GOLDFIELDS SUMMARY.

Thames, Wednesday. The beneficial effects upon the field which might naturally have been expected to follow the discovery of gold at the 640 level have not yet been felt; indeed, the past month has unquestionably been very dull as regards mining matters. The temporarydepression is in a largo mcasuro due to the fact that no mine is at present producing prominently rich results sufficient to rivet the atten tion of speculators to the districts, and ; to excite the sharemarket pulse to the feverish rate which has been main. fcained for the last eighteen month?, during the prosperity of the New Prince Imperial mine. There are, however, numerous paying claims at work, any of which may come to the fore at a moment's notice. More immediately gratifying is the encouraging aspect of afFairs in tho low level. It can safely be asserted that move work is now in progress at the C4O feet level than at any period in tho field's histoty. Tho Deep Levxl Cross Company have driven a considerable distance upon (ho leader in which gold was found las', month, and pay able quartz has been mat With as far south ward as the leader haa yet been followed. A trial crushingfromibgavc an average yitldof an ounce por load. The seaward cross-cut was resumed this week, with the object of reaching the outwall branch of the cross lode and prospecting extensively upon it. Application has been made to Government for a rock-borer, which will be employed in this work. An intermediate level has been entered about 70ft. below No. 5, and gold found in the hanging-wall branch of No. 2 reef. The Caledonian Low Level Company is making marvellous headway with tho prospecting tunnel, which has been extended about 140 ft. by means of the rock-drill. At the eastern end of the flat, the Queen of Beauty Company is prospecting vigorously upon leaders at the 600 ft. level, and mooting with encouraging prospects, though tho results arc yet somewhat disproportionate.—New Prince Imperial : Tho result of last month's crushing onera tions (7420zs gold) attests the payablo nature of tho ordinary, as distinguished from the specimen-producing, parts of the mine, this return being almost entirely from genera! dirt. The Mariners' reef has shown groat improvement of late in tho stopes above No. 4 level, and the indica tions in the drive and stope at No. 4 level are such as seldom fail to lead to rich deposits. Tho shaft is descending slowly through exceedingly hard country.—Cam bria : The prospecting works are proceed ing briskly, and the openiog of the new level will bo commenced next week. The winze below tho 150 ft. level has followed down a splendid-looking lode, bearing classes of mineral which are considered as indicating the proximity of a rich patch, while tho precious metal itself has frequently been seen.—Dart: The directors, with commend able foresight, have determined to sink the shaft for another level, and the work has 3 ast been taken taken in hand. Tho blocks of stopes on No. 2 reef are producing pay able quartz, and an improvement has oc curred in tho drive on the Alfred leader at No. 2 level.—Caledonian : In opening the Red Queen leaders at No. 2 level, the manager has developed capital blocks of ground for stoping at each side of the winze. Tho reef is larger than at the higher levels, and lv stampers are em ployed upon the output. Tho manager is so well pleased with tho prospect that ho contemplates working a winzo with a view to opening up the same lodes at No. 3 lovel.—Now Manukau: This mine, which w.is one of tbo most prominent in the market last month, has receded to an unim portant position, the workings in tho gold bearing leader having broken into an old rise. Stoping operations are still proceed ing-—Waiotahi: The principal works are b ought to a standstill pending the erection of n new boiler and overhaul of machinery. Last month's operations gave a splendid return.—London: A small but payable block is being stoped on No. 1 reef at tho iitermediate level.—Rocky Point and Ade l.iide: The plucky venture of the owners of fc'ieso two clniuis in driving several hundred i'eot of ft low level seems likely to .be adequately rewarded, tho reef having been intersected and found gold-bearing. A now find has been mado in Collarbone Gully by Workman, the \i ell known prospector. A large reef has been discovered in the creek-bod, and en couraging prospects met with, capital picked stone being obtained on its hanging wall. A claim lias been taken up, and named tho Belchex', and the reef is about to be cut at a lower level.—Karangahake : The Hauraki Company's return of lOOozd gold i 3 the most satisfactory yet obtained from the claim, and the latest tho appearance of the lor^f in tbo low-l?^e}j3i'easf«rina.— The ' p [- 08 . pectors, Hunt^TnoS£<6'ahy^Tiave found a gMd-bearmg reef in Rotokohu basin, and the neighbourhood is being " rushed."— Waihi: The Martha Extended mine is pro ducing a large output of low grade but payable quartz.

Summary of Gold Retorns, From February .'7ih to March 25th, inclusive. • Ozs. dwts Adelaido tributes 31 0 Alburnia tributes GG 17 Caledonian tributes 29 13 Dart 216 3 Darttributo 8 11 Doop Level Cross 209 10 Hauraki (Karungahake) .. .. 10} 0 London -.. .. 20 10 Martha Kxtended (Waihi) .. ..217 18 Moanataiari 177 (i Moanataiari tribute? 0.5 8 New Eureka (Otanui) 18 0 New Prince Imperial .. ..' ..712 1 NewManukau 43 13 Queen of Beauty .. 0 5 Sundries (including tailings) CGO 0 Small parcela ..21 0 Thames Golden Crown 133 11 Waiotahi 310 9 "Waitekaui tributes 88 8 Total ..3,198 12 WAIORONGOMAI RETURNS. New Find 724 5 Colonist 291 2 Premier 6t 10 Vulcan 28 3 Hero 12 2 Army 1 10 Total.. .. 1,121 18

MERCANTILE.

Gisbobse gasworks aro being rapidly pushed on. 67 draught horses were shipped to Sydney from Lyttelton on March 12. Eleven acres at Petono are secured as a site for Wellington Woollen Factory. A corn exchange is to be open for busi ness on April 3rd in Dunedin. Kaitangata Coal Company has declared an interim dividend of 10 per cent. The Christchurch Freezing Company have resolved to postpone further operations till the receipt of further advices from Home. A new oil company, called the New Zea land Petroleum Company, has taken 1,000 acres at Gisborne. ; A Plate Glass Insnranoo Company, with a capital of £10,000, has been formed in \ Dunedin. It means to do business all over , fie colony. ■ The New Zealand Drug Company show a .'not profit for tho year (with previous " bilance) of £16,474, from which a dividend of 10 por cent, is declared and i' 8,246 car ried forward to next year.

The success of accident assurance in this colony lias led to another company being projected, and on March It the prospectus of the Accident Assurance Association of New Zealand was laid before investors. Tiie new Company is to have its head quarters in Dunedin, and to have a capital of £100,000 in shares of £1 each, 2s Gd of \^hicta will be called up. An influential list of provisional directors have been c.iosen, and the Colonial Bank are its bankers.

The annual meeting of the shareholders in Kempthorne, Prosserand Co.'s New Zea land Drug Company was held at Duncdin 01 March 20. Tho report showed that tho not profits for tho year, including L7,2209s lid from tho previous year, amounted to L 16.474 8s Od. Out of this the directors declared an interim dividend in July, which absorbed L 4,064 7s Bd, and tho present dividend, making ten percent, for th 9 year, a'worbs L 4,163 Is 4d, leaving L8.21C 19s Od to carry forward. The report was unani mously adopted. „■.'■■, The annual meeting of the Canterbury Meat Freezing Company was held at Christchurch on March 21st. The report stated that tho net profit for tho yoar, after deducting all expenses, interest, &c, is £3,448 8s 5(1, which tho directors recom mend be applied in tho following manner:—To payment of dividend Gd; the rat© of 8 por cent., £1,100 12s at to return of three-sixteeenths of a penny per lb to shareholders who have been charged 3a 4d per lb for freezing, £1,743 6s Id; to write of whole of preliminary ex penses, £363 5s 3d; to transfer to Re sorvo and Replacement Fund (making this nccount with tho addition of £541 10s mremit'iii on new shares created mid issued, £732 144 2d), £2-11 4s 2d. Total: : £344 8s sd. The capacity of the slaughter-houses and frozen stores has been practically doubled, a new and improved Haslam machine erected and housed at a total cost of £7 010. Tho freezing operations havo comprised 721,907 sheep, 82 head, of cattle, and 14 pigß,' In addition to this, 4,400 )

shoep have been killed to bo frosen on board a sailing vessel at Lyttclton. Tho existing freight Contracts by steamer expire in January next, and under these about 00,000 sheep havo to bo frozen and shipped. The shareholders havo guaranteed to supply 50,000, and sailing vessels have been chartered to convey three cargoes at stated periods throughout tho coming year,

Auckland Tobacco Company.

In compliance with the Companies Act, a meeting of sharchoklcrs in the Auckland Tobacco Company (Limited) was held in the manufactory, Fort-street, on March 14, when a report and statement of accounts was laid before tho shareholders, and adopted.

It appears from f !;o report that the Com pany's affairs ?.re in a most satisfactory con dition, very few shares now remaining in the directors' hands for disposal. New and commodious prem>>ea have been secured, and are now boiVig fitted upwith tho latest improvements, under the supervision of a competent manager, whoso services the Company have been fortunate enough to secure All reports from the plantation speak most favourably of the crop which is now ripening, and the directors are con fident that when they next meet tho share holders they will be ablo to give them sub stantial proofs thftt tiioir expectations have been realised.

Now Zealand Tobacco Company.

