AUCKLAND MONTHLY SHARE LIST.

MARCH 28, 1887,

COMMERCIAL.

AOCKXAND. PRODUCT MARKET. Farm and Dairy Produce.—Whole-ale: But ter, orimo fresh. 10d : cheese, good factory, 4d to4Jd per 10 ; Canterbury, none : Eggs. 1b 6d ; lard, in bladders. s_d ■ Bacon and Hamß. In cloth, provincial. 7d to 7_d ; Hams, none; Canterbury Bacon. 7d ; Bacon and Hams in equal numbers. 7id. _ _ Floor Market.—Wholesale: Superfine flour. ■ sUk dressed, per ton. -312 ; do. household. ,1811: Southern do., £10 15s to £11 15s; Lambs Premier, £12 ss: Standard. £11 ss: bran, ton • laacka Included). £5 : Southern do., £1 15s to £-: local sharps. £5 10s and £6; Southern ditto. £6 *, cabin broad. £16: oatmeal, do. £1110s to £12 Oa: oats 2s 2d to 2s 4d: maize. 3a 9d : new potatoes, £.; pearl barley, do. £14 to £15 : beaus. 3s Sd : onions. £14. All grain, chair, oatmeal. Sec, sold Included sacks. , Kauri Gum. Flax. &a-The market is woak. owing to very free auoplles. more especi ally in poor quantities. Wo quote: Papakura gum, £35 to £37 *. good ordinary. £15 ; East Coast, £57 to £60. t-upDlles for 24 days, 483 tons. Flax. jper ton. £11 tn £17 : tow. ditto. £5 to £7 ; -Tnngns, per lb, 23d to 3id ; cocoannr tlbre. 15s to 17s per cwt. „ , „ Coal and Firewood Market.—Coal 1 New oastlo lahip'a side). 24s to 28s per ton; yard 2Ss to 3ts: Bay ot Islands, at yards, 26d 6d; soreened. 28s6d ; ditto at the mines. 13a; ahlp'B side. 265: Waikato. 8s to 12s: at Auokland. 18s to 225: Kamo. 10s por ton on loading ground: Tauniri at mine. S3 Bd to 12b at yard. 19s 6d to 255; Whangarel. at mine. 9s 6d; yard (steam). 17s; household. 21b ; dolivored, 235. Firewood: Uncut at wharf (cargo). 7s to Bs6dperton; delivered, 12.t0135: cut. 14sto 16s. Boildixo I___ti-ria__s.—Timber: Boards and scantling. 10Oft, bust, lis 6d : second-class. 6a 6d, best, planed, tongued. and grooved, firat-clasa. 11a : medium, lis : second ditto. 9s ruatloated weather boards (first-class), lis; medium, 10a; second-clars, 93. Now Zea land palings. 6ft (Ban). 10s; 6ft (heart), 13s; 6ft, 14: ti-troe rails. £1 10a per 100; puriri gats. £6 10s to £7 10s; shingles 13s per 1.000; obart palings, sft. 19s ; 6ft, 2ls ; Hobart rails. 100s, Belling quotations. Bricks iat Avondale). 30s per 1.000 : town yards, 30a to 35a: de livered. 10s. Drain pipes (at works), por 100 (6 inches bore), iOa ; i Inches, 14s ; 15 Inches. 9s; 2 Inches, £2 10 per 1,000 ; socket glazed plpo«, 18 Inches, 4b por foot; 15 inohea. 4a 6d per foot; 12 Inches. 3a per foot : 9 Inches, 28 per foot; 0 inches, la per foot; 4 Inches, 9d por foot; 3 Inches, 7d par foot. Manures. — Bonedust Srdnoy. £3 to £9, according to quality; boneflour, tB to fiio *, Auck land, £8; Peruvian guano. £14 to £17; Lone ; Island do.. £4 10a, bags included; Hurst's oheml '_ oal manure. £13.

SHIPPING SUMMARY.

ARRIVALS.

"February 28-Alamcaa, R.M.9., from Sydney. February 28—Wenons, birque, Davis, from "Newcastle. March l—Sharpshoo'er, barque, Magnuasen, 6-Knacehu. R.M.S.. from Wellington. Mareli 7-Vision, brlK, Christian, Irom Gre: ""Slarch 8-Gleaner, sch, ttom Dunelin ; Lizzie ■Gay, briaaotine. from Oamaru. Maroh9-Marlpoaa. X.M.S., from San Fran- March 9—Canonas, barquo, Looee, from Ham- 10-Rnapehn. R M.S.. from London. March 10-Wild Wave, brlff. Davle. from b-igantine. RO3S, from Abbott, Bchr.. from Now Bchr.. Shana, from from Queers- S %9<wU> IG—Lady Jocelyn, ship. Watt, from March iO-LilUan. echr.. from the Iclande. ■"March Si — Verites,- barque, Johnson, from ' J< Mareh 23-Celeatia. barque, from Sydney. March 23-Seabird., brlpantine, from Now .castle.

DEPARTURES.

"F-sbraory 28-Alameda, R.M.S., for San Fran -12 March 2-Meropo, bqe„ Thomas, for London ; Decima. bqe., Johnson, for Lyttolton; Algoa Bay. bqe,, bogie, for Lyttelton. March 7-Julia Pryce, sch., for Raratonga. March 8 -Fleetwing, soh.. for Aitutaki. March 10-Marlpoaa. R.M.P., for Sydney: Arawata. s.s. Cromarty, for Fiji. March 14—Gleaner, achooner. for Kaiparo. March 18-Wlld Wave, brig, for Sydney, via March W-Sharpshooter, barque, for Whanga "liaTch 21-Sosthern Cross, misa'.on barque, for Norfolk Island. , March 22—Ryno, brlgantlne, for Suwarrow, Myrtle, brlgantlne. for Wh«.ngaros. . March 25-Cano.p-s, barque, for rabiti.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Kaaterhlll, borque. for London, early jLalra, baroue. for London, early •William Phillipa. BOh.. for New York, loading Ahiel Abbott, sch.. for Now York, Joadanf.

The master and crew of tho cutter "Whangarei arrived here on 18th inst. by the -s s lona, their veßsel having been totally - wrecked at tho Great Barrier yesterday. ' Tho Wangarei went from Auckland to load (firewood at the Needles. Very heavy wi ather . set in yesterday, when she was near Port .Fitzroy, and she dropped anchor between (Channel Island and Fleet Rock. •The anchor dragged, the windlass was • carried away, and ,the cutter drifted on *the rocks. The .master and.ctajs*,got ashore ■in the dingy safely, and tlie .eB-tsreoon -afterwards broke up. The Whangarei waa * cutter of 32 tons register, built at Manu irangi in 1867 and owned by Mr J. Ryan, of Auckland.

AGRICULTURAL.

In Taranaki, tomatoes have been at tacked by a caterpillar, which makes sad havoc in them. , , . .Over 8 000 acres of agricultural land in Wellington district wero sold by auction yesterday, and brought about i.% per acre. A sunfiower has been shown in Christ church, cut from a stem Bft. high, while the teed head was 3ft. 3in. in circnm feTl.rharvest returns for North Canterbury iuafc collected are aB follows :—Wheat, 199 259 acres, yield 2,806,706 bushels ; oats, gfslo acres 2.333,673 bushels; barley, 7,558 acres, 193,216 bushels; potatoes, , fi'^4*. acres. 37,050 tons. 'Our readers wili be interested to learn of - the success of the tobaefio Brops raised this year for the New Zealand SSb*«o Com pany (Limited). The manager, Mr -fugus* Vollbracht, has received tbe following in formation from the Company's agents >n the various districts :-At Bay of Wands tho crops are good, especially tteHybnd Havanna. In Poverty Bay the crops are i rather late. The natives, having received seed and printed instructions in Maori from •the Company, have done well. Some fair .crops ore expected Irom tho Bay of Plenty. 'Hawke's Bay has suffered from want of rain, but will have some good Connecticut leaL In Taranaki the crops are better thin last year. At Nelson thero are good crops, and as far South as Canterbury fair returns are expected. Taking it all round, the crops are better and more plentiful than was anticipated.

MEETINGS.

HA.C.B. Society, New Zealand District.

The annual meeting of the above waß held on Wednesday and Thursday, 2nd and 3rd mat. Present: Bros. T. H. White, D.P. (in the chair), P. Kearney, D.V.P., J. Flynn.D.T.,J. O'Brien,D.S. Delegates: D. Flynn, J. J. Lawler, S. Fairweather, Auck land ;D. Murphy, Blenhein; M. O'Brien, Timaru; J. Lynch, New Headford; U. Mcllhone, Dunedin ; J. Patterson, New Plymouth; M. Mahouy, Invercargill; P. Gleeson, Hokitika; J. Wrist, W.iipawa; T. A. Hockinga, Hastings; J. Barvey, *Grahamstown ; J. Heenan, Onehunga; J, P. Lonergan, Christchurch ; and W. Doran, Leeßton. . The report"and balance-sheet were read, ■which showed the Funeral Fond of tho Board to be about £700 the Sick.Fund •of the branches connected »ith the.d«tnct iobe over £s,ooo,andtUe.number of members about 1,000.

TRADE AND LABOUR UNION.

Report on Colonial Industries, Wages, Price of Foo«l Stuffs, Etc.

