THE LABOUR MARKET.

O.viN-u to the holidays, tho Trade and Labour Council are not in receipt of reports, but the following is as near as possible a correct summary for tho past month : — Carpenters : This trade still remains over stocked. "Wages, 10s per diem of eight houra; overtime is generally allowed at the rate of time and a-quarter, but there is no re cognised trade rule on that point. Boot and Shoemakers : A great number of boys and girls are employed in the factories. Trade is rather quiet. Wagos, 7s 6d per day of eight hours. Mechanical Engineers : Work has been slack. In this trade, overtimes is allowed at the rate of time and a-quarter, timo and a half, and doubl* time, as cir cumstances demand. Wage*, 6s to 11s per day of nino hours. Bricklayers : Rato of wages, for first-class hands, 12s per day of eight hours. Tho completion of a large block of buildings has released some hands, who have not yet found employment on tho buildings in progress or projected. Bricklayers' labourers: Wages, 8s to 9s per day ; hourssamo as bricklayors. Cabinet makers : Wages, 8s 4d per of eight hours. Blacksmiths are in fair demand at from 10a to 12s per day. Boilermakers and iron shipbuilders (both these trades being incorporated in this colony) have been in demand. Wages, 10s to 12s. Moulders: There is a demand for good men at 10s to 12s per day. Printers: "Stab." wages range from £2 10s to £3 per week, work ing nine hours a day. Piece hands get Is per thousand. Shipwrights : There is a fair amount of work doing. Wages, 10s per day of eight hours. Tailors, for whom there is little demand, at present, receive lOd per hour. There are a great number of young women employed in this business. At tho railway workshops, wages range from Cs Gd to 12s per day of oight hours. Bakers : No demand for labour. Hours, unlimited; wages, from 7s Gd to 8s lOd per day. Labourers : There is an un natistied demand for agricultural labourers, and as a quantity of railway and other work requiring pick and shovel men will shortly be commenced, tho demand for ordinary labourers and navvies has increased. Several largo works and public improvements will give employment to a large number of this class for some months. The sawmills in the city are employing about 600 hands, and are busy. Wageß range from 7s Gd to 10s per day, and no loss of time. Plasterers: Wages, 10s and 12s per day of eight hours. Painters: This is a trade which has always been well supplied, and there appears no further de mand. Wages, 8s 4d per day of eight hours. •

GOLDFIELDS SUMMARY.

Thames, Wednesday. The past month will ever bo memorable in the annals of the Thames goldfield for the solution of the all-important question so frequently canvassed—Does gold descend to the deep levels? A discovery made about three weeks ago indubitably proves the affirmative. When last mail left those shores, the Deep Level Cross Company had just commenced a rise from the 640 feet level, for purposes of ventilation. After ascending about 22 feet upon a vein sup posed to correspond with the hanging-wall portion of the Imperial No. 2 reef, the con tractors discovered a cross-vein about 4 inches wide running nearly north and south, and inclining very rapidly soaward, which fact uccounts for its not being intersected in the main cross-cut. When first broken the stone was white in appearance, but of kindly texture, and showed no gold. Most of the stuff was deposited on the mullock heap, but the discovery of a colour of the precious metal in a truck of quartz in course of transit led to an examination of the heap, which resulted in the collection of about 61bs of stone, some of which might almost be classed as specimens. Further fossicking in the leader followed, with the pleasing result that gold was found in situ, and still remainß visible. In consequence of the flat underlie of the leader, it did not continue in the rise further than about six feet. The importance of such a dis covery upon the prospects of the Cross and Imperial claims, on whose boundary the rise is situated, as well as upon the field as a whole, cannot be over-estimated, inasmuch as it realises that which all who have for years had the welfare of the dis trict at heart have desired. The Company cannot conveniently follow up their find for about three weeks, when the rise will hole through, after which time a cross-cut will be extended at the 640 ft. level to intersect the leader. The new scheme en titled the Caledonian Low Level Company, projected for the working on tribute of the lower ground of the Caledonian, Kuranui, Moanataiari, Golden Crown, and other pro perties, has been warmly taken up by the public, and it may be expected that the Company will be duly incorporated and the preliminary steps for working taken be fore next mail. The gold yield since last Summary was very satisfactory, aggregating 4 5450zs 4dwts, of which particulars will bo found in the annexed table. The New Prince Imperial made two retortings during the month, the first, on the 17th, realising 1 9170zs gold, and the other on Christmas Eve eivinf*2soiozs. From the former yield, a div&end of 7s per share was declared, re presenting £6,300. At the annual meeting of shareholders last week, it was shown that 39s per share had been distributed dur ing the year, and a sum of £4,908 remained on hand after providing for all liabilities. It is intended to open out an intermediate level * within the next few weeks from the winze being sunk bvthe Cross Company, and also to prosecute other important prospecting works. Deep Level Cross : the return from the workings at No. 5 level is below the average. The directors have purchased the Alburnia 23-stamper battery, the arrange ments for its acquirement by the Imperial Company having been quashed. The Sn "line, wtich was the subject o much excitement a month ago, is still watched with great interest. The trial Sing of stuff broken near the shaft yielded nearly an ounce per load. The Machinery was completed tnree weeks ago and driving is in full progress. The reef Saf changed to a strong and heavily mineralised body of improved^appea, race and shows .colours of gold. The Cambria Company has commenced operations by dS on the same load. The Moanataiari Extended contractors have succumbed to an influx of water to the shaft ~;^ontlv from a lode encountered alllo e yetfrom"heßurface Bright Smilc: MrJ Senior has succeeded to the manage ment, vice Mr Garvey, deceased. A crush iChas yielded satisfactorily. Alburnia: Though low in funds, the directors have resoled to continue prospectmg upon the Srffathe low level for a time. A trial ot oi 14 loads has produced Mdwte. gold. Part; This mine has sprung prominently to the fro"* within the last few weeks. The drive at No. 3 level has opened a splendid block for stoping, as will be seen from the e°ult o 423JOZS. gold for the treatment of 9sToad° quartz. The payable ground _ has already extended for a distance of 100 feet, tho reef averaging 2 feet in width. The cl lonian and&London Companies arecross citing for auriferous lodes, which should be to hand within the next month. Waihi District: The return of 344Jozs. gold for pleven weeks' operations is handsomely re munerative, the reef from which the quartz was taken being about 30 feet wide and sus ceptible of econemic treatment. Summary of Gold Keturns, From 5tU December to 2nd January, Adelaide claim ' 38 1 Do. tributes | Alburnia tributes.. -£ , Bright Smile. Uloada .. .. ■• Jg * Caledonian. 123 loads .. 15 IT Co^r^fm.lDloads:: .. •• »} 0 lion Pedro tribute j| Dart. 91 loads. ; " 16 lg 205 leads .. •• 1» 5 Kur Panui HiU tributes .. •• ■• »jj \ ■g£sfe?«sss?*i- • tributes '» 500 0 Sundries •; . 28 0 Total .. .. •• - 5 *

TE AROHA GOLDFIELD.

Im be verified. The first montfr* crush following reauitsw Premier, 86

MERCANTILE.

A dividend of 7s per shave has been declared in the New Prince Imperial Gold mining Company. Dunedin Harbour Board, at its meeting on Dec. 13, decided to raise tho dues on all imports 50 per cent, and on wools exported to 9d per bale. 10,000 shares, representing- £30,000, have been applied for in the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company (Limited), and operations are to bo commenced at once. We are informed that in consequenco of the large number of shares applied for in the Now Zealand Tobacco Company from the South and elsewhere, the directors have decided to curtail the allotment of shares for the city, and set apart shares to be allotted to other districts under the superriaion of Mr A. C. Bennett, tho well-known ac countant and notary, who has been ap pointed travelling agent to the Company, with instructions to entertain no applica tions for moro than one hundred snares from any one person if for speculative pur poses. The first general meeting of tho Northern Omnibus Company was held on tlio 10th Docember, Mr W. L. Mitchell presiding. Tho directors' report stated: Although the accounts present a loss, it must bo ro membered ithat the company commenced operations during the worst period of tho year, and have continued until the present timo under adverse circumstances. Tlio half-year now commenced will, especially during tho next three or four months, produce larger receipts, and tlio directors anticipate that much of the loss will bo recouped thereby. No allowance has been taken in the accounts for tho value of their leasehold stables in town, which, if deducted from the balanco of profit and loss, will leave that account shewing an actual loss on tho half-year of £103 7s 7d. Tho receipts have increased from £21 12s to £37 14s 9d per week, while tho number of travellers is steadily increasing. Tho accounts shewed — expenditure, £907 Us lOd; receipts, £7M 4s 3d, leaving a debit balance of £253 7s 7d.

Tho Industrial Building Society.—Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The third annual meeting of shareholders in the Industrial and Provident Permanent Building Land and Investment Society was held on the evening of December 12th, Mr Thomas Peacock presiding.

