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New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1721, 6 September 1862, Page 3

Chapman's New Zealand Monthly Magazine. —The second number of this interesting serial has just been issued. The style of the production reflects great credit upon the enterprising publisher: we are only precluded by want of space in our present issue from making au extended notice of the several articles.

Obituary.—lt is with very sincere regret we have to chronicle the decease of Mr. William Harry Hobbs, for a length of time connected with the Inter-colonial Royal Mail Steam Company, and latterly its Local Manager. In the performance of his duties Mr. Hobbs, several months since, had to proceed to Onehunga; on his return, lie was unfortunately thrown heavily from the conveyance in which he was driven, a tumour in the neck resulted, and month after month, it increased in magnitude, to the great suffering of the unfortunate gentleman, who finally succumbed. Mr. Hobbs expired on Wednesday morning; and, on Thursday, his remains were followed to the place of interment by a numerous concourse of his fellow citizens, by many of whom, (who knew and appreciated his character) he was warmly and deservedly esteemed.

" Aut.u Lang Syne."—Wo perceive that, at a meeting held on Thursday last at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, by several of the passengers of the Jane Gifford and Duchess of Argylc, it was resolved " That a social festival be held in Auckland on the Bth October next, to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of their arrival in the colony;" and it was also agreed that a meeting of all those interested in such social gathering shall bo again held in the same place on Thursday evening next, at S o'clock, to arrange, we suppose, the preliminaries for carrying out this scheme. We scarcely need recommend this project to the zeal of those interested, fur we can readily understand how keenly alive to the enjoyment of such a gathering the various persons who were passengers of the above ships must feel. How proudly many may look back to their colonial career, the early pioneers of a colony, who have practically experienced the privations and hardships which can now be scarcely conceived or understood. Wc trust that with all the retrospect and the change afibrded by the last twenty years may be productive of pleasing reflections. We cannot conceive that such a gathering can bo otherwise than most interesting and enjoyable.

The Flat Mountain.—The country immediately around this range, which is situated away back from the head of the Wade river, about 20 miles north of Auckland, has long been supposed to be auriferous. We have been shown quartz brought from this place, and it is said to abound there in considerable quantities. For some little time past, the inhabitants of that district have noticed the tent of a couple of men who, it is supposed, have been engaged during the last six weeks in exploring this locality; and during the past week five returned Coromandel miners have reached the Wade by boat, and carried up their swags, &c, to the Flat Mountain, determined to give it a fair trial. Some tew of the inhabitants of the district, wc are told, were likewise engaged prospecting the neighbourhood. CoNKiiniATiox.—We understand that his Lordship Bishop Selwyn intends holding a Confirmation, during the evening service, at St. Paul's Church to-morrow. A large number of candidates have presented themselves for the reception of this interesting religious rite, and have been for some time past under examination by the Minister of St. Paul's.

Key. J. F. Mandeno's Lecture.—Another loctxire by this favourite lecturer is advertized to take place on Tuesday evening in the Odd Fellows' Hall. The subject is hj Necessity of Divine Revelation," J. Newmfin, Esq., will occupy the d^ir.

Bank "of New Zealand. —We draw the attention of the shareholders in this Bank to the fact that a, special general meeting of the proprietors will he heldi in the Banking House, Queen-street, on "Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, to consider the proposal for altering the Deed of Settlement as follows:—"Provided that the first Directors, viz., John I/>gan Campbell,. Thomas Henderson, James O'Neill, George BurgoyneOwen, Thomas Russell, Charles John Taylor, and James Williamson, he eligible for re-election without any notice."

Paraffin, Kerosene.—We notice by our advertising columus that the Insurance Offices have determined on an increase of ss. per cent, on their rates on all buildings in which paraffin or kerosene is used or retailed. This has been found necessary from the impure nature of the oil which is finding its way into this market from Australia, where several accidents have resulted from its use. Our readers may not be aware that this impure oil ignites at a temperature of 70 ° when a match is applied to it.

The Rev. T. Ilamer's lecture on " Freedom of Opinion and its Expression," was delivered in the Brunswick Hall, on Thursday evening. There was a pretty good attendance and the lecture gave very great satisfation to those who heard it

Township of Coromaxdel.—We are glad to see that Mr. Preece has determined on laying out a township on the mainland, the more so as the portion of land (100 acres) to be so sold is in our opinion the most suitable place for the future City of Coromandel. Part of a large high-lying flat of several hundreds of acres, and occupying a commanding position in the bay, it possesses the natural facilities afforded by deep water anchorage for vessels of any tonnage, lies midway between the Tiki and Kapanga, in both which directions the diggings will extend, right and left, and is sheltered and protected by the lofty hills which, at a distance of little more than a mile from the beach are piled up range upon range. Whatever townships may be formed inland, this must necessarily form the chief emporium; and from the permanent as well as extensive nature of the gold-field around, it will probably in a few years become as largely populated as Auckland is at the present moment.

Eight Spirit.—We believe that only one citizen as yet has shewn any discourtesy, or refused to give the information required by the collectors of information for the assessment of the city. This is very gratifying, proving how cordially the people desire to co-operate with the Town Board, and aid them in the many improvements so urgently needed.

Our Volunteers.—A meeting of the deputies of companies took place in the Militia Office on Thursday evening, and it was arranged that the Volunteer Bazzar, which had been postponed in last May, in deference to that for the Orphan Home, should be nowgot up and proceeded with. Charles Heapby, Esq., and Col. Balneavis were deputed to wait on the ladies of the Orphan Bazzar Committee, as to their previous promise of assistance made at the time of postponement. The meeting then adjourned, to report progress next Thursday evening. Papakura Association. —The Annual Agricultural Show of the Papakura Association will be held on thO sth of November next, at Papakura. There are, it would seem, two sets of prizes, the one open only to local competition, the other to that of the whole Province. The latter class appropriately consist of entire-horse stock, adapted for draught and agricultural purposes; and for the best bull. The classes in the more limited area of competition include some nineteen prizes for horses and horned cattle; while for for sheep there arc nine, and for pigs four prizes. Other prizes arc also allotted for poultry, sheep-shear-ing, and implements; and the whole of the animals, &a, exhibited in competition for the local prizes must have been the bonajide property of the exhibitor for at least one month previously to their being exhibited at the Show. The Papakura Association has been instituted by a few of the more energetic of the settlers of that district, tor the purpose of improving the stock in their more immediate neighbourhood, and is intended in no wise to compete with the parent or main society, whose Show will be held about the same time. "We should be pleased to be able to record the existence of many similar Associations in our out-lying districts; the emulation caused by such an annual Show does much to improve the breed of cattle in the particular district in which it is held; and the social gathering which takes place on such occasions is also not without its usefulness. We would remind intending exhibitor that all entries must be made on or before the 20th day of October next.

Miss H. Gordon has brought her too short visit to this citv to a close by a generous gift to the funds of our Auckland Industrial School, of the proceeds of the performance last night. It is but little to say that our community have much to thank her for, not only at this time for the important service she has rendered the school fund, but also for the great pleasure and delight she has given the thousands of our fellow-colonists who have availed themselves of her performances;—which throughout, have been as much calculated to elevate the judgment and refine the taste in matter smusical, as to create healthy mirth and afford innocent enjoyment. The first of last night's benefit, was the " Morning Call," a delightful little piece of comedy, presenting the most amusing scenes and filled with witty dialogue and repartee. This was followed by the ever fresh and ever welcome overture from Harold's Zampa, given with right good effect and precision by an improvised orchestra of gentleman amateurs, led by a well-known volunteer rifleman in his own successful style. A small but effective contingent from the fine band of the 40th, with Sergeant Morell, ably supported; the whole being conducted with his usual ability by Mr. Beale. The overture concluded, Miss Gordon sang the prayer of Norma, " Casta Diva," in the highest style of operatic excellence. It is in first-rank music of this class that the remarkable superiority of Miss Gordon's magnificent voice is most displayed. Here she is at home. Indeed the liquid clearness of intonation, tho graceful and correct rapidity with which were given the exquisite phrases of this, Bellini's masterpiece, together with the complete control of both power and expression shewn by the singer in her rendering of this classic piece, fully prove Miss Gordon's just claim to the queenly title she enjoys. In this piece, as well as in "Ever of thee," the orchestra was kept well in hand, and accompanied with much tact and judgment, which is the more creditable, seeing that they were only able to have one rehearsal previous to the performance. Owing to this preparative brevity we have to regret the absence of the flute accompanicment to Bishop's charming piece " Lo 'tis the gentle Lark-" but we live in hope of a better luck next time should Miss Gordon revisit us. Many favourite songs were given besides by Miss Gordon, and the performance wound up with a most laughter-provoking piece entitled " A perplexing predicament," which fully occupied the risible faculties of the entire audience, young and old. Mr. Hyde's inimitable acting and "eloquent eyebrow," would alone make any amount of fun; but, supported as he is by the clever impersonations of Miss Gordon, we can safely award to them, without fear of dispute, our first-class medal as pleasure givers and entertainers of the public, as well as exponents of firstclass music. We were glad to see the house so thoroughly filled, showing the interest felt in the Industrial School as well as the general appreciation of Miss Gordon's musical talent.