Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 227, 15 January 1876, Page 14

Town News.

The only immigrants remaining in the Immigration Barracks are a few Italians, who have not yet succeeded in finding employment.

A man named John Dundlass was brought from Foxton on Thursday, by the Napier, on suspicion of lunacy.

A telegram from Sydney in the Melbourne Argus of December 31st, states that lima De Murska was married to Alfred Anderson, the pianist, on Wednesday, the 29th December. A man named Hughes was brought in from Featherston on Tuesday, under sentence of three months' imprisonment, for an indecent assault committed upon a young girl named Charlotte Montrey.

An enthusiastic inhabitant of Port Chalmers was good enough to send us the following telegram on Tuesday : —" Reynolds won in a canter. Dunedin cocktail league bursted. Bully for Port Chalmers."

Mr. Hayte, the Auckland artist, who is well known by his works of art throughout the colony, is now in Wellington en route for Auckland, having been engaged in procuring chromos of southern scenery. The efforts made to recover the body of the man Michael Christian proved unsuccessful, and nothing further has been elicited that could throw any additional light on his sudden disappearance, or the cause thereof.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of ". Bradshaw's Guide " for January, which, in addition to the usual full on general subjects, contains a well written article descriptive of Auckland. On Saturday last the present owner of the establishment once the property of the Cooperative Baking Association baked 1500 loaves, being the largest number of loaves ever baked in one oven in Wellington on a single day.

The remains of the late Mr. William Allen were interred in the Church of England cemetery on Thursday afternoon. The funeral was attended by a large number of influential citizens, and the burial service was read by his Lordship the Bishop of Wellington. A shock of earthquake was felt at Wanganui on Thursday at 4.20 p.m., and was experienced at Foxton about fifteen seconds afterwards. It is described as a shock of unusual character, a peculiar rolling sensation being felt during its passage, which lasted about fifteen seconds.

The returns for the Manawatu election, so far as they are to hand, will be found in our telegraphic column, and give Mr. Walter Johnston a majority of fifteen. In addition, we believe he is likely to have a majority of fifteen or twenty at Paikakariki. It is unlikely that the further returns to come will affect his position at the head of the poll. The passengers per ship Pleiades spent a very pleasant time on the voyage out, which was long, but accompanied by generally fine weather ; and there being (for a wonder) none of that unpleasantness usually characteristic of domestic life on board ship, the Pleiades proved .a happy home for three months to those who sailed by her. An erroneous report gained ground on Thursday afternoon and received credit, that the end of the cable had been safely buoyed. As a matter of fact, one end of the cable was got to the surface, but slipped, and is again at the bottom of the sea. Its exact locality is, however, now known, and it will be fished for .again. As our special's report shows, there is no buoy over it; the buoy having gone adrift and been picked up by the Luna. The following tenders were received at the Public Works office, Wellington, for the Waiongona contract of the Waitara to Wanganui railway :—Accepted : John Henderson, Wellington, £13,707. Declined : Wm. Bayley and Isaac Bayley, New Plymouth, £17,841 ; Alex. McDonald and W. Brooking, New Plymouth, £17,934 ; T. E. Hammerton, New Plymouth, £18,073 ; Fraser and Roberts, Wellington, £18,453 ; J. Mubree, ]N"ew Plymouth, £19,923. The Wesleyan Conference held its first session on Thursday, the chair being occupied by the Rev. Thos. Buddie, ex-President. After singing the 492nd hymn, the Rev. Secretary read the fifth chapter of the second epistle of Peter. Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Wm. Kirk, and the ex-President. It was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. Secretary, that in consequence of the absence of the President, the Conference should adjourn till this evening, at 6.30 o'clock. The Karori Cricket Club soiree on Wednesday passed off very successfully. The room was not crowded to excess, therefore dancing was all the more enjoyable. Mr. F. Dowsett was caterer, and provided a very nice supper. The cricketing team, towards whose expenses the profits of the soiree go, propose to start on their tour about the Ist February, therefore it is possible another soiree may be held in the meantime.

