A Heart's Bitterness

Ky BERTHA M. CLAY, Author of "For Another's Sin," "A Fni Mystery," tec

CHAPTER LVIII,

"THERE IS A CHILD AT THE TOWERS."

Tun summer sped. Tho guests were roirly all gone from tho Towers. Mrs Ainslio, with groat eolf importance, ro imined. Her own h-u?o, children, servants must go on a. bo3t thoy might; sho could not leave her dear niece, tho countess. Homy Ainslie camo up from London to sco his nicco, and, aftor long ontreaty, Violot secured from him and her aunt a promise that if no mow brilliant match offorod in the ensuing season, Anna might bo frco to ti.copt Captain Goro. Anna, in paroxysms of gratitude, huggod aid kissed Violot, and declared that sho would bo happy, "For you know, dear, any girl can kcop a man from proposing to her if .ho chooses " "Can she. sighed Violot. "I could not. It aeod to vex and annoy mo nearly to death to havo them coming ; and then your father—' What! — another Violot, number so and so.' "

" Oh, well, Pm not so lovely nor so rich as you, dear." "It was tha money that did it. I wish I'd been born a beggar." " Why, you wouldn't want your baby to bo a beggar, would you ." cried Anna, and sot herpelf to a diligent knitting of silk socks and othor paraphernalia. " Yes. If I wero really poor I might hopo to have my child to mysolf. Now I must give it up to a hoad nurso and an under nurso, and who knows how many else, and must be content to look at it as I uio at my pictures, my necklaces, and my boat coronet."

" I'm glad I nra goinp, to bo rather poor," said Anna.

Lord Leigh, mcanwhilo, aftor the dcpir turo of Edna with Lady Burton, rehpsed into dailyd.opening gloom. lie Slid no unkind word to Violet; ho was polite, in quired after hor health, told her to have, and do, and be just ns sho choso ; but ho kept in his own rooms and tho library, or wandered over the ostates, and waß often absolutely eiler.t during a whole meal. Tho thought of tho child uphold Violet. Thero would at last bo a lovo wholly hers, to which sho could deliver herself with in tense, unselfish dovotion. Sho planned to remain at the Towers, and givo up most of tho timo to tho absorbing, Mossed duties of a mothor.

Groat wa. her grief when, ono day, Mrs Ainslio, who had returned from spending a part of a week in London, said : " Violot, I havo boon looking for tho nurso wo shall ncod for tho littlo ono, and have found a line, pleasant young woman, who will be an oxcollon. fostor-mothor for your child." "Aunt," cried Violet, in dismay, "I moan to nurso my child mysolf."_ "Nonsense!" said Mrs Ainelio. "You nro n countess Cjou havo social duties that nursing a babo "would interfere with." " But, aunt, tho molhcr's duties come first. 1 must and will nurse my child, if Cod is so good as to lot it livo." " What ! lose a wholo reason, aod you so young and so popular I And how -ill my dear riils get on without you ? 1 shall spoak to Lon.l Leigh about such folly." At that moment tho door opened, and Lord Leigh camo in. Uo found Viulut in tears, her aunt indignant. " 1 havo beon to London," explained Mrs Ainelio, "looking for a fostor-mothor for tho littlo ono, and this ungrateful girl re fuses to havo her, and—" Lord Leigh's brow grew dark. " You have boen ovor-hasty, Mrs Ainslio. No London nurse shall bo fostor m .ther to a Lord of Loigb. The Leighs havo always boon nursed by some of their own tenants. Tbo peoplo havo beon on tho soil a3 long as wo have. No strangors come between the Earls of Leigh and thoir peoplo. Adam, my valet, was tho brother of my father's nureo, and sco how devotion descends to mo." Whsn Norman Leigh spoke of his tenants, his poople, his race, ho was always at his best; ho looked his manliest. Violet folt this, and impulsively sho cried out: "Oh, Norman, Norman! I wish you lovod me as well as you do your people." It was such a pitiful cry of lonely heart longing that it touched Leigh deeply ; and, going to hor sido, he gently stroked her hair, saying: ... ... , . " Tho right of decision is yours, Violot. Chooso for yourself ; no one shall interfere with you." " Ob, then, Norman," said Violot, clasp ing her hands, "if I may choose, I want to nurso my doar littlo child mysolf." "Then you shall,"said Leigh. "Lord Leigh I" cried Mrs Ainslio, "it will doßtroy her health, shorten her lifo, keep hor entirely out of socioty for months." , "Norman," p'eaded Violet, "you know I do not caro much for society ; that I am not happy in London ; that all these great routs "and balls and /eto wear me. I would "love so much better to stay hore at homo for a year or two, doing my duty, and trying to grow hotter and better. _ou will como home often from London,^Norman ; you will wish to come now " She spoke so wistfully, she looked so swoot, so pleading, so innocent and artless. that Leigh's heart was moved toward her. He said : , , , „ , "Violet, I have said that jou shall do exactly as you like, and you shall " She sprang to him, kissed his hand, and hung upon his arm. " Ob, Norman, how good you are 1 1 thank you so very much ; it will make mo so very happy, and I shall try in all ways to mako you happy, to do my duty, Nor " Very well," said Mrs Ainslio, much of fended. " I know you will find this roman tic plan a mistake. However, if you up hold Violet's folly, tord _oij.'b, 1 cannot in lorfero. Is tho head nurso lo como from tho estate, too?" "It thero is a proper candidate among Iho tenantry." . ~ .. "But there is mil," s.id Mrs Auislie, triumphantly. "I have inquired, and so has tho housekeeper ; sho hereolf sayß there is no ono." , __ _, ~„ " Ca-not we have good Magery l.ogers. asked Violot. , . " No; I have a particular roason for not having her," said Leigh. " And I have heard of a most excellent head nurse-highly recommended, ex perienced, admirable," sa.d Mrs Ainslie. "In that case engage her, said Leigb, weary of the subject. " Who is tbe woman, aunt ? asked \ 10 ---let anxiously. "Mrs Dawson. " And who recDmmended hor to you '. " A friend of mine, a vory sensible per son Violet, you ehould not be so head strong • you Bhould leavo these things to me, as I am a person of large experi °n"But I feel as if somo terrible trouble might como to us through the nurse," urged "That is all nervousnoes. This Mrs Dawson is very competent, and if anything can counterbalance your folly in insisting.on nourishing tho child yourself, having her will do it. I shall havo her waiting in th»Sto a_b_il not enter the house fill the child is six weoks old, and I am able to superintend ber," said the little countess contumaciously, and went oft to comfort herself by sending fifty P-Unds each to Dame Magery and to comely Mary Millar, who had solaced her in her wanderings. A few days after this a lodger came to one of the cottages near the Towers a lodger brought by Mrs Ainslie as prospec live held nursa to the heir. She was a stout elderly-looking woman, with a wig ot light hair under an ample cap, very dark Bkio, heavy light brows, and woanng spectacles of a pale-grey glass. She spoke litt!., but in a pleasant voice, and tbo cottage womon treated her with great respect.

Thore camo a warm, ripe, glowing Oc tober day, when the earth was steeped in sunshine, and leaf, and blade, and.trees gave out rich balsamic odours, when suddenly from the high towers of the church at Loigh broke forth a jubilant ringing of bells. The cottago peoplo crowded to the doors, and smiled and nodded to each other. " There is a child at the Toners." Then there wa3 a pauss, and the chimes in the Towers began to ring that old, old strain, " Summer is a c.mm' in '.'' the tune that always welcomed a new-born Lota of Lbigh. ""There's a son !" said the women, heartily. "God bless thelittleearl 1 How proud that sweet young m? th. er "™i ?!_____. The prospective nurse and stood with tbe rest. -Wiy a sr° om'

carrying telegrams, dashed up on a horso, and a chorus of voicos stayed him. "Ilow ia our lady ?" "Mother and child both rarely woll.'r said tho groom.

CHAPTER LI.X

" MOVI. OR SPEAK, AND YOU DIE." Thkkk came for Violtt a season of rest and peace. Hor heart overflowed v> ith grati tu Jo, antl was exalted with hopo, as the looked at her beautiful littlo eon. In tha infant, Ruport, tho errors and neglects of hia father wero forgotten, or lost thoir powor to wound. Tho now king of Violot's heart accompliehcd what sho had so long prayed and striven for, tho banishment of Keith's absorbing image from hor heart. Tho child lay in bis cradlo of rose satin and white laco, and Violot feasted her loving eye. |on her tro-isure ; as tho infant, pink and dimpled, slopt in hor tender arms, and her dainty face hourly regained a peaceful, happy look, as her wounded heart found at last its deep consolation. Thoro is no sight moro beautiful than a young mother with her child hushed upon her bosom. Evon Leigh realised tho exquisite beauty of Violot, with tho now radiance of loving joy over her face, and as soon a. sho was moving about her magni- Mcont homo again, the mo.t famous portrait paintor was sent for, and lor a great prico painted that pictuie of "Tho Countess of Leigh and hor son" which presently became nmoii. in Kngland. Leigh, also, was delighted with his heir, and appeared to love the child fondly. At tirst the babo soomed likoly to draw tho parents moro closely together, but lovo of pleasure and his evil disposi.ion had too long hold empire in Leigh's soul to bo easily driven out, and having had tho triumph of summoning Lady Clare and Colonol Hart ington to tho magnificont christening feast, exhibiting tho child to the admiring tenan try, and receiving tho congratulations of his friends and neiE-ibours, Lord -.eiffh coa tentod himself with tho knowledge that ho had a promi-icg son afld heir, and rolapsed into his moody and restless condition, going ofton up to London for a weok or weeks, whon Violet dared not think what he might bo about, and hourly tremblod lest thoro should come bad news from him ; and old Adam looked at theiuturo Earl of Leigh, and felt sure that his fathor was risking his inheritance at tho gaming table.