On Friday, ISth inst., at tho Working Men's Club, a meeting was gathered, in conse. quonco of a circular sont round by Mr C, P. Lucas, ef tho Emigrants' Information Office, London. Tho chair was taken by Mr H. R. Jury, Mr J. Cowley, branch secretary of tho Amalgamated Society of Engineers, being also present. The circular consisted of a series of ques tions having the object iv view of eliciting reliablo information upon the subjects of in dustries, products, openings for intending omigrants, -fee. It was finally decided to en trust Mr Cowley with the work of answer ing the questions in tho form of a report. We append tho roport. It will be found interesting and reliable, and we may com pliment Mr Cowley on its comprehensive ness. We understand that similar reports will bo sent quarterly to the Emigrants' office in future, which cannot fail to bo of great uso in preventing numbers of those who would bo usoless in the colony from coming out here merely to swell the ranks of the unemployed, giving as it does infor mation as to what trades are under or over manned. Tho following are the answers to the questions put forth in the circulars : —

Industries of Auckland District,— Aerated water makers ; agricultural imple ment makers ; . biscuit makers and con fectioners ; brewing and malting ; book binders and rulers ; brush makers ; boot makers ; brick and tile and drain pipe makers ; building ; coopering ; coal mining; clothing factories ; chemi cal manure makers : coach and car riage makers; engineers and boiler makers ; milling ; farming; fnrri; rs ; frozen meat; 6th curing and preserving; gum digging and sorting ; gold mining ; glass blowing ; galvanised iron making; glue and size making ; iron sand smelting ; iron and brass foundries ; jam and preaerves making; lime and cement making; locksmiths and oven makers ; litho graphing ; mangane.e mining ; oil, soap and candle making ; printing ; pot teries ; quarrying; rope and twine making; varnish making ; coastal and intercolonial shipping; saddle and har ness making; ship building; stone mason's works; sugar refining; tobacco growing and manufacturing ; timber trade and lumbering ; tanning and currie iug ; vinegar making ; woollen factory ; wool scouring ; wood ware factories ; (2) No demand for labour in tlio industries hero enumerated, but capital required to de velop nearly all. (3) Not openings enough for the children of old colonists.

Freehold Allotments in town from £10 to £40 per foot, frontage ; suburban allot ments, from £50 to £400 per acre ; country land from £2 to £30 per acre. Leasehold land : country, from is to 10s per acre ; town, as may bo agreed on.

(5) Agrjcultural Pursuits of District. — Vide Brett's Auckland Almanac, pagos 85 to 125.

(6) Capitalßequired.—Not lessthan£lo per acre. Good opening for small farmers with capital.

(6) For addresses ol chief trade and friendly societies pleass refer to Brett's Auckland Almanac, pages 176 to 193, sont along with this report.

(7) Cost of Living, from 15s to 30a por week, according to class of board and lodging required. (8) Rough Average Rent of Houses.—ln town, from 8s to 15a per week ; in country, from 4s to Bs. This does not vary much in different towns. Prom 2to 6 rooms. In comparison to samo classes of bouses in London, accommodation very inferior.

(9) Average Retail Price of Food Stuffs. —Bacon, 8d per lb; beef, Gd por lb ; bread, 7d per 41b loaf; butter (salt) lOd, freeh, Is ll_d ; cheese (native) 7d ; coffee, Is Sd : Hour, 12a per 100 lba ; milk, 4d per quart; mutton, 4d per lb ; potatoes, 5s 6d por cwt; tea, 2s 6d per lb ; tobacco (native) 5s ; .imported, 6a per lb. (10) Clothing.—Men's imported slops, 60a to 80a *. to meoeure, imported cloth, 90a to 100s; colonial-made cloth, 50a to 70s. HI) Wages for Tradesmen at per Day. —<Tho_se marked "I" have irregular hours, the reji 8 hours' work.) Bakers, 6a ; boiler makers. Ss; iron s,hip builders, 8a; boot makers, 7e ; boojebindere, 50a per week, a day being & fours; blacksmiths, d_; (I) brewerß, 7s; brickipakers, 6s ; brick - layeis, 10s; butchers, 6s j (J) clerks, 20a to 50s per week ; cabinet makers, 7s ; carpenters, 7s ; carriage builders, 9a ; (I) oospore, 6s; engineers, 10s; (I) eDgine drivers, Is per hour ; (I) gardeners 7s; gaslitters 9a ; grainers and writers 8a ; iron moulders 9s ; joiners 7s ( (I) labourers 6s ; locksmiths and bell hangers 7a; il) limbermen 6s ; (I) maltaters 7s ; masons 10s f (I) millers 8.; sawmill hands 6s ; miners (gold) is por hour ; miners (coal) 2s lOd per ton ; (I) navvies, (good man) Is per hour; pattern makers, 10s ; (li painters and glaziers, 7. ; plasterers, 10s ; plujsbefS, 9a ; printers, 50s per week ; (I) quarrymsn, '7a • saddlers and harness makers, 7s per day of 9 hours; shipwrights, 9s ; shop assistants, 2§s por week ; slaters, 7s 5d per square (10 feet square); smiths, 9s; stonemasons and stonecutters, 10a; sailors, 7s; tinsmiths, 7s; tanners and curriers, 7a per day of 9 hours ; turners and woodturners 9s ; watchmakers, 10a ; (?) wharf labourers, Is per hour ; wheelwrights, 9a, of 9 hours. Women : cooks, 14s por week i general servant^, 10a per week; governesses, £60 per year; house and parlour maids, 10s per week ; laundre.-seß, 10s per week; nursemaids, Ss per weej_:; trained nurses, 25s per week. To all theea add " and fourd."

Farm Labourers.—Ploughmen, 15s per week; reopers, 15a; lobourers, 15s; shepherds, £60 per year ; married couples £f B per year ; with families, not wanted ; dairyraaids, 15a per week. To all these add ,'.'and found." Good openings for first-ejass domestic servants in all branabes, -^qliiu-a and Inferior no demand whatever.

PATENTS.

Mr H. A. Warner, surveyor, Auckland, has applied for a patent for a washing machine, to be called " New Zealand

Slashing machine."

In iBS 6, the following patents were ap plied for in England ond the Colonies : — Great Britain, 16,9-8; New Zealand, 503 ; Viotoria, 487 ; New South Wales, 224.

Mr Robert Martin, of Auokland, seeks letters patent for an invention for assisting in the manufacture of boots and shoes, to be coiled "The Excelsior iron and wood block last stand."

Joseph James Maokie, of Auckland, has applied for a patent for an invention for bank cheques, so that tha amount cannot be altered after being drawn, to bo called " Mackie'-t Patent Bank Cheque."

Thomas Goorifellow and James Sneddon, of Alexandra, have applied for a patent for pulverising soil, to be employed as a substi tute for the plough aud harrow disc, to be called the Alexandra cultivator.

John Sniith, of £yber Pass, Auckland, has applied for a patent for an improypd gum apear. Robert Jones Roberts, of Vic toria Arcade, Auckland, has applied for a patent for an invention for filtering water, to be called Roberts's patent automatic filter.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS

BIRTHS.

BATKK-On Maroh 6ch, tho wife of 0. Eater of aeon. BURGKSS.-On March 15. at Devonuort. the wife of A. B. Burgess of a sjd. BUSH.—On February 22, at Edwln-Btreat, New ton, Mre J. W. Bush oi a aon. CHRISTOPHKR.-On March 3, at Wrfllngton straet, the wife of H. Christopher of a daughter. DONNKLLY.-Oo March 18. at KgHnton-street, Paruell. tho wife of J. R. Donnelly of a son. Both doing well. DUNIiOP. —On March 2 at bor residence, BurletKhttrcet, Mra John Dunlop of a daughter. DUN."J.—On March 17, at her residence. Pon eonuy Terrace, tho wife of Cuptaln James Uunn of a daughter.—Napier ixipers please copy.

FLVNN.—On Febrnary 21, at Cashier street, Parnell, the wife of Jas. Flynn of a daughter. GIRLING.-On March 19. at hor residence, Snencer Pond, Napier, tho wife of William Girling of a sod. GRAHAM.—On March 6, at hor residence. Union strc.t, the wife of Jos. Graham of asou. HAKVKY.-On March 15, at her residence, Kwinuton Avenue, Mount Roakill Ito.d, the wife of W. A. Itaivuy ot a son. Both doing well. HILL.—On March fl, at her ro.id-nce. Now North Head, tlio wife of K. 13. Hill, chemist and druggist, ot a son. HOKY.—On March 1, at Princep. Btreot. Surrey Hills, tho wife oi* Andrew Houy of a daughter. Both doing woll. JARVIs.-On March S. at Windsor, Melbourne, Iho wife of W. H. Jarvlß of a ion. Both doiug well. I.YTTLB.-On February 20, at l'oular Cottage, Viuoent-streot. Auckland, the wife of William John l-ytllo, blacksmith, of asm. lioth doing weII—B.M.S.A. MARII"*..—On March 18. at hor ro.ldfinco, l.hMrioUu-stroot. Kdon Terrace, tlio wife ut C. J. Martin of a daughtor. McPHAIL.-Ou March 11. at f-ujar Works Cintagea, the wife cf ,1. C. MoPhail ot a daughter. MUSHKT.-At her rjsldenoo. Pltt-stroot, the wife ot J. W, Mushet of a son. PHAIR.—On February 20, at Fairorott, Lako Road, tbo wife of KrnOßt Pnair ot a son. RALPH.—Ou March 15. at Arthur-stroot. Pon sonby, tho wife ot W. J. Ralph of n>oii. SMI I'll.—OuMarcill7. St. Patrick a Day In the evening, Mrs Smith, Waktfleld-stroot, of a Sn-VKN. —On March 17, at hor roaldencc, Victoria Quadrant, tho wife of (J. Stoveu of a WHITE. — Oi March 2, at AngUsea-street, Ponsonby. iho wile of C. H. White of v daughter.

MARRIAGES.

Blt A D FOI ID -1- A L 1..-011 tho sth March at St. Matthew's. Helonavills. by the Rev. J. Farley. Kilward Bradford, lato of Barking, X* ox, to Adeline Mary, oiliest daughter of Win. Oram Ball, Ksq.., of Dunedin. BRIGHT-DAVID-I'lN. -On February 15 by tho Rev. A. Carrlck. Goor^o Biivht to Janet, oldest daughter ot tho lalu David Davidson, blacksmith, ot this city. COWIIS SISCL.-IR.-On February 10. at S. Jomoa's Church, by tho Rev. R. Somorville . orton. Oldest son of Frederick Cowle._-.Bq. M.R.A;. Brixton, London, to Agnus luy.-ir fouith daughtor ot the lat i John Sinclair, of Auckland.-Lo_.dGn and Queontland papers plor.ae ropy. „ .-,.,,,, DICK-RO WE.—On February 2. at St Marks Church, Summer Hill, Sydney, by the Rev. John Auld. M A., Jamon. eldest eon -t John Di.k, of Pollolc Sottlomont, to Jauu. eeioad daughter of N. C. Rowo. of Kpaoiu. Both r.f Auckland. _ FRIPP-NICHOL. —On Pebruiry -\ at St. Paul's, by tho Kov. C. M. Nelson, M _.., Kobort Mackay Frlpp to Christina, daughter of J. W. Nichol, Parnell. _ . ,_ HUGHtCS-O'CONNKT.I-.-On September 17, 1886, at the Registry Offlce Auckland, p. 1. Hugheß to Miss T. OVo__.ll; both of

MELLES-GUILDING. On February 25. at the Registrar's Ollico, Richard third son ot the lato .-Uexandsr Meltee, blacksmith, to Zlllah, only daughter of tho lato Tliouiua Guildl.-ig ; hotfc ot this city. »«•._. MORICK-ALLKN.—On February 10. at tho roslriei cc ot the bride's parent*. Waikanap, Gisborno, by tho ltov. Mr Wallace, William Morice to S .rah, fourth daughtor of Mr John Alien ; both of Gisborno

DEATHS.

