TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6491, 16 December 1881, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

H. M. OceroiM.- To-day btiog Annitemn day the Onatona* office* will b« tflogffdL SUotSO Bronx.—Billingsgate sod Peeress colt were shipped on boerd the «.«. Rotomahsna yreterdey for Auckland. IrraacoumtAi, WiAtHtan Kxchahob.— The following message hue been received t—- " oydnsy, Wednesday f In Sooth Australia the weather le antis. There are showers in flew South Wales and Tasmania, with » tight south-west wind. Barometer j Portlat,d, 299{ Hobart,S9*o l Sydney,B97."

Koutstt'a WAXWOaii.—This varied and eniertaanmg exhibition dosed at Bangbta on Wednesday evening, after three dsyrtucc**ful busioe«e. The evenings were enlivened by a varied concert, in which the t-lents of the Brother* Kohler were fully displayed. The Company proceeded to Xaiapoi yesterday, where they remain for a similar period.

DftACOiir Match.— Messrs Little and M'Larso, who were appointed to analyse the unfinished game in the match played tome time ago, between the Christchurch and Leithfisld draught players, have decided to make it a draw. This gives Ldthisld the victory by one game,» position they ought to feel proud of, considering their formidable opponents. Compiimkitabt Dis»m—A meeting was held at Flanagan’s Hotel on Wednesday evening, to consider the most appropriate means of testifying to the respect and esteem in which Mr stays is held by the residents of the district. On the motion of Mr Oolthart, Mr W. J. Taylor took the chair. After discussion, It wee decided that Mr Kaye be invited to • complimentary dinner, to be given at Flanagan's at as early date ae con rent sot for him to attend. Messrs Taylor, fioasitor, Keys, Blythen, Bull, and Coitbart were appointed a Committee to amogt aiatters.

Lost Cnim—About 8 o’clock last night Mr J. H. Jones, of Sixth street, Sydenham, found a little girl wandering about near his house. She appeared to be about five yean old, end wee dressed in black frock and bat, with white pinafore. She gave her name as Hornby, or something like it, but Mr Jones was unable to find her horn* although be made enquiries all round the district, nor had the lots of the child been repotted to the police, Mr Jones took charge of her for the night, and the girl ie now at hie house. At the tune she was found the child ww carrying some butter, which ebe had apparently been sent to fetch, and had6|d in copper* on her.

Lioairsura Oouar*.—A sitting of th« Antberley licensing Court «u bold jester* day* Commissioner* pmect Mtun A. Broadfoot, W.O. Fendall, T. Bought, tad F. Courage. The police report oo the homes in the neighbourhood me read, tad considered highly satisfactory, and there being so other business the Ooort adjourned.—The quarterly eitting of the Aebbarton Licensing Bench me held yesterday. She business me very light, end the only complaint* made against licensed boneee me on the (core of inferiority of furniture, the tvo hotele coming under the police ben in title recpeet being the Wheat* sheaf, Wbcatston, sod the Methreo Hotel. The faults were ordered to be remedied within a nonth.

