WESLEYAN CHURCH ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING.

MORNING SESSION.

Church Properties,

New Erections Completed.— l Auck land—(l) Pitt-street: Extension of Church 49ft. for Sunday-school, class-rooms, vestry, and lecture hall. Total cost, £2,371; debfc, £792. (2) Auckland: Pitt-street circuit— Im provement and repairs to foundation and to front of Pitt-street, cost £250 ; debt, £250 ; (3) other debts reduced in the circuit, £'106 3s 7cl. 2. Auckland : North Shore cir cuit, debt reduced £25. Grafton Road circuit : Parncll, debt reduced, £50. 3. Mahurangi circuit : Warkworth debt reduced, £7 7s : Dome Valley Church im provements, £18 3s ; debt, £4 12s : Port Albert Church improvement, £23 10s 8d; no debfc. 4. Franklin circuit: Reduction of debts, £1612s 2d. 5. Thames circuit: Debt reduced, £129 15s 6d. 6. Manukau circuit: Total debts reduced £53 17s 4d. 7. Cambridge circuit improvements to Cambridge West Church, £20 ; no debt. 8. Hamilton, parsonage debt, reduced £20. 9. To Awamutu, i acre for parsonage, cost £50 ;no debt. 10. Paparoa Cir cuit -. Tsvelve acres of land acquired for church extension, cost £65, debt £49. Church improvements, £18 Is 6d, no debt; homestead church, debfc reduced, £8; homestead improvements, £5, no debt; Mereretu, 2 acres of land given by Mr Hullah, value £10. 11. Tauranga circuit, debt reduced, £14 7s 6s. 12. Bay of Islands circuit, extinction of debt on Kawakawa church, £30. 13. Wade, erection of new parsonage, wood, 6 rooms, total £120, debt £20.

Proposed Erections Sanctioned. —(1) Auckland. —Pitt-street Circuit: Renewal of request to build church at Kingsland, cost £600; Conference regulation to be ob served. (2) Auckland and North Shore Circuit: Renewal of request to build parsonage at Devonport. (3) Manukau Circuit: Xew church at Papakura. (4) Paparoa circuit to erect church at Mereretu, cost £90. (5) Upper Thames (1) new church at Te Aroha, cost £350; (2) to build or purchase a parsonage. Sales, etc., Sanctioned. —(1) Auckland, Pitt-street circuit. Renewal of application for sale of Kingsland Church and site, also cottage site. (2) Auckland, North Shore circuit, renewal of application to sell old church at Devonport, pro ceeds to be applied to reduction of church debfc. (3) Thames circuit, renewal of request to sell the remaining un sold portion of Grahomstown land. (4) Paparoa circuit, permission to sell 4 acres, a portion of 12 acres recently pur chased. (5) Hamilton, renewal of applica tion to sell land at Ngaruawahia. Renewal of application to sell land at Hamilton West. lie "Definition of circuit income as a basis of assessment for connexion. , )! funds," by Rev. J. Dukes : "That the following items only constitute circuit income upon which basis connexional charges shall be levied. (1) Stipend paid to ministers after usual de ductions. (2) Grants from Homo Mission Funds. (3) Ordinary connexional charges." The meeting rose at 12.30. The DistrictMceting resumed itssessionsat a quarter past 2. Devotional exercises led by Mr F. A White. Mr E. B. White (North Shore) and Mr J. B. Burton Grafton Road) took their seats in the meet ing. DISTRICT SKCBETAKT'S UKPOUT ON t CHURCH VKOI'ERTIKS. Mr F. A. White furnishes a most pains taking and elaborate report, from which we gather that the total receipts for the year for trust purposes have reached the sum of £5,715 10s 4d, of which .sum £3,090 7s 7d has been expended on improvements and repairs, and £617 12s in reduction of church and parsonage debts. Tho total debts on the properties of the district now stand as under: — To connexional loan fund, £1,742 13s 3d ; other seeurites, £9,645 3s 2d. On the Secretary's report the following resolu tions were unanimously passed. 1. "That the report of the District Secretary be received and forwarded to Conference. , ' 2. " That the thanks of the meeting be pre sented to Mr F. A. White for his valuable .services as District Secretary, and that the Conference be recommended to reappoint him."

