SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand,

'Wanganut J.C. Spring x;1"1;^1!? Canterbury J.C. Metropolitan....Nov. 11, 13,11 •Oxford Jockey Club Mooting Nov. 10 Auokland R.C. Spring -Nov. 11 •Onohunga R.C. Spnns November v Takarmna J.C. Spring S OV<S Wellington J.C. Spring .Nov. -7 Wellington R.C. Spring ■ -N °vy, 2B, Dui.edin J.C. Spriug Nov. 29, Dec. 1 Cambridge Spring Meeting. December 5 Thames J.C. Summer December S!G and 27 Auckland Summer Meeting.. Dec. 20, Jan. 1 and 1

Dates of Nominations, Entries and Accep tances.

Final payments N.Z. Cup and Derby ..Nov. 8 Nomipaiions Canibridpo Spring Mcet-^ Accep'taLccsand Uone'ral Entries Taka puna Spring Meeting.. .. ..Jiov.il Nominations Thames Summer Meeting

To Correspondents.

H.K.-Tho Poot'n weight in the last N.Z. Cup was (i3t. 121b. Ho ran unplaced. R O.B.—The Mignonettes you refer to fcro not the same, and belong to different owners. Job.— Progress was favourito at tho post, tho year Grand Flaneur won tho Melbourne Oily. Subscriber. — Yes. "Ada Mantua's" first prize in tho Melbourne Cup consultation is ■worth *2,400. Bargo.—Argus Feandal won the first Maiibyr none Plo.te in ISTI. The race was instituted by the late Mr George Petty. G.N.-Bend Or, tho Epsom Derby winner of 1880. is by Doncaeter; ltobcrttho Devil, the St. Lcger winner, by Bertram. Dispute (Pon3onhy).—Archer carried lOst. 21b. when he won the Mulbourno Cup in 1802. This ia the highest weight yet carried to victory. Tiiamksite.—Martini-Henry has started in 10 races, four of which he won, viz.:—V.R>C. Derby. Logcr, Mares' Produce Stakes, and Melbourne Cup. He ran Bccond in the A. J.C. St. Leger and Cumberland Stakeß. and no where in tho Champion Race. Sydney Cup, A.J.C. Plate, and Caulflcld Cup.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

The racing fever is in full away just now, for no sooner has the V.R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup joined the past, than we are whirled into tho excitement of the Can terbury Jockey Club Spring Meeting, which commences on Tuesday next. This year the gathering possesses a number of attractions for Aucklanders, as several of Musket's progeny are engaged in tho dif ferent events ; and besides this, wo are all anxious to know how Necklace will shape when pitted against the Southern cracks. The following are the names of those engaged in the NEW ZEALAND SUIS Btlb Btlb Welcome Jack.. 911 Nelson .. .. 710 Tasman .. ..9 8 Wapiti .. .. 710 Lady Emma ..9 1 Ike 7 9 Vanguard .. 8 » Liverpool ..7 8 July .. ..8 8 Minerva .. .. 7 fi Salrags .. ..8 7 Tim Whiffler ..7 6 Turquoise .. 8 1 Nooklace .. ..7 5 Johnny Faulkner 8 3 Lady Evelyn ..7 1 X<eonora .. ..8 0 The Poet .. ..7 8 Sou'wester ..SO Leodogram .. 8 6 On* t>f the lot, I think the firefc on tho list that has a chance of appropriating the event ia Vanguard, and it would appear that on him will rest the hopes of the Grip Lodge party. When the weights first made thoir appearance, he struck mo as being very likely to turn out the winner, and I see no reason now to alter that opinion. The son of Trail ucer is stated to be the best-con ditioned horse Hay has under his charge, and as Derritt will be across him, I have not the slightest doubt that if he has tho confidence of his party to the last, he will finish in the front rank. To my thinking, July has a bit more weight than he can carry home, but should Turquoise be sup ported by tho stable before the flag dips, he will prove a dangerous customer. I have a sneaking regard for Johnny Faulkner, and bo may follow in the footsteps of Tasman, and place tho race to the credit of Mr D. O'Brien ; but Leonora, with such a lenient impost as Sst., is much more to my fancy, and should sexual causes not interfere with her, she is likely to render a first class ac count of hersolf. Sou-wester is another candidate whose chance I highly respect, but for some reason or other he has been knocked about in the betting in a way not to inspire confidence in Trim. Pro bably there is nothing in it, and I know for a fact he has been supported in Christ church by people who are reckoned to know something. There is no horse at Riccarton going or looking better than Nelson, and ns he is making friends for the event daily, his chance cannot be ignored. He will have the services of a good horseman in Wattie, but it is yet to be proved whether he can get to the end of two miles in an aristocratic ' field like that he will meet on Tuesday. If all is true regarding the way Necklace 13 shaping, she must not be left out in the cold, and it may be Mr Marshall's mare ■will make a closer fight of it than most people imagine. For many reasons her f victory would be well received here, and she belongs to a real straight-going sports man. There is one candidate -whose chance I cannot overlook, and that is Lady Evelyn. A better performed or gamer bit of stuff is hot engaged in the, race, and should she be among those who face the flag, it would not surprise me 'it her number went up first. AH things being equal, I think the finish will be fought out between Van fuard, Sou-wester, Leonora, Johnny aulkner, and Nelson, and to make a selec tion from the five I will pin my faith to Vakquakd. Tho following are the names of those left in THE DERBY. Mr G. G. Stead's bo Carlton, br Albany—No Hon. G. MoLean'B eh i Lady Evelyn, by. Ferkin Warbeck-Pulchra Mr P. Butler's br c Fasiher, by Musket— Hon. W. Robinson's eh c Liverpool, by King of Clnbß—ldalia '■ •'■' Mr P. Martin's oh t Pearl (late Gretna Green), •:■' by Bolton Green-Pearl Ash £'.■' Mr J. Pllbrow'a bo T/gly Buck, by King of Si Clubs—Hammook V " Mr E. Cutt's be Water Kins;, by King o£ Club* : «'" -:. —Watersprite : Mr H. Horsford's eh t Dime, by King of Clubs— -■'*- ■ * Rupee "-Mr H. Redwood's blk o Black Roae, by Anteroa : —Red Rose

This event is not run till Thursday, and i now that Trenton has been scratched, it •\, looks a good thing for Liverpool, but I ;iyafepHue to oelieve that it is any moral for » *iarri, as it must not bo forgotten he went *- Sown on two occasions last season. If it "'■ ■we're any other time of the year, Lady ' t'■'.*■> Evelyn should have my support, but it may .:. be that Ugly Buck will boil the pot over. He is dolng.good work, and one morning last week astonished the touts in a gallop he did on the Riccarton coarse. The Auckland Placing Club Spring Meet ing takes place on Saturday next, and everything promises well for a first-class afternoon^ sport. lam sorry to say that Carbineer will in all likelihood be prevented from figuring at the gathering. While doing a gallop one morning he had the mis fortune to tread on a stone, and he has had to be eased in hia work. The Selling Steeplechase is' sure to provide a good con test, for several of those who figured in the Hunt Cup will be able to fight their battles O'er again. A deal of interest will also be Centred in tbe two-year-old race, and if all accounts are true, Mr Kobortson holds - the key to the situation in the unnamed son oi Musket and Slander, but I fancy Derringer will take eomo beating. Owing to the excitement over the big V.R.C. and Christ church events, there has been no specula tion on the meeting, but matters will be rare to brighten up towards the end of the week. Tho Spring Meeting of the Victoria Racing Club willbe"' concluded this after . noon, the leadwgfevents to be decided being tha^*S*»^;Pfoduco Stakes and Canterbury ■rfMrmto^veight-for ago. Commotion, Malua, Off Colour, and tho Plunger are amongst those engaged in the last-named race. At a meeting of the Committee of tho Auckland Racing Club on Wednesday, it was decided to accept tho tender of Mr W. Adams to worlt tho totalisators at the various meetings during the present season. Mr Adams gives the Club 8$ per cent., and besides his own two machines, is having a new one made by Hayes, of Wellington, •which will arrive hero in the early part of next week. There will be general satisfac tion among the public at Mr Adams's tender being accepted, for when the machines have been worked under his entire control, he has invariably given satis action. Although Newstead s win m the Manbyr nong Plate was a bit of a surprise to Aucklandera, it appears from particulars . ' to hand that he was greatly fancied for the rate. On the second day at Caulfield, a heavy -commission was executed in his ( faVourf*antJ .tho cable informs us his owner £» Won £IG,OOO by>the horse's victory. New ,: stead -who was purchased,in May last for 8 70 guineas, was bred by Sir T, Elder, and ;;■■■■ got by iNeckoregat from Ada, the dam of ' Childe Harold and Lad^tovelaee. Ada is s by Lucifir Irom Zenobia (imp ), by Kings !"- ton" from Palma, by Plenipotentiary from - Palmyra, by Sultan from Hester, by Camel ,V,. from Monimia, by Muloy. . ' The Chrißt<m.reh Middle Park Stud .;,g Cjpuipany bold their unnual yearling sale ou sjfck Saturday next. Among those to be put ■ft tjnder the hammer is v full brother to

The great performances of Malua and Commotion in the Melbourne Cup, have proved an endless topic of conversation this week in places whero sporting men do congregate. It shows what good horses aro capablo of doing, and if there is one man more than another who can congratulate himself on ttio rosnlt, it is the handicapper. Seldom indeod do wo find the two top weights and one of the light division fight ing out a battlo like that of Tuesday last, and racing throughout Australasia, if I am not mistaken, will greatly benefit by it. Tho winner, Mahia, was bred by Mr J. Field, of Tasmania, in 1870, nnd purchased by his present owner Mr J. O. Inglis, for 400 guineas. His performances are too well known for me to givo them here, but to those of my readers who revel in pedigrco lore, his tabulated pedigree may not prove uninteresting. It reads as follows : —

The programmo fcr tho Wanganui Autumn Meeting, shows that £1425 will be given in added money. Tho Cup money will again be 500 soys,, but the old system of running it on the second day is to bo re verted to, the Wanganui Stakes Handicap, reduced from 200 soys. to 150, changing positions with it. Some little time sinco it was touch-and go whether Blink Bonny (winner of the Caulfield Cup) would not bo shipped to Dunedin. Messrs Stephenson and Hazlott were Btrongly rocommonded to buy her, ehe being described by an old Dunedin sport now resident in Tasmania as ono of tho most promising racers in tho island Colony. Blink Bonny's win can bo classi fied with the most unexpected and sensa tional ovflnts in Australian turf annals. Toryboy, Zulu, and The Assyrian in their Melbourno Cup victories never tnoro upset tho calculations of the turf scribes and the public. She did not carry even tho confi dence of either her owner or trainer, and it is no secret that Cracknell, the jockey engaged to rido her, earnestly solicited to be allowed to throw up his mount in order to ride a more fancied animal.