Directors' Report.—The following ro port was submitted by the Board of Managoment:—"The accounts show that for the past financial year interest after the rato of 8 per cent, per annum has been has been credited to investing members, and tho Board now recommend that out of the balance of profit a dividend after the rato of 2 percent, be credited, in accordance with tho rules, to investors' and borrowers' accounts. Tho business of the Society is ot tho soundest character, from the fact that no security of a doubtful nature has been acceptod, and while the accounts show a fair and reasonable profit thoy also conclusively prove that only very moderate charges for interest are made. This Society has already boon ot great benefit to numbers of persons, but tho directors would like to see a much larger number availing themselves of the advan tages which it offers both to investors and borrowers. The object of the present mem bers should be to extend its influence so as to obtain tho fullest benefit from co-opera tion. Board of Management for next year.—Nominations have boon made as fol lows, viz. :—Thomas Peacock, Esq., M.H.R., to be President ; Graves Aickin, Esq., to be Vice-President; Thomas Macky, Esq., to be Treasurer; and the fol lowing gentlemen directors: Messrs E. Bartley, E. Brett, J. Dacre, J. J. Holland, C. La Roche, J. Marshall, G. P. Pierce, C. B. Stone, and H. G. Wade. Auditors.— Messrs John Mime and R. Marls Clark have been aominated as auditors. For the Board of Management.— Thomas Peacock, President."

Accounts.—Receipts : Cash in hand, 30th September, ISS2, £00 53 5d ; investors' sub scriptions, £11,774 15s 5d ; Borrowers' re payments, £7,477 Ss 9d ; deposits, £10,480 17s lOd; entrance fee3,£llo 8s tid; surveyors' fees and expenses, £77 las 9d ; fines, £45 Ss 9d; rents and rates, £20S 0s lOd ; borrowers' general accounts, £424 2s 4d ; with sundries making a total of £30,094 13s lid. Expenditure.—Overdraft 30th September, 18S2, £3,602 2s od; loans advanced, £13,877 lls Cd; shares withdrawn, £1,394 19s lid; deposits repaid, £7,54-1 lls Id ; interest paid depositors, etc., £415 10s ; rents and rates, £450; cash in bank and in hand, £2,740 13s 9d, with miscellaneous charges making a total of £30,094 13s lid. I'rofit and Loss Account: Dr. : Bonus at Ist October, 1882, £207 17s lid ; interest—de positors and holders of paid-up shares, £739 lls 7d ; preliminary expenses—balance written off, £42 10s ; general expenses, in cluding salaries, honorarium, miscellaneous charges, rents, rates, printing, stationery, and advertising, £507 18s 6'd; interest credited to investing shares, at S per cent. per annum, £854 2s Id ; balance. £400 10s 7d. Total, £2,512 10s Sd. Cr. : Balanco 30th September, 1882, £323 9s 9d; books, £2; rents,£7G; fees,£BS 17s3d; fines, £09Cs Id; interest,£2,2s2l7s 7d. Total, £2,81210s Bd. Balance-sheet, September 30,1853 : Lia bilities—Shares due investing shareholders, £20,774 Is 4d ; intsrest due on do., £854 2s 1d—£21,628 3s 5d ; deposits and interest, £6,651 13s Id; borrowers (balances loans authorised), i' 627 9s 6d ; borrowers (pre payments), £77 0s lOd ; accounts due, £170 0s 8d; balance, £400 10s 7d : total, £29,500 18s Id. Assets—Securities (present value of mortgages), £25,870 12s 9d ; borrowers' repayments due 30th September, £179 7s lid; fines due, 17s ; office premises, £475 7s 6d; office furniture, £71 8s 7d ; books, £10; accounts due, £212 10s 7d ; cash in bank and in hand, £2,740 13s 9d: total, £29,560 18s Id.—ln moving tho adop tion of the report and balance-sheet, the Chairman said that, as might have been expected from the increase of investors' money, the business had increased to double what it was. The business had been done in a safe manner. Of the amount of £26,000 securities, the sum of £6,600 was deposit money which had been used by the Society. He thought it would be better if the whole of the money they had let out were from investing share holders, as persons could not be connected with them without bringing business. It was gratifying that besides tho 8 per cent, interest they could declare a bonus of "2 per cent, which, although not so much as last year, was practically 12 per cent, on the money paid in during tho year.— Mr G. Aickin seconded the adoption of tho report, and referred to the advantages of extending the influence of the Society amongst the working classes. He referred in praiseworthy terms to tho services rendered by the Survey Committee—The adoption of the report was agreed to. Officers.—On tho motion of Mr E. A. Mackechnie, tho retiring oflicws were elected.—A vote of thanks was passed to the manager and officers, and this having been responded to, the meeting terminated.

The Northern Boot and Shoe Manufactur ing Company (Limltod). The second annual meeting of this Com pany was held on the 10th December, at tho office of the Company, Hobson-srtreet, C. J. Stone, Esq., in the chair. Ti« meeting was well represented by director! and share holders. The Secretary, Mr Thos. Hodg son, read the report and balance-sheet for the year, in which it was stated that serious losses which had been experienced since the formation of the Company had not only absorbed the amount put aside last year for bad and doubtful debts', but £174 10s Sd of last year's balance, and £83 13s 5d received as premium on shares, etc., and left a debit balance of £612 ISs lid. Shortly after the formation of the Company your directors felt it in your interest to close tho Wanganui blanch, the state of trado in that dis trict being very unsatisfactory. This lias been followed during the present year by the closing of the Cheap Boot Shop. On the stocks of these two establishments we have had to submit to a vexy heavy de preciation. In consequence of contrariety of views between our manager and the Board, Mr Austin placed his resignation in the hands of your directors, aud this has been accepted. Your directors have been fortunate in securing the services of Mr Tlios. Jones, manager of Messrs Light band, Allan, and Co.'s Boot Factory, Christchurch, for many years, and who only was induced to leave that employ and come North on the score of his health. The directors look with confidence to the future. The stock has been written down to its current value ; you have first-class premises, and a steady' increasing trade, and ws trust to meet you at our next annual meeting with satis factory results. Two of your directors, Messrs Carr and Heron, retire, and are eligible, and offer themselves for re-election, TKe sijditpr, Mr John Milne, also retires, but is .eUg&te for re-election. The balan,ce.-sijest shpwed as follows:— Pb.—Capital, £15,000, in 15,009 shares of £1 each; 10 shares paid up at £1 e«.eh, £JQ; 12.652 shares paid up at 12s 6d each, £7,092 10s-r-£7,£ n 2 10s; 12,662 shar.es allotted, 2/338 shares unallotted—ls,ooo \ bills payable, £2,19455.2 d ; aaoou&ts pay able, £546 13s 8d; loan on property, £4,000 j dividends unclaimed, £4 19a: total, £14,84010s lOd. ,: :

Cn.—Freehold property, £4,801 5s 2d ; bills receivable, £17(5 10s 6d ; cash credit Bmik of Now Zealand, £202 10s 7cl; cash in hand, £03 17sCd—£25G 14s Id ; accounts receivable, £2,530 Is lOd; plant and machinery, ,£1,880; stock on hand, £4,583 0s 4(1 ; balance, £012 ISs lid: total, £14,040 10s 10d. I'rovit and Lo.ss Account. Dft.—Wages, £4,47915s 8d; general trade charges, travelling expenses, advertising, etc], £553 Ila lid; interest, bank and trado discount, £544 18s 4d; depreciation on plant, £75 Is 7d ; bad debts, £909 2s 3d - total, £G,GI2 9s 9d. Cu.—Balance from last year, £49G 10s 8d (less dividend £322), £174 10s 8cl; amount provided for contingent liability in balance sheet, October, 18S2, £820 10s Ud; premium on shares, £7G 12s Gd ; salo of cottage, etc., i'G 0s lid ; gross profits on sales, £4,921 11s 3d ; balance, £012 ISs lid : total, £0,012 9s 9d. The Chairman remarked at some length on tho position of tho Company, and said the outlook of the Company was favourable, and the trade generally was increasing. He believed that with bettor styles, first class goods at reasonable prices, good machinery and careful supervision, the directors would be able to present at the next annual meeting ; a moro satisfactory balance-sheet. Ho would move the adop tion of the report. Mr Austin seconded, and aftor remarks by Mr Fleming, Mr Laybourn, Mr Blkin, and others, tho report and balance-sheet wore adopted, Tho next business was the election of officers. Four were nominated for tho directorate, viz., Messrs It. C. Carr, .lames Heron, J. .1. Austin, and Jonathan Elkin, who retired in favour of Messrs Carr and Heron. The following was the result: — Austin, 7 ; Heron, 9 ; Carr, 9. Mr Austin demanded a poll. Messrs Milne and Flem ing were appointed scrutineers, and an nounced tho result of the poll as follows :— Heron, 5.404; Carr, 8,204; Austin, 2,140. The Chairman declared Messrs Heron and Carr elected. Mr John Milne was re-elected auditor of tho Company.

Tho annual report of tho Auckland Turkish Baths Company shows the total prolit for tho year, £100 12s Id. The diroctors recommend that the profit should be carried forward. During the year tho baths have been patronised by 608 ladies, 2,607 gentlemen, and 00 children. A more control site in Lorno-stroet lias been pur chased, the rentals from which will bo almost sufficient to pay the interest upon a mortgage of £1,000. The directors have also under consideration tho erection of a now building.

INVENTIONS.

Tiros. Wood, of Dunedin, applies for a patent for a water-tight boot.

