GREAT FIRE IN WELLINGTON.

NEW POST-OFFICE DESTROYED.

DAMAGE, £40,000.

( B _ TEU-CmArH-- PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Hutt, this day.

■j-je post and Telegraph Offices at Wel lington wero destroyed by fire at 4.45. Conwionication is difficult.

Later.

. wjnctifae fire commenced at 4.45 supposed to be in the press-room of thVTelegraph Office. • ; The Telegraphic room, Telephone Vgi.Wfr Accountant's ancl Posb • r-General's Branch, Customs-office, •pLjt and >lail offices are now jt^Mß.) completely destroyed. ' There is little chance of saving the main •, -. jriiiagois estimated at between 1 thirty and forty thousand pounds, as very L*; e __.6e«n saved, except tho mails and /'/AT-'telephones. All the telegraphic j. .{j^ents were destroyed. The accounts .'as to the origin aro very conflicting. The I^m discovered by a woman coming to ■"dean op, who sfcate6 that ife appeared to 'bein the centre of the building, where the (new electric light apparatus is being f%. fire spread with great rapidity, and ;although the building was of brick the two itop stones were one mass of flames within 'an hour and a half of the outbreak.

! This message has been sent out by a special messenger to* the nearest telegraph station. Comnraniuation will be tempora .j_j lestored during' the day, but it will be jdtolt to get the work through.

[FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.]

A-.6EABD SPECTACLE.

iflE WHOLE POPULATION ON

THE HILLS.

Featherston, this day. The greatest excitement pi-evailed in Wel- Knirton about five o'clock this morning by ifli. outbreak of a firejn the Wellington General Post Office. iThe bells rang con taii-Iy for half-an-hour, and the whole pcpalace assembled on the hills, wharves, 'tiJinto streets to witness the conflagra -1 to*/: ."'

j .Ani-atense body of flame ascended from iMfo the rear part of the building, itftd-Mred that wherever it had originated -B-teii- obtained a strong hold. .-' i_.e_6ra.leh. appeared to be anything but eaiMim^tthis their appliances to work, i£!'/Srsome minutes only one jet appeared tole in, play in Panama-street The . EST"iEeh" burst through the top .fay windows fronting that tborough te, and immediately the, whole of -B-middle floor, which is devoted to idegraph operating, and other rooms were m.to be on fire. The flames broke through the whole seven or eight windows minting the street before a second jet was teghtto bear. The telegraph wires stretch ing from the roof were by this time burnt fegh, and one by one the wires forming avaA'network were burnt through and SNAPPED LIKE THREADS.

lUing amongst the spectators and causing fa greatest alarm. Still there appeared to do very little water directed against the fire, aud the flames burst through ach of the. windows of the front part of the top story, until fifteen JJttures were belching forth their volumes fire and smoke. A couple of additional jetswere then brought to play from'-the tat, and the effect was at onco noticeable tot-id the Window, but ifc was seen that the Jre had obtained a great hold in the interior of the building The flames gradually ex- Wed to the tower until they surrounded Mock, and then enveloped the summit »thetower,and ascending still higher into ac darkness of the night, presented

| A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE, | -ad lit up the whole of the surrounding rseenery.

% this time the -whole interior of the telegraph end of the top story was in Jf a* The firemen could do littlo with [™tt comparatively weak jets of water, and 158$. extinguished tho flames in Wvicinity of most'of the windows, the l^pi; the brick walls clear of all wood l^uidccnsumed the heavy roofing as if |7f Too clock tower fell rapidly, the I dutifully till they were I** off the face, the dial and bell falling Iplieavy thud soon aftor half-past

JM«ot that the building was of brick jWfire fram extending to the adjoin- and enclosed it almost as an SSL The neighbouring premises, H-Vwere all .saturated with water. gs|§ strenuous efforts of the firemen, J,**e.iow extended to -the southern iSl^'top story, occupied by the 6..WT*' hub time had been given to S|eremovai of lettersj Whether this *.„/* I cannot say. OTe fire also ex l££ ."--Wards to the first floor, where j r"abefctor chance of checking it. ;Qp telegraph instruments are dcs- I 'am writing this message l,? 11 o'clock, in order to send ifc Sa»i! eTBn o'clock train to Feathersfcon Jimthat it may reach Auckland in Tottie readers of "tho Stak. ' *-. 'iSi* of the top story is gone, and S***-! in flames, It is 'impossible to, n.l 2K-und uoor will be saved or-not. y r^llba very great. Thebuild \Mm finest posfc-offico in fche Colony, j^oyalong way, the besfc building m just ascertained that when the <M ffas given T. Myers and two friends tj_mm the door, and running KeTi d!«covered that the fire ongm k'^Z^ room at tho back "Ot w™»g room known as the press liL, vas fi"ed with smoke ancl Annie. %L^owifthe fire appliances were 4?°i. *ater . short, but I could \CV faking that Superintendent' ■*tffV of >Auckland, and his men iM&e.">acle a much better figbt to&Wetive element. The. men do S, tome t° work as systematically ■Mof m kla? d>'and orders are given by nmf $ 80 to as I could see, instead

*li'» ;v ' ' 6.45 a.m. mm is 'W practically at ™ :S}& Xi nin P ° Jets have been engaged in S* liL .Miction, and within the ■VoE tho outside wall, of. "tho | apparently uninjured,

beyond the fact that they are blackened and smoke-stained. The top and the middle-stories are completely des troyed, arid serious damage has been done to tlio ground floor, which is gutted. - Tho- only remaining vestige of tho handsome clock tower is one blackened posfc. Tho tolograph officeals are ab work in the endearour to fix up a tolograph wiro while a servico is being sont on to tho. Hubt. Tho fire will seriously interfere with the transmission of early news, but now instruments will bo connected afc once at tho old Post and Telegraph offlco in Fcatherstone-street. A quantity of papers and. books were re covered from the Post Office and Telegraph Ufhce, bub they are scattered about in all directions and the extent of the losses in this quarter is unknown. The Customs Department and Captain I'xlwins office, where the weather predic tions were manufactured, were both des troyed.