Mr J. Wilson, the Victorian stud-master, made no mistako when ho purchased St. Albans in the early part of last year for 900 guineas. He headed tho list of winning stallions last season, and the amount already won by his progeny during tho present ono must tot up to a very large sum, for besides the wins of Malna and Blink Bonny in the Melbourne and Caulfiold Cups, several other of his sons havo boon doing good service for him. Ringwood, the winner of tho Hurdle Race at the V.R.C. Meeting, wan got by St. Albans, nnd at the Moonee Valloy races, another of his sons in the shape of Meteor won the Cup, beating a field of twenty-one. Prodigal (a full brother to Tasman) also pulled off tho Phcenix Handicap at the same gathering. St. Albans was purchased in England by the late Mr John Mofiat, who imported him to Australia, and for many years he was buried in obscurity in Tasmania.

The total amount of money paid away for prizes over the Caulfield meeting was £4558, Mr R. G. Talbot receiving the largest cheque. The winner of the Cup received £1300, second £500, third £200, making in all £2000, of which sum. tho Club only contributed £75, the other £1925 coming out of tho horseowners' pockets. If thero had been any late scratching of favourites for this event, an owner could have well said ho was racing for his own money, and not the public's.

Mr Andrew Town has made an extensive and expensive addition to his vast breeding establishment at Richmond, having pur chased at a high price tho pick of the Grange Stud from Mr W. H. Kent, of Queensland. Tho choice lot which has thus changed ownership consists of the now famous EpigTam, eire of Le Grand, the Imported brood mares Legend, Olive, and Emeute, all three in foal to Epigram; Cadean, also imported, with a filly foal at foot; a two-year-old full sister to Le Grand, and a two-year-old daughter of Emoute, by Epigram.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Mr E. D. Halsteadhas leased Sir Garnet. Mr D. O'Brien's mare Kubina has been served by Ingotnar. -Final payments for the N.Z. Cup and Derby are due to-night. The Hon. W. Robinson has namod the colt by St George—Miss Flat, Manchester. Martini-Henry's leg has filled to such an extent that he will probably never sport silk again. Mr Robertson's two-year-old Musket- Slander colt i» to be brought down from Papakura on Wednesday. Sweet William was withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup on account of injuring his leg while doing a gallop. Tattersall's Club meet on Wednesday and Friday nights to call over the prices on tho A.R.C. Spring Meeting.

The Christchurch Middle Park Stud Company's mare Idalia (dam of Sir Mod red, Betrayer, Cheviot, and Liverpool) ha? produced a filly foal to Apremont. The new rule lately passed by the Vic toria Racing Club, making the minimum weight to be carried in handicaps Get., came into force on the Ist of November.

Mr T. Somerville's mare Albatross (late Lady) has dropped a filly to Musket, and Mr W. Percival'a Evergreen (dam of Dewdrop) a filly to Sterlingworth.

The well-known light-weight, George Williams, has severed his connection with Mr J, Whittingham's stable, and will pro bably be seen in Auckland again.

Trenton has been scratched for all engagements at the C. J.C. Spring Meeting. Private telegrams received in town state that he has gone wrong.

Winterlake, the siro of Sandal, the winner of (he Caulfield Guineas, was a perfect savogo and man-eater. Mr Blackler, his owner, was so nfraid of hia injuring his attendants that he was compelled to shoot him.

Mr W. A. Long, of Grand Flaneur fame, has just scored a second victory in the old country with his filly, Dnmo Agnes, this daughter of Hermit and Belle Agnes having won the Great Saplings of £1000 on the aristocratic Sandown course.

Joseph and Barney Thompson have con tradicted in tho Melbourne papers, the statement that they *' fleeced" young Eng lishmen on board the City of Rome, between Liverpool and New York. They were play ing " nap," and Joe Thompson says that ho lost £27 on that occasion.

At a meeting of gentlemen held on Nov. 5 in the Mayor's room, it was resolved to present Mr Geo. Fraser, sen., with a piece of plate to commemorate his successful float ing and repair of tho Triumph.

Tho following awards were made on the 2nd November in respect of tho Christ mas card competition, instituted and carried out uudor tho auspices of tho Auck land Society of Arts: —lst prize, £5, Frank Wright; 2nd prize, £3, Miss K. Ridings; 3rd prize, £2, Mrs Hetley. A special prize of £1 was awarded to Miss Fripp. The competitive cards will be on view free to the public on the afternoons of Thursday and Friday next, between two and six, in the southern ante-room of tho Choral Hall.

The opening of tbe boating season took place on the Ist November, by a pro cession'of rowingboats under the auspices of the Rowing Association. It was not a great success, several of the large clubs being quite unrepresented. The procession formed at 3 p.m., and went over the course that had been arranged, the order being, scullers, eigs, whaleboats, canoes. Pon sonby Rowing Club was very largely repre sented by 2 gigs, S whaleboats, and 1 sculler, making a total 0f.29 rowers. Waite mnla Boating Club had 2 whaleboats and 1 sculler (E. Bailey), who led the proces sion. St. George's Rowing Club had 2 \vhak-boate, and tho Hob Roy Canoe Club had 20 boats out, so that the total number nnfi Q>w r3r^ 7' V- AwUland, North Shore, and West Bi.rt-. Rowing Clubs, also the Snted. Bng(MlfcS> ■*$*• .«™l£

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

CRICKET FIXTURES.

November 8-Gordon Ist v. West End Ist (con tinued), Gordon 2nd v. National, Alpha Ist v. Unit od 2nd, Auck land Ist v. Otahuhu (com inued, at Otahuhu), Auckland 2nd V. West End 2nd. United v. Our Boys (continued), Warchouoo men v. Avondale, Alpha 2nd v. I /itißarl. November 15— Uordon let v. Warclioueei; Gordon 2nd v. West Knd 3rd; Alpha Ist v. United Ist; West End Ist v. Auckland ; Atlek' land 2nd v. West Rnd 2nd (continued). United v. Alpha, Our Boya v. NoWtoti, I ZinKari v. National.

Novembers"—Gordon Ist v. Unitod Ist. Gor don 2nd V. United 2nd, Alpha Ist v. Auckland 2nd, West Knd lat v. Auckland Ist (continued), Auckland 2nd V. West End 2nd, Our Boys v. Nowion (continued). I Zingari v. West tuid. November 20 — Alpha Ist v. Auckland 2nd. United l?t v. Gordon Ist (continued), West. Knd 2nd v. Gordon 2nd, Wear, Knd lut V. Auckland Ist (continucdl, I Ziilgarl v. Warehouseman, Newton v. Otahulni.

Shaw'B English Eleven. October 81, November 1, 3, 1, v. Fifteen of South Australia.

November 6, 7. 8, v. Fifteen of Kensington Association, A delai'e. . November 11, 13, 17, 13, v. Victoria, at Mel. bourne.

November 21, 22, 21, 25, v. Now South Walos, at Sydney, November 20, 27, v. Hawkcsbury district, at "Windsor. November 2S, 2!), v. County Cumberland, at r'arrainatta, ...

December ), 2, 3, v. Clarcnco River district, at Grafton. December 12,13,15, 16, v. Australian Eleven, at Adelaide (probably). De.eon.bcr IS!. 21, v. Sandhurst.

December 20 27, v. Hallnrat. January 1, 2, 3, 5, v. Combined Australian Eleven, at Melbourne.

Januarys. 10, V. Wolloneonß. January 12. 13, v. Candolo district, January Hi to 22, v, Narrabrl and tho North, .lauuary, 23, 24, 20, 21, v. New South Wales, at Sydney.

AQUATIC FIXTURES.

Novcmbor—North Shoro Trial Fours. November 10—Whau Ulvcr Regatta. January I—Lyttclton Regatta. January 2—Hearn v. Harrington, nt Rivcrton, for £200 and Championship of New Zealand. January 29—Auckland Annual tioKntta. February 7—HanUn v. Clifford, £500 n-gldc. February 28—Clifford v. Beach, £oooa-sido March 28-HanU).n v. Beach, £500 a-sido and championship of tho world, on the l'uramatta April IS-Clifford v. Hanlan (if tho former is victorious in his match with Beach). Clifford v. Tccmor, £300 a-sido.