We havo been shown some excellent specimens of cured tobacco leaf from the works of the New Zealand Tobacco Growing and Manufacturing Company. This tobacco, grown in various parts of the colony from YVanganui to Hokianga, is of high quality as a commercial article, and when manu factured into cigars, or plug and twist tobacco, will place on the local market articles much cheaper and certainly not one whit inferior to thoso imported. Mr Vollbracht, genera! managertotheC'ompany, informs us that he has engaged 20 practised cigar-makers, who will start work next week in the Company's factory on Beach Road, opposite the Railway Station. Tho machinery, which has arrived, will be fitted np v.t once, and a start made on tho tobacco now ou hand and in process of curing. Already the Company havo orders for 400 tons of tobacco from linns in Australia and England, so that tho factory will bo kept busy for some time. Tho machinery and premises give facilities for turning out 2i),o'Jo cigars a -week, and this season it is proposed to manufacture 100 tons of leaf into cigars. Farmers throughout tho North Wand continue to manifest great willingness to start tobacco-growing, and the Company ate now in treaty with SOO settlers on the subject. Thus the growing and manufacturing branches of this now in dustry are keeping paco with each other, and there is a certain prospect, from the ex cellont quality of tho tobacco leaf grown in the colony, of this now industry being firmly established in Auckland.

Thames and Rotorua Railway Company.

Railway Company. Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The second annual meeting of shareholders in the Thames Valley and Kotorua Railway Company wag held at 3 p.m. to-day. Dr J. L. Campbell presided.

Annual Refobt.—The second annual-report stated that tho preliminary steps prescribed by " Thu District Kail ways Act" having been com pleted, a poll of ratepayers in the proposed Railway District was taken on the 13th April last s with the result of an almost unanimous consent of tho ratepayers being recorded. Tho total rateablo valuo of property In the district being £31.G 0, forty-five voters representing: £28,580 12s 6d of rateable, property gave their consent, whilo four voters representing £413 refused it. The rail way district for rating purposes was then duly constituted and the construction of the first section of the railway authorised, by proclama tion in the New Zealand Gazette of 2ist June, ISS3. This enabled the Hoard to enter at once into contracts for U? miles of railway, and it will be gratifying to shareholders to learn that the cost of formation will nor exceed their Kn gineer'a original ostimato. Plnnt for the com pletion ot this section continues to arrive from from England, hut owing to thedclay in opening tho Government line from Hamilton to Morins ville, it cannot bo passed forward to the works but remains stored at Ngaruawaliia. On the 15th Juno last the Directors furnished share holders with a full report of their communica tions with Government relative to the construc tion of the second section ef the line,—namely, that from Stowarton Junction to Itotoruii. Subsequently tho Directors cancel' out their in tenlion of personally inspecting tho lino, uift* they were much pleased to find howsucc/>»g£tiiiy the engineering difficulties of the rout;. j ia^ Deon surmounted. They arrived nt H ,T*gi ortla at; a time whon the Government Grocer there con sidered it a favourable opportunity for intro ducing thorn to tho nativfc-'ohiefs w ho had been discussing the question/of ceding land by way of endowment for the/ ra ilway. The Directors conceived grcnthopcg'of a successful solution of this question, but th& objectionsof tho Ministers to any negotiation, between tho Company and the natives proved insurmountable, and your Directors wei» 0 requested to desist. They have accepted thg position, and loyally avoided any interference w jth the Government negotiations since; lji.it they havo not ceased to ureo their views, npon Ministers, and have used ovcry P.^asiblo means, by correspondence and personal interviews, to Induce them to acquire the need fnl landed estate with which to endow the rail way, «3 provided by law. Tho Legislature. in last session, extended the time within which it is lawful for Government to contract for the construction of this line, and it is still possible that arrangements may be com- Elotcd before the next session of Parliament; utin view of the Government not yet having been able to obtain from the natives endow ments in lieu of tho rating powers provided by law, and tho Company being prohibited from treating with the natives direct, the Board may consider it advisable to proceed with the second section of the line under the terms of " Tho Railways Connt ruction and Land Act," without waiting for tho acquisition of the further endowments it is expected will be ceded under tho provisions of " The Thermal Springs Act." Under the contract, which in this case would bo signed, the Company receives lands of present valuo equal to 30 per cent, of the cost of the railway; and has also the Government assurance that in the event of tho natives ceding to Government or railway pur poses, such endowment will bo handed over to the Cumpany. When armed with this agree ment, the Directors will proceed to make such financial arrangements in London as are necessary. It has been thought advisiblo to include in your nrticles of asso ciation a power for th« Company, by special resolution, to rednco its nominal capital by cancellation of unallotted shaves, il being considered, after mature deliberation, that such power would facilitate financial operations; and amended Articles of Association, mainly with the object, of acquiring this power, will bo submitted at tho extraordinary meeting called for the purpose. Some other alterations of minor importance are also proposed, as explained in the circular notice which enclosed copies of the proposed new articles. Three of your directors, Messrs Campbell, Clark, and Comißkey, retiro from office, in terms of the Articles of Association, but are cligtble, and offer themselves for re-election. It dcnolves upon shareholders also to elect two auditors.— J. Logan Campbell, Chairman.

Statement ok Accounts. — Tho accounts submitted shewed tho expenditure including £23,281 for plant and rolling Btock, amounted to £31,610 3s fld. Hcceipts included £22,390 as the proceeds of seven calls, and amounted to £26,307 Is sd; bank overdraft of £5,333 2s 4d making up the deficiency. Tho balaneo-shcet shewed that calla to the amount of £15,774 7s 6d were still unpaid, while tho expenditure on account of tho railway was set down at £37,755 9slod.

Extraordinary Mooting.

An extraordinary meeting was held im mediately afterwards. !■•!.'■'

The Chairman moved:—"That the existing Articles of Association be rescinded, and that the Articles of Association, for warded by post to each member of the Company, and wnich are now before this meeting, signed by the Chairman of the Company, and sealed with the Company's seal, be substituted therefor."

The Engineer's report estimates the total cost of section 2 at £200,000.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that but for the obstruc tion of the Government the line would have been completed, and the validity of the I'otorua leases would then never have been questioned. The report was adopted. Messrs Camp bell, Clark, and Comiskey wero re-elected Directors, and Messrs Milno and Way mouth Auditors.

AGRICULTURAL.

Thkke are twenty-two millions of sheop in Now Zealand.

Wattle bark cultivation is about to be started in I'iako district.

Flower Shows in Canterbury this season aro the best known for years. Buttor and cheese in largo quantities aro 6ont from New Zealand to Australia. Waikato cheese is in demand at Bris bane.

Tho steamer Florida left Dunedin for London on March 15, with 60,000 carcases frozen mutton.

There mo about 3,000 wild sheep at large in Marlborough district, and tenders are called for their destruction. :..

A Cheeso and Butter Factory Company, with a capital of £25,000, ha 3 been started at Gisborne.

The N.Z. Agricultural Co., in ISB2, laid Ho,Gl. r>lbs of poison for rabbit3,and received 944,575 rabbit skins.

By a now method of netting rabbits, over 2,000 were killed in one day lately in Marl borough district. At Canterbury Ram Fair on the March 20, there were over 2,000 entries, and most of the animals catalogued were sold. Maoris in Tamahere district have again started tho culturoof wheat, and have just harvested a fine crop. '',"'

Over a thousand kegs of butter were shipped to Sydney by tho Itotomahana on March 19.

Samples of Fijian tea were on view at Messrs 15. Tonics and Co,'s auction mart on March 7, and attracted considerable atten tion. ' ,

The Hon../. T. Peacock .gives .£IOO for a trophy to bo competed fo**at the November show of the Canterbury Agricultural, and Pastoral Association.' .^j;.>." ■--

Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has 337 members and 130 life members. Last year'a income was £3,060, and there In now a credit b&lanco Ot £23 ids.

Tho Resident Magistrate At Christchurch has upheld the right of an apiarist to trespass on other people's land ill order to recover cwavnis 6f bees belonging to him; Tho directors of To Awamutu Cheese Factory have resolved to send five tons of cheeso to England as a trial lot. It is thought a good market could be found in India and China,

The ram and ewe fair at Oamaru on the Gth March was highly successful, there being upwards of 000 sheep entered, which with few exceptions wore all sold at satis factory prices. It is estimated that in the Waikato and Waipa counties this year the wheat raised will amount to about 100,000 bushels, and oats iiO.OOO, the average being about 40 bushels per acre. There are over GO tons of cheese on hand at Te Awamutu factory, so that the Com pany can claim the Government bonus of £000 whenever they export that quan tity.

Tho Waikato wheat crop this year is rather disappointing—the ears in some cases hot being well filled. The acreage under wheat this season is much greater than ever it was formerly.

At Pukekoho Cheese Factory thero aro now 1,365 cheese in the curing room, these having been made since 14th January last. Tho factory has suspended operations in the meantime on account of the scarcity of milk,

A dairy factory is about to be erected at Wairoa South, which with buildings and machinery i 3 expected to cost £2,700. Messrs Ingram and Fox, Auckland, have undertaken tho work, and the factory wrill embrace some new features, such as con densation of milk, and canning of dairy produce for export.

Farmers' Co-operative Association.