During the past year 30 applications for let tors patent were made at tlio Auckland branch olliee.

■lames Kelly and James Young Kelly, of Auckland, have lodged an application for a patent for centrifugal centuplo steam or water engine.

A patent for a high pressure portablo force-pump is applied for by Mr Wm. Henry Price, of Sydenham, Canterbury.

Letters patent for a new "potato liar vestor " aro applied for by Mr Win. Me Laughlan, Fuhinui, Otahuhu, and Mr Wm. Dunwoodie, Onehunga.

Letters patent are asked for an invention for tinned wire nails with solid lead heads and washers. Mr Joseph Venablcs, South Belt, C'hristchurch, is tho inventor.

Mr R. J. F. Willson, Dunedin, is a fertilo inventor. His latest application is for a patent for a method of making children's and other elastic-sided boots much easier to put on, and at the same tiino of preserving the elastic.

SPORTING, ATHLETICS, &c.

The sporting event of the month has been the interprovincial cricket match between a representative eleven from Canterbury and an Auckland representative team. Can terbury made 170 in the first innings, and Auckland 141. In the second innings the visitors were all disposed of for 121 runs, and Auckland knocked together the 151 re quired to win with the locs of six wickets, winning the match by four wickets. Arneil, for Auckland, made the splendid score of 09, and carried his bat out.

The Auckland Summer Meeting was favoured on all three days with magnificent weather, and the attendance was larger than ever before. The totalisator was worked by the Club, under the supervision of the stewards, and during the meeting £19,473 were put through, tlio Club de ducting a commission of 10 per cent, on the total amount, so that this will becomo a source of considerable revenue to the Club. The principal event on the first day (Boxing Day) was the Auckland Cup of oOOsovs., distance 2\ miles, which was won by Mr Vallance's Salvage ; Tim Whifller 2nd, and Libeller 3rd. Two events —theMaidenPlateand Midsummer Stakes fell to colts by the imported English stallion Musket, whose stock ha 3 attained an extra ordinary colonial celobrity through Martini- Henry's double victory in the Melbourno Cup and Derby. On the second day (January 1) the principal event, the Auckland Racing Slub Handicap of 300sovs., distanco Ijf miles, was won by Mr Bobbett's Libeller ; Air M. Smith's Tim Whiflter 2nd ; Mr Vallance's Salvage 3rd. On the same day, Major Goorge's colt, Nelson, by King Cole, won the Derby ; and tho same gentleman's colt, Wapiti, took the Grand Stand Handicap. The leading event on the last day of the races was the Auckland Steeplechase, 200sovs., distance 3J miles. It resulted in a complete surprise—a second-rate local horse named Chandler defeating Clarence, who is probably the best cross-country horse in Australasia, and who has carried everything beforo him in steeplechases in New Zealand during the past two years. The meeting may be pronounced tho most successful ever held in Auckland.

It is proposed to send a team of New Zea land footballers to Australia in June next, Dunedin and Christchurch are in.

The Tasmanian cricketers have arranged their tour, which commences at Invercargill at the end of the month.

The Australian Eleven cannot visit Now Zealand until their return from England. Mr Wm. Pickett was the winner of the silver cup in the Hamley Gun Club pigeon shooting competition, at Ellerslie, on Dec. 13, presented by Mr Hornsby. Tho cup is handsome, chased, and ornamented.

Tho Caledonian games at Christchurch on December 18th, were very successful. Over 2,000 persons were present. The weather was delightful. The 5-mile walk ing handicap was won by G. Speight, 700 yards handicap ;G. Muhlhison, 750 yards, 2; J. M. O'Connor, scratch, 3. Time, 40t mins.

The thirty-third anniversary of tlio Pro vince of Canterbury was commemorated on Monday, Dec. 18th, by a goneral holiday and various festivities. Tho weathor was beautifully fine, and the public attraction included the opening of the exhibition, Caledonian sports at Lancaster Park, popular sports in Hagley Park, horse races at Amberley, excursions by steainor Akaroa to Pigeon Bay, and a pyrotechnic display by the fire brigade at llagley Park in the evening.

The Committee of the Auckland Rowing Association lias resolved that tho next regatta shall take place on March 8, 1884.

\V. V. Millton, who accompanies tho Can terbury cricketers, is empowered to nego tiate with the footballers of Auckland and Wellington in regard to the proposal to make up a New Zealand team to go to Sydney next season.

SALE OF CROWN LANDS.

A sale by public auction of town and rural lands was held at the Crown Lands Oflice Friday last. The attendance of pur chasers was good. Nearly all the lots were sold at tho upset price. The following are the particulars : —Bay of Islands, county, town of Opua (One Treel'oint)—Block 16, Section 1, lr. lop., £10 Gs 3d, Boyle; Block IS, Sec tion 2, 20p., £28, Triphook and Eadie j Block 18, Section 3,20 p., £20, Dixon ; Block IS, Section 17, 20 p., £15, Dixon. Manu kau County, town of Mercer—Block 3, Sec tions 21 and 22, not sold. Waitemata Coim ty, parish of Takapuna—Section 252, 40a lr. 29p., £93, Blythe; Sections 233, 234, 235, and 240 were not sold. Manukau County, parish q£ Mangatawhiri—Section lot), Gsa. 2r., £32155, Mahoney; Section 157, Soa.2p., £40 os, Mahoney. Waikato County, parish of AYhnngamarino-Section 198, 100a. 2r £2S, Ross ; Section 304,109a. 2r. 25p., £44, Martin; Section 3.0.5, 57a. 3r. 24p., iso, Martin; Section 309, 257a. 2r. 16p., not sold; Section 375, 370a. £185, Reed; Section 370 135a. 3r. 24p., ±68, Reed; Section 377, 13Sa. i:69, Ross; Section 378, 400a. lr. 25p., £116 7s Cd, Young; Section 379, 590a. 3r. 24p., £147 15s Od, Young i Section 380,554a. lr. 24p., £171, Young, parish of Taupiri—Section 460, 629a. Or. 2Gp., £335, McLean. Raglan County, parish of Putataka—Section 20, 42a lr., £21 2s 6d, Marshall. Whangarei County, parish of Maungakaramea—East part, Section 54, 59a. 4r. 24p. £30, Kej.v. Coromandel County, parish of Whenuakitjßr-Section 6, 52a. 3r. Bp., not sold. Woijjeke Jsland, parish of Waiheke —Section 83, 61a. 3r. 20p., . £15 10s, Hawthorn. T(ia total proceeds of the sale were £1,506 la 34.

ART.

At a meeting of ladies and gentlemen on December 12, a society was formed to bo called tho New Zealand Art Students Association. Officers were appointed as follows :—President, MrC. H. Iv. Watkins ; Secretary, Mr S. Stuart ; Treasurer, Mr 11. Mi Frlpp; Auditor, Mr L. A. Ditrriou j Committee : .Mrs Burclier, Miss Ansloy, Miss L. White, Miss 1 tidings, Miss Tye, Messrs C. Palmor, Malionoy, S. li. Kooning, G. N. Sturtevant, and G. E. VVhitmoro. Rules for tho management of tho Associa tion woro adopted.

The competitive drawings of the pupils of tho Free School of Arts were examined by Mr Albin Martin on Dec. 15, and tho prizes awarded as follows :—Drawing from statues (4 competitors) Mr Gilmour; draw ing from the bust (between 10 and 30 com petitors) Miss Stuart 1 ; Miss Annie Dobson 2 ; drawing from the Hat (between 20 and 30 competitors) Mrs Lush. The time-study for the extra prize offered by Dr. Campbell (the generous patron of tho school) commenced at ten o'clock and was finished at twelve, rather more than than twonty young ladies taking part in it. Tho study—a woman's head—was set upon the black-board, and tho copies made of it displayed such a degree of aptitude and skill on the part of tho pupils as reflects very great credit upon their painstaking in structor, Mr K. Watkins. Miss Annie Dob son was adjudged tho winner, ami Miss Ansloy, Miss Katio .lames, and Miss Catherine Davy wore commended.

The New Zealand Art Students' Associa tion mot at the Young Men's Christian As Bocintion Rooms on Saturday, 22nd Deo. The President of the Association, Mr K. Watkins, who presided, announced that several gentlemen had been added to the list of patrons. Tho constitution, rules, and prize list for the exhibition of October, 1881, adopted at the former meeling, were in tho press, and would shortly bo issued. Tho President then read the rules and afterwards delivered an address, sotting forth tho posi tion and aims of the Society. Tho member ship now numbers 35, and he hoped that this would bo greatly increased when tho rules aro issued and a personal canvass is made. Ho drew special attention to tho need for preserving a completo collection showing tho progress of Maori art. Somo of the best specimens had been takon away to foreign museums. There was tho best art authority for placing Maori art in ad vance of that of any other barbaric race. Ho thought there should bo no conllict with other societies; there was plenty of room in the field for all. Our art to do good must appeal to all in Now Zea land as well as to Aucklanders. The eU'ect. of season upon our forest landscape should bo as marked by our artists as it is in Europe by theirs, and this distinction, that ours in its tones is more subtle, requiring closorstudy. Liko tlie leaf, the forest has a smile for winter and for spring, for summer and for autumn, grave or gay, in sunshine or in shado ; or when moved by the breeze it tells its own language, like nowhere else but here in New Zealand. A discussion followed, in which various mem bers present took part.