(BY TKLEGIUnr. —OWN' COI-RESFONDENT..

ANOTHER ACCOUNT

The Building JJnliisured

Mastkrto.v, this clay.

At a quarter to fira this morning a firo broke out' in the new Post, Telegraph and Customs Offices, situated on Custom-house Quay, Wellington. Accounts differ as to tho exact quarter of the building at.which the fire broke out, but there seems to be no doubt that if originated in the press-room, on the second floor. The alarm was given by tho •city bells, and the Fire Brigade arriving promptly, water was obtained about ten minutes aftor the bells rang. Allofforts to save the building were, how over, unavailing. All tho letters wore saved from the Bost Ofi.cc, and also all the records oxcept such as were in.the strong room, ancl which aro expected to be quito safe.

Clerks were at onco omployod in making up mails for despatch this morn ing. From the Telegraph Oflico no thing of any importance was saved, tho flames in that part making it impossiblo to get anything out. Mr Copeland, an operator, leaves early this morning for the Cablo Station at Lyell's Bay to send messages thence. Tho Telephone Office was destroyed and all its contents with tho exception of a few instruments. The Customs offices were also destroyed,and nothing was saved.

Fortunately, there was not a breath of wind at the time the firo broke out, ora very serious conflagration would certainly have had to be recorded, for large embers and pieces of burning wood rose from the fire to an enormous height, and would have destroyed the whole locality.

The Post-office was built of brick about three years ago, and was occupied in April of 1853.. It cost about £26,000, and was uninsured—the Govern ment taking their own risk. When leaving town tho fire was practi cally subdued, though still burning vigor ously inside the walls of the Post Oflice. Arrangements have been made to have all press work put in at Wellington up to 4 p.m., mailed to Master-ton, and trans mitted from this office during the night. :

EIRE IN MANUKAU ROAD

A few minutes before 10 o'clock last night some of the city bells began ringing out the alarm of firo. Superintendent Hughes and several of the firemen quickly turned out in uniforms, bufc the nesvs was soon telephoned that the fire was in Manukau.Road, Parnell. It proved to be in the hairdresser's shop of Mr William Henry Clarke. The property belonged to Mrs Amelia Matson. One shop was empty, and Mr Clarke occupied tho other. Mrs Tizard, who lives next door, first noticed the fire about 9.45 o'clock, ;and finding fchafc no ono was at homo, she ran up to tho Brigade and gavo tho alarm. As the firemen wero all at hand attending a dance, they turned in stantly, and in a short time had the water laid on, even before , ;tho, firebell rang. In fact, but for' an accident to one of the hydrants tho firo would have been distinguished almost before any damage had occurred. As it was.the build ing's were pretty well destroyed. Mr Clarke states that on Monday last his wife went on a risit to some friends at Mangare, and since that time >he has been living alone. About 5.30 o'clock yesterday he got his tea and afterwards remained in the house until S o'clock, He then went down the street, first locking tho door, and leaving everything, aa. he thou"*ht, . perfectly secure. He was not sure whether he left a light burning or not, but is confident that the fire was not alip-ht. After taking a walk he Went in the Exchange Hotel to have a glass of beer. He remained there until the aiaian was given. He could give no account as to the probable origin of fche fire. His furniture and apparel were insured for £100 in the Colonial office. Mrs ;Matson's property was covered by a policy for £350 in the South British. Constable Hobson, who was close afc hand rendered what assistance he could in keeping back tbe crowd. This is valuable, because at all these Parnell fires it has been noticed that there arc a number of men about who think themselves specially qualified to superintend the operations of the Fire Brigado, and consequently these " beacon born " captains punctually attend and order the men about. Captain Judge aud his men- are always willing to accept assistance from the bystanders, but the captain naturally prefers to direct the operation himself, as he alone is responsible on such occasions. Perhaps it thchose was turned upon these officious individuals it might end their command ing tendencies., , •

FIRE AT THE ASYLUM.

Carpenter's \ Shop [Destroyed.

A little before midnight a reflection of fire could be seen in the direction of Avondale. It subsequently transpired .'• that fire had broken out in the carpenter's shop at the Lunatic Asylum. -This was a wooden building, but fortunately it was nofc attached ,to main block, other wise the results '-might have been very disastrous.' -As -soon as the firo was dis covered^ the • attendants • and neighbours turned,-* 'but /£o battlo with the flames. H* Unfortunately, the means afc their disposal'were nofc equal to quenching tna 'fire, so that every attention was devoted towards preventing its further spread in the direction of the main build ino*. The shop burned with great fierceness, ancl in a short space of time both the build ing and its contents were totally destroyed. As the shop was not at tached to the-Asylum; the main building was not endangered; and the utmost order prevailed within the institution. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery, as no one was known to havo been on the premises during the evening, and there was nothing in the place likely to caiiseafire. Under these circumstances ifc .^is probable thab an investigation will be made; > '*'",.•.

Those Justices of the Peqce - seem to be quite incorrigiblo ! Only-one turned, up afc tboPolice Court to-day, and as a consequence the hearing' of an indictable chai-g.* Bad to be postponed. '%j w ? About a dozen cases of unstamped weights will be brought before tho.yPolice Court to morrow y-Scrgcant Gamble.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

Wa.f yearly IKoetlug.