CYCLING FIXTURES.

Auokland Bicvci.b Club Hunb.

November B—From top of Uppor Queen-street to Mount Albert and Threo Kintcs.

November 15—From top of Upper Quoon-strcot. to North Sboro, via Northcoto and Lake (2 o'clock boat), Novomber 22-From top of Upper Queon street tp Papatoitoi. Novelnbor 29—From top of Uppor Qucon street to Ihuenmta.

ATHLETIC FIXTURES.

Novomhor 8— Walking Match between W. H. Stovonson and J. Hondry for SIOO and Twelvo Hours' Championship of Aucklasd, at tho Theatre Royal. November 10—Klloralio Sports, in connection with tho Cattle Show.

To Correspondents.

Kamo. - Send regularly. Full scoros are »ot required. Skcuktary.—Tho only way to soenro Insertion of reports of Saturday's cricket matches ib to forward thorn to Star Office before 10 on Monday morning.

The twenty-footer Ika is for sale.

Tho yacht just completed by Claro Is for F. Cnunond, and not for \A obb, as wa« stated last woek in error.

The matches arranged by Shaw's English Eleven up to January appear in tho list of fixtures.

Tho yachts Masher and Tawera woro hauled up on Bailey's slip this woek. It was intended to add lead oataide thu keol of both.

Myors, tho Americ»n amateur flyer, during his recent English trip, did the half mile in limn. 55 2-ssec., and beat tho English records for 400, 500, 600, 800, SSO, and 1,000 yards.

W. G. George has made up hii mind to retire from tho path, as far as England ia concerned, at tho end of tho present season, but beforo he does so will try to alter a few more records.

At Sydney on October 27th the three-mile walking match between O'Conncr, of New Zealand, and Lewis, was won by the lattor after a splendid contest, by about three yards, in 23 minutes 22 seconds.

Murdoch's avorago for tho last tour in England is precisely tho same as his average was with the third Australian Eleven. Spofforth's averago in bowling ia also very nearly tho same as in the previous tour.

The football season in Wellington was woundup on October 25th by a smoke con cert, tho afl'air proving most successful, all tho Clubs in tho Union being strongly represented.

Seven members of the Auckland Bicycle Club rodo round Onehunga, Mangere, Otahuhu, and I'anmure lust; Saturday afternoon. The run was much enjoyed au it was practically the first of the season.

A match was played recently at tho Kamo Cricket Ground between Kamo and Whan garei Clubs. It resulted in an easy win for the Kamo Club by 5 wickets and 64 runs. The highest scorers for the Kamo Club were J. McLeod 48 (not out) and M. Whit law 23 (not out). For Whangaroi, Glenny scored 10 runs. Tho bowling of J. Johns ju and J. Bates was particularly good.

The committee to the Raper memorial fund has erected a handsome tombstone in the Windsor Cemetery over the remains of the deceased footballer, The inscription on the tablet is as follows:—"In memory of Kdward Joseph llaper, B.A , who died 16th February, 1884, aged 26 years. Thie loving tribute to his genuine worth and many virtues is erected by those who cherish his memory and deplor« their own loss. Grateful tribute to an old foot baller."

The following are th« particulars of a challenge which Edward Hanlan sends to John Teemer, tho American scnllor, by next outgoing 'Frisco mail. He will row John Teemer nine races for 500 dollars a-sido each race, on different waters, and proportionately in Canada and the United •States. Tho distances to be—lst race 1 mile, 2nd H, 3rd 2, 4th 24, fith 3, 6th 3J, 7th 4, Bth 4J, 9th 5. This will prove who is the best man at different distances; if Edward Hanlan wins the championship of the world when meeting Teemer the first time, Hanlan h to have two-thirds of the steamboat, rail, or purse money ; and if do feated for the championship, the money to be equally divided. The winner of the first race to take two-thirds in the second race, and so on throughout the course of matches —the winner of each match thereby taking two-thirds of the mosey taken for the race he wins. The times, places, and names of stakeholder to be agreed by mutual arrange ment.

There should be somo excellent rowing races at the Whau on Monday, for, although, the prizes offered are very small,.the great interest at present taken in rowing has made the entries unusually largo. The scullers' race will, no doubt, lay between Albert Whifa and Ernest Bailoy. The latter has improved so much of late that I ehall not be surprised to see his opponent pushed very hard for first place. It is rather much to expect that an old and ex perienced sculler like White would be easily beaten by a comparatively new sculler like Bailey, and yet I feel extremely doubtful as to which is to be the winner. Tho whale boat races, of course, will attract a great deal of attention. There will bo a hard struggle for the senior race between Pon sonby, Waitcmata, and Manukau, and I fancy thoWaitemata willsucceed in carrying off tho prize. In tho other whaleboat races the Ponson'oy will most likely prove victorious, although, where all tho crews are new and well trained, it is an extremely difficult matter to anticipate the result.

Two interesting sculling1 matches took place on the Kepian on Saturday, the 27th nit. Tho first, event was between Thomas Kemp and O. Solomon, lor JESO a-sido. Solomon was the favourite at the start at 2 to 1; but it was afterwards lovel money. The race was a good one for the first mile and a quarter, but afterwards Kemp had it all his own way, and came in a very easy winner by several lengths, the time being 24mins. Kieecs. No time was lost in getting ready for the next event, which has occupied considerable attention amongst aquatic men for some time past. This was the match between Peter Kemp and Neil Mat terson for £200 a-side. The men got away to a very even start, and pulled at a great pace, Kemp having a slight lead for nearly two miles, when he suddenly stopped and fell forward in his boat. The launch at once went over to assist him, when it was found that he was powerless to move, and evidently seriously ill. With some diffi culty ho was lifted into the launch, brought ashore, and no time was lost in securing medical assistance. It appeared to be a case of sudd.en exhaustion accompanied by cramping pains. Meanwhile, of course, Mat terson had pulled in an easy wiener, looking exceedingly well.

THE GARDEN.

[By llortiw.]

Calendar of Operations, November 8-

[Houtus is williiiK to answer any nuorles. Cor respondent* must (five thoir full names and addrcsius, though not for publication.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Oi.n Treks (Momo).~What is said to bo th« oldest troo In tho world is the botree nt the Aniarapoora, in Burmah. It was planted 28S 11.t'., and must bn how over 2.000 years old. '1 lie king oak in Windsor format is said to be over I.OUU years old. There may be older trees in Britain.

KUiMAHA—BwKET Fotato (Epson!).—lt is now time to plant these out; plant in ridgm three feet apart. They like dry, Jinliti Warm aoiK 1 iilatiteii it Kood. fow lasUowbn, bin did not Ruucucd Very well with thctn, as tlio tcatbn was very Wet and cold.

St-MMKR ritUNiNCi da PiNCiitxt] (Fruit Tree, NcwtOii).—A treat deal will depend on the ernto of your growth, and whether yon want slioil pointed wood. T did not allow my trcts to jimlu: any more growth thau 1 wanted for the jiennunriit wood of the tree,always inking cifre to ijiuuh to a bud, pointing in tho diruu ti'in wmeh 1 wished the branch to tnko. Al. budjwhieh would mako superfluous Unit olios, pinch back, leaving about nn inch cf wood. Tlno are always a fow bud.-: iit'iir tho base, wliicn may developed into fruit spur*.

Kitchen Garden.

Continue the fortnightly sowings of mus tard cress and radishes for small taladings. Continue planting out cuou'nbcrs, melons, marrows, pumpkins, and tomatoes as they become hardened oil. Protect from slugs till they get well established. Plant the tomatoes in rows fix feet apart and four feet from plant to plant In tho row. Water as they are put out. Continuo planting out small patches of cabbage and cauliflower, for succession, v.-ing water when planting now. Hoo up tho je crops which aro young, and prcparo ground far planting later on. Make succesMonal sowings of peas; earth up and stake those that are growing; whero stakes aro not procurable, adopt tho plan detailed a few weeks ago. Sow fortniglitly tho different varieties of kidnoy beans; also the climbing varieties. Make trenches for celery, and continuo planting out. Celery likes rich, moist ground. Finish plant ing late potatoes on low, insist soils. Onions —thin out and transplant; sow a small patch thickly, so as to produco small bulbs for pickling. Keep weeds under, anil lime frequently for slugs, apply ing tho litno at night. Flower Oardon. Continuo planting and sowing tho differ ent tender annuals as tlioy become suffi ciently hardy; thin out and transplant those which me sufficiently far advanced, filling up all vacancies which may havo occurred through tho dopreda tions of slugs or otherwise. Finish sowing hardy annuals, and make good all losses in betiding plants which may havo occurred from tho ahovo cau«o. Thoao which aro advancing in growth peg down, and pinch back so as to mako thorn bushy ; don't allow them to produce any flowors as yet. Roses—givo occasional waterings with liquid manuro ; if a fow fine flowers aro wanted, pick off all but a few of the beat buda. When ever the flowers begin to fade, pluck them oft", as they, in forming need pips, simply absorb nutriment which should bo re tained for tho production of the later flowers, Continuo planting out dahlias, providing stake* for their support. Regulate, tio up, and pinch all climbers. SUike all tall growing plants, bo that thoy may not be Broken with any strong winds. Frequently hoo and stir tho surface soil in tho border; this will not only keep weeds under, but will also promote a more active growth in your plants. Greonhouso. Continuo potting off cuttings as thoy strike, repotting colous and begonias as thoy ndvanco in growth. Give plenty of air on bright Bunny days, or paint tho glass with whiting and batter milk. Syringe when closing up tho house at night. Water freely whenever tho otmto of the plant de mands it; pick off all dead or decaying leaves ; keep tho house clean and in good order.