Tho second nurse was a vory young cot tago maiden, a joy to Violet's soul. _ho slept on a couch in liar 1 .dy's dressing rotim, and Violot kept her child's cradlo be side her own bed at night. But tho hoad nurso was a mystery and a terror to tho young mother. Violet could not tell why, but she regarded tho woman

with dread. Sho was a quiot poreon, per forming all hor duties with order and dox tority, seemed versed in her position, and gavo no room for any fault finding, though poor Violot fairly longed for some caueo of dismissal, othor than her own dislike. But spite of hor performance of duty, sho wns a malign presenco in tho nursery. When Lord Leigh was at homo the nurso took nwrc caro of tho babo than at other times. She would carry him, warmly wrapped, up and down tha sunny torraco, near tho library ; sho would tako him to his fathor in drawing-room, b [Hard-room, or s_all-ry, and hold tho child -bile tho father playod with it, or wait noar by whilo ho carried it about himself. Violet thought that tho woman had perceived her own uiisliking for her, and was striving to ro tain her placo by socuring the earl's

In her I rouble Violot had become unob servant of much that passed about her : but b!io could not avoid seeing that the

hoad nurso had a strango porsistoncy in kooping within sight of Lord Leigh, and within sound of his voice. Tho assistant nureo Mas v talkative young poreon, and her mistroes was young, lonely, and in dulgont; often when Kate had left hor lady for tho night tho young girl chatted to Ludy Leigh, usually of tho hoad nureo.

"I don't know what sho was in Lord Leigh's dressing-room today for, but I saw her thoro, while ho was off hunting, and I mako euro sho was crying-. I went into tho corridor last night, and she was thoro. Sho made out to bo passing along, put I know sho had boon listening at my lord's door. Thero is something on hor mind. Sho says sho is sad, becacso her family arc all dead ; but I think thore's more than that. I heard hor moaning and crying in her room a timo or two, and once, when I camo back to tako the baby from her, sho was lamenting over it, • Oh, I cannot do i.. No, no, it would do no goad. I should only destroy myself, for her; I Ehould make Such confidences mado Violet excaodingly nervous and uneasy. Sho had what she wished ; she hr.d leave to live at the Towers and roir her child, but tho Towers seemed terribly doaolate, huge, grim, when she was nearly alo.o thoro. Leigh was much of tho timo in London, Edna could not. bo per suaded to come to her ; Violet dared not scud for Lady Burton ; for of all things sho wished to banish all reminders of Kenneth. Often she ate al! her meals alone for days together, and walked for hours in tho park and gardens the nurse, Jenny, carrying little Rupert, nearly emothorcd in down trimmed clcuk and cap To these lonely days succeeded often wakeful nights, and among other terrors, suspicions of her mysterious nurso haunted her. Tho Huntingtons and Church T lls [made a brief visit at Christmas, thon Flora and Anna came in January to ekato on the pond, and to look for bright oyes and roses, for their second season. They remained in February, but wero soon gciag away.

It was in mid-February night, and the little countess could not sleep. The babe was in deep slumber, so was Jenny. V lolet finally rose, put on her dressing-gown and slippers, and wandered out into the dimly lighted corridor. She walked v? and down once or twice, with swift, soundless stop, then gazed down tho great cirved oak staircaso, into the hall. How grim looked tho suits of armour, the toll carved vases, show" portraits of knight ond crusader, and robed peer, revealed by the feeble light left burning through tho night. How strangely still lhe houso war. _ Violet led by s_mo fascination of hall terror, glided like a little white ghost, in her trailing robe of enow cashmere, and moved along the gloomy lower ball, so famous for its carvings and its antique treasures. Tho library door opened from the darkest part of this hall, and suddenly Violot roalieed that acroes the floor of tho library lay a band of vivid light. She had always supposed herself timid, but at this sight she grew singularly calm, and neither fled nor screamed, but gantly stole toward tho library. Were there robbers in the house? There was a bell-pull near the library, that of tho largest bell in the building, she remembered that. Sinco tho birth of her child, all Violet's best nature had developed itself; she had crown in force of charactor, in dignity and eelf-relia-nco. Becoming a mother, she had become in a fine, noblo sense, a woman. So now she thought only that some danger meoacod tha house, the houeo that sheltered her child, and she went quietly towardß the bar of light. Standing in the door-way, she saw that tho light fell from the door of a largo square, inner cloeet, which she bad but once or twice seen opened, butjwhich con tamed in drawers and on shelves, the pri vate papers of the house of Leigh for many generations-letters, copies, journals, all filed and each receptacle labelled and datod She thought ot all this in a flash, ns sho saw tho light streaming redly into tho library from the door of this closet, which stood less than half open. Also in a flash it occurred to her that ordinary robbers would be at the plate cloeet, or the great safe, Straight to tho invaded closet eilently moved the slender, girl-like form in whito, with the silken masses of brown hair falling over her shoulders. Beside it. intent on running over a bundlo of papers yet in her band, wa. the head nurse. ~.,_, *__ Yet, was it the nurse? Violet knew the long, striped, flannel wrapper, and the soft, shapely hands of tho nurso; yet. what strange change had passed over her ! Oap, licht wig, grey glasses were gone ; so were tho thick, light brows ; the skm eoemed no longer thick and faded, but was smooth olivo : the shoulders were well carried. In a word, this midnight searcher into family secrets-this felon, whose false keys, in black betrayal, lay beside the lamp, brought from tho lips of tho horrified Violet the cry : " helen Hope I' ~___. Helen dropped the letters, wheeled about, faced Violet. " Move or speak, and you die ! She had a small, shining pistol in her I As by an illumination Violet remembered that the heavy door of the closet had no handle on the inside. With a sudden, desperate motion, she shut the door.

(To -« Continued.)

TWO KEYS: OR Margaret Houghton's Heroism

By MRS GEORCIE SHELDON,

Author ot "Brownie's Triumph." "The For-

_t .<*• Bride," " Audroy's Itocomvons*,'' Seo.

CH-PTKR XL,

THE .S-CHET PANEL,

"Mau-iu:!" Louis exclaimed in amaza mont, and glancing anxiou.ly from hor to his captive, as if ho foared she might havo suffered somo harm from him.

Sho sprang towards him with out stretched hands, her face radiant with hap piness. "Oh, Louis!" the cried, "what a do. light to S2O you frco onco more!-to know that you are safe l"

He laid down his revolver and candle, aud taking hor hands in his, drew hor gontly out of tho room and away from those lowering, malicious oyos that wero watching their ovory movement; and Arthur Aspin wall, almost maddened by tho sight of thoir mutual joy, throw himself, with a groin of despair, at full length upon his lounge and hid his faco in his hands.

" flow happenod you to como hero again to-day '." Louis asked, as, for the lirst time in long weeks, ho folded his botrothod in a fond embrace.

Sho ©xplainod to him that Arthur had montioned that he might bo away from Paris for a few days, and, her father having hoard that ho had gone, sho thought she might come fo him with fafoty, and perhaps help him somewhat in tho uso of the saw and filo.

" What a faithful little woman !" Louis said, while ho touched his lips rovorontly to her white forehead; " but did you imagino I would allow theso tot.der hands to do such rough work?" •' It, would not hurt them ; I could have fi'ei while you sawed— amjlhimj to help you out of that dreadful p'nee." Then ho relatod all that had occurred how ho had compelled Arthur to roleaso bim, and thon had driven him, nt tho muzzle of the weapon, into captivity in his placo. " But the money, dear," ho said, dospond ingly, in conclusion, " I cannot find. I have tried in vain to mako him confess whero it is, and I have looked tho building over thoroughly, with no results. I could hnvc takon my oath that it was somowhoro horo, for I havo heard him prowling about in tho room and bolow many a timo."

"Thoro is a closet — is thero anything in it?" Margaret nskod, glancing toward it.

"No, absolutely nothing, savo dust and cobwobs."

" Arc thuro no loards lo soncd anywhoro iv the floors ? '

" Not ono ; I havo examined ovory where."

Margaret stood thinking a moment, while hor oyes wandered critically aU about (ho room.

Suddenly sho started nnd sprang away to_i him.

"Soo hero, Louis, tho room is waineootod all around I" sho cried, a brilliant Hush suf fusing h.r face. " You know,"sho went on eagorly, "how much we havo roud about eliding panols and secrot closots in the wainscoting of old houses? Perhaps wo may lind ono horo ;" and sho bognn rap ping upon oach panel with which tho room was sheathed for about thrco foot from the lloor.

Tho wood was of chestnut, and oach panel was set into a moulding something like the panel of a common door. Louis smiled at her suggestion, and skock his head.

•"You will liud moro of such things in novels than anywhere else," ho remarked, scoptically. " You nood not laugh at tlio idea," sho rotortod, gayly, " for, truly, I saiv ono in an old manor-house whero wo visited in England, Como, dear, help me sound theso panols; begin whore you stand and work around toward mo ; it can do no harm to try, and who knows what may come of

Louis was standing by the mantel—a marble ono fastened abovo tho lire place, and cxie iding down ouch sido to the wainscoting. He turnod slowly to oboy Margaret's re quest, but with an air that plainly md i atod no faith in and no hopo of making nny discovory. He rapped upon the panel nearest the fire placa on tho right of it, and instantly it gave forth a hollow sound.