EDUCATIONAL.

Mn W. If. Yr.itKKHU-BtNDox, Headmaster of Newton East School, was on Dec. 201 he recipient of two presentations, one from the teachers and the other from the pupils of the school.

Before Irfie closing of Wellesley-street School on tho 20th December, Mr. Henry Woi'thiilKton received a beautiful cpergne from the boys of the senior school as a mark of respect and esteem.

Atamoetingof theCouneilof the Teachers' Institute at Wellington on January 3, Mr Henry Worthington, of Auckland, was elected president; Mr D. White, of Dun edin, secretary; and Mr J. G. Scott, of Christchurch, treasurer. It was resolved to hold the next meeting in Auckland on the Oth of January next year.

The pupils of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Boys' School, Hobson-street, successfully underwent their annual examination on Dee. 21, the examiners being Bishop Luck and Fathers Walter Maedonald, O'Gara, Fox, and Lenihan. Prizes were then distributed by tho Bishop, who com plimented the headmaster (Mr Hamill) and the assistant teachers (Messrs Daley and James Ilamill) upon the result of their labours.

The Parnell public school treat in the Domain, on Dec. 22, was a great success. Tho members of committee present wore Messrs Gilbert (Chairman), Thoburn, Fur bor, Nixon,and Smith. Mr Leonard, head master, was absent through illness, but Miss ][older took charge of tho party, and kept the sport moving briskly, being ably aided by tho other teachers, Misses Robin son, Moore, Mcl'ntyre, Speight, Walker, Slater, and Carmichael. Upwards of -100 children were present, and a considerable number of parents and friends.

Auckland people vill bo glad to loam of the appointment of a well-known and popu lar teacher of this city—Mr Vereker-Bindon ■ —to an important and lucrative educational post. A telegram received from Wangnnni on Dec. 18 states:—"Mr W. H. Vereker- Bindon, head-master of tho Newton East School, Auckland, was to-day appointed Inspector of Schools in tho Wanganui Education District. There wcro thirty three applications sent in to tho Education Board from New Zealand and tho Australian Colonies, amongst tho candidates being English, Dublin, and Colonial University men. Tho salary is £500 per annum, in cluding travelling expenses."

The mistress of St. Matthow's day-school entertained tho children on Dec. 21, to tho number of 122, when a most onjoyablo time was spent. During the evening tho special prizes were presented (tho ordinary ones are awarded at Easter). The incumbent and Mrs Tebbs presented {heir own, tho former for Scripture to Beatrice Tappor (aged 11), and the latter for ncodlework ■to Jessie Drysdalo (aged 8). Thero were two other gifts—a Biblo from Miss Maria Tappor (as sistant mistress) to Albert Edmonds, for good conduct; and a prayer-book to Catherine Mogerney, from Miss Tappor, on hor leaving the school. Tho incumbent then presented to Miss Tapper and her sister, on behalf of tho children, two vory beautiful albums. Tho children, after spending a merry evening in tho school room (wliich was tastefully decorated with flowers, &c, and miniature flags), dispersed, wishing all concerned a very "Merry Christmas and a Happy Now Year."

Thursday, Dec. 20, witnessed the prac tical breaking-up of the Newmarket school. Messrs F. G. Clayton, Esq., J.P., Taite, Thornton, and Rhodes, members of Com mittee, wore present. Mr Taite (Chairman of Committee) and MrThornton (Secretary) spoke a few words suitable to the occasion, and some excellent singing followed, under Miss Kate Colebrook's leadership. The prizes, thirteen in number, consisted of beautifully-bound books. Tho principal prize was a very handsomely-bound volumo entitled, "The Heroes of Britain," a really valuable work. This was the gift of F. G. Clayton, Esq., to bo awarded to the best of tho three boys who havo gone up from the school for the scholarship examination. Tho second prize, " Cressy and Poictiors," also tho gift of F. G. Clayton, Esq., will fall to the lot of tho second of those boys. Tho names of tho three candidates aro Alfred McDonald, John Hogg, and Thomas Downes. Thero was another special prize presented by Mr Charles Rhodes, of Remuera, for the highest attendance, com bined with good conduct and application. This was awarded to Austin Thornton, who had already carried off tho premier prize of his (the 4th) standard. The rest of the prizes, numbering some 40 volumes, rang ing from the value of 5s downwards, had evidently been very carefully selected by tho Headmaster, and suitable to each in dividual recipient.

The annual examination of St. Francis dc Sales' Superior School took placo on December 27th. There were present: His Lordship Bishop Luck, supported by Monsignor Fyncs (Vicar - Capitular), Fathers Walter Macdonald, Lcnihan, O'Gara, Paul, O'Hara, Luck, and also the Lady Superior. The pupils, who were pre sent in largo numbers, were very neatly attired, and proved very orderly, while their performances during tho afternoon re flected much credit upon the instructions of tho Sisters of Mercy, At intervals, n variety of musical items, both vocal and instrumental, were given as follows : — Entree, "Indiana Waltzes" (two pianos and harmonium), Misses Keiel, Soars, Murphy, Lynch, and Craig; " Cor Amoris," sacred quartette, Misses Williams, Nolan, ODea, and Wilson; "The Old Love and tbp New Waltz," Miss Stephenson (harp) and Miss Johnston (violin); chorus, "The British Lion ;" song, " Good Company," Miss Fernandez ; " England," instrumental quintette, Misses Kelly, B. Lynch, D. Lynch (piano), Miss Stephenson (harp)j Miss Johnston (violin); " The Good-byo'at the Door," Miss ODea; "Marche Celeste," Misses Gwynne, Williams, Lynch, and Craig (piano) ; Miss Stephenson (harp), Miss John- Eton (violin); " Her Bright Eye Haunts Me Still," Miss Wilson ; overture, "Guy Man nering," piano, Misses Fitzsimon, Lynch ; harmonium, Miss Craig ; harp, Miss Stephenson; violin, Miss Stephenson. The valedictory address by .Miss Williams fol lowed, after which His Lordship distributed to the successful pupils a number of hand some and valuable prizes.

Bishop Luck examined St. Patrick's Boys' School (conducted by Mr'Regan), and at the close expressed himself gratified at, the manner in which the pupils had answered his questions. St. Patrick's Convent School, which is attended by fiO pupils, was also examined by His Lordship. The children were questioned in spelling,grammar, arithmetic, goography, ike, and several recitations woro given in a creditable manner.

Tho examination of Iho Infants' School was held in St. Patrick's Hall, whero His Lordship and party attended. Tho scholars, who number about 150, were examined in spelling, geography, grammar, &c , and several recitations and songs were also given. A large number of prizes were dis tributed, and tho proceedings eloped with tho National Anthem.

MEETINGS.

At a meeting of medical gentlemen on Dec. 12, there were present :—Drs. Kendor dine (in (lie chair), Dawson, Lee, Richard son, Wine, .Rowley (Bombay), ilainos, Mc- Millan, Bond, Knight, Hooper, Beale (Hamilton), and Evans. A society was formed, to be called "The Auckland Medi cal Association," On the motion of Dr. Richardson, seconded by Dr. Evans, Dr. Kendordino was unanimously elected Presi dent of the Society lor the first year. Drs. Hooper and Dawson were elected Vico- Proflidonts, Dr. Bond Secretary, and Dr. Richardson Treasurer. The meeting then adjourned till Wednesday, January Dth, when rules, etc., will be brought up for con sideration.

Tho half-yearly meeting of tho Auckland Permanent Building Society, which was to hald on [December I!), lupsod for want of a quorum. Appended is a copy of tho accounts which wore to have been presented : —" Receipts and disbursements tor the half year ending the 30th of Septem ber, 1883. Receipts : Fees, £310 3s 5d ; lines (amounts received), £45 ltis 8d ; pass books and rules sold, Cl 1 17s; subscriptions received on shares account, £19,702 8s Id j deposits, £22,222 'Is 4d ; on account pro perties in liquidation, £303 14s ; bank de posits withdrawn, £3,000 ; balance in hand 31st of March, 18S3, £7(>5 2s Bd. Disburse ments : Fees, &c, £54 Ss Gel; advances secured on mortgage, £17,010 ; ropaymantu to depositors, £s,ti."iO (is ; interest paid to depositors, &c, £239 13s 7d ; matured and withdrawn shares, £10,8li(i 3s fid ; out standing debts (31st March), £43!) 10s 4d ; properties in liquidation, £44 Is ."id; manage ment, &c., £570 15s ucl; balance in hand and at bank, £5,000 Is 3d.