MvLCiiiXR Potatokh.—An exchange, says it pays to mulch potatoes. Straw pretty well rotted makes oa good p. mulch rh any thing. If tho ground ueeda more fertilising material, coarso manuro is profcrablo. Any coarso materials, weeds, long grass, or unrotted straw, will do. Apply as soon as tho potatoos have boon earthed up. The benofit is more than ia supposed. It keeps tho gmnnd moist nnd cool, two conditions essential to tho best success of this plant. Witds ara also kept down, the soil retains its in. How leag, tlio mulch preventing the rains trum packing it, and tho sun from baking it, aud when worked for the next crop it will bo found to bo in a decidedly im- Erovod condition, the mulch by that timo eing decayed, and mixing with tho soil, whilo tho soil is cleuner, richer, and mellow.

A Pino Cono Ornament.

Ono of the prettiest obj cts I over bo held is a pine cono tilled with sand nnd grass seed, which lattor sprouted and grow out of the nut scales. It id now as largo as a cocoanut with the husks on, and of tho moat vivid green colour. The grass grows with a luxuriance that is remarkable To produco this charming specimen, the cono wag baked in an ovon till the scales opened out equally. It was then carefully filled with equal parti) of sands and grass seed, a string tied to tho tuft, and the wholo suspended in tho dark in a jar with water enough to come half way over tlio cono. In a week it was placed in tho sunlight, when the seed sprouted rapidly, and in a month filled a gallon jar comfortably. It has been taken out and hung in a window exposed to the air of a room. Every morning it is soaked in tepid water.—"Tribune"

REVIEW.

Pooma of Feeling, by Alex. Winton Buchuu. Glasgow : Thos. Murray & Son.

This volume, from the fact of Its being dsdicated to tho members of the Glasgow St. Andrew Society, is at once stamped as possessing a paramount interest to natives of the " land of the mountain and the flood." Nor dees a perusal of its con tents falsify this firsS impression, though it would bo unjust to say that tho volume cannot bo read with profit by the wider cirolo of people of taste who appreoiate pure sentimant couched in unaffected English. Mr Buchan's gift of song is not of the highest order : it may not even claim to be of a high order ; but his effusions as a rule ghow undoubted traces of the true poetic insight, his language is always chaste, and his ideas healthy and intelligible. A possible exception may bo made with re gard to the leading poem in the book, which is a "rhapsody" in ten canton, entitled "Thoßard." With many passages of beauty and a few of power, this poem is disappoint ing because of its rhapsoaicalness, its want of backbone, and frequent lapses into aeenring empty jingle. In marked anti thesis to this we commond "Nancy: an Ayrshire Hamo Talo," as a genuine poem of fueling—a masterpiece of simple pathos. Wiifcten in blank verso and in the Scottish dialect (quilo an innovation in poetical structure), it deserves to rank with "Enoch Arden " for the simple, quiet, yet strong ixpressionot deep emotions. Other good examples of the nuthor's Doric strains are "My Auld Stall" and "Awe's Am Fire side," while a number of songs in dialoct aro of sustained merit and adequate melody. From a series of sonnets " By the Sea " we quote the following : —

" On this faratretching, level, sandy shore, Alone I walk, doting upon the sea— That to my very footsteps lovingly Doth ripple up-as oft I have before In welcome June. The city, with its score Of trifling cares, is gone, and breezes free Winnow my hair nnd prate of liberty And whisper—" Thou art Mammon's slave no moie! Unludgcd by cold convention, as ray heart Stir* in its yenrning depths, I feel and speak To Nature true, if renegade to art.: And boyhoods pranks hero with unblushing cheek I play aguin, not bidding care depart, For, in my boyhood'u days, care had me yet to eeok.

One other quotation must suffice us, and this is from a song which is framed for special use on a " Scottish Night,"and may therefore be fitted to arouse a thrill in the breasts of expatriated Scots :—

" Ah! well I know onr Country's name A poem is—stern, tender, true; Home, Freedom, Bravery, Trust.and Truth, Bush in that word of woria to view, It little boots, then, that my hand Can only wake a feeble strain. The King ot Song reigns here to-night. Let us out hear the shout again— Scotland, Scotland, Scotland, Scotland—

'Tii enough—our country's name !'

We commend this volume to all "Soots abroad," aDd especially to natives of "auld Killie," to which town the author belongs.

An addition has been made to the Faust Family of acrobats. Mrs Faust, sen., re mained belaud with some relatives in Auck land after the Circus left for the South, and on Wednesday week she gave birth to a fine healthy little daughter, who, in due time, will doubtless make her debut as the latest "infantprodigy." Mrs Faust, sen., and child, and Mrs Faust, jun., rejoin their relatives in the South shortly.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME HEADERS.

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

November 8, 1884.

Tnii second Parliamentary seeeion of 1884 is virtually closed at tho timo of Writing \ its ' clays arc nmilbercdj and members aro show ing their usual diligence in forwarding buslnOsin dt'derthftt tho "brooking up" mrly net bo dblayed. Thb brilliant inom bers' ball on Monday last formed not tho least significant sign of tho close of the session, and as coon as it was ovor members began lo depart for their homes. Tlio past month, for tho reason indicated, has been prolific in legislation, and nearly all tho im portant debates of the ?o=sion havo been compressed into it, Tho more mention of the names of tlio measures undor discussion will give an idea of tho naturo of the work done. Thcso included, among a host of othens, thu Loan I ill, Government Insur ance Association Bill, District Railways Leasing Bill, East nnd West Coast and NoUon Hallways Bill, Native Lands Settle ment Bill, Beetroot Sugar Bill, Property Tax Bill, and South Sea Islands Inter national Trading Bill. Perhaps the most important of theso to Home readers is tho Property Tax Act, which rcducos tho property tnx from throe farthings in the pound to three-eighths of a penny It is confidently anticipated that tho effect of this policy will bo to induco capitalists to invest more monoy in lands, industries, and commerce in tho colony ; but by many it is considered a retrogrado step, sinco tlio deficit in rovenuo must bo made up from Customs, and tho reduction thus amounts to a relief of property at tho cxpenso of labour. Tho Beetroot Sugar Bill is dovised to encourage tho growth and manufacture of tho articlo named, and it proposes to offer a bonus of a halfpenny per pound on tho tint thousand tons of sugar producod from beetroot in the colony. Tho loan contem plated and authorised is of moderate amount, nnd should in no way causo alarm among linglish investors. In connection with the Native Lands Sottloment Bill, Wahanui, tho chief of tlio groat Ngati maniapoto tribo (tho largest landowners in the colony) was heard at tho bar of tho House, and tho roault of his ploading and that of tho nativo mombers of tho Legis lature was that the bill was amended no that its only od'ect is to prohibit individual dealings by natives in lands hold on tho tribal system. Tho object attained by tho passing of tko Government Insurance Association Act is that policy-holders iv the Government Insurance Department havo conferred upon thorn tho power of electing a board of directors to manage tlio Depart ment in conjunction with Government. Other proposals, embracing ono ompower ing tho Department to enter upon accident insurance, and another extending the operations of tho Department to other countries, woro thrown out in coramitteo, as it was considered they introduced buoi noss beyond tlio scopo of the Governmoiit Insurance Department.

A now departuro in railway construction in the colony has boen inaugurated by tho passing of tho East and Wost Coast and Nelson Railways Bill. A railway from Cantorbury lo Westland hun long been agitated for, but GovernmonthadcoKßiiitontly declined to construct it, on tho grounds that it would prove eoslly to make, and non-pay ing when made. Tho bill which has been passed provides for largo grants ot land along tho route of railway being given to a syndicate which shall agree to construct tho line, and this principle also applies to a branch lino from Cantorbury to Nolson. Mucli discuasion was evoked by tho scliemo, but ultimately it received tho assont ot both Houses, with the addition of clauses providing that tlio cost of tho railway nhall not exceed a fixed sum, and that tho land shall bo valued at a certain minimum price. Thcro are said to bo valuable minerals on tho lands intersected by tho proposed lines, and it is believed that any syndicate undertaking tho work will realise large profits. Government, of courso, have power to take over tlio railways at a valuation after they aro made.

Allthomcasuresonumoratedabovohavobe como law with two exceptions. Ono of those rejected was tho District Railways Leasing Bill, a mnasuro which provided for the ac quisition by Government of certain railways in tho colony constructed by private com panicH umler tho District Kuilwrays Act. Theeo companies have rating powers over all lands intersected by tho railways, and ac tho bnrdon wan becoming oppressive, Government proposed to roloaso tho rate payers by taking over tho linos. This measure,after parsing tho Lower Houßo,was thrown out by tho Logislativo Council, and tho Colonial Treasurer (who introduced the bill) thereupon gave notice that he would carry out tho intention of the measure by means of a resolution of tho Houco of Re presontativoH. His resolution was intro duced, but it met with so much opposition from tho members of tho Lower Hou»o that it was modified so as to take the form of a rocommondation to Government to arrange for tho purchase, on tho best possible terms, of the district railways in tho colony, subject to ratification by next seesion of Carliaruont. The other Government defeat was on another of Sir Julius Yogol's " fancy " bills—tho South Sea Island Inter national Trading Bill. This measure pro posed thut the Government of this colony should act as promoters of a big trading concern which should havo a monopoly of the South Sea Island trade; the shares woro to bo hold by people in New Zealand, Australia, England, and Germany ; Auck land was to be tho entrepot of tho trallic ; and New Zealand as a whole und the North Wand in particular were to bo vastly bene ritted by tho operations of tho concern. As Auckland presently has the lion's share of tho South Sea Island trade, and as this Government monopoly would have meant the crushing out of private enterprise, it is no great matter for regrot that the bill was rejected by 39 votes against 28. Government, prior to tho second reading, tried to stave off dofe.it by announcing that they did not intond to press tho measure beyond that stage, but even that assurance could not induco members to give their assent to a scheme which was as objection able as it was chimerical.