A meeting of those interested in the establish ment of a Farmers' Co-operaUvo Association for this portion of tho colony was held at Hamilton, Waikato, on tho evoning of March 10. There wero about seventy present, includ ing the principal farmers from tho various out lying districts, and tho chair was occupied by the Mayor of Hamilton. The Secretary submitted a report, which stated that in can vassing the district tho belief had been universally expressed that the Association, if started on a propor basia, was calculated to greatly ameliorate tho present unsatisfactory condition of the farming and pastoral industries. He believed .i.0.'0 shares could be floated in the various districts, mado up as follows, approxi mately :—Te Awamutu District, 1,500; Tama here, 1,500; Piako, 600; Waipa (from Alexandra to Nearunwahia), 500; Hamilton District, 100; sundry outlying districts, 500. Total, 5,000. The farming population of Waipa and Wai kato being about 1,0 0, this would allow on an average 5 shares or nn expenditure of £5 lo each, with an interval of 20months between the first and final payments. Tho report then set forth thu advantages which tho farmers would derive from tho Association, both in minor as well as in general business matters. Tho ap proximate value bf cropa grown in tho districts for the season is estimated to be aa follows : - Wheat, £32,000; oats, £10,000; barley, £1,000; potatoes. £20,000; cheese in factories, £5,500: total, £08,500. Mr W. A. Graham then proposed "That a Farmers' Co-operative Asso ciation be formed in accordance with the memorandum of Association." This was seconded by Mr Brooks, and aftor discussion (tho various speakers supporting proposition) was carried. It was also agreed that the name of the Society should bo "Tho North Now Zealand Farmers' Co-oporative Association." Provisional directors having bcon appointed, the meeting terminated.

Beekeepers' Association.

A meeting of beekeepers was held on tho evening of March 21, in Kidd's Com. mercial Hotel, Shortland-st., Auckland, and woll attended. The Auckland Provincial 800-keopers' Association was represented by Dr. Dalziol, the Secretary. Mr Hopkins was appointed chairman, and Mr H. H. Hayr secretary. Mr Bagnall, tho convener of the meeting, cxplainod its objects, and said tho meoting was not oppoßed to the Itcekeupcrs' Association already formed. He thought thero would be a number of apiarists at the Auckland Horticultural Show, nnd it would be a good timo to hold a meeting with the view of inaugurating an association. Ho was previously awajcn^ ef tho existence of tho "Pr^Tneial Beo-kcepcrs' Association, "^--flfe would move, "Thatintluj p^sffon of this meeting it p-4#&fftiffi£ that an association of bee "troopers bo formed."—Socondcd by Mr Mulvany.—Dr. Dalziel recommended that bee-keepers should join the Socioty already in existence, instead of starting another, and moved, as an amendment, "That in tho opinion of this meeting it is undesir able to form another Bee-keepers' Asaocia tion in tho provincial district of Auck land, thoro being already one in exist ence."—A lengthened discussion followed, and finally Mr Bagnall's motion wn.« carried. The following was also carried :— " That a committee be formed, consisting of the Chairman, Secretary, Dr. Dalziel. Messrs Mulvany, Newland, Graham. Robinson, Shadwell, and Bagnal], to communicate with the bee-keopers in all parts of New Zealand, and frame rules to be submitted to a general meoting to be called by tho Committee." A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed tho meet ing.

Horticultural Show.

The Autumn Show of the Auckland Gardeners' Horticultural Society was opened on the afternoon of March 20. in the Volunteer Drill-shed, Park Road. It may at once be said that the number and , quality of the exhibits aro fully up to the average, and that they have been very neatly classified, while the display of apiarian appliances and products forms a novel and highly welcome feature for the visitors. In the department of foliage and pot plants, Mr James Mason was formerly facile princeps, but on this occasion he i.-i exceedingly hard pressed, if not fairly eclipsed by Mr F. Bennett (gardener to Mr S. Morrin), and Mr Carrothers (gardener to Mr It. W. Moody). The display is very creditable, but not sufficiently varied, no entries being made in a great many classes. Considering how un favourable the season has been for floral productions, the show of flowers must be pronounced very fair. The dahlias appear to especial advantage, and there are some nice gladioli, while the bouquets are prettily made up, and exhale a highly agreeable odour. For fruit, also, the season has operated prejudicially, but still our orchards well sustain their growing re pute. So far as number is concerned, tho apples throw everything else completely into the shade, and their quality will stand comparison. It would be difficult to say how many varieties are represented. It is in the particular point of quality that .the hot-house grapes claim the premier consideration and command the nighest praise. There iB an abundance of large and symmetrical bunches of both dark and light grapes with berries on them in many cases as large as small plums, luscious to a degree that is almost irresistible, and by the judges declared to be very grateful to the palate. Amongst the light varieties Pearson's Golden Queen, the Golden Champion on Isabella Stock, the Duke of Buccleucb, the egg-shaped Waltham Cross and the Waltham Seedling claim at tention while of the grapes, the Madresfield Court, Gros Colman, and Gros Guillaume cannot be passed over in silence. There is a miserable show of Cape gooseberries (a fruit once common enough here, but now rather rare), and a display of magnificent quinces that would do honour to any show in the world. There are also some fine pears and tomatoes, the golden pear being especially good,andafew—avery few peaches. Hob^s's Late is rather too much speckled, but tho Comet or Solway variety look nico. Tho plums and apricots are very good, par ticularly Pond's Seedling, among tho former fruit. It must bo admitted that tho vegetables appear to better advantago than ono would imagine, bearing in mind tho lateness of the season and the extremely unpropitious weather. There is a capital show of potatoes and carrots, somo plethoric onions and beet, very largo broad beans and peas, and a commendable representation of the pumpkin and melon family. The nascent tobacco industry makes a good display. We understand that the samples are pronounced to be h'rst class, the Auckland soil having a tendency to produco a leaf very like the best Havana. The sample grown by Mr James Mason for the New Zealand Tobacco Com pany is said to be particularly good. As we have already mentioned, the display of honey and apiarian appliances is one of the features of the Show. It is interesting as indicating how much capital and skill are embarked in the industry, and gratifying as proving what success has been attained. Mr Shadwell obtains the prize for the best sample of beeswax, and Mr Hopkin.s prizes for tho best samploa of comb foundation* for sections and brood frames respectively, while Messrs Bacr nall Bros, carry off the honours for tho most " neatly got-up " tins of extracted honey, and the best collection of apiarian appliances. There are also highly credit able samples of tinned honey, ready for the market, from the Auckland district, the Thames, Katikati, Matamata, and Poverty Bay, so that there is no lack of competition in this class. Tho Society celebrated the opening of their Autumn Showby a dinner in the Park Hotel on tin: I'JtL ?. voh. There was a very good re presentation of the members present. Ar. excellent repHst was provided by Host Two l]ill,andampleiusticehavingbeendonotothe vianri-i, tho tables were cleared, and a pro gramme of toasts followed. Mr C. T. Wren presided, and the vice-chair was occupied by mr McDonald, '

FIRES.

A LAiioK bush fire, Which' destroyed throe houses, a largo quantity of .stock, and a hundred ttcres of valuable bush, is reported fl'Oin Happy Valley, near Nelson.

A five-roomed at Manaia, belonging to Mrs Jas. Vickeny, was destroyed by fire on March 13.

The steam saw-mill of Mr Grimwonld, at Ross, was burned down on March IS. The origin of tho fire is a mystery.

A kitchen and wash-house and Grauville's fruit shop, at Blenheim, were burnt down on March 18 ; cause, accidental.

A cottage at Ohaupo, belonging to Dcid rick Bartels, was burned down on March 18. Incendiarism i 3 suspected. A house in course of erection at Puriri for Mr Wright was destroyed by fire on tho night of March 23. A six-roomed house at Patea, occupied by Mr Land berg, was burned down on the 24th March through the upsetting of a kerosene lamp.

A fire broke out on the morning of March 13 in I'ascoe's oyster saloon, Nelson, by which the whole place was completely gutted.

A shop and bakery at Akaroa, Canter bury, were burned down on March 15. They were insured for £300 in the Now Zealand Office.

C. E. Martin's sawmill at Winton Bush, near Invercargill, was destroyed by lire on the morning of 3rd March. Insur ance : £6.3.0 in the New Zealand olDco, of which £000 was reinsured in the National, Victoria, and Union, £200 each.

On Saturday, Ist March, a six-roomed house at Oxford, Canterbury, tho property of W. Ford, was burnt. Tho furniture and tools to tho value of £100, with Ford's wages for the month, were destroyed. The building was worth £170, and was insured for £100.

A h'ro occurred, on March 6th, in a four roomed house occupied by George Railton, carpenter, South Dunedin, and also de stroyed a cottage owned by Philip Dnndon, and occupied by a man named Swineherd. Kailton was insured for £245 in the South British Office, and Swineherd's furniture for £100 in tho London and Lancashire.

Tho new store of Mossrs Bishop and Palmer at Middlemarsh, Strath Taieri, Otago, was burnt down either on Thurs day night, 2Sth February. Tho Nor wich Union Company had a risk of £1,000 on the premises and stock, but two-thirds of the amount was reinsured in the United and Australian Mercantile office.

Henderson's flax-mill at Blenheim, Marl borough, was burned down on March sth, nothing being left standing but tho water-wheel, Tho damage is estimated at £100. The building wan insured in tho Liverpool and London Ollico for £100. Tho cause of tho tiro is unknown, Henderson's mill has been burned down three times previously. The police have recoived information of tho destruction by firo on tho 14th March of a five-roomed eottago, tho property of James Johnston, and situated at Northcote, Tho iiro is supposed to havo boon caused by boys lighting long grass and furzo in tho vicinity of the eottago. Tho building was insured for £200 in the New Zealand Insur ance Company.