" Margie," ho cried, astoniehed, " I will norer [doubt a womau's intuition again- there is an ompty space behind this panel." "Oh, Louis, aro you sure?" sho oEkod, epringing toward him. " Yes," ho replied, gravely ; " but I sco no way to get into it without breaking it in "

"Thero must be a socret spring some where. Lot us look for it ?" said Murgarot, eagerly. . But with all their searching none could be found ; tho board seemed built firmly in to its place. " There was a spring to the one I saw in England," said Margaret, looking disap pointed. " Well, spring or no spring, I am going to know what is behind it," Louis asserted, resolutely, nnd repaired to the other room to get his file. Ho was so intent upon his purpose he did not observe Arthur. If ho had done so, he would have Been that he was sitting erect and in an attitude that indicated in tont listening. Boturning with his filo, Louis inserted the point of it. at tho base of the panel be twoon it and the moulding and triod to pry it from its place. To tho infinite surprise of both, it al|onco slid noiselessly upward, showing thatprer eure at tho bottom would havo accomplished what they wished, while a small closet, containing a couple of shelves, was re vealed to their eager eyes. " Oh," exclaitnod Margarot, excitedly, as sho bent down to look within it. Alas, it was empty. Nothing but the dust of many years was there to reward them for their search. "I was so Bure we had found it," said the young gir), growing pale from disap pointment. Louis also was greatly tried ; he began to fear that ho might not find the money, after all. " Perhaps," he eaid, after a moment of silence, and trying to speak hopefully, "thore may be a mate to this closet on the othor side of the fireplace." " Ab, yes : strango I did not think of that; let us look quickly," Margaret as sented, eagerly. "There in I" Louis declared, after tapping upon the panel, whilo his oyes grewlargeand intensely black with excitement. Ho tried to raise it the fame as ho had raised the other, but it resisted ail his efforts. Margaret was intensely oxcited. "It is thore, I a 1", sure it is thore," she " Dunbar," called a voice from the other room. " Well," answered Louis, going to tho door. His heart had leaped with suddon hope at tho call. Arthur iVepinwall was standing close to tho bars of bis prieoo, his faco asbon, his eyes wild, while bo shivered as if with cold. . "I have heard what you were doing, and it is all up with mo," ho said, in a strained, unnatural voice ; "you have con quered ; you have found where the money is hidden, and I may as well tell you the rest. I know you will break in that panel if I do not give you the key, so here He tosßed him a bit of steel about two and a half inches in length, very thin and narrow, and cut in a peculiar way at one "Insert tbat in a little slot that you will find in the moulding at the bottom of the panel, and you aro all right. When hired this place the landlord revealed the secret to me, in case I should wish to Btore anything valuable there." He turned away again after savins' thia; sank upon the couch, a.d dropped his head upon his hands. Louis stooped aud grasped that ptecioue bit of steel with trembling fiugers His face was deadly white, and he staggered back to the other room almost like ' a drunken man. At last! at list' his weary search, bis long waiting and anxiety were over.

Once moro he could go forth and take his place in the world, an honourable and re spected man.

Ho had to wait a moment beforo insert ing the little key in ita lock, for thoro was a blur boforo his cyos, and his hand shook liko a leaf.

But it soon pasi.od ; his eyo grow clear, his hand steady. Tlio key was in the lock ; thoro was a little click ub ho turned it, and, obediont to an upward pressure, this panol also slid smoothly upward in its grooves, a_ if con trolled by weights aud pulleys. Margaret's quick oyes caught sight of somothiog within, and sho uttered a cry of joy- Louis put in his hand nnd drew forth a small tin box about twolvo inches square.

It was not locked ; tho lid was hold in place only by a small hasp. He lifted it, and lo | tbo hix was full of cripp, frosh bank notes and neatly arranged piles cf glittering gold. He could not say ono word, for the sight all but unmanned him; his strong frame trembled, his lips quivorad, and hi. broad chest heaved with tho heavy throbbing ot his gratoful heart; ho could only turn and 'ook straight into tho uplifted oyes of his betrothed, knowing full woll that sho would understand his emotion and bo in sympathy with it.

Sho cropt closo to his sido and clasped hor trembling hands about his arm. "Louis, you aro save! ! —everything will bo all right now," sho breathed " Yos ; thank God 1" bo answered, roy orently, though his tone waa hu-ky from oxcos.ivo agitation. " Is it all thero';" sho whi.pcrod. " Vory nearly if not quito all, I should judgo," ho replied. "I presume ho would not daro to use it vory freely hero." "How fortunate wo havo boon ! Oh ! if I had boon a day later in coming to you ! — I tremble to think of tho result," Mar garet said with a shiver. Louis smiled, though thoro wore tears in his eyes. "It was all wisely ordered, doar," ho said, softly ; then continued : "Ah ! but thia was very cunningly hidden : tho wholo thing has been most artfully planned and carried out from tho beginning, aud but for your koon intuition and brave efforts, it might have beon a long time be foro I could havo boen liberated, if indeed I ovor was " "Why do you say that.-hare you learned anything now regarding bis plan. ?" asked Margaret, indicating Arthur by a movement of her head. " Ve3, ho camo here Inst night, bringing a large baskotful of provisions, and in formed mo that, ho was about to loavo Pari, for awhile ; ho oven confessed that ho was intonding to tako this monoy out of tho country in ordor to invest it whore ho could draw from it as ho choso. In that ovont, it is doubtful if it ever could havo boon rocovored. Ho also told mo that if 1 would not tako an oath to loavo tho country and hide in somo remote place, ho _h_uld havo mo confined in somo private mad house, upon his return, where I could nover troublo him ngaic." " Oh, Louis, how horriblo 1" "So you can sco," ho resumed, "that your tboiightfulno.3 in bringing mo your father's rov'olvor has saved mo from a dread ful fate, and this treasure from being lost for over to its rightful owners." "How thankful I am," Margaret breathed, leaning hor forehead against her lover's shoulders, whilo tea's of grn'itudo rollod ovor hor whito chock?. Louis regarded hor with tender con corn.

"This oxcitomont is proving t.n much for you, my darling," ho said, "you aro nearly exhausted by it." "I am so glad nnd ... Ihaukful, that it mokes mo wonk," sho said, looking up n till a faint smilo : but ho saw that sho was very much unnorvofl, "Come into Iho other room, and reft a fow minutes,'' he said, "and then wo will go homo." " Oh, Loui=, will ijmi go v, i'.h mo, now ." sho asked, eagerly, "Vos; I fool that lean show myself in tho world now, ond bo regarded as un honourable man," ho answered, drawing bi_ iino figure orect, a Hush of pndo in his checks, the light of a now hopo in li'ib eyes. Ho led Margaret to tho othor room ar.d mado hor Fit down, while ho gathorod to gothor what fow things bolonged to him, and mado himself roady lo leavo tho placo where ho hid spont so many wretched days. Ho put his rovolver and tools which Margaret had obtained him, into the basket in which Arthur had brought his provisions, then placing tho box of gold and notes also in it, ho carefully covered tho whole with sveral papers. " It will attract loss attention if I carry it in tho basket," ho explained to Margaret, who was watching him intently. Arthur looked whito and mi.orablo ns ho, too, noted these preparations for thoir de parture. "What am /to expect now." hn asked, moodily. Louis wont up to him nnd rogarded hiir. gravely, while tlioro was also a rogretful look in his fino oyos. "Mr Aepinwall," ho said, kindly, but spoaking very firmly, "as far a. I am por.onally concerned, I boar you no ill will, and I would not lift my hand against you in rot-liation or rovongo ; but I have been placed in a very questionable position boforo tho world ; my good name mu.t be vindicated, my honour ro re-dablised. If this could bo dono without tho agency of tho law, and a public investigation of the mystery which for n timo agitated all Paris. I should bo very glad to havo it sr>,

if by that moans you would learn n lesion,1 and bo persuadod never to commit crimo again. Howevor, I will do what I can for you—to shield you from open disgraco and lighten your punishment." " Pshaw ! do you expect rae to belicvo t such balderdash as that, ?" cried his listener, I passional sly. "1 believe you hato me as' heartily as I do yen, and that you will exult in turning mo over to tho authorities, ant! thon pockot the genorous reward offered for tho apprehension of tho thief nnd Iho restoration of tho money, with a chuckle over my wretched fate" " You are much mistakon," Loui. replied quietly. "I do not hato you ; 1 havo never hated you ; I would gladly havo been your friend from lhe lirsl. As for the reward oil .rod for (In restoration of this monoy and the apprehension of the robber, I shall not touch so much ns a single sou of it. All I do.iro is tv have my good name ond tho contidonc- of tho company re stored to mo, I cannot, of course, forco you to believe all this ; but for tho salso of your undo, Mr Forost, for whom I havo learned to foel a strong regard, if thero is any way by which I can arrange with tho ; company so as to avoid a public oxposure and impiieonment for you—if lean be eatis- I factorilyreinstated w ithoutcriminating you,

I will do it." , "Cot me go, then, at once!" urged! Arthur, eagerly. J " And thus allow suspicion of a great wrong to rest upon mo as long as I live.'1 , returned, Louis, with a cur), of his lips and i a fUsh from his eyes. " No, sir !" "I will make a confession in full, as I told you beforo," persisted tho unprincipled man. 1 ouis shook his head resolutely. "I should bo arrested at onco as your accomplice-should be regarded as aiding and abetting you in your crime. No ; I shall mako a full statement of tho affair to my company and leave the matter with them ; but, for your uncle's sake, and with the hope that you may become a bettor man, I promise lo ueo my influence for you. Come, Margie." Arthur sank abjectly on tbe floor, groan ing aloud in bis misery. He was not dying so " game " after all. Louis led Margaret from tho room, securely locking tho door after him, and then together they passed for ever out of tho building, and Louis stood once mora a free man beneath the beautiful blue vaultj of heaven. (To be Voiilinucd.)