AICKIN.—On March 13 at tna resldonco of Graves Aickin. I'ark Road, Charlton Robert Aic'.in, eldest son ot Ur. William Graveß Alekiu. Belfa.t, Irolar.il; agod 23 jeara. ANDI-KWtf.-O.i March 13, at Nelson, New Z .aland, John Andrews, lato ot Auckland and of Colerair.o. Ireland ; anel 58 yoara. BALDWIN. — On February 21. ai Dunedin Kdwin, the beloved son of l-oulso Andoraon. lato ot Auckland. BA_I_.TOW.-i_m March 18. at Ihe Hospital. Sarah Burstow, dearly icloved and second eldest daughter of Margaret and Henry Barsto»*. Her end wa*» peace. BKLL —On March 7. at her rosldeno.-. Mary street. Mount Eden, Kditb Mary, beloved daußhtcr ot Thomas and Kli/.abuth 801 l ; aged 7 months 10 days. „ , BKBAKLEY.—On March Hi, ut Orahain-slrect, Ho boit Itobart. infant son (twin) of Michael and ..nnie Bmarloy : aged 11 weeks. BUSH.-O.i March 7. at Edwin-Street, Newton, William Dalton. infant son cf Joseph w. and Isabol M. Buah : a*cd 13 dii.s. CAI.LKNDKR.-On March 11. at Mount Eden, the infant eon ot William and I. illio C lilt, ndor; CA_l.-UOM.-On March 3, at llio res'dence ot h-r R.andmother (Mm Splcer). Noith shorn. Harriott .oso.youngestdauiihtorof Al xandi-r T and Harriett M F. Camoron. Seaflold \ lew, Auckland : aged 2 jeora 3 months. Oi-ABKiC-On February 25. at Whangapoua. Mary Elizabeth, tho dearly beloved child ot John Nelson and Margaret Olarko ; aged 1 year and 6 months. ' CU-i--Ki.-On February 23, at I.owor Vincont- Btreot, the infant son ot W. li. ami M. A. Cii'loy * aired feu- weeke. FL iTT.-On March 11. at Gladatono-streot, East Newton, aftor a long and painful. 1 lnesa, C_.Ti.line wife of John Klatt ; ajied 71 yearn. FLETCHER.—On March 17. Nt his residence, ColllnKwood-atreot, Ponsonby. JaineßHetcher, beloved husband of Eliza Fletcher ; lined 72 FOSDICK.—On varch 10, at the Provincial Hospital, Auckland, Jonas Fosdick; aßed 43 GR4H-M.-CII March 7, at her residence. Wellii-Kton-stroßt, Mary Kaiella, the Infant daughter of Thomas 0 Graham; UKed i months —*• Thaniea Star" please copy. HAINES.-On March 1, at the reaidenco of Mr James Cliff, Paparoa, Mary, relict of the late GeorKe H.inoa. Pahi. Katpara ; aged C 7 years. HARI-IN.-On Match 22, at her paronta resi dence. Nelson-street, Isabella Catharine, | (second daughter of Patrick and Mar j lilai kin : aged 21 years. .... ~ HARHI-.-On March 1, at hia late reßldcnce Stnart-Btreet. Po-isonby, Thomas Duncarcn Han ia ; aged 50 years. HEAPS.—On Bth March, at hia parent a resi dence. Duke-stroet, Freeman's Bay, Albert Georße, infant son ot Thomaa and Agnoß Heaos : aged 4 months. HEWITT.—On March 1. at hia paronts resi dence, Victoria street, O-ehunga, Arthur Joieph Leo, dearly beloved ion cf Joseph aud Alice Hewitt; aged G wooks.-Thamea papera HOL\-K°?— At his reaidenee, Coo'--stree_. Benjamin Holmoa ; agod 02 years. JACKSON. On March 10, at their residence, t'pper Northcote, Harry, the Infant son of Joßhua and Anne Jane Jackson ; aged .._ JWN'KINS -On March 5. at hia lato residence. North Shore, Ernest Edward Maurloe. belqvo 1 and only son of Edward and Jessie Jenkins ; JENKlNS.—Atherreside! co, Birkenhead, after a lorz'aDd patr,f al illness, Sarah Amelia, the beloved wife of H. W. Jenkina : aged 11 years. JONES.—On March 0. at Wynyard Road, Mount Eden. Herbert Augustus (Bortie), beloved aon of George B. and El zabet-h Jones ; oged 4j M^CK AY.—At the reaidenee ot her son-in-law, Ssmonds street. Isabella Maokay, widow of the lata P. Maokay. Millholme House, Museel brtigh, and oulv child of tho late A. Dallaa. quartermaster 93rd Sutherland Highlanders ; in her 88th year. , McDONALD.-On March 8, at his parente roai donco. Mount Albert. Infant son of Alexander and Elizabeth McDonald. . MclVOß.—On March 3, after alinger.ngillncaa, at thu residence cf her daughter (Mrs W. Jonningß). Nelacn-Btrett, Ann Mclvor. late of Couny Fermanagh, Ireland ; aged 92 yeara (grandmother of Thomaa Mclvor, Newtonl. MENZIES. — On March ). at Abercrombie street Frank Wilion. youngest son of William and Mary Jane Menziea ; aged 9 months. NAlßN.—On'March 22 at Cracroft-Btreot, Par nell John Wyllie Nairn, accord end dearly beloved eon of James and Jano Neirn ; agtd 2 years and 3 months. ... , _ NE-*BITT.— Ralph Ambroae. infant son ot K. B. and V. O Neabltt; aged 6 months. PH OTAG1-.—On March 10. at her parents resi dence Qaeen-Btreot. Cox*. Creek. Ma- J" K-*f;ls-n Pilotage, tho on y child of John and Mary Pl]ntf_.G?6 * oK6tl 1 yofir. RAYNKR-On March 2, at Auckland. Edith Ravn**r : aged It yoara. EEAOH.-On March 8. at her residence,, New markeCKlisaboth Maud, beloved daughter of William and Aunie Reach ; aged 5 yeara and RKILLY.-On February __, at View Avenue, Mount Eden, Ellen, wife nf John Keillj*. C X .. A B. T.C.U.. ond daughter of Jaa. Hammond Young, Esq. ; aged 25 ycaro RO WiAnu.—On March 18, at his pareita resi dence, Green Lane, of Inflammation of tho brain. William Henry, eldeat son of iho late W. H. (George) Rowland ; aged 3 years and 11 SAVAGK.-On March 1, ot Parnell, Rachael, the wife of John Savage; aged 60 yoara. SCOTT -On March i, at Auckland, William JffiMsv-un Ma Brch 21. at tho General Hos olt.il. Amelia Sherriff; aged 68 yeara. HIMKINS-—On Mach li. at her reaidenee Park Road Ellzabetli- glmklns. wife of P. Henry B ___t'-i^ A&^ «.j* *S»SIBrt» Gwendoline Mar K oret, the beloved ehßd of Charles Easterbrcok and Msr. on Sniith; aged aMOITH n- h On March 9. at Victoria Quadrant Mahol Mary, the younge.t beloved daugtiter of Williamand Caroline Smiih ; aged 8 months, SPEAKMAM.-On March 21. at Carlton Gore Rota, Newmarket, William Spoakman ; aged THORNI'bN.-On February 27. at the residence Shis grandfather. Alma Place, Robert Tl-orr-to;?. the only eon of William and Jane ufe-A^«uv« onWilkato Railway on March 22". 1887. Thomas VB-hst. hoteSeeter. ot Papakura ; aged 55 yeara- WAnK-On March 10, at buke street, Freo- Wman?s'Ba?.ttl wife of W. Wado of a son. WF°STONr-At°hiß residence Cracroft-atreet Arch Hill John We soon, the beloved husband Hills Auokland, Kliza, wife of Thomas White, late of Exeter. England ; aged 25 -roars.- Devonshire papera pleaße copy. _.„„_ WHYMAN.-X)n March 1, at Manukau Read. Newmarket. Ida. the beloved infant daughter Of Walter W. and Sarah N. Wbymah ; aged 1 s/ISEMAN.-Gi- 4 March 5, at the resldonoo of ''her father. Llnceln-.traet. Ponaonby, Edith Alioe, third daughter of Mr Gporge Wiseman; aged 2 yearß and jl montha.-thrißtphurch papers please copy, '

FIRES.

Great loss haa been caused by ro|-(Bated stack fires in Ashburton district, Canter bury.

The stables at Bond's hotel, Kihikihi, have beon burned down. Tho cauße of the outbreak ia not known.

The house of Captain Kella, at Waitotata, Wanganui, was destroyed by fire on Sun day morning, February 2S

It haß been calculated that tho losses by fire in New Zealand since June last will swallow up 10 years' premiums.

At Morton on Bth inst, a firo destroyed W. Smith's music storo and billiard saloon.

A fi.o ot Lamonco, Dunedin, has de stroyed tho premises of Mr Nicol (store keeper), Mr Middleman's (blacksmith), and Wilson and Co., storekeepers.

Younghusband's storo at Danovirko, Napier, waa totally destroyed by fire at an early hour on Thursday morning, March 10.

Hines's Hotel at Ashburton, Canterbury, was burned down on ISth inst. the fire being caused by a spark entering by a broken window.

Fire destroyed tho houro of Mr Wm Hare, settler, Kaeo, with its contenta last week. The tire originated in a spark ignit ing tho shingled roof. The loss is consider able, nothing being insured. At Masterton, on Sunday, Feb '28. tho house of T. Wrigloy was burned down. Vory littlo furniture was soved, the family barely having time to escape. The houso was insured in the New Zealand Ollico for £250, and the furniture in tho South British for £ 150.