Tho Public Works Statement delivered in the Houee of Representatives on October 24 makos it perfectly clear that tho borrowing of a million and a-half announced in the Budgot is exclusivo of the million authorised undor the Act of ISB2. A loan of 2J millions will, therefore, be placed in tho market early next year. It is not intended to raise tho special loan of a million for the North Island trunk railway at present, the Government considering that £100,000, which is tho utmost sum they will be able to spend immediately, mny be provided for ent of the other loans. Appropriations for railways aro submitted to tho amount of £1,567,516, out of which Auckland rocoives, in addition to what mny bo credited to her from tho trunk railway, only £132,972, divided as follows :— KEW WORKS.— CONBTKUCIION AND LAND. Kawakawa £9,700 Whangaroi-Kamo 2,100 Hamilton-Cambridge ... 17,900 Hamilton-Te Aroha ) ro 0™ GrahamstownKopua | "" ' B>wu ON OPEN LINKS. Kawakawa £5,000 Whangarei-Kamo SOS Hamilton-Cambridge ... 4,960 llamilton-To Aroha ... 12.CSS Grahamstown-Kopua ... 1,819 Total £132,972 The North Island trunk railway is to be proceeded with by tho Jcentral route, and there is a definite Ministerial promise to construct tho Kamo-Kawakawa railway, and also to consider the extension of the Helensville line northwards. Out of the vote of £737,000 for roads, the chief grants to Auckland are the balance of the L 103,800 voted under the last loan for roads north of Auckland ; £1,000 for the Cambridge-Taupo road; £3,000 for the Cainbridge-Rotorua road ; £3,000 for roads in the Bay of Plenty ; £4,000 for Tauranga- Napier road; £7:20 for works in South rjad ; and £1,500 for Thames-Tauranga road. A vote of £171,104 is taken for public buildings. A large proportion of votes are for the completion of works in progress, and the Minister estimates that the ensuing year should see another 74 miles of railway opened for traffic in the colony, bringing up the total to 1,180 miles. Mr Klcliardson insists upon a radical chango in the railway management, and will introduce a measure next session placing the control under Boards. He also favours reduction in the passenger rates,

Somointtrentinftiniormatton regardingth'e 1 sources of rovenue.in this colony le conveyed in a Parliamentary papor which has just I been presented to the Ilouve of Representu- ; tives. From this' we (hid that the total amount collected from customs, stamps, land, property tax, beer taS, and territorial revenue for tho financial year ending 31st Mltroh, ISB4, Wai! L2,51u,719, derived from tho followiii^ sources ! — Ct-awstrt.— Auckland, L 339,169 ; Tara nnki, Lfi,535 J WelHnßtHri, L 235.472 ; Hawko'o Bay, L-10.565; Nelson, Lf>2,sßsi Jlarlborough, L 7.155; AVostland, L 45,314; (JarttelbUi-y, L222.C33 ; Otago, L 441.025. STAWl'a.—Atiokliun', LR0.083 ; Tnranaki; L 7.215; Wellington, L07,9'*8 ) Httwko'B Bay, L 33,489; Nelson, L 13,614 ; Man borouph, L 5.550 ; Canterbury, L 05.767; Weetlffirid, 1.8,110; Otugo, L 101.761. LAsi).— Ailcklaml, J..i4,293; Taranaki, L 30.307; Wellington, L 13.128 i Hawko'B Bay, L 15.500; Nolson, L 1,927 ; Mttrl borough, L6S3; Canterbury, L 37,154 ; Westland, L1.16H J Otngo, L 85.375. l'uoi'KUTY Tax.—Auckland, L 35,147; Taranaki, £4,308; Wellington, L4I,DH ; ilawko's Bay, L 15.215; Nelson, L 9.053; Marlborough, L 5.304; Canterbury,L7o.s3o; WoaUnnd, LBO3 ; Otago, L 71.281, Bkek Tax.—Auckland, L 13.629 ; Tara naki, L 726 ; Wellington, L 7.075 ; Ilawko's Bay, L 2.371 ; Nolson, L' 2,412; Marl borough, L!) 52; Cantorbury, L 12,413; Weatland, L 1,293 i Otugo, L16,)12. Ti?liiurouiAli Kkvknuu. — Auckland, L2.07S : Tm'annki, L 052 ; Wellington, L 73; ltawko's Ji-.y, Ls2oj Nelson, L 23.024 < Mrtrlboi'ougli, LP,B7B|Canterbury,LisO,lßsl Westland, L7ol ; Otago, L.60,,4L'a.. Totals.—Otago, L792,OA'J; . Auckland, L501,00l ,- Canterbury, L'1U7,550 ; Welling ton, L 367.739 ; Hawke's Bay, LI 10,970 ; Nelson, L 103.519; Westland, LHO,D4O; Tarauaki, L 49.745; Marlborough, L 29.501.

The oontributions from tho two chief divisions of the colony are protty fairly ap portioned — tho North Island giving L 1,032,455, and tho South Island L 1,483,264. Taking the population of tho co-lony at half-a-million, wo find that three fifths nro in the South Island nnd tho re maining two-fifths in the North, which is just tho proportion in which rovonuo is con tributed. It will bo seen that taking Provincial Districts, Otago leads the way, whilo Auckland, Canterbury, and Wellington follow in tho order named. Tho European population of Canterbury is 13,000 in excess of that of Auckland, and its area of sottled land is far greater than the northern pro vince can show. Auckland's much larger contribution to the Customs revenue, tlicre foro, can bo attributed only in part to the native population ; tho balance is due to a preponderance of our commercial operations over thoso of Cantorbury. In fact, taking population and aroa of land availablo for settlement into account, Auckland contri butes more to the rovenuo than any other part of tho colony.

A return wliioh lias been laid on the tablo of tho llouno of Repreoentatives gives tho follow ing BtatcmotitH of population, im ports, and exports lost yoar : — I'opula- Imports. Bxporta. OtaßO .. .. 117,91,1 2,611,83 2,188,333 Cantorbury .. 121.H48 1.5<».050 2,18i,135 Auckland .. 10!l,MiO 1,975 711 1.11*8,021 Wellington .. (W.2.52 1.22ii,W;7 1,131.472 Kolflou .. .. 2«,07i «5,318 13.511 Wcstlnnd .. 10,113 ia»,720 U. 838

Tho following figures setting out tho acre age sown, and produco of tlic leading cereals in tho four principal colonies, shows tho preator productivencssof tho soil and climate of Now Zoaland :—

VICTOKIA. —In whoat, 1,104,392 acros i yiold, 15,570,245 bushols. in oats, 188,161 acres ; yield, 4,717,024 bushels. In burloy, 46,832 acres ; yield, 1.0G0.803 bushols.

New South Walks.—ln wheat, 247,301 acres ; yiold, 4,0-12,395 bushol». In oats, 24,818 acres ; yiold, 617,405 buahols. In barley, 0,471 acres ; yiold, 133,050 bushels.

South Auktkama.—Whoat, 1,846,151 acres; yiold, 14,(149,230 bushels, in oats, 5,4',H acres -, yield, 80,467. In barloy, 13,475 acres ; yield, 188,806 bushels.

Nkw Zealand, —In wheat, 377,70G acres ; yield, !),S-7,i3G. In oats, 262,054 ncroti ; yield, 0,231,3311 bushels. In barley, 32,1107 acres ; yieltl, 1)64,406 bushels. From theco figures it will 1)0 perceived that tho average yield per aero in oach colony wa.s as follown : — Wheat. Oata. Barloy. liinlicli). Bushels. Bushels. Now Zealand .. .. zfi'o2 ?.Vll 2ir.1l Now South Wales .. 10 3j 21-88 20T>5 Victoria 11-10 2.V07 22M South Australia .. 7!M HUS 11*01 A return cf a very interesting character, showing the distribution of Government monoy in charitable aid during the year, hat just beon laid before Parliament. The following is an abstract: —Subsidies and grants to local bodies: Auckland, £3,208; Taranaki, £(!(!; Wellington, 13,189: Hawko'sßay, 1,552; Nelson, £3,033: Can terbury, £4,617; Wentland, £771; Otajro. £3,342, A further paper eliows that the following amounts wero paid by Govern ment to reliovo individual distress during the year : -Auckland, £2,931 ; Tnrannki, fBSO ; Wellington, £139; Hawke's Bay, CB9; Nelson, £724 ; Marlboroujsh, £76; Ciintcrbury, £0,G04 ; \Vestland, £Hi 2 ; Otago, £276.