Tho Rev. Samuel Lawry moved, "That in order to facilitate District Meeting busi ness a form bo prepared and printed by the Loan Fund Committee, to be filled up by the superintendents cf circuits, and pre sented on the first day of the District Meet ing ; tho printed form to prcvido for the information required by the business of the Financial District Meeting, comprised in the questions relating to returns re pro perty, funds, statistics, and recommenda tions from Quarterly Meetings." Carried unanimously. CONNEXtONAL VlllE INSURANCE OFFICE. A motion for the establishment of a. Con nexional FirelnsuraucG Office was negatived on the voices. LOANS OBTAINED FROM LOAN FUND. Franklin circuit, £60 on Pukekohechurch; Wado, £20 on the parsonage. EKOriiBTI.ES SOLD DURING THE YEAR. Thames circuit, 50 feet of Grahamstown trust-property sold for £50; Franklin circuit, Xuakau church site sold. It was reported that Ruatangata church, Whanga rei circuit, was destroyed by firo in Sep tember, insurance , , £50. CONNEXION At. TRUST PROPERTIES. 1. Higher Education (Wesley College) Trust, Mr Hobby Treasurer ; Mr Prime, in the absence of the Treasurer, read the balance - sheet. Resolved, " That the balance-sheet as read be adopted and ordered to be forwarded to Conference." 2. Native and Destitute Children's Education Trust, Mr John Edson Treasurer: The balance-sheet was read and adopted and ordered to be sent to Con ference. 3. General Connexional Mission Properties Trust, Mr Prime Treasurer: The balance-sheet was read and adopted, and ordered to be sent to the Conference. 4. TheologicallnstitutionEndowmentTrust, Mr Prime, Treasurer : The balance-sheet of this (Elmsley bequest) fund was read and approved, and ordered to be sent to Con ference. 5. Balance-sheet of Wesley Col lege, Three Kings, was read by Mr McMas ter, Treasurer. Adopted, and ordered to the Conference. A vote of thanks to the auditors of the various connexional funds was agreed upon. AUCKLAND BOOK ASSOCIATION. Mr Edspn presented a report of the above association. Received, and ordered to be sent to the Conference. A resolution was passed expressing the thanks'of the meeting to Mr Edson for his services. WESLEY COLLEGE. The report of the Wesley College, Three Kings, was read by the 'Principal, the Rev. Alexander Reid, as follows.— Having in my former reports described at some length the working of tills institution, it may suffice on the present occasion to state that during the current year we have kept pretty closely to the old lines. Colo nial and Maori students have formed mem bers of the same family ;' the larger know ledge of the one class being utilised to th 3 education of the other, and, as we venture to think, with decided advantage to both. We feel devoutly thankful to our Heavenly Father for the excellent health enjoyed by our young men ; not one case of serious sickness having occurred among them throughout the session. The number of ministerial students has been six. One of these, Bro. Laws, was called out by the President of the Conference about the middle of September to supply for jVJr Morley; tho others have en

joyed the full benefits of the College course without interruption. In conse quence of Dr. Kidd's resignation of the office of classical and mathematical itor to the College, a post the duties of which he had ably mid faithfully discharged during a period oi' eleven years, the committee ad vertised for a successor, and from among about a dozen applicants selected F. G. Shera, Esq., M. A., T.G. D. This gentleman has been most diligent, punctual, and pains taking in .the discharge of his duties, and we trust that tho Conference will be satisfied with the progress made by the students under his tuition. Messrs Bavin and Gar land have been able toattond with regularity to the duties of their lectureships. Sore domestic atlliction has to some degree hindered Mr Dewsbury from fully carry ing out his programme. The principal accepted in good faith his increased respon sibilities in the domain of theology, exegesis, and Greek Testament, but in the beginning of July his health gave way, and since then ho has been able to afford the students only limited help in the sub jects allotted him. In the matter of Sun day services, the students have somewhat exceeded the average of work appointed by the Conference. They have been in request in ali tho neighbouring "circuits ; and the city pulpits of Presbyterian, Baptist, Congrega tional, and sister Methodist Churches have been occupied with acceptance by our young men, and substantial recogni tion of their services has been forth coming. We are persuaded that they ex perienced a deepening sense of tho responsi bility attached to the office to which they have been designated,and thabtheyaresfcudy ing to be approved of God and His Church. The Sunday-school and service in connection withtheCo'llege.aswcllas visiting among the few families resident in the neighbourhood, help to keep them in touch with actual pastoral work. 13 Maori youths have en joyed the advantages of our institution this year, being the largest number in residence since the re-opening. A lengthy vacation, partly spent in earning money with which to provide themselves clothes, leaves hardly nine months of the year for school. They love learning, and make good progress in several branches of an English education. Their general behaviour has on tho whole been good, but they are slow to understand why ° they should be allotted three hours' of manual labour each day, while the students enjoy com plete immunity from Buch toil .' This labour question has always been a difficulty, and muttering* about non-return to school after vacation occasionally vex our atmosphere. Wo cannot recommend any modification of the existing rule. A youth who demurs to the amount of work required at this College thereby proves himself unworthy of tho education which it provides. No part of Maori school training requires stronger emphasis than the cultivation of habits of industry, thrift, and self-help. For lack of these virtues intellectual and religious teaching have to a jarge extent tailed to secure the uplifting of this highly favoured people. Dr. Lawry has, with his wonted generosity, afforded us the benefit of his medical advice gratuitously, the "New Zealand Herald" has kept us informed of the world's doings freo of cost, neighbours have shown friend ship when needed, and our domestic staff, while continuing unchanged in its per sonnel, has fully sustained its reputation for faithful and efficient service. The re ference in last report to the dilapidated con dition of tho College buildings failed to secure a grant oi' money for tho erection of new premises. We were therefore com pelled to expend a portion of ordinary in come—about £45—in effecting somo repairs, and procuring some articles of furniture which were absolutely necessary to the health of our men. The total, ex penditure on college account for tho year has been £971 5s Bd, or taking European and Maori studont3 together, at the rate of £51 2s 4 : {d each. Last year's expenditure amounted to £964 Is 3d. Appended is v statement of the subjects taken, und amount of work done by the otudonts on which they aro prepared to undergo examinations. In addition to the work with which MrNotfc is credited in this list he, as an undergraduate of Auckland University College, has at tended tho lectures on Latin, mathematics, and English literature of his second year's course. Resolved -" (1) That tho report road by the Principal be accepted and forwarded to Conference, the district tnoeting expressing its gratification that since the report was prepared one of tho students (Mr Isott) has successfully passed his examination at tho Auckland University. (2) This meeting heartily and unanimously requests tho re-appointment of Kcv. A. Reid us Principal.'

EVENING SESSION.