A wooden storo at Kuwakawa, containing mining materials, oils, paints, tallow, &c, bolonging to tlio Bay of Islands (Vial Com pany, was burnt to ashes at 7.30 p.m. on March It). Tho cause is unuccount ablo, saving spontaneous combustion, as thoro was no lire in the building or its vicinity. It was raining at tho time. Thero was a miraculous oscapo of lifo from an explosion of a small quantity of powder and dynamite caps. Ono man was slightly hurt, and buildings in tho vicinity were shattered. The property ir insured.

A house of ton rooms, occupiod, by Moss Nantes as a private^ f"5hool, at Bui clutlia, Otago, was ly.vrribd down on tho afternoon of Mwcli 7th. Tho origin i.-i believed to .1% ashes thrown out behind tho kitcfe&W." The building was tho property of slr Aspinall, solicitor, Tomultß, and is be lieved to bo insured for i'tiOO. Tho furni ture, which was mostly saved, was insured in tho Norwich Union for £200. A houso of live rooms adjoining, belonging to Mr Keumant, County Clerk, caught firo and was burned down. It was insured for £250 in tho Norwich Union and for t'so in tho Colonial, Tho furnituro and oll'octs were iaved. Thoy aro innurcd in various ollices for £300.

On Wednesday afternoon, sth March, a firo originated in tho roof of n bakehouse in the occupation of It, Farrcll, baker, I'rincos-streot, Onehunga. Tho fire spread over the shingled roof with groat rapidity, but tho new fire-bell, which was used to advantago, sont forth tho alarm, and in a few minutes a numbor of willing hands assembled at tho sceno of the tiro. They got up on tho roof, and with a good supply of water from a well close by the liro was soon extinguished beforo any great damago was done. Sparks from an engine used for cutting firewood near tho bakehouse are believed to have caused the firo. The house is owned by Mr Isaac Wilson, store keeper, and is insured for £150 in the Now Zealand Insurance Company.

About two o'clock on tho morning of March 10 a fire broke out in the stable at tached to the residence of Mr James 11. Hayr, Hillaboro', Three Kings. Mrs Hayr first discovered the fire through the light shining in at the bedroom window. Tho alarm was speedily given, but no thing could be done to save tho outbuildings, which comprise a stable, cowshed, hay lott, etc. A haystack containing about 50 tons of hay was also destroyed, and a buggy, somo harnoss, reaping machine, and some agricultural machinery was also destroyed. Mr Hayr assessed his loss at £400, not a penny of which is covered by insurance. The resi denco was insured for £050 in tho Imperial, but it was not damaged at all. Incendiar ism is suspected, as no other theory can be advanced to account for tho origin of the firo.

A fire occurred on March 5 in the shop of Mr Brookos, photographer, Hawera, and extended on one side to the promises of Mr Suitor, tailor, and on the other to thoso of Mr Pitchor, watchmaker and jeweller. Mr Suitor and Mrs Pitcher narrowly escaped suffocation by gmoko. Tho fire was got under bofore much damage was done. Tho buildings are insured in the Northern and National Office for £400 ; Pitcher's stock and furniture in tho Colonial for £700; Suiter's in the National for £200. Brookos, tho principal loser, is uninsured. Another fire broke out on the night of March 7 in the same promises as whoro tho previous fire occurred. Suiter's place was on this occasion guttod, and Brookos's partly so. Bobbins, Pierard & Co., Pitcher, M. O. King, and others lose owing to removal of goods. The circumstances are so sus picious that Suiter was arrested on tho charge of arson. He was brought up next morning and remanded, £500 bail being de manded.

A fire, which destroyed two wooden cottages at Kensington, South Dunedin, the property of G. H. Marsden, tinsmith, occurred shortly before 12 o'clock on Sunday night, March 2. It originated in one of the houses occupied by John Massoy. At the time of the fire only his two daughters were in the house, Mr Massey being at Port Chalmers, and hip wifo iit Naseby. The occupants of the house state that when they went to bed they left a lamp burning on the dresser close to a sholf in the kitchen. Some time afterwards they were awakened by tho crackling of flames, and by smoke in their room. They know nothing of tho origin of the lire. They had not a great deal of furniture in the house, but what littlo they had was uninsured and was totally destroyed. Tho adjoining houso was occupied as a boarding house by Mrs Edwards; her furniture and offocts -Hero also uninsured. Mrs Croat, who owns tho boarding-houso, is insured in the South British Office for LSOO. Marsdon's house was insured for £50 in tho London and Lancashire OfKco.

The residents on Mount Eden Road and vicinity bid fair to obtain an unenviable reputation for conflagrations of a more or less destructive character. On Saturday night, Mai'oh 1, tho fire bells again rang out their alarm, and it was speedily found that tho fire was on Gaol Koad, running off the Mount Eden Road, and about 60 yards from the last lire in that locality. The fire broke out in Mr Creamer's residence, a house of five or six rooms, and in a few minutes the next cottage, occupied by Mr John Patrick and family, also caught. Both houses were speedily reduced to ashes, while several neigh bouring houses narrowly escaped a similar fate. Nothing in known as to the origin of the fire. Mr Creamer states that he shut up his house at live o'clock, saw that every thing was safe, and proceeded to town. Mr Patrick had only been inside his house about five minutes, having just returned from St. Helier's Bay, when he smelt smoke and soot, and on going outside, saw that the kitchen of Mr Creamer's house was ablaze He burst in the door, but nothing could be saved, so ho then took out what he could of his own furniture.

An eight-roomed dwelling in Franklin Koad, was destroyed by (ire on March '.). The house was owned by Mr P. Smith an employe ofthe Auckland Timber Company, and was in tho occupation of Mr G. Gee, foreman at the Coflco Palace Dining Rooms. The faniily were away at church, with the exception of a little girl aged nine years, who nad gone in tcJMr Montrose's residence

adjoining to await the return of her parents. This little girl, after amusing herself with tho neighbour's children, returned home and fell asleep on the sofa. Shortly after she was awakened by tho heat and flames, and on getting up saw a mass of ilames behind tho kitchen door, where the gas meter was situate. She then gave the alarm, and those in the vicinity succeeded insaving a quantity of tho furniture. Tho lire had obtained a strong hold before tho arrival of the Fire Brigade, and a good deal of time was lost huutingfor the fire-plugs, whichhad been covered up with road metal and debris. The Brigade, however, got on water in time to save the adjoining building. Tho house occupied by Mr C. 0. Montroso is the property of Mr Sheddan. It was consider ably scorched. Mr Montroso is a loser, a considerable portion of his furniture being damaged in removal. The house destroyed was insured in the South British Insurance for £300, but Mr Smith estimates hi.y loss at fully £150 over that amount. Mr Gee's furniture was insured in the Norwich Union for £75, and his loss is considerable.

Another disastrous lire occurred at an early hour on the morning of March 4, and resulted in the destruction of the stock of Messrs W. E. Wall and Co., drapers, of Queen-street, and also serious damage to their business premises. The building, which comprises both Mr Wall's and Mr Easdown's shops,'is of brick, and the fire was therefore confined within tho limits of the four brick walls, thanks to the energy and efficiency of the Brigade and to the effectiveness of a copious supply of water. Nothing whatever is known concerning the origin of the outbreak, and, as we have al ready said, tho whole affair ia mysterious. Constable Solo passed the shop about IB minutes before tho alarm was given, and saw no sign of lire. All those who were early on the scene agree that the out break occurred at tho rear of the shop. The premises are gutted, but the damage to the goods insido is confined to Mr Wall's stock, which is almost totally destroyed. Tho building belonged to Mr Easdown, and was insured by him in the Standard for £1,000, while there was a further policy of £250 on tho stock. Messrs Wall & Co. had theirstock of drapery insured in the Colonial for £1,000, and Norwich Union for t2,000, and tho plate glass windows for {.'A, Thoy arc thus covered to tho extent of £3,030, but Mr Wall says thoy will lose £1,000 over and above this, as when they took stocck three weeks ago, tho valuo was more than £'1,000.

