REDUCING THE HONORARIUM.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— special reporter.)

Wellington, this day. 3 Our legislators were afforded an opportunity < last night of applying the principle of re. , trenchment to themselves, but they did not ; take very kindly to it. The whole night j was devoted to consideration of the ] second reading of the Parliamentary , Honorarium and Privileges Act Amend* menb Bill,which was moved by the Premier* His speech was a very practical one, and pointed out that the sense of the country would indicate the necessity for some such , reduction. The Bill provides that instead of receiving £200 for the session, members should be ]_jaid £150, and in case of a second session would receive £100 instead of 100 guineas. The payment to Legislative Councillors would be £100 instead of 200 guineas, and £50 for a second session. The majority of those who spoke declared themselves against the Bill, and arguments used why it should not bo passed were various. One contention was that the ten dency would be to destroy democracy, and only wealthy people could afford the time necessary to go into Parliament. It was also said that payment was not too large at present, and Mr Seddon even went so far as to attribute the prosperity of Vic toria to the liberal payment of members tnat prevailed there. Mr Moss held that it would be a better course to provide for local self-government, and then three Ministers would be sufficient, when they were relieved of local work, and 50 members would be ample under similar circumstances. Some members expressed the opinion that the re duction of the number of members alone would be sufficient retrenchment, but the Premier said Government also proposed to reduce the number of members of the House to 70. Amongst those whosupported the Bill were Messrs Samuel, Peacock, Buchanan, Eraser, Russell, Steward, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Withy, W. P. Reeves, Turnbull, Bruce, Newman, J. McKenzie, Marchant, Blake, Jones and Taipua (who declared his intention of opposing the reduction of native representation). Mr Peacock went so far as to say he would vote for a reduc tion to £100. Sir G. Grey and others thought the reduction should only apply to the present Parliament. The opponents of the Bill included Messrs Moss, Seddon, Sir J. Vogel, Messrs Buxton, Fish, Walker, Levestam, R. Reeves, Ward, Taiwhanga, and Pratt. An amendment was intro duced by Mr Seddon stating that, whilst the House admit that under the depressed state of the colonyit might be expedientthat thereshould bea reduction in the honorarium by 25per cent., yet it was unwise that legisla tion on the subject should be interfered with, and undesirable that the Bill should be proceeded with further this session. Tho Opposition resorted to tactics which they are now pursuing of stonewalling all Government bills, but Major Atkinson, who has resolutely set his face against this loss of time, would not consent to theadjournment of the debate, and gave tho House plainly to understand that they would have to sit till they concluded the debate. A division was taken shortly after one o'clock, and the second reading of the Bill was affirmed by 56 to 14. The following was the division list:— Ayes, 56. Allen McKenzie, J. Anderson Mills Atkinson Mitchelson Beetham Moat Blade Monk Bruce Newman Buchanan O'Callaghan Cadman O'Conor Carroll Ormond Cowan Peacock Dodson Pearson Feldwick Percival Eraser Rhodes Fulton Richardson, E. (Kai- Goldie apoi) Graham Russell Sir J. Hall Seymour Hamlin Smith Hobba Stewart (W.D.) Izard Taipua Jackson Taiwhanga Jones Tanner Joyce Taylor Lanco Thompson, R. Lawry Thompson, T. Macarthur Whyte Marchant Wilson McGregor Withy Noes, 14. Buxton Levestam Duncan Mackenzie, S. J'ish Reeves Fitchetb Reeves, W. P. Grimmond Seddon Guinness Walker Kerr Ward W. P. Reeves explained that he was pledged to a considerable reduction, and the amendment which he had voted for having been lost he now supported the Bill.

THE NEWTON CANING CASE.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE.

THE PREMIER PROTESTS AGAINST

CANING OF GIRLS.

SIR J. VOGEL INTENDS TO PROVIDE MRS SHEARD WITH MEANS TO PROSECUTE.

(by telegraph.— own reporter.)

Wellington, this day. AN interesting debate on the recent caning at Newton East School was raised yesterday afternoon by Sir Julius Vogel, who put the following question to the Minister of Education :—" What course has the Minister, of Education decided to take with regard to the case of flogging a girl at the school at Newton ?" The matter has aroused so much public interest that an abstract of discussion wdl be interesting to your readers. The Minister of Education said the Go vernment did not intend to take any further action in the matter. The charge had been formally and officially investigated by the Newton East School Committee, and they had acquitted the master. There had been no flogging, and the case had been greatly exaggerated. Themasterhimself caned nor flogged but ordered punishment to be inflicted, and only two slaps were dealt the child on each hand. If there had been anything in the nature of the flogging that called for more searching investigation, no doubt it would have been made. Sir Julius Vogel said he hoped the course of public opinion and the opinion of the members of the House would force the Go vernment to take some action in the matter. The defence made by the person who had ordered the flogging only made the matter worse. Sir Julius Vogel pro ceeded at some length to state the facta of the case as they appeared to him, and commented strongly ou the fact that the brother of the little girl had pre viously been dismissed from the school for non-payment of the fees in defiance of the law of free education. It was fair to assume that such practices went on for years before they were brought to the light of public opinion. It was therefore reasonable to sup pose thafc these were not the Arab cases of KTkfad in m -OueoL Sir Julius.Vogel proceeded to refer to the comprint made hjf Mr James Cook afc the meeting of the-

