch of business on 4th Juno next, and already tho air is thick with rumours of political changes and pending movements. There is a general belief that very early in tho session an attempt will bo made to pass a vote of wont of confidence in the Govern ment, that the motion will pass, and that a dissolution will take place at once. The Ministerial party has suffered serious defec tions of late, partly on account of adminis trative acts, and partly because of their de clared legislative policy for the future, so that the Opposition ore confident of their power to inflict a defeat on the Government. More recent events have rather strengthened the Ministerialist position, but their chief hope is in the irreeoncileable breach between the two sections of the Opposition led by Sir Geo. <3rey and Mr Montgomery respectively. So long as these two sections take more de light in thwarting each other than in at "tacking the Government, so long are the latter safe, unless they make a very glaring -fatexpas. A disturbing, or, as somo think, a Fettling element in politics has appeared within the past few weeks in the person of Sir Julius Vogel, who has come to tho col ony, it is said, partly on some big financial undertaking, and partly to press an old claim of his own ogoinst the Government for £6,000 odd. Having signified his wil lingness to ro-enter publio life hero dur ing the few months he intends re maining in the colony, there was o movement set on foot to return him to the House of Representatives for the East Coast electorate, vacant by the resig nation of Mr A. McDonald. The electors, nfter a short fever of excitement, have come round to reason again, and show preference for a local man rather than a " bird of passage." Mr W. L. Rees had further declared his determination to oppose Sir Julius a Voutrancc, and the latter has wisely declined tho contest, which will now lie between three local men. Still, a section of tho Southern people is pressing Sir Julius to re-enter politics, and not improbably he may hove o seat in the expiring Parliament, nnd inQuenco parties to some extent. It is expected that His Excellency the Governor will open Parliament in person. Ministers ore now assembling at Wellington to make arrangements for the session. Native affairs during the month havo been in a completely quiescent state, and this happy condition justifies the anticipations which have been formed of the early aboli tion of the Nativo Office Tho Maoris are presently signing petitions praying that the Governor may proclaim the territory in habited by them fo/wagainstthosaleof intoxi cants—a wise step, and in the opinion of many the only course which can save the race from extinction. Before this reaches London the Maori embassy, headed by •'King" Tawhiao, will have appeared before" the British lion-hunters, and it is earnestly hoped that he will hove kept true to his Blue Ribbon principles, and thus set a worthy example to his people. The natives are showing an increasing willing ness to sell or lease their lands, and Govern ment are preparing a measure the object of which is to protect the Maoris from fraud on the port of land speculators. The passing of a good law calculated to secure that end and gain the confidence of the natives would give a vast impetus to settlement in the North Island; but it is too early to express any opinion as to the scheme outlined by the Premier, and which the Native Minister is expected to explain at length in Parliament. The Customs returns for the paßt month still show a markedfalling-off in the import ing power of the colony. The revenue from Customs in April last was £100,819, as against £121,086 for the corresponding month of 1883. This shows a falhng-off to the extent of over £20,000 in a single month. The last month's receipts, it may be noted, are also £15,000 less than those of the month immediately preceding. The beer duty, though yielding slightly more in Apnl than in March, shows a decrease when compared with April, 1883. The amount collected at the four principal centres was: Auck land, £23,528 2s 2d ; Wellington, £16,292 16s Id- LWelton a ndChristchurch,£l7,B4o 0s 8d; Dunedin, £29,420 Is 9d The beer duty for last month was £4,960 10s lOd, the principal amounts being:— AucCd, £l,0 PSBl3s2d ; Wellington, £385 12s 6d; Christchurch, £1,006 10s lOd; Dunedin, £1,166;15s 9d. For March last it was £4,742 18s 4d, and for April, 1883, f Late onßthe 7th of May a large number of gentlemen interested in the cheese and gutter industries were present at the Chamber of Commerce for the purpose ot inspecting samples of cheese brought by Mr Bowron"lnspectorof Cheese Factories.from Te Awamutu, Paterangi, Rukuhia Pukekohe, Turanga, and Bay of Plenty? Mr J. C. Firth occupied the chair, and in a few, introductory remarks referred to the importance of the cheese industry. There were, hesaid 21 cheese factories " the colony, of wheh 16 were in the North and 5 in the South Island. Thoso present had tested samples of cheese from the Waikato factories and so far as he could learn, were very well satis fied with the quality. The difficulty expen encedby the cheese companies was that they had not yet found the best means of dis posing of their cheese, and on this point he fnvited Mr Bowron to speak.-Mr Wron stated that cheese from Aehburton had sold in London at from 56s to 70s per cwt. An other 30 tons had been sent, and he ventured to say that it would not realise less than 74s Mr Bowron then went onto explain that in London large cheeses, about 801DS., would bring £10 a ton more than small cheeses. One cheese in the room was manufactured on the American prin ciple It was made from milk showing 20 per cent, of cream, which was unparalleled in all dairies that he ever knew. That cheese was completely American, and he would be a very keen judge indeed who could if it were classed with the American, tell the difference. Another cheese was on tbe Cheddar principle, and there was no other cheese which would bring such a high price in London. The others were all very good. Next year twenty factories would bo in operation here, and each will be able t^TS^nE^ tons of dwtf. II {he pwfo«*» hW- \m

were sold in London, say at 745, they could see the amount of money it would bring to the colony. He wos of opinion that thero should be ono factory for the Cheddar and double Gloucester cheese, and all young persons engaged in the busi ness should take certificates of competency there. Ho was also convinced that

butter factories would be a success in the

colony. In reply to questions, Mr Bowron said that last year England paid America nine millions for dairy produce—butter, bacon, and cheese.—Mr J. M. Clark thought that bacon could not be classed as dairy produce.—Mr Firth said ho would put it strongly beforo the directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and Shaw, Savill, and Co., whether it would not bo a much better policy for them to announce at once that they wero prepared to take cheese in considerable quantities in cooling chambers at id per lb., for at present the rato of freight was simply prohibitive.—Mr Vickers asked if there was not agood market in Sydney, and Mr Firth replied that thoro was a duty of 2kl per lb. Tho cost of delivering cheese in London at present, viz., 24d,was more than the industry could stand, and he hoped that the charges would bo reduced. Mr Firth concluded by stating that he was much obliged to Mr Bowron, and hoped the suggestions made by him would not bo without weight.

Mr George Thome, junior, Superintend ent of Agents of the Government Insurance Department, has been dismissed by the Commissioner in consequence of disclosures during the Mackay caso.

The Hon. tho Premier (Major Atkinson) arrived on Saturday last, in company with tho Minister of Public Works, from his stumping tour in the South, and on Monday evening ho addressed a crowded qicoting in the Theatre Royal, His Worship tho Mayor presiding. Tho Premier spoke for about two hours, and although meeting frith a littlo interruption at various stagos of the meeting, ho bore with it woll, and frequently turned it to his own advantage After deplorine- the want of broad party lines in this colony, ho went on to show that tho deficit of £152,000 had resulted from a temporary falling off in tho prices of wool and grain. Ho defended tho raising of the railway freight tariff, announced tho Government's determination to push for ward as expeditiously as possiblo tho North Island main trunk lino of railway, indicated tho nativo land policy which tho Cabinet intended to pursue, including as it did a resumption of pre-emptive rights, ndvooated tho federation of tho Australasian colonies, gave his viows upon coloured labour, and pointed out that tho continuanco of the 'Frisco mail service was threatened with complications, admitting as ho did so that every effort ought to bo made to retain it. After expressing his opinion that the coming session should bo short, nnd that tho general elections should bo held immediately afterwards, in order that tho first session of tho new Parliament might be held in January noxt, Major Atkinson went on to speak of national insurance, the friendly societies, the intention of tho Government to compile a Doomsday Book, tho importance of immi gration, the necessity foi. Governmental economy, which ho followed up with an out line of a Pension and Retiring Allowanco Fund which it was proposod to establish in connection with tho Civil Service. Ho also expressed an opinion in favour of tho admission of women to the franchise. At tho close of the address a largo number of questions wero asked and duly answered. The speaker was then accorded a vote of thanks in the face of an amendment coupling thanks with a statement of want of con fidence in the Government. On Tuesday evening, Major Atkinson addressed a public meeting at the Thames, nnd on Wednesday he left along with the Minister of Public Works by the Hinemoa for Wellington.

On Monday last the Hon. E. Mitchelson was engaged all day in receiving deputa tions, which followed each other at intervals of about twenty minutes, whilo tho matters brought under his notice ranged from a contractor's grievance concerning a for foited deposit to the feeling of public bodies upon the intended construction of a railway bridge across Customs-street. In deference to the representations of tho City Council, Harbour Board, and Chambor of Commerce upon tho last mentioned subject, the Minister consented to substitute a level crossing from Fort-street for the bridge, and ho conciliated the City Council by agreeing to pay over the balanco of the Go vernment's c.n tribu tion towards the'diver 6ion of the main sower, us well us by promis ing to sec what assistance could bo rendered for tho improvement of tho Stanley-street drainage, which has been a crying nuisance for a long timo past in consequence of Hospital sewerage debouching there into an open drain. Ho further stated that ho would do his best to have tho Domain placed under the Council's control, and ho comforted tho Mount Roskill peoplo with tho information that instructions had beon given for tho erection of a railway bridgo over a dangerous crossing in their district, while tho wants of the Newmarket residents received attention, and their desire for power to raise a loar_:6f t'S.OOO for drainage and water supply schemes was considered, and further inquiries into the matter wero promised. The settlors along tho Kaipara lino of railway wero told that efforts would bo made to prevent the escape of sparks from locomotives, and tho question of aboli tion of tolls was under discussion, although without any engagement being made.