A destructive firo occurred at l'onsonby early on Sunday morning, March l(i, when several houses wore burned to tho ground and other buildings considerably damaged. Shortly boforo seven o'clock Mr James Maxwell, dairyman of Jervois Koad, ob served smoko rising from tho roof of a two-storied shop belonging to Mr W. G. Allen, of Clarenco-streot. At this time thci'o was no tiro visiblo, but vory soon flames came through tho roof. Maxwell immediately gavo tho alarm, and Constable Collis spcodily appeared on tho scono, shortly followed by Sergt. White, Constables Bornardand M itchcll, and DetcctivoTwohoy. Tho llroboll was rung, and a largo crowd colloctcd. Tho speedy progress made by tho tiro placed sovoral adjoining housesinimminentdangor.HtidtliooccupantH who had not been previously aroused wore nuulo awaro of thoir perilous position. Mr David llyauiason, ironmonger, who occupied ono of tho buildings, wag awakened by a loud knocking at his windows and door, accom panied by cries (if "Firo!" lie immediately partially dressed, and then found that his wife, brother, and children had alws.-'oeon alarmed. Tho childrojuloftj tlio house in their nighld^pi-^rcs, and were removed to n ncigjibiyflrs. Mr Hyliaison's building soon "Caught lire, and a cottage bolonging to Mr Allen and occupied by Mr K. L. Smith, .situated on the opposite side of tho shops where the iiro originated, also ignited. The occupants, assisted by many willing friends, made a great effort to savo tho furnituro and effect*, and they succeeded in removing many useful articles. Tho fire all this time was causing great destruction. Tho Firo Brigade, under Superintendent Hughes, appeared upon the scene as early as could be expected, considering the distance they hud to travel from town, but then Allen's two shops, Hyauaison's pre mises, one of Allen's cottages, Allon's work shop and stable, were so far gone that no hope was entertained of saving them. Another cotlago belonging to Allon, and a cottage belonging to Mr (Jiflbrd, and oc cupied by Mr Hazard, had also caught fire. Alien'ssoeond cottage was partinlly burned, mid Mr Ciiflbrd'f cottage completely gutted, but here tho tire had been subdued, and all danger was speedily at an ond. The origin of the liro is a mystery, but it is sup posed that it was caused by some porsons sleeping in tho shop belonging to Mr Allon. Another destructive firo occurred shortly beforo daybreak on tho 23rd March. The scene of operations on this occasion was that portion of Wollesley-strcot between Nelson-street and Freeman's Bay, and the houscsdestroyed were those in the occupation of Mrs O'Connell, Limerick laco worker, and Mr l'carson Wilson, while Mrs Halstcad's and Mr Duppuy's residences were seriously damagod. Incendiarism is again assigned as the most probable theory to account for the outbreak, and tho suspicion of foul play is strengthened by circum stances which have come to light since tho occurrence. Tho lire broko out in the premises of Mrs O'Connoll, which appear to havo boon unoccupied at tho time. Tho alarm was given by Miss Charlotte Halstcad, who resides with hor mother, in the adjoining houso. Sho was roused from her sleep in an upstairs room by a crackling noise, and proceeding toa window, observed llamos shooting upwards from tho kitchen of Mrs O'Connoll's houso, Neigh bours bogan to assemble immediately after tho alarm was given, and one of tho first on tho sceno was Mr Gcorgo Leahy, who rosides opposite. Mrs Halstoad has been suffering fro£ rheumatic foyer for some six weeks past, and her removal was attended with difficulty and some danger to herself. She was fortunately carried out beforo the flamos had extended sufficiently far to prevent egress, and was takon across to Mr Leahy's house in safety. The Firo Brigado arrived on the scono very soon after the alarm had beon given. The struggle was short and decisive. Scarcely halfan-hour had elapsed boforo tho lire was extinguished, .The two centre houses wero completely destroyed, while Halstead's and Duppuy's suffered to tho extent that tho walls nearest to the fire wore burnt through and the roofs badly damaged. Tho Brigade, Salvago Corps, and Naval Artillery all worked well during the progress of tho firo, whilo tho police mustered in force under Sergeants Kiely, Clarke, and McMahon. Detectives Walker, Twohey, and Hughes were also present.

Considerable excitement was caused in town on March 261 h by an alarm of fire, which was taken up by tho various bolls and continued for some time. No difficulty was experienced in discovering tho causo of the alarm. Dense volumes of smoke ascendod from tho direction of Chapcl stroet, and on arriving in that neighbourhood it wan found that tho Aurora Hotel was on five. The flames had not at that time broken through the roof, but smoko was issuing from the various apertures, thus giving strength to the im pression that the fire had obtained a firm hold. A crowd began to assemble very speedily, and tho burning building was soon surrounded by an immenso throng of persons, tho majority of whom appeared to havo been attracted from their business in Lown by the ringing of tho bells and the desire to witness the conflagration. When the first half-dozen neighbours arrived on the scone, they wero astonished to obscrvo tho female cook of tho hotel, a woman named Jano Ken nedy, at one of tho upstairs windows. Her exit by tho ordinary means appeared to have been cut off, and sho was calling for help. Mr Bell, butcher, and soveral other persons obtaincda ladder, and it having been placed underneath the window, shemadoher escape by this moans. Had tho assistance not reached her when it did, there is but littlo doubt that tho would havo beon .suffocated by tho denso smoko. Sho ex plained to hor rescuers that when tho alarm was given sho had gone upstairs with the objoct of getting her clothes and offects, und that she was then unable to return as sho had gone. Her property was allowed to remain bohind her. The lire was under con trol very soon after arrival of the Brigade. An investigation of the damage showed that it was very extensive, and certainly much moro so than would bo imagined by a glanco from tko outside. Tho fire was confined to what is known as the old part of tho hotel abovo the bar, but this is completely gutted. The whole of the interior of the_ first and second floors may be said to be burnt out, and there can bo but little donbt that at least the greater portion of tho hotel will require to bo re-constructed.

The premises of ,lamos Bi'ackenridge, baker, Invercargill, were burned down on tlic morning of Mar. 22. They are situated a good distance from tho ■ Brigade station, and very little furniture was saved. The building waa insured for £200 in the Colonial, the stock for £100 in the same olllco, and the bakehouse, tool^, and furni ture for £125 in the New Zealand Office. The tire broke out in'the kitchen, but the CIWSQ js unknown.

MEETINGS.

At a final meeting of Christchurch Exhi bition Committee, held on March 4, the balance-sheet showed the receipts to have beon £3,002 10s lid, and the expenses £2,879 lCs Bd.

The meeting of tho members of the J. E. Redmond branch of the Irish National League at the Catholic Institute, Welling ton-street, was well attended on March 21, Six new members were elected and twelve proposed for election at the next meeting. The rules and regulations as amended were confirmed and adopted. A number of read ings and recitations wore givon by mem bers. At tho next meeting, to be held on the 4th proximo, a paper will be read on "Iroland's Young Recruits."

The monthly meeting of the University College Council was held on Wednesday, March 19. A communication was received from the Board of Education inquiring if Miss Louise Dnrrieu, who had matriculated at the University, and held an open scholar ship under the Board, Mould be permitted to attend University classes subject to the conditions of her scholarship. The Regis trar was instructed to ascertain whether the tuition as desired could be given. Sir G. Mi O'Rorke was re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year.

An adjourned meeting of tho Auckland Benevolont Society was hold on Friday, March 22, when tho following names were added to tho Ladies' Committee :—Mrs J. M. Clark (Newmarket), Mrs Caldcr (I'on 3onby), Mrs Potter Clark, Mrs Hutchinson (Nowton),!Mrß L. D. Nathan (Newton West), and Mrs Moore. It was decided to ask Mrs Ashwell of l'arncll to take a district. The Secretary stated that there had been numer ous applications for relief, and it was agreed, " That the Secretary bo empowered, in a case of urgency, to grant a night's lodging to any one in distress, providing that in every instance tho matter bo reported on tho following day to tho Chairman of tho Executive" Mr Cooper was requested to investigate tho truth of statements, made by Mrs Carter, who sought protection from her husband, and the meeting terminated.

At the meetingof tho Hospital Committee of Management on the 18th March, Mr E. A. Mackechnio resigned tho position of Chairman, as ho found the tax upon his time and attention too great, il is Worship tho Mayor was elcctodChairman,andMossrs Mackechnio, Bull, Dando, Colonel Haultain, and the Mayor wore appointed a House Committee The Colonial Secretary wrote stating that the accumulated surplus of revenues derived from the Hospital and other reserves held to seeuro the repayment of the loan out of which the Auckland Hos pital building was erected is £2,500; that no charge has beon mado against tho sur plus ; that tho estimated annual surplus of uicomo ovor charges id £295 ; and that tho total amount of debentures drawn and re deemed ia £1,400.

Mr It. Turnbull, member for Timaru, addressed a meeting of his constituents on tho I7th March. Most of tho address had reference to tho land question, Mr Turnbull condemning tho holding of largo blocks, and of any blocks, largo or small, for specu lative purposos. Ho advocated a progros sivo land tax as a first tax, an income tax noxt in order, and if thoso wore not sufficient, then a tax that would reach the industrial clnssos. He proposed that tho land tax should bo Is in tho £ on tho value with cer tain modifications. Ho argued that the land tax would burst up big estates owned by English capitalist companies, but would not injure resident freoliuWrtirs. J'lo advo cated annuth'i "parliaments, at least ho long im. Worrowing continued, a measuro to give electors a better control over tho representa tion, and the restriction of votes at tho goneral elections to ono, At tho close of tho address a votouf confidence was paused. A gathering in connection with the Auckland Temperance Mission for the pur poso of thanksgiving for the recent Temper aneo victories was hold on March 11, in tho Theatre Koyal, and was well attended. Mr J. Bramo presided, and in his opening re marks said that both the foremost workers in the movement and thoso outside of it. were surprised at tho complete victory of tho Temperance platform. Tho success in question he attributed to the inauguration of tho Gospel Tom]K)ran<'o Mission. Mr Parker Mas tho next speaker, and ho was followed by tho liev. T. McKenzic Fraser, who regretted that ho had been tardy in giving more active adhesion to tho Tcmporanco cause. They should make a Temperate uso of thoir victory, and they must bowaro of an unkind demeanour to thoso opposed to them. He also suggested as substitution for tho working men's ghiss the establishment of temperance houses whero a good meal might bo supplied at a small cost. Mr J. Newman and Rev. Alex. Kcid also addressed the mooting, and a collection was taken up, which realised £15 2s (id. During the evening various hymns were rendored with the assistanco of a choir.

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

O. S. FiritXKss has drowned himself at Nelson whilo temporarily insane.

At Kaiapoi, Canterbury, on March 4, an old man named Moorhouso fell off a load of hay and was killed.

A lad named Braddon, aged 11, was drowned in the swimming baths at Nelson On March 4. Cause, cramp.