" The Marvellous Library " is tho latest o the cheap American quarto series, whicl; makes a bid for popularity on the strong.-, of good type, fair paper and extraordinary cheapness. Tho design ia to include com plete novels, tales and other works by well known authors, to be issued weekly, for the small subscription prico of $5 a year! Some of tho numbers aro sold for Si cents, others for 5 cents, Thus yon can get a well-printed copy of George Eliot's " The Sad Fortunes of the Revj Amos Barton " for 5 cents, and for the same piioe " Robinson Crusoe" or Hugh Con-' way's "Dark Days." The selections in cludo a large amount of good literature, with ssveral practical manuals and books of anecdote. (Philadelphia: Child Brotherf & Co. ; for sale by the Franklin News Com pany, box 329, Philadelphia ) Dion Boucicault is prepa-ing for publi cation a collection of the plays ho has written, in collaboration with a number of unnamed dramatists. The book will also contain autobiographical notes by Bouci cault, and remi_i.cences of his coat.mpor ' aries.

MERCANTILE.

ITCHUiicii Gas Company has declared dend at tho rate oi 8 per cent.

, Dovonport and Lako Takapuna way Company is to bo wound up. Mr 0 Ward has granted the necessary

Hauraki Sawmill Company.

i annual meeting of tho shareholders o abovo Company was hold at the ored .fßee of tho Company, High , on Wednesday, 9th in.t , at 3.30 p m ,1 Bagnall was votod to tho chair.— Secretary (Mr C. F. Griflithp, solicitor) ;ho minutes of the last annual meeting, iio samo woro confirmed. Tho Secre then handed to tho meeting the bnl .ho.tof tho Company's account?, made

the iilet December, ISSti, together the auditors' roport annexod thereto. the samo had beon porueed and con id, a resolution was passed adopting ilancc-shcot. Mr Dowar retired from irectofy in accordance with tho rulos i Company, and was re-elected a direc f tho Company. Mr P. A. Weston, i Thames, was elected a director in the of Mr 0. L. Murray, who had coased i a shareholder. Mr M. Bakor was appointed auditor to the Company for resent year.

Devonport Steam Ferry Company.

0 annual mooting of shareholders in the npoi't Steam Ferry Company was held ,o Claronco street Hall, North Shore, Ih inst, commencing at .'I p.m. Mr '. Alison occupied the chair. ItKI'OItT ANH BALANCE SIIKBT. i sixth annual ropoit for the year ending uilii'i- "lit lS"ii>. was read aa follows : — ■- ilirccloi's i" presenting lhe sixth reiicu-t VYuY. .hYt f''''l instilled in stating that ■,iiiiiiaii\'.-i operations during the past year n--i f.|'irlv successful, not withstanding the •used facilities of the service, mid the. ii__• reduction in Iho prico of the annual ■is which at present rates, provide the neat travelling, combined with tho most cut service ill the Australasian colonies, profit and 'loss account for the past rear a a net profit of ._lO-I 109 Ud.. out of which directors recommend the payment of :i ri.l ii I he rain ot 7-j per cent.. leaving £311 Ito he carried forward to prollt and loss lerount In aecorilaiici; with the urtieles sociatio'n it becomes necessary to elect a tor in the place of Sir \\ . 11. l'cnton. re ,l The uiidilorn. Messrs White and Jlol ivtirc liv ellluxiun of time, and oiler tlicin -3 for re-election.—Kor Hie Hoard of 1)1 ---ri EKES W. Alison, ( ..airman. Vi'iT Un Loss Ai.vo---.--To general ,_... ve'raiirs ileprerialion, nllowiinco for ...'■ ••■ rVsri lis Id; balance, _.l,o_l Ids rntal _!.i:S- is md. By balance, prollt and 1 --^ faros and freight. -'-'.--I -s -la; transfer ~;',■! 1., t.i. Ti,;al..i:'i.i:::i is Kid. , il u'itik.. Toeaiiilal account, 10,000 shares .'.OO-'l.less unpaid calls, .Cl_.clllW.l-, 1 auk ii-'ift .-'77 His lid; sundry creditors, _t.III; rce ..IOITI 10s'.Id; total, .C 11,152 7sM. .... iv- Hteaiiicr and plant (as per -lie)' .-10,.-0 1-sfid; hills receivable. -21;: ,-. debtors. _IS7 Us Id ; cash in band, _17 ,1'; total, fill. -! 73.-<l. is statement wus signed by 1. Leigh .\ lute I'bos. Melville, auditors.

The New Zealand Woollen Manufac turing Company.

'ho first annual meeting of Iho share dors in the abovo Company was hold at ■'clock on 7th instant in the offices Ur A I>. Bonnett, at Palmerston Build s. There was a very large attendance, R.C. Baratow occupying tho chair. The srotnry read the advertisement convening , meeting, and also tho minutes of tho it general meeting, which woro con . IRECtok's Ri-.roKT. - Mr Bonnet I; next d tho director's report and balunco ■e.-tho latter being as fellows : -

ncenT. - To raipl'al 100 WW ih.-rrs at _t; 'I'niiil i'-s_hti-!.lie-) 7U 31H. Biib.orlh. d V 3.081 • . il, C'il'o'i eai ital. viz railed, 23 CSI at.l2. ili 1, ."'Ills: tin -t.1!.! I. •-'..li-t "'- 7s UI ili.tii IHh: --i*n mid iv a .Viituin. C'-l i-'i'. i-'l "- '.i..v.i'o. 7,0 lii'l.l • lim'.V hu1.in0..., ..1.1 10 "a -.1; smi'lry iliion, .'1.721 111.01: inort-r»KC on sito -t ..Imii.-i .2 OlHi 5->: total .CW.393 3'Hd ! . '.MiiICKC By i,. .-I. .1.17, -~_li- Ills 8.1; id inn m--o.ni. .-CI.-IO; treohol.l proudly, ■( i; ;«; tr.ol. Slf«l wool Heck on hjr.d. -30 Ri Id ' c inv_f.lot's horn. £11 ; den .nt on 'wilu'ry oi tr.in.-it. .1111 1-J ; -Hi:" and rto'C V, r.......i 1. .':'•. 11-': i-i'-iiKi'.ry. r.'.S.x; sun'ry itu-M "fill 111 2d: c.1.1i in hand, -!2 lm .1.1 I liuiin.rv ixiv.'nflrt. uccou-.t. -1.037 10- 21; anii.s.toi!','al>tocanv.u.. :r_tii.ilnili.;ell,nieoii3 irrf.'a. i-Cl'dilu. wa.ci. -tc. £1.121 .>' "J, bunt Pissed at tint ponorai " eel It. a in i_i; -3.7 0.3,1: li_-.l .'M.'Ji'.vn. .l-_jl.il IIU . r.t..g ar.l advertising, .KIO;, -iiM; u»'":J -. ,n_)r'l ''I.) !:", .X . : v.-t.t v. .1 t ;-.'-.. _.-' ---■ trnui,i"_r'foos. ,J:l li' -1 I ilo'-tors f:r call . ■TO.- lot-1. .':!_-05 3.'J l. Oi.kotmn ci' Diit-trroun. - Mr Hut .on moved, and Mr K. Booth ecc itd that tho rcliiing directors - ;„,,-. Unhurt l.l..pl>uui Bar-low, 1 h.-.mas jirin William (Iroonwood, William ddor, Thomas Taylor Moreliold, I>. U. -...-.-:e, David 11. Cruii.'-.hauk, John [tccr .la-. llobcrtsou.Jamo- \. ingato, and hn L-' . onnolly.bo ro cloctoJ. Ah no other initiations wero received, Iho Chairman e'utd ill- retiring director., duly elected Air-iTons.-- Messrs Hutchison and Milne -ro re-elected auditors, on tho motion ol i- Wright, seconded by Mr Noil-On.

Bay of Island's Cost Company.- Half Yearly Meeting

Tho usual half-yearly meeting of the •irelioldor.. of tho abovo Company wis hold I Sth in't at tho I'nnnianv's Oiiico. Tho Secretary, Mr li. Gilfil'.ao, jimr., hd tho following ..-M-NTOr ArriH-NTS I'llll T .lj H.M.F V...... j' JtjjDlNOaiSl' DKCKMII-K. 1-. i >..:..!..Illi.itii,-s -Cv.ital: 2 CO. spires, vaiij •V'"V'Iv l '\-Y h l^YV v,.,"- ;^' tiY;-1 )000 l-_> •_• -in. 11,' hi ilii": t)v.;i-ilr.ip i\ n_ of Kr.w /cal.n.l ... Tin 7s od ; ino-u-y l~- _ . -1..1 hut n-J p.-e-nt.nd for ii.yi.ie .t. '-'. 11 •" uVo-ir.t .■-iiiii'il io (liver: npiit for . -ii'v. £ .'« IS 7s 81 ; bills p il«bc £IKS i-Js 2I ; li-n .lv :b- Hie iMiuviny. V: ..,"■„.,,,i ', ..in, ,} ii,' G-sn-l ii'al. .Cll it)J '.l.i liv. | ~',",.■ . iv-'n'riv h. L.i Lv dm CiMinany-Uaso eoYiiiine. _l.a-.: 1 n-1. ,i_ 0-.i1.. 7.1 B .Jul-