The fifty first half-yearly meeting of th*6 proprietors of tho above institution took place at noon to-day in the Banking-housei Queen-street, the President (Dr. Campbell) being in the chair. About 30 gentlemen were present. The following report and balance-sheet were submitted and taken a-5 read : —

The result of the half-year's operations is as follows :—The net profit for the half-year ended 3let", March, after appropriation for ascertained losses and for bank promises and furniture accounts, amounts to £6-5,953 13s lOd ; to which has to bo added £11,140 17s od, giving an available total of £77,094 lis 3d, which it is proposed bo appropriate as follows :—To payment of dividend ab bhe rato of 10 per cent, per annnm, £50,000 ; bonus of 2s Od per share, oqual to 2 _ por cent, per annum, £12,500 ; balance carried to profit and loss new account, £14,594 lis 3d: total, £77,094 lis 3d. The dividend and bonus will, bo payablo at tho head oiiice, Auckland, on Friday, tho 29th inst., and at branches on receipt of ad-ice.

ACGRKOATE BALANCE-SHEET, st Slst March 1887,' including London Otllcc at Slut January, ISS7. — Dr. : Liubilitios — Capital paid-up, •81,000,000; reserve fund, £625,00(1; iioton ia olr dilation,' £505,052; bills payable in circulation, £1,111,030 2s; deposits and other''liabilities, £11,271.254 9s 2d; balanco of protlt and low*, £77,0111 lis .id: total, £11,600,931 2s od; J-oscta- Coin and cash balances at bankers, £1,60_,G71» Ida sd; monty on short call in London, M.15,40?; bullion-on hand arid In-transit, £72.631 17s 7d; Govornment securities, £10-1,515 10s Sd : bills re ceivable and securities ln London, £I,4SI,X*JI7s 9d; bills discounted, and other dobU duo to the bank, £10,181,3(8 i!s 2d; landed proporty, bank promises, &c„ £350.993 18s 3d: totul, .814,590,8-1' 28 od.

Profit amd Loss Account.—To dividend on 100,000 sharos of £10 cue.i, at rato of 10 per oent. per annum. £o0,000: bonus of 2a Bd no.* shore, equal to Z. por cont. pe_* annum, £1'_..300 ; balanco carried to profit and loss now account, *i11,6.1l Us 3d: total £77,094 lis 3d. By balance from half-year ended -oth Soptamber, l?_fi, -.11,110 17s 5(1; netprolltforhftlf-yaar ended Slst March,. ISB7, £G5 95.. K.s 10d : total, -177,004 lis Sd.

Reserve Fund, £1125,000. The.Chairman said:—Beforo moving tho adoption of tho Report and Balance Sheet, I shall as usual offer a fow remarks on the figures presonted in them, and on the general state of business. Ac far as tho figures in the Report are concerned, you will observe that the conditions havo not been favourable for the acquisition of enlarged profits, There his been no buoyancy in business during the half year, and though by tho re duction in deposit interest the margin of profit is somewhat enlarged we havo scarcely yet begun to feel tho benefit. Wo havo besides considered ie prudent to con tinue the conservative policy, which, when I last addressed you, I reported had been adopted, preferring in theso times to maintain strong reserves, rather than to seek further employment for our re sources. You will consequently obterve a marked strengthening in the vurious items in tho balanco sheet, representing tho im mediately available resources of tho Bank, a result attained, partly by contraction of advances, and. partly by an increase of deposits. NN c aro therefore in the best position to tako advantage of the first oppor tunity which offers to augment business, and, from present indications, it may rea sonably be hoped that the opportunity will .not be long delayed. The. accounts received from branches generally, favour the idea of an early return to more active operations, and that the cloud which has so long overshadowed business is grariuallydispersing. Such a period of unexampled depression, howevor, cannot bo expected to have passed without leaving a very distinct track bo hind it, ami it is therefore .a matter of congratulation that in past more success ful years wo havo boen enabled to build up a'R-serye. Fund which, according to"! the . provisions of -pur deed of settlement is specially meant to provide for occasional losses.,, This provision, under the original deect of settlement, waa con fined to; twoi-ty per cent, of, the capital, - wliich . on the present capital of the Bank would represent'£2oo,ooo, and might be. reduced to ton per cent, or £100,000. Tho maximum amount, was subsequently altered to £300,000, beyond which no addition was to bo made to it, ancl later still, all restriction as to amount was removed, except thut it shall not be reduced below three tenths of the paid-up capital without appropriating ten per cont. of the net pro fits to bring the reservo fund up to £300,000. Past success as you are aware, has onablcd us to bring this fund up to t'G25,000, and for the first time we are now obliged to intimate that an appropriation has been made to meet the exceptional 10-ises which adverse., times have entailed upon us, and to which I specially alluded to in my address last half year. Wo had not then fully realised the extent of.. such los-.es, , but the almost utter collapse of business in Adelaide, and failures which have occurred in our own colony have been unfavourable to tho reali sation of debts, which we. were then hopoful might prove good, and has aggravated the lona, which ifc »as then anticipated might be inflicted on the bank. Tho directors have, therefore, under tho authority conferred on them by tho deed of settlemont decided to transfer from Reserve Fund to Bad and Doubtful DebtSus pense Account one hundred and twenty-live thousand pounds, which will still leave that fund at half amillion, 0r£200,000 in sices* of what is required by the Deed of Settlemont. Considering the ease with which tho Reserve Fund has been accumulated in the past, we may look, on a return.to more prosperous time*, to have the opportunity of again making additions to it. World wide as the depression has been, it could nofc be expected that any financial institution coulcl pass through such tildes without loss, but Wo have afc least.jtJie negative consolation that reverses arenot confined to this Bank. On tho contrary, we may express a conviction,. that we have fared at least no wbfcse t&an' most of our neighbours. />,/,; -I sure shareholders will heartilyWendor-a" tho policy the Board has adoptfecj^ and that the results of tlio, half-year will not be considered unsatisfactory, as the^re-*. port shows wo aro fully . ju'-.lfiod in paying you a dividend of and a half per cent, leaving th£ re-apec* tabls balanco of £14,594 lis 3d -t6/.1..e, carried forward to hex. account; W'ltk. these remarks I beg to more the adopt-on' of tho report and balance sheefc^ ~;.■'. Af r^— }. Tha Hon, James Williamson, M'ti. &:*-*. Gentleman,—lt is nnnGc'esajlVy;';fot.'*n§s t'cV make any remarks, to you aftlir-the tei^'f-JIP explanation 'which 'the -Chaifmaa. baa'jiajT given. I may say however..tl|'i^,.th'ei,»H*perT. haps no shareholder conhe'-t^wfthihi'Btak that regrets more than I dp "the necessity that hasbeon imposed lipoa«■ of Interfering in any ..way with, .fche' Reserve, ;JTuiic-7 It was one of th« ( .thing*feiia tb_ mar.agement of: thevßant'v tnatrl have always .strenuously"' supported*'.'and en deavoured .to build tip toijii^igbesfe possible amount. I wilP,not; make", any further remarks,'but seodiid' .he^'adootion of the report and baltfnce*sheet as'rhs't read.. Mi* F. Cheh;y-'sffid^th'itVit was a vary unusual thihgV7^^.*|n,i-'8e /'Jnee*iin£8 for anything un^e_is&ni'-:to:'./. be- said, but lie thought he "mIOT-;*pr._nt out that the dividends paid by lJh'tJ^p.-,f>l- were not equal to thoso pf many^otlier*'bfi4ks in the colonies nor equal eithtii^biiMri dividends paid by many ibahkV-<*lrt,.**itlje o ]<} country. Taking togAli^r'''.the 1 li»'8 Fund and the nominal capital '.as Aa^-basis. the divi dend juiti ■proposed 5HNp.s not above eight per cent, pe/aprinm. Now, he did not think that vr,ry much. With refer ence to thiai-jother: -part .of the ques tion, of icour-o/he 'did not know the reasons why-..th^l?.irebtoi*s thought it j necessaryC-Jo te.l-9:. £ljffjiQQQ,,froro tbo &>•