Tho half-yearly mooting of Branch No. SI of tho 1i.A.C.8. Society was held on Dec. 19th, in St. Patrick's Hall, thore being present a largo number of members. After the preliminary business, the Secretary read the balance-sheet, which showed the Branch to bo in a very nourishing eonditii n, the following being a statcmont of tho various funds :—Sick Fund (credit balance), £1,000; Management Fund, £700; Benovolent ITnnd, £20; increase of funds for quarter, £50 ; sick pay paid during quarter, £20 8s ; medical attendance, £54; contributions for past term, £100 ; total number of members, 250. Tho election of ollicors for tho ensuing term resulted as follows :—President, John Patterson (re-elected) ; Yice-I'rcsident, J, 11. T. Ziegler (re-elected): Secretary, P. Kearney; Treasurer, James Clark (re elected); Warden, E. O'Haro, jun. ; Guardian, J. O'Sullivan ; Sick Visitors, Bros. Pholcn, C. O'Connor, and D. Flynn ; Auditors,'!'. 11. White (re-elected) and Jas. O'Brien, jun.; Medical Attendants, Dr». Tennent and Evans. The meeting termi nated with votes of thanks to tho late Secretary (Bio. Jas. O'Brien, jun.)and Bro. M. Landers, Secretary of the Thames Branch.

At tho meeting (if the University College Council on December li),reference was made to tho desirability of establishing certuin exhibitions, for which £100 would bo required. Professor Brown explained that the Professorial Board thought there should be established some scholarships or exhibi tions in the nature of " Entrance Scholarships,'' so that tho boys of the various schools around would havo an opportunity of competing for such scholarships. Instead of having tive scholarships as at first suggested, it was now proposed to give four, viz. : two en trance scholarships of l'2O, tenable for a year, to bo awarded upon examination for excellence in any three of the following sub jects ;—Classics, English, and mathematics, physics and chemistry, biology and goology. There might also bo two senior scholarships of £30 a year each, for students of the College, tenable for a year, and applicable to students who had kept their terms. Tho sum of £100 was voted for the carrying out of the scheme, and the proposition was re ferred to the Lecture Committee, with n request that they would confer with the Professorial Board. It was decided that the calendar should bo printed for publica tion in January, and that the AgontConeral bo requested to select a design for College seal or confer with Mr Mackelvio o others.

SOCIAL.

Os Deo. 11th the formal presentation of a bust of Garibaldi (subscribed for by 137 Italians) to the Cliristchureh Museum was made by Mr A. Craeroft Wilson, Consul for Italy, in presenco of a number of Italians. Dr. Yon Haast, curator of the Museum, acknowledged tho presentation.

Mr Holland, builder, gave hi.s Christmas dinner to his employees on December 28 at Canning's Dining Rooms. About fifty poisons sat down to a liberal spread pro vided by Mr Castle, foreman to Mr Canning. Mr J. J. Holland occupied the chair, supported by Mr J. L. Holland, and Mr Howiing. Tho dinner was worthy the occasion, and highly creditable to the caterer. At tho close of the feast a number of toasts wcro enthusiastically drank, in cluding "Tho Queen," proposed in loyal terms by the Chairman, "The Mayor and Council" by Mr Wm. Guird, and responded to by Mr John Lorraine Holland, tho newly elected member of the City Council, who thanked tho meeting on behalf of tho Mayor and Council, ho had only atttended ono sitting of tho Council and, consequently, his cxporienco was very limited. Ho obsorved, however, a good deal of business tact, and bolieved that members wcro straightforward, honourable men, who had tho welfare of tho commu nity at heart. Tho Chairman thon pro posed "The Architects of Auckland, to which Mr Bowring replied. Mr Guird proposed "The healths of Mr J. J. Holland, Mrs Holland, and family" in complimentary terms. He had known Mr Holland for more than twenty years, aud always found him'a kind aud considerate man. Tho toast was drank with musical honours. Mr Holland replied at some length, expressing his pleasure in meeting his men at these social featherings. They had just com pleted one of tho largest buildings in Auck land with much satisfaction—viz., tho buildings of Mr Thomas Russoll, near tho wharf. The year had passed with but one accident, which resulted in the death of Samuel Smith, a good workman and an honest fellow. That morning he had seen poor Sum's widow, and presented to her the sum of i'liO 8s (id, tho result of their sub scriptions received by himself and Mr Guird, on behalf of tho widow. Tho ''Builders' Association" was proposed by Mr George Crouch in an excellent speech. "Tho Brickraakers," by Mr A. Burford, who gave a gratifying sketch of tho pro gress of tho trade, " My Employe's," by the Chairman; "Tho Ladies," by Mr Guird: "Tho PreM," by Mr J. L. Holland, and "Tho Caterer." Songs were sung by Messrs Finlay, Burford, Waring, and others. A poem, "Master and Men," written for tho occasion, was recited in aspirited manner by Mrs Anderson. Other recitations were: "Tho Builders" (Longfellow) by Mr Blackmail, "Tho Downfall of Poland" (Campbell) by Mr F. McCuet, and a highly humorous piece, "Tho Snails and the Cabbage," by tho author, Mr James Clare, whoso former compositions havo received a local reputation. Tho proceedings wore harmonious and pleasant, and closed with " A Happy New Year." There was a good attendance at St. James's Hall on December 28, when an enter tainment was given under the auspices of the St. Matthew's Literary and Debating Club. The programme included several good selections, including the following :— Piano duct (waltz), "(iloire do Dijon," Misses Hooper; ballad, "Apart," Miss Amy Davis; duet, "When tho Wind Bloweth in from tho Sea," Miss M. Halstead and Dr. Murray Moore ; ballad, "The Old Love and the New," Mrs Tebbs ; song, Mr J. Hanna; duet (harp and violin), "II Trovatore, ' Mrs and Master Stevenson ; song, "A Bird in the Hand," Miss Hulme ; " Maccabe," the impersonation of Maccabe by Mr Warner was excellent; " Tit for Tat," Miss Coster; "Down Among the Dead Men," Mr Worrall; "The Limo Trees by tho River," Miss Mary Halstead ; aria, Mr J. Hanna ; duet (violin and piano), " Chansonette," Masters Stevenson and Basil Tebbs; "Dream Faces," Miss Wright; "The Great Velocipede Song," Mr Warner, Thepianoforteaccompaniments were played by Mrs Tebbs. The bur lesque, "Villikins and His Dinah," brought tho evening's amusement to a close. Mr Burrows appeared as Master Grumbleton Gruffin, Mr Woods as Baron Boski Bumble, Dr. Dawson as William Wilkins, Mr A. B. Broomhall as Dinah Gruffin, and Master Tobbs as a retainer.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS ITEMS.

BIRTIIS in Auckland during November were 91, and deaths 20. Survey of the King Country is success fully started. December's Customs revenue is £10,000 less than previous year. Two horses wore killed by lightning at Inoh-Clutlia, Otago, on January 2. Young salmon are being caught i" -the Waikato river at Hamilton. J lares liavo eaten down two acres of young apple trees at Hamilton East. Over £12,000 were paid as property tax at Auckland Post-oih'ce on December 15. Last month, two Chinese, one male and one female, left New Zealand for Eng aud. A people's Co-operative Protection Society is to be established at Christ ohurch. Donald Dinnic, the great athlete, is en gaged to dance the 1 [ighland liing at Willis and I'ickorsgill's panta.scope. New I'lymoutli ratepayers, by a largo majority, have assented to the proposal to borrow £4000 for completion of waterworks. Following Auckland's example, the "old identities " of Wellington are arrranging a re-union for 15th January. The Kennedy family of vocalists are presently performing to large houses in Dunedin. Mr Kochefort, surveyor, says there are no gold-bearing indications in the West Taupo country. Donald Diiinie was beaten by New Zea land] colonists, in several of the athletic sports at Duuedin on New Year's Day. At Melbouro, on Monday, the inter colonial cricket match resulted in victory for Victoria, by three wickets. An excellent railway route is said to have been found between Wanganui and To Awamutu. Eleven Christchurch " larrikins " have been lined in sums varying from £1 to £!i for disturbing the Salvation Army. The annual death-rate in New Zealand is 11 per 1,000, ut which rate the average duration of life should be. 90 years. Twenty-two immigrants by tho Victory found engagments at Dunedin at 4s to las per week j three shephords at £50 to £55. Trout fi-y pluced in the Mill Creek, Hamilton, are thriving well, and are not harmed by the eels. 13y the steamer Tongariro from Lyttolton, 1,198 kegs of butter have been sent to the London Market. There aro several people in New Zealand who pay over £1,000 a year in property tax. 50,000 shares have been applied for in tho colony, in tho champion Copper Company, Nelson. Tho Agent-General telegraphs to Wel lington the departure of tho Northumber land with IGO immigrants, and tho Rangi tikoi with 341, both for Auckland. The "Tasmanian Mail" points out that New Zealand moat can be bought in London for less than meat can be purchased in Hobart. The "Sydney Morning Herald "says that " tho person named Lundon" has been un successful in his agitation for the annexa tion of Samoa to New Zealand. There are said to be hundreds of un employed men in Christchurch, but only fifteen of them are willing to work for 4s (id a day. A number of small capitalists, witli from £300 to £1,000, aro proposing to emigrate to New Zealand from Rhode Island, U.S., and Toronto, Canada. M, J. J. Evans Brown, M.H.R. for St. Albans, was married at St. Peter's Church, Christchurch, on December 20. The briclo was Mrs Martin, a resident of Wellington. Final observations in connection with the Transit of Venus, and which will determine tho precitwj longitude of New Zealand, wore concluded on December 19. The Zwitter or hermaphrodito horso in the stables of tho Auckland Hotel continues to draw crowds of sightseers. It seems to be the curio of the season. Wellington people proposo closing tho Free Public Library there, because they do not get tho same big Government grant in aid as formerly. Efforts aro being made to induce Mr Edward Wakefiekl to offer himself as candidate for Selwyn seat (Otago), vacant by the death of Mr E. J. Leo. The Customs Department at Dunedin intend proceeding against several of tho excursion steamers for overcrowding on Boxing Day. Tho corporations of Dunedin and sur rounding boroughs arc considering the ad visability of adopting a general scheme of drainage. At Christchurch, on Dec. Bth, a bicycle raco of 114 miles was won by F. W. Painter. The rato of speed was over ten miles an hour. A Ratepayers' Association has been formed at Christchurch to look after the interests of the taxpayers and secure various reforms. Mrs W. If. Kissling, head nurse of Auck land Hospital, leaves shortly to take the post of Lady Superintendent of Wellington Hospital. Trout ova havo been successfully hatched out under tho care of Mr Gelling, Hamilton, and good-sized trout may now be seen in one of the Waikato creeks.