About half-past five o'clock on Tuesday morning, March S, McPherson's Sodawatc-r Factory, in Cambridge Terrace, Christ church, was destroyed by firo. McPhorson was teen at tho beginning of tlio lire, but not afterwards. Tho body of a man charred beyond recognition, but boliovod to bo his, was found in tho upper room.

Shortly aftor 2 a.m. on 11th inst,, a liro broke out in an unocoupied six-roomed cottage situated at Norman Hill, One liunga. Tho houso is the proporty of Mr Arthur Pitta**. Tho houso had boon ompty for tho last two months, beforo which timo Mr Sowerby resided in it. Mrs Sowerby loft a littlo furnituro in tho house which was destroyed.

At Tauranga on Friday uight, 18th March, between 11 and 12 o'clock, a fire occurred at Harvey and Kirk's farm, about four miles from town, by which tho dwolling-houSB, stablo, barna, a quantity of machinery and sevoral tons of outon hay wero deetroyed. Tlio slaughter-house was tho only building that escaped. Tho lose oxeoods £1,000. There is a small insurance of about £250 on tho wholo of the buildings.

A second fire nt Gisborne, which broko out on Monday, 7th inst., destroyed Steven son's Btablos and three small buildings in Low-street occupied as oilicoa by Mr McDougall, solicitor; Mr G. Grant, sur veyor ;Mr 4. Regan, surveyor; Mr McDonald, solicitor, and tho Southern Cross Petroleum Company. From all thoso the deeds ond documents woro safely re moved. It is estimated that the valuo of Stevenson's property destroyed is £420 As he is insured for £?00 only on the build ing, and nothing on tho valuablo harnoss, he is a heavy loser,

An outbreak of firo occurred about mid night on Saturday, Feb. 26, in a houso ot Devonport, occupied by John Henry Stubbs. The fire waa extinguiahod bo fore any serious damage was done. Ser geant Gillies and Conatable O'Brien wore both ot the house, and mado an inspection of tho room in which the outbreak occurred. Stubbs stated that a keioseno lamp had

exploded while ho was in bed and set tire to tho premises. The officers', however, discredited this explanation and as the roault of their investigation took the man Stubbs into custody, on tbe charge of attempted incoudiaristn Aftor a lengthy enquiry tho chargo against accused was diam'ssed.

At midnight on 17th Inat. au out break of tiro took placo iv Porter's buildings, at tho junction of Richmond Road with Lincoln and Oliphant-streots, and resulted in tho destruction of tho buildings before it was extinguished. The lots ia computed at about £1,000, and tho insurances do not amount to moro than £700 By an unlor tunato coincidence, tho f..u* tenants of tho destroyed property wero totully un insuicd, but tho two landlords wore protected by policies. Like si many othor cases of lire, the caueo of the outbreak bailies explanation. Tho flames had spread to and taken complete posses sion of Mr John Portor's other buildings, viz , a five-roomed house occupied by Mr Plaisted, and a shop and two rooms occu pied by Mr Ryan, as woll as to tho cot.ago of Mr Piatt, of Newton, which was occupied by a Mr Murray. Tho former two dwellings, along with tho corner shop, were burnt to tho ground, whilo Mr Piatt's cottago was completely gutted. The two-story residence of Mr Daniels, adjoining Mr Ryan's shop, was savod, although it was in such jeopardy that tho tenant had his furnituro removed.

A firo broke out oa Thursday night, 10th instant, in Messrs Reid and Co.'s etores in Queen street, and destroyed a large amount of proporty in that building and in tho ailjoiuing ono, occupied by Mr Gabriel Losvia. During the tire Superintendent Hughes had a narrow escapo from being killed or maimed by a falling wall. Tho buildings destroyed consisted of three long iron-roofe_l, gable-ended, two-story stores, bounded to tho south and north by piif sagos 16ft. in width, und on tho northern side by Messrs Stone Bros.' yard, in which groat etacks of Hobart rails tower up to some 40 feet. These threo storoa connect with the Queen-streot buildings, in the caso of Messrs Roid and Go's two stores by a wooden bridge, ahd Mr Lewis's on tho level. It appears that Mr James Strong, troyed. The lo^soa are : —On buildings, the northern storo, belonging to Mr Green away, insured in tho Imporial ollico ; tho southern building, insurance unknown. Contents of former building, insured in the , United for £1,000 and Norwich Union for ' £2,000 ; contents of latter iv the Victoria i Office for £950, and In Norwich Union for £550.

About 1.30 o'clock on Tuesday morning, March 15, tho extensive brewing estab lishment of Mr Ehrenfried, in Mackay streot, Thames, wa. observed to be in flames, which bad a very firm hold of tho building beforo 'they were noticed. Con- stablo Bern, who wua in Mary-street at tho timo of tho outbreak, states that he ob served the flames suddenly burst forth from tho coiling, aa though the lira had been burning fiercely about the centre of tho upper story for some timo. He immediately rushed to the placo, and saw two or thioe others about, who soon broke open thedoors and obtained admission. By this time nearly tho wholo of the top storey had boon consumed, while the flames, which were burning very fiercely, spread with great rapidity to the office and turret. The tanks and vut fell from here with o terrific crash, and for a moment the firetnon had to retreat. By strenuous oxortion the Brigade prevented the fire from spreading to the brick building ot tho rear, in which is erected somo of the most valuablo machinery, but otherwise the whole placo was destroyed. The iron safe, containing tho money, books, and other valuable docu ments, was saved. The building in which tho spirits are stored ia somo 20ft. from tho brewery, and was not the least damaged, whilo the horsea wero safely removed from the stables. A competent person esti mates that the damage sustained by the gro will be about £?,00Q.

About seven pm. on Jth inst, persons in tho vicinity of the Queon-street Whnvf woro alarmed by an oppressive atmosphere, tho air being thick with smoke. Suridonly from behind tho Waitemata Hotel a lurid glare appeared to shoot upwards, and it became evident that an extensive firo was raging in that vicinity. It was evidently located in a ono storey building of galvanised iron situated between Mr Heather's warehoues in Customs-street and hia bonded stores at the back. The flames were flashing upwards through the roof with gre. t fierceness, and the surrounding property was seriously threatened. Superin teridgqt Hughes aud tho Fire Brigade, with the most' pommendable promptitude, got several leads of hosp to play on tho fire, two leads being laid on frofi) tho Albert-street hydrant and Custom streets hydrant, and another lead from a firo plug st the Waitemata corner. The fire, however, was boldly fought, and at about eight o'clock it was woll in hand. Half-an-hour later all danger of its spreading wos at an end, and a well directed water supply poon afterwards brought the con teat to a safe termination. Tbo shed where the firo wae fii*sii ofc^eri/sd, with ita contents, was of course totally destroyed, anu tho loss in this instance is estimated at ftetwepp £J,500 and £2,000. In addition to thfs," con. siderable damage was dpno to perishable goods by smoke and water, but it is impos sible to estimate the exact extent at present. Tho origin of the fire is a mystery. The damage is pstjijiated at from £3,000 to £4,000. On Sunday, Feb. S7, a fire broke out in the four-roomed cottage of Mr Patrick Brady, a labourer residing in Sussex-street. He. states that about 6.30 p.m. Mb wife and family went out to church, leaving him

alone in his house. Shortly afterwards he wont out, locking the front door and taking the key with him. When he left every thing appeared all right, there being only a small fire on the hearth in the back kitchen. He did not leave any light burning, neither had he been smoking. He went a ahortdis tancoupthe road to tho house of Mr Thomas Lauder, where he stayed talking until he heard some boys shouting "Fire," and on looking down tho road ho Baw fire coming out of tho roof of hia houee near the chimney. Ho then ran do«n and opened tho front door of his house, when he was met by a rush of smoke and flame, and he was oniy able to save a sewing machine. The flames quickly spread lo tho adjoining houses, and as there was no water supply in thedistrict, notwithstanding the efforts of the Salvage Corps and the neighbours, the firosteadilyprogressedboth up and down tho street until six houses wero completely destroyed, and a seventh gutted. Above Brady's tbe firo quickly travelled to the houso* of Messrs Sheppherd, Nicholaa, l.ayll-., and Hanks. Fortunately some space intervened between the last house and that occupied by Mr Hauka and his family. After a hard struggle the houso was saved, and the Salvage Corps and were freo to turn their attention to the other end of the block.