servo Fund, but it struck him as being very remarkable, more especially as this "urn was in addition to £33,000 which, ■was taken last yoar to be put down for bad and doubtful debts. He did not think this very satisfactory. • No doubt those having the management of the bank were very able gentlemen, but though they might manage one institution very well, if thoy also "managed others, some of them haying-conflicting interests, they might not succeed so well. The motion was then put and carried nam. can.

_ Afc this stage, the minutes of last meet ing, which had been overlooked so far, were read and confirmed.

Mr John Batger thought tho mooting would agree with him that In view of the anxiows times they had boon passing through, and especially such times aa that Bank had ovidently experienced from the unfortunate circumstances that ifc had to put its hands to the Reserve Fund, the Directors, officers and agents deserved more than ever their thanks for the caro with which they had worked in tho interest of bk« shareholders. He therefore moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Directors, officers, and agents of tho Bank for their effort* during the past half-year. Mr John Reid seconded the motion which was unanimously adopted. Tin Chairman returned thankg for him self and co-director.*.

Mr D. L. Murdoch, General Manager, on bohalf of the staff, also returned sincsra thanks for the vote. Ho said that long continual success might, and no doubt bad, made them a littlo over confident, and zeal had not always beon tem pered with prudence, but he could assure them that losses were as little welcome to tho staff as to sharoholdsrs, and their best efforts would always b« used in the futuro to avoid thorn. It was always a comfort to know that their exertions wero appreciated by tho shareholders, and whon reverses did occur it was especially welcome to be made awaro that they had tho sym pathy and fetaincd tho conlidence of the shareholders.

Tho scroll minutes were then read and tho meeting dissolved.

THE JUDGE AND THE CABBY.

It will be remembered that a few days ago Mr Justice Ward delivered judgment in the appeal case Attiwell v. Crowther, which arose out of the cab accident on Queen street Wharf. His Ilohor decided, " That it was no part of a cabman's duty to leavo his cab for tho purpose of carrying lug gage." On Tuesday last, His Honor sent for a cab to convey himself and his impedi menta to the steamer at Onehunga. One of Crowther's cabs drew up at tho door, ancl His Honor ordered the driver to carry out the luggage. Cabby stiffened himself, and dolivored judgment thus, " Plcnso your Honor, it is no part of a cabman's duty _to leave his cab for the purpose of carrying luggage." The judge laughed heartily at this palpabls hit, and the court messenger carried out the luggage. That cabby earned an extra fee and doubtless got it. " Attiwell v. Crowther " has there fore become a leading case, which will nob easily be forgotten.

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN.

ile Comes by tlic Wairarapa,

Dr. Ensox, Chairman of the Reception Committee, has received tho following cablo message from tho Earl of Aberdeen :

Sqdney, April 20.

Thanks for message. We leave Sydney on Thursday per Wairarapa, and will be most happy to receive address during after noon cf day after arrival. Regret delay in answering, owing to absence.—Lord Aher dekn.

It was tlio original intention of the Earl and Countess, when thoy determined to come by the Zealandia, to stay in Auck land a month visiting while hero the Hot Lake District. As the illness of the Countess compelled them to delay thoir de parture from Sydney, their stay in New Zealand will be curtailed. Nevertheless, the Wairarapa should arrive here on Tuesday, ancl they will thus have nearly three weeks in the colony, which will afford them ample time to visit tho Lakes and other places of interest.

MEETING OF ARCHITECTS.