Tho post-oflico and money order statistics for tho quarter ending 30th September last givo tho following figures for tho fojr prin cipal citioa of tho colony :—Monoy order transactions : Auckland — Orders issued, £26,130 13s lOd; orders paid, £20,283 1 fig 4d. Dunedin—lssued, £'20,560 16s 4d ; paid, £25,109 11s Id. Wellington—lssued, £18,593 3a 9d; paid, £16,25(i lf>e lid. Christchurch—lssued, £1G,9!)5 9a 4d ; paid, £15,291 14a 3d. Post-office revenuo: G.r.0., £13,559 Sa fid. Auckland, £5,738 9s 7d ; Christehurch, £0,485 Is 7d ; Dunedin, i5,2'2G 19s 4d. From this it will be soon that Auckland stands at the head of the list both for monoy order transactions and post-olHce revenue.

The births in tho Auckland district for tho month of October, ISS4, wore 210, of which 108 were in tho borough. Tho deaths wore 73, of which 43 were in the borough. Marriage certificates isimod wero 55, of which 24 wore solomnised in the Registrar's office.

At tho sitting of tho House of Repre sentatives of New Zealand on tho Ist of November, tho first business was to hear YVahanui, the chief ef Ngatimaniopotos, in rospocfc of native wants and desires, and of proposed native legislation. There was an immensely full House; tho Ladies' Gallery was largely patronisul, while there was a largo crowd of natives and also eomo Europeans in the galleries. Wabanui, after the usual salutations, com menced his speech, Mr Gilbert Mair inter preting. He cleairod that the natives should have the sole control of their own ancestral lands. The foot of a white man had not trod upon them, and no European had any lease over them. Ho did not wish the Native Lands Court to deal with those lands, but thought the natives should them selves have tho administration of their lands; afterwards they would request the Government to devise means to carry out this administration. When ho saw tho bill that was proposed to be brought upbytheGovernmenthosawthatithadgreat sharp teeth, a big mouth that would swallow upalltholand.andastingall over. Thero was no proeent embarrassment with respect to their lands,b»t ho was possessed ofa fear lost trouble should come upon it. The object of Tawhiao's visit to England was lest this House should pass objectionable laws re specting their land, and he was tod to come back to New Zealand. He hoped tho House would only carry out tho good laws of that great lady who lived in England. He hoped tho House would vest tho control of nativo land in tho Native Committees, md would stop the saloof spirits within the Maori territory. His desiro was that the Houso should pass good and just laws. At tho conclusion of his speech Wahanui was warmly applauded by tho House, lion, Mr Biillance complimonted Wahanui on his address, and then moved the second reading of tho Native Lands Bill, the provisions of which he explained. Wi Porespoko against tho bill, and also opposed the idea of giving power to the Ivativo Committees. An interesting discussion, which was continued by To Ao and Haku one, was interrupted by the adjournment at one o'clock.

In our last " Homo Letter" wo intimated that tho Select Committee of the House of representatives appointed to report on tho respective merits of the central and Wost ern routes surveyed for the North Island main trunk railway to connect Auckland and Wellington had reported iti favour of the former route. Tho recommendation of the Committee has been viewed with con siderable disfavour in Auckland, as it was hoped that the connection between Auck land and Wellington would have been via Taranaki, and by that moans the rich agricultural country at the base of Mount Egmont would have been placed in direct communication with Auckland—its natural market. The feeling of irritation and dis appointment has, however, now to some extent passed away, it boing felt that "half a loaf is better than no brand," and the people of Auckland prepared them selves to accept, the inevitable with good grace. The debate on the report or the Committee was commenced in the House on October "22nd, when the Hon. tho Minister for Public VVorks moved the adoption of the report, subject to any deviation in tho way of improvement of details that may be con sidered desirable during the course of con-

Btruotion. On October 24th the central route was adopted by the House by a majority of b'X to 20, all the Auckland members voting for the Western route with the exception of Mossrs Mitchelaon, Frascr, and Lake. During tho debate on the matter tho Government promised to have n branch line to Taranaki surveyed. The route adopted goes right through the centre of the North Island, passing a little Westward of Ruapohu. Its length from tho present terminus of the Waikato line to tho junction^ith the lino from Welling ton to Marton i-- " lit tie over 200 miles. The Minister of Public Works said the line might be finished In three years,

The following resolution was passed at the Hioetinj' of the Napier Cliambor of Cotiimefc'e <'n the fifth of October :— "That this Chamber la of opinion that, concurrently with the Construction of {lib Iriain trunk line of railway, there ■should be made a line from Napier to some convenient point o,u th'o. niain trunk line, thus bringing HawSe'd Way into direct con nection with Auckland; that this Chamber believes that such a lino could booasily1 a«i cheaply constructed via Patea, and that it would open up a large extent of most fortile land, and that tho members for Napier, Nawko's Bay, au.d Waipawa be asked to arrange with theroovernmant to have a sur vey made, and uleo a report on the quality of tho land tint would be opened up by such a lino." It was stated that there was reason to' believe. the natives, would make con.siJeVablo ocsftoiia of land, aa the lino would pans through a large block of native Cotihtry,

At n meeting of residents of the Helens villa district lie!d on tho 18th October, it was unanimously ng-e'eu to petition tho Government to make provision for tho ex tension of tho Ruipara ra'Uway through Kaukapakapa northward, aiicl proceed with the work at the rate of ]"> miles per year until completed aw fur as it would prove beneficial. Tho development of tho re source* of the district would be an imme diate con?e<]uonco, for in tho tirst 15 milel! of extension over 70,000,000 feet of kauri, besides othor valuable woods that abound, would bo made available for freight. _ Tho lino would open tho lar«o an 1 flourishing fruit district of Kaukapakapa, would pass within 11 miles of tho Wainui settlement, within 2 miles of tho Makarau settlement (a district admirably suited for farming purposes), and within 3 miles of Komo-_ koi'iki, and also within 5 miles of I'uhoi settlement -these districts, owing to cir cuitous roads, being over 20 miles distant from the present terminus. It is confident that the passenger traffic on this line would be greatly increased by opening up_ this country, which contains somo of the richest land in tho Kaipara district.

His Excellency the Governor left Wel lington on tho 4th November for Christ church. Ho has rontcd Binwood, the lato Mr Khodes's re-iidonco, for Bovoial months, while the family of the deceased gentleman are in England.

The commercial community of Auckland has been etirred of late over a question of grossly unfair treatment by the owners of the direct lines of steamers trading between England and tho colony. It has boen obsarved that several of thcee steamers, which were announced to arrive at Auckland, proved, after all, to be consigned to Southern porti, and a rumour obtained credence to tho effect that this is part of a deliberate plan to injure tho nor thern capital, lhe Chamber of Commerce has taken prompt stops to eecuvo our com mercial supremacy from attack by tele graphing to the Auckland representatives in Parliament to watch over local interests when the proposed postalßervico by direct steamers comes up for discussion. 15y the terms of tho contract as drawn up by Government, it is left in tho option of theowners whether Port Chalmers, Lyttelton, Wellington, or Auckland shall bo tho fir.it port of arrival in the colony, and it is feared that the com panies, with their Southern preferences, will nontinuo to ignore this port, which has tho largest shipping trade of any in tho colony, A meeting of im porterH and exporters has also been held to devise means for securing Auckland interests, and proposals have been mooted cither for the starting of an Auck land-owned lino of direct steamers to England, or for tho acquisition of the steamship Triumph, and the placing of her on the run betwoen Auckland and Sydney as a cargo boat to connect with tho Orient and P. 0. liners. These tactics, no doubt, will havo tho effect of bringing the Shaw- Savill and New Zealand Shipping Com pinics to their senses, and teaching them that there should be "no friendship in trade," but an equal distribution of advan tages. In no way can they justify the in fliction upon an important trading centre of tho delay, trouble, and expense which are implied in transhipping its goods at a port perhaps a thousand miles distint, and Auckland merchants aro not at all disposed te rest under the injustice and indignity of such a proceeding.

Somo oxcitemenst and a good deal of incon vonionco were caused on October 24 by an lilmosl' general stnKQ amongst tno origin eors, firemen, and seamen employod on coastal trading stoamers. It commenced on tho 8.3. Kowena. Tho articles of this vessel were completed tho day bofore^when Captain Scott desired tho crew to ro'slr.p. They declined to do so unlesß allowed the rates of wages adopted by the Feder ated Seamen's Union. Their terms woro not agreed to, and accordingly all hands left tho vessel. Another of tho Northern Company's vessels—tho lona— having in tho meantimo come in from tho Barrier, Captain McGregor, the managing director, decided that she should go in tho Rowena's stead to Mercury Bay. Accord ingly cargo and passengers woro shipped, but just as Captain Amodeo was about to loavo with tlio vessel, the seamen And fire men struck. It was then imposaiblo to get other men, so that tho lona was detained. Between s') and 60 men went out on strike, and it was impossible to replaco them at a fow hours' notice. The seamen on tho vessels named had been receiving £0 per month, and they demanded an ad ditional £1 per month, besides overtime at the rato of Is Cd per hour from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Is per hour from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ; also that ovortime bo paid for all classos of work in any port, bay, or roadstead whero cargo is worked, oxcept work necessary for tho safety of the ship—washing decks and decorating ship on Sundays and publio holidays, prior to 8 a.m., to bo exempt from overtime. The firemen have been paid at tho rate of £10 per month, which is £1 in advance of the rato required by the Union rules. They, however, acted in conjunction with the seamen, and claimed that the latter should be allowed £7 per month. The strike terminated on Oct. 27 by Captain Macgrcgor, managing direc tor for the Northern Steamship Company, agreeing to the terms im posed by tho Federated Union. At a late hour that afternoon a largo number of seamen assembled at tho Castoms ship ping office for tho purpose of sign ing new articles to serve on tho Northern Company's steamers; so for tho present, at least, tho matter has been sottled. Tho charges against tho Northern Steamship Company's seamen for being absont without leave, etc., were withdrawn on Octobor 29, and tho men were accordingly discharged. The induce ment was a cheque for LIOO, which the Treasurer of the Federated Union (Mr Owen Humphreys) paid to Captain Macgro^or, managing director of the N.S.S. Co., in consideration for any loss or inconvenience that may have been caused by the strike, and on condition that tho Company's seamen shall bo paid wages at the ordinary rate for the term on which they have been "on strike"