The poundkoepor at .To Awamutu is being proceeded against for cruelty to animals by keeping a horse kneodeop in mud in the pound. It is proposed to found a Hone Werahiko Scholarship in Thames High School in honour of the discoverer of To Aroha gold field.

A road is at once to be commenced between Kavvhia and Alexandra, and it is understood that the Armed Constabulary now in Waikato will be employed on it during the summer.

Wherefore the lato howl from the " un employed"? The Wellington "Post" states that two contractors there have boon vainly seeking to employ 110 labourers at 8a per day. New salt-water baths at Port Chalmers wore " opened " properly by tho Mayor and Councillors on Docember 17. They took " headers" into tho water and swam round the baths.

At the Napier City Council meeting, on December 19, tho Mayor said ho hoped tho question of lighting the town with tho electric light would soon tako practical shape. Two boya under eight years of ago broko into a shop at Qunodin tho other day, and stolo £4 worth of pictures and photographs. Tlieso lads are doubtless born artists, as shown by their precocity in "takingpictures."

Tho greater portion of tho Triumph's refrigerating apparatus was landed hero on December 27, and it is expected that tho balanco, which comprises several heavy pieces, will bo brought up during the present week.

Tho Dunodin Society of Carpontors and Joiners have resolved to request tho Execu tivo Council of tho English Society in Man chester to uso every means in their power to provont any moro members of the Society coming to tho colony.

The polling for tho eloction of a Coun cillor to represent Graf ton Ward in tho City Council resulted in tho return of Mr J, L. Holland, the polling resulting as follows : — Mr John L. Holland, !)G ; Mr James C. Sharland, 84; Mr K. W. Moody, GB.

According to tho " Now Zealand Times," the immigration officers complain that during tho voyage ot the Triumph there were "gross moral irregularities, in which j the ship's officers and some of the passengers • were said to have participated." Complaint having been mado that Jus tices connected with the shipping interest I doalt with charges against seamen at I'ort ' Chalmers, tho Minister of Justice has stated | that in future such charges will be hoard by tho Resident Magistrate. At Port Chalmers on Dec. 14, the second and third engineers and boiler-maker, and three seamen of tho Tongariro wcro all bo fore the Court for offences against dis ciplino. Thoy were mostly ordered to for feit two days' pay, but tho boilormakcr was sent seven days to prison. Recent electrical disturbances in Welling ton rang telephone bells, and people, on going to answer, received an electric shock ' through tho instrument, in some cases feel ing like a smart blow on the head, and in I others inducing temporary numbness and deafness.

On Wednesday (Decombor 2G) tho private residence of Mr Knight, fruiterer and i poulterer, situated in East-street, Newton, I was broken into, and £41 and a watch and chain stolen. The burglar obtained access ' by breaking a pane of tho back kitchen window. The police have the matter in hand.

It is expected that the survey of the King Country will not bo completed for over twelve months. The cost is estimated at £1,000, or one-eighth of a penny per acre. Ngatimaniapotos wish the survey to go on at once on these terms. The triangulation survey is to be done at the ex pense of Government, and the above-named sum is for the boundary survey. Grave complaints have been formulated by the Tongariro's passengers against the officers of the ship. Over 100 of thorn have addressed a memorial to tbe Company, complaining of insufficient attention and of the poorness of the food supplied during the voyage. The Dunedin " Herald " asserts that on the Northern passengers leaving the ship they gave groans for Captain Hallott. ■

Tho beer duty last month was £G,473, against t'14,776 for tho previous month, and £8,707 for December 18S2.

A man named Thomas Smith, aged 57, was rocoivod in tholnvercargill Hospital on New Year's night, with several ribs frac tured. He stated that tho injuries were caused through a fall while wrestling at Lumsdon township, about thirty miles from Invoreargill. Jiiflamation of tho lungs sot in, and Smith died on January 4.

We have received a copy of the Fijian settlers' petition for incorporation with New Zealand. They complain of their political disabilities, their heavy taxation, and tho irresponsible character of their Government; and they also point out that not less than £1,700,000 of Australasian capital is already invested in Fiji. The quarterly "earthquake report" for New Zealand, for the quarter ended .')Oth September, is just gazetted. It is to the following ellect: —July—Earthquakes re ported at Wellington on 4th, after midnight, smart; on sth, at 3.30 a.m., slight; and on 9th, at 2.-I0 p.m., slight. August— Nil, September—Earthquako at Wellington on 27th, at 7.15 p.m. At tho Invercargill Police Court on 18th December, two lads charged with caus ing a disturbance at tho Salvation Army services were lined ten shillings ; or, in de fault, 48 hours'iinprisonment. They pleaded not guilty, and their lawyer defined tho hall as " a place where people could do as they please." The Court demurred to this view of the case, holding that it was like any other place of worship. Tho Governor arrived at Lyttclton in the Hinemoa about I p.m. on January 4, A special train took him straight on to Dunedin.

The Christchurch Caledonian Society celebrated St. Andrew's Day by a supper, at which Mr Watt, of the Bank of New Zealand (formerly of Auckland), presided. Two prominent items in tho bill of fare were Scotch haggis and oat-cakes, and the national beverage was of course conspicuous. Tho first "coorso" consisted of "stewed liens wi' puddock stools," "minced collops wi'sma' peas," and " a wee Donal o' Glen livet," and tho " second coorse" was Giggot o' mutton wi' red curran' jellie," and "stull'od Bubbly Jocks roastit." After the haggis came Scotch grou.so brought in the lonic's refrigerator. "Tatties, biled and chappit, and bashed neops" followed, and " neist came the Mitie Dunlop cheese an' cake, wi' a mixtio maxtie o' ingins, lettuces, and a lot o' other green things," and "jist anither Donal to keep a'doon." The supper was succeeded by toasts, songs, and selections on the pipes by the piper and also by a string band. A man supposed to bo P. O, Bennett was found dead at Stringley Creek, Otago. It is supposed that he fell from his horse.

Wm. Wilson, an old resident at Milton, Otago, died of apoplexy on Friday morn ing, January 4.

Tho Auckland branch of the Irish National Land League resolved at a meeting on Dec. 21st:—"That the solo objects of the branch arc to work in harmony with Mr. Parnell's progiammo, and that any sub ject brought forward at future meetings foreign to tho said programme be imme diately discountenanced by the Chairman as out of order."

Tho framed testimonial presented to Mr J. M. Clark is one of the handsomest things of the kind that lias been seen in Auckland for a considerable lime past. Tho address was beautifully engrossed and illuminated by Mr Chan. I'almor, and the frame was made of J\'e\v Zealand woods, inlaid, by Mr A. Seutlert, while a patent plate-glass front protects the face of the parchment.

The Light of the Ocean, H.M.S. Espiegle, held a meeting in the Newton Hall on Dec. 22. After disposing of the business the Lodge was thrown open for harmony, when they entertained the local lodges with a really goorl programme. Songs by Sis. Lightfoofc, Bright, and Edmonds, Bros. Hollands, Knight, Marsh, Bandett, and Lightfoot were well rendered, also recita tions by Bros. Hill, Itobinson, Gallagher, Hill, jun., and Hooves. The singing of the National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

An old pensioner named Patrick Crowley was drowned on the 25th ult. while at tempting to ford the Taiera River. Otago. Twelve declarations of insolvency were filed during tho holidays, in Dnnedin, in cluding Henry Cook, publican, with debts vi- tM,<i:t(i, and assets £2,!)70.

At tho If arbour Board meeting on Deo. 22, a letter was received from Mr. Bassett

accepting £]200 and the waggons in settle ment of hi.s claim against the Board. Tho secretary reported that the work at Devon port wharf had been let, the District Board having; paid its half. A long letter from tho Harbour Master in reply to Captain Webber was referred to tho Finance Com mittee. The ollicers' salaries were then nettled as follows :—Secretary and trea surer, £tiOO; Ist clerk, £275; 2nd clerk, .£2OO ; 3rd clerk, £100 ; two cadets at £:i5 : engineer, t(!00; cadet, £40; foreman of works, £225 ; chief harbour-master, £500 : deputy harbour-master, £,'!00; two boat men (harbour department), £10S eacli ; boatmen (pilot department), £90; pilot (free house), £250; pilot, £275 : signal man (free house), £173; chief boat man, £120, boatman, £84; dock engineer, t2OS; dock fireman (free house), £120; storekeeper, £150; extra pilot (when ap pointed), £250.