A meeting of greafc interest, nofc only to architects and the building trade/but (Ohio to the public who havo the future ,',ye|farg. of the city ab stake, is^ .being -held; at. Mr P. Herap.th's pc ;We go ~ bo] press. The business of ,th#meeting is to. consider certain steps to;.be.*,itaken i\i con;, ncction with tho mode of conducting Jjhb judging of coinpctitibn" l^?-iwing# ,-jn^ihis cifey. It is proposed^to '..ask^fclid j-tftihsfbters of the compotitton^fronntho*new .Masonic Hotel to receivoAideputy^-piii-the cbmpeting architects, whcaebttsihesd.it will be to see thafc bhe condifcipna>*.are-#tul'f.lled, thafc a properly ,qual_i|efc''e|p^t is appointed Judge, and iii^ ■fstct^tepjqesenb the com petitors 'in all''jj^pg»j.'ir The promotors of ..fche.'^ comji-^itgoij. jusb referred to haviljuyw so;njyfe.r 15 plans in their posaossibh rej^jjfpninng an amount of work valued atssf'per cont. each, upon •£4.000, equal to*4bout £3,000. It is to bo hoped thafc the"' promoters of the new Masoniejlfotel will see their way to meet the.competitors in this matter so shat a re sult y alike satisfactory to them and tho public^goriorally, who have watched some late" dom petitions with dissatisfaction, will be/p { btainod,i:ffj .'■£ i'A S' ::'A~ - ".» ■ W " •: .... .. ___ _. _ - _

FAREWELL TO REV. T. W. DUNN

,£aBT evening tho brethren of tho Orange jihsfcifcution in Auckland mot in tho Newton 'Hall for the purpose of bidding farewell to $re. Rev. T. W. Dunn, R.W.P.G.M., who is going to the old country. Thoro was a 'Social 'ten, afc which about sixty safe down, iJffcer which Bro. Goldie was called to the ch.iir, and in a briof speech wished Bro. Dunn God-speed. Bro. Rev. C. Ward next addreflsed fche meeting, and stated that bho Grand Lodge had given Bro. Dunn author ity to represent them at the Triennial Council which is to be hold in London next jroar; also to represent them afc the bi centenary of fclie landing of William the Third on sih November, 1688. This bi centenary "will also be held in London. The Secretary then read a copy of an address which the Grand Lodge had forwarded by fche 'Frisco mail .to Her Majesty on her jubilee. This was received with Kentish fire. Bro. Brame, in an exhaustive speech, detailed hia relationship with Bro. Dunn during the time he had been in New Zea land, and spoke of him in complimentary terms. Bros. Robertson and McMaster gave recitations, and Bro. Cox and others songs, after which Bro. Dunn addressed the meetin"*. The meeting was closed with tho National Anthem, after which the usual band-shaking took place, and the brethren Separated.

We believe that if every one would use Ameiican Co.'s Hop Bitters freely there would be much loss sickne.-s and misery in the world, and people arc fast Uncling thin out. whole families keeping well at a trifling coat by its U?e. We aclvjw all to try it, K<^d.

SUICIDE AT PONSONBY.

KA Young Ulan Cuts His QEhroai With a Razor.

A suicide, took place at Picton - street, Ponsonby, yesterday afternoon. Owing to tho late hour at which it oc curred, we were unable to publish full particulars 'in yesterday's issue! It appears that about 1.50 yesterday after noon a young man named Robert Wylie Thompson, son of Mr John Thompson, contracting builder, cut his throat with a razor, and subsequently died from the in juries indicted. He resided with his parents in Picton-Btrcet, Ponsonby. and haa for somo timo past been in a depressed stato of mind, owing to his having no work to do. His prevailing idea was that the Auxiliary Hospital, recently erected by his lather, was iiisccnrciy built, and thab some day ib would fall down and kill some of the patients. Ho thought that., in the evonb of thafc occurring he would have to give evidence against his father, who would then be hung. . This appears to havo preyed upon his mind very much. John Thompson tlio father of deceased states that ab about 1-45 p.m. yesterday ho was speaking to his son about going to town on business when tho mother of deceased camo into the room and asked him to clean a pair of boots for her. He (Mr Thompson) then wont into tho sitting-room Shortly afterwards ho heard his wifo scream. Ho ran oub to ascertain the causo when he savr his eon in his bedroom in , tho act of drawing tho razor across his throat. Tho blood was gushing oub upon him. Mr Thompson afc once caught hia son in his arms and sent for medical aid. Dr. Knight arrived about 2 p.m., ancl found tho young man lying on tho floor of tho bedroom, with a large gash right across his throat widely gaping. The cut was clearly dono with a sharp instrument, and went right through bins larynx, jusb abovo tho vocal cord severing all tlio tissue, down to the back of the pharynx. No vessel of any aim was cub through. JT'lO carotid vessol also escaped injury. Tho hemorrhage had evidently been severe, for thoro woro signs of blood having beon clcanod from tho floor prior to his arrival.

Dr. McMullen also arrived shortly after Dr. Knight, and they proceeded to stitch up the wound, but the patient was very violent, and it required several men to hold him during the operation- Subse quontly tho patient was pub to bed, Drs. Knight and Stockwcll remaining in atten dance. The latter gentleman had been previously attending deceased, who met with an injuring while working at tho Hospital, and had since been in bad health. Constable Clark and Detective Tuohy arrived about 2.,.0 o'clock, and mado tho necessary enquiries as to tho cause of the wounds. Aa thero was ample evidence that the patient was in an unsound state of mind, the Resident Majesfcrate, Mr H. 6. Seth Smith, was sont for, and upon the testimony of Drs. Stockwell and Knight, authorised the committal of th« man to the Arondale Lunatic Asylum. The shock to the system and tho loss of blood, however, proved too much for the patient, and ho gradually sank until 5.40 o'clock when ho expired in the presence of Drs. Stockwell and Knight.