Committee of the scandalous way in which children were beaten in that school, and mentioned the fact that the Chairman had asked the press not to mention this com plaint. The press had very properly re fused to be muzzled, and this com plaint had also seen the light. They might be sure from this that _ the case in question was not a solitary instance of these illegal and unjust practices. Sir Julius proceeded to read a letter from Mr J. Graham relative to the family, and added that their story was a pitiable one. The poor woman had been left Avithout means of livelihood, and in a delicate state of health, and the poor child who was so unjustly beaten had the whole weight of the household duties on her shoulders, and knew the want of money in the home. It was, therefore, to her credit that she had kept this demand to herself. The speaker then read the letter from Dr. Lewis relativo to the child, and pro ceeded to say that to his mind it was a ter rible thing to allow a child personal chas tisement of any kind, even for offences of a much more serious character than this was shown to be. One of the greatest safe guards to young women when they were grown up was regard to the preservation of the sanctity of "their persons while they were children, and it was therefore a doubly wrong thing to punish and degrade a young girl by corporal punishment before a room ful of boys. We were thus educating the boys of the colony to join that coarse and brutal section of men who delight in beating their wives. He was surprised that this oc currence had been allowed to slumber, but was proud that ono member of the Commit tee (Mr Jeune) had marked his sense of disap proval at the decision arrived at so .strongly that he had resigned his seat on the Com mittee. In the intorests of the future women of Now Zealand, we should decide that no punishment of this kind should be inflicted on girls in our public schools, and popular feeling should bo aroused on the question. Sir Julius drew attention to the audacity with which the education system was being violated by tho imposition of quarterly fees. Was it a free system of education under which tho shameful occur rence could take place of one child being sent away from school for non-payment of this fee, and another put to tho humiliation of declaring before hor fellows tho poverty which prevented her from paying a sum which was illegally asked for ? ' He objectedto any distinction, which would be made by the inability of somo to pay, between poorer and wealthier children. If the House would do nothing in the matter, he had made up his mind that he would not allow inability in the matter of means to prevent the poor woman from prosecuting in this case. Mr W. P. Reeves said the matter was not so trilling as somo members appeared to ' think. Masters were not allowed to inflict ' corporal punishment, and it was a mistake that they should bo permitted to resort to , caning, under tho mistaken idea that caning _ was not flogging.

The Minister of Education, in reply to Sir Julius Vogol, said in tho mind of any sane and impartial man ho had made tlio case as plain as it was possible to make it. lie had stated on a former occasion that he dis approved of caning, and having said that he wished also to say that it was tho primary duty of the Education Board of Auckland to have mado inquiry if their interference was demanded. Tho Commit tee had made tho investigation, and had brought out facts which, in the ham's of such a superb champion of misrepresenta tion as his honourable friend, had been grossly exaggerated. Ho confessed that when ho read Dr. Lewis's first let!or ho camo to the conclusion that the child wa« beaten with undue severity, but the fact was that she was caned by a femalo teachor and not by tho master at all. Neither was she flogged, but sho was struck twice on each hand with the cane. At the inquiry, Dr. Lewis, in reply to a question, stated that what ho was astonished at was the reason for caning, and not at tho caning itneli. He also said ho certainly did not think a girl punished in this way was unduly punished. The speaker also quoted from Dr. Lewis'a subsequent evidence tho statement that tho only mark was a small weal caused by a split in tho end of tho cane. (Mr Reeves: Or by tho force of tho blow.) This, then, was the a.-sault which the hon. gentleman magnified into such proportions. He asked if it was any justification which tho hon. gentleman had given tho House. In a technical sense it was not right to demand a fee of any kind from a pupil, but he pointed to the largo number of school requisites supplied as consideration for it. All his own boys at tended State schools, and he had to find from 3s to 5s each every quarter for school necessaries. Speaking personally, he would bo glad if the Committee would undertake to provide these necessaries for one shilling a quarter. (Mr R. Reeves : Suppose they haven't got it?) Was it possible that in this colony there were persons who were not able to pay Is for 13 weeks ? (Yes, yes.) Tho letter of the doctor was unjustifiable and unwar rantable, and Sir Julius Vogel's statement had no justification whatever. Tho only way the House could interfere would be by the appointment of a Royal Commission, and he asked the House whether they thought it right to do so. Sir George Grey thought it should be laid down as a rule by the House that us far as they can prevent corporal punish ment inflicted on girls they would do so. He did not think a wrong punishment was 6uch a trivial matter as some believed, and he hoped the House on every occasion pos sible would protest against corporal punish ment on girls as an improper preceding. The Premier agreed with Sir Geoige Grey that the House on every occasion should protest against corporal punishment on girls and he even objected to it in tho case of boys. He thought when a master resorted to corporal punishment ho was not fit for his position. [Sir Julius Vogel applauded this sentiment.] The Government had carefully considered whether they could take any action, but the inquiry of tho Committee had resulted in such a way that they could not interfere. If, however, it was thought there had been a brutal out rago, and neither Committee nor Board interfered, the Government would investi gate the matter. If this corporal punish ment was not put down by Boards and Committees, he would ask the House to step in. The girl was really punished not because she had not brought the money, but because she had not asked her mother again for the money. He, however, looked on it as exceedingly wrong to punish girls and it showed incompetency ; even boys should not be punished in this way. If the practice of corporal punishment were per sisted in by schoolmasters, the House would have to step in. In reply to Mr Riohardson, the Premier said the practice' of charging fees was general. Mr Levestam was pleased that Sir Julius Vogel had brought the matter before the Houseand was surprised at the excuses made by the Minister of Education. Almostacrime had been committed in this case, and the Government should interfere if a teacher had no right to punish a child, and he had committed an unjustifiable assault. Mr Mills felt sure that the expression of opinion would have a good effect in check ing the punishment of girls, and would direct the attention of the Minister of Edu cation to the abuse of pen-and-ink contri butors, which was yielding a large revenue to some teachers. He also referred to the want of uniformity in the school books Sir JuliusVogel, in reply, said it mattered not whether the outrage was an untrue one or not; it was an outrage on the girl, and should not have been treated with the levity adopted by the Minister of Educa tion. Corporal punishment on girls should be discouraged in every way,