Mr Milncr Stephen, "the magnolic hoiilcr," who has caused considerable stir in Iho South for months past by the reports and denials of his various " cures," arrived in Auckland last week, and gave his first public exhibition of tkill in St. James's Hall on Monday, tho i«t in«t. Alter a rather (liHcuniiro aildrura upon the gifts of hea'ing which had been manifested from time to time in the world, and which had been to.-itifioJ to by both sacred and pro fane writers, Mr Stephen went on to cite modem instances, and to explain how he had discovered and exercised tho curative powers which he himself possessed. He then proceeded to demonstrate his skill ujon a number of poor patient*, who had come to him recommended by various clergymon und others. There were 13 of them in all, some suffering from various forms of paralysis, othors from rheumatism, sciatica, curvature of the spine, and disabled wrists, and several from deafness and impaired eyesight. In each case Mr Stophun operated by means of magnetic " passes," laying-on of hands, and breathing upon the affected parts through a silver funnel. No pronounced cure was produced, but the majority of the persons who underwent treatment admitted having received relief to a greater or less degree. In some casos rheumatic pain was removed, several of tho partially deaf acknowledged that they heard slightly better, and a girl acknowledged that her eyesight had been much improved. Other patients, however, derived no benefit whatever. They all re ceived either magnetised flannel, oil, or water, and one-or two "hard cases" ob tained all these, each one as he or she left being requested to call upon the' " healer "■

pgain. Mr Stephen is a Spiritualist, and he beiievos that his reputed healing powers are a gift irom God for the bonofit of man.

Considerable excitement was occasioned in town on October 15 through tho news gaining currency that an engine hod run away from tho Auckland railway station and had gone up the line. Fears were entertained that n terrible catastrophe would result, as the Onchungn train had left Newmarket and was noarly due. This painful feeling of apprehension was en hanced by the fact that it was regarded as oertain that the two engines would meet in the darkness of the Domain tunt.el. Crowds of people weru soon on their way towards the Auckland Railway Station, eager to ascertain the facts of the rase, as it Was known that the down train from One hunr'a always carries a large number of pas sengers— prin?ipally businessmen whorcsido in the outer suburbs, and school children. A universal feoling of relief, however, pre vailed When it was ascertained that al though the anticipated collision had occurred, thero had boon no serious consc quencoß,

Correspondence received at the Thome* by relative* ttfthro WiM Dttclc cruising party, which' left Tha'meM for N-ew Guinea in April last, furnishes particulars erf a brush with the natives, in th'o conrae of which Mr Charles Lawlor, one of the owners fctf tho vessel, was somewhat severely wounded. After reaching Port Moresby the party embarked iii tho beche-de-mer trade, and were assisted id *he operations by a number of apparently friendly Wncks. On one occasion, when Mr Lawlor was 9n gaged in hoisting the anchor of the vessel's btfat, a nativo pushed liim overboard and en deavoured to drown him, and in the struggle •tthich ensued another attacked him with a «pear. With tho assistance of his comrndC3 he eventually succeeded in getting1 rid of his assailantd, but not until several nasty wounds lia'd been; iiiDfotctf. He was then assisted on board tho ketch id a state of in eensibility, and after tfiis evjdsnro of treachery, tho party deemed it advi.-a"bls to1 return to Cook town. According to latest information, tho wounded man had com pletely recovered from tho consequencos of his adventure.

Government havo received from Dr. O'Carroll, of New Plymouth, who lias visited Parihaka, a report showing the pah there to bo in a terrible state of filth. There are 65 cases of cellular erysipelas there, and seven deaths have occurred from tho disease. Tohn nnd Te Whiti desired the doctor to thank the Native Minister for Rending him to attend. The Native Minister has authorised a supply of medicine and medical comforts for the patients.

The annual reportof tho Bank of New Zea land, laid before shareholders this month, announced the usual handsome dividend of fifteen per cent. Tho report and Chair man's remarks upon tho coirimercial con dition of the colony are given in another column,and will be perused with interest by our Home readers. There is rifir more reliable guide to the Btate of trado in New Zealand than that contained in the reports of this institution,which commands so large a share of the banking business of the colony.

A big land sale is reported from South land. Messrs Tapper and Carmichacl's Toitoi estate of 14,000 acres, together with 8,000 sheep, 200 cattle, 27 horses, and tho whole of the farming plant, has been bought by Messrs G. T. and P. Mem, of Victoria, for LuO.OOU.

MINING SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH.

Thames, Tuesday. Although tho past month's operations have not disclosed anything of a particu larly startling character, several incidents have occurred which may mark important stages in the progress of tho dis trict. The alterations to the Queon of Beauty pumping machinery have boon com pleted, and the water is now easily con trolled by the unassisted power of the turbine, so that sinking operations in the shaft can be carried on with the greatest facility, and satisfactory progress is being made.—The Caledonian Low Level Com pany's prospecting crosscuts from the tunnel at the 640 fo.t level have been ex tended considerable distances, but only one lode has yet been intersected in the south eastern drive. Operations wero interrupted a fortnight ago by a mishap to the pump?, and have only just been resumed.—The New Prince Imperial low level is advancing towards the >o. 2 reef; all will not, how ever, be to hand for several weeks. Good prospects wcro followed in a winze gunk 78 feet bo'ow No. 6 level, and gold wa3 obtained at tho last breaking-down, auguring favourably as to the future pro ductiveness of the new level. The upper block at this lode will supply payable tbe ample return of 918J ouncess from last monthly rotorting has given general satisfaction. The development of the new hanging-wall lode of the Cambria mine has been watched with a degree of interest bordering upon excitement. Besides opening a payable block for stoning, the management of the mine commenced a winze below the 230 feet level, in which unexpectedly rich resulte were obtained. A depth of 20 feet has now been attained, and the reef has averaged 3 feet in width, composed of heavily mineralised stone, from which 1 cwt. of capital spocimens have been obtained. The first crushing averaged an ounce per ton, and another now in progress is expected to yield handsomely. Encouraged by these cheering circum stances, the Darwin Company ore driving to intersect the same lode. The now block in the Dart mine on No. 2 lode at No. 6 level is in good working order, and the past crushing has reeolted payably. A remunerative crushing was obtained from the Rocky Point mine early in the month, and another is now in progress. Theamalgn m'ation of the London and Mariner Com pan ies will shortly be consummated, and the venture will thenceforward be known aB the Saxon Company. Indrivinga crosscut from the Imperial shaft at tho 340 ft. level, the manager of the Deep Level Cross hasfound a now lode a foot in thickness, situated in virgin country, near the Mariner boundary. Gold shows freely in the stone, and the reef will be worked vigorously as soon as ventilation can be provided. IntheKurunui Hill mine gold was discovered a few weeks ago in a winze below tho tunnel level on No. 1 lode of the Long Drive section, but it did not continue for any great depth, though a small but payable block of ground has been opened. Crush in" will bo commenced next week. The Caledonian Company has every prospect of opening a remunerative block on the Red Queen leader at No. 2 level, and a more favourable class of country has been met with in the crosscut at the 3CO feet level. Of the Ohinemuri districts, Karangahake is at present the most actively worked, and payable crushings have been mado by the Ivanhoo Company. Tho crushing of 4S loads general stuff and ISOlbs specimens, got from the Cambria mine, was finished on the 6th inst., result ing in tho splendid return of 2uoozs. ro torted gold. The general stuff alone yielded at the rate of more than 3ozs. per load. An additional parcel of llozs. has been obtained from the rotorting of the quicksilver, making a total return of re torted gold of 2Glozs.

Summary of Gold Returns,

From Octobor 9Lh to Novombcr Ith inclusive,

Adolaido and tributes 87 17* Alburnia tributes 78 j'j Caledonian ] 27 8 Caledonian tributoa .. .. „ 57 12 Cambria. 35 loads 3B 10 Dart, 73 loada J2O 1 •> Dart, tributes 112 4 Ivnnhoo (Karanntahake). 259 tons .. 25( 2 K'.uunui Hill tributes .. .. I'O 0 Monnataiari.Bo tons CO 4 Moaimtaiari tributes 181 ;i Now Prince Imperial. 628 loada 918 1(1 Reuben Parr tributes .. .. 4S -J Hoeky Point. 70 loads .. .. i. 0s? (i Smile of Fortune Tributes (Owharoa) 23 7 Sundries 500 0 Thames Golden Crown 49 g Woodstock (Karangohake), 17 tons .'. 61 5 To'al i"8l2 i WAIOUOXOOMAI RETURNS. Now Find win n Colonial " - ?S ,S Canadian .. .. . "J« '? May Queen .. .. « I Wc'como Trib ite .. .. " " 21 Q Waiqrongomai .. .. "' 77 in Smaller parcels ][ 55 Jl Total BJ^ i

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

A boy of 13, son of John; Ueyery, farmer,, Canterbury, has been kiltsd'by being run- O vor by a dray.