The evening session was commenced nt seven. After hymn 419 was sung, Mr Bilks led the meeting in prayer. The Secretary rend the balance-sheet of the Children's Fund. CHILIIItEXS JTND. The following amounts have been raised during the year:—Auckland : Pitt-sfcreet, £109 5s 4d ; Wesley College, Three Kings, £29 16e 8d; North Shore, £22 7s 3d; Graf ton Road, £73 13s 10d ; Mahurangi, £16 4a 6d; Thames, £36 19s 8d ; Upper Thames, £4 19s ; Manukau, £34 10s 10d ; Franklin, £2110s 4d ; Cambridge, £26 9s 6d; Hamilton, £17 69 4d ; Te Awamutu, £7 4s 4d ; Kaipara, £12 8s ; Paparoa, £11 19s 9d ; Northern Wairoa, £14 6s 6d; Hokianga, £10 2s ; Bay of Islands, £3 18s : Whangarei, £17 2d ; Tauranera, £8 17s 10d ; total, £478 18s 10d. The following were the claims upon thb fund:—l, on maintenance account, £351 15s : 2, educational allowances, £75; 3, one funeral (less deduction £5 ss), £1 Is : total, £427 lbs. Balance to credit; of fund, £51 2s lOd. CONTINGENT FUND. The following amounts have been raised in the district:—Auckland : Pitt-street, £33 Is 6d ; Wesleyan College, Three Kings, £10 18s 9d ; North Shore, £9 5s ; Grafton Road, £24 18s 4d; Mahurangi, £6 9s 4d; Thames, £12 11s Id ; Upper Thames, £5 6s 5d ; Manukau, £12; Franklin, £9 Is 3d; Cambridge, £10 3s 6d : Hamilton, £8 2s 3d ; Te Awamutu, £5 16s 8d : Kaipara, £7 ; Paparoa, £6 18s 2d ; Wairoa, £7 8s 6d; Bay of Islands, £5 Is 8d ; Hokianga, £7; Whangarei, £8 Os 10d ; Tauranga, £4 16s 2d ; total, £193 19s sd. The following were the claims upon the contingent fund: — Travelling to District Meeting, £32 lie 2d ; chairman's postage for the year, £2; chairman's travelling in district, £18 5e 7d ; District Meeting sta tionery, £2 3s lid; engrossing Jubilee address, £3; printing students' bond forma, 17s 6d : total, £58 18a 2d : balance to be forwarded to General Treasurer, £135 is 3d. , . ..;.". ; /,. ■;■;,,.",. Mr F- A. White presented the report of the Native Affaire Committee, and it was laid on the table. On the Secretary's motion it was resolved to discuss ..the subject at next morning's (Wednesday's) session. . The meeting then proceeded tq the,ques tion of the Homo Mission fund income for the .current year. Mr F. "L. Prime, treasurer, read thefpUowipg statement: — HOME MISSION FUND. Amounts raised in tho district:,—From circuits.: Auckland (Pitt-street), £200; North Shore, £38 ; Grafton Road, £85 ; Ma hurangi, £10; Thames, £35; Upper Thames, £iß'l2s 2d ; Mannkau, £55 18* 3d ; Frank: lin, £25 Issd ; Cambridge, £15 ; Hamilton, £10 10s ; Te Awamutu, £10 ; Raglan, £2 ; Paparoa, £16 Is ; Northern Wairoa, £9 2s 3d ; Hokianga, £1 9s 3d ; Bay of Islands, £8 2s; Whangarei, £16 8e8d; Tauranga, £6 15s; Whangaroa, £1 11s Id; Coro mandel, £3 15s; annual public meeting at Conference, £8 9s 7d; connexional pro perty, £}3Q 8s 3d; interest on investment.

£166; Jubilee donation for evangelist fund (J. Probert, Esq.), £50. The rest of'the evening 'session was devoted to the further discussion ot Home Mission Fund matters. On the Secretary s motion the meeting adjourned until half past nine next morning.

MAYORAL DINNER TO CORPORATION OFFICIALS.