Sir George Grey, in response to numerous pressing invitations, left on Friday, May 2, lor the South, on a political stumping tour. On the following Wednesday he opened the campaign with an address to the people of Christchurch, which was followed in rapid rotation by similar public addresses at Dun edin, Invorcargill, Oamaru, and Timoru. Everywhere he was received with tho utmost enthusiasm, and votes of confidence were passed in him as tho only possible leader of the Liberal party. Ho committed himsolf to very little, while managing in each town to strike tho right chord of feeling—justice to tho working classes in the adjustment of fiscal burthens, and the offering to them of facilities for the acquisition of land. He advocated strongly the taxation of the unearned increment, and inveighed against injudicious immigration, while at Invercargill he made a special point by strongly denouncing, as a breach of constitutional practice and propriety, the appearance in print of the names of the Hon. Mr Herbert (Permanent Under-Secre tary for State) and his relative Earl Caer narvon as directors of a powerful English syndicate (with which Sir Julius Vogel is also connected) which is negotiating for the acquisition of a vast block of sixteen mil lion acres of land in Western Australia. The. effect of this tour has been that Sir George Grey is now spoken of by the pres3 and people of both parties as the real leader of the Opposition, while _Mr Montgomery having completely established his incompetence for the position, is now treated with general contempt. Sir George returned here on Monday last, and ad dressed a crowded and enthusiastic meet ing in the Theatre Royal on Thursday. In all probability he will also speak at the Thames and at Gisborne before Parliament assembles. The arrivals of Government immigrants since last letter have been principally con fined to those by the British King, although another botch is expected to arrive by way of the South per Shaw, Savill, !_ Company's steamer Victory, now fully due from London. The British King put in an appearance here at midnight on May 2, after a splendid run (including stoppages) of 48 days from London. She brought 315 immigrants, including 19 for Hawke's Bay, 41 for Wel lington, 14 for Taranaki, 15 for Westland, 7 for Nelson, 5 for Marlborough, 72 for Can terbury, and 115 for Auckland. Previous arrivals had filled up many vacancies in the labour market, but nevertheless the British King's Auckland immigrants being a good class of people, found occupations in a variety of ways very speedily. The single men, who wero for the most part form labourers, were engaged almost immediately after the steamer's arrival, and gave the Immigration Officer (Mr O. Mays) very little trouble in deed. The families were also furnished with employment at an early date, and during the week following the vessel's arrival all the single women who had been living at the Howe-street Home had taken their departure into the service of various employers both in town and country. It is evident, however, that the demand for labour here is not anyway near so great as it was a few months ago, and it is apparent that the large number of immigrants which have been for some time past arriving from Home have supplied any deficiency which before had an exist- The extraordinary rapidity (as recorded by our London correspondent) with which Shaw-Savill despatched the s.s. Victory, in order to allow tier to sail at the same time as the New Zealand Shipping Company s Aorangi, has not been extended to her voyagf out, for although both vessels got unde?way on the Ist of AgiL andSbofl, should have been here before tbe time.at which we write, only one-the Aorangi has put in an appearance. She arrived at Port Chalmers on the afternoon of May 11, having made the passage from Ply month (steaming time) in 40 days 9 hours, co that the Victory has taken fully a week longer to complete the voyage. The Aorangi brought 400 passengers all well. Two cases of chicken-pox OCCUnedj AWI «180 pne dsatfe mi one birtb,

The Hon. the Minister of Publio Works has now completed his examination of the several suggested routes for the North Island main trunk line of railway to connect Auckland with Wellington, and in another portion of this issue wo give an abstract of the report of our special reporter who accompanied the hon. gentle man in his exploration of tho western route. This line is the most in favour in Auck land, as besidos connecting the Northorn metropolis with Wellington, it would put us into direct communication with Tara naki and the fertile Waimate Plains, Auck land being tho natural outlet for all the fine agricultural country in tho south-western portion of tho island. It would also open up the fertile valleys of the Uppor Waipa, Mokau, Awakino, and Ohura, But perhaps the strongest argument advanced in favour of the western as against the central route is tjiat tho former line could be constructed for a sum within the £1,000,000 authorised by Parliament. A line via the central route weuld cost fully half as much again. There is certain to bo a fierce fight whon Parliament is called on to make a choico of route.

The new Auckland Savings Bank was opened on the afternoon of May 8 by His Excellency the Governor. Standing on a prominent site in tho main thoroughfare, tho new building is one of tho handsomost in tho city. It was built at a total cost of £0,000, from a prize design prepared by Mr Edward Bartloy. Tte building is a threo story one, the front being in tho Italian stylo of architecture, and of Oamaru stone. Bluestono forms the base, with a string course of Aberdeen granite. Tho second cornice is supported by polished granite Corinthian columns, the whole being sur mounted witli onriched cornice nnd balus trades. Thoro was a largo and influential nssomblago at the oponing ceroinony. In tho opening address, His Excellency traced tho history of the Bank sinco its com mencement in 1547. At one poriod in its earlier enroer it was unable to meet a charge of £40 mado by tho Go vernment for articlos supplied. In 1870 a ponny bank was established. Tho gonoral deposits had increased in 1877 to £90,102, whilo at tho present timo thoy amount to £204,510. Tho Bank is now opon for the transaction of business.

Thero has been a rcmarkablo immunity from railway accidents on the Auckland and "Waikato railway lino, and consequently un usual excitement was caused on tho 17th instant when it bocnino known in town|thnt tho goods train which had procoeded South early that morning had boon thrown off tho lino near Pukokoho. Tho accident was caused by a cow, which was encountered on a bridge, and was cut to pieces. Both the locomotive nnd tender were precipitated into a swamp, while several shattered trucks wero thrown on to either side of tho lino, Othor trucks and two carriages remained on tho rails. Fortunately there wero only three passen fers in the train at the timo—Mossrs isher (Frozen Meat Company), Hornsby (Laurie and Hornsby), and Gray, and those, with the tram officials, escaped with slight bruises. The line was cleared for traffic on tho following day. It is expected that tho total loss through tho accident will amount to fully £1,000. This is the second occur rence of the kind within tho last fow months, nnd both aroso from tho unfonccd state of the lino. An outlay has now boen caused which would have moro than paid for the fencing required at first. For some months past soveral Friendly Societies in the colony havo been much exercised nt what they conceive to bo tho unfair operation of the Friendly Societies' Act. Tho main objection is that the Act compels tho secretaries of tho lodges to go to great trouble in supplying the Govern ment with statistical returns that are of no benefit to tho socioties. It is also objected that the basis of valuations by vnluors under the Act is not a fair ono. A sub-committee of delegates from the several lodges mot Mr Frankland, tho Government Actuary, nnd on May 4th they presented the follow ing report, which was adopted:— " Gentlemen : Your Committee have to re port that with reference to tho Friendly Societies Act, it would bo inadvisable to at tempt any furthor alteration beyond what was done at the first meeting ; for on com paring it with tho English Act we find that with tho exception of the clause objected to, it contains nothing moro than what is laid down in tho ono in forco in Great Britain. Your Committee having heard that Mr F. W. Frankland, actuary for tho New Zoa land Government, was about to visit Auck land, prepared a series of questions to bo submitted to him, and on Ihursday, 17th April, your Committco met Mr Frankland and submitted tho questions prepared. Now, in order that you may moro easily understand what was done, wo give you each question, submitted and his reply thereto: —First queatio.n : That it is ad visable to striko out the latter portion of clause 12 sub-soction D, page 9, becauao it is not found in the English Act, and because it confers no bonofit uppn^ societies, but en tails needless expense arid labour. Answer: The returns, as required by the Act, are of groat importance, not only to the Govern ment, but aro also of groat importance to Friendly Societies, so as to ascertain more correctly a true record of tho experience of sickness and mortality in Now Zealand, and in order olso to obtain a correct basis upon which to valuo societies. He could not re commend the Government to strikeout tho clause, but would recommend that secre taries should bo paid for furnishing the re turns, at the rate of 7s 6d for a society of 50 members, and 5s extra for every 50 or por tion of 50, tor a socioty having more than 50 members. Second question : That, in our opinion, 4 P.C. is too low to value societies; wo, therefore, recommend that societies be valued at 5 P.C. Answer: That he did not object to societies boing valued at 5 P.C, but he was of opinion that 4 P.C. was the only safe basis for societies to be valued at. He also thought that, from recent statistics obtained, account ought to bo taken of secessions, and that two valuations might be made; ene te be a rigid valuation at 4 P.C, the other a valuation allowing for secessions, and at 5 or 5i P.C, provided that societies could show that they had been obtaining that amount of interest upon their invented funds. Third question :We also think that the average expectation of existence of members in societies is too great, which is supported by table No. 1. We also think that the experience of sickness in Auckland is not so great as in Engiand, as shown by table No. 2. Answer: That so far as he had compared the mortality tables of New Zea land with those obtained in England, he was of opinion that the rate ie, and will be under that experienced in England, but taking secessions into consideration, he thought that members would not remain in societies the timo that is laid down in Rat cliffe'B M. U. Tables. He also thought that the experience of sickness in New Zealand would not come up to that experienced in England, but would be able to speak more confidently after an examination of the re turns for the last year had been completed. Fourth question: We submit that a new basis or method of valuations should be introduced, so as to show how much each member ought to have to his credit each quinquennium, as per table 3 and 4. Answer : He thought that the proposed basis or method of valuation would be better understood, and would work very well, provided that all societies adopted a scale of contributions sufficient to meet all future liabilities of the society, but it would entail a large amount of work upon valuers to prepare such tables. Mr Frank land then asked if we could suggest any alterations in the form of returns, when after considerable discussion it was de cided that the list of ages of members on the last page of the sickness and mortal ity return could be dispensed with. That in the annual statement of receipts and ex penditure, that portion headed assets and liabilities could be simplified. We there fore now recommend that no objection be raised to clause 12, sub-section D, provided that secretaries be paid for furnishing the returns. We also think that the amount to be recommended is a fair one. Wo also think that there is every reason to expect a larger amount of secessions here than what is experienced in England, and that by adopting the new system of valuation it will entirely do away with probabilities or speculation, and that it would be safe and reliable; and further it would be more easily understood, and more likely to induce a society if found insolvent to take steps to place it in a solvent condition.—We remain, &c, Seeking H. Matthews (Chairman 1.0.0. F., M.U., A.D), Chas. Sami_. Wright (1.0.0. F., M.U.), J. F. Lovell (A.0.F.), T. H. White(H.A.C.B.S.), James W. Carr (1.0. R.). Wm. Jennings (Druids)."