Fmm (X OL—A meeting vw held at Papanui Library on Mood*?, to fora a OnckstOtub. Inara were wr«ote«o present, and Mr W. Smith wm voted to the chair. The Chairman said that owing to th« way is which the other Olob vu managed he was rsquested to call Ihia meeting to form a Club to play oo the recreation ground. It waa pro* posed and canted unanimously“ That a Club ha formed to play on the above ground, to be called the United Bapaoui Cricket Club] subscription, be per member 5 honorary mem* ben, I& 6d.” Mr B. M. Osweedl vae appointed Frecideot and Treasurer j Mr H. Demit, Secretary; and Meant W. Ores*well, 0. Demit, W. Smith, J. Wild, J. Bean, E, Bell, Committee. There It a mem* berehlp of 22 already. Bobopok or St Auuuta.—The nominatioa of OounsiUon and Auditon for the newly* formed Borough of St Albans took , place yesterday, at tin Avon Bead Board office. About 40 penone wen present, and the tol* to wing Ibteof candidate* were ported up outside the office by Mr W. F. Bsatson, Bstarning* Officer:—Councillors—Messrs Benjamin Bull, William Jeoner Brooker, Cbarlee JBobert Blakieton, George Dickenson, Charles Duggan, Bdmund Green, George T. Hawker, John Vann, John Thomas Matron, William Newton Milton, Oharlee Frederick Money, William Moor, Daniel Pyne, John Bonn tree, and Cbarlee Weeley Turner. Auditor*— Mecan Henry Beet, Neil Black, William Jameson, J. 0. F. Laurence, A. JEL X'lmd, George H. Moriej, G. B. Naleon, Joeeph F. Ward, and Frederick Waymooth. The poUing for Councillors will take place at the Avon Hoad Board office on Thursday, Deo. 22, and for Auditor* on the following day, Friday, Deo. S 3. Aquatic. —The final heat of the Union Bowing Club’s junior four-oared race took place last evening, and resulted in a victory for Styoho’s crew in the Thetis, over Houle's in the Electric, after a capital and most ex* citing race for nearly a mile. Both boats jumped away together, the pace being some* thing terrific. After going about 200 yards Moiue gained a lead of a little over half a length, owing to the Thetis having to negotiate a bed of weeds. Having the first corner, however, Styche managed to gain back a few feet, but only to lose It again at Pratt’s corner, after rounding which Muule showed a lead of a length and a quarter. A rattling race took place up the straight, where, to the surprise of everyone, Mottle suddenly collapsed when near the bathing place. Little more need be said. Styche led by a dear length at Oowlishaw's, and finally pulled in a winner by between two and three lengths. Mottle's endden break down was due to his bring attacked with a sudden sickness, and it is only fair to say that until this cams on hs had as good a chance of winning as his opponent. Kaiapoi Boaoraa Schools.— The annual entertainment in aid of tbs children's prise fund was given on Wednesday evening, in the Oddfellows' Hall, and was as usual a most marked aaoesaa. The large room was quite fuU, several being obliged to stand. The programme submitted on the occasion consisted of songs by the Misses Monk, Finchtog, Blakeley, and others, duets by lbs Misses Monk, and several recitations and songs were given by scholars, notably a dialogue between Masters Ironside, Neve, and Stewart, which was well given and thoroughly appreciated. The Kaispoi Brass Band played some suitable selections. Mr Farnham, the Chairman of the School pommiltee, presided, and near the close of the performance ad* dressed the paren ts, urging upon them a more regular attendance of the children, as this want created a loss to tbs school as well as to tbs children themselves. A hearty vote of thanks was, on the motion of Mr J. 0. Porter, proposed to the teachers for their assiduous efforts in the cause of education during the past year, to which Mr Alexander replied, and the proceedings terminated in the usual way. Kwkawats.—Shortly before three o’clock yesterday afternoon a horse and spring- cart, belonging to Mr Streeter, of Qreendale, were standing 10 the yard of Messrs Vincent end 00. s brewery—Mr Streeter having gone into the building on business. From some unexplained cause the horse suddenly took fright, and started to leave the yard, but, in trying to get through the office gate, he broke the shafts off the cart and bolted along Colombo street, leaving the vehicle in the I yard. He slipped and fell on the pavement at the corner of Lichfield street, mid again when onpoaite Mr HopWns’ butcher's shop, cutting his legs and head severely each time! He got up after both falls, and was not stopped until h« had proceeded some distance up Victoria street—Yesterday morning a horse attached to a trap belonging to Mr | Saoite.of Flaxtoo, was standing unamended |n High street, fiangiora, opposite Mr M. BklaarVs premises, when it became startled at a bicyclist end bolted. In attempting to turn Johnston’s corner the trap collided with a post, with sufficient force to break the harness and release the horse, which was stopped immediately afterwords, The trap and hap. ness wen more or leaa damaged.