Mr Fisher, a Canterbury farmer, has got his left arm frightfully cut and hacked by falling beforo a reaping machine. KcdFishor, an oldstorokcoporatSkippers, Otago, committed suicide by shooting him self on March 11.

AVm. Farquhar, farmor at Ambcrloy, Canterbury, was gored to death by a two yoar-old bull bolonging to himsolf on sth March.

At tho inquost on tho body of tho man washed away in tho avalancho on Taruru Creek, a verdict of accidental drowning was returned.

A boy named Hall was on March 2 kicked on tho forehoad by a horse at Wanganui. His brain was oxposcd, and ho is scarcely expected to recover.

A young woman named Maria O'Connor was found in a dying stato inWollingtan on March 22, and oxpirod shortly after removal to tho Hospital.

Allan Campboll, a sottlcr at Macrao's, Otago, was killed on March 13 by being run ovor by a dray. Hi« wife and ono of his twolvo children witnossod tho shocking event.

David Heoney, farmer, was attacked by a two-year-old polled bull on Sunday, 9th March, and tossed over a fence. Ho sus tained severe internal injuries, and is in a critical condition.

A young man, named Edgar Reborn, a rocont arrival by tho British Queon, was severely injured by a fall of earth on tho Manawatu railway works. Ho is in Wel lington Hospital in a precarious condition. A man named T.Wilson, employed at tho Devonport Timber Mills, mot with a pain ful accident on tho 20th March. He was working at tho circular saw, when his right hand was accidentally drawn in and cut off.

On Tuesday night, March 18, a carter named Wm. Duffy was found doad on tho North Road, six milos from Duncdin, having been run ovor by his cart and killed. Drink, as usual, had a sharo in the catastrophe.

Charles Stewart, aged 12, a son of Mr Stewart, timber morchant, of Wellington, was thrown from his horso on March 17th, owing to it becoming startled at the circus band. Ho novcr recovered consciousness, and died next morning.

A boy named Kolly, about 17 years of ago, was accidentally shot through tho right arm at tho Ritlo Butts, Nelson, on tho 18th March, and died of his injuries in tho Hos pital on March 21. Deceased was a promising youth, and had passod the Civil Service Examination.

Captain Harris, of tho brigantino Kan som, which arrived from Marshall Group on tho 11th March, reports that tho King of Apamania has taken possession of Nanoucho, an island of tho Gilbert Group. Many of tho inhabitants woro killed, and about 200 taken prisonors. Two lishormon, named Brittain andScot moro, were drowned at Wanganui on March 23. They had crossed tho bar outwards at 7.30 a.m., and noticing a- squall coming, made for the river,/but capsized before tho pilot boat could render assistance. Brit tain was married, and Scotinore was single, aged 62. An accident occurred on tho Papanui tram, Christchurc\i, on tho afternoon of March 19. A tube in the boiler burst, and the engine-driver was blown off on to the road. Ho was removed to the Hospital, but it is believed ho is not seriously injured. Miss Champness, a passonger, jumped oil', and severely injured the base of her skull. On March 5, a man named Brown was found dead at Wanganui under shocking conditions. He and his wife had been on a drunken spree for six months, and the upshot was that ho was found dead under the bed, on which his wife lay raving mad with drink. At the inquest an account for beer was produced, showing that in two months 150 gallons of beer had been de livered to him. The Taylor llivor rose during Saturday night, March 8, in consequence of two days heavy rain, and Hooded tho low-lying portions of the town. The damage to pro perty is very slight. George Hare, a fire wood dealer, residing at Para, on thePieton Road, whilst returning from Picton on horseback* was drowned in the Waitobi'

Creek, wfiicn' Mi b'Mf?b'wect its banks and cov,er«l th 6 bridgo. , ~ . y j. At the iriq.iiesf on fhe fott-keepci, 2W«J gan, who killed on tho railway, at V, els lington, a verdict of *' Accidental Death " was returned. Tho evidence siicWed. that tho train was going 17 or IS miles an holif: The whistle was sounded, and every effort made to warn tho deceased and stop the train, but without effect, lie was standing with his back to the line, apparently taking no notice.

A young man named Ocorge McCurdy, while shoeing a horse in a Danlow blacksmith's shop, Invorcargill, was struck on the head by the animal, and his skull broken, The sufferer Mas picked up unconscious and removed to the Hospital, whore lie was foimd to bo suffering from comminuted fracture of tho skull. Trepanning was found necessary, and the operation was performed by Hospital Surgeon Wardall, assisted by Dr. Hamon. Several pieces of bone were re moved from tho brain, The sufferer is un conscious, and his right side is paralysed. A man named Robert Lawrence Allen, who wtfs living at tho Hibernian Hotel, Onehunga, sudden!? dfspjjscl down in the yard, on March 13, and though -attended to at once, life was found to be cxtiticw Deceased was in the prime of life and was of sober habits. Ho was formerly a member of the Armed Constabulary, but had for some time boon living on his moans. Dr. Scott has given a certilicato to tho effect that deceased died of heart disease.

While Captain J. 11. Edwards was going on board tho schooner Norval at tho breast work on March S, he was struck on tho head with a plank and knocked into the water, and falling between the vessel and the wali was somewhat crushed. Ho was taken home, and Dr. Richardsoii, tvho was called in, found that several of his ribs were broken, and that he had also sustained a severe blow on tho head.

Mr Robert Garrott, of the linn of Garrott Brothera, boot manufactui'oi'fl, met with a painful aocidont on Mar. IU. Howasdriving a spring-trap froinWuJlcoJniti to Avondale, when onu of the wheels suddenly nflnk in a deep rut. He jumped out, fearing that fhe vehicle would capm/.0, and irx doing so he fell. Two other occupants of the trap fell on top of him, and when ho attempted to rise lie discovered that one of his legs was broken. Ho waa assisted to Avondale, whero Dn Young set his broken limb.

A lad named Andrew Pent, about 14 yoavs of age, left his home at i'arawai, Thames, on Sunday morning, March !), in quest of cattle. Tho boc'.y of tho missing lad was found on the 11th March in a' water-holo in Waikiokio Creek, Thames, about t\vo_ miles above I'arawai Gardens. The neck is apparently broken, from which it is supposed that he "may have fallen from the steep and rocky banks adjoining the pool. A fatal accident occurred at Woodßido, on the Great South Koad, on March 11, whoti a littlo girl, daughter of Mr John Carr, farmer, met her death in a very pain ful manner. Mr Carr had brought homo a load of wood in a cart, and had left it for a moment to opon tho gate, when his littlo girl climbed upon tho cart. When the cart started again, tho unfortunate child fell on tho ground, and beforo Mr Carr could prevent it, tho whool had passod over her body. She was carried into tho house, and medical attendance was secured, but tho child died withiTf'liall-an-"hota of. tho accident. TYre ('tdctor stated that there -nero no bones broken, and that tho child had probably died from internal injuries.

A man named William Pooley, while en gaged in assisting to discharge the ship Brcnhilda on March 14, met with a rather

serious accident. Three ban of railway iron wero being hoisted from the vessel's hold, and when over the wharf the sling (an iron chain) carried away, and the iron fell out. Ono of tho bars struck i'ooley on tho head and arm, and his injuries proved of so serious a character that Captain Near ing at once procured ft cab and had tho man conveyed to the Hospital. Medical examination showed that I'ooley's left arm was broken, and that he had sus tained a deep cut on tho head just above the tamplo. His injuries wore duly attended to.

Captain Oliver, of tho Koranui, from Westnort, reports that at 9.30 a.m. on March 13, when off Farewell Spit, three of tho crew—Fred Atilj^ren (an ivpprontico), .James Moir Wright (A.B. and a brother of tho second olliecr), and (i Swedish sailor wero engaged cleaning out tho side of the lifeboat, standing on a gangway rigged up for the purpose, when one of the ropes broke, tilting the gangway up, and tho men were precipitated into tho sea. The boat was lowered, and lifebelts thrown, and the steamer put astern, but before the boat reached them, Ahlgrenand Wright had dis appeared. Tho Swedo managed to iloat tilt rescued. Ho said both men had clutched him.