~.s-Mi,.i;ig' ■■' h""s"; ''Y'.. .«..'. V ~„..,., , r.-.. ,'.:l.:i-7 II- _d Plant.-Strnmor . .«,.- nnninli)-. win ing and oilnr rati ~« ; , n.YIT.II. m .eh- cry. tools, o'c. «I l« s I - ■.- -i.l'l "ii Jd • tierniaiiert w.l'ka. .CIOJ-I -< 1,1 ■"..'.', in Iv.i .1 I .'-'id o»l>'<- ani colliery), _lb ' ,id- . -v.. "it,. ">" «-0.-.u.a»y -2-K. .*: ir. •fiirniluvo. £110-i Si; Koodsloud timhor Sj^v^^Y'^eeut.;^.^.^;!^ ri. ... ,1 IoY. Ys i.e.'.ifiit/.nih June, _r.7S 10s IWi.ninij'-oal'.iiu'.plnßPXflouses.stor.sand -~r -.tV .lii.-rr __i £RS I-1 '-'tl = ca'ria-o ef era! ,'ilMiv C.bis Os lid: T-tnl. £1036 18s 83. r_M.£-7llt*W!f.oUhti»Boodslocdli«r^ iTlfld ; gei.'i.'l ch_r.es a*d cxre sen, f 03 rA . l-r. r,-nt at.d rtudivint. J- lb IU -- • P™» - ...i.-if._. M: .ey.'.uy f-'c >-_\l ■-« 10' ; ~, .- _!..- TO'ii-iss (peri-. £2-7 0s Id. 1 .11 .fl II- M. T.b.H.iCi .CH7 I'.B lU. '• By /ales of 1(1 IiST tons r0d,.... .S2_ Us lOd,; '; _?,. .tr-cr . _n,s lin '• '■'■''- * ; profit on stores „ .t.m'i. ' sob "'vl work done nl eollie.y .''.ISC P.Vi • n s Black IMamo-d. £32 13s lid ; bulanco, E. fe.£ fu^--".i.t d--IrT. Peacock LdM?T CWilliamson he cleclcd directors ot c eon .I-"- This was seconded by Ciplajn ~V ....... I adopted unaiiiiiiously. »l.r -.1,. 'YYY-s.,pointed auditor, after winch tho icethiß coneiSded with a vole o£ thanks to tho .airman.

Auckland Gas Company-Annual Meeting

...... .nm-ll meeting "< H"' ..ha. hoMevs ot tlie i ~.'.. ii'-iiiy was'hcld at lhe Otliee, \. ynd .!,.,.<■ (.otini.iii. and jn 1110 jOisciiec

'1' r'"', l;"Y ..','1 .--"-'i •"'.l fie . olio.i iiC-lr i VV«vman IhSt MM-°ud". U. Wood lake the '? ~., t.iTur.T-Tl.e iiniiu.il report and YT r .-lu-.-I -.'■-' h'" read by lhe .o.relary, ill- ...'il." Parson . as follow:. : - . I SSI by ..r,,K00. Whilst Hie increase ot ISSI - p.- BS_ is on V-2..Q0. Nor can it he .-iicclei iuil Ih. hus lies- of 'I>R current year will b. uch in execs"of that of itho year _iathasjus !,...1 It is however, sonic source of salislac ion to tin- lliat nolwithstiuwlinK tho general do rassioi. tho business of the Com. any i_ no .ocrcosing. - __ -_ & ._ 0 ?hc net revenue for Iho year amounts to .. lb,_.i ia [ fio balance broußhtfor r ward I'roin lust year Q g Making a tosal to (lie credit of profit & loss account of .. ■• .1,-11113 - Dividends wrrcrtcclnrcd in Fob. nnd July hist amounting to •■ «>,-<' is J And an addition to tliu I-...-... £"n *"■.. 1.790 0 0

LeavinKa-alatiep of J-02' Which the dirfistot nronoso to deal with ns follows: Dividend on 1.5,500 fully paid-up shares at S.s lid ■• •• ..•• &- xl 10 v Dividend on a proportion ate amount on 13.. io par- .„„ 3 „ tiall. paid-up shares .. ■__- 13 1 J-oi LeavinK a balance to bo carried for ward to new account of ... ... _J '™JJ. '-,- The directors report the completton of thesas . ~7,i-n .it OneliunKa, and Unit this boiougn is nndcr the head of premiums on shares; but it i6sl\Z™ToTviKV.croR S . -The Hon. P. ?ISSrrieK&^ reth'ins auditors Messrs Pitre. md White were re-elected on the motion | ol Mr Lcl.hton.

New Zealand Timber Company.

The sixth annual meeting ot the .._>■ Zealand Timber Company (Limited) was held at the Company's cAc^Cuetoms btre J West, on Thursday, 21th February, at 3 p.m. The following report and balance -heet was submitted :-The director.

recommend that tho sum of £26,604 lbs 3d be carried to the account of accrued profits, re-invested in th. bu.ine.B, in terms of tho recommendation of the auditors, and that tl.o reserve and royalty accounts bi closed. Mr C. A. Harris, junior's, term of office as Director expires, but ho is eligible, and ofl-rs himself for re-olection. Mr D. H. McKenzie having retired, it will be neces sary for the shareholders to elect a director in hia plftc.. Mr T. L. Whito and Mr John Waymouth, audit.:--, retire, and offer thomeelves forro-olection.

ni-.-To creditors, £37,127 83 lid : capital 10 C.O Bhar ;f at -5, £8 .000 ; 1 "ss ____o_o_,, a,OIO Blvires at _~ ..-2.5C80; v s .els' Iniuranno fun-, £92810.03; accrued 11 .lit. ro-inves'cd In tha bu-inoss, cfiliitvißinv.-ro.orv-., fund. £21 00 :; rojaltv fund £11100: Irs. profit and los_. £1,39_> 3.01: to'al, £1.9 5301555., , ..„ t__-B- pu-diy debtors-, £_.67 1*7,1; bil's re re'viihl-, ...i!) 1.-i Id; fricholds. l.rwoholda, tores-1, plant, railway, machinery, dams, brick yards, eto,. £1.3,07-1 1-3 3,1; vessels, £2 6CO; sleeks, £11.11)1 IslCd; cash in hand, £129 is liv : total, £119,530 15* Ed. I_io.it and Loss Account.—To balnnoe, D.ccnibor -Ist. 18.5. £1,831 l.i 7J; wattes, de preoitttion. rents, insuraroao. _b-_<_. bßd deb's, etc . £21.823 0. 2.1; total, £23.057 liJ -M. By -roes profits, £22,262 Ills; balanco, £1,395 3b 9d: total, £23.057 193 0).

Mr Price Williams on New Zealand Resources.

A mkktinii of gentlemen interested in com mcrcial and mining pursuits was held at the Chamber of Commerce on February 5. for the purpose of meeting Mr Trice Williams, the eminent mining expert. Mr .lolm Lamb, President of tho Chamber of Commerce, presided, and there were also present: Messrs J. C. Filth, (I. Aickin, J J.. Russell, H. Spratt, F. Ireland, V Porter, 1). B. McDonald, Walkor, j.' F Clark, R. Macky, li. Cameron, F. Schorl. C. Aloxandc!', A. Saunders, Orchard, D. (I. Macdonald, Jackson, 11. Henderson, and others. Mr Lamb having introduced Mr Prico Williams, that gentleman spoko first on the ques tion of railway management. He was highly pleased with tho management of the New Zealand railways, considering the -itlicultios that -Ur Maxwell, tho manager, had to encounter. Ho agreed to a great extent with the theories of Mr Vaile, which he considered sound, and the time would como when they would be adopted when tho trufiic increased. He had been surprised at the vuslness of the mineral resources .of the colony, and especially was this tho case in respect to coal, and when tho sun of England was set, that of Now Zealand would be in its zenith. Thoy had also an abundance of splendid iron which, asso ciated with coal, had made England what it was. Notwithstanding theso fine re sources, he regretted to say that they were practically undeveloped. It might be heresy to say so hero, but ho held tho opinion that gold was not their chief wealth. Iron and coal would be then principal wealth. If the Government would not do something towards developing these resource tho question arose could not the surplus capital of England be used for tho purpose of a commercial speculation . It had occurred to him that there might bo a combination of capital with tho patriotic immigration scheme now being put forward •it home Ho had no doubt, if this could be done, £10,000,000 or £12,000,000 might be raised in England. If a strong body of capitalist, of London would associate with leading minds hcic as directors, he felt certain that that would be the only means of -cenrin" that development that otherwise would not come for 23 or 30 years He quoted from statistics to show that the mining industry in tho colony had been at a ; .;aiidstiU. Ho was sure that thoro was a nt-.icfi, .d solution of the knotty problem of how to develop the mineral resources of New Zealand. In concluding, he said that t, had occurred to him that the was o lands ,f the colony might bo settled on the plan idoptcd by Mr Fli'lh at Matamata, U.o ...pit., for which project might be obtained •roi.. England. Ho was ft member if the Statistical Society, and, if they fell in with his views, ho would at once Lake steps to bring tho matter of such an Association before the society. Mr Firth next; addressed tno meotms;. In tho courso of his remarks ho said that he had come to tho conclusion that borrowing must cease ; that they must rest on tnoir .ars for a while. lio advocated tho o.tab- IMmiont of a commercial federation betweon Britain ami tho colonies. Britain inusl show her c. lonics that it is better to remain n part, of tho Einpiro than to bo separated from it. If Mr l'rico Williams said thoy must borrow (on nr twelve mil lion pounds more, ho said no. Hut il be advocated that English capital be in v-,.tod hero- that a monetary federation lj_ fori-cd - 1.0 said yes. let Englis- money como hero for iovMtmenf, wit did to America. Tho English capitalists had hitherto refused to take a sharo of tho u-delined risks that existed in tho dovolopmoot of a new country. Tliev always wanted interest for their money. Ho thanked Mr Williams or. be ll .If of the meeting for his remarks. Captain Kick was glad that Mr Williams had spoken approvingly of Mr . rule^ B--0-1. Ho felt euro that nothing would so apsi^t tn s-.Ho their distant lands as cheap freight? and low railway fares. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Williams on tho motinn of Mr G. Aickin, seconded by Mr.l. Ruid. Mr l'rico Williams, in returning thanks said ho quito agroed with Mr Rich that encouragement should be given to the settlement of tho up country distnc.s by choan railway charges, but it would bo leces.ary first to largely increaso tho popu at ion. , , ■ Mr Firth wished Mr Williams to lake Hon." this i.iea, that if our Er glifh friends -oro willing to find tho money and the net), wo finding tho land nnd tho intellect, thero was loom for tho investment of their The Chairman said that tho Council o! tho Chamber would tako tho suggestion ot Mr Williams up and would communicate with him in England. A voto of thanks wa. accorded to the Chairman on tho moti-in of Mr A Porter.