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC.

The chief musical events of the month have been concert performances by ama teurs, the best of them being Mr Ralph Hood's concert in the Choral Hall on Mon day last, which was given under the pat ronage and in the presence of His Excel lency the Governor. Mr Hood is a young pianist of undoubted talent and great popu larity. The other concerts were by the Ponsonby Choral Society and Miss Clarice Brabazon respectively, the latter being quito an infant prodigy as a pianiste. Dramatically there is but little to note. Mr J. P. Macdonald's Specialty Company, which were playing at the Opera House when the last mail left, still hold possession of the ■fcWHjsi Their (enure, faorrerer,

ceases this evening. They ran the " Lights o' London " for no lees than 18 nights to good bu.iness, an almost unprecedented achievement here, and since then they havo essayed " Tho Rivals," "Rob Roy," "The Serious Family," &c. They wero out of their element, however, in these plays, and con sequently did not appear to advantage in them. Wo are now expecting the advent of Cunning's English Comic Opera Company from Wellington.

GOLDFIELDS SUMMARY.

The cloud of depression which has over hung tho Thames goldficld for the past three months still lingers, and tho futuro offers no immediate prospect of an ap proaching dissolution. Those interested in the field have long been accustomed to look to tho low lords to bring forth something which would give fresh impetus to mining exertion, and the prospects' have at times been highly encouraging; but the sources of hopo aro now diminished by tho sudden cessation of tho most important prospecting works in tho Deep Level Cross mine. This Company has expended several hundreds of pounds in works designed to dovelop the Princo Imperial reef system at tho 040 feet level, and now, after testing two solitary loaders for something less than 100 feot in length, tho directors have given up hopo, and ordered tho suspension of all low level operations. It is true that no substantial results havo arisen from tho amount of work already accomplished, but in the face of the encouraging features prcsontod by the nature of the country, it is certainly ill-advised policy to thus incontinently abandon tho works upon which so much doponded. The amount of prospecting dono is utterly in adequate, and affords no criterion of the worth of tho low lovol. Tho work now to bo commenced is tho prospocting of the largo Caledonian lodo, seaward of tho Big Pump shaft at the 400 feet lovol, where oxcellent indications woro mot with some two yoars ago. The Company, boing owners of tho liig Pump, hold tho master hand relative to all drainage arrangements, and havo given three months' notico to ownors. of adjoining mines that a reconstruction of tho drainage contributions is required. Tho pump has beon stopped during tho past wcok for the annual inspection of boilers,— Caledonian Low Level : Tho prospocting tunnol has encountered a bar of hard rock, about 40 feet in thickness, but sandstone country is again in tho faco. It is surmised that tho dyko corresponds with ono occur ring on tho surface near tho Italian shaft, and beyond which is situated tho favourable channel of country containing tho Moana taiari and Nonpareil shots of gold.— Tho Rocky Point Claim, Knroka, has sprung into prominence during the month, and its prospects aro unquestionably good. Tho Adolaido reef has been driven upon for about 80 foot, and a trial crushing of quartz from the drive has yielded 2ozs. per load. The roof ovoroges a foot in thicknoss, and thoro aro about 300 foot of backs to bo worked. Operations aro about to bo com moncod on an oxtonsive scale. Tho gold produced by this reof brings a hotter prico —£3 2s per ounco—than that of any other mine on tho field. Tho principal work pro gressing in the Dart mine is the sinking of tho shaft, but a trial crushing from the Alfred loador, No. 2 lovel, yielded ljozs. gold por load, though taken from a point where no gold was scon whon breaking, and the manager is now opening a block upon the loader. Tho proprietors of tho Bolchor claim havo struck the reof which promised woll on tho surface, but it is only worth about lldwts. per load.—.Queen of Beauty : Hard country has again retarded progress in tho Vanguard crosscut, and tho roof is not yet to hand. A trial parcel from tho promising lender at No. 10 lovel gavo a disappointing result.—Now Princo Im perial : Tho stopes on Mariner's lodo aro S reducing payable quartz, as also thoso on o. 2 reef at No. 4 level. In the eastern drive at No. 4 the reef continues auriferous, and tho boundary is still 140 feot distant. Tho new lovel (Wo. 0) has been opened out at a depth of 500 feet below sea lovol, and a crosscut towards the No. 2 reef commenced. There is about 70 feot of vortical hoight to No. 5 lovol and about 90 feot of backs on tho undorlio of the reef.—Tho Wniotuhi new boiler has been built in, tho engines thoroughly overhauled, nnd operations wero resumed last week. - Cambria : Groviously disappointing was tho result of tho trial crushing from tho winze below tho 150 feet lovol, tho quartz averaging only G_ dwts. por ■ Dad. The crosscut nt tho 230 feot lovol has advanced about 55 feet towards the reef, and a gold-boaring loador was recently passed through. — Caledonia : The quartz coming to hand from the stopes is of inferior grado, and tho battory forco has therefore beon reduced to ten head. Tho winze bolow No. 2 level is 50ft, in dopth, and the leador is kindly nnd shows gold freely.—Alburnia : A now and promising loader was discovered in tho low level a fortnight ago, and showed gold when first taken down. Driving is being carried on, and tho precious metal is occasionally seen. —Bright Smilo: Driving has been com menced on tho Candle-light reef at tbo Deesido low lovel, and gold was soon for tho first timo last week.—Moanataiari Ex tended : The contractors for the orcction of the machinery have tho iron poppet logs in position, and arc making fair progress with the fitting of the winding and pumping engino.—Tararu Extended: A crushing from tho Sunbeam reef has averaged 4dwts. per ton, with which the owners can pay expenses, and therefore purpose opening a block for stoping.— Waihi: The month's operations in the Martha mine upon low grade stuff resulted in a return of 182Jozs., but some timo has lately been lost owing to scarcity of woter power for tho battery.

Summary ok Gold Returns, I

From April 23rd to May 20th, 1881, inplusivo. Adelaide and tributes 38 17 ' Alburnia tributes SI 2 Caledonian, 160 loads 129 16 Caledonian tributes 37 11 City ot Manchester, 9 loads .. .. 36 14 Cambria, 47 loads 15 0 Dart. 240 loads 314 0 Hauraki (Karangahako) .. ..11 6 Kuranul Hill 12 13 Kuranul tributes .. .. .. .. 45 7 Martha Kxtonded (Waihi) .. .. 182 10 Moanataiari, 60 tons 139 14 Moanataiari tributes 181 6 Now Princo Imperial, 618 loads .. 611 10 Queen of Beauty, 27 loads ~ .. 7 0 Rooky Point, 25 loads .. .. .. 53 0 Smile of Fortune (Owharoa), 50 tons 20 15 Bundries 596 0 Tararu Extended, 150 tons .. .. 30 12 Thames Golden Crown, 160 tons '.. 81 0 Thames tributes .. 12 6 Waitskauri, No. 2 tribute .. .. 43 13 Total 2,658 0 WAIORONGOMAI RETURNS. 1 Now Find, 311 tons 351 12 Colonist, 553 tons 283 li ' Canadian, 60 tons 52 0 Total.. .. .. 6,876 0

FEARFUL DOUBLE MURDER.