About fivo minutes beforo two o'clock on Sunday, March G, a firo broke out in Panama House, Lower Symonds street, adjoinlug St. Andrew's School - room. Tho Kyber Pass contingent of (he Fire Brigade arrived in very good timo, being shortly followed by the Hook and Ladder Brigade. The main efforts of the firemen wero directed by Mr Hughes towards saving St. Andrew's Schoolroom and Ovorn Lodge, which had both ignited. At ono time it appeared as if nothing could prevent total destruc tion of the latter building. Tho roof was ono mass of flamo and tho boat was iutonso. ti-idders woro placod at the windows, and the firemen commenced tho fight from tho inside of tho houso. Having subduod it on furthest from Panama House, he next the mou.ited tho charred ridge-pole and poured a stream of wator down the sido nearest the fire. At tho same time a third stream of water waa poured on tho sido of the houso. Tho struggle waa a desperato one, as the housea burned fiercely, and tho heat was great ; still tho firemen plucklly facod the ilames, and at length succeeded in obtaining the mastery. Overn Lodgo was saved, and thon I ho threo streams of water wero turned on to all that remained of Panama Houso. As there was only a few feet botweon Panama House and Overn Lodge, tho excellent work performed by the Firo Brigado may easily be estimated. In this instanco the origin of the fire appeared to havo been purely accidental. Shortly beforo midnight on 20th instant, Constable Kowles, who was on duty on the Wharf beat, diecovored that a firo had broken out in Messrs Ehrenfriod Bro., wine and spirit merchants ond bottlers, Quoon-street. The store, which adjoins Palmerston Buildings, Queen - street, is two storeys high. It is built of brick, with a slate roof Tho upper floor was used for tho storage of wines, spirits, bottled beer and stout, cigars, etc., the ground floor as a bottling department, and also for storago,whiloin a collar below.lhere was a quantity of machinery, On the Queen-street frontage, on cither sido of the entrance to the store, wero two shops—one occupied by Mossrs Mennie and Doy, whole sale biscuit manufacturers, and the other by Mr Bichardß, bootmaker. The Brigade at tacked tho fire both from Queen-street and Littlo Quocn Btreot, and aftor a sovore struggle they weio rowarded by seeing a diminution in tho volumo of tho llainos. In tho lloor of tho upper storey thore ia a "well"—a large trap designed to light tho lowor floor. Tills, at first, waa a great sourco of danger as by it tho flames found access to the good. on tlio grouud floor. Subsequently, how evor, ita oxistonco wus a!vanlageou3, for Superintendent Hughes connected tho tiro floors through this opening by moan, of a laddor, and eoou had the bravo dromon attacking tho firo in the contro as well as tho two ends. In half an huur after the outbreak, all danger of It spreading had disippeaiod, and by one o'clock the flames woro •ompletely sub dued The building was insured by Messrs Fhrenfri-d in tho United Ollico for £2,000, and tho stock in the London and Lanca shire for £3,000. Thero wai also a policy of £500 on tho machinery and plant. Mr Ehrenfried statos that ho ia unablo to throw any light un tho origin of tho firo, but believes tho in.-urance will cover the damage. A tremendoura (ire took placo at Gisborne on Monday, March 0. and tho premises of tho following were totally do stroyed .-—Albion (Club) Hotel; Berry, Daniel, and Company, finance and insur anco brokere, Gladstone Road ; tho Union Steamship Company's ollico ; Major Wcst tupp's olliee; the Loan and Morcantile Company's now building in Gladstone road, and Clark, butcher ; McHornon, watch maker : Coffee, b.iot-makor ; Clarke, but cher ; Soarle, tailor; Miller, hairdresser; Good, watchmaker ; ned Adams, stationer. Tho firo broko out in tho stables of the Albion Hotel, and spread to tho hotel and tho shops adjoining ns far as that of Adams's, booksollor. Tho buildings on tho opposite sido caught, but woro speedily put out. It is estimated tho damage will be £30,000 Tho only accident was to ono of Adair's bands, who foil through tho sky light, a depth of 30 feet. No bones wero broken, but ho was much cut. By noon tho firo had burned itself out. Wheu sufficient time has elapaod to allow of tho full details of the losses beinL' obtained, the total amount will como up to an alarming figure In tie Loan Company'sstoros were scored 4,000 sacks of grasa seed, a number of bales of wool, and over a thousand pounda worth of general merchandi-e. The Com pany's loss ia estimated at over £10,000. Berry Daniels and Co estimate (heir loss over insurances at £300. Good, tho jeweller, is insured for £500, and will lose, through damage by removal, £400. Nasymith's bui'diugs wero insured for £900, aud tho estimated loss over insurance is £500 on the building and £1,0.0 on tho stock. Mr McLonnan, ths jewollor's, strong room was oponed, and the valuable contents h«ve fortunately suffered no injury. Another fire broko out the s.me day at eleven p.m , and destroyoi Stevenson's stables, and Winter and Hay's Chambors. Thißfiro was got under at midnight.

COALMINING.

Wis are glad to learn that the Whangarei Coal Company have struck a now and valuablo seam of coal, which is expected to provo more valuable both aa a household aud steam coal than hitherto gotlrom their mines. For somo time back a drive has been pushed on in the direction of land hitherto untouched, and the result is the striking of a fine seam of coal from 10 to 12 foot thick. Thiß can bo easily worked, and will provo of great valuo. Mr T. P. Moody, manager, mot the whole of tho Bay of Islands Coal Co.'s em ployes in front of tho manogor's office on February 27, aB previously arranged, and intimated that he had a very unpleasant task to perform. 110 was only the mouthpiece of the directors, and hia orde'B were to reduce expenses, as the mines wero not paying. Of course tho mon could please themeelves re garding the acceptance of a goneral re duction, but it waa tho intention of the Company to close the mine unless opera tions could be carried on with profit to tho shareholders. Tho following aro somo of the reductions :- Engineers, per day, Qa ; engine drivers from (ia fld to 0s; coal getters, 6d per ton (or aver ago la 3d por day); youths (drivers, etc.) in minea, from 5a to 4a 6d ; surface hauda generally, all round, about ton per cent, reduction. Tho men "struck" against these terms, but after a few days an amicable arrangement was come to, and thoy resumed work.

Miranda Coal and Iron Company

The annual meeting of shareholders of the above Company waa heid at the offlce of Mr Joacph Barber, Victoria Arcade, on Monday, February 28, Mr R. C. Barßtow preaiding. The reports of the directors and mine manager were read. They reported that the preliminaries tor working tho mine had all been provided. The coal so far had proved hard and clean, and likely to make a good percentage of large coal. The'manager expressed a hope that in a few wpeka he would have coal ready for tha market, and saw no reason why the mine should not turn out a great success. The question of ventilation would have to be dealt with forthwith. __..., The balance-sheet showed:—Capital and lia bilities : To capital, less arrears of call, £11,733 7s 6d ; calls paid in advance, £31 os.; debt and liabilities, including loan and mortgage, £1,300, and National Bank, £i>,488 9a lid—£ll,Bos 9s; total, £26,660-Is 6d. Proporty and assets:— By property, machinery, steamer, and barges, pit shaft, construction of canal, wharf, and cranes; elc, £8783 8s sd. New Zealand Railway oh apcou'nt fqr siding, £803 17a. Expenditure, during development' including £117§ 15.3/ id, interest on mortgages, £173 3b 2d ; engineering, J. 473 2s 2d; salaries, £|33 18a 6d; intereat and discount, Including bank interest, £33_> 10s Id—£3lß6, 4b Id. Debt owing to oompany, £50: suspense account, £3T 16aId; cash balance in hand, £19 3a 8d; total, £20,660 Is 66,-The directors also stated that the money on hand had been expended and that further calls would be necessary. • Tho report was adopted, and the retiring dlreoors, Messrs Baratow, S. Jagger, J. Blaok, and D. Fallon, wero re-elected.

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

A little boy named Austen was drowned at Oamaru several days ago while trying to recover a girl's hat from the river.

William Watkins, aged 20, has died i.t Dunedin from eating mushrooms. His com panion was also ill from the same cause.

A young man named Fellows waa drowned at Collingwood, in Nelson district, on Mon day. In crossing the River Taniwha he foil from his horse and Bank.

The body of Mr James Simpson, iron monger, Cambridge, who had been missing since Sunday week, was found on 22nd inst, in the Waikato river by a search party.

Tho body of a man named Pryor was found in tho Avon, at Christchurch, on Saturday, March 5. The deceased was a widower, and has lately been working up country.

It has leaked out that an Occident oc curred lately at the Manawatu Railway Station, an engine running into and smash ing several trucks. The damage is said to amount to £150.

Two boys, named David George Cox and George Perry aged respectively 14 and 10 years, were drowned at Mauku at 10 a.m. on Sunday, 20th inst., while bathing in a creek. The boys' parents reside at Mauku.

On February 24 Thos. Fawcett, gardener and ploughman to the Messrs Gardner, Komokoriki, was accidentally killed by a horae, which he was trying to catch. Deceased was 48 yeara of age, and a native of Lancashire.

Jonas Fosdick, a well-known oabman, died in tho Hospital on 10th inst. from injuries sustained in a carriage accident. He was driving Borne sailors and marines to Onehunga about a mouth ago, when the accident in question happened. Fosdick leaves a wifo and several children. An inquest will probably bo held by Dr, Philaon to-morrow.

On February 28 a landslip buried a hut near Greymouth, killing a dog instantly, and jamming an old man named Jacob Brabwell in tho firoplace, in which thero was a big fire at the time. Fortunately ho was discovered by the neighbours in time to rescue him from a frightful death, but not before he was badly burned from the ankle to the thigh. A little girl namod Judd broke her arm at tho Hutt School, Wellington, on Thursday, March 10, in a rather unusual, way. Since tho exooution of the Great Barrier murderers the children have,been playing at "Caffrey and Perm," by stand ing on a ptump and reoching up to the branch of a tree, and then letting them selves drop tho full length of their arms. Whilo Judd was doing this her hands slipped, and she fell to tho ground, break ing hor arm. The work of forming the Kaihu Valley Railway has unfortunately been marked by a fatal occurence which took place at 2.30 p.m. on March 3. The accident took place on Dempsoy and Bohannar's contract near the flat mill, and the victim waa Edword Brown, who has beon a resident of Darga villo for many year j. It appears that the deceased, along with William and Jamea Bohaunar, was working at a deep cutting, Brown had hollowed out about two feet underneath the bank, when about 3 tons of earth fell, and he was dashed against a truck and crushod to death, never uttering aa much as a cry of alarm. A man galloped into Dargaville for Dr Norton, but medical aid was, of course, of no avail. Tho deceased man waa a nativo of Ireland, and leases a widow and two children.

An accident which onded fatally occurred on 22nd inst. at the usually quiot little station of Papakura. Mr Robert Hasher, the well known host of tho Globs Hotel, Papakuia, was the victim, having died from his in juria ut the Provinciol HDspitol next morn ing at 3 o'clock. It appears that tho unfortunate gentleman had joined the Waikato train at Drury with the object of reaching his Lome, and the train was just running into Papakura station at B.IS p.m., when he, thinking that it had stopped, proceeded to alight. The train was, however, still in motion, and this caused him to stumble aud fall between the platform and the train. An alarm waa immediately raised, aud the train brought to a sudden stop, when the unfor tunate man was found frightfully hurt, his legs being broken and crushod. Guard Beamish tolegruphed to Newmarket for Dr. McKellar to bo ia attendance, and Mr Usaher was taken into the guards' vun, tourniquets being applied to prevent iho unfortunate man bleeding to death. Dr. McKellar, when he joined the train ot Nowmarkot, found Mr Usaher conscious, but in a sad state. The flesh waa literally atripped from tho bonea, which woro ground to powder, and protruding here and there in a sickening manner. Constablo Howies having procured a brake, the wounded man was soon convoyed to the Hospital accompanied by Dr. McKellar and tho con stable. Amputation was made of both logs at tho Hospital, but Mr Ussher, although of a robust constitution, gradually fell into a "inking state from tbe great shock he had received, and died next morning, as already stated.

MERCANTILE.

