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Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1201, 9 December 1873, Page 2

The members of the Auckland Institute held their sixth monthly meeting last evening in the Museum buildings, T. B. Gillies, Esq., in the chair. It was announced that six new members were added to the roll of membership, viz., .Sir George A. Arney, T. Spencer, A. Clark (Remuera), G. F. Edmonstone, J. E. Allen, and J. Robertson, of Mangare. Several donations had also been received. Major Green had presented the Institute with a number of Chinese books ; and Colonel Haultain had given a volume of JNatural History. Mr G. Ritchie, of Chatbam Islands, had forwarded a Moriori crania and remains, lower jaw of killer whale, and upper jaw of ziphid whale. Venerable Archdeacon Williams sent a quantity of fossil shells from the East Cape and Kawakawa, and Mr Kirk gave some dried specimens of British ferns. Mr Goodall read his second paper on the water supply, and in the course of his remarks said that if the basin which he supposed to be under Mount Eden drew its supply from an area of five square miles, and accepting 24 inches of rain per annum as the average fall, it would give over 1,000,000 gallons daily, or about 30 gallons for each person per day for 33,000 persons. The cost of the pumping machinery, etc., would be about £17,418, and the annual cost of working would be £3,252. The cost per million gallons would be about £8 18s 3d. Mr Kirk read a short paper on the same subject, written by Mr Stewart, when a considerable amount of discussion ensued, but no definite view of the subject generally entertained. MrGoodall, feeling intense interest in the water question, expressed his intention of pursuing the study. Mr Kirk then read a brief paper on a new species of cordyline of a very interesting character, and which was well received. That gentleman also read, a lengthy paper on indigenous materials for paper manufacture, which was full of interest, and listened to with marked attention. Mr Heale spoke of the fact that the secretary of the institute, Mr Kirk, was about to leave for a new sphere of duty in connection with Wellington, and regarded Mr Kirk's removal as a loss to the Society. He referred to Mr Kirk's abilities in pleasing terms, as did also Mr Firth and other leading members of the Institute. Mr Kirk returned thanks for their acknowledgment of his services, and would always do what he could to further tho objects of tho Institute. The Chairman informed the members that this was the last meeting of the present year, and he hoped that gentlemen would prepare papers for the meetings of the new year.

The Royal Company underwent their usual weekly drill last evening in the Drill-shed, Princes street, under the command of Capt. Burns. Their performances were greatly to their credit.

The Lynch family of bell-ringers and musicians will commence their far-famed entertainment in this city on Tuesday, 16th inst. The Auckland Temperance Drum and Fife Band marched out last evening, and played a number of new pieces. The band started from the top of Queen-street ; went up Greystreet, down Hobson and Wyndham-streets to the fire-bell, where the members parted " Good Companie." This little band is still making progress, and promises to hold its place among the foremost of Auckland bands. The entertainment in connection with these patriotic minstrels will take place about Christmas.

A meeting was held last evening in the Union street school-room for the purpose of founding a Good Templar lodge. The meeting was but thinly attended; indeed it seemed unnecessary to call such a meeting, as a lodge is already in existence in Sheridanstreet, which is amply sufficient for the neighborhood of Freeman's Bay.

A very close and interesting cricket match took place on Saturday afternoon last at Hardinqton's Flat, Onehunga, between an eleven of tho Brighton Cricket Club and an eleven of the Onehunga Cricket Club. Scores : —Brighton : Ist innings, 48 ; 2nd innings, 45. Total, 93. Onehunga : Ist innings, 48; second innings, 47, for nine wickets. Total, 95, with one wicket to fall. There was a large attendance of spectators present, in which the fair sex predominated. The Onehunga Club provided refreshments for their visitors, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent.

There was a largo attendance at the City Hall last night, and the promised petite comedy "Rights of Women," in which Mr Gourlay appeared as " Sir Andrew," was enthusiastically received. The ballads and character songs were also excellently rendered. The entertainment is of a pleasing nature.

The Taranahi Herald, referring to our description of the little steamer Bella, says : " As the Superintendent has been requested by resolution of the Council to obtain the price of such a vessel, it would be well if His Honor communicated with the builders of the Bella, and ascertained what would be the cost of building such another."

The monthly inspection parade of the Artillery Volunteers will takeplace this evening in the Drill-shed under Captain Featon. Members to appear in full uniform.

The approaching Wanganui regatta on the 31st is likely to he a very spirited affair. It is time Auckland was bestirring itself if it is to take part in the forthcoming interprovincial contest. The boating season has not opened with that eclat which might be desired. According to the following letter the "Wellington oarsmen are intending to furnish sufficient boats to fill the programme independent of Wanganui's small fleet.— "Wellington, Dec. 3, 1573, —As you doubt less will be interested to hear how Wellington will bo represented in your regatta J will give you all the information I have as regards the number of boats the various Clubs will send up. I will commence with our Club—-The Star. Wc send tho Queen Mab (winner of the inter-provincial gig last year), a new pair-oared gig, and a new four-oared gig, now building in Wellington (forty feet long). 1 also take my sculling boat, and we expect to get a pairoared out-rigger (patent steering gear and sliding seat) out in the Celaino. If she arrives in time we shall pull her for the pairs instead of the gig, but will enter both boats to save accidents. The Union Club are sending a new batswing four, with a very warm crew, the Faugh-a-Pallagb, four-oarod, for the limited keel-race. I hear the Wellington Club have sent to Melbourne for a pair-oared outrigger, also a sculling boat for one of the noted meu, Woods, a half-caste, who sculled second to Dawson last year in the interprovincial. Brown and Turnbull also tako their sculling boats, so to summarise there will bo — four four - oared boats, three pair-oar ditto, and four scullers. Wc are trying to get a match on betwen the {Stella and Dolly Vardcn, 3 miles, for the day following the regatta, to be pulled by bona fide members of the respective Clubs ; it is not settled yet, but if it is I will give you intimation, so that you will be able to advertise it in your programme. We are in [negotiation to charter the Paterson, as she is so well adapted for carrying our boats. I should be obliged if you would tell me the courses for the several races, and what part of the river you intend them to be rowed ; also, if straight away courses or a turn. I should suggest straight away, as turning in racing strains the light boats that are built now.—Yours, &c, S. S. Griffiths."