A PUBLICAN MURDERS HIS WIFE AND COMMITS SUICIDE. Timaru, May 1. John Walker Garland, licensee of the Arowhenua Hotel, near Temuka, shot bis wife in the bed-room at 6.30 this morning, and then shot himself. Garland died instantaneously, and when the matter was reported te the police, Mrs Garland was dying. Jealousy is reported to be the cause of the tragedy.

AGRICULTURAL.

Fifty tons of Auckland cheese sent Home by British King. There has been a tremendous potato crop in the Waikato this year, as high as 22 tons per acre being got. Auckland still continues to send large quantities of maize, butter, and other pro duce to the Sydney markets.

The harvest statistics in Taieri Country, Otago, show an estimated yield of 35i bushels of when.- and 37J bushels of oats to the acre.

Maria Island, Tasmania, has been leased for ten years at Is a year to an Italian gentleman, who means to establish silk and vine culture.

Mr Federli considers that the Bay of Is lands will yet become a great watering place, and that fruit-growing will be tho principal industry of the North. The new volume of the New Zealand Shorthorn Herd Book has been issued by Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. It contains no less than 1,016 new entries of pure shorthorns from various parts of the colony. Mr Bowron, Government Inspector of Dairy Factories, says the cow is the only hope of the New Zealand farmer; he counsels the starting of a large cheese, bacon, and condensed milk factory with 1,000 acres of land in connection. He says we have space for a thousand such factories, the produce of which could be disposed of In tondon.

A general meeting of the shareholders of the Pukekohe and Mauku Cheese Factory was held at Rolleston's Hotel on May 5, Messrs J. H. Wright, J.Allen, J. Brown; and J. Finley were elected directors in the place of Messrs Rolleston, Gallagher, Barnaby, and Allen, the retiring directors. The auditors elected were Messrs Crispe and Hutching. The meeting teraia&t^tj frith a rote oi thanks fa'all parties,

THE NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK LINE OF RAILWAY.

'In our last summary we mentioned the fact . that the Hon. Mr Mitchelson, the Minister ■of Public Works, was engaged in inspecting 1 the several suggested routes for tho North ' Island Main Trunk Lino of Railway to connect this city with Wellington, and wo then gavo a brief account of the Minister's exploration of what is known as the control route, i.0., tho lino from Marton via Lake Taupo. On Sunday, April 27, the Minister . proceeded to Kihikihi, Waikato, for tho i purpose of exploring tho Western route, viz., via Te Kuiti and Ohura to Stratford, a township on tho Taranaki railway. A representative of this journal accompanied ' tho Ministerial party, nnd from his account of the journey we condense the following report:— The party assembled outside Anderson's | Hotel, kihikihi, on Monday, April 2S, booted and spurred for on arduous overland journey, comprised Mr Mitchelson; Mr ICnorpp, constructing railway engineer, who has had much experience in railway engineering in India and New Zealand; Messrs Holmes and Ross, thorough engineers and thorough bushmen; a Ngatimaniapoto chief named Ngauingau, who had been engaged to act as guide ; several packers, and lastly your "special," Some time is lost in disposing our tents and provisions amongst the pack horses, but at last nil is ready, and the cavalcade—l 2 horses and 8 humans—moves out of the sleepy little frontier township, quiet and peaceful looking now, though scarcely two decades havo passed since the dogs of war wakened the echoes of its valleys, and the hot life-blood of pakeha and Maori incarnadined its fern clad uplands. A littlo to the left of us is Orakau, rendered over memorable by llewi's words of chivalrous defiance, and as wo rido along we reflectively ponder ovor " thon and now." In a few minutes tho gravelly I'uniu is reached, and that safely forded, wo aro fairly in tho King Country —civilisation behind, Maoridom before. Tho straight gravollcd roads of tho European settlements give placo to tortuous foot tracks quite innocent of tho tondor care of a Road Board, and totally free of any suspicion cf ever having had any share of tho borrowed millions. The light pumice soil turns up under our horses' hoofs, and powders almost under our oyes, but despito its lightness it appears to be rich, as here and there through the fern clovor can be seen growing luxuriantly. Wo have docided to mako Te Uira the end of our first day's journey. Though but twenty miles from Kihikihi following tho railway route, it is forty by tho horso track. Tho conformation of tho country between Kihikihi and Te Uira is gonorally low downs, well-watered, with oc casionally patches of swamp. Wo find tho swamp crossings execrably bad. At ono point all hands aro compelled to dismount, ondaftorapprehonsively watching oursteeds lloundor through the mire, besmirchingtkeir saddles and bridles with thoroughness and impartiality, we jog-trot across tho trembling mass of mud and rushes, our lighter weight and superior intelligence enabling us to reach the southern side in a cleaner con dition than our horses. About twenty miles from Kihikihi wo como to the farm of a half-casto named Hittitt, who resided here freo from dangor during the troublous times of tho past. Tho soil about it seemed to be of excellent quality, capablo of grow ing anything. Presently our cavalcade is joined by a European, aud wo commonco to converso ' with him regarding the prospects of gold j being discovered in tlie King Country. Tho newcomer looks mysterious, and produces a papor packet containing a few grains of ; coarse gold, whioh ho tolls us he obtained ' from a reef in the mountain range to our | left, melting into tho azure in the shadowy j distanco. Ho also produces a fragment of hard whito crystallised quartz belonging to the class designated by miners ! ns " hungry - looking," and this, he nleo tolls us, came from tho Rangi- j toto Mountains. The packet of loose gold was appropriated by one of tho party, ' nnd will in duo course bo submitted for analysis. The now • comer related many stories nnont the existence of gold, ono of which was that a half-casto recontly obtained an ounce of shotty gold from a reef, merely picking it out with the point of his knife. A few natives are said ' to be prospecting amongst tho hills, but thoy jealously keop the pakeha away from 1 their El Dorado. Our communicativo , friond leaves us at a nativo settlement, and we press on up the fertile vnlloy of thel Waipa, following the native tracks along .. tho ridges, while nmongtho verdnntstretches' 1 of fern and forest, tho bends of the .j river glisten in tho afternoon sun like 1 the coils of a silver serpent. Here and there is a littlo cultivation with its whare, | the indolent blanket-clad occupants lying j basking in tho sun. About five in tho afternoon we ascend o slight elevation, and \ find ourselves within the marae. of tlie , settlement of Te Uira, rendered memorable, , as tho spot where the fanatic Mahuki arrested Mr Hursthouse, the surveyor, and , chained him in a wharo naked and hungry , for 48 hours. Te Uira consists of two or three whores, nnd is really a portion of the ; populous settlement of Te Kumi on a fertile plain half a mile away. Wo are told that Mahuki is at To Kumi, and that he is very "pouri" at being t prevented by the Government from visiting _ Parihaka. Our nativo hosts are very , hospitable; they unsaddle our horses, ] take them off to a paddock, and lay boforo us cooked pork and potatoes galore ; and of these viands, assisted by somo of our own provisions, we make our first meal in tho King Country. Tea done, dozens of dogs, quite free from alarm at the appari tion of a relentless registrar, fight a battlo royal, the points involved being the disposi tion of the remains of our repast. W6 sit round tho camp firo, smoke, compare notes about the abrasions on our bodies, and nboutnine o'clock, the lost "pickaninny" having been hushed to sleep, we woo Mor pheuß on couches of fern. On Tuesday we are early astir. Our track lies over broken country, but we can see magnificent flats in ' the valleys that must some day all come under the dominion of the plough. About 2in the afternoon we cross the ridge of a wooded range, and we find Mr Corkeek, a surveyor, andTo Wetere, the Mokau chief, waiting for us. The broad volley of the Upper Mokau lies before us. The scenery is beautifully diversified. To the south and west are high ranges, and the middle distance ib made up of stretches of flat fern land, patches of manuka 20 feet high, here and there'little tracts of virgin swamp, and low, undulating downs, trend ing towards the mountains. At frequent intervals mighty masses of limestone rock outcrop. These sometimes take the appear ance ot ruined castles, the regular horizon tal stratification of the rocks increasing the resemblance, whilst convolvoli ana other creeping plants wind lovingly round the gigantic masses, tinted in every shade from black and grey to white by the storms of a thousand winters. The Mokau River is some 40 or 50 feet above the Waipa, and were this saddle cut through, the whole of Upper Mokau could be drained into the Waipa. Speaking as a layman, I should Bay there are fully fifty thousand acres ploughable in the Upper Mokau basin, and very little of the balance of the upper water-shed will not grow grass. All the trade of this fine country must go to Auckland. We ford the Mokau at a rapid though narrow point, and by four p.m. reach the settlement of Timora—a hiuau on the river, and about 70 miles from the sea. An early start on Wednesday morning enabled us to reach Ruangaraha by midday. This settlement is situated on the Mokau iti — a tributary of the Mokau, and its destinies are presided over by a savage of the old school, who hates sur veyors with a deadly hatred, and has fre : quently endeavoured to obstruct the sur [ veys. His dislike is so great that while we are taking our midday meal the old fellow ' prances up and down in front of his whare, and makes terrible grimaces, as he protests against the surveys. Fortunately, the man has very little influence with the people of his own hapu, though there is little doubt but that he keeps the turbulent Wanganui natives well posted._ Some time ago he robbed a surveyor of his theodolite and other gear. At Ruangaraha, Mr Mit chelson, having engaged natives as "swag gers," decided to push on on foot to the Ohura for the purpose of in specting the northern end of the bush country. At 2 o'clock p.m. he started on his journey, accompanied by Messrs Holmes and Ross, the remainder of the party deciding to go on to Totara, the head of the canoe navigation of the Mokau, and there await Mr Mitehelson's return. Before I left Ruangaraha I had an opportunity of doing the lions of the vicinity. First of all there is the fine water fall where the Mokau River precipitates itself over a mass of rock 40 feet high. The effect is very fine, and the roaring of the cataract can be' heard many miles away. Near Ruangaraha is a curious natural wonder called "To Korua Te Whenua," literally "The Eyes of the Earth." These are two great holes in the ground, each 40 feet in diameter. They are full of water, and are W& to t>o HOhthQlUaWe.