Harbour Board Election.

The annua! election of Auckland Harbour Hoard took placo en 14th inst., and excited a considerable amount of public attontion. Tho City Council met to elect four members' to th. Hoard, when tho follow ing gentlemen woro nominated ; - His Worship the Mayor (Mr A E. T. Devore,) Mr \V K. Waddol, and Crs. La Roche, Goldie and Tiignan. A ballot was taken, with tho following result: —>Vaddel , 18 , T-.voro, 1G; -* Koche, 12; Phillips 10 ; Goldie, 10; Dignan, 0. TQer° being a tie between Councillors Goldie and Phillip" for fourth pi ico, a further vote was fikon, when seven votes w..s given to the former and 11 to tho lattor, Mossrs Wad-ell. Dovoro, La h'oobe, and Phillips ~ ore therefore duly elected. The Chamber of Commerce, who elect or.o member to the card, unanimously appointed tneir presi de,l Mr John Lamb. The FomeU Borough Council 'V,ect^\,___£_ (Mayor) to represent them a>. tho Harbour Board ard tho Dovonport Borough Coun cil r0.01cc1.,1 Mr M. Niccol (Mayor) Tho election of ono member to represent No.thcoto and Birkenhead did not tako place, owing to a disagreement, aud the Governor will have to nominate a membor. Tho remit of tho poll for threo mem bers representing tho trading public was os follows :-C. B Stone, 2311 T Henderson, -2-1; D. 11. McKenzie, _1_ ; H. F. Anderson, 201. The first thrco woro consequently declared elected.

LICENSING ELECTIONS.

Thu licensing elections in the thrco contested waids of this city took placo on Thursday, 17th February, and re sulted in a victory for tho "Moderate candidates. Considerable interest was | evinced in tho contest, and crowds awaited I ho declaration of theresultß at each polling placo. Appended aro the records of tho voting:— _ City East. S. Heskoth 2SB 11. F. Anderson _-_ J. Winks 2(38 G. Tlßrper 2«° J, M. Shora 230 City North, Hun-b F. Andorson 214 Charles Heskoth 209 Thomas T. Masefiold 209 Jonathan Winks 198 George Harper 1"" City South. 11. F. Anderson 30- C. H.ske.h 300 M T> Ooldie 289 j J Winks 28G I G. Harper 254

Tho oidest member r.f the Presbyterian General Assembly of Now Zealand is the Rev. J. Duncan, of Foxton. He is the only ono now alive of those who attended the first assembly, 4- years ago.

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

A lad named Henry Scrotton has beon killed by a fall in the gymnasium of a public school at Christchurch. An hotelkeeper named Pym has been killed near Christchurch by o trap in which he was driving getting upset. A young man named Wilson, aged 20 years, was drowned last night while bath ing in the Maitaia River at Nelson. On January 29 _ man named Georgo Turner, residing at Haakertemai, near Oamaru, was gored to death by a cow. . A body haß been found on the beach at tho Kuri Bush, Otago, with the head, arms, and legs missing. It has been recognised by Mr Hughan as that of ono of his sons, who wa. drowned in the early part of Decamber, off tho Tniori mouth. A man named William Flanagan, oge twenty-three, was accidentally drowned whilo bathing at Slippery Creek, Papa kura, on Saturday ovening, 19th February, entered the water with a young man named William Hill, and got beyond his depth. Bein- unable to swim he threw up his arms and "called for assistance, when he sank, Hill boing unable to reach him in time. A young lad, son of Mr Fletcher, tailor was drowned at Hamilton on Saturday, 19th inst. He was in a Rob Roy canoe, and while he was attempting to put up a sail the boat overbalanced. lhe accident was witneesed by several boys on shore, but Flotcher sank instantly. Owing to tho discoloured stato of the liver from volcanic mud, diving was not successful, and the body will rot very likely bo found for some days. , John P. Lindsay, a lad of fifteen yoars, -as accidentally hilled at Woirangt od 19th February. He was sent out to catch a horso, and beforo lassoing the animal, tied tho ropo round his waist. Aftor having beon caught, tho animal bolted and dragged Lindsay somo distanco along the ground. Life was o_t.net when the body of tho boy was recovered. At tho inquest hold subse quently, a verdict of accidental death wa. 10 A 'story of a sad doatb, and of a very _l_ckv attempted rescue, reaches us from Kaipa™. It appeals that whilst tho Johann Brodorsen, tho vessel which■«»-"*• ostrichen to Now Zealand from South Africa, wm lying off tho Beads, a boat tied astern somehow go* adrift. Tho ebbing tide was fast taking tho boat away, when a seaman dived over the side and attempted to roach her Ho had gono a hundred yords or so an_ had nearly reached tho boat, when hia com rades on t'ho vessel saw him struggle in tho water with seme un.een foe, and dijappea., no moro to bo seen. There was Utt.e__.ub. that a shark had taken him. but in the face of this, another sailor, whose, name has not reached us, sprang °v°rbo»rd *° h' 9 rescue. Nothing was, however to bo scon of the Poor fellow, and his plucky^ would-b? rocuerswam half a mile and got into the b°A very sad and fatal accident happened at the Auckland City Freshwater Baths on the morning of February 19, when Mrs Tucker, the wife of the respected foreman at Messrs Hellaby and Co. -, met with hor death. It appears, from inquiries mado immediately after the occurrence, that the unfortunato woman was a first rate swimmer, and was accustomed to remain for a long time under water swimming about for the amu-O ment'of those of her friends present. This morning, at 11 80, some dozen fema c were m tho bath - scmo in tbo water, others dressing. The deceased had been in the water some half hour or so, sw.mm.ngabout in the deep portion, which was roped eft Som'b-ZlCer e_d by cords Suddenly thoso near hor saw sho was in trouble-she had been .swung under water, and appeared unable -o rise* Owing to tho ab.cnce o proper help, the body was not recovered for le,. minutes, when all efforts to restore ant-

m A h.rnblf accident occurred to an old woman named Fol.y, at *$*«« Torraco, alongside the W csleyan Chap,, Pitt-street. Tho unfortunate victim, it atmears was attending to the cooking of h._ husband's breakfast, he having gone out when her dross, which was a light cot ton print, caught fire and literally roasted her alive Mrs Perkins, a next-door neigh bour, knowing that Mrs Foley ..ww, sub >■ iocs to fits, and hearing anciso, called out to sco if Mr Foley was at homo. Hearing no ans-or, she went to Sirs Foley's lack door, which opens on to tho samo verandah as her own„.ndl on opening it saw smo_o proceeding from under -ho kitchen door, which opens into the front room. Her cities t£>«£*<**» neighbours, and Mrs DM and Mrs Halloran ",mo in and opened the door against which n.oy found Mrs Foley. burnt andscorched in _ most frightful manner. Hor clotnes were all burnt off her, save portions of her Lys, which, whon removed, brought toß with them great pieces of skin. lhe skin of her hands was hanging m strips, as wos that of her faeo and breast. Dr" Walker and Evans soon were on tho -poi, and covered her scorched body from tho air, and sho was then conveyed to the Hospital. On her way she was suffering great agony, and sho died several hours after being admitted. It is supposed that she had fallen in a fit whilo engaged cook ing tho breakfast.

FIRES.