Benjamin Tonks, Joseph May, Esq., and William Pollock Moat are gazetted to be members of tho Land Board for the Land District of Auckland.

A young man named Alexander Manley, employed on the scow Ghost, died suddenly while on that vessel shortly before 4 o'clock on Friday morning, January 4. He had been ailing for some time previously from apoplectic tits, and the cause of death is supposed to havo arisen from that afflict ion.

Tho Hon. C. Richardson's friends in tho Selwyn district, Canterbury, are working hard for him, and he has been promised a large amount of support.

At a meeting of the creditors of 6oorge I\. West, Dunedin, it was stated his losses since IS7O amounted to £4,165 —assets £7,310; liabilities, £4,674. A deed of arrangement agreed to allow West time to mako an offer.

Our Tongan correspondent writes that a dentist has been doing a good stroke on the island lifting up royalty and numerous chiefs with new grinders. The natives ex press their astonishment where all the teeth como from. Tonga boasts two brass bands, and thero is talk of sending a native cricket team to Auckland. 'I'he Crown I'rinco has just issued a circular con taining a copy of a letter signed by the King and by all the members of the Privy Council that were present at the Council meeting, and addressed to the Weslcyan Conference, Sydney, ask ing for tho recoil of tho Rev. J. E. Maulton, and stating that if lie bo not recalled the King will seek a minister of another denomination to occupy the ptilpit in his now church, which-is shortly to" bo opened. Great anxiety oxists as to the result of the decision of tho Wesloyan Church in Sydney on these matters, for on the course taken by tho "Wesleyan Con ference will dopond'the future welfare of that Church in those islands.

AGRICULTURAL.

The crops in Canterbury look pvomisine though late.

Tho Ruknhia Cheese and Bacon Factory started on December 10,

Native tobacco cultivations at Whati whatihoo worn inspected by Mr Vollbracht of tho New Zealand Tobacco Company and foinid to bo most promising. At Rukuhia Cheese Factory, Waikato, there is plant suitable for treating GOO gallons of milk per day, tho only "hands required being the manager and a boy. The Waihouranga Estate, South Canter bury, consisting of 18,090 acres (freehold), and 1.74S acres (leasehold, 14 years from May 14, 1S70), was sold, on December 11, to Mr John Holmes, M.H.R., for .£S2,f>oo. Tho Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association has decided that a letter should be sent to each of the judges at tho late Show thanking them for their services. It was also agreed to purchase the plough mado from Now Zealand ironsand, manu factured and exhibited at tho Show by Messrs Dunwoodio, and that it should be presented to tho Auckland Museum.

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

It i.-i understood the local Executive Council of the New Zealand Riilo Associa tion have invited His Excellency Sir Wm. Jcrvois to open the prize-tiring meeting to bo held in Auckland in February. ° At the Dunodin Kille Association Mcelino- Gunner Murray, of tho Navale, made 91 out of a possible century at 200 and ;>OO yards lhere were 71 competitors. Tlie memorial tombstone, in memory of the lato Major Withers, has been completed, and placed over the grave in the Church of England Cemetery. The stone has the following inscription : —" To the memory of Major E. Wither?, late of H.M.S. Goth Regiment, who died May 20th, ISB3, an-ed i G years; having served 40 years in the Imperial and 20 years in the Colonial Service. Erected as a, mark o£ esteem to their late commanding officer by his comrades of the Auckland Yolunteor District."

DRAMATIC.

The Pomeroy Dramatic Company, piloted by 11. I. Lyons, who had previously scored big colonial successes with Blondin the funambulist, Cooper and Bailey's Circus, Colo's Circus, and the Stewart Family, oponod at Abbott's Opera House with " Romeo and Juliet" on Boxing Night to a packed house. Since then there has been a nightly change of programme, and the pat ronage of the public hat been so liberal that tho receipts for the first, seven nights reach the almost unprecedented figure of £840. A four weeks' season is promised, and there is every prospect of the "run" of popularity continuing to tho end.

MINING NEWS.

Tun Mokau coal is being worked and sent

to Waitara,

Tho Christchureh Quartz-Mining Com pany have applied for a gold-mining lease for 1") years of IOJ, acres of land at the head of tho Wilberforce River.

A sample of two lumps of coal from the " outcrop" taken from the seam on the banks of the Mokau River are > n view at tho shop of Messrs E. Porter and Co., Queen-street. The coal has a bright ap pearance, and is of weighty substance, ad mirably adapted for steam purposes. Dr. Hector reported favourably of this coal district. Mr Black, the Thames Mining Engineer, Captain Rich, and other expe rienced gentlemen, have gone to the dis trict by the steamer Hannah Mokan, ac companied by four miners, with a view of thoroughly prospecting the district. We learn that several large beds of coal have boon found near the river, and citizens will .shortly have opportunities of testing the qualities of the Mokau coal. The annual meeting of shareholders in the Dart (Joldmining Company was held on Jan. 2, at Mr F. A. White's office, Queen-street. The directors' report for the year ending December 30th expressed regret that a more favourable statement with regard to dividends could not be placed before the shareholders, but notwithstanding the expenditure of capital involved in placing machinery and mine in working order, prospects for the coming year are considered encouraging, inasmuch as from tho low level good crushing dirt is now coming to hand, and as soon as the first gold return is in they expect to be free from debt, with a good balance in their favour. Theminomanager'sreport of the year's work was also read. It concluded by stating that "with the good prospects we have bofore us in the ground opened up and the battery running full time I expect to turn out fully 400ozs. of gold monthly." Messrs E. B. Fraser and Adam Porter were re elected directors, and Mr Waymouth uditor.

Mining Meetings.

Nkw Prikck Imperial.—The second annual meeting of the shareholders of the New Prince Imperial G.M. Company was held at 11 o'clock to-day at the office of Mr D. (J. MacDonnell, Mr P, Comiskey in the chair. The directors' report stated that during the year dividends to the extent of 39s per share had been paid, equal to £3!i,000, that a cash balance of £4,938 5s 10d remains to the credit of the Company, and that there are no liabilities. It asserts that " the prospects of the mine are such as fully warrant us in saying you may confidently look forward to a continuance of dividends." The direc tors recommended thepayment to themselves of a honorarium of 1250 for past service. The balance-sheet showed the total receipts to have been 1T>9,4'25 8s Sd, including cash from gold £57,838 13s, and £579 2s 6d balance from last year. The expenditure was as follows: —Mine and battery, wages and contracts, £11,075 8s ; mine and battery requisites, £2SS4 15s 2d; crushing, £2,111 12s 2d ; drainage, £BCO ; coal and water supply, £320 12s 4d ; salaries, &c, £202155; Property Tax, £118 16s; directors' honorarium, £250; advertising, 4c, £51 Cs 1 Id; miscellaneous accounts, £10G 2s; mining plant, £9C9 14s (Id; Graham, £450; dividend, £35,100; fixed deposit, £],000; balance, f3,918 5s lOd : total, £59,425 8s 3d. The capital ac count shows that during the two years' existence of the Company onlyGd per scrip, equal to i'4so, has been called up, while the dividend paid during that period was equal to €2 9s per scrip. The report was adopted. Messrs J. Dickey and Tj Melville, retiring directors, were re elected, and Mr T. L. "White was re appointed auditor. The customary com pliment to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. AiiDUKNi.v.—The annual meeting of the Company was held at 2 o'clock this after noon, Mr T. Macflarlane in the chair. The annual report of the directors stated that during the year operations had been un successful and the hands had been dis charged. The liabilities amounted to £922 ISs, and £414 12s Gd calls were due. The balance-sheet showed the receipts during the year to have been £3,903 19s sd, including £1,065 12s Cd calls, and £1,279 8s 5d earnings of the battery. Gold yielded £025 4s 7a, and tributes, £32117s 4d. The expenditure had been £7 19s 7d less. The battery had been sold for £1,250. The re port was adopted. Mr Macffarlane was re elected director, and Mr T. L. White audi tor. The meeting was proceeding when we went to press.

WRECK OF THE SCHOONER PIRATE.

By arrival of the schooner Ryno from the South Sea Islands, we learn of the wreck of the well-known Auckland schooner Pirate, owned by Mr James Macfarlane, of thiß port. Captain Trayte was met at the island of Manikihi, and from him those on tho Ryno heard that on the Bth of October the Pirate arrived there. He went ashore, and left tho vessel at anchor a short dis tanco from the shoro in charge of Mr Kelly, tho mate. The weather, which had for somo time previously been fine, sud denly changed for the worse, and a heavy squall was followed by a dead calm. The schooner was driven ashore by a heavy swell setting in towards the island. The crew succeeded in getting ashore, but within four hours the vessel became a total wreck. At tho time of wreckage the Pirate had most of her Auckland cargo on board, whicli was plundered by the natives, but a largo quantity was afterwards returned through the efforts of the resident mission ary. The hull of the schooner was sold by auction for 21d015., and the cargo for l,SOOdolf<. The hull was insured in the Union ollico for £1,000, £7(io of which is re-insured in tho South British. The cargo is also insured for £700 in the Union ; £150 ill tho Now Zealand, and £525 in the Uni versal. The latter office has also a policy of £100 on the freight, while tho South British has a risk on the cargo, tho amount of which is not yet known.