Near the eyes are'smaller holes called '.' the nose" and" the tongue." Tho Maoris have a legend that one of their ancestors dived down ono of tho oyes and camo up at tho other. They say that this adventurous l-angatirn stayed beneath tho water all tho time they were at dinner, and that when ho "bobbed up serenely" again from tho bowels of the earth ho stated that thero wero cxtonsivo caves beneath tho "eyes." Tho natives firmly believe tho story, but none of them havo courage to emulate thoir ancestor. On Wednesday afternoon Messrs Knorpp and Carkeok and your "special" went to Totara, eight miles from Ruanga raha.

Our sojourn at Totara was not all idleness. Ono day we crossed the spur into tho valley of tho Awakino, a river flowing parallel with the Mokau, and emptying itself into tlie ocean to the mrtkward of the Mokau's mouth. Here wo came across Mr flurst houso's tracks, and by the "blazes " on some trees, found thelowest spur, by which he pro posed to tako the lino. There is much good land in the Upper Awakino Valley, and should the railway bo taken by tho Mokau route, this country will form a valuablo feeder, as it can with case be opened up by means of roads. I may mention that thero is a road to Mokau mouth from Totara via Awakina. On Friday we left' Totara, not without regret. _ Two largo canoes wero placed at our disposal, and, accompanied by a number of natives, including Wetere, Rangi, and Kama (tho 20 stone brother of Wahanui), wo paddled down the river. A few miles below Totara the land becomes broken, heavily timbered, and, for purposes of cultivation, valueless, and this extends right to the mouth. For forty miles below Totara the rivor is obstructed by a succession of rapids, formed mainly by thousands of logs dislodged by the winter rains from the precipitous banks. We shot the rapids and reached the coal mines, .vhere the navigation is more open, without acci dent. Tho coal scams outcrop on the stoep banks of tho river, and appear to bo of good quality. Coal exists for (iftcon or twenty miles along the course of the river, nnd wo saw several men at work in the mines of tho' Auckland Company and that belonging to Taranaki Harbour Board. A son of Mr li. J. O'Sullivan, of Auckland, is in charge of tho former, and speaks vory hopefully. Tho coal from tho latter is used for working the machinery in connection with tho Taranaki breakwater works. Coalmining in this region is not all otto of roses, however. Only tlie other day a chief named liorewini took a fit into his head and threw seventy tons of coal into tho river. It is satisfactory to know that he has since apologised for his violent conduct, but that docs not pay for the coal lost. On Sunday we said farewell to Wetereand his brother, and procuring horses, crossed to tho Taranaki side of tho river, and wero soon speeding again towards civilisation. A short distance from Mokau is tho post round which Wetere and his friends danced and incanted beforo thoy started on their murderous journey southward. The country from Mokau to Whito Cliffs is so rugged and heavily timbered as to be impenetrable, and tho road for tho most part leads over an iron-sand-strewn beach. Tho Whito Cliffs aro SOO feet high, and are prominent objects on the landscape 20 miles beforo thoy are reached. About a mile from the station is situated the A.C. outpost of Pukearuhe. Naturally it is one of the strongest strategic positions in the North Island. Wooded hills coming right down to tho waterside compel all passengers to pas. right through tho redoubt, Waitara was reached at sundown, and on the following morning, having said faro well to Mr Knorpp, who was going on to Wellington, wo went by train to Stratford. Hero swagmen wore procured, and before midday we woro again in tho bush. Boforo sundown wo walked 20 miles nearly due east of Stratford, and the follow ing morning, ascending to a trig station about 800 feet abovo the sea, Mr Mitchel son was enabled to inspect the course of tho line northward through the bush as far as Townrnkou.

Hon. Mr Mitchelson and party returned to Stratford, Taranaki, from tho bush on May G. From a hill in the vicinity they were able to see the Hue of railway as far as Tongarahau. Mr Mitchelson thon went on by train to Wellington.

RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR AUCKLAND.

An accident of a rather serious nature happened on the Waikato railway line on the 17th of May. When within a milo of tho Pukekohe station, tho good* train was thrown off tho lino by a cow. Extensive damage was done to tho engine and trucks, while some of the passengers wero ■injured. Fatal consequences wero for tbnntely averted, but the escape was a very narrow ono. Tho train to which the acci dent happened was tho goods train, which left Auckland for the Waikato at 0.20 a.m. It consisted of no less than twenty-nine trucks, two carriages, and n guard's van, tho whole being drawn byOn'eof the large engines recently imported. Tho engine-driver was Mr Keet, the firenYairMt- Robinson, and tho guard Mr J: SteWart.' Amongst the pas sengers wero Mr E. Hornsby (Laurie and Hornsby), Mr J. Fisher (manager of tho Froxen Meat Company), and a Mr Gray. About1 two hours after leaving Auck land, tho train was in the vicinity of tho bridge, about a milo from the Pukekohe station. When tho engine rounded the1 sharp curve, it \*ns seen that thore was a cow on tho bridge, and before speed could bo perceptibly checked a

Vlolont Collision took riaco,

The cow was cut to pieces by the engino, but tho sudden stoppage had the effect of throwing the locomotive off the roils, and it rolled into the swamp beneath, dragging with it throo or four of the trucks. Several trucks also went off on tho othor aido. The carriages still remained on the line, but as might naturally hove been expected, theshock was very severely felt by the occupants. Messrs Fisher and Hornsby rose simul taneously to see what was the matter, when the shattered glass from tho windows struck them on the facos and disfigured their vis ogos with, slight cuts. Mr Gray, who it may be mentioned is not the well-known salesman employed by Messrs T. and S. Morrin and Co., was.thrown somo distance from tho platform on which ho had been standing to thq.ground on tho opposite side from tho swamp, and fortunately, for him, sustained -no ; more serious injury than a lacerated hand. Tho train hands all .had most miraculous escapes. Keet, the engine-driver, jumped on to the land side, and thus escaped immersion in the swamp. His head struck some hard substance in falling, and he was stunned for a short time, but has now recovered from the effects. Robinson, the fireman.wos precipitated into the s.vamp, and partially sank in the soft mud. There was just a possibility that ho might have been smothered or drowned, but he was extricated with some difficulty. His escapo was a very narrow one, consider ing the risk he incurred of being buried under the locomotive. The spectacle pre sented immediately after the occurrence was that of a complete wreck. The bridge was covered with "blood, and meat, and hair;" rails were torn up ; splintered carriages on each side of the embankment; while tho scene was rendered more effective by the appearance of several woebegone-looking individuals covered with slimy mud, and others whose bleeding faces justified them in concluding that they had sustained injuries of a painful aud sorious character. Inspection of the Damage. When the unfortunate passengers and officials had reassured themselves concern ing tho soundness of their own limbs and tbe trifling character of their injuries, they proceeded to examine the extent of tho damage. It was found that several rails had been torn up, the bridge was seriously damaged, trucks woro lying on either side of the line, while the locomotive had disappeared from view under the mud in the swamp. The passengers proceeded on to the Pukekohe station on foot, and information of the sccurrcnco was forwarded to the General Manager in town. Assist ance was sent up without delay, and the line was cleared and placed in order for traffic again. Passengers by the up and down Waikato trains were trans ferred at the scene of the catastrophe, and forwarded on to their respective destination.

SPORTS, AQUATICS, &c.

It would still appear to be doubtful whether Edward Hanlan will visit this colony again.' The following lettor on the subject hos beon received by Mr E. C. Batkin, of Wellington :—" Patty's Family Hotel, Church Hill, . Sydney, 2nd May; 1884. E. C. Batkin, Esq. Dear Sir,—ln reply to your letter of the 21st March, I have to say that my visit to New Zealand will depend a good deal on what prospects are held out in the way of rowing exhibitions or matches. lam quite prepared to make a match with Hearn, the New Zealand champion, on the following terms :—Stakes to be £500 a-side, and I to be allowed £150 for expenses of going to New Zealand. Writo and let me know if these conditions are acceptable; also any information that may be of use to me re garding your colony,—lam, &c, Edwabd Hahlak,".