A four koom-D house at Helonsville, owned by Alfred Parker, a »«l£»**™ burnt down at 2 am. on 1/th instant. Nothing was saved The house »«-W_jP| for £130 and the furniture for £b0 in the Now Zealand Insurance Company. A lire broke out at Godkitis farmers Hotel on Tuesday, 13lh February, and tho -uil-ing, which comprised 81 rooms, was totally destroyed. - cry little of the tar ni'uro and stock was Ba>ed. The firo appeared to ongioato in tho roof, probably from a spark from he'chimney. A strong outeriy breeze m-ido tho firo burn furiously and tho fres bvterian Church, '200 yards off, also caught lire, and wns burned to tbo ground. 0.1 Saturday, 12th inst., a 5 roomed cot tag. at Mount Will, owned and occupied by Mr W. Leo, contractor, was destioyed by fire Mr Leo, accompanied by his family, d cone to a picnic at tho Tamaki, leaving "he houso empjy. Tho first to obs«ve the ira was a neighbour named -Irs Alien, wnu ZIZ tho flames blazing throng ther°ot There was no water available, and the tire vas allowed to burn itself out. A sewing nachinelnd a few small objects were saved y the neighbours. TKl^*?. fiMO 'ured in tho South British office for £.00. An outbreak of fire occurred about two p.m. on ISth inst. in the centre of a block of three two storied houses in Pom palicr Terrace, Ponsonby, owned by Mr W Clark, stornnan at Carbmo and lay er's auotion rooms. Tho three taw» question were unoccupied After tho lapse of some time several members of tho _on- Bonby and Auckland Fire Brigades, under Superintendent, Hughes, arrived on the scene with their appliances and a good supply of water being availably tbo fire in the centre house was extinguished, a tor the building had been completely gutted and practically destroyed The houses on cither sido were somewhat charred. Tbo total damago is about■£-... About six a.m. on ISth in»t., a Sre broke out in Vermont street, off . on=™by Road, The alarm was piren by tbe Newton and Ponsonby fire-balls, but that at lhe central station was not run?. Consequently the main Firo Brigade did not turn out. Tho premises in which tho firo originated was I two-story eix-roomed wooden dwel ing- houso, the properly .of- Mr Weil McLean, builder, Richmond Road. Not withstanding the efforts made to suppress the fire, th! house was totally destroyed. The flames spread to tho adjacent i-ouse, which was also a two-srory fix roomed dwelling house, bu.lt of wood. Efforts were mado to save ths building, but without avail, and it also was burned tn the ground The further spread of the fire was thon checked, but, not until somo of the nearest cottages had received a scorching Iho socond house was lhe property of Mr I <: S orgo Gundry, of Richmond Kernel. Both houses wero unoccupied. The origin of the fire is a complete mystory.

PATENTS.

J. A. Cochrane, of Hamilton, is the in ventor of a new patent wire .trainer. Mr J. B. Blaikie, Auckland, has applied for.a patent for a "patent fire-proof Pl°Mr John Youne, Pitt-street, is inventor of a method of applying chlorine gaa, to be called "Young's chlorination process. W H Trimble, Devonport, seeks letters patent for a centrifugal amalgamating and separating machine for gold, silvery-and other metals. « < - ■■- i, j a . Mr Wm M«._-\ engineer. Auckland., is the inventor of a "p.tetft 'improvement in I tram-cars," and Mr Tbmj. Kelly, Auckland, of " patent damp and fireproof plaeter.

Tins year the yield of hops in Nelson dis trict will be under'the average, but they are ex-oct-d to command a higher price.

OBITUARY.

Caitain Wm. Donaldson, of tho chip Hurunui, died at Wellington of liver disease on Monday morning, February 14 It is with more than ordinary regret that wo have to record the death of Mr Jac.b Gardiner, tbe well-known cricketer, which took place at tho District Hospital on 22nd , instant, his disease being typhoid fever. The deceased wae a fine spacimon off the athletic young colonial, and his loss will be grently felt by all lovers of fieldsports. We regret to have to announce the death of another of Auckland's oldest citizens. Mr Herb.it Ashton, whoso illness wo mentioned somo time since in our columns, passed away rather suddenly at 7 30 a.m. on 14th instant. The de_ea*od gentloiran had been suff-iing fr.m inflammation of tbe lungs for some time, and was in his S'2nd year. He had been a widower for some years, and leaves a daughter and two sons, Messrs William and Alfred Ashton, to lament their loss Mr Ashton came out to New Zealand in 1858, and set up in Queen-street as a gene ral importer, which business he afterwards changed for that of land agent. He was at one time valuator for the old City Board, and was ono of the originators of the New Zealand Insurance Company. The deceased gentleman was a Freemason, and balonged to the Ara Lodge. Although never takiog a publio part in politics, ho was well-known, and his death leaves a blank not, easy to fill. Mr F Ring, one of Auckland s pioneer colonist's di.d at his residence, Jervois Road, aftor a lingering illness, on 3rd inst. Mr Bin- arrived with his brother Charles in 1815° or '46, bringing a cargo of cattle from their father's station in . las mania Their fathor was a retired metor ot the Imperial Army. The cattle proved a rather bad spec, the market being de pressed, and the brothors had to sell tho stock for whatever it would fetch. I They liked the look of the place, however, and remained till 1849. In that year the great rush to California set in, and Messrs F, and C. Ring were carried with it Thoy remained in California until loal, and then returned to Auckland and com menced to open up the sawmill indus try at Coromandel, a work which thoy pursued with great success. .While so engaged thoy wero struck with the re semblanco of the country tothe auriferotiß regions of California, and on prospecting tho creeks thoydiscovcrcdtraccsofgcld, the first found in New Zoaland. Thus oncouragod, they prospected tho country from Coroman del ti Ohinemuri, finding evidence of the precious metal in many places The land, however, was all in the bind- of natives, and could not be opened up nt that time. Ia consequence of these discoveries, Coola han'e cliim, tho first gold initio eyeteraati ciUy worked, was opened up at Coromandel. This ground is now known as tho Conquer ing Hero. Messrs Ring also commenced work, and c-rocted machinery on the Coro mandel claim.which was subsequently incor porated with adjacent areas in the Kapanga. Mr King has over since been identified with Coromandel. He was a genial, kind-hearted man, eeteemed by all who knew him. He loaves a widow and grown family.

RELIGIOUS.

Thk first anniversary of the Mount Eden Baptist Church, and of Pastor Thomas Bray's minisiry therein was celebrated on Tuesday, the 15th inst., and passed off very satisfactorily. A large company eat down to tea at six o'clock, the following ladies waiting at tbo tables : -Mesdames Bray, VV. Atkin, F. Stainton, .rdern, Grudge, T. Cranwell, and Misses A. Lovatt and Wells. Pull justico having been done the appetising spread, tho af tor-meeting was opined. Pastor Bray presided, and delivered a brief address upon tha past year's church woik, and lhe prospects of the ensuing year. Ha stated that, though the voar past had not been as successful as ho" had hoped, still .there had been a large measure of-success, as the Secretary s re port would show. The members of the church had done all they could to assist the pa=tor, and had displayed both energy and unity. Mr Bray then called upon Mr Colo- Grove, the Secretary, for hia report. This was very satisfactory, showing 47 members .on the church roll, 10 ..having: .boon iccei.e-d by baptism, hnd 16 by transfer.

The annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was held" on Friday evening, tho 4th instant, Thoro was a largo numbor present. Ifle Roy.-Mr Carrick conducted tbo proceed ings The various reports were read. They showod the church to be in a flourish ing condition. Tho attendance .at the Sabbath eorvices had shown a decided in crease An auglnentation fund canvass had been energetically earned out by tho ladies, with tho result that £120 had been- collected. The building fund had boen reduced by uearly_tlOO. —Tho report also stated that Mr Earle a Biblo-class had an average attendance of 30 —It also recommended that unfermented wine should be used at the Lord's supper. The Sunday-school reports showed that the St. Andrew's sc__ol..had commenced last year with a roll of 125 scholars, which had during tho last twelve months been augmented to 157. There were 20 teachers. The Parnoll school possessed 6 touchers and CO scholars. Special praises were accorded Mr Earlo for the energetic manner in which ho had worked for the school durine the year. Tho annual moetins ot the mtajsters,onteers. aud teachers of .chool.connccted wlththeAucK !___Send It. School Union was held last even. i__r la tha now s-thool-room of the, Pitt Street Weal-vail Church. Tea was provided at 6.30 „vS_t vrh-h thero was a fair attendance. At. a still larger number ol! friends attenTed the business ui-ctlnß, when Mr F. .t.t.nv nrcsidd. After the usual devo.ional c .". iltl had bo.n pono throu.h, the Chairman o_lVoi upon -IrCorhiil to read tho minutes 0 1 frt meotl-g. Mr Corklll thon rend tho annual report which stated that the.Union woei in a Am_._h.-i_. condition. It refer,ed lo tho lata w r E u^__-^to__strlal Sx_mm^SM tha fact that the Union had during the year remov d to the commodious premises of the V MC 1 Roome. It also stated that tha varl ous pr-ycr™-o-i-BS and coherences iaconnco tto_ vmh tho Union had been well attended. At P-x& Industrial R-hlbition 57 sphods.took part, aud over 2.COD articles were exhibitorl, fetA-i--^^ »_>,*-«_ _3S£kWs cSn-U-rabiy; and that with othor extraordinary co-Is .no- as removal to new preuuseß. &c., had for tho first timo placed tho balance o_ lhe.wrong eldo. Tne report .-.merited that ?he irtooational Bible Readme £SS_S_E had not received the support that I* deservea. jjurin. the j ear ths following Bohoo.s had joinea the Un'on --Parno.l Congr. gutional; Watoroa mado to va. ova eohools during the year. At Sreu^w mi.o TbcYk-v. Mr Hull then addr escd Iho m o-iiiiupo- -itday-sohoolwo k. lie conolu- SodirmOT_.g."Tha^thefoltowtaßßm«om» s? w «r__^r3.«.C«¥ s?_i: Messrsi J. Kiiyett, Thos. Buddie. Uev. ti. B. &^!_£s£ _"_ -S-SSSgS! «-_g ££ rrfrkil' Visitor: Mr Samuel l'arkc-..ta-di-K . . m-uittcV Messrs W. Service. T. McMaster, Ml J. li--_a .W. Ji iTrav, K^_ & Finance Com mit c: Messrs Ba-Oejv B» Be",1^; SSnj Mr _SS&_d o%ed Ut I?_^c.S.P-r/or^ K c_& b|| W.n.wne and lhe benediction pronounced by Rev. Mr Ball.

MISCELLANEOUS.