MURDER OF A PARAMOUR.

Tragedy in Low Life,

Dunedts, December 31. A max named William Pearce has been ar rested for the murder of Matilda Hancock. The two were cohabiting together. Both were abandoned characters. The woman has been frequently confined for drunken ness and prostitution, whilst Pearco only a few months since camo out of gaol, after serving eighteen months for stabbing a man. Poaroo and his paramour had been drinking together on Saturday, and had a quarrel, during which slio was stabbed, a gaping wound being inflicted on her left side. The woman lingered in her own house till about nine o'clock this morning, when she died, and about eight o'clock this morning Pearco reported to the polico that the woman had died suddenly during tlie night. The police found the body with the wound in it, and also several bruises. An inquest was held this afternoon, at which the only evi dence taken was that of Puarce, who de posed to the identity of the deceased. He had known her for eleven years, and had lived with her for four months. She has a daughter seven years old, and she horself was 42. A post-mortem ex amination showed that death resulted from tho wound. The woman is the divorced wife of a man who was a well-known pub lican in Dunedin some years ago.

Dcsedin, January 1. It has transpired that Dr. Copelana was called in to see the body of the woman Hancock early on the morning on which she died. It is believed that there were several persons present about the time of the quarrel between the two, a.nd that a Mrs Boyd can give uwterjal evidence. Mrs Boyd attended to the woman after the occurrence, and her evidence will probably be taken at the adjourned inquest on Fri day,

CRICKET MATCH.

CANTERBURY V. AUCKLAND.

Auckland, December 28. iN'TF.nPROviN'ciAL cricketing contests be tween Canterbury and Auckland have always excited the greatest interest in both districts, but the match which com menced to-day may fairly be considered of more importance than any of its predeces sors. This is the fourth match of the kind that has taken place. Auckland won the first at Christchurcli during the memorable trip of 1873 with very little to spare ; the second took place on the Domain, and resulted in a very easy victory for tho visitors : while the third was won on Lancaster Park last year by Canter bury with 27 runs to spare. Each contest has served to heighten the excitement in connection with its successor, and conse quently the result of the iuterprovincial match which commenced to-day is awaited with no. small amount of interest both in cricketing circles and amongst tho peoplo of both places generally. Tho present Canterbury team is considerably different from the one which played last year, whilo the local eleven is the same with the excep tion of two men, whose addition may safely be said to have strengthened it. Noon was the time fixed for the commence ment of the match, but it was after that hour when Auckland proceeded to elect their captain, Mr W. W. Robinson being chosen. The attendance was not large at that time, but was expected to improve. The wicket was in good condition, having been carefully rolled after tho rain of last night. The effect of the down pour upon it was not very great, but would cause it to play slower than for tho last few days. Canterbury won the toss, and elected to go in, thus getting the best of the wicket. Mr T. D. Condell was chosen umpire for Canterbury and Mr Mumford for Auckland, while Messrs 6. Lankham and A. Longden scored for Auckland and Canterbury respectively.

At ten minutes to one Auckland took their places in the field, Blair taking the wickets; Testro, long stop ; O'Brien, long leg and long-off; Robinson, short leg; Yates, long-on and third man; Dewes, long-off and leg; Gill and Lankham, bowler and slip ; Arneil, point; Bowden, cover-point and long-on; Barton, mid-on and cover. The Canterbury innings occupied the whole day, and closed for 171, at 5.30 p.m., and as a slight shower was then falling, the stumps were drawn for the day. Several light showers which fell during the night served to freshen the wicket, and it was almost as good after the roller had been over it in the morning as the previous day. There was, however, more "kick" on it, and this fact promised to favour the bowlers. Shortly before noon the Canterbury team proceeded on to the ground, and were placed as follow :—Malet, short stop; Chapman, bowler and mid-off: Buchanan, short leg; Secretan, mid-off and point; Wilding, point and bowler; Harman, cover and long leg; Millton, third man and long field; Ashby, short slip ; Dudney, long-on and third man ; Pocock, mid-on ; Edser, long leg and cover. At 4.15 p.m., the innings closed for 141, Gill making 1, and Lankham carrying his bat out for 19.

December 31

In Canterbury's second innings Auckland was more successful, disposing of their opponents for 121, Harman carrying his bat for 13.Dewes deserves credit for his remarkable smartness behind the wicket?, no less than six men being caught by him. Auckland commenced its second innings at ten minutes j«itt twelve, with a deficiency of 150 runs to make up, and 151 to! get to win. Betting on the result had again dropped to level money. Yates and Testro again represented the local men at the wicket?, and Pocock took the fiist over. The play, as will be seen by the scores, was much better, Arneil's splendid score of of 59, not out, being the result of very fine play. When the telegraph shewed 150, this being a tie, Auckland fairly screamed with delight. Seerutan took the over at the other end, and was "no - balled," for his first. This made the victory for Auckland, with four wickets to fall, and the most enthusiastic excitement prevailed, the band playing "See the Conquering; Hero," and a crowd of "tha boys" rushing the ground and carry ing Arneil shoulder-high to the pavilion, Dewes following elevated on Iheshouldersof another crowd. The Aucklunders showed their good feeling by loudly cheering tho Canterbury man and their captain on their retirement from the ground. Auckland's victory is by four wickets and one run—a most decisive one. After the matoh, Mr 11. C. Barstow called for cheers for the Canterbury team, which were enthusiastically given, an extra cheer being lustily given for Mr F. Wild ing, the Southern captain. Cheers ■were given by the defeated eleven for their victorious opponents, and another for Mr W. W. Robinson, captain. AGGREGATE SCORES. Canterbury. First innings 170 Second innings 121 Total *29l Auckland. First innings m Second innings (for six wickets) .. 151 Total .. .. lii Victory for Auckland by i wickets and 1 ran, CANTERBURY-SECOND INNINGS. Dudney, c Robinson, b Lankham .. ..II Miltton, c Dowes, b Lankham 0 Buchanan, c Dewes, b Lankham .. .. 16 Secretan, b Lankham H Ashby, c Dewes, b Lankham 39 Wilding, b Robinson 7 Edser, 5 Lankham 0 Pocock, lbw., b Barton 19 Harman, not out 13 Malet, c Dewes, b Barton _ 1 Chapman, c Dowcs, b Barton 0 Byes 1 Leg-byes 3 Total 121 Bowling. Analysis. Balls. Runs. Mdus. Wits. Lankham ..121 54 11 6 Barton (Hi 25 8 3 Robinson ..32 U 3 I Gill .... 12 5 0 0 Blair.. .. 12 19 0 0 AUCKLAND-SECOND INNINGS. YatesbAshby 21 Testro, c Secretan, b Pocock i Barton, c Malet, b Ashby 22' O'Brien, c Buchanan, c Pocock i Arnetl, notout 59 Blair, c Socrotan, b Wilding 10 Lankham c Dud~ey, 1) Ashby i Duwea, not out . „ 15 Byes „ 7 Leg-byes . 2 No balls „ S Total 151 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Runs. Mdns. Wkts. Pocock .. 124 ii 14 2 Chapman .. 72 7 8 0 Wilding .. IS is 2 1 Ashby .. i% 31 3 3 Kdser .. Mi 12 0 0 Pocock bowled 2 no balls and Secrotan I.

OPPENHEIMER'S NEW CALE WOMAN GUM SPECULATION.

Eioiit gum-diggers who wore induced to go to New Caledonia by Mr Oppenheimer's representations of the value of the gum fields on that islandhavo written a piteous account of their experiences They say :— " We were not such fools as to believe all that gentleman told us about the extensive kauri forests here, but wo were foola enough to put some faith in Mr Oppon heimer. We did not think that he would entice eight gum-diggers to a country where gum trees arc as scarce as snow in. Queen-street, and where not a vestige of extinct kauri forests is to be found. W& were out in the mountains for four weeks,, crossed this island from west to east, and! went a good way up the East Coast, with the result of three bags of gum in the whole month for eight men." On applying to Mr Oppenheimcr for compensation, he repudiated all responsibility, and the diggers then petitioned the French Government for free judicial procedure ugainst him, which was granted, and the case, at date of last advices, Mas pending in the New Caledonian Courts. It will bo remembered that when Mr Oppenheimer was in Auckland endeavouring to float this scheme we published in the Star a statement showing that gum did not exist in New Caledonia in quantities sufficient to pay either convicts or aborigines, much less free labour, and diggers were warned against being misled by the specious reports, to the publication of which our morning contemporary freely and most unwisely lent its columns. Though capitalists were wary and declined the bait, these warnings seem to have been disregarded by the eight men who we*e». induced to start on this wild-goose chase,, and who have now learned by experience, what they might have known without going out of Auckland. Nevertheless^ we hope, they .will succeed in obtaining substantial, reparation for tho losses and1 hardships they, have suffered. ■

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAi, JANUARY 5, 1884.

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