Groat sympathy is felt for tho. bereaved parents by the residents of Ponsonby and their many other friends.

An inquest is procecning at tho dp ceased's residenco as we go to press.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

(Before Mr Singleton Itochefort, J.P.) Drunkkn'xess. — Ono woman, a first offender, was punished in tho usual manner for this oflbnce.

Trespass. — William Kent was charged that he did unlawfully trespass on a houso situated in Arawa-streot, tho property of George Staines, and refuse to leave such -place after being warned to do so.—Tho defendant, a wild-looking man with lank locks, admitted that he had taken posf&s sion without leavo, and took his furniture there, buthe did not thinkho had committed abroach of tho law.—George Stainse,who described himself as a brake*, 'cfepbrod that he was tho owner of a hftvtso'ihArawa-sfcreet which had been-**tih<.cciipied since. ' Feb ruary Hth last:"* .On, the 25th inst. he received InfornmtiqnJ-4hab, someone, had taken possession of hl^liouso. .On proceed ing, $3 liis house in'company | with a con stabTejhe,fptifid tho^defehdaht residing there ■^vitli .iia;wiW,*'*i,The'houßb'had been securely . fastened and he imagined that tho defendant , *AiuSi'fc,bavo^obtained entrance through one of tho,'window-.*' J,Subsequently, he gave tho ' ]_risfoner notice to leave the premise*., and then wAited two hours extra. As tho de "fendanfc did nob quit, ho laid tho ! 'information. When tho dofendant was . lasftcd by tho constable who gave [Rim permission to enter tho house, he ropliod, "A man. in Queen-streot." — Consbablo Dews gavo corroborativo evi dence. Defendanb informed him that ho did not know bhe name of the person who leb him the house, but he would stay there as long oa it suited him. Defendant was |_*er fectly sober, but very "queer." When witness proceeded to arrest defendanb ho placed himself in a fightfng attitude. De fondanfc had "been ejected from two houses in the same neighbourhood pre viously. Defendant was a cabinet maker by trade, and a jjoocl workman, — The Bonch found the accused guilty, and fined tho dofendant £3 ancl costs.—Defen dant said that this mot his view, bufc ho asked time. Ho would be able to pay it to-day or to-morrow, —Eventually defen dant was givon till Saturday to pay the money, with an alternative of 14 . day's imprisonment.

Allkcikd Larcbxy.-— Tho hearing of the charge of larcony of a chest of tea against John Wilson was adjourned tell Tuesclay.

Alleged Burglary.—The boys C. H. Moonoy and Jonh Heonan, charged with burglary at Kohimarma School were re manded until Monday, one justice not having jurisdiction in a oase of tins' character.

DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tkh regular periodical meeting took place last nighfc. Present: The Mayor ;(Mr M. Niccol), and Crs. E. W. Burgess, E. W. Alison, E. Bartley, J. Duder, W. H. Brown, Jas. Mays and W. Philcox.' ' ' V

Correspondence.—Letters wero received and disponed of as follows :—From A. W. Melville,asking that the proposed raising of the level of fche Victoria Road footpath should be left in 'abeyance for seven months, so far as it affected the footpath opposite his property—Granbed ; the Foreman of Works being authorised to keep the foot path in a state of repair. From W. Mc- Kenzie, begging the Council not to impound cattle found upon Hastings, Ro6.yn and Melrose, aa he had obtained leave from the owners to run his cattle there—Applicant to be informed that no action had been taken by the Council under the by-law. From W. J. Blakey, applying for thecxten sion pf tho Flagstaff Road footpath opposite his new residence—Referred to Works Com mittee. From Thomas Webb, objecting to a charge for rates for which he ayerred he was not liable - Deferred till next meeting. From T. J. Duder, asking that G. W. James's namo should be placed on the bur (jpaa roll for property in Kpry.^trcet,—PqV

ferred till next meeting. Prom Jame3 Dun. ning, requesting Coancil to construct- a piece of footpath crossing for his three new 'cottages at Hastings. — Deferred until streets in Hastings are dedicated. Fronv the Treasury (Wellington), remitting ±'51 16s 8d to borough in respect of rates on Crown lands for ISS6-7-— From District Engineer, stating that Council's letter re road from Vauxhall to Defence Works had been referred to tho officer commanding the Permanent Militia Forces in Auckland. From Waitemata County Council, applying for pay men 6 of £125, boing the amounb awarded to applicants by tho Controller and Auditor-General in his award of tho 3rd November lasb—lfc was stated that the money had been paid. From Devore and Coopor, forwarding bill of cost 3 amount ing to £9 10s.

• Strkk'j. Levels.—Mr J. Knox (Borough Engineer) submitted plans of levels for Buchanan, Kerr, Lake, Grey, Dock, Sb. Aubyn, and Clarence streets, ancl Mount Victoria, Garrison, and Cheltenham Ter race roads. Ho also pointed out thafc if the levels of Anne, Wynyard, Stanley, and Domain streets, Alison Avenue, Mozley Avenue and flagstaff Road were fixed, the circuit ofthe borough would be completed. —Roferred to Works Committee, along with a request to report also upon the naming gf streets. Tho matter of further levels was deferred.

Water SurP-.T.—-The Engineer further reported that, according to his instructions, ho had prepared a scheme for the supply of wator to the borough from Lake Takapuna. —Engineer to bo asked to attend Com mittoe meeting on Monday evening.

Street Works. —The foreman of works (C. Savage) reported that Rattray-sfcrect and Artillery Road required to be formed 20ft. in width with good waterfcablos, and to bo metalled 16ffc. in width, tho footpath to be Sift, wide and metalled ; cost of works in Rnttray-streofc £18 7s 6cl, and Co3fc of works in Artillery Road £19 125.--It was resolved to have the abovo works dono at the ex pense of tho residents, as the thoroughfares mentioned had not been dedicated.