According fco time-honoured Mayoral cus tom, His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. Devore) signalised the close of his first year of oilice by entertaining the Corporation officials to dinner last night in the Albert Hotel. Covers were laid for some forty gentlemen, and about thab number sat down to a very substantia! and appetising repast, served in Host Montague's well known style, which, on the principle of good wine needing no bush, stands in want of no puffin?. His Worship occupied the chair, supported on the right by the City Solicitor (Mr Thos. Cotter), and on the left by tho City Engineer (Mr W. Ander eon). The town Clerk (Mr P. A. Philips) filled the vice-chair, supported on the right by the Cibv Treasurer (Mr 8. W. Mines) and on tho'loft by Mr H. Ridings (Corpora tion Returning Ollicer). During the pro gress of the dinner and its subsequent pro ceedings, excellent music was discoursed by Messrs Ramsay (piano) and J. C. Clough (violin). After the usual transition had been made from tho solids to the sweets, nnd thonce to the dalliance of dessert, the Mayor called upon the company to prinio their glasses, and then gave them the usual loyal toast of " The Queen," which the Vice Chairman followed up with *' The Governor." Both were drunk with cordiality. Song, " The Sea is England's Glory," Mr J. Lovell. , •.. The Chairman, in proposing "TheCabineb and Members of both Houses of Parlia ment," said that at one period of his life, when his knowledge of members of Parlia ment waH limited to a nodding acquain tance, he had a great veneration and res pect for thorn. On more intimato acquain tance he had lost all that veneration, and much of the respect, for he had found them to be like the rest of men with ths common failings and weaknesses. Tho present Parliament had before it the uncongenial task of retrenchment, with its attendant, results of hardship and distress. But this retrenchment, bitter as it might be, was necessary as a step to a better condition of affairs, and ifc only remained for Parliament todothorightthingintboright way and with out avoidable delay, for delay kept the com munity in an unhealthy state of suspense and alarm. Irish comic song, " The Pride of tho Dairy," Mr Knight. Mr Shillington, in proposing "The Volunteers," said that tho Volunteers of New Zealand compared very well indeed with those he had seen in any other part of Her Majesty's dominions. In England the Volunteers during their autumn manoeuvres proved themselves not unworthy to bo as sociated with tho regulars. For the local forces he would like to see greater military training, but still they hud been tried in action and had not been found wanting. So,ng : "The Dear Little Shamrock, Mr W. (lorrio, jun. Major Anderson (Auckland Engineers), who responded for the Volunteers, ex prossod the pleasure he felt ut the compli ment paid them by such a veteran as Mr Shillington. He had himself been con nocted with tho force in Now Zealand for 1 the last 24 ye»r.«, and he believed that our Volunteers would compare favourably with their brethren in other colonies. In case of invasion, they would not show the white leather. Although their discipline might be inferior to that of regiments of the line, they would not yield to the soldiers in pluck and determination. The gallant Major concluded with a regretful allusion to tho loss sustained by the recent death of Col. Lyon. The Vice-Chairman proposed "ThoMayor and Counr-il." Ho felt tho natural diffi dence of a Town Clerk in speaking to such n toast in the presence of the Mayor. Tho city was very fortunate in possessing f»uch a Mayor as Mr Devore. In his knowledge of municipal affairs ho was second perhaps to no man in the colony. Added t.q this \vd was gifted with a largo measure of tact, which ho exercised to allay or prevent fric tion botwecn officials and public. TTo hud also shown himself 'determined to put down that spirit of fault-finding founded upon ix parte statements which was so vexa tious. The officials owed him gratitude for sustaining them in the exercise of their duties. As for the Council* he could say, from un experience of civic affairs ex tending over 20 years, that never before had we had a Counail whose members wore so conspicuous for single-minded performance of duty, and with ft greater determination to keep down the expenditure consistent with the welfare of the city. In present ing the toast, coupled with the name of the Mayor, ho asked the company to honour it with all possible emprvumment. The toast was drunk with fervour and was followed by three times three. Song, " My Old Friend John," Mr W. fi. Payne. The Chairman, in acknowledging the toast, said he had occasion to respond to it many times this year, but this was the first time he had done so in the presence of the Corporation officials. Hβ would like to believe the flattery of the vice-chairman true, but at any rate he recognised the kindly feelings which prompted it. Ho had, during hu year of office, endeavoured to do his best, and he hoped those who had differed from him would at least give Mm credit for good intentions. The praise beetbwed upon the Council was well deserved. If we contrasted the'posi tion of the city now with whab ifc was afew years aeo, we were compelled to admit the wonderful advance that had been made. There might be room for misgiving that we had gone ahead too rapidly, and truly many of our conveniences were such as had proved elsewhere the fruit of centuries of municipal effort. Still in all our institutions there was a solidity and permanency which restored confidence, and augured well for still further advances. In conclusion, no again expressed thanks for the geniality with which the toast had been honoured.

Recitation, " How We Beat the Favourite," Mr J. Beveridge. Song, "The Midshipoiite," Mr J. Lovell. The Chairman, in proposing " The Cor poration Officials of the Town Clerk's De partment," wid that on these officials de pended the work- of the city, and he fyid found that the reliance/ , placed upon them had beein well •Justified. They were ready to anticipate and prompt to execute. The Council was well satisfied with them, and their duties were done in an able and intelligent manner. There w«e lwje frietiou' now than in the past. Although Rome of them had felt the pinch of retrenchment, yet the Council had biily done its duty in applying it, and the officials had shown that it had,not the effect of impairing fchejr efficiency, tor their duties last year had been even better .executed than in the year preceding it. Ho was in for another year'of office, and he hoped that at the end of the term they would meet underoquallypleasaritcircurnptances; and be equally good friepdi It waa necessary, to divide the toast into two paj-ts, otherwise there would only be himself and the re porters to drink to it: He therefore gave the Town Clerk's Department first, and in doing so he might say that he entered office believing the Town Clerk to be an uncom monly good official. He had since proved him to be the very best official he had ever met. aW} if apy credit attached fcp his own

performance of the duties incidental to pre siding over civic affairs, Mr Philips deserved a goodly share of the praise incidental thereto. . . The toast was drunk with musical honours. „ Song, "The Soldier's Dream," Mr Har ley. , ~ The Vice-Chairman responded on behalt of himself and tho officials in his depart ment. It was satisfactory to find that their efforts met tho approbation of the Mayor, and, through him, of the Council. They en deavoured to carry out their duties with zeal and civility, doing their best to avoid offence. He agreed with His Worship that Auckland had made great advances a3 compared with the other municipalities of the colony. Ii the people were overburthened with taxa tion it was not with municipal rates, when we looked at the advantages we enjoyed. Mr Thos. Russell was astonished to hear that our total taxation was only 2s o£d in the £, whereas in London it was 7s 6dm the £. So far as the officials were con cerned, there might occasionally be an excess of zeal; but, ab any rate, it was better to be over-zealous than lukewarm or indifferent.