In a California obituary it is stated that "the deceased was a person of a romantic nature. He placed the breach of bis gun in the fire, and looking down the muzzle, departed hence spontaneously."

Yesterday the members of the various Masonic Lodges in Auckland had a water picnic. The brethren with their wives assembled to the number of about sixty at nine o'clock on the Queens-street wharf, the intention being to proceed to Motatapu Island in the steamer Devonport, which had been chartered by the committee for the occasion. The day was not of the most suitable character for such an excursion. A strong north - easter was blowing, and the waters of the Waitemata were in a very unquiet state, the surface being ridged with white horses, and the weather altogether looking far from pleasant. From the wharf the steamers proceeded to the North Shore to take up members living in that neighbourhood. Here it was decided by the committee of management to abandon the trip to Motutapu, and turn the bows of tho steamer up the harbour instead of down. This was clone, and the boat steamed up the Waitemata, until itarrived off Wood's Island, belonging to Mr H. Stebbing. Here the party landed, but the spot not being so attractive as could have been wished a move was proposed to the grounds of Mr Fordham, a gentleman living on the other side of the creek. Permission first being asked for and obtained the move was made, and the change proved most acceptable. The proprietor was most assiduous in administering to the comfort of his totally unexpected band of visitors, and as the weather, although breezy, was fine, out-door games soon became the order of the day. Brother Macready superintended the eatables, and under his direction a substantial luncheon was propared, aud, owing doubtless, to the bracing sea-breeze, was attacked with right goodwill by the merry-makers. The Band of the Royals was in attendance and discoursed most excellent music. After luncheon the fun was continued, the whole party, consisting entirely of grown up persons apparently outvying one another in their pursuit of the sports of youth. Fo.tball, an amusing and time-honoured game named "tig," dancing and other pastimes kept fcho ball rolling till late in the afternoon, when the return was sounded, aud the party reembarked ou the Devonport, arriving in town some tirao after dark, after passing a very enjoyable day of innocent and healthful amusement.

Tho monthly meeting of the Royal William No. 1 Orange Lodge will be held in the Lodge room, Wellesley-atreet, this evening at the usual hour,

A conversazione in connection with the Presbyterian Church Assembly will take place in the Choral Hall to-morrow night at half-past seven. Short addresses will be delivered by the various ministers now in Auckland, attending the General Assembly. The choirs of St. James's and St. Andrew's Churches will also take part and will render various sacred and secular pieces. During the intervals opxiortunity will be afforded for promenading and conversation. The admission fee has been fixed at the low price of one shilling in order to render the entertainment available for all classes. The aim of tho promoters is to make it a thoroughly social gathering. Tbe programme will be advertised to-morrow.

The Prince of Wales Theatre was well filled last evening with eager and interested listeners, and the ballads, dances, &c, gave great satisfaction, and many were encored. Messrs. Riley, O'Brien, and Braham were eminently successful, and Miss Lizzie Watson received a tremendous burst of cheering at the close of her successful ditty, "You naughty, naughty men." Mr Baker in "Alabaster Joe," though a well-known song, was also highly successful. The entertainment was very amusing throughout, and fitly closed with the trapeze feats of Madame Blanche and Moiis. Hamew.

Messrs Tonks and Co. will to-morrow at eleven o'clock hold one of the most extensive sales of city and suburban properties which have been offered to public competition for many months past. This property consists of 100 allotments in Now ton and Karangahape roads, 28 allotments in Parnell, four allotments and houses in Elliott-street, and four in Albert-street. To persons with capital, and to mechanics and others, this is a splendid chance to secure homesteads in the best part of the city at a reasonable price Such an opportunity seldom occurs.

An amatour concert will take place in the Choral Hall on Thursday evening next in aid of the fund for the purchase of an orgffn for St. Mary's Church, Parnell. The programme will be varied and attractive, and the musical portion will be under the conductorship of Mr J. Bealo.

We understand that the Government monthly inspection of the various volunteer corps in this district will be conducted by Major Cooper, of the Thames district, in the absence of Major Gordon, who has gone to the South to conduct the annual inspection. The Government monthly inspection of the Auckland Itific P.rigade will be held at the Drill-shed on Thursday evening next, at 7...0 o'clock, as per advertisement in another column. Wc hope to see a large attendance. We notice that the committee of the Choral Society request the assistance of old performing members at the forthcoming Christmas concert, when the oratorio of the " Messiah" will be given, and state that members will meet for practice on Tuesday evenings up to the time of the projected

conceit

At Lambeth Police Court lately two men were committed to prison for five days each for not sending their children to school.