The selection of land in the Rangitumau block was continued on Friday, but the only applications put in were by John Morrison for 100 acres, and J. Houston for 500 acres. In those cases in which, on the previous day, there had been simultaneous applications for the same parcel, the difficulty was got over by one party giving way. The land is still open for selection.

The Catholic bazaar closed on Saturday evening The weather has militated against success" but upwards of £2OO has been cleared by the effort. The last of the Young Dick and Jane Spiers affair has now been seen. All costs and damages having been duly paid over, the Jane Spiers on Friday left port for Newcastle. A Press Agency telegram from Dunedin in Southern papers says :—" Larnach now declares himself an abolitionist, and declines to number himself with the Opposition. The contractor for cutting the Rimutaka tunnel, Mr. Collie, is making good progress, notwithstanding the fact that in the course of driving the "country" proves "stubborn. They are now in twelve chains.

A child named Hector Scrimshaw, son of Mr. George Scrimshaw, was drowned on Sunday in the Hutt River. The police received intimation of the fact by telegram on Monday evening, up to which time the body had not been found.

It is noticeable in connection with the Manawatu election that in the district proper Mr. Johnston had a majority of votes._ Of the Wellington voters who went up to Paikaka.-iki, 23, we believe, polled for Johnston, and 5 for Buller. This would, then leave of voters resident in Manawatu 168 for Johnston, and 159 for Buller.

The pantomime, which has had a good run at the Theatre Royal, was played for the last time on Saturday night to a fair house, and it is due to the company to say that the closing performance was as spirited in every respect as when Trookulentps was first produced two weeks back. That it has had so good a run speaks highly for the merits of Mr. DarreU's company. During the hearing of the case Edwards v. Young, on Saturday, at the Resident Magistrate's Court, a witness was very neatly caught tripping. It having been alleged that he had o-ot the worse for liquor by frequent potations on the road, he replied with a most seiious countenance that he had only had lemonade. To this, Mr. Young rejoined : " May it please your Worship, they don't sell lemonade on the road ; it is not strong enough for them to keep."

Mr. Liardet, the only furrier in Wellington, will be among the contributors to the Philadelphia Exhibition, and there can be no hazard in predicting that few of the exhibits from this colony will be regarded with greater interest. Mr. Liardet will send away by the next mail steamer a large assortment of muffs, tippets, cuffs, &c, made of the skins of native birds. As specimens, they are really beautiful, and the thought naturally rises when looking at them, that Mr. Liardet requires but to be well known to do a large trade locally and throughout the colony.

An arrival by the Pleiades, verdant and fresh, was heard to remark on Wednesday that this town and the people in it had disappointed him ; in fact it was not what he did expect after travelling 13,000 miles by sea. He left home to see something new, and the institutions of this country quite upset his stomach, and the people have disgusted him by being so like the people at home. Generally speaking, he is not satisfied with his first experience of New Zealand, or of " our native raw material." It is not often that new arrivals complain of finding a second home this side of the Equator. Since last meeting of the City Council the Wharf Committee have given serious attention to the question as to how the Queen's wharf shall be managed in future; the result being that at a meeting held on Tuesday afternoon it was agreed to recommend the Council to take over the whole management of the wharf, bonded store-sheds, tolls, and the supply of water to shipping. The committee failed to see any good reason for extending the present lease till the busy season of the year had passed, and they propose, if the Council adopt the report, to sit continuously to frame the necessary regulations to be put in force when the Corporation takes possession.