Mr 8. VV. Elmes also responded. TheChairman,inproposing"TheCorpora tion Officials of tho Department, said that the remarks he had given expres sion to with reference to the Town Clork's Department applied with equal force to tho Engineer's Department. There the ideas originated in tho Town Clerk's Department were executed, and how well they were executed we had only to look around the city to see and comprehend. Since the loan expenditure was commenced, there had been a pressure of work in the Engineer's Department, and that pressure would con tinue until the middle of noxt year, when the last instalment of tho „' c, which fell due in January next, would have boon expended. After that other duties would very likely be cast upon him in connection with the proposod Labour Bureau, in providing which, us a means of providing work for the unemployed, Mr Goldio had boen exerting himself so energetically. Undor tiho Engineer magnifi cent progress had been made, and its effect had been shown in the diminished death rate of the past year. Like its predecessor, thia toast was drunic with musical honours.

Recitation, " Richard Ccuur de Lion at His Father's Bier," Mr Thomas Cotter.

Tho City Engineer (Mr \V. Anderson), in responding to the last toast said, that no public ollicer could receive a greater honour than to know that his services were appre ciated, and he had therefore heard witli the greatest satisfaction the Mayor's laudatory remarks. He was pleased to think that in view of the large expenditure of money on city works during past years, there had been so few complaints. Tho difiiculties connected with these works wore not much of an engineering character, as diffi culties connected with a desire to accommo date all the citizens. Everything was put down to the credit or the discredit of the Engineer irrespective of the Council which controlled him. Still this wus inevitable. Ho had done his best to please all, and on the whole everything nad gone very smoothly. Auckland, though an exception ally costly city to form, had remarkably good endowments, tho revenue from which in time would materially relieve tho pres sure of taxation. He had heard Australian visitors praise our footpaths, and :my that none so good wero to bo found in eithe Melbourne or Sydney. Our frequently dirty streots were attributable to inferior road metal and porous scoria. Mr W. Ridings pro|x>scd "The Pros?," and tho toast was responded to by Mr J. M. Gocldis (Auckland Stak). Comic song, " I Did it," Mr J. Lovell. The Mayor having apologised for the absence of Superintendent Shearman, owing to an unavoidable engagement, Mr Cotter proposed " The Auckland Fire Brigade ands it worthy Superintendent, Mr HugheH." Ho said that, having recently visited the other colonies, he could fully appreciate the difficulties which had to be coped with by Mr Hughes and his men. Although our city had so many wooden buildings, it possessed a water supply second to uono this side the line, and by mean.- , of it the Fire Brigade could prevent our fires from compassing any very disastrous effects. We trusted, not only to an eliieionfe water supply, bnt also to a well-directed Fire Brigade. He therefore wished success to Superintendent Hughes and his men. The toast was drunk to the accompani ment of "For They are Jolly Good Fel lows."

Superintendent Hughes responded in suit able terms.

"Tho City Solicitor " was proposed and responded to. Mr Gulliver proposed " The Ladies," and Mr Gorrie responded. Mr \V. E. Payne gave the last toast, " The Host," and Mr M. Montague responded.

The remainder of the evening was devoted to conviviality.

ONEHUNGA R.C. CONVENT SCHOOLS.

The annual distribution of prizes to th e pupils of the Roman Catholic schools of the Sisters of Mercy took place yesterday in St. Mary's Hall, Onehunga, in the presence of a large number of people, including the parents of the pupils. Amongst those pre sent we noticed his Lordship Bishop Luck, Monsignore McDonald, Revs. Father O'Gara, Lonihan, Hackett, and' Paul, the parish priest, Lady Wasteneys, Mrs Lyell, Mrs anil Mr Bankhart, Dr. Leger Erson, J. P., Dr. W. R. Erson, J. P., and numerous others. At eleven o'clock the pupils of St. Joseph's, minor school, all neatly attired in white, were marched to the hall, and there went through a lengthy programme, including solos and recitations, after which the prizes awarded were presented by Bishop Luck, as follows : — Standard IV.— Religious knowledge and conduct: Johannah Kearin, 5,843 marks. Geography, arithmetic, and exercises: Kate Picknell, 5,846. Writing and grum mer : Margaret Greene, 5,662. Standakd Hl.—General improvement: Jane Molloy, Margaret McGuire, Maud Blackburn. Religious knowledge and his tovy : Alice Schnauer. Reading and orho graphy: Adeline Greene. Standard ll.—Writing and arithmetic : Annie Shaldrick. Catechism and arithme tic : Eliza Kemp and Clara Brennan. Writing : Violet Donovan. Arithmetic and orthography ; Mnry McMahon. General Improvement: Lily Ralley, Mary Demp sey, Julia Neills, Mary Smyth. Standakd 1.-—Reading: Lizzie Schnauer. Writing : Maud Gunning. Tables : Ethel Kemp. Reading and 'Orthography : Boura McCarthy. General improvement"!: Kate Greeny, Ethel Eraser, Lily Hewott, and Maud Turner.