and was a stain on the education system of the colony. The Govern ment should set at rest this practice of charging quarterly lees either by pro viding means for these or pre venting a charge being made. He would see that Mrs Shcarddidnot want the means of instituting a prosecution if she wished to

do so.

WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

The session yesterday opened at half-past nine. Devotional exercises were led by the Rev. T. G. Carr. Present: All the minis ters and probationers attending the district meeting, also tho Home Missionaries, and Messrs F. L. Prime, T. McMaster, T. Buddie, G. Winstono, J. Edson, E. White, F. A. White, E. Rollerson, G. Goodwill, C. C Fleming, N. R. Cox, George Cliff, W. Thome, and Henare Tipene. The Secretary read the record of tho pre vious day's proceedings, which was duly

passed. SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE

FOB NEW ZEALAND.

The Chairman read a telegram from the Chairman of the Canterbury district meeting relative to the action of that district meeting in the matter of an independent legislative Conference for Now Zealand. He said that while obliged for the information the tele gram contained, ho deprecated anythinghke an unfair attempt to force the hand ot the General Conference. He thought that it those who desired separation could not obtain the object of their wish they should not refuse to bring forward and recommend proposals which would be for the common boo- of the Australasian Church. Iho fol lowing is the telegram :--" Canterbury dis trict meeting, by unanimous vote, agrees to recommend no legislative change except separation, and instructs chairman to wire other districts with a view to simultaneous action." . ~ _. The Secretary read the motion standing in his name, namely, " That in the opinion of this district meeting, it is undesirable that New Zealand should at present bo con stituted a separate and independent Con ference." J" speaking to the motion, he re marked that the General Conference, as at present constituted, gives to laymen equal powers with ministers. Every legislative decision was arrived at by ministers and laymen united in counsel. Ho would also point out the smnllnoss of our annual Con ferences, and the dangers of crude and incomplete legislation, if such indepen dence were granted. Then, as a separate Church, we should bo robbed of the prestige of numbers; and how great was tho ad vantage of affiliation. Suppose ft minister of any of the annual Conferences desired an exchange with somo other Conference, or such exchange became expedient on account of health, or other such circumstances, how sad it would be if such exchange could not be eil'eetod. Then our connexional funds are imperilled by separation— our super numerary and children's funds, and again our foreign missionary fund : he believed that tho interest in this fund was intensify ing. , . .. Tho Roy. J. S. Rishworth, in seconding tho motion, also alluded to tho fact that tho Now Zealand Conference was Hinall. He believed that in tho interests of discipline and doctrine, and in view of contingencies that might arise, separation wub undosir- Tho Roy. S. Lawry moved tho following amendment:--" That in viow of the fre quent requests from our various Church Courts we are of opinion that it is desirable that a separate and Holf-govoniing Confor enoe bo accorded to New Zealand, and that this bo our recommendation to the ensuing Conference." In speaking to this amendment, Mr Lawry deprecated the expressions of distrust made use of fry the previous spoakers in the matter of the different funds, and in tho matter of doctrinal and disciplinary matters. Tho advantages of federation ho believed to be mythical. It had been said that young men were likely to go too fast, but if they went in the right direction, tho faster they went tho bettor. Ho sub mitted that providing tho basis of union of the Methodist Churches were satis factory, the sooner Methodism became a united Church tho hotter. He considered that the voting of the quarterly meetings showed that our people wero in favour of