Shall Devoxport Have a Publtc Libiury?—lb was decided on tho Mayor's motion, seconded by Cr. Bartloy, to take a poll of tho ratepayers under the Public Libraries Acb to ascertain whether tho provisions of that Act should bo brought into force. Tho Mayor said they were limited to a rate of Id in tlio pound, which would pro duce £80 per annum, and the Govern ment grant of £50 would bring up the amount to £130. This would enable them to borrow monoy sufficient to crecb suit ablo buildings, and would also leave a balance yearly for purchase of books. Public Ckuktert.—Cr. Burgess pro posed, and Cr. Bartley seconded: "That in the opinion of this Council, immediate stcp3 should be taken to provide a suitable cemetery for tho district." The object was stated to be tho closing of the old cemetery. The motion was carried, and the Finance and Legal Coramitbco were directed to re port as bo tho besfc means of carrying it into effect.

NuiT Ybar's Esttuates. - It was resolved thafc an estimate of receipts and expendi ture for the ensuing year should be made out and presented at nexb meeting. Ten'dkus. — Tenders wero received as follows for tho erection of tho Council Chambers: — Aldcrton, £100; Aicken, £104 ; P. Duder, £09 15b ; Trevarthen, £90 10s ; Banks and McG-dlum, £94 18s ; Hinds, £94 5s ; Patterson^ £93 ; Miller, £02 10s ; Crafb and Forresji, £92 7s Od. This last tender waa accepted. Overdue Rates.--The collector (Mr Bur gess) was instructed to sue for all rates duo beyond one year. ' ._-, •■*

The Cbrhmifcteo of tho Young Men's Christian Association desire to thank the Mosgiel Woollen factory,, of Dunedin, for a selection of their .excellent manufactures, for ealo at tho foi'tlicoming salo of work on behalf of tho Wilding fund. They wish also to thankyMessrs Bhilcox and Son, contractorf, for .heir ve_-y generous offer to fit up_.t|Mf'-ta}iß fre,i.,'of all charge. We are glacrtofflnd^the puijlib: appreqikte tho work fho'-Y,]_£•€.• Af • aro .dbirig. At a recent totnmitto© .huJoting. u^o learn it has beon decided to start., classes during tho wintor monthp : -Book-keeping, singing, and short-hand ;,,*dso, a chess club ancl swim ming club,' to furnish the gymnasium thoroughly. It is also intended to start, almost immediately, medical talks, homely talks, a debating society, and a Christian Evidenco Socioty. Wo cannot think such t. vigorous committee, and such important work, will lack iupporb in the way of funds. ...-, ..- .'...

_ A meeting of the creditors of G. F. Wil liamson, cabinetmaker, of Epsom, took placo to-day in fche assignee's office, there being present: Messrs Jamieson, Hardy, Taylor, Webster, Frater, and the debtor and.his solicitor (Mr Franklin). Mr Thorne also appeared for Mr Jamieson, and the debtor was subjected to examination. Ho said articles or cabinet-ware, worth £18, wero taken away four days bofore he filed by his cousin, D. Stokes, in payment, of a claim of £13 for wages. He -had a rever sionary interest under his father's will. Whatever th*re was would be divided amongfc twelve of them at his mother's death. She was aged about 47- His share was nofc encumbered, Tho meeting then adjourned till May, and ib is understood that debtor's interest in tho will shall bo sold unless he is prepared with an offer of 208 in fche £. Ifc was stated at the meeting that there was a gentleman presonb ready bo purchase this interest for an amount sufficient to enablo the debtor to pay his creditors 30s in the pound. *

To the Editor: Sir,—Will you kindly insert; the following. In your report of tlio adjourned meeting of the Gospel Temperance Mission, it was stated that the " applications for secretary wore received from Mr Alderton, Mr Cox, Mr Crosher, and D. Fowler." It should have been Mr William Cox, as, after what had transpired, and knowing the persistency manifested by' a sectioh of the friends to substitute another gontlcman in my place, I withheld altogether from applying for the appointment.—Yours, etc., Alfred Cox. *

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night. University Collogo — Lecture: "Extraction of Gold aud Silv«v from Thames Ores," by Pro fessor Brown, 8. Agricultural Hall—" Tho Crimson Circle," B. ■ I Choral Hall—Addresses by tho Rev. J. A. and Mrs Dowie. 7.45. Wobbo's Room, Viow Road—Meeting of Sub scribers, etc., to tbo Mount Eden Public Library, 8. '

Christians' Mooting ITouse, Now North Road— Meeting of Ratepayers oj the Mount Albert District, 7.30. '~ . U) ,

V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30.

St. David's Church—Lecture: "Love, Court ship, and Marriage," by Rev. C. \Vorboys,7.3o.

Rota of Justices at Police Court

April 29—Messrs R. Stevenson and T. Thomp son. ..•■.._

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Vaile & Douglas—Properties, etc., 2. _._, Arthur & Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11. " ' Hunter & Nolan, Durham Tards—Horses, etc., W. J. nowden—Weekly Produce Sale. 11. **;_"-' E. Leydon—Produce, Furniture, etc., 11. S. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture, etc,, 11. Hesketh, Aitken, Paget and Ralston-Poultry. Produce, Fruit, etc., 11; Household Furniture, etc., 1. ... • B. Tqnkg Cq<~?n\)t m c. ,[.

A POPULAR GOVERNOR AND A WONDERFUL WATCH.