At conclusion an adjournment \va>3 made for refreshments, and at three o'clock tho hall was again crowded with people, while the walls presented a striking appearance, the following pictures being suspended :— Cross and lilies, in Water colours, and Scene from the Waitemata, in crayon chalk, by Miss McGavry ; pencil drawing, Kilkenny Castle, Miss Colledge; pencil drawing, Group of Flowers, Miss Keavens: pencil drawing, Gothic Ruins, Miss E. Cullen ; pencil drawing, Kenil worth Castle, Miss Hilda Worsp; pencil drawing. La Cain pagna, Master Sydney Worsp ; Etching and Printing Exhibits, Misses E. and T. Moran. The following work was also on view : Antimacassar, two pinafores (ono crewel and one plain). Miss A. T.vell; plush cushion and iqantel <' -urasene, crewel drape, Miss Hi" . tieanti

macassar, two footstools, one mantel drape, Miss T. Moran ; Berlin wool piece, " The Knight and Lady," Miss Julia Schnauer ; one velvet cosy (arrasene and crewel), velvet pincushion, and pair of watch pockets in bead, Mis 3 Colledge; one pinafore, one bracket drape, arrasene on cloth, _ Miss Dueler ; one velvet cosy in crewel, Mies E. Moran ; one net, one antimacassar, and velvet cosy, Miss Kearine; cushion _in arrasene, one antimacassar, and two toilet bags, Miss Totty Shaldrick ; one anti macassar, two pinafores, Miss Julia Moran ; one antimacassar, _ two bracket drapes, one pillowcase, Miss R. Kemp. Tho following programme was then gone through very creditably : Entree " Sultan's March," Misses McGarry, Schnauer, H. Worsp, A. Lyell, J. Schnauer, three pianos, Miss Duder, harmonium, and Muster Schnauer violin ; address, Miss E. Moran ; chorus, " Morna," pupils; piano solo, " Erne Petite Flew," Master Gordon ; re citation, Miss Honan ; duet, "Toy Shop Waltz," Mitres A. Lyell, Moody, D. Worsp, and A. Schnauer, two pianos, Miss Hilda Worsp, harmonium ; piano solo, " The Witches' Flight," Miss Duder; quartette, "To the Woods," Misses E. Moran, Kearens, Brennan, and T. Moran ; violin solo, Master Schnauer; vocal duet, "The Gleaner," Misses E. and T. Moran; vocal solo, "Eily Mavour neen," Miss Brennan ; piano solo, "Diverti menti Militaire," Miss McGarry. The French drama, "Caprices de Ciizella, or tho Spoiled Child," was next performed, and created a deal of amusement. After the performance Bishop Luck, in a few well-chosen remarks, complimented the Sisters of Mercy on the success of the past year's duty, and offered a few words of encouragement to the pupils. He then distributed the prizes to the successful pupils, after which the National Anthem was sung and concluded the entertainment, the people dispersing to their homes, while the children indulged in amusement.

RODNEY COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tho New Members Consider tho Question

of Finance.

The statutory meeting of tlio newly-elected Council wan held at the Council office' Warkwortb, on Wednesday. Present: N' Wilson and M. Angove, Warkworth Rid ing ; Scholium, Puhoi Riding ; T. A. Gubb and J. Grant, Albert Riding ; E Browne, Hoteo Riding ; Geo. Eyre, Taiihoa Riding ; J. Greenwood, Omaha Riding; J. Snell, Matakana Riding.

Mr E. Browne was unanimously elected Chairman. The financial position of the Council was next considered, the discussion extending over several hours Mr Angove said had he known a month ago the unsatisfactory state of the finances of the county,-he for one would not have been a member of the present Council. The Council had spent during the past three years nearly £18,000, and was now £900 in debt, with available assets of say £200 or £300. They had a lot of new partly-made roads that were almost impassable. In fact, they were worse off now than previous to the existence of the Council. Mr T. Gubb said the position of the county finances reflected no credit on a single member of the late Council. There was no good reason or excuse for anticipat ing future revenue. The bank overdraft was £540, and there was not £1 available for expenditure on the roads. Where the £18,000 had been spent was a mystery to the ratepayers, especially to those residing in the western portion of the county. Mr N. Wilson said, as a member of the late Council, lie did not agree with the re marks of previous speakers. The work done by the Council compared very favour ably with that of road boards. He admit ted that there were difficulties to be got over, and suggested that a special rate be levied to pay 1 ho overdraft at the bank. Mr Grant expressed his opinion to the offect that the Council dispense with the services of the Engineer, reduce the Clerk's salary, and adjourn for 12 months until the debts were paid. He be pleased were it possible to abolish the Council. Mr Eyre said he did not see where the money was to be had to pay the salaries, to say nothing of keeping loads in repair. He saw no chance of being able to collect a special rate, even if the Council decided to do bo. . -■■

Mr Angove : I think it is simply abomin able the mess we are in. Talk about Road Boards ! Why, the Road Boards never got matters into such a mess as the late Rodney Council has.

Mr Gubb would oppose the suggestion of levying a special rate. Mr Wilson did not care whether the rate payers were against a special rate or not. The Chairman moved, and Mr Wilson seconded, " That a committee be appointed to consider the finances and other matters relative to the Council's further action with a view of framing some basis of operation." Mr Gubb thought no useful purpose would be served by appointing a committee. The balance-sheet was plain enough. These voted for the Chairman's motion (4) —Chairman, Wilson, Snell, Scholium ; against (s)—Angove, Eyre, Gubb, Grant, Greenwood.

MrGubb moved, and Mr Grant seconded, " That in consequence of the unsatisfactory state of the finances of the Council, we re gret that it will be necessary to dispense with the services of the Engineer at" an early date." For (4)-—Gubb, 'Grant, Eyre, Angove ; against (4)—' Wilson', Scholium, Greenwood, Snell. The Chairman gave his vote against the motion. ', At a later period of the meeting, the Engineer sent in his resignation. Messrs Angive, Wilson, and Gubb were appointed a h inance Committee. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Wilson, a separate rate pf £d in the £ was made to be collected in the outlying district of the county. The Chairman moved, " That in the opinion of this Council the Main Trunk Road north from Devonport is of such im portance, and its cost of construction and maintenance of such magnitude as to warrant it being mads a colonial road, and constituted such forthwith." Seconded by Mr Wilson, and carried. Mr Wilson introduced the question of regulating the gum industry, and  entered at some length into details. He advocated a tax on gum, the proceeds to bo county revenue. He thought a tax on giim would considerably increase the income of the Council.