Mr Edson seconded the amendment moved by tho Rev. S. Lawry. Ho was as tonished at tho fears expressed by the secretary, lie considered that tho retro gression indicated by the Keeretary's motion was a reflection upon tho intelligence of our people. He pointed out certain features of the Sydney Conference proceedings to be deprecated ; and then tho oxpensea of these {-•eneral conferences were great. Again, if the Presbyterian and other churches were able to manage their own affairs, surely we ought to be able. The Key. J. A. Taylor desired to be as brief as possible. Speaking of the Sydney Conference, if it was responsible for any unfortunate action, all the more reason why their action should be supervised. Then, in tho matter of travelling to General Con ference, it was a great advantage to the men themselves in the enlarged experience obtained as well as the great advantages on the score of health. The expense was not heavy, spread over three years, and was only 4d per head of the members throughout New Zealand. The llev. J. Law stated his intention of voting for the motion. He had given much thought to the question, and from all he had hoard and read he was utterly opposed to Home Pule for the Now Zealand Methodist Church. During the debate not one point of advantage had been given to show why a change should be made. He trusted the motion would be carried. Mr T. Buddie remarked that those in favour of separation ought to furnish suffi cient reasons for the proposed change. He must confess that no disadvantages of tho present system had been pointed out. He was averse to hasty decisions. Mr Buddie concluded an able address by stating his intention ot voting for the motion so ably moved by the Secretary. Thorne, in speaking in favour of the amendment, observed that he was not ashamed of the New Zealand Conference. Ifc would compare very favourably with other Conferences. Our Conference had made suggestions which had been followed both by Australia and even England itself. He contended that we had arrived at a sufficient stage of maturity to enable us to stand alone. The Rev. C. H. Garland considered that too much stress ought not to bo placed upon the quarterly meeting votes. There was a great amount of ignorance upon the sub ject. In reply to the remarks the pre vious speaker, he would remind him of the parable of the prodigal son. He pleaded that the onus of showing the advantages of the change rested upon the advocates of such change. This had not been at tempted. ... The Rev. J. Dukes was of opinion that the meeting was under-estimating the im portance of the votes given in the quarterly meetings. The fact that 514 votes had been recorded in favour of separation, while only 98 were against it, was the best proof that the Methodist Church in New Zealand was ripe for it. Much had been said about the juvenility of our Conference, but the speaker claimed that if a man of forty years of age could not come to an intelligent decision, he never would be able ; and in the New Zealand Methodist Church forty-eight ministers were over forty years of age. From financial considerations, also,heurged that separation should take place. The Rev. H. R. Dewsbury, in supporting the amendment, would remind the meeting that, in many aggressive movements, such as

the admission of laymen to Conference, and the throwing open of the doors of c l °» te 'f e " c ? to the public, it was New Zealand that naa led the way. Some of these liberal measures had subsequently been adopted by tne English Conference. He combated some of the objections raised by former speakers. He saw no reason to fear for the integrity of the connexional funds. So far as bis ex perience went, tho people of Now Zealand were loyal to the principles of connoxional ism. Independent legislative functions were to be desired, as it was necessary to adapt our system to the exigencies of New Zealand Methodism. He was glad that the lay men were taking a prominent part in tne debate, as the question was one in whicn laymen were especially interested. It was desirable to make our Quarter Boards more thoroughly representative, to admit laymen to our Stationing Committees, ancl. to modify the intinerant system by extending the term of ministerial residence in a circuit. These reforms, he contended, could not be secured until New Zealand was constituted a separate and independent Conference. Mr Fleming considered that there was no reason why the funds should be endangered. An equitable arrangement might be made in the event of separation. He admitted that the subject was one of great impor tance, but there was not sufficient informa tion to hand to enable laymen to form on intelligent opinion upon the matter. He should vote for separation. Messrs G. Winstone, F. A. White, and Mr N. R. Cox addressed the meeting, the former in favour of separation, tho latter centlemen against it. The Rev. A. Reid expressed his conviction that the tendency of tho present day was in the direction, not only of the umhcation of the Church, but also of the human race and the Church ought unmistakably to load the way in this direction. He thought that tho reasons for the proposed severance had not been clearly expressed by those in favour of separation. . The Chairman at this stage stated that it was his mature conviction that severence from Australasia would not at present bo in the interests of New Zealand Methodism. ,___•!. After some remarks by the Secretary (who waived his right to reply on account of time) of an explanatory character, the vote was then taken, resulting in 36 for the motion—i.e., against separation—B for the amendment, and 1 neutral. The Secretary s motion was, therefore, carried by a largo majority. , The Rev. Samuel Lawry then moved a further amendment, '* That this district meeting recommends to Conference the separation of New Zealand from Australia, and its affiliation with the English Con ference." The amendment was lost on the voices. The Rev. J. A. Taylor was elect i as re presentative to the Wellington Conference. The meeting, rose at one o'clock.

EVENING SESSION.