A woman named Roil, tho wifo of a carpenter living at Sydenham, Canter bury, is supposed to havo drowned two of her children in tho lleathcoto River on tho ovoning of March 13. It is believed that her mind has been slightly affected finco her confinement nine months ngo. Sho wont out for a walk, taking her three children, two boys, 3.J and 2-i years respectively, and a baby, a girl, Two men subsequently saw the oldest boy holding* on to willows in tho river, ana rescuod him. The mother was seen with her clothes wet. She and tho rescued child wero taken to the Hospital. Tho bodies of tho otlior children havo boon rocovcred. In answer to Inspector Pender, tho woman said at ono timo that tho children had fallen in, at another that sho did not know how they got into the river. On March 24 an inquest was hold on tho bodies of the child ren of the woman Roil, who had them in hor chargo when they wero drowned, Dr. Thomas stated that Mrs Roil suffered from puerperal mania after her last confinement and on several subsequent occasions had complained of pains in her head. No ovi donco was adduced to show how tho children came to bo in the- river, and tho jury re turned a verdict to that effect,

A distressing occurrence happoned at Patoa, Taranaki l'rovinco, on Saturday night, March 22. Miss Gardner, stewardess of the- 8.8. Waverloy, and two young mon named William Mitchison and Thomas Lawronco woro proceeding to the vossol after witnessing Blondins performance. The night was excessivoly dark, and when the threo were walking along the wharf, Lawronce, who was on the outside, walked off and caught hold of Miss Gardner to save himself. Sho in turn caught Mitchison, and the threo fell into tho river. Mitchison ondcavourcd to save Miss Gardner, but was unable to do so. He managed, however, to get out very much exhausted, and gave tho alarm. A party at onco procoeded to tho spot and commenced dragging. Aftor about half an hours work the body of Lawronco was rocovored closo to whore they 101 l in, but Miss Gardnor's body was not found till next morning, about a quarter of a milo down tho river. Whilo tho work of dragging was going on, a man named Quinn camo near losing his life. In tho darkness ho foil oilf tho wharf, striking tho woodwork, and was with great dilliculty rescued. An inquest was hold on tho 25th March, and a verdict of

•' AccidentalDoath " returned. A littlo girl named Helena Smith, aged about two years, a daughter of Mr Smith, carpenter, of Gcorge-streot, Ponsonby, met hor death on tho afternoon of March 4 under circumstances of a somewhat unusual character. It appears that tho child had been in the habit of playing with tho children of a neighbour named Graham. Tho littlo girl with dor companions, tho oldest of whom was not more than (ivo or six years of age, had boon amusing themselves with a swing suspended in an outhouse at tho roar of Mr Graham's residence. It would appear that tho other children went out leaving tho little girl, Smith, swinging. About 3.30 o'clock, Mrs Graham had occasion to go into the outhouse, and the first thing that met her horror-stricken gaze was tho body of the littlo girl suspended by the neck from tho swing. She was quite dead. Sho had evidently lost hor seat on tho swing, and slipping down, tho rope had become entangled round her nock. Hor feet wero only 16 inchos from tho ground. Dr. McMullen was at onco summoned., He pronounced that tho child had been dead some timo, aud stated tho cause of death to bo strangulation. At the inquest' a verdict of "Accidental death " was returned.

Mr Oliver Wakeiield, Under-Secretary for the Goldfiolds, who was on his way from Wellington to Melbourne by the Waihora, was shockingly and fatally injured by a steam tram in Princes-street, Dunedin, on March 20. He was crossing the street, and in trying to avoid an express waggon was struck by the tram engine and knocked down. The front wheels ran over him, but the engine was stopped before the back wheels could touch him. He was taken to the Hospital in an unconscious state, and there it was) found that both thigh bones wore severed, and that he had sustained a severe scalp wound. Ho recovered consciousness at the Hospital, and the doctors amputated both logs. Mr Wake- Oeld vas a son of Mr Felix Wukefielil, and a brother of Mi- Edward Wakefield, M.H.R., of Thuaru. The deceased lived only about half-an-hoiv after tho surgical operation, but during that time ho was conscious, and spoke to some acquaintances present. The news of the accident has caused a great shock in-this- city, ;At the ■-- inquest

on tho body held on March 22, tf,e evton of Mr Edward WakeMd M H,K.v wa's to tlio effect that hi? brother, l&o deceased, wa's 40 yeflfri flf age. He had been in £.&h& nervottfe ,rtfl*« «f^aflft for some time, arid -*hen m that cOtftUHofi vfas very deaf and liable fa lose his presence of niiaS. The jury found that deatn was ac cidental, realiitinfcfrom deceased1? nef?008 temperament causing Mm to fall m front 61 the engine. They added i ndor.approving of the action of the City Council With re spect to tho removal of steam rnocor* The Secretary of the Tramway Company mentioned that all the motors were to be removed within ten days, and horses sub stituted. Mr Wakcfield was buried on the afternoon of March 23, amongst those who attended being Judge Ward, the Hon.- Mr McLean, tho Hon. Captain Eraser, Mr Bracken (M.H.K.), and Mr Stout. A OJisc a! rilcl'len death occurred at St. Jacob's Ladder, ricav Emily Place, on the morning of March 23. Two men-one of them a gumdigger named Fitt-observcd a man standing on the steps, and apparently very'« eak find ill. They assisted him to the top of the steps and laid him on the grass. He ejaculated: " I'm very weak,' and his features began to work. One1 of the men ,'frtVe (lie alarm, and a lady from one of the adj'oJn'-'t' hoa«e« Wob administering a cup of tea to tfe1 trfdien mrfn when his head fell back and lie ciJpltfid-- Tho name of the deceased was Patrick QibWHSiB gurndigger, and was about 45 years of age. A coronial inquiry into tho circurns'fclrtces attending the death of Margaret Kain, an inmate of the Mount Eden Gaol, took place on March 8, before Dr. Tennent, Coroner, and a jury, of which Mr C. La Koche was chosen foreman. The evidence showed that tho deceased, who was G3 years of age, had boon committed togaolonNovcmbcr 14th Inst it: /'.(lfil n sentence of three months im prisonment (of vagrancy. Being in a state of dcbiliiy.sho irtitcsnbiothe gaol hospital. On the expiry of her' eSsflteflcp, February llth, application was mads by the Oaol authorities for hcradmission to the Hospital, but this had been refused. Two dayß filter the expiry of tho woman's sentence, Mr Kcstofi, gaoler, sent to inquire if she could SO admitted, informing tho Hospital author ities th.Ct she was no longer a prisoner, and then reccft-Sd a repty that they could not admit destitute ftersbns without the authority of the Committee. He Wrote to tho Chairman of the Hospital Committee for an order for her admission, and deceived a reply that there was no room in the Krfuge. On the 18th February he communicated tvfth the visiting Justices on the subject, And they informed him that they tried to get her admitted to tho Hospital, but csuld not. She was well cared for in the Gaol by the surgeon and matfdfi, In reply to a juror, the gaoler stated that it bad been the rulo in extreme cases to remove ptttiCnts to tho District Hospital. This Was the first case of refusal to receive them to his know ledge. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from exhaus tion and weakness, consequent tin general debility, and thpy added a rider, bringing under the notice of the authorities the necessity there exi3ted for providing proper accommodation for female prisoners. In accordance with tho wish of the jury, the Coroner undertook to forward copies of tho correspondence between the Hospital and Gaol authorities on this matter tothe proper Government Department at Wellington.

THE SHIP NORTHUMBERLAND.

Complaints of Immigrants.

Wretched Steerage A€C«mMo<Ution.

With a passage satisfactory in every other respect, it is unfortunate that serious com plaints should have arisen as to the nature of tho accommodation provided for immi grants. Having learned that a formal com plaint had been lodged with Mr 0 Mays, Immigration Officer, by certain of tho passengers, a Stak representative boarded the vessel on March 19, and made a round of inspection, besides personally questioning tho immigrants. He found tho steerage and nominated passengers to be an excellent class of immigrants, whether regard was had to tho single or married people, and as is usual after a long sea voyage, a number were exceedingly communicative in regard to their experi ences. The ship was of course, in a state of " tho most admired disorder," but it was not difficult amid the confusion to sec the state of the fittings, and passen gers' accommodation generally. The saloon and pocond cabin are roomy, convenient, and comfortably fitted, so it is unnecessary to describe them at length. It was in the

Immigrants' Quarters

that we were at first struck by the miser able and totally inadequate provision made for tho health and comfort of passengers, not to speak at all of the means of main taining moral order and decency. Descend ing the main hatchway, we were ushered into what may bo described as a large hall with two rows of sleeping bunks ranged along either Bide. This is the place Bet apart for married immigrants and families, and though ample in so far as cubic space is concerned, the arrangement of bunks is sadly defective. The two rows which front the sides of tho ship are not so badly off as the others, for in these the occupants could maintain a little privacy by stretching a shawl or blanket between thoir space and that of thoir neighbours ; but so far as the arrangements of the shippers wore concerned there was absolutely no at tempt made to secure privacy. The berths which fronted the central spaces, thirteen in number, were all completely open to each other, except that when going to sleep a curtain could be drawn in front of tho narrow bunks. Tho central bunks, besides, were only separated from the side rows by thin boards, with crevices between which one might thrust his fingers. The bunks bsing low and narrow, people could not dross and undress in them, so their only resource to secure a show of decency "was to stand in front and bulge out the curtain to afford them a little covored space. Tho single mon wore not accommodated according to class, the nominated immigrants being berthed along with tho steerage passengers. The com plaining lot number fourteen, and when tho place allotted to thorn for quarters is inspected, it is plain that they do not grumble without cause. Down tho after-hatch in a dark and dingy slip of accommodation, there are 14 berths laid off in two rows, one abovo tho other. By actual measurement, as taken by one of the passengers, this place measures 12 feet 9 inches in length, by S feet 6 inches in breadth, while it is 7 feet 5 inches high. The bunks are ranged breadthwise, that is, there are seven in the length of 12ft. 9in., and from the breadth about 3ft. have to be sub tracted for passage. This leaves only sft. Gin. long for tho bunks, and it will readily bo bolievod that ono of tho nassongers had to knock the ond board off and hang his feet over tho edge when he went to 3ieep. This placo, when its 14 occupants were packed into it, like herrings in a barrel, must have been a veritable counterpart of the

BLACK HOLE OF CALCUTTA.

When the door communicating with the steerage quarters was closed, there was no ventilation savo what got through some chinks, and that air would bo only vitiated atmosphoro from tho exhalations of tho stocrago passengers. There was no light savo what struggled through two semi transparent squares of thick glass fixed in tho deck, and wbon it rained, or when tho deck was being washed, the passen gers got soaked when lying in bed. The carrying of passengers in such a frightful place constitutes a crying scandal, and for the credit of tho colony a thorough inquiry should be mado into the complaints which have been lodgod.