It may not be generally known—ifc may nob even bo a fact-.that His Excellency carries a " Wateilbury," but if he does not now, he probably will do so before long, and will then be ablo to corroborate tho ver dict of thousands of other eminent person ages, all of whom agree that for unswervino accuracy this wonderful little watch has no' equal.. Hundreds of thousands have been' sold - hundreds of thousands are produced every year, and after the most crucial test public opinion has accepted the " Water- Birnv," and from the editorial columns of tho ' limes," tho " Daily Telegraph," the "Yorkshire Post,"; and "New York Herald ;" the pulpit of the Rev. Dr. Tal lage, Brooklyn; and the Professorial- Chairs of Harvard,, Yale, _and Edinburgh; its merits have been unhesitatino-ly pro claimed. Whilst the "WATERBURrAafc Thirteen Shillings and Sixpence is admit tedly the cheapest watch in the world, there are many watches sold afc lower prices which have little or no value of thoir own, as many of our readers unfortunately know. As with everything else; so with the '' Watkrbrov," fche imitator has been at work, and it is necessary to warn the public against buying cny continental counterfeit, or watches "guaranteed" equal to the " WATi.nr.URY,'' whether offered at five shillings or as many pounds. Thero is only one " WATEitnuiiY "—price thirteen and sixpence — a substantial, reliable watch, simple in construction, inexpensive to re pair, and that with ordinary care will last a lifetime.

The era of expensive gold and silver watches is rapidly passing away, and the diffusion of education, and the development of science is surely revolutionism;.- the manners and customs of our race. This is an age of utility, and , the pretentious gold lever will soon be relegated to the limbo of the sun-dial, ancl the hour-glass of our fore fathers, knocked out, so to speak, by the unerring accuracy of the nickel-cased un assuming '' Waterbury. 'j j An expensive watch is neither a necessity nor a .badge of respectability, ,",-,",'

" The Time's the Thing," . A \ -A and whether indicated by a hundred guinea rubied "chronic-graph," which requires adjustment with every fluctuation of tho' thermometer ; the city clock with its costly officialdom; the mercury weighed regulator, or the faithful " Watei.bury," mattei-3 not to the modern ultilitai*ian. The " Water bury" keeps correct" time, and its most costly rival can do nb mote, though we frequently hear of some of them not even, coming up to expectation in this essential particular. -

The secret of the " W tatej»eury's " strength and accuracy lies in its simplicity, and its internal mechanism marks, a new and radical departure in the art of watch making. Tho long thin .mainspring, so frequently ridiculed, is the real source of its superiority, and enables it's designer to do away with tho intricate duplication of parts by the direct application of power. So well has this principle bern appreciated that tho Factory established nearly ten years ago with an output of A ..,

,1,000 W>TCHES;PER DAY,' , ; has been taxed to its utmost to meet, the requirements of the trade; and though arrangements were completed for the supply of the Province of Auckland more than a yesr ago, no watches could; be spared for this market until within the last two or three weeks. During the year ISB6

, 100,000 " WATERBURYS " ■;..•. were sold in London; and the well known firm of W. H. Smith and Sons. Railway Bookstall men, offer them at all the railway stations and on all .the trains in the United Kingdom. We believe,Mr Smith himself, who is First Lord of the Admiralty, regularly carries,one for his own personal use.' In Sydney, during the same period,

45,000 "WATERBURYS,'.",'', A:. changed hands ; and fche question naturally arises, what becomes of them ? who carries them ? and the answer is, the people. Every ißank, and every Factory,j every-; Countinghouse, and every' Store, boasts its "Waterbury." Amongstourmerchante, our lawy ars or doctors, our arfcizans or labourers, it is no stranger; and whether exposed to i the vicissitudes, of the miner, the rough usage of tho bushman,: oi* tho, eccentricities - of commercial or professional life, its record' is the earne—trustworthy, strong, and durable. ' ■

Thousands of testimonials have been re ceived in its favour, and hundreds of edi torials havo been written in its-praise. A watch that-everybody can afford to-own-, merits universal recognition, but as every- - body could not afford to keep some of the so-called cheap watches' in repair, the first costis not the only thing to be considered before purchasing.- .The-, parts of the; " Wateeisury ", being interchangeable, the ■ cost of repairs are minimised. ' Unclis turbed, the " Waterbury." like Tennyson's "Brook," ill i-;■■. ii..J* c. -.Z, r /.. : ?<!•.'!•/ . , " Gocb on for ever." I But should apcidont, or an invincible curi osity to," see tho inside of it " ! lead .you to tamper with it, or throw it out ofj gear, it can be at onco repaired and, returned bo you in going order for a sum not exceeding, in any case, half-*'crown ; whilst broken hands . or glasses are renewed for sixpence; - Thus iris not only, the cheapest,to buy but ;the„ cheapest to repair,;, and the sum, usually,"' paid for' " overhauling" a continental or, " cheap" English watch is nearly1 sufficient' to purchase.a "''•' Waterbury,";'which will'; always give.you- the correct time;;and .save [ you thediscomfort a.nd annoyance, insepar , able from a tricky, faithless time niutilator.. Do nofc be deceived by imitations;, how-' i ever clever, - offered at a few! shillings less. The " Waterbury "/is worth 'thirteen and,; sixpence, and _ the... fact that .over two, millions have been sent but from the factory - is sufficient guarantepuf its fidelity. Large*' shipments have been* sent-to Europe to ■> compete with continental; productions- in i their owustrpnghpids, and its superior time' keeping record ensures it a certain victory. - We wonder whatother watch manufacturer'" can claim-such an out-put ? "■-■> 1 >t -Ofi

Messrs. E. PORTER & Co.

have landed a new shipment ex "Roto-i mahana,'-' and can fill any nrders which may be sent; them.- Any Jeweller or-Storekeeper in the Province can dbtain them for yo'u;-br on.receipt,of l"4s.!t3d. it■ will be. mniled dpct.bjrrpgiste|^ : pqst,:; ,-, ~,;,,

TfiE^AITCKLAN^

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