After Hymn 360 was sung, Rev. J. A. Taylor offered prayer. __ Rev. J. S. Rishworth received permission to return to his circuit to-morrow (Thurs day) morning. Tho mooting then entered into considera tion of the report of the Native Affairs Committee, and the following resolutions were adopted :-(l) " That Roy. Mr Joughin bo appointed as Maori missionary to the Hokianga district, who shall be expected to devote part of his time to tho European work. Stipend, £150." (2) The proposed removal of the mission-house at Waima was left in the hands of the Mission Properties Committee. (3) "That native ministers receive as supplemental stipend allowance as under : Rev. Piripi Kakena, £20 ; Rev. Hon Te Kurei, £15 ; Rev. Wi Warena, £20; Rev. Hauraki Paul, who is expected to devote the whole of his time to mis sion work, £70, on condition that the natives of Kaipara contribute the same amount to the Home Mission Fund. ' (4) " That Rev. W. Gittos receive £20 as travelling allowances for north and south." (5) " That Mr George Stevenson be recom mended as Maori missionary for the natives of Waikato and Raglan, at a stipend of £150." HOME MISSION FOND. As no money has been received towards this fund from the Maoris, the following resolution was unanimously passed:—" That Mr Gittos be requested to visit the Maori circuits of Hokianga, Whangaroa, Raglan, and Kaipara, as soon after the District Meeting as possible, with a view to obtain their subscriptions to tho Home Mission Fund." Tho following estimates of income were passed for the year 1888. From circuits Auckland (Pitt-street), £200; Auckland (North Shore), £35; Auckland (Grafton Road), £90; Mahurangi, £10; Thames, £30 ; Upper Thames, £18 ; Manukau, £50; Franklin, £25 ; Cambridge, £15; Hamilton, £10 ; Te Awamutu, £10 ; Raglan (Maori), £10; Raglan (English), £2; Kaipara (Maori), £50 ; Paparoa, £16; Northern Wairoa, £10; Hokianga (Maori), £20 ; Hokianga (Eng glish), £3; Bay of Islands, £10; Whan garoi, £15; Tauranga, £8; Whangaroa, £5; Coromandel, £6; Helensville, £3; Wade, £2 10s * connexional property, £155; in terest on investments, £136. The following grants were recommended to the Conference : Paparoa circuit, £35; Northern Wairoa, £40; Bay of Islands, £40; distributed as follows, £20 for last three quarters of probationer, and £20 for first quarter of present minister; Mahu rangi circuit, £40 ; Tauranga, £40. It was resolved that Hamilton and Te Awamutu circuits be re-united and a pro bationer be sent to Te Awamutu, and that a grant of £50 be made from the Home Mission Fund to the united circuit. PARSONAGE GRANTS. North Shore, £40 ; Upper Thames, £40 Furniture: Upper Thames, £20; Tau ranga, £20, if obligations are accepted. Special: Tauranga, £23 3b; Wade, £5; Raglan, £20. FOREIGN MISSION FUND. The following amounts have been raised in behalf of this fund during the year:— Auckland : Pitt-street, £40 lis 8d ; North Shore, £6 17s 8d; Grafton Road, £21 lis lid. Mahurangi, £1 83 ; Thames, £8; Upper Thames, £2 ss; Manukau, £16 3s 9d ; Franklin, £2 9s 9d ; Cambridge, £3 10s ; Hamilton, £2 10s 3d ; Te Awamutu, £2 2s; Paparoa, £1 Is ; Northern Wairoa, £1 Is ; Whangarei, £1 Is 4d; Tauranga, £1 Is; Total: £11114s 4d. A letter was at this stage read from the President of the Women's Christian Tem perance Union, asking for the sympathy and co-operation of the meeting in their temperance and philanthropic work. After the letter had been read and considered it was resolved, "That the district meeting deeply sympathises Avith the objects of the Union, and is prepared wherever practi cable to-operate with tho members of the Union for the furtherance of its benevolent work."

The Sunday-school returns were also sub mitted by theßev.T.G'.Carr, Sunday-school Secretary. He reported that there were 66 Sunday-Bchools. Numbetof scholars, 4,657; average attendance, 3,450; number of teachers, 526 ; average tttendance, 420; number of teachers meeting in class, 336 ; number of scholars meeting in class, 355 ; number oi volumes in library, 9,153; number of schools in which Conference catechisms are used, 13 j annual cost of management of schools, £449 3s. In com paring these -statistics with those of last year there was an inoreasa of 107 scholars, also anincrease of 127 in average attendance of scholars. There were 538 more volumes in library, whilst the expense of manage ment had decreased by £47 16s 6d. MAORI WOEK. Churches, 10? other preaching places, 36; ministers and probationers, 6; Sunday

school teachers, 22 ; local preachers, 31; class leaders, 10; full accredited church members, 405 ; on trial, 94 ; communicants, 58 ; deaths, 18 ; Sunday-schools, 15 ; Sun day-school, 447: total attendance on public worship, 2,573. . Appended is the statistician's analysis ot his report. ANALYSIS OF GENERAL RETURNS FOR AUCK LAND FOR THE YEAR 1887.