RELIGIOUS.

A Catholio Church is to be built at Waitara,

The formation of a Jewish Synod for New Zealand has been authorised by tho chief Rabbi.

A collection made on May IS at the First Presbyterian Church, Dunedin, to provide a tombstone for the grave of the lato Rev. Lindsav Mackie realised £112.

The "anniversary sermons in connection with tho Birkenhead Wesleyan Church, were preached on May 4 by the Rev. W. G. Parsonson, the Superintendant of the cir cuit. The attendance at both services was very large, tho church being crowded with attentive worshippers, who seemed thoroughly to appreciate the reverendgentle man's discourses.

The Roman Catholic Diocesan Synod has decided that whorcver the number of children able to attend school in a parish or district amount to 35, the priest in charge shall do all in his power to erect a school therein. An Inspector of Schools is also to bo appointed, and copies of the report of the Synod's Educational Committee are to be sent to all tho Catholic schools in tlie diocese.

Tho congregation of the Devonport Wesleyan Church celebrated their seventh anniversary by soiree, held on April 29. A large number partook of an excellent tea provided by the ladies of the congregation. Mr Howarth read the report and balance sheet, which were throughout of a satis factory character. Seeing the crowded state of tlie church, tho trustees had deemed it necessary to provide more accommodation, and had purchased a new site in Church street with a view of building a more com modious church.

There was a good attendance at tho anniversary soiree in connection with the United Free Methodist Sunday-school, Pitt street, held on April 29. From the report submitted by Mr Stodart, secretory, it appeared that the number of scholars on tho roll was 200—US girls and 82 boys; teachers, 25 Tho school possessed ono of tho best Sunday-school libraries in Auck land, comprising 077 volumes. The Band of Hopo numbered 87 members. Tlie new building fund had beon largely increased during tho year, and it was hoped that a new school building would soon be begun. The members of the Arch Hill Wesleyan Church hold their first annual soiree on April 29, which was largely attended. The treasurer, Mr Thomas Hodgson, read the report and balance-sheet, which showed that at the commencement of tho financial year there was a debt of £210 on the church, but strenuous efforts had been made by friends, and £55 Od obtained, leaving a debt balanco of £100 Gd. The organ debt was cleared, and the Sunday-school was continually increasing in numbers. The roll showed ono hundred and twenty scholars and fifteen teachers. Addresses wero delivered by Revs. Can-, Watkin, and Mr Kecne. i

Tho annual Boiree in connection with tho Birkenhead andNorthcote Wesleyan Church was held on May 8 at Mount Zion Church, Birkenhead, and notwithstanding the in clement weather which prevailed at the hour appointed for the gathering,there was a very largo attendance of friends and visitors. The following are the ladies who presided, and those who had presented trays :— Mesdomes Fogham, Rountrce, Lind, Wilson, Johnson, Dickens, Pickering, Rowlinston, Flewellyn. Barnes, Bibby, Graham, White, Hall, Randerson, and Mitchell. Alter the tables were cleared, Mr Thos. Buddie was called to the chair, when the Treasurer (Mr Wilson), and Mi- Mitchell, Secretary to new church, read the reports. Able addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs Bavin, Potter, Parsonson. and Mr Brown.

The deputation appointed by the Gospel Temperance Mission, Messrs F. A. White, J. Knott, and A. Cox, Secretary, visited part of the Kaipara district during May for the purpose of forming branches of the Mission and holding public meetings, viz. : Pahi, Mon day ; Paporoa, Tuesday ; Maungaturoto, Wednesday; Mangawai, Thursday, and Otamatea, Friday. At all the places, with the exception of Otamatea (in consequence of getting there too late in the evening) very successful meetings weio held, and many signed the pledge and put on the "bit of blue.'' By the zealous efforts of the Rev. Mr Gittos and others, Bands of Hope have been established throughout tho district, and in some places it was stated that young people up to the age of 14 and 16 years had never seen a person drunk. Nearly two hundred have already been enrolled as members of tho Gospel Temperance Mission, in cluding some of the Maoris in the district. The anniversary of St. John's Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby, was celebrated on May 13 by a soiree. Tea was provided in the school-room, tho following ladies presiding over the tables :—Mesdames Carr, Hutchin son, Parker, Blomfield, Knight, W. Thorne, A. Thorno, Gittos, Cooke, Kelly, and Miss Close. Mr Thomas Peacock, M.H.R.,pre sided at the mooting held subsequently in the church. From the annual report sub mitted by Mr John Gittos, it appeared that there was a debit balance of about £258. Thanks woro returned to Mr J. Horsley and the choir lor musical assistance. There were 251 scholars in the Sunday school, while the teachers numbered 30. The Band of Hope possessed 330 members ; but the Young Men's Improvement Society wns defunct. The receipts had been £261 6s 8d ; expenditure, £620 3s 8d ; defi ciency, £35S 17s, but this was reduced by tho share account, which amounted to £100 Ms. Besides these sums, £203 19s 3d had been raised for special purpose?. Ad dresses wore delivered during the evening by Revs. Carr and S.Macfarlane, Mr Keeno, and the Chairman. St. John's Presbyterian Churchand school room,-Willis-strcot, wero totally destroyed by fire on May 9, about 6 o'clock. The firo broke out in the school-room, which had not been open since Tuesday previous. The flames soon got a complete mastery, and the water supply was deficient. The Fire Brigade had been turned out an hour before toafirsinnbrick-yardinTory-Btreet. Ahigh wind was blowing, and tho flames spread from the school-room to the Church and could not be checked. The organ, books music, carpets, and everything movable, were got out. The Church was insured in the South British Office for £3,000. Tho library, records, andharmoniumin theschool room were destroyed. The fire spread to the private residence of Mr Spinks, the Te Aro Hotel, Jameson's grocery and several other buildings in Willis-street were partially destroyed. On the north side of the Church a private dwelling and a large! two - story workshop were completely gutted. At one timo it seemed likely to sweep the whole street, as the roofs of several houses at a distance from the Church were on firo. The Wellington Dorcas Society lose their sewing machine and othor property, which was in the school-room. The firo is believed to be a clear case of incendiarism. The in surances are :—On school-room, £500 in the Northern Offico; church, £3,000 in the Northern Office. Re-insufed as follows :—> £1,000 in tho South British and £500 in tho London, Liverpool, and Globe. Mr Thomas Spurgeon, paster of the Wel lesley-street Baptist Church, preached his farewell sermons on May 4, and on each occasion the place of worship was crowded to excess. The text for the morning sermon wns the 14th verse of the 13th chapter, 2nd Corinthians, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the1, love of God, and the com munion of the Holy Ghost be with you all." In the evening the Choral Hall was quite full of people an entire hour before the time for commencing. Never before, probably, has the Choral Hall been crowded to such an extent. The building, together with its ante-rooms, orchestra, gallery, and even the passages, was packed, and hundredß of people turned away from the doors unable to gain admis^ sion. Mr Spurgeon preached an effective discourse from the parable of the Prodigal Son. In the course of the service ho announced that during his temporary absence in England the Rev. Mr Dallaston, of Christchurch, would give supply for six weeks, at the end of which time a pastor would arrive from England. He had received a cablegram lately from his father; the Rev.- C, H. Spurgeon, stating that he had made arrangements for sending out " a first-rate man " by the Lusitania. He did not know the gentleman's name, and probably they would know it before he did ; neither did he know what was meant by "a first-rate man," unless it was a good preacher of the old Gospel. Mr Thomas Spurgeon took formal leave of his congregation at a crowded and very hearty sorvice held on May 5 in the Wei lesloy-street Baptist Church. In the course of the ovening circulars were distributed upon which the people were asked-to write down-the -Hims they would donate towardi the Tabernacle Building Fund, and the con tributions they would also be prepared to make monthly for a year for the same purpose. The result was promises representing an aggregate amount of £726- _• •_... c. The annual soiree in connection with at. Luke's Presbyterian Church was held on May 9. There was a large gathering, and the repast placed on tho tables was heartily partaken of. The following are the names of the friends who presided at the tables : Mesdames Lennox, Stewart, Tait, Monro,

Ryburn, and-Main. There wero also a committee table and a bachelors' table. After tea the lifcv. G. 15. Monro took the chair, and opened tho proceedings by giving out the 100 th I'mil in, «Inch was fol lowecf by an interesting address from the Chairman. The first piece on tho pro gramme was an organ solo by Mr I'ooley. which was followed by an anthem, " Behold, How Good and Joyful," by the choir. This item was excellently rendered. Mr Tait, Treasurer of tho Church, then gave an address. The next piece on the programmo was a song, "Tho Lost Chord," by Mr Aberncthy, with pianoforte accompaniment. This gentleman has a good voice, and his song was well received. A recitation, " The Little Hero," was admirably rendered by Mr J. J. Boak. "He Wipes the Tear FromEveryEye," was well sung by MissE. Kilgour, and Mr Lennox then gave a prac tical address on Sabbath-school work. The rest of the programme consisted of tho fol lowing :—Recit. and aria, "He Was Cut Off" and "But Thou Didst Not Leavo," Mrßurnham ; anthem, "O, Taste and See," choir; recit. and scena, "David Singing Before Saul," Madam Pooley; aria and chorus, " Nazareth," Mr J. T. Robinson ; anthem, " What are These TV choir; solo

(organ), "Marche Tanfaro," Mr Pooloy. Mr Boak gave two other recitations during the evening, and the Revs. Gulliver ana Bacon also addressed the meeting. After a very enjoyable evening the proceedings were broughttoo close withthe Benediction. The anniversary services of the Alex andra-street Primitivo Methodist Church wero well attended on May 11. In the morning the service was conducted by tlie Rev. T. MacKenzie Fraser, M.A.