Tho Steerage Accommodation.

The quarters sot apart for steerage pas sengers who paid full fare are of a most un satisfactory kind, and complaints woro freoly made to our reporter. These pas songers, however, contrasting their lot with that of the unhappy inmates of " Bachelors' Hall" (as they dubbed the young men's quarters), feel comparatively contented, and have made no complaint to the authorities. Except in the matter of privacy the steerage passengers were much worse oA" than the nominated immigrants, while the dietary was, of course, identical in both cases. The steerage quarters were very badly lighted ; it was difficult to move about with out stumbling over some child or inanimate object; and the ventilation and cubic space were very far from being what they ought. There was an air of squalor and dirt every where; dirt and noisome odours assailed one at every turn. Speaking to the mar ried women of this, several who were busily engaged cleaning up their cooking utensils, informed our reporter that tho place was clean and wholesome now in comparison with its condition when they came on board. The floor then, they alleged, was covered thick with the offal of sheep, cattle, and pigs, which animals had ovidently been carried in the fore deck spaco_ fitted up for the steerage passengers. This they had for the sake of decency to shovel out; but they protested that they did not see their way to scrub the deck clean and white though they bad been asked to do so,

Other Hatters.

The most glaring defect in the arrange ments which struck us, was the placing oS various closets and bathrooms on the deck. These conveniences were temporary build ings of rough sawn timber, and weie of the ffiost primitive construction. A bath-room and cfosst marked "for females only" -were stuck right opposite the galley on deck. Tho closet has been badly kept or con structed, for it emits a horrible stench, and this so close to the cooking quarters all the voyage cannot ha-re conduced to health. A Jesuit of the bath-room being placed in such a plsfe was that the female passengers never used it.

Thatthe voyage wasmadouncfertliese con ditions without ibz outbreak of some fatal epidemic seems almost foci-edible. The pas sengers, we should add, are all loud in their Praise of the Captain and Officers.

No dGTibt it is due to the excellent control of Captain ToiM, the efficient oversight of Dr. Atterbury, aftd tho general supervision of the other officials, that amid such un.» favourable surroundings, propriety, health, and morality were preserved. It above all i speaks very'highly for the character of tha passengers and immigrant* that they ; observed tfie proprieties of life, guarded I against demoralisation, and prcseiTed their constitutions from the attacks of disease. Mr O. V. Stowart's Bottlers. A family who came out under the patron age of Mr Geo. Vessj* Stewart, for Taur anga, complained of being in a sense the vittJms of false representations. They allege that from the circulars issued by Mr Stewart to induce people to eirrigrato they were led to understand that th© Tauranga-Rotorua railway wag in course of construction, and that work would bo found immediately upon arrival. On the strength of this the head of the family threw up a, situation on a railway which lie had held for many years, and made arrangements fop emigrating. Just before starting, how ever, another circular of Mr Stewart's was placed in their hands, which stated that the railway might not Jvfoi be in tho forward state previously in dicated, but advising them in that case to "put the}? pride in [heir pockets, and take whnte-rer work they could get." If these statements ora even approximately true, they discloso n vicious system of rni- ' ■'. W— hnptw in tho minds of immigrants, nb, fueling disap pointed, will dissuade others from coming. In this particular case, Katikati will pro bably lose the " special settlors," for though the}' are booked through to Tauranga, these passengers will stay in Auckland if work can be g'crt At all.

TRIAL FOR MURDER.

ODonoaghue Sentenced to Death.

HoKmKA, March 13. The case of ftfflfder against OT)onoughue was proceed ed with on March 13. After the evidence had been heard, the Crown Prose-1 - cutor spoko for two hours, and was followed by Mr Guinnesa in a speech lasting one j hour. The Judge sttmmed up at length, I reviewing the evidence. The jury retired _ Trt) Vra^-past five, aiA tsano liftb Uourl at ■ half-past six, with a verdict of " Guilty." The prisoner,in answer to the usual ques tion, said :— <: My Lord, lam innocent of ; the crime. Oh God, witness the murder' about to take place, for I know I am to be " sentenced to death. I shall meet the jury men who found me guilty above, and then they will be able to say if I was guilty. I am a Roman Catholic, and if all the priests and bishops come to console me, I will tell them lam innocent. I shall go to my God, who alone knows I did not com mit the murder. I have been 15 years in New Zealand, and defy any man to say I served him a dirty trick. If ever I had any ' words with another man I (stripped and had .' it out, and generally got a thrashing. I:_ again say lam innocent. I suppose I have j only a short time to live. I would not com mit the crime, nor stand by and see another commit it. I will say that the jury who '. have found mo KU^ty. a"d the officials who helped them, will not be long after me. I" havenomoretosay,exceptto ask that what I ' have said may be remembered when lam : lying rotting in my grave. I am innocent' of the crime. Now, my Lord, you may pro ceed with your sentence." His Honor then assumed the black cap, and passed sentence of death in tho usual form.

TAREWA.

Among tho mourners who gathered at Wharoroa durir»g the past week to lamont ■ tho death of Bnoka to Whanaka, and do', honour to his memory, one came, who, once . seen, will never be forgotten. On Monday, she arrived by boat from Te Puna, and at.' once proceeded to tho canopy under which the deceased rangatiralay in state—a small , withered creature with little human in her appearance, and naught save her dress to > indicate her sex. This, the garb of a female, hung upon what appeared to be but a meagre frame work—a living skeleton. Sho ad- , vancod towards the corps extending her ; bony arms to it, twitching convulsively death-like fingers, which one could almost imagine rattled, and drawing towards,her body as though she beckoned tho dead to wards her, as in fact she did, uttering at tho, same time a plaintive, unearthly, uncanny j wftil of invitation and lament. But her face!, Therein was no somblanco of humanity, no,, graco, no womanly boauty—no; a skull,, noseless, flat, unrelieved by sable cheek or . sparkling eye, and concealed by the parch: . ment-liko skin tightly stretched over it, , lan tern-jawed, mouth but a slit in tho awful visage, eyes sunken in their soekots, and ■ only opening partially as they seemed them- ', selves to call the dead man to that bony ~ embrace. Such was her face. Eyebrows,. lushes, flesh, nose, or lips there were none. Children burst into tears on her approach, , i and as she uttered that weird unearthly. invitation to the dead they fled like fright-. ( ened chicks to the maternal wing anil hid., undor the skirts of thoir parents. And who was this awful being ? Tarewa, chieftoss oij. many illustrious ancestors, onco a buxom,' laughing, brown-skinned matron, with four, little sons—now past man's estate. But ono day she sickened and died—yes, died! A great gathering was held of kinsmen and people from far and near. For five days the corpse lay in state, as Enoka to Whanaka. lies now. On the seventh, according tdr native custom, it would be buried. But om the fifth day she rose, returned to life, but how changed ! And this is what she said' of herself: —Her spirit was fleeing, but had' not fled. Tho taipo (evil spirit) met herj and ferried her over the river of death. But > she pined toreturntolife, which had seemed so bright. " Speak not," said the devil, "or; thou art damned." Sho spoke, she called' upon the atua, upon the ancostors of her tribe and people. Tho taipo, with one devilish caress, sapped tho life blood, which had been but stilled in her veins, withered1 her frame, and destroyed her visage. Then' he fled. She rottmied to this world, but to this day bears tho mark of that awful era-' brace. She is in the world—not of it. She1 walks as the living, bnt communes with the, dead a very waif from another sphere, a rays toriOus wreck, rejected and cast off by even tho spirits of darkness, but still lookod upon with superstitious awo, though not with roveronce, by hor race.—"Tauranga Tele graph."

MASONIC.

At tho monthly communication of Lodge St. Andrew on March 24, Bro. M. Niccol, P.M., was mado tho rocipiont of a group of photographs of tho officers of tho Lodge, and the following complimentary addresß:— To Brothor M. Niccol, P.M.: Dear Sir and Brother, —We, the undersigned officors and members of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, S.C., beg youracceptanco of this testimonial, a3 an expression of our regard for you as a1 brothor Mason. Tho great interest you1 have for so many years evinced for the welfare of this lodge, and the trouble you have at all times taken to' promote its interests, have endeared you to tho whole of the brethren, and we trust that—although after so many years of active membership you are justly entitled to repose' on your well-earned laurels—you will still1 continue to assist us with' your advice and thorough knowledge of Masonic usages. Wishing yourself and family every hap piness, and that the Great Architect of the Universe may prosper you in all your under takings and spare you many years amongst us, we subscribe ourselves, dear Sir and Brother, yours sincerely and fraternally— James Slator, R.W.M.; Frank Gould, Chaplain ; F B. Hughes, T.W. ; W A. Clark, I.D. ; James Sinclair, W. T. Brigge, Will. Jones, R. B. Symonds, W. Copple stone, W. McCullough, E. Tonge, Thomas Ellison, P.M. ; Robert Kaye, S W • F. Bulford, S.D.; H. A. H. Hitchens, D. of C; C. Porter, Tyler; M. McLecd, T. H. Fennel, 11. McQuarrie, W. E. Stanford, M/ Murchie, N. McCuJsky. The presentation was made by Brother McCullough. and .Brother.Jficcol briefly responded, < ■ < <

THE AUCKLAND) EVENING STiR, SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1884,

4