It will be observed on reference to the general returns presented this year, that the number of churches is reported to be the same as for 1886 ; the number of other preaching places shows an increase for the year of 25. This increase is spread over - circuits, the largest increase of any one " r " cuit being 6 at the Upper Thames, ±he number of Sunday-school teachers has de creased by 16, the number of scholars has increased by 282, and the number of bun day-schools by 4. There is a decrease oi six in the number of local One circuit and one Home Mission station aro without any local preachers, while one cir cuit and two Home Mission stations report only one local preacher each. It need hardly be observed that the paucity of local preachers is a serious hindrance to the pro gress of our Church in many country diß cuits, and that there is great need that our people should, in view of the few labourers in this part of the field, pray the Lord ot the harvest to send forth more labourers into His harvest. There has been an in crease of three class leaders as a partial set off to the decrease of local preachers. The number of fully accredited church members shows an increase of 72. The increase is distributed over 11 circuits, the rest being either stationary or showing a small de crease. The number of communicants who are not enrolled as church members has in creased by 11. The total number of afc tendants on public worship has slightly de creased. Five circuits report an increase, tho largest being 189 in the Upper Thames circuit, which has been able to increase its congregations by employing a Home Mis sionary, and 100 in the Mahurangi circuit. Most of the decreases are small, and are frequently affected by the Sunday-school returns. Comparing the returns for the present year with those presented to the District Meeting of 1883, and on which tho returns for the last General Conference were compiled, we note the following in crease during the quadrennium:—Churches, 2; other preaching places, 25 ; Home missionaries, 4 ; Sunday-school teachers, 30 ; local preachers, 25; class leaders, 10; fully - accredited church members, 610; other communicants, 61; catechumens, 61; Sunday-schools, 14 ; Sunday scholars, 329 ; attendants on public worship, 1,468. These figures would be somewhat larger but for the transfer of the Gisborne circuit to the Wellington district during the period under review. The increase in the number of preaching places is an indication of aggressive work, and shows that an effort is being made to reach those who are in the outlying districts. In this respect a great deal of real Home Mission work is being done by many of our circuits, and in many cases more would be done if more help were available. , The work among our young people is of a very gratifying character. Sunday-schools have increased, and scholars are more numerous, and the number of catechumens warrants the hope that many of our young people are learning to fear the Lord in their youth. The want of suitable leaders for catechumen classes is often felt to be a great drawback ; and if these were forth coming there would, in many circuits, be a large and immediate increase in the number of young people enrolled. In the Maori department of the work the following alterations are noticeable in the figures :—Sunday-school teachers and local preachers have each decreased* by 6, while the number of members reported shows an increase of 209. Other communicants are less by 16. The number of deaths ia nearly double that of last year, reaching the total of 34. Sunday-schools have decreased by 5, scholars by *129, and the number of at tendants on public worship by 162. Many of these decreases are probably due partly to the changes in the ministerial staff which have taken place during the year, and partly to the difficulty of obtain ing accurate returns. Tho weak points in the Maori work appear to be the small number of class leaders in proportion to the number of members, and the small number of Sun day schools and scholars. Whether in English or Maori work, the importance of looking well to our Sunday-school work cannot be over-estimated.—(Signed)SAMUEL Lawry. Auckland, November 29th, 1887. Rev. E. Best moved that the best, thanks of the meeting be presented to Mr Lawry for his painstaking report.—Carried unani mously. GENERAL RETURNS. The Rev. Samuel Lawry presented the statistical returns for the Auckland dis trict. < English work — Churches, 58 ; other preaching places, 110; ministers and pro bationers, 24; cateohists, 6: Sunday-school teachers, 526; local preachers, 101; class leaders, 78; full and accredited members, 1,934 ; on trial, 67 ; communicants, 517 ; catechumens, 184; deaths, 14; Sunday schools, 61; Sunday-school scholars, 4,657 j total attendance on public worship, 13,849. The following notices of motion were then considered :—(1) Rev. Bavin, in relation to gambling, and suggestion appended that a public meeting be held to consider this and kindred evils at the coming Conference. Carried unanimously. (2) Rev. Dukes, " That removal expenses and additions to furniture of parsonages be not taxable as circuit income." Carried. (3) Rev. Dukes, t ( That removal expenses be charged upon the Contingent Fund." Carried on the voices. (4) Mr F. A. White moved, in the Conference plan the arrangements for love feasts, ordination services, etc, be niade so as to enable the laymen to be present." Carried. (5) Rev. E. Best, " Deprecating grants to denominational schools." Carried. (6) Rev J. Laws's motion re Metho dist Union. Dropped. (7) Rev. J. A. Taylor, " That we recommend tc the Conference that the representation of district meetings at any conference be in proportion to the number of members com prised in such district meetings." Carried. In the absence of the Secretary, Rev. Samuel Lawry moved that 1 in 8, instead oi 1 in 12, should be the basis of representa tion to General Conference. Carried.

The District Meeting rose at 10.15 p,m

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY. DECEMBER 1, 1881.

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Food for Consumptives. Scott's Emulsion op Purh Cod Livbr Oil with Hyfophosfhitm or Lime and Soda, is « most wonderful food for the Consumptive. It not only gives strength ana incre_«*s the flesh, but heals the irritation of the throat and longs. It is very palatable: children take it like milk, and iv all wasting diseases both for_ adulu una children it is a marvellous food and medicine. Large And small bottles of all Chemists. *s 6d and as fid. REWARD FOR LABOUR I—Garriok's Patent Mineral Soap surpasses anything hitherto diaoovered for household purposes, washing linen, woollens, boards, paint, delf. glass, silver, and everything soap is required lor, without soda and with very little labour, with excellent rosu ts. Directions for use: Two Tab'espoonsfuls to a Bucket Of Hot Water. A.U Trials have proved high y satisfactory. Sold in 2Jlb Tins, 6d; 281b Boxes, 4s; to be had of all store-keepers and grocers Manufactory: Grey s„, Auckland. D. NORDEN, Agent, Woodbine Cottage, Grey-street. MISS SMITH, CORSET & BANDAGE MAKER. ■ . Has always on hand a Good Supply of Stay Material. STAYS MADE TO ANY PATTERN. Riding Stays, Stays for Invalids, Bandages, and Shoulder Braoes on the most approved principles. _ m STAYS CLEANED AND REPAIRED. Has been letter for twelve years in the leading establishment in Edinburgh. Ladies waited on by -ending address to ESKBANK COTTAGE, GUNDRY-STRBET, NEWTON (by new Epiphany OhuKflj).