Anyone in the habit of visiting thecourts must be tolerably well acquainted with the depth of resource of Mr. Gordon Allan, but for an extreme effort in advocacy, commend us to a remark made by Mr. Allan on Wednesday. A client was charged with stealing a number o£ articles, but the most difficult for prisoner to get rid of were two or three antimacassars, and this is how Mr. Allan did it. " Gentlemen, it is said prisoner stole the antimacassars ; but, gentlemen, it is not proved. It is not proved he wanted antimacassars ; there is no evidence he used oil, and it must be quite clear if he did not use oil he would not want antimacassars." The jury acquitted prisoner. Had they any alternative ? On Saturday afternoon a telegram was sent to Castle Point to expect falling, barometer, and winds between east and north-west. By Sunday morning the sky wore every appearance of northerly winds, but they were throughout the day from the southward, with fine weather and a heavy bank of clouds from north-east to south-east, glass falling slowly. On Monday telegrams to expect falling barometer were sent to the following places, with information that the wind might be expected to be, at Gisborne and Taupo, between north and south-west ; at Napier and Wanganui, between north-east and west ; and at Opunaki, wind changing from south-west northward. At Castle Point the wind had already changed to north-east, and warning was sent to expect it to increase ; by 5 p.m. it was blowing fresh, and a good deal of sea running. Yesterday the winds were : At Gisborne, W.N.W. breeze ; at Taupo, calm, but during the middle of the day a breeze from south ; at Napier, northeast, moderate; at Wanganui, north-west breeze ; a*-- Opunake, north-west breeze ; at Castlepoint, north-west, fresh, the wind having changed westward at about 7 p.m., and blew a moderate gale during the night. The sky on Tuesday at sunset had a very wild appearance, particularly in the north-east quarter.

Police business in Wellington has become interesting of late, as is shown by the crowd of people attending the Resident Magistrate's Court. On Monday the proceedings proved attractive to many, Smat and another man named Phillips being charged with murder. In the case of Smat, it was simply a matter of hearing further evidence, Dr. Bradford being examined as to Young being admitted into the Hospital, and his condition since.

Another charge of murder was preferred in the Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday, against one George Phillips (such being the name he gives himself). Particulars of the case will be found in the court proceedings. Phillips was arrested up-country by Constable Ryan. The man's appearance answers exactly the description of Cunningham, for whose apprehension a reward has been offered. Moreover, the answers he made to questions put by the constable were strangely suspicious, but it would be improper to comment upon the case further, as it is yet sub judice. The police have obtained a photograph of the prisoner, which it is intended to forward to Dunedin. Mr. H. Redwood has given the proprietor of the Lion Foundry an order to construct a steam yacht, the plans of which our reporter was enabled to inspect through the courtesy of Mr. Seager, manager of the works. The yacht, which is intended apparently to be used for pleasure trips exclusively, will be propelled by a screw driven by a compound engine of about 18 horse-power. She will measure about sixty-five feet in length, and is expected to travel at the rate of twelve knots an hour. The cabin will be in the fore part of the vessel, while there will be another cabin aft for those engaged in working her. To judge from the plans, Mr. Redwood will have a spacious, comfortable, and convenient yacht turned out from one of our local foundries. Perhaps this act of enterprise and patronage of a local industry will have a salutary effect in the way of inducing others about to give similar orders, to look at home before going abroad in search of what they require.

Since Friday morning at an early hour a man named Michael Christian, who was mate of the brigantine Elizabeth Curie, has been missing, and there is every reason to believe that he will never be found alive. Captain Stephenson, the master of the brigantine, states that the missing man was a native of Dublin, and had shipped on board the Elizabeth Curie at Lyttelton. He went ashore on Thursday, and returned between eleven and twelve o'clock at night, in company with one of the crew, with whom he was on very friendly terms. Christian went aft to go bed, after saying good night to his companion. Next morning, Joseph Henry, the ship's cook, went into the cabin, and then found that Christian was absent, but saw his coat, hat, waistcoat, and necktie lying on the cabin floor. He also saw a lemonade bottle containing brandy. From the foregoing, it seems that Christian, when he got on board, must have had much more liquor than was good for him. Again, it is quite possible that he took some of the brandy that was found in the cabin next morning ; and the conclusion we arrive at is that Christian, after divesting himself of such clothing as was found on the floor, went on deck for some purpose, and accidentally fell over the side of the vessel, and was drowned. Search will, of course, be made.