In the evening the Rev. W. S. Potter con ducted the service. On Tuesday following, May 13, the anniversary soiree and Primitivo Methodist Church meeting were held in Alexandra-street, and were fully at tended. The proceedings commenced with tea. Tho tables were laden with good things, of which about 220 persons partook. Tho following ladies of the Church courteously waited upon friends and visitors :—Mesdames Jeffery, Le Griffin, Mowburn, Nichols, Rafton, Sherson, Thompson, and Misses Potter and Stain. At the close of the repast, the friends ad journed to the Church, where the public meeting wos held. On the motion of the Rev. W. S. Potter, the Rev. Mr Long, designated "Father Long" from his long connection with and affectionate interest in the Church, was vc.cd to the chair.— Mr David Goldie then read the annual report and financial statement for the past year, showing that the Church in all its departments had made very con siderable progress. 14 new members hod been added to the roll of membership, and places of members who hod left ■for other parts of the colony had been filled up. 74 good members were on the list. Mr Goldie said the success of the church was due mainly to several causes, viz., to pastoral visitations, out-door religious exercises, and the Fri day eveningßible classes, which had been well attended by young persons. The financial statement showed:—Alexandra - street Church, L 336 19s 2d; Alexandra-street Sohool, LIBB 5s lOd; raised towards trust debt on Alexandra-street School, LSO 8s 8d ; Newton School receipts, L 59 lOs'-ld; Newton Church receipts, LSB 10s Bdj New ton Trust receipts, L67 6s Id : total, L 761 10s Gd. The following statement was made in regard to Alexandra-street: — Seat rents: Last year, L29 12s 6d ; this year, L32 14s. Class moneys: Last year, L37 10s 7d ; this year, L46 2s. Weekly collections _■ Last year, Ll4i 16s 4d; this year, L 176 16s; showing an increase under these three heads of L4612s 7d. The gross receipts from all sources amounted to L76l 10s 6d, being an average weekly increase of Ll4 12s Sd. After the necessary disburse ments, there remained a balance in hand of L5 0s 7d.

The annual meetingin connection with the Auckland AuxiliaryoftheßritishandForeign Bible Society was held on the 6th May, in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. There was a good attendance. Mr Joseph Wilson presided. The annual re port was read by Rev. H. H. Lawry.— We append an abstract: —" At our last anniversary your Committee re ported tlie resignation of the Bible Society's agent in the Australasian colonies; during the year two agents have been ap pointed in his place to fill the two districts into which Australia has been divided, and a third has been engaged to spend a part of his time in advocating the claims of the Society in New Zealand. Rev. Wm. George Baker, the agent so appointed, is now in our midst, and had advocated the claims of tho Society hy l__cturoa, ap____f_____s_ _______ in. Auckland and eight country districts. This' increase in our strength is the more valuable because of the loss by the removal by death of Revs. Hobbs, Buddie, and Ashwell. Mr Angus Morrison, Secretary of the Bible Society at Waipu, has also been removed by thehandof death. Hehasbeensucceededby Mr Neil Campbell, of Upper Woipu. Their freo contributions have increased from £55

lls6d to £58 4s. The labours of the old and valued colporteur, Mr J. S. L. Cox, have been supplemented by the employment of Mr Samuel Crickett at Cambridge, and Mr H. Long in Waikato and coastal settlements.; The parent Committee has promised to supply an immediate reprint of the 1860 edition of the Scriptures in the Tongan language,; while preparations are also to be commenced for a new and revised edition. The issues during the year from the dep6t of this auxiliary have been, by sale, 5,995 copies, namely: English Bibles, 1,840; English testaments, 2,003 ; and English portions, 1,674 ; Maori Bibles, 206; Maori testaments 192; Chinese, 24 ; Danish, 2 ; Dutch, 2.; Fijian, 1; French, 9; Gaelic, 14 ji Greek, 8; German, 8 ; Hebrew,4 ; Italian, 2; Latin, 7; Norwegian, 1 ; Portuguese, 1 ; Spanish,: 3 ; Swodish, 1 ; and Tongan, 3. 7 Resides thosoj 100 Bibles wero sold at half-price to Key. Willis, of Cambridge, ifor Sunday-, school work. The total of free grants was 212 copies; making the total issuciifor the year 6,307 copies, against 4,41 It last year. The value of copies sold is reported as being £338 5s 7d. The humber of volumes in stock is 7,530 volumes, valued at £464 16s 2d. A' further- supply is st hand, costing £257 8s 2d. The followinn officers were elected:—? President, the Right Rev. the Bishop of Auckland ; Vice - President, - the Right Rev. the Bishop of Waiapu;- Trea surer, Mr J. C. Firth; lion. Secretaries^ Rev. H. H. Lawiy and Mr R. B. Sbalders ; colporteurs, Messrs J. S. L. Cox (Auckland) and Mr H. Long (Shaftesbury) ;: Comf mittee, Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, I Vem Archdeacon Dudley, Revs. Dr., .Kidd. Bavin, Burrows, T. G. ■ Carr, -Carrickj Carter, Macdonald, Macfarlane, Macky, Macnicol, Monro, Nelson, Potter, Reid, Robertson, Wallis, Spurgeon, Hon. Colonel Haultain, Dr. Kenderdine, Messrs Battleyj Buddie, Coupland, Daldy, Edson, Larkins, Lusk, Macffarlane, Macky, Matthews, McMaster, Parker, Peacock, Pierce, and Prime.

Laying the Foundation Stone of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The formal loying of the foundation stone of the nave of the proposed Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Patrick took place on the afternoon of May 4, the ceremonial associa ted therewith being in strict accordance with the prescribed ritual of tbe Church; Messrs Morris Brothers, tho contractors for the work, have completed their excavation of tho site, which is at the western side of the present pro-Cathedral, and the stone—a fine block of dressed white Hobart freestone —was suspended from shear-legs over a -pile of cemented bricks. It bore on its southern face the following inscription :—" D.O.M. In Hon. S. Patritii. Johannes Edmundus Luck, 0.5.8. Ep. Ang„ O.P. Posuit 4 Nonas, Moji, 1884." The contract price is £4,680, and the work is to be finished withl in six months. Messrs E. Mahoney and Son are the architects. • <

There were present-.—The Bishop, Mon signore Fynes, V.G., the Very Rev. Father Walter McDonald, the Very Rev. Father J. C. Downey, 0.5.8.* the Revs. M. D. O'Hara, P. O'Reilly, J. Paul, Mahoney, Riordan, Fox, L'Anuzel, Fathers O'Garaj Noboe, Vaggioli, Costello, and M. Meagher (a lay brother), who acted as Master o^ Ceremonies. The clergy were followed in tho procession by the Children .of-Maryj dressed in blue and white wreaths, and preceded by their banner, as well as the Guard of Honour of the Blessed Sacrament . and the Guard of Honour of the Sacred Heart, each with emblematic banners.

After the water had been blessed by tho Bishop, the choir sang tho "Gloria in Ex celsis" from Haydn's First Mass in B flotj after which the Bishopblessedthestone. The Litany of the Saints was then recited by the Bishop and clergy, and at its close Mr Ei Mahoney, architeot of the edifice, handed .to the Bishop, a handsome ivory-hahdled silver trowel, with which to perform. th_ ceremony of laying the stone. On its upper face it bore the following inscription :-} " Presented to His Lordship . Bishop Luck on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Auckland, May, 1884." With it the Bishop made tho sign of the cross on each face and on the top of the stone, and then after read out a translation of the Latin scroll, -which together with coins, medals, and copies of the Auckland Evening Stab, "New Zealand Herald/ Journal/! "Sew Zealand

■ Tablet," and TaWet" was de posited in the prepared-cavity beneath the : stone. b.r.t,--;- . . trecai* ■■ '" r;- . •The Bishop placed cement under the stotnii aud.it,was. then gently lowered into pojitiou, when ho declared it well and truly laid in the, name of the Father, Son, ana Ijoly «ihost. Che choir began the "M_s_>» ;oro,' ,uid the clergy, re-forming in proces sional order, piocoeded round the intended boundaries of the building, the Bishop sprinkling the ground with holy water as he went. On regaining the stone, prayer was ..aid. Addresses were then delivered I by tho Bishop, Monsignor Fynos, VicarJ 1 General, Father O'Hara, and the Very Roy,, 1 Father Walter McDonald. || The offerings amounted to £630. Il

Roman Catholic Diocesan Synod.-First Session.