Drapery, Cl©thins, &c THE BABY LINEN AND LADIES UNDERLINEN WAREHOUSE. SILK HOSE ! SILK HOSE ! P. DAVISON Hasjust purchased ajob line of Silk Hose, and will sell them as under :— HALF COST I HALF COST PRICES! Ladies' Black, Pale Bine, Cream, and Pink, 2s lid, 3s 6d, 3s lid; Maroon, Navy, Cardinal, 3s 6d, 3s lid, 48 6d. Children's Pale Blue, Pink, and Cream, I,lslid; 2, 2s 3d ; 3,2s 6d ;4, 2» 9A; 5 2s lid. Black and Dark Colours, 2b 3d, 2s 6d, 2s 9d, 3s, 3s 3d. 200 dozen Ladles' Trimmed Linen Collars at 6d each; usual prlceß, Is to 2s 6d. 15 000 yards Beaded Net in Navy, Maroon, ' Black and Gold, Black and Silver, Drab, etc., all at 2d per yard; usual price, 9d yard. 400 yards Beaded Gossamer, White and Silver, Drab and Gold, Brown and Gold, at 6d per yard; usual price. Is per yard. A beautiful assortment of Ladies' Printed Skirts from Is lid, 2s 3d, 2s 6d, 2s lid-very cheap. Ladies' Print Dresses from 6s lid to 21s. Ladies' Stuff Dresses from 12s 6d to 355. Ladies' Priit Morning Wrappers. 2s lid to 4s lid. Children's Print, Sateen, and Stuff Dresses, 2s 6d to 7a 6d, at half warehouse prices. Very special line-50 dozen Ladies' and Chil dren's Printed Aprons at 6d each. Also large variety of Coloured and White Apronsfrom7Sa toss_6d. _~_eniflcent assortment of Fans, bought very cheap, to be sold at 2s 6d, 3s 6d, 4s 6d, 5s 6d., 6s 6d; worth 3s 6d to 14s 6d. In all the neweßt shades. Beautiful variety of Sun Bonnets from Is to 9s 6d. No. 9, JUNCTION QUEEN & GREY Sts. pt i pt ippee% cc BEAUTIFUL LONG OSTRICH FEATHEKS In Cream, Tuscan, Grey, Tan, and Pink. In Just Received, a paroel -i n a n-n of the above, to be sold I g riTv the very low price of«____&_ W. P. OGILVIE, VICTOBIA STRBBT WkBT.



EVERY LADY HER OWN DRESSMAKER. To secure a Perfect Fit and Newest Style, try OUTTERICK'S pUT pAPER "OATTERNS. Metropolitan Fashions, Illustrating Patterns, monthly, Id each ; 2a per annum, post free. AGENT- Wm, p. ogilvie, DRAPER. VICTORIA-STREET WEST. /CHEAPER THAN EVER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. 0. HOPKINS, I Londok Hot/sb, Victoria and Nelson Sts., Is now showing some of the cheapest Drapery and Olothing ever offered in Auckland, as the following lines will show :— Dress Materials in Greys, Browns, and Fawns, 4s lid for 12yds; Striped Delaines, 12yds for 3s lid; grand value in Dress Materials at 6s 9a. in fasldonable shades; Coloured Satin in all shades?from Is per yard; 80-lnch Heavy Twill Sheeting, Is 04d (White); 90-inch Heavy Twill Sheetinl Is 3d (White); a lot of Slip Mate. Is each; Men's MosgielTweed;Suits,33s6d; Mens Tweed Suits, 12? Sd: Men's Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7fl lid iketfß Coloured Mole Trousers, 4s lid (value for your money); Mens Tweed Trousers, 3s lid pair : Youths" Tweed Trousers, 3s lid : Boys' Tweed Trousers, 3s 6d; grand line in Men's Merino Sox, 9d; Men's Brown Cotton Sox, 2Jd per pair. C. HOPKINS, London House, Victoria and Nelson Streets. N.B.—Open every evening till 9 o'felock. Architects.