Mr Gubb was sorry the question had been introduced. At tho present time tho gum industry was the principal source of income to the settlers in the North. In no way would he interfere with or tax this industry.

The Chairman suggested that the further consideration of this question had better stand over until next meeting.—Agreed to.

CORRESPONDENCE.

J. M. LENNOX AND THE EDU CATIONAL INSTITUTE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I see from your % issue of last evening the Educational Institute passed a resolution condemning the expressions said to be used by me at the meeting of the Board of Edu cation. A very slight wvov cieot into your otherwise accurate report. What I did say was: "Teachers are not over-worked, in deed they have very easy times. They only work 202 days, of 5£ hours a day, or 126 working days of 8 hours {vide Mr Harrison's report). In other words they have 163 holi days in the course of the year, and I maintain

that teachers who are physically unable to do the small amount of work required of them are not; fitted to continue in'the service and draw the large ; salaries paid by the Board." The mover of the resolution in the Educational Institute is a living example of the correctness of my views. This gentleman (Mr Worthington) is one of the ablest teachers in the colony, and has charge of the largest school in. the provincial district. In addition to this, ho : linds time to do the work, and does it most j efficiently, of Vice Principal of the; Training College. Bub even these two responsible appointments are not too much for him ; he experiences no debility nor lassitude from overwork. .On the contrary, he told me himself he was quite willing to undertake still more work, if the Board would allow him, to conduct evening classes to prepare the pupil teachers for their examinations. For Mr Worthington, and for all the teachers who are personally known to me, I entertain great respect, and I repeat now what I said at the Board, namely, I consider there is not a more faithful body of teachers than ours in any part of the world ; but I do not think they are overworked, and I consider 163 days' holiday a year quite enough for any teacher who desires to remain in the service of the Board.—Yours truly, J. M. Lennox. Remuera, Nov. 29, 1887.

Brapery, Clotbine. &c

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, WEDNESDA^JOVEMBERJO^J^

2



THE BABY LINEN AND LADIES UNDERLINEN WAREHOUSE. SILK HOSE-! SILK HOSE! P. DAVISON Has just purchased ajob line of Silk Hose, and will sell them as under :— HALF COST! HALF COST PRICES! Ladies' Black, Pale Blue, Cream, and Pink, 2s lid, 3s 6d, 3s lid; Maroon, Navy, Cardinal, 3s 6d, 3s lid, 4b 6d. Children's Pale Blue, Pink, and Cream. I.lslid: 2,2s 3d ; 3,2s 6d ; 4,2s 9d : 5 2s lid. Black and Dark Colours, 2s 3d, 2s 6d, 2b 9d, 3s, 363 d. iocTdozenLiadiee'TrimmedLinon Collars at 6d each ; usual prices, Is to 2s 6d. _ IFoOO yards Beaded Net in Navy. Maroon, Mack and Gold, Black and Silver, Drab, ; etc., all at 2d per yard ; usual price, 9d yard. \ White and Silver, j Drab and Gold, Brown and Gold, at 6d per j yard; usual 'price,,ls per yard. of Ladies' Printed Skirts j from Is lid, 2s 3d. 2a 6fl, 2s lift-very cheap. Ladies' Print Drosses lid to 21e. Jjjid ies" Stu r" Dresses from 12s 6d to 355. Ladies' Print Morning lid tojta Ud: Children's Print, Sateen, and Stuff Dresses, 2s 6d to 7s 6d, at half warehouse prices. Very special line 50 dozen Ladioe' and Chil dren's Printed Aprons at 6d each. Also, large variety or Coloured and White Aprons from 7.jd to 5s 6d. Magnificent assortment of Fans, bought very cheap, to be sold at 2s 6d. 3s 6d, 4s 6d, 5s 6d, 6s 6d; wortli 3s 6fl to lie 6d. In all the newest shades. Beautiful variety of Sun Bonnets from Is to 9s 6d, No. 9, JUNCTION QUEEN & GREY Sts. PRICE I T>RICE I pRICE l/a I Jγ 16 i f i/6 BEAUTIFUL LONG OSTRICH FEATHERS In Cream, Tuscan. Grey, Tan, and Pink. If* Jusfc Received, a parcel "if* o nt) o( tho above, to be sold I g \\x\ ,■?■ - Bt the very low price olj^i, W. P. OGILVIE, Victoria Street West. EVERY LADY HER OWN DRESSMAKER. To secure a Perfect Fit and Newest Style, try OUTTERICK'S CIUT T>APER PATTERNS. J ■ JL JL Metropolitan Fashions, Illustrating Patterns, monthly, Id each ; 2e per annum, post free. AGENT- Fμ. P.,O(^iLVIE, DRAPER,. VICTORS-STREET WEST. /CHEAPER THAN EVER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. : C. rtoPKINS. Loxdon HonsK, Victoria and Nblsox Sts.. Is now snowing some of the cheapest Drapery and Clothing ever offered in Auckland, as the following lines will show :— . Dress Materials in Greys, Browns, and Fawns, 4s lid for 12yds; Striped Delaines, 12yds tor 3s lid : grand value in Di ess Materials at 6a 9d, in fasmonahle ahades: Coloured Satin in all phades, from Is per yard; 80-inch Heavy Twill Sheeting, la OJd (White); 90-inch Heavy Twill Sheeting, Iβ 3d (White); a lot of Slip Mats, Is each; Men's Mosgiel Tweed Suits, 33a 6d; Men's Tweed Suits, 12s 9d; Men's Tweed Trousers and Vests,'7b lid : Men 8 Coloured Mole Trousers, 4s lid (value for your money); Men's Tweed Trousers, 3s lid pair ; Youths' Tweed Trousers, 3s lid ; Boys' Tweed Trousers, 3s 6d; grand line in Men's Merino Sox, ?d; Meu's Brown Cotton Sox. 2Jd per pair. C. HOPKINS, London House, Victoria and Nelson Streets. N.B.—Open every evening till 9 o'clock. Architects. P. HERAPATH, F.K.r.B.A.] ' [B. M. HBBAPATH PHERAPATH and SON, • ARCHITECTS. CoioNiAL Bank Buildings. pDWARD BARTLBY, ARCHTTISCT, 6TICHBUKY*S BUILDINGS, QUEMN-STRKKT. TOWARD MAHONEY AND SON, AliCHITfi TJ. QUEEN-BTBBBT. AUCKLAND rT~p~f~m~b~u kTr o w s," ARCHITECT AND BUILDING SURVEYOR. 317, Victoria arcade. ■VVT ILL IAM ERKINGTON, M.lnst. C.B..M. lnst. M.K., CONSULTING ENGINEER, AUCKLAND. Tfy|- O N tJ M B N T S italian and vermont marbles, and aberdeen granite headstonjs3 in marble and stone. Iron Tomb Raimnos at Moderate Prices Prioes arid Designs sent post free. Country orders carefully packed. TAIT BROTHERS, Monumental iV'orks, corner of Rutland and Lome etreete <n<ear Queen-streot Junction), Auckland. _______ JI BONEDUST JJ FOR SALE} BY t Richard A • Oarr, 16, FORT-STREET, AUCKLAND. Agent for the ITT SYDNEY BONE AfILLS. J J