A boy of two yeara old, ntHned- Elliot; George, has been drowned !»t Kyimrn,. Otago, in a duck-pond a foot deep.

A young girl' named Cash tia.4 thrown, from her horse at Oraliura, hear Ke-w Ply mouth, on October 31, and was killed.

William Ar-yley, a boy of 14, wus dror.necE on November 4 while buthi.ig i:i the Wan ganui Kiver at Aruwuhohp.

Mr E. H. Ensor, brother of Mr C. Bnsor of Mount Grey, Canterbury, died at Leith field on October 24 from the c-tl'ucls of a fall from his horse two days before.

At Invercargill on Oct. 14 an old woman named Elizabeth Jenkins, who lived, alone at Gap Koad, was accidentally burnt* to death.

A seaman limned Michael Lall wag drowned at Napier un October 25 by fulling between tho schooner Enterprise and the breastwork. Jlo was a foreigner, and had no relations in the colony.

John McPhee, who we.a missing for a fort night in Maniototo County, Otago, has been found dead, with an empty whisky bottle by his side. He had lain down to sleep and perished from exposure, as it was snowing !»t tire time.

A man named Antonio Basanelli, while at work if* wi alluvial cluim at Ross, Otago, on October 10, Mas killed by a fall of allu. viai earth. The iae« it "O'j feet high, and Baseanelli ran 40 feet aioujj tho terrace tail, race before he was overtaken.

Misg Stuart, daughter of the Bisbop of Waiapu, was driving » horso and buggy in Napier on Oct. 23, when tlie animal bolted and ran into an hotel fa<*. Horse and ma chine were- but little injured, and the lady escaped with a shaking.

A man named VV. Kowell, employed on board the steamer iicwcnn, was drowned at Gisborrto on the 25tli October by falling into itoTnranganni Kiver. JX'ceascd is eaid to havo no relatives in the colony, and his father, motJ>oi', and sisters were lo3t in the burning of the riiip Coepatrick. A man named John Uray, aged 40 years, received such injuries from a charge of dynamite suddenly exploding while working on Wangamoa Koad, Nelson, on October 30, that ho died a few hours later. An in quest was hold, when a verdict of "Acci dental Death " was returned.

A son of Mr Jas.-O'Connor, about 9 yews of age, met with a serious accident on Nov. 6. Botween three mid four p.m. he was walking on the rails at the foot of Hobson street, when hs lost hi) balance and felj over tho clitf. He was picked up in an un conscious state by a passsr-by, and wa» taken home. ■:•

A fatal accidont occurred- at Whanga poua,- near Coromandel, on. October 16, John Turner, employed clearing away saw dust, was caught by the main shaft. Both arms were torn off," and the clothes off the body, it is not known how the accident occurred. The clothea and one arm were wound round the shaft.

An accident of an exceedingly eeriouß character ie reported to have taken place at Te Kopuru on October 18th. A monkey derrick, forty feet long, was blown down by the gale and fell on a ican named Bernard Quin, breaking his leg and injuring him in ternally. The poor fellow is not expected to recover.

A man named George Wright flfad a horse he was driving have been found drowned in the Numahaunga. Kiver, Wel lington. The trap was found bottom up, the shafts resting on Wright's leg. It is supposed he was stunned through the trap capsizing. Intelligence has been received in town from Tauranga that a man named Charles Craddocb, employed at the Oropi sawmill, was drowned in a woll there on tho 13th October. He was engaged drawing water for the purpose of supplying the mill engine, and it is supposed that while lowering tha bucket he had an epileptic tit. A man named John Donald, connected with a survey party, met with a painful ac cident near Mongonui last week. H6 had put a cartridge into the bnrrel of a breach loading gun with the object of blowing a rag out, when the gun burst nnd mutilated his hand severely. It was found necessary to amputate the forefinger, and the wound is now healing rapidly. Mr Win. Hodgson, farmer, met with his death in a peculiar manner in Otago lately. He threw down a lighted match on a hill- Bide, which ignited the dry fern and tus sock. The Humes chased him uphill, and being unable to escape, he essayed to' roll through them downhill, but in doing 80 he sustained burns which caused his death.

Two men are supposed to have been drowned on 18th October, while crossing the Manawatu Kiver, near Fitzsimons's place. One was Fitzsimons, a married man, and the other was named MacKenzie, and was a youth about seventeen. No ono saw tho occurrence, and no trace of the bodies has yet been found, but the horses they were riding were found loose, and tho men havo not been seen since the abova date. Search is now being made. On the Ist November Mr Robert Alexan der, one of the "old identities" of Te Awamutu, met with his death by being thrown from his cart. No person appears to have witnessed the occurrence, and: tha discovery of the trap and horse without any person in charge was the first intima tion that anything unusual had taken place. The deceased was found on the road to llangiaohia, and expired in a few. minutes. A serious accident occurred at Havens bourne, Otago, on Oct. 22 to a, girl of 11 years, named Melita Miilinger. She M'ae engaged plucking flowers on the railway bank, and fell on to the line just as the midday train from Palmerston waß passing. Nothing could be done to savo her, and one of the carriages passed over her left leg, completely crushing it. She was immediately 'con veyed to the Dunedin Hospital,, where the limb was amputated below the thigh. The train coming round a corner startled her co that she fell.

Olaf Larsen, a sailor belonging to tbe barque Wenona lying at Makarau, wasacci dentally killed on Oct. 29 by being jammed between two logs. The body was 'con veyed to Helensville, where an inquest was held tho following day. The deceased was a native of Norway, 21 years of age, and had no relations in the colony. He had been assisting to jack up a log, when it suddenly slipped, crushing Larsen's head against another log. Tho deceased, after the accident, walked about 15 feet, and retnaaked, '"Well, boys, I'm gone." He was laid.on the deck of the vessel, with blood issuing from his mouth and ears, :and died an hour aftef the accident.

A child, aged 18 months, named Beatrice Annie Louise Sargeant, the daughter of Mr Henry Sargeant, lessee of the Auckland Hotel Dining-rooms, died on October 23 from the effects of eating lucifer matches. It appears that Mr Sargeant had moved into a new house in Day-street, and, in the confusion of flitting, Mrs Sergeant was unable togive thoneceesnry attention to thechildren. Thelittlegir! Beatrice obtained some lucifer matches. ;...J before she was noticed had sucked tho heads off about a dozen of them. The child- vom ited freely, anil no serious con sequences seem to have been apprehended till noon, when Dr. Bayntun was sont for, and prescribed the ordinary remedies. All his effort?, however, proved vain, and the little sufferer died at about ono o'clock on above date.

News hasbeon received of the drowning of MrDpcimus Atkinson, brother of the ex- Premier, at Pahi, on Oct. 23, by the capsiz ing of a boat Mr Tudor Atkinson (of Whitaker, Russell, and Buddies office), npphew of deceased, left by next morning's Kaipara train for tho purposo of taking charge of tho body, if it should be found. v The particulars of the occurrence received up to tho present are meagre. It appears that there were six people in tho boat, in cluding one girl, when she upset. All weia. saved except Mr Atkinson, who went down within two yards of tho boat, and wii's not : afterwards seen. Mr Atkinson was for many years a resident of Taranaki. Several | years ago lie came to Auckland acd engaged in the manufacture of Portland i cement at Whangarei. The industry proved ■ unprofitable, and Mr Atkinson turnedhis attention to other things. He has remained in the North ever since. He went on =a . | visit to Kaipara in company with Mr ; Metcalfe to see tho country, and it was in traversing ono of tho numerous rivers of 9 that district, where fo many boat accidents -' ■' ' = occur, that he has met his death. Further 9 particulars show that tho capsizing of the boat was due to a sudden gust oLwind, m There were in the boat Mr Decimus Atkiu- 1 son, Mr and Mrs Metcalfo with their three children, and as the boat sank at once,^the i position of tho six people was rendered most ■■• critical. Boats at once put off from the ~ ■ township of Pahi, opposite which the ' occurrence took place, but before they reached the spot Mr Atkinson had sunk. •• '■ Mr Metcalfe acted with great nerve and „ ■: courage, keeping his wife's head and that'- 1 . of the baby out of water until the rescuing ,„ boats arrived. It is almost inexplicable'how Mr Atkinson, who could swim, was tlie 2 only one of the pnrly drowned ; but as he sank suddenly without warning orcry.for, help, it is surmised that he must bay« been' : I exhausted or attacked by cramp. Hia \riteljjß| and family so suddenly bereaved, have the heartfelt sympathy of many friends, Tha ,3; bodywas recovered on October 29, - '

THE ACUKLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAYM MAY, 9, 1881.

4



MALUA (late Basel).

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Resistance

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Blair Athol

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DECLINE OF MAN.-Nmvoiu Weakness, Dyspepsia. Impotence, Sexual lability, cured by " Wells'! Health Jtaniwor.'1 MsnnUta. —uki^i Keuvthsrae. from t Qa.i Afiels, AicUyiL



It is reported that a gold prospector has found indications of the precious metal near Kuapehu, and not far from the proposed lino of tho trunk railway from Marton. It is reported that Miss B. M C Harrison, 8.A., has been appointed a toucher in the Melson College for Girls, vice Miss Lilian Edger, 8.A., who has r.g'gnatl in order to take upon her self tho bone's of holy wedlock. The for tunate bridegroom intendant is said to be the headmaster of ono of the Christchurch public schools ... KtmUhom. P«uiMi*C<).,i <e £U,Am*Ua4.