Til* OfJBBA COKPAJIT—The McmUjtu, larnar Opera Company left for WsUiurton yesterday by the *.«. Botomahana. ' Bureaus CoUBT —Mi* Honor Mr Ja,ti e « Johnston will tit is Chamber* wv| j n &0 Wednesday QfXt 111 th» u<u«l !,m e . LXOAI*—Mr Frederick W. Manninr *o» of Mr 8. Manning, bat *ooee*»fcllj pa* t «d the solicitors* rumination in general know. Itdgt.

New ZestAWD Rirte Association.-.xu programme of the next meeting of th« Fide Association has been issued, but a copy haenot yet reached tie. It msy be mentioned that •umeriptinne are new doe. Coxcxkt AT Amisat.BT.~-The concert given by the Mi«ese C le at the Amkerlry Town Halt on Wednesday evening wu a great snccew, both musically and otherwi**, the various items on the programme being thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience p eatnl.

To-Dat’s KxccufUows,—The water ex* corvioM lor to-day are to Akaraa by the «.«. Penguin, to Pigeon Bay by the sUamsra THa* and A karoo, to Port Lory by the •t. Toegariro from the wharf on the Heathovt* river, and to Oovevnor’s Bay by the •», Lyttelton. SAinoae' Bow*.—The draft deed of wn , veyanos of the eite for a Bailors* Home on Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, hae been approved by the Harbour Board, who have »p;»,mt«d a Committee to report on what »*.*,,< j» j* Bicsosiy for the Board to take for fhs con* •traction of the Home. Aearoa Cocsrnr forscrr. Ecxction We •re informed by Messrs It Vor.csl and Dooglas, solWtors to petitioners ia the owe referred to yesterday, that the petition ns upheld by the Magirrate, and ft election ordered for the Ok* o’* Bay Biding of the Akaros County Council. litnxtTojr Oca as.—Professor bickerton baa reported on th» sample* of r - Kre found on the Barbour Boards prapeny »t Naval Point, that after preparation they will be found to compare favourably with the imrted article. The Professor's analysis *DI found in detail in the report of the Barbour Board*# meeting oe> another page. Habsocb Bos so —A special meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board was held jester* day afternoon for tbs purpose of confirming the new by-laws reducing the harbour and wharfage chargee. These were adopted with some verbal alterations, and are to come into force on January 2. A report of the proceedings of the Board will be found elsewhere. Tsa Matorax BawqUßT.—Hie Excellency the Governor hae accepted an invitation to be present at the Mayor’s banquet on Wednesday. It may be mentioned that the invitations to the banquet have been emit chiedy to gentlemen holding official capacities in the city, and that the gathering Is intended to be more of a ceremonial than a private character.

Bosbd o» Enccartotr.—As ordinary meet' log of the Bortb Canterbury Board of Eds' cation wae held yesterday afternoon. The report of the Impec or Oeaeral apaa the Borstal School, which wae, on the wfaole 7 of a very farocrahle character, «u laid before the Board, and a cooeideraUe amount of bonnets of an oaimpartant nature was transacted. A report, appears in another column.

Thi Vourrrans.-—At a meeting of the Christchurch City Guards, held at Lkatecut Wolfe’s office loti evening. il was decried that the Company should accompany the Artillery to Lyttelton this mowing to take pari with them and the Lyttelton N'aral Brigade in a review and sham SgV.. The City Guards will assemble at Dril Shed at eight o’clock this mondng, * hen SO rounds of blank cartridge will be *'.*»«! out to adi man. They wul then ma.-/; to the . Bailway Station with the artillery oai their Band, and proceed by train to Par-. I: is expected that Colonel Pacle and Jti, it Lear will be 'preeent at the review and Artery gaa practice. Good Tmxtzxmt.— The eighth 1.--1 session of the Independent Order ;f 0 ;:d Templar* was opened at Invercmri- ;=• Tuesday, try the O.W.CX, the Bo Dr Thomas Boeeby, L.LD., of Dunedin. Ihe election cl officers, which took place jesterday, malted ae follow#O.W.C.T., Bee 3. T. Smith, Christchurch j G.W. Counsellor, BroILJ.D. Johnson, Wellington : G.WXI., Bro Knad Hondo, Ashburton; O.W. See, Bro D. C. Cameron, Dunedin; O.W. Treasurer, Bro W. Chrr, Dunedin: O.W. Chaplain, Bro Bev 3. If. Buttle, Dunedin. The representatives to the Worthy Grand Lodge, which meets in Dunedin in 1883, are Broa Boeeby. Ouseron, logo, and Alls worth. Srosxs Asscouxioir. A well attended meeting of the Sports Association was held at 4 p.m. yesterday, for the purpose ot aaoktc* final arrangements for the annual sports to be held to-day. Mr S. P. Andrews presided. A letter wm read from Mr Alport offering samerooc suggestions for carrying out the nsoessaiy arrangements at the sports. Mr Mitchell woe requested to see to Ihe appointment of gate collectors. It eras decided to purchase a small marquee at a cost of £3 IDs to store toys, Ac, in during the sports. Per* mission was granted to the Fire Brigade to have the use of the Committee’s booth in the as a storeroom far fireworks. An application from Mr Morris for a site for a merry-go-round was referred to the Ground Committee. The Treasurer was authorised to draw a cheque for £ll9 2s for pnui Mr Walkden sold that he had authorised the erection of a stand for the bicyclists to rest their machines against, which would obviate the inconvenience felt last year. The meeting then adjourned, alter settling various other matters of minor importance. AxvFrusiLXT Day.—There appears to beno reason why the birthday ol the Province should not he kept to-day with more than usual Mat. The Government bare announced that all the public offices in Christchurch, with the exception of ihe Post and Telegraph offices, will be closed-. Betum tickets ore to be issued ol single fane on the railway, and special tram arrangements lor the day hare been mode. Those eaergotio caterers for the public amusement, the Popular Sports Association, will hold their sports in Begley Park, and bare provided a more than assail/attractive programme. In Ihe evening the customary demonstration of the Fire Brigade will take place, and from the care md expense the members have com to in Ihe preparation of fireworks and other matters in connection with the display, it ought to prove a most successful affair. It is much to be hoped that the public will mark their appreciation of the efforts mode for their enjoyment, both by the Sporte Asesciatina and the Brigade, and will not be backward ia contributing their mites towards the very heavy expenses incurred by those bodies in catering for their amusement-

The cricket match arranged between Miles and Co. sad the L<fUtUim ft km oSoe for to-morrow h*» >«np<» U Dili probably eorne oS ots Bojiaf D«y, A public meeting in counoctioa with the Fort Vletoris nooa wiU bo hold at the WhMUhMf Uote'.Ueadof the Bay.oa Tbareday n«t. a m<«t----la« ol th« facing Club will be held at the clone oi the public meeting. . The •»oo*l meeting of the ratepayers of the SouthJifttrero Hoad Bouid District mil U» held »s the office, Coolgate, on Wed eaday. Jan. K to rewive Mutual report and elect two member* to serve to the Board in place .f Mower* STMillan a*>d retire by rotation, but arc eligible f° r Tfe« cnaual tmUag of the Bnknia K«il Board wilt be held oa Monday, Jan. a, to receive report and elect three sen ter* ia room of the** retiring byyoa. A poll, 1! neocmary, will bo held oe The Kenneth Minstrel* wilt fire an entertainawnt at the Town Halt. amberley. »h'* ovoulbc. At the etote of the performance a bait will be held* The annual meeting of the Gnat Bond Board will be held oa Jan. 2, to receive annual »tats mens c( aecoaota and elect two members la place of t bo»e retiring by ballot. The adjourned moating of the Kalapol Farmer* Club wtU be held oa Monday next, when Mr J. Tnnter will mdt paper oa Wheat, A special general meeting of the nr saber* of the Kalapoi Ch oral society will be held on Wodo»«d»j evening nest, when all members ate particularly sttsude The Anneal Krhtbitloa of the Canterbury Society of Flue Arta will be opened at the Boy*' U‘c h School, Worcester street. oa Saturday, Dec- it. AU works meet be delivered to the Secretary of tb* School by Deo. U, and t e tide*, price*. and name In foil of the artist should at the asms time be » applied. The toll owing will play to-day for !*»««*<«■ Pith against the U.C.U. oa the O.C.C. »round »* 10 a,in. sharp:—Messrs F. Manning, Dr llsc-u. r. l-oughnaa, U. Xoaghoaa,—Taylor, lL BaaeaU «• llaual, Ormond, W. Is«d, Cogan, sad Foils.

This Good Tbuplae Etsunsr t» Par-tiixiw.-lt is not a Utile remarkable that all the prominent Good Templars who held •sals in the lost Parliament have been defeated at the general election —notably Mir William Fosj Mr Speight, of Auckland j Mr Andrews, of Christchurch; and Mr Saunders, of Cheviot, Trout tor Nbw SiBAtABD.—A correspondent writes to the Field on CM. 1 ns follows•' It may interest some of your readers to know t hat the steamer Orient will take for New Zealand a box containing 80,000 eggs of the true tea trout. All the preliminaries have been settled, and it now only remains to impregnate and pock the «KU*. InsvuAKCß or Froxbv Mbat. Hie nature and extent of the risk' in this new article of shipment is a question that is attracting considerable attention among underwriters in these Colonies and in London, and it is elated that one of the leading English companies has nearly matured its arrangements for entering extensively into this new business, deter mi’ ed to ascertain by the sure test of actual experience what the at present unknown danger* and lessee of the trade may be. Tamutt Wajttxd—The following is a par&traph from a letter on Australian cricket, vhu-h was published in the Dunedin Star " At) cricketers here have a high opinion of the brothers Frith, and I am communicating with W. Frith on behalf of East Melbourne, who are anxious to secure a good practice bowler, and he should give every satisfaction, as the wicket wilt no doubt suit him.” This is ronftrraatory of the statement already published about the Melbourne Clubs being anxious to get hold of W. Frith. DnsooxTBHTBP C* sthoatb*,—Threats of unseatiof members in Wellington for broaches of the Corrupt .Practices Act are at the present lime as plentiful as blackberries in summer. Mr J. fit. Shaw (says the 2Vmi) is not satisfied with the rescue of the To Aro election; Sir William Fox is said to have made up his mind that a petition presented is as good os granted; Mr A. f. Ssca.ll Is not inclined to 'take bis tremendous drubbing in North Wairwspa in a-meek and mild spirit t while Mr H. Bunny is reported to bo studying the question of unseating hie conqueror In the euter district Tub Gbruav BunsnunAnTß at tsb Aott*auah BxHicmoJss.—Professor BouIsaux, the Bint Commissioner of the German Emm at the Exhibitions of Sydney and Melbourne, has returned from Australia, and |o publishing his travelling impressions and experiences. The Professor gives the most flattering accounts about the state of public affain In Australia, and is encouraging his oouotrymcn to enter into aa dote commercial connection as possible with Australia, the resources of which seem to his ideas almost inexhaustible. The reports are read with general interest, and the Australian Exhibitions have dome this good : that they have wtode acquainted ibe commercial and industrial world of the two Continents to each other. There is no donht that emigration will likewise be very much turned towards Australia by the communications and reports of Professor Beuleanx.

Obixuabt.—The following paragraph appears in the Wellington Evening Post of Memdtj; — 11 A lamentable cans of somewhat rmAAmn death occurred in Wellington y cater* dor (Dee. 11). Mr* Qillon, wife of Mr B. T. CHlloa (Monger of the United Press Association), was seised with a slight attack of apoplexy on Friday, but this sms attended with no symptoms of immediate danger until 1 am. on Sunday, when a second attack supervened, with paralytic of one tide, and almost immediate death. Dr Eejnorth, Dr Direr, and Dr Gore Gallon attended her, and everything possible waa done, bnt without arid. The deceased lady was only 84 years of van greatly beloved on account of her gentle disposition and the many charming traits of her character, and her mss will bo deeply felt by ail who had the privilege of her acquaintance. Tory general sympathy is also expressed with Mr Gillen on account of the sad bereavement he has sustained.’* Death or a Peizctiohtbs.—Great con* cteraation has been caused in Birmingham try the announcement that James Ireland, the champion light weight, who was engaged in a most determined fight at Middleton, near Birmingham, a few days ego, had died from its effect®. At the time the police pounced opm the ring, Ireland, who had fought over mzty rounds in an hour and a half, eicaped by wteoating to the furniture waggon which had conveyed him and his hacker* to the ground. It is supposed he contracted his ratal Alness during the exposure subsequent to lighting in the ring. He was summoned to appear at the OolcsMU Petty Sessions with the others, but was absent in consequence of his illness, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension. He was recognised by the pugilistic fraternity at the most scientific boxer in the kingdom, and had made arrangements for a tour through the United States, m which be was to shut immediately. A pugilist named Carney and four others, already committed for trial for aiding and abetting at the fight, have been charged with manslaughter. Tumwat Tnovttm.— The Dunedin tram* wave, always a fruitful source of bickering end litigation, appear likely once more to cease a quarrel between the City Council and Mr Proudfoot It seems that the fare on Sunday* has lately been raised to sixpence, and the charge, which is regarded as an lm* position, was brought before the last meeting of the Council by a gentleman wbo had re* fused to pay it, and requested the Council to undertake his defence in an action to be brought by the proprietor to recover the amount. An almost unanimous sentiment was expressed that the charge was an nn* one, and opposed to the Intention of the agreement, although some doubt was eoteetaioed as to whether Mr Proodfoot tie actually restrained from increasing the lore os Sundays, seeing that be woe not compelled to run on that day, and that oouse* cmently the specified charges applied merely to week days Eventually It was decided to seek the opinion of the Corporation solicitor on the matter, and U it should be favourable, instruct him to defend the action » requested. When the cate came to Court, however, Mr Proudloot suffered it to go against him, and intimated, through the papers, that as the charge seemed obnoxious to the pabite, ho intended to lower it to the old standard.

TficusnnMo tea Sam or As orgwlwtsoa bar been initiated in London bygterwted in the Colonies, and of which Mr ®* mo is the boo secretary, for th» purpoe# of preventing illegitimate trade interference m the disposal of shipments of Austwliao meat by the following bmw ;*"!• go®**®* Cblicatbn throughout tha country oi a owl Mica of the healthy chamcter of Aastnliaa cattle and .beep, md th«r superiority oftr the infwiof total stow W|«J •old, 2 The publication of accurate tt' format ion at to the clmraeteriftto fratewe of Australian meat when refrigerated, together with the best swan# of preparing it for use, 3. To encourage and aid the distribution of shipments throughout the country as they to the Colonies generally accurate wiootific nod practical infommtion most effective means of—A. after .laughter 5 ». Bsehiog thfor ehipment j C. Arnmamm* the best temperature in which it can be transported t D.u»ung with it in transit. Bum *- scope f or the operaUtme of 5* XSfSSSS 1 tCVa. Australian froseo meal ago, the meat Ueelf was sold by «»t«y«d qStly dispensed to the eonsumer. Sbero were tome wholesale ditlere who enough to confess that the florigr the .cargo «u superior to that of the trer f& American meat." SMtm Mail were seeded to ehow the want of seme such otffudestioo as proposed, for the diemoisorico <rt information mpteUag S JTdw meat, it I. the statement ia

a ptuegmph in an English paper to the effect wfcihttt in ouo of tho populous lowas of Lancashire were fined for selling the 0 j . **® diseased horses as Australian and American beef. No wonder that con* tamers fight shy of the imported article. AnstAinß.—ln the yearly report recently Issued by the Mayor of Adelaide, ft compamon is given of the figures of 1876 with thaw of 1881 x —Population (1876), 81,573} iSfi* 3?’*'®’ Dwellings and other buildings—--1876,6384 ( 1881, 8108. In this of course, no allowance Is made for building imp-ove-meny, which hate progressed in nearly an equal ratio to the additions. The population in 1886 was 18,880, so that it has more than doubled itielf in between twenty-fire and twenty-six years. Deducting from toe calculation fit® years during which the population wag almost stationary, the yearly average increase is something over a thousand. Srinaa TaMKiKO.—Captain Holden's Museum of Spiders, which has just been removed from Marietta, in Ohio, to Cincinnati, is one of the most complete collections over made by a naturalist. It contains 25,000 specimens collected during a long campaign extending over more than twenty years. The number of species represented is no less than 4000, and they vary in size and shape, and in almost all the details of the curious art by which they get their living. Amongst them art' those kinds which frequent gardens, those which pass their lives in houses, in barns, in cellars, and amidst ruined walls j in hedges, bushes, trees, and forests. Some of them are of microscopic size, and others big enough to weave lines almost resembling twine, and to make nets in which small birds are caught. The latter species actually subsists chiefly upon the winged prey which thus falls into its clutches, and the mere task of feeding itself must involve a great deal of trouble and expense. The American collector keeps hi* pets in glass cages, where they are comfortable enough, but it is not stated whether bo finds time to tame or train any of the specimens. Bepoktees—Who Test Ana.—Some wag tdls what he knows concerning newspaper reporters in the columns of the Chicago Tribune, and hero is a specimenßeporters have an easy life. They seldom go to work before tea o’clock in the morning, and or® often through with their labours by twelve o'clock at night. A man need not have a classical education in order to be a good reporter, but he mutt be able to hustle around tome, and hump himself where there is a big fire or a murder. Be posters can get nearer to a fire than anybody, except the firemen, and the new ones do it, but the old heads at the basinets know better. They stand on the corner until the fire is out, and then they get a hack and go to the house of the man who owns the building, and ask him how muoh the old shell was worth, and if he thinks the insurance companies will have him arrested for setting it on fire. This is when the man acts mean and docs not open the door for them because he has just got out of bed, and declines to answer questions. Eoporters seldom die early. They are too tough. Perhaps some other time Inr ay tell yon more about the reporters. Many of them sure man led and live happily with their wives, because they never see them except when they come come to go to bed. A drowsy ™n cannot quarrel muoh.” Dbkouuuiios of Maoribs nr thb North. —At the late Wesleyan District Meeting, says the Auckland Herald, the Bev Thomas Buddie drew attention to the deplorable condition, spiritually and socially, of the Natives in the Lake country, who are being demoralised by tourists and others sup plying them with strong drink. There is no resident European clergyman among them, and they are left to their own devices. Be* grefc was expressed at the district meeting tw. the Wesleyan body hod neither men nor money to occupy the above district as part of its Home Mission work, and it remains to be sees whether the Anglican Church is in the some fix. As it is, if gentlemen travelling in the T *V» country arc to be believed, the moat disgraceful orgies are of weekly occurrence among the Maories oil caused by drink scenes which are a scandal to our boasted civilisation, and to the Government which weakly tolerates tVioiw We understand that there is a tacit agreement between the Anglican and Wesleyan bodies, by which the former took the Bast and the latter the West Coast in mis* sion work, so as to prevent complications ; and that the Lake country is therefore properly within the jurisdiction of the Anglican body. This fact no doubt largely influenced the decision at the District meeting. Since the death of the Bav Mr Chapman, no steps have been taken to appoint a successor, and farther than the incidental visits of the Bishop, and the ministrations of a Native teacher, the Maories of the Lake district have been wholly deprived of spiritual ordinances.