mm &*"' *"thsiß* WSCOPUT Wk . I A. -;^ w LITTLE ' Personal. Freehold, Weekly, Monthl^ a Q h W ?- Loans upon I fH OR Ta L T JOHN Wi I repayable eltaer i WIS and 6, Mercantile CnatofierßadlS^^ l *.* M O J , Freehold Security. , m VM- BLOO.MFIELD. Solfetfe 1 M"ONEY TO" rate of interest. Apply to* JACKBQN & RUSSELL ; — aoUcitore. IyrOiXEY TO LEND. on'.M^£^ WILLIAM COIJ3MAN. St ! ;.. Natio»allneufiinc(>ytmdmi!« - •■•."•••■•' ft ttti_aigj lt I MORTGAp^US DISCOUNT BANKING COMPLY, Dabby-stbee?t (off Queea-etil : AUCEtAjID. Head Office: Brisbise. Agencies: Auckland, Sydney, and Melon met : Mo»bt advanced from £5 and upWatsi te any amount required, to suit tbe borower, upon Personal, Freehold, leasehold, qrpr Tangible Security, repayable in any jrajr »i may he arranged, eiuier VV«ay, M9#sir, <t Quarterly Instalments, at lowest current rafe. Advances made on Fmcaiture wiflyrot; !(• moral; also on all kinits of inclndipg Bpnd Warrants, etc. . Bills Discounted at current rates. Interviews and communications will lie held| strictly cSntidentiat I " ' ' 6flSce Hours: FromP till 5 o'clock. a rth vR. r< o Hii'l ■'•"> f LAND AND MONETARY AGfENT, / . '24, SioRTLANIMBTMKT >;'■ |l . v , (Three Doors past Srih Offleet."" \ I am prepared to value land in AwMwoif the country for'in tending B'"* $W\ reaeonable termei 1 All Jw)d Wlft s£*s**■ At *i land I charge 2i per cent..coraniisßifflV - --« I am prepared to negod^MOT^»ge«iip» '"' f '£rbm^to|l6,ot». Advances made'bn Colonial ani 'pa ~,.. ~, ~...PolicieSi ■ : ■',"''■, '■ ■■{ Having ARentt ;inaU;parpso£ AastraUao|ia England, I can make Advances np«o sums from s INJUJSTRIAIiANDPROVIDENT L.SV£SiMEKT SOCIETY OF^AigSlfffl Repayiiente pL. w « k Total ammnt extending over " er - repfrab^ lyear .: .! &0 0 «« 0 0 ■ I r The Boardhasrow^'in-cftßeß^Si^ 01 Want Of Kmplo|,mont to CaspendrPayiiM»B. Borrowers Shire to _„, y e -Mji • Fartorwhole'o£ tho advance at any Intent on Js m» r e ra berwhp T liberty to property hay ofrhiß mortgage; or .row. W« „ his property/ subject to the niorcgeeP r | S Corn y and LANE. An<|l^g as B^cgDFJjtoffi. ; V & —S>" >'■ '■■'■■'■' * "'•■' : '■'. v L '''" 'jTot»i'"'»?i'' mt| repeyablf r :.-":ingt>rer ■ _ —friT*' 6y«sars .. •• ■« ff , 'MH I ! By*ars- •• §7 \ )&lbj^ : - Poultry , " EGG3I 835 i! EGGS! -~