There are s£? nsi-W of- street gas-mains ira %te*North ißland _£_»*_. will- shortly bo opened through to Otorohai_ga. The survey of the Tbames-Te Aroha rail way has beon finally completed. Greymouth County Council have resolved, to borrow £3,000 to meet liabilities. Dr Hutchinson has been elected President of Wellington Philosophical Society. Timaru Borough Council have re.olverl to borrow £17,000 for drainage .vorks, Wellington Freezing Company show a loss of £201 on las. year's transactions Admiral Tryon shortly leave 3 for J_ng land with Captain Lake. . . <__-_. A 6 inch gun for the Auckland harbour defences has arrived by the ship Inverca. - g' The new Cathedral at Nelson is lighte by electricity, which is said to be very sue- Mrs Pollock, who were passengers by the Jane Gifford, celebrated their goldeo wedding the other day. Prolific New Zealand. Out of th. 600,000 peoplo in the colony, 120,000 aro under 15 years of age. „_-„-_ ' Ab-ut 100.CO0 aores of land will be openetl up by the Kaihu Valley Railway, aod will be cut up into small forms. . There are at present six boys in -to Costley Institute, four being apprenticed out in town. - There is in Now Zoaland an excess ci 43 572 males over females. Assisted im migration wanted ! ~ Thero were 11,728,236 acres of land held in freehold in New Zealand, in lots of ono acre- and upwards, at last census. ■ On Saturday, 10th inst., the Premier laid Iha foundation stone of the new building at Sunnyside Asylum, Christchurch. Considerable damage was lately caused to the railway tunnel works at by a eicantio landslip from tbo hUI-eido. About a chain and a halt of thn tunM was demolished. J§Y ** „, During January last, ihere were 07 births and 33 deaths in Auckland, city. The birth rate is the highest in the Igl OT>y, but Christchurch hod a lower death rat. last month. . ' _ Sinco 18S1 the land settled in New Zea land has increased by ten millions of acres, and tbe live fitock owned by sottlers number now about four millions more than at tto census of 1881. . - Hot woather—increased consumption ot beor Last month tho beer duty collected in the colony waa £5,203, against £4 974 tha previous Jonuary. Auckland headed lhe list with £1,055. In consequence of tbe demand which baa arisen in England for tinned meats, both .ho Gear Company and the Wellington Meat Preserving Company are making ar rangements for large shipments of thew manufactures. • Mr Gilbert King, for some years m_n*g« of the Bank of New South Wales at YVan ganui, who has just returned to the colony from a trip to the Old Country, ha. been appointed Assistant Inspector of the Bank for New Zealand. ■ Our readers and the charitable public at large will be gratified to learn that the Costly Training Institute hasjust fallen. in for a handsome bequest of £700 under the will of Mrs Rebecca Hodge, a. widow lady who died in Auckland on the 14th January,; In March last, the number of industries^ works, &c, in the several districts of Vmfa Zealand was as follows : Auckland 508 > Taranaki. 52; Hawko'sJSay, 100; Wei- . lington, 254; Marlborough, 73 ; Nelson, 202; Westland, 52 ; Canterbury, 340 , ,_ otW^'understand that the local^ firmjtfc Lovett Se White arc the suqmssful tenderers for the construction of tb-Wion of: eight _, miles and a-half of tho main trunk line ot, railway south of Te Awamutu The con- . tract price is £45.000 odd It is expected tbat tho woTk will occupy two years, and it is certain to give employment to a largo number of men. .. _ i Advices from Samoa state that the action by _\ Cornwall and Manaema to recover £60 000 from Messrs William MoArthur and Co. has been commenced. K-i-g Malietoa has given his sanction to Manaema suing in the case, and it has been arranged that the action shall be heard in May next before the High Commissioner s Court a. during January last the arrivals in the colony were: Prom the United Kingdom, 11059 . New South Wales, 493 ; Victoria, •12G ; Tasmania, 47 ; other places, 47 ; „otal, 2,072. Tho departures were: To the, Unitod Kingdom, 113 r New South Wales 352; Victoria, 306; Tasmania, 44; other m places, 75; total, 890. Tha arrivals at Auckland were 729, and tho departures 360 n Bth instant, at the annual meeting of Auckland Institute of Architects, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:-Presidont, Mr E. Bell, Mr T. Mahoney ; treasurer, Mr H. O- Wade ; honorary secretary, Mr W F. Hammond ; secretary, Mr P. Holt; members of Council, Messrs E. Ba_tley, J. Baber, and T. Holder ; auditor, Mr R. M. Watt. The report of tho retiring president (Mr Wade) was read and ordered to be PWha d t appears to be an old. Maori sepul chre was ...aco-ered at Mount Albert lately One of the residents, had some workmen engaged levelling a piece ><*£»*-- In the course of their °P. Brat'°nB * small cave was discovered, which upon.ex amination was found to be filled with human bone". Evidently this is an ancient natWeburTing ground. Under the circum- - stances the present owner of the groupa. .toyed o^era-ions in that direction, as he wiched to keep tha sepulchre entire. "MrGads?onehas replied in a courteous autographic letter to the address of the Irish ladies acknowledging his services in the cause of Home Rule. The letter is dated Hawarden Castle, Chester December 11, 1886 and says of the address :-" I am 'not less strut* by the feeling which _as prompted it, than .ifP^^_h taste which every part of it exhibits. Xba boautiful state of freshness m which the ferns have arrived is an apt Bymbol of the StSefoelingwhich unites Übawteg to all its possessions over sea, save one, and '.how. us how thought and senttment pasa between communities of tho _lf°"f g °s losintr any of their savour. I have saia •save one? and to efface that ono exception, and so complete the list, has been with me fw more than twenty years au object rf tto highest price The best of my pub lic efforts have been devoted to it. Of none of these do 1 repent, but I rejoice to have a .har. in many acts of justice and prudence at various times in the l-st half-century, as well as in some which I cannot look back upon with equal satisfaction. I have now arrived at the last of the eeries. Par from being diecouraged, I am deeply thankful for the groat progress the cause has made dur w later Months at home ; for the w,de and wfrm sympathies of other lands incluchng markedly the colonies; and for having en iov-d the support and cooperation of a a _od y of colleagues, than, whom none a re more experienced in affairs of State or .tand higher in public estimation. But you do well to remind me in your address that thero is One above us and them who rules land ovorrulos our poor counsels, nnd to whom we may fearfe_sly commit a ciuee, alike benoScial to all tho countries con cerned in it, and to all sects and clasEes of - The^banquet to Mr Alan Scott at Nolson on Monday night, 31st; February, was a most successful affair. There were one hundred and B_-ty present, including the Bishop of Nelebn, and leading citizens, repi-sen-ativesfrom all parts of tho district; also Mr Brodie Hoare and tho railway party who were present at Brunnerton. The Mayor of Nelson presided,and proposed Mr Scott s health in a highly complimentary speech. Mr Scott replied, and gavo a sketch of tie proceedings in London, and congratulated the people of the districts concerned in having shown tbat gioat public works could be carried out on commercial principles, without going to the Government for pecuniary aid. Mr Sclandera, Vico-Chair man, proDOsed the toast of the " Midland RailwayCompany,"c6nplodwithtlienameof Mr Brodie Hoare, who.c reply was the speech of the evening. He said that though be left England with some misgivings, jet after seeing the country for hitneelf to W3S perfectly convinced that the rail- Iway could be made right through, and 1 would prove a great success.. He had been affeed to state hie impres sions of New Zealand, and after travelling all oyer it he was convinced the country is of immense worth, but wants population, and is far better Buited to English immi grants than Canada with its snowy winters or Australia with its torrid summers. He- then described the prevalent lmpres- I sions in London about New Zealand, I the result of the misapprehensions being that New Zealand 4 per cents.,, which were honestly worth 106, were quoted at 95 .He waraedthem very earnestly against floating bogus companies on the,: London market. He consider-d New Zealand a vejy favour able field for the employment of capital, but i. should be above suspicion*. __• I leaves-rith most favourable topteatoni _ot I the colony. The proceedings terminate- I after midnight.- ■-~■•■

-. -.1 STAR, SArUKDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1887 THE AUCKLAND Byß_________Z____Z^. — ■

5



By tbo b.s. Tarawera, which loft for Svd-ey on Tuesday, 15th inst., Mr j P McArthur (of William MoArthur and Co.) and Mrs MoArthur were passengers returning to the old coun try via Australia., Before leaving tho wkrehouso, Mr MoArthur was the rocipientof _,_, addreis from the members of the cricket club to vthich be was a us.ful member. Accompanying the adddress was a present cf a valuable greenstone paper knife. Mr MoArthur briefly replied, expressing the pleasure ha bad felt in taking part-in the Warehouse Cup matches, in which Wm. MoArthur,.and Co.'s C.C. had proved so successful. , ..*



On _2nd. nst„ just before his departurefor I Sydney, Lord Sandhurst waß conducted by Dr Moore over the Sailors' Rest and the Boys' Rest, 35. Q_een-street. Ha spoke a few kindly and encouraging words to tto missionaries;" Messrs' Fell and Moss, and the matron, Miss Singleton, and expressed much pleasure at tbe efforts put forth; in these institutions for the good of the sailors j and for the homeless youths of tho city.



.The Young Men's Christian Association | _t. Diin-diu'-b-ie 1.990 members. 1 he . ■ e=v Cathedral Church at Kelson was opened yesterday moining' with \%< eat cere mony. Tb_' 'Prima.., the Bishops cf Nelson and VVaiapu, and a large number pf the clergy Were present. The building is the old Christ Church. enlarged and re | novel. ted, the interior being-very handsome.