At (he annual mooting of the Now Zealand Drug Company -Mr B. Siovowright presid ing—the directors' recommendation of a dividend of seven por cent, was adopted. Tho Chairman statod that the directors had considered the question of establishing boards of advice, or local boards, atgjthe branches, and had como to tho conclusion that it cou'd not bo carried out with advan tage. Messrs A. Felton and W. Elder were re-elected directors, and tho auditors were also ro-elocted.

Thames Gas Company.—Half-Yearly Meeting.

The half-yearly mooting of shareholders of the Thames Gas Company was held at Mr F. A. White's office, Qaeon-streot, on February 2S, Mr C. B. Stone presiding Tho Secretary, MrF. A. White, road the half-yearly balance - sheet, which showed-* the working account for the half year to 31st January, 1887. Dr. :To ctials and shale, £277 18a; Btokors' woges, £163 16s ; weor and tear, £88 0s 5d ; salaries, £225 - £754 14s 5d ; general expenses, £179 8s lOd ; balance for half year, £859 3a sd-£1,793 6b Bd. Cr: By gas, £1,646 16s 6d; residual pro ducts, £146 10s 2d-£1,793 6s Bd.—Profit and lobb account: To dividend, paid Sep tombor Sth, 1886, £74S 13a ; balance, £1,079 16a 3a-£1,82S 9s 3d. By balance, July Slat, £069 53 lOd ; ditto, to January 81, 1887, £559 3a 5d—£1,828 9a 3d. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of tbe balance-sheet, said it was very en courglng that the directors could pay the u.ual dividend in face of the bad times and many failures. The dividend would be payable on March 6t!i.—Mr Beck seconded tho motion, which was carried, and tho meeting separated with the customary com pliment to the Chairman.

Mercury Bay Timber Company-Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting of the shareholders was held ut the offica of the Company at 12 30 on Monday, March 7, Mr Thos. Peacock, M..H.R , in the cbair.

The report and balance sheet was sub mitted as follows :—The Directors regret having to report that the butiness of the Company for the half-year just ended has been carried on under very depressing cir cumatancea. Tbo prices ruling in the timber trado havo beon f-ut-h as to preclude the hope of profit, ond it will be sjeen by the ballance.i-heet there has t;eou a loss of £492 19s 8d for the half-year. Of this amount the sum of £335 is attributable to loss on two consignments to Australia during the previous half-year, but which had not been brought into account at the date of last meeting Your Directors havo curtailed expenditure to the utmost, but it will be readily under stood that diminished operations cannot bo carried on with the Bame degree of eco nomy as when the work is in full swing. The plant ie, however, in first rate ordor, and it is to be hoped that before long, prices will so improve as to load to more profitable bueineas being done.

Balance-sheet — Dr.: To capital —100,000 shares at £1 each, £100,000; 19.950 shares issued at £1 each-paid up 15a each, £37,185; bills pay able, £2,380 18a 3d; outstanding pay ordera, £139 7a 9d; sundry creditora. £18,113 Is 3d—£15,892 18s 3d; profit and loss account £16,891 6a lOd: total. £72 79! lis Id. Br.': "By forest, freehold, and leasehold mi)ls, trams, bopms, &c, less depreciation, £22,869 la 7d: stock- legs in booms and creeks, sawn and dressed timber ia yard, gooda in store &c, £39,993 19. 7d ; live stock, £180; offlce furniture, £30 ; sundry debtors, including con tractors' advances, £9,790 2s 9d; billß receivable and caßhon hand, £2297 a Id: tota', £72,792 lis Id. Profit and Loss Account (From 3lst July, 1886, till January, 1887).—To depreciation on mill, machinery, buildings, forest, tram, booms and wharf, £833 5s 6d; renewal and repairs, salaries, interest, discount, rates an 4 taxes insuianccs trado expenses, bad debts Written off etc.. £1,464 2s 2d: total £2287 fs 84. To bailee, £492 19a 8d; balance for ward, £16 891 6a lOd: total, £17 887 6s 6d, By gross profit on tlmberand stores, £1,663 3a Id i rents and transfer fees, £79 14b lOd; bad debt recovered. £51 93 lOd : balance, £492 19a 8d: Total, £2,287 7? Sd. By profit and loss, aa per 31st July, 1886, £17,517 10a 6d: lesa directors honorarium, £130 4s : Total. £17,387 6s 6d. By balance, £16,8916s lOd.

Messrs Buchanan and Campbell were re elected auditors.

THE GOVERNMENT LIFE AS SURANCE OFFICES.

Laying the Foundation Stone.

The above ceremony was performed on Tuesday afternoon, March 2, a few minutes after 4 o'clock. Notwithstanding the rain, which naturally damped tho proceedings, a large audience gathered to witness this customary rite. Shortly after four o'clock the Mayor, Mr Albert Devore, arrived, accompanied by Mr D. M. Luckie, Commissioner of the Department, • and Mr W. Speight, District Agent. Amongst those present were Messrs W. R. Waddel (Chairman of the Harbour Board), J. Lamb (Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), H. Wade (architect of tha building), Mr Philcox (the contractor), T. Peacock, M.H.R., J. M. Clark, F. Jeune, J. j Reid, F. L. Prime, J. Waymouth, W. Berry, A. Brock, J. McLaehlan, F. Lar- : kins, J. M. Shera, Dr. Purchaa, Dr. | Hooper, Rev. D. Bruce, W. Aitken, D. A. Tole, P. Doran, G. M. Reed, J. Lawson, H. Posaenniskie, G. Harper, Lodder, Gorrie, ' and Buddie. His Worship the Mayer | having made a few appropriate remarks, i Mr Wade, tbe architect, then stepped j forward and formally asked Mr Devore to . lay the stone. Upon that gentleman, ! signifying his willingness, Mr Wade pre- i Eented him with a handsome silver trowel, on the. face of which was inscribed! "Now Zealand Government Life Assurance > department foundation stone, laid March I, ISB7, by His Worship the Mayor, A. E. I T. Devore, Eaq."

The stone was then swung into position, and duly laid by the Mayor. The mallet was provided by Mr Speight, and was at handsome article made from mottled kauii

Mr Luckie expressed his regret that Sir Julius Vogel, the originator of tbe great and beneSeent scheme of which this after noon's proceedings was a small but signifi cant outcome, was not able to undertake tho duty which fell upon him to perform that day. Ho felt that he could form but a poor substitute in speaking of a subject in which for somo eighteen years Sir Julius Vogelhad taken an especial practical interest, and which he had done his best to improve aud extend. The Government Insurance Department was originated and established by him, and this yea^he had, as Ministerial head of the Department, had the satisfaction ot witnessing tbe very remarkable and, by comparison, the unparalleled success of the Deportment as reported by the London actuaries who were specially appointed to make the valuation as at the end of 1885. That valuation showed, as had already been notified, a cash surplus of profits of £245,315, of which the actuaries recommended the distribution of £150,000, to be divided

among tbe policy-holders. Ho then sketched the rise and progress of the Society and the various Acts relating to it. Mr Luckiej concluded by hoping that the luturo of the Auckland Branch would prove the Euccess that it was hoped by the De partment, it would be when they decided to erect the proposed offices. Mr Luckie then sat down amidst applause. The* Mayor briefly thanked those present for being in attendance, and echoed the hope expressed by Mr Luckie. The proceedings then terminated.

The new offlceß when completed will have cost about £3600. They will comprise three stories and a basement, the latter being well lighted and drained. On the ground floor will be located the insurance department with the necessary strong rooms at the end of the corridor. The public offlce ia to be 25 x 27, and the manager'a room 17 x 11. There will also be a stationery room seven feet square, medical office and waiting room, and also a back offlce 21-x 12. The department have wisely decided to substitute the wood lining with Blakie's fire proof plaster, thua giving a lift to a local patent. The front of the offlce will be stucco, with fluted flat Corinthian columns, the whole etyle of the building being what is designated modern Italian. The front windows will be of plate glass, and on tho pediment will be placed in block letters the following inscription— "New Zealand Government Life ABBurance Asaociatlon." There are two main entrances one leading solely to the departmental offices, while a second affords access by

a lons corridor to the strong-room and tho offices into which the upper flats will he divided. A side entrance has also been provided from the lane. Special attention has been directed to the ventilation of the lavatories and offices. The .flrßt floor Is divided into soven offices, and it has also been decided to convert the second floor into offices, although this was not originally in tended. A two-story brick building, to correapond with this one, will also be erected in the yard at the rear, and will be of such a description as to lit it for uae as a warehouse. It was at first intended that Sir Julius Vogel Bhould have performed the ceremony o£ laying the stone, but pressing Government matters prevented him from being in attendance,

The New Zealand Wonderland.

NEW TERRACES DISCOVERED.

Rotorua, March 3. Throuoh the dark clouds which have Bince the eruption Qverßhsdowed this district a ray of Bunßhine has at length found its way. A white terrace has been discovered,