F. BURROW s, DRAUGHTSMAN. HERALDIC ARTIST, ILLUMINATOR, DESIGNER. International Patent and Trade Mark Agency. Attokxand Offices: HILL'S CHAMBERS, QUEEN-STREET (next A.M.P. Insurance Buildings). H. SKINNER AND SON, • Builders, Carpenters, and Joiners, "Vulcan Lane. AUBranches of the Building Trade executed by Experienced Workmen. __ Shop Fronts. Office Fittings. &o. V. HKBAPATH, F.R.1.8.A.] [S. M. HERAPATH PHERAPATH and SON, • ARCHITECTS, Colonial Bank BuiLDmes. Tjl DWAKD HARTLEY, ARCHITECT, pTICHBUBY'S BUILDINGS, MAHONE- AND SON, AKCHITE T3. QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND R, P. F. M. BURROWS, ARCHITECT AND BUILDING SURVEYOR. 317. Victoria Arcaqe. E R R.I NGT ON, M. INST. 0.8., M, IN3T, M.HL, CONSULTING ENGINEER, AUCKLAND. WATCH REPAIRING EXTRAORDINARY. M. L A V I E N i s. d. Will Clean any Watch for .. -, *, J 0 First-class Mainspring in any Watch ...g o American Clooks Cleaned for., -i, vv* v Thirty-three years' experience. First-class - city reference. SHOP, 142. VICTORIA-STREET WES7. _ T>APEKHA N G I N G S. W. PHILLIPPS & SON Have received, ex late arrivals, 185-PACKAGES-185 Containing 55,000 ROLLS OF PAPERHANGINGS- Consisting of NEW PATTERNS For Drawing, Dining, Bed Rooms, Hall and Staircase, suitable for the ..: Mansion qr Cotwgo. ! Beautiful Designs, and best value ever I offered in Paperhangings. 916-PAOKAGES-916 ; . „ ■ SCRIMS AND HESSIANS, Plate and Sheet Glass, White Lead, Oils, » Turps, Varnishes, and all Trade Sundries. I W. PHILLIPPS & SON, 95 and 97, Queen-street. ■ TiT ? 0 'N U M B N T S ITALIAN AND VERMONT MARBLES, O AND ABERDEEN GRANITE HEADSTONES IN MARBLE AND STONE, a I Iron Tomb Railings at Modbrath Prioes pud Designs sent post free. Country orders oarefully packed. * TAIT BROTHERS, '' _ Monumental Works, oorner of .R?«*J» on t f a Lome Btreeto (near Queen-street JunoUOßf. • ~„.;.... Auckland. j "



£s*J___^i«iQHs A__Bja___sasjjS WBCODOT sure LOANS Personal, Freehold f Weekly, Advaucesi^g^L^^ Loanßup 7 d^S3«s,



/JOHN W. haßDtt? I MONEY TO LEND E_r_S 3^£33_*£2fß 20i2^______^_n__ffiS Freehold Security 1 . ■ • WM. READ BLOOMFEELD taut _ 108. Victoria Aroadel^S^-%.



oney to. i_Qs_r_rrsaa . rate of interest.-Apply to;. r^ B™*8™* .SoMtorg; ShortlAH^L



MONEY TO LENDpnMS-5 Mrst-class Freehold BeWiS® oi WILLIAM COLEMANSttoT, ; j Nauonftllnsurwceßii^iH! : OS, QneeMtmrf E m A s - Cochrane. Coc_raije's A®!® 185, Queen-street. ■.. ~; " ■;, j? TO? UEENSLAND ' MOE-TpAGE^-OAI ■■- AND ' i.:, DISCOUNT BANKING Darby-street (off Qiieea-gt,), ' .'AUCB3_43S)O.' ' _. :;■"«''■■ Head Office; Bbhßwss ' Agencies: Auckland, Sydney, and Meltamj, Money advanced from £6 anfl tumrds to any amount required, to) wiiV t__ bopwi, upon Personal, Freehold, leasehold, at aj Tangible Security", repayable : ik : faj ;o y i may be arranged, either Weekly, Monthly, _ ! Quarterly Instalments, at lowest'9tyjtes|i^. : Advances made on Furniture without jf moval; ; also on t_ kinds of Mewhudte, fncludi|ig BP n 4 $C. Bills Discounted at current rates. Interviews and communicationß ■frill ieliM strictly confidential. ' Office Hours: From 10 till ?o*Jßp A RTHU R, rj'OHU' LAND AND MONETARY AflPfr> 24, SHOBIXAND-STBE|n! (Three Doors past Stab 'Offlct), I aia pi-pared to vatae land W _ the country ion _tendinffpin~aaer« at nral reasonable terms. All lan| 9% ij land I charge 21 per cent oommisaiao. lm prepared to negptfate l!qrtgiplSl# Advances made on Policies. Having Agents: in iU "partopt &&$?& England, I can make Admfcsjap* ■? fIiIUSTRIALJNp.|RbM 1 BOT»^M? LNVES'iMENT SOCim OF AIJCW. : Repayments PerVeektetf extending over • *.?*V __rf _•-*-- -1.il! fIU \ o years .. ••• nll a _ft 6H ,5-fetw-.-,... ml f!dSg 6 years.. ~ ( )™ " -iSM 1 years.. -,- , , |jl 8 years ... •■ \i i iSIs _. 10 years r ,-t>. ;0 ° j t **_ The Board r liberty to sell his- property «*-StSrefcifi S( ffieVof QUE^Sfl*-^^ a UCKLAND/EB^f|_ ! LOANS granted Freehold or Leaseholfl rrop« b6 fogM#» for repayment of^J^JZZ — -T ) Repayments extend-_p er lrepW»% ia oft' Ji 11; . •■* 'Ifa-fi* fflj-r 4 years .- -• 08 9 -i.Jffi§•.§'■ 6years.. « J, |, fflfj_ 8 years,, -m :■% 10 year______ii^-- ii » -"; r ;, ■ ;'' % ' Yotiltry- ■ : r _ - _'