Tholiret Synod of the Roman Catholic J Church of this Diocese, having.been con- 1 yoked some time ago by Bishop Luck, was E held on the Ist May, in St. Patrick's I Cathedral. Its proceedings were inaugu- I rated with the celebration of Pontificial I High Mass. The clorgy assembled in the 1 Presbytery, and, dressed in surplices and red h coles, marched thence in processional I order to the Cathedral, headed by the Bishop, who wore his episcopal robes and mitre, and carried the crozier. There were present:—Bishop Luck, Monsignoro j Fynes, the Revs. W. McDonald, M. Dj j O'Hara, J. Paul, P. O'Reilly, F. Mahonoy i 0.5. F., R. L'Anuzel, P. Riordan, P. Cos telloe, G. M. Lenihnn, and Fathers CI Downey, A. Luck, F. Vaggioli, A. O'Gara, I and Noboa, 0.5.8. In the Pontifical | High Mass, the Bishop acted ob celebrant | Father Walter McDonald as assistaift I priest, the Revs. J. Paul and M. D. O'Hara I as deacons of tho throne, Father Luck, 0.5.8., as deacon of the Mass, Father O'Gara, 0.5.8., as sub-deacon, and M. Meagher (a lay brother) ns Master of Cere monies. There wos a full choir, Father Lenihan assisting, and the "Eyrie," from Weber's Mass in G was admirably rendered. As it was only a votive Mass of the Holy Ghost thero was^nb " Gloria" or "Credo." After tho gospel the Bishop addressed a few words to tbe congregation, explaining tho nature of tho Synod, and congratulating tho people upon tho celebration of such an important event amongst them. The mass was then pro ceeded with, and at its close Father Walter announced that the Bishop would com mence the devotions of the month of May at 7 o'clock this evening. After this the laity withdrew and tho Church doors were closed. The Synod was then constituted, and its first session commenced. The Bishop said the customary prayers, and intoned the "Vcni Creator," which'was taken up by tho cantors, Fathers Luck and O'Gara, 0.5.8., and joined in by the whole body of priests The prayer ended, the Bishop ascended the throne, and, having read tho Latin allocation prescribed for such oc casions, he briefly addressed the clergy upon the matters to be discussed during the Synod. At the close of the address the officers of'the Synod were named by the Bishop, and; published by Father O'Gara, 0.5.8.i "the ■■: Secretary of tho Synod, as follows :—- Promoter, Very Rev. J. i. C. •'i Downey, 0.5.8.; Secretary, Father, O'Gara, 0.5.8.; Masters of Ceremonies, Rev. P. O'Reilly and Father Vaggioii, 0.5.8. ; Judges of Disputeej Monsignore Fynes, , V.G., Revs. M. D, O'Hara and ,J. Paul; Perfects of Rospitaliay, Revs. W. McDonalk and G, Lenihan. The roll of tho clergy of the Diocese was then called, and three were found to be absent on duty.. After this thp Profession of Faith, which is found in tho Roman Ritual, and which is commonly called the Creed of Pope Pius IV., with , the additions required, since the Vatican Council was made by all the clergy! headed by the Bishop. Other regulations concerning the conduct of the clergy during the term of the Synod having been made known, and the hour for the next general meeting having been notified for 3.30 this afternoon, the Bishop gave his blessing and the first session terminated. The Bishop and clergy assembled for the second general meeting at 3.30 p.m. on May 2, when the discussion of theeducag tion auestion was commenced, and con tinued until after 6 o'clock. No docision, however, was arrived at. . - The third session of the' Synod was opened in the Cathedral on the morning of May 3,-with the celebration of the Mass of the Blessed Trinity by the Rev. P. O'Reilly. The Synodica!decrees were then published from the altar steps by the Secre tary, Father O'Gara 0.5.8., and copies distributed to tho clergy present, After tfci-! tko BioKop doll-rercSthonounl adtuonl* tion, and directed the clergy as to their various duties. Ho also expressed great gratification at the manner in which the Synod had been carried out, and in refer ence to his approaching departure for Rom jj said that the opinion of both priests qnji people concurred with his own, that the visit would be fraught with great olessing for the whole Diocese inasmuch as it would afford the opportunity of obtaining recruits to carry on the Church's work. He hoped that he would bo enabled to bring back with-him a full number of priests and | religious teachers. The Synod wos then closed with the recital of the "To Deum."J

MERCANTILE.

The shipment of maize to Sydney during the last few months has proved very profit able ventures for several Auckland mer chants. •

At a, special meeting of the Arch Hill Brick and, Tile Company on the sth May, Mr R. Ci;Barstow presiding, it was .agreed that tho capital of -the, Company bo increased to £12,000 ;by, the issue, of 6,000 new shares-of.■ ;fii j: eaon. -It was further agreedi; on, tl)0: motion of the £hairmnp» that;the;noW; it^ue of shares be entitled, io dividends in the same manner and: to tlie same extent as:sie;presen.t shares. ' .; ,' The balance-sheet of tbptNow Zealand Marine Underwriters' Association shows the income of the past year to have been £71 15s, and,the expenditure £89.19s ipd, leav ing a; balance due, to the chairman j of. £15 4s lOd, The chief items of expenditure are is follow: —Printing reports and suggestions %) master mariners Ac. L2B 18 7; Cablegrams to London re Triumph Ll4 12 2;, and ex pense of last year's conference on Colpnial Insurance Company's account L2l 10" 10. A special levy fwas made from the Cpmpanijs during the' past year but even that did not bring the receipts : up to .the expenditure. _ ■ The adoption by the Insurance Companies of a uniform tariff has found ■justification, in the report of the Colonial Insurance Company for the year ending 31st March, 1884, the directors regret that owing |o serious marine • and fire losses i they ajo unable to recommend a dividend. The gross income for the year, including £1,658 0s 2d; brought forward from last year, amounts to £80,134 12s 7d, and the ex penditure under all headings, together with losses, amounts ,to £93,792 ', 2s sd, leaving a • deficiency of £4,657 9s lOd, to meet which, the Board has written back from reserve fund £5,000, carrying forward a balance of £342 103 2d to next year's account. , The losses for the past year have been exceptionally heavy, both in fire and marine, owing prin cipally to collisions in the English Channel, foundering at sea, and unusually^gavy firo claims in Australia and Ne\ft&_gjj|pd, A private letter receiv^jj^Uunedin from Fiji gives some interesi<jng,jj_iitjculars concerning the Colonial Syg-UWjLtofining Company, which is pei-bnpfajjjjflfjjjargesfc sugar-growing company in Mi^jjnce. It owns several large mills and ptfAtplions in Queensland and a refinery in Sydnoy, tin addition to the mill and plantations in Fiji of which the writer speaks. In Fiji tho employes of tho Company number 1,748, of whom 165 are Europeans, 895 coolies, 560 Polynesians, and 198Fijians. During Ifio crushing season (from May to December) there are in constant use two steam tug boats and four Bteam launches ; also 40 iron punts, capable of carrying from 50 to 100 tons each; whilst 40 additional punts aro in course of construction. The Fijian mill last season was able to turn out 50 tonE of sugar per day, and extensions now being completed will ronder it capable of an out put of 100 tons per day.

Hop Bitters are the Purest and Best Bitters Ever Made.

They are compounded from Hops, Malt, Bnohu, Mandrake, and Dandelion—tbe oldest, best, and most valuable medicines in the world, and contains the best and most curative pro gorties of all other remedies, being tho greatest lood Purifier. Liver Regulator, and Lifo and Health Restoring Agent on earth. No disease or 111-health can possialy long exist where those Bitters are used, so varied and porfect.are their operations. ..,.., .;, They give new life and vigour to the aged and infirm. To all whose employments cause irregularity of the bowels or urinary organs or who require an Appetiser, Tonio and mild Stimulant, Hop Bitters are invaluable, being highly curative, tonio and stimulating, without intoxicating. No matter what yovir feelings or symptoms are, i what the disease or ailment is, use Hop Bitters. Don't wait until you aro siok, but if ycru only feel bad or miserable, use Hop Bitters Wbncc. It may save your life. Hundreds hive been saved by so doing. £600 will be paid t Qjja ■ case they will not cure or help. Do not suffer or let your friends mffet, bt.t use and urge them to use Hop Bitters, 'i'-.W Remember, Hop Bitters is no vile, dr..gen., drunken nostrum, but the Purest ami-Best Medicine ever made; the "Invalid's Friend and Hopo," and no person or family should be without them. Try the Bitters to-day. Get Btohfl____WorJ_*uiß_BtßV; _i A 77, i_U ■-.■■; ~,i.:. ;_3fc;,.,.:..' .. ......_«: .-.,_:.. ~.-■-,■■■_ i*i

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR; SATURDAY/ 1 MAI^? M,M884.1

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