which, although not ao exquisitely grand as tbe old ono, will, I thinU, in oourse of timo become very beautiful, and be the cause of a new and increased rueh of tourists. In csae exoggerated reports shou'd reach the press, I hasten to wire you a brief report of the discovery and a few of the Balient features of tho locality. I will send you a fuller report by mail. The locale is the Waiotapu Valley. Although only Borne IS miloa from Rotorua, yet it is a place seldom traversed by the foot of the ordinary traveller, in consequence of which you can enjoy with more than ordinary pleasure the beautiful scenery. The valley is about 6 miles in length and 1 in width. It commences somewhere about the Nga hewa Lake, and runs down between Maungaonga and Maungakakaramea, until it opens out into the Paeroa swamp. Through this valley Mr Blythe, the Go vernment Surveyor, is at present en gaged in surveying a trial line, and to him I am indebted for the first knowledge of the existence of this new wonder. Of course the terrace itself has been known to exist, but we were unaware of its present con dition until Mr Blythe came across it in the course of hia work. Leaving the survey camp at the base of the Kakarama Moun tain,we pass on loot down the valley south wards. En route we pass and stop to admire lakes and lakelets of every size, shape and colour, ihe exquisitely blue in close proximity to the most loygly green, and again dark brown, and yet again bright yollow. But if the lakes aro lovely, their surroundings are much more so. The old, time-worn expression holds good in this respect—" My _ pen refuses to obey the dictates of my mind." In somo cases the lakes have as a back ground high cliffs, the faceß of which are, owine to the action of sulphur, by which they are impregnated, so transformed that they appear as if composed of ' all the colours of the rainbow. This feature is all the more striking when, in the esrly morning, innumerable steam jets can be seen issuing from the face of the cliffs, making them appear as if all on fire. Other features are there also, namely, bubbling ponda, horrible boiling mud boles, small geysers, hot creeks, and all the other phases of volcanic life". C oiids of vapour rise continually on every side, and aa you get well down into the valley strange hisaings, bubblings and gurglings disturb tho ear perpetually. Two and a half miles from Mr Blytlje'g camp are situated the terraces, fof th'eye are really two, although 1 havo not as yet bad time to inspegt the seooud one. The one I visited the natives called Ko-Kotore-Kaera mua, the meaning of which I have not yet been able to ascertain. As far as 1 could roughly guess, this unpronounce able terrace is some sixty feet in width at tho top, and at the bottom has a curved sweep of about a hundred yards. In general shape, it somewhat resembles the old terrace, hut the height >s wanting; that will come as the structure makes. The glittering fretwork is not there, but that is also a thing of tho future. It does not possess the lovely coral-lipped basins, but they will, I think, be not long in making their appearance. In this respect, Nature might be assisted by tt_6 handwork of men. It appeared on the day I saw it of a dirty grey colour, but I am informed that when the lakelet on tho top overflows it washes tho terrace and makes it of a lovely white, as of old. A stream of hot water is constantly flqwing ovpr it. At qne side of the lakelet an the top there is a bright, yellow pool tinged slightly with green around the edges, owing to its contact, I suppose, with tho blue water of the top basin. At the baso of the terrace there ia a similar pool set in somewhat similar surroundings. Both pools looked exquisitely pretty in contrast with the blue water a_ tho sun shone brightly down uf on them.

Old Mr Maurice Kelly, of the Wade, voted the other day at the licensing eleo tions, at the age of 102 years ten weeks. The old man was very frail, and declared that it would be the last vote he would record in this world. He was so ill aftsr wardi that his life was despaired o\. Although of such an extreme age, _jr Kelly preserves alibis facultieq.anti pan rein*.li.her events which occurred'when he was a boy,

CRIMES AND SUICIDES.

At Chrißtchurch on 18th inßt. John Morris Willock was committed for trial for forging a cheque on the Bank of New Zealand for £145. He it. an educated man, and said to be well connected, but brought down by drink.

r A young man namad William Ayres com mitted suicide on 18th inst. by taking a quantity of " Rough on Rats " in a brothel in Grey-street. The inmates of tlio house did not send for assistance for several hours, and the young fellow died at the Hos pital about twelve hours after taking the poison. The coroners' jury found that he had poisoned himself in a fit of temporary insanity. Thos J. Brady committed suicide at Onehunga on Tuesday afternoon, Bth instant, by taking strychnine. "Dr." Brady, as he was known to many persons in Auckland and Onehunga, arrived hero by the Rotomahana from Sydney about the middle of January, representing himself to be a doctor of medicine but travelling as special correspondent of the Sydney "Morning Herald" to write a series of letters on New Zealand. Upon that re presentation he obtained admission to see the execution of Caffrey and Perm, and in troduced himself to a large number of prominent citizens. No letters, however, havo appeared in the Sydney "Morning Herald" from his pen, and it will be seen from a letter found on the body that he had no credentials ts entitlo him to uso the name of that journal. The doctor of medicine would also appear to have been a little fiction. Dr. Erson gives it as his opinion that Brady died from asphyxia, resulting from rigidity of throat muscles, caused by poisoning by strychnine. No money was found on deceased, but letters ad dressed to Dr. Walker, Detective Walker, Mr O'Meagher, and Superintendent Thomson were in bis pockets, as also a blank cheque and a receipt for a registered letter to his wife in Sydney. All these letters contained expressions of tho inten tion to commit suicide, and stated that he was driven wrong in his mind owing to domestic troubles, and wound up by beg ging that his body "should not be cut open," and that his soul might be prayed for. At the inquest, the medical evi dence showed that the cardie end of the stomach was congested largely through tbe action of some irritant. Was of opinion, taking the ante-mortem symptoms and the post mortem evidence into consider ation, that death was causod by deceased having taken some narcotic irritant poison, most probably strychnine. The jury brought in a verdict '* That deceased met hia death by strychnine, but how or by whom administered there ia bo evidence to show." A rider attached exonerated all persons connected with the deceased from blame.

PRESENTATIONS.

Mr John Ross, tbe popular resident partner and local manager of the firm oi Sargood and Co., warehousemen, waa a passenger on 17th inst., along with his wife and family, by the s.s. Wairarapa for Dunedin, where he proceeds to under take the management of the firm's business in that city. Although Mr Ross's sojourn in Auckland has only extended over a few years, it ha« proved quite sufficient both for bim and Mra Ross to endear themselves to a very wide circle of friends, and their departure not only leaves a gap not easily filled, but has produced a feeling of deep and genuine re gret. Both lady and gentleman have been noted for warm hearted hospitality, unostentatious benevolence, and public spirit, while if Mr Ross has studiously kept aloof from political entanglements, he has also consistently displayed at the meetinga of the Chamber of Commerce a real interest in and concern for the wel fare and prosperity of the City of Auckland. The general sentiment with regard to Mr and Mis Ross's departure found exprossion yesterday iv two separate and independent presentations of a valedictory oharacter. One of them was of a Bemi-public nature, and took plaoe at the Auckland Club ; the other was confined to the local employes of Sargood, Eweu, and Co., and took place at the warehouse of the firm in Victoria-st, Both presentations were made on 16th March.. That at the Auckland Club assumed the form of a silver salver, purchased through Mr James Howden, and engraved at the Star Office with the following inscription:—"Presented to John Ross, Esq., by hia friends on the occasion of his departure from Auokland for Dunedin. March Kith, 1887." It was a chaste and tasteful specimen of the silver smith's art. At the time fixed for the ceremonial, which was held in the Club, the Strangers* Room was filled with representa tives of the leading mercantile houses

The presentation from the employ_s took the form of a shield of portraits, that of Mr Ross himself occupying the central position, flanked by the photographs of Messrs Fin layson and Collier. The design was exe cuted by Mr C. Palmer, the photographing by Mr Hanna, and the framing by Mr Seuffert.

A beautiful inlaid cabinet of tbe choicest sort of New Zealand timbers has been made to the order of the congregation of St. Bride's church, Mauku, and was presented to their respected minister, the Rev. C. Cockayne-Frith, at a garden party last month, about 120 persons being present, on the occasion of his leaving for England. Mr Crispe, in making the presentation, read an address of a complimentary character, signed by 66 friends. The Rev. Mr Frith, who was very much affected, suitably replied, expressing great regret at leaving such kind friends.: The cabinet, which has been greatly admired, was made by Mr \A . Norrie, of Shortland, street, and 13 »uw on view at his premises,

Beet Sugar Industry, etc.

A deputation of the members of the Executive of the Auckland Industrial Association also waited on Mr Ballance regarding the heat sugar industry and other matters. The deputation consisted of Mr G. Fraser (President), Messrs J. A. Pond, J. Brame, A. Bell, and W. Lodder. Mr W. A. Graham,-Mayor of Hamilton, waa also present by ' request of the deputation, on the ground that he had always taken a deep interest, in the foster ing of the beet sugar industry. A lengthy conversation took place on the matter of beet culture, after whielj, the following document was handed to Mr Ballance oouveylng the wishes of the Association :— " That the Government be asked to aid as far as possible in the establishment of the beet sugar industry in this colony. That in the event of a company being formed for the purpose of erecting a plan); to make raw or refuted sugar from beet i*oots, that the Government be asked to, contribute £1 for £1 subscribed by such company, on con dition that such contributions shall not ex ceed £2,01)0, and that the sum so contributed shall be chargeable against the bonus offered by act of Parliament for the manu facture of the first 1,000 tons oi beet sug-^r nrodu(ied, providing tbe Com pany succeed in manufacturing this amount, It was incidentally stated that tbe bonus is Jd per lb, amounting to £4,660 on 1,000 tons. Mr Ballance, in reply, said he regarded this request of the deputation as the most reasonafile that had yet been brought before the Government in regard to any matter oi local industry, and promised to rocdmmend the favourable con sideration of the matter to his colleagues. He would like, however, to be assured of the probabilities of the £2,000 capital being raised by local contributors. Mr Pond re plied that there was reason to believe thatnot more than £3,000 in all would bo required, and he was personally in a position to guarantee the full £2000, should it be required. Mr A. Bell then introduced tbe matter of starch and cornflour manufacture, and gave some valuable information regard ing the possibility of thoEB commodities being made in the colony, especially in the South Island, superior tp. the imported arti cles and probably at ho higher cost to the consumer, and requiring a very large amount of labour in their production. The matter of manufacture of women's and child dren's underclothing was also brought under the notice of the Minister. Mr Bell stated that the imports in this class of goods alone was equal to the employment of no less than 500 hands, and that the material could ho imported at a price to give superior articles at present rates. In roply to theso matters Mr Ballance stated that in all probability a sessional com mission would be appointed to take evi dence from all parts of the colony in refer ence to all such matters as the kindred associations oi tbe colony would desire to bring before ths Government. . Mr Brame strongly urged that prohibitive tariffs ! should be placed on imported fruit pulp, in. reply to which Mr Ballance expressed the etrongeat sympathy with the proposal. The deputation then withdrew.

RELIGIOUS.

The Rev. James Chew, the newly-elected pa. tor of Beresford-street Congregational Church, arrived by the R.M.S. Mariposa yesterday from San Francisco. He was accompanied by his wife and three daugh ters. A deputation of deacons and other members of the church were in attendance to welcome the new pastor. In the evening he attended at the prayer meeting, and was introduced to various members of bis con gregation. On Monday, March 1, the tenth annual meeting of this Association was held at the Sfoung Men's Christian Association Rooms, Wellealey-street. The annual report and balance-sheet, unanimously adopted. Young Men's Christian Association. The annual meeting of the above Asso ciation was held in the new building at the oorner of Wellesley and Albert streete, on Friday, 11th March. There was a very good attendance of mem bers, Mr J. L. Wilson being in the chair. The report also dealt with the reading room, the library, the lecture hall, classes and other attractive features pf the AsßOciation as part of the w.rk in the new building, and urged upon the members energetic effort- to draw young men within its influence. The pre sent number of members was 174, and of subscribers 33d. The report wound np Mr Callander, hon. treasurer, then read the balance-sheet, as follows:— B llanoe sheet fob the Year Ended 28th Feb , 1887.—Dr.—Balance per last statement, £32 16s 2d ; eubaorlr.tlors, £236 3a 53.; leotures, £11 16a 6d; rents of shops, halls, etc.. £018 a; Roto rua Relief Find, £23 3a 61; sundries. £9 3s lOd; balance. £112 165 lid : total. £517 8s Bd. Cr.—Salaries and wages, £213 16s lOd ; taxes, ineuranoe. gas, and water, £98 8a 7d: printing and advertising. £37 0s 7d; leotures, £1518s Id; re H'llng-room and library, £55 7s 9d ; Rotorua Relict Fund, £23 3i 6d ; Interest, £50 6s Id; sun dries. £52175: total. £M* 8a 8(1.

Builuino Fund at February 28th, 1887.— Dr.—Balance from last statement. £218 Is Id: donations, eta, £1.121 2e 8d; gross receipts at various meetings, £137 Is -d ; special mission, Mr Langley, £43 8a Sd; Bundr.ee, £21 Ss Id; loan, Auckland Savings Bank. £5,000; balance. £616 12s Id: total. £7,172 lis Sd. Cr.-Contractors, .86,350; architect. £50; fur nishings, £52616s 7d; temporary premises, £208 ss; expenses ot various meetings £9118s Id; ex penses of special mission. £67 Bs: Interest, £111 Is lid; Bundrles, £811 la 2d: total, £7.172 lis 9d

Mr Brackenrig, general secretary, then read the following balanoe-sheet respecting the eleventh year of the Sunday evening services:—

Balance-sheet for Year.—Dr.: Balance from laet year. £2 3a 2d; reoelved ln boxes at the door, £12712s lid; donations. £17; sale of organ, £13 lis Sd: total, £190 7s 7d. Cr.: Rent ot CXty Hall, £159; printing and advertising, £11 IBs 61; sundry expanses, £211 a 61; balance. £1316s 7d: total. £190 78 7d.

On the motion of Mr Buddie, seconded by Mr E. Bell, the Rev. J. S. Hill was re elected President for this year. The Vice- Presidents of last year were also un animously re-elected.

The following were elected members of the Executive Committee :—Messrs B. Bell, H. Edmlston, C, W. Hemery, DtZ Knight, W. C. W. McDowell, B.A, S. Parker, A. Thome,- J. Wadham, T. Whitelaw, E. Withy, W. Bridgewater, J. Lamb, J. Purdie, and J. Symthe.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A Chamber of Commerce is to be formed at Blenheim, Tenders for the new Custom house range from £15,000 to £16,000. Kaiapoi Glass Company is to be wound up bacsuße of the refusal of shareholders to pay calls. The 23rd session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 1.0.0. F., opened in the Star of Auckland Lodge's Hall on March 16.

Dr Wilkie, the new physician who is to have charge of Auckland Hospital, arrived from Sydney on 22nd inst. It is rumoured that an Auckland syndi cate has been formed to purchase the Henui Ironsahd Works, Taranaki.

Some carrier pigeons were recently liber ated in Maater ton, and reached Wellington, 69 miles distant, in 1 hour IS minutes.

Messrs Keyes Brothers have finished the building of tbe Woollen Factory at One hunga, which has been passed by the archi tect.

On dit that a gentleman intimately con nected with the projected Tauranga- Rotorua Railway, now that the extension of time has been granted, is about to pro ceed Home to fix matters up andlprevent any unnecessary loss of time.

Another line of steamers is promised be tween here and the old country. An Invercargill telegram states that Mr Dodson has arrived there by the s.s. TeAnauin connection with the proposed new line of steamers between London and New Zea land.

At the last meeting of the Committee of the New Zealand Industrial Association business of considerable importance was transacted. Additional arrangements were. made for "the forthcoming exhibition of ' local goods, which will be held "next May." Three hundred of Ngatimaniapoto natives, headed by Wahanui, have left to oppose the decision ot the Land Court at Taupo. The different hapua wilt mark out their boundaries, and an application has been sent to the Chief Judge for a rehearing, as they declare they have been cheated. Cider-making has been started on a large i scale in the Waikato. Mr Jarrett, tbe pro prietor of the cider mill at Cambridge West, has treated about eight tons of apples so far, and hopes to be able to turn a much larger quantity into cider before the season is out, ~,.-. - The following members of the Auckland polico force have been awarded long-service medals i — Sergeants ; Pratt, Bulford, Gamble, Clarke and Greene, Constables: Wm. Walker, Haddock, Clark, McLeod, Hobson, Hutchison, Coughlan, Hinton. Detectives; Doolanand Hughes. Rotorua railway works will soon bain active progress. Mr Daniel Fallon, the well known Auckland contractor, has re* ceived intimation from the Government that his- tender, £37,400, for the con struction of the Ngatira aection of that railway, has been accepted. The only other Auokland tenderers were Mr J. Briton and Messrs Larkins and O'Brien. The following are the new Justices of the Beaoe in Auckland district :—E. Day, Mer cury Bay; A.J. Allom. Thames; J. A. Caldwell, Kawakawa; J. A. Dobson, Te Aroha; C. Evans, Te Aral; O. Mays, Devonport; J. Roulston, Pukekobe; A. R. H. Livindlay, Coromandel;. J. H. Salmon, Russell; J. H. Taylor, Qhinemutu ; H, G. Wade, Auckland, The members of the German Club held a dinner on 22nd inst. in the Park Hotel for the j purpose ol celebrating the ninetieth anniversary of the birth of KJaizer William." There was an excellent spread, the viands being prepared in German style. A con gratulatory address artistically em blazoned and illuminated by Mr Berger, | senior, and signed by all the German residents of the city, was exhibited prior to being forwarded to the Emperor by mail. It waa also stated that a congratu latory cable had been sent yesterday. The German Consul, Mr Herman Brown, presided, and when dinner had been despatched be moved tbe toast of tha evening, "The health of the Emperor- William. Mr Seegner next proposed " Queen Victoria,", and Mr Luke "Count Yon Moltke and Prince Bis mark;" the last one moved being " Deutschland," by Herr Carl Schmitt, 'A pleasant evening was then spent oonvivally. During the time the H.M.S. Nelson was in Auckland tho Fleet Engineer, Mr Boyd, at tha ■* requo-i of Admiral Trjrco made certain suggea tiona to the Harbour Board regarding the machine tools that would be necessary to moke the dock ot service tor the reception of vessels of the Royal Navy. These suggestions were referred to Mr Errington, Dock Engineer. to report on, and at the Board meeting to-day Mr Errington's report was brought up. He stated that he considereoohat the machine tools recommended by Mr Boyd, Fleet Engineer of H.M.S. Nelson, would be in every way suitable tor vessels of the Royal Navy, yet as the dock would be used by other ocean-going vessels the class of heavy tools might bo modified. The cost approximately of the plant recommended by Mr Boyd was estimated at £8500, and the build&gof tho machine house and foundation would be -4-37(1 He recommended that tenders should he invited from English ' manufacturers. He forwarded) offer on subject from James Watt and Co. He. suggested that the Board should reconsider tha matter of extending the deen water wharf (gar 500 feet in, length) on the N.E. side of the entrance as shown on original plan, where a. ship could discharge her guns prior to being docked, and whloh could also be used tor com from a depot. Captain Colbeck, who left for England on I Tuesday March 8, was the night previous enter tained to dinner at the Auckland Club by a number of leading citizens. The Rev. D. Brace presided, and Mr Alfred Buckland filled the vice-chair. The banquet waa one that fully sus tained tho reputation of tho chef of the olub. After tho usual loyal toast were disposed of, the - Cha.rmanproposedthetoastoftheovening,'*The Health, Prosperity, and Speedy Return ot Capt, Cordial testimony waa borne to the public spirit which the guest has displayed as a colonist. If New Zealand had more of such, enterprising sett-era her prosperity would be • greatly advanced;. Captain Colbeok's opera tions in the Kaipara nave done very much to promote-settlement In .that promising dls trict. His services have also been at all times ; at the disposal of the public.: While represent ing Marsden constituency in parliament, le' warmly seconded every. movement having a» its object the openingup of the country and the.-. development of Its natural resources.- The; toast ot the guest having been, duly honoured,, the proposed tha health, and _ Buccciia ot Mr Alfred Colbevk. wbaacconiDaulea. his father to England. QUw* tow^lfe-WaST, The evening being spent in a very 55553 t manner, and couolu4lng with "AtUd __t__g"' Syne, and warn* wishes tor a prosperous. voyage. *sn^_,s^KTreturn.to,the. colony^

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1887.

5



Companies.

No. of I Shares.

I Paid-up Capital.

Amount per Share.

Paid-up per Share.

iLost JDiv'd, /-Per Annum.

Latest Market Quotations.

| Ann'l. Int. I at C'ntRato

Banks- New Zealand National Colonial INSORASCE— New Zealand National South British Standard .. Union Colonial Accident N.Z.L. & Jlcrcantile N.Z. Land Mortgage Nation al Mortgage. Gas— . „ 'I Auckland Gaa ..i Thames Gas.. ..| l'IMBKR— Unions, ana D. .. Auckland Timber..! New Zealand .aere'ry B'y Timber llciensvillo Timber: Shipftno— . Union Steam Ship..) N.Z. Shipping llevonport Ferry .. Coromandel Steam. Northern Steam .. COAL— _ , Bay of Islands Coal Taupiri MISCELLANEOUS— New Zealand Drug. Arch Hill Brick and Tile Auckland Fibro .. Northern Boot and Shoe 53. Z. Frozen Meat .. N.Z. Tobacco ..

100,000 I 200,000 100,000

100,000 200,000 ! loo.ooo ■ 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000

120.000 200,000 100,000

50,000 10,000

40,000 24,000 1(1,000 100,000 4,000

£ 1,000,000 350,000 400,000

200,000 100.000 128,000 75,000 100,000 50,000 2,000

814,245 100,000 100,000

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