A salutary lesson was on Wednesday read to the hobbledehoys who night after night attend the theatre apparently for no other purpose than to prevent other people enjoying the performance. A number of young men who occupied seats in the stalls amused themselves by shouting and hallooing in a most frantic manner, to the great annoyance of a large number of ladies and gentlemen in the dress circle as well as others in the stalls. It was continued for some time, till it became unbearable, and a gentleman in the dress circle took advantage of the fall of the act drop to step quietly down stairs and send for the police. Three members of the force arrived immediately, and the gentleman gave four of the disturbers in charge. Some of their confreres began to hiss and exhibit other signs of disapproval of what was being done, but it was of no avail, and the four were marched off to the station. One refused to give his name, but the others gave theirs as respectively W. E. Coleman, William Bryan Good, and Robert Heath. It is believed one is a medical student, and the others are recent arrivals, and on being searched it was found all were well supplied with cash. They will be brought before the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, when it is to be hoped they will be made an example of. If gentlemen of position attending the theatre would make a practice of following the course so properly taken last evening it would be well. After the occurrence a pin might have been heard drop.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, an ex-inmate of the Lunatic Asylum made his appearance on a charge of assault. When first seen by Sub-Inspector Naylen he was running a muck in one of the streets at the southern end of the town, striking everyone who came within his reach. According to the statement of Mr. Seager, the keeper of the Mount "View Asylum, Gallagher, the man referred to, was admitted some months ago, and was there very violent. Recently he has become quiet and perfectly sane, and thinking it a pity to keep him when he might be earninga living outside, the asylum authorities granted him a conditional discharge for three months, and had he behaved himself, in three months the discharge would have been made complete. In the court he was very quiet, and Mr. Seager said he would remain so as long as he kept sober ; but the least drink would drive him temporarily mad again. The Bench remanded prisoner for a time, in order that his friends who live in the Wairarapa might come down. Sergeant Monaghan pointed out that as he had been committed to the asylum on a, magistrate's order, and as he had forfeited his liberty when on leave of absence of necessity, he should be re-committed to the asylum. However, the Bench declined to vary the order made.

A couple of men, named respectively John Wilson and George Duffin, were fined ss. at the Resident Magistrate's Court on Saturday. Wilson was taken into custody when in the company of a couple of "jail birds," and luckily for him that he was saved from his friends, as when searched fifty-five sovereigns were found upon him. E. D. Tpohill, proved to have invaded the statute against cruelty to animals in having driven a horse suffering from bad knees, was fined 10s. and costs. Several other cases were disppsed of. There is no law against a man keeping a bull, should he have a fancy for that kind of pet, so long as he does not permit his bull or bulls to be a subject of annoyance to his neighbors, but when this latter is the case common justice demands that either he or his bull should be interfered with out of consideration for the peace and quiet of such of her Majesty's liege subjects as may be located in his neighborhood. We have been induced to make the above prefatory remarks in consequence of intelligence received that a gentlemen at the Te Aro end of the town has a bull which has become a serious nuisance to a number of his neighbors. This bull has a habit of jumping the fence, and roving around of nights, bellowing horribly, to the distraction of would-be sleepers and any sick persons in the neighborhood. In common decency this gentleman (whose name we refrain from publishing) should keep his bull to himself, and no doubt he will see the justice of these few observations; for a greater nuisance than that described it would be difficult to conceive.

The circuit sitting of the Supreme Court opened at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, his Honor the Chief Justice presiding. On the Grand Jury panel being called, Messrs. Billing and George Beetham did not answer, and fines of £5 were recorded in each case. Presently Mr. Billing came in to "excuse himself, and, in answer to the Chief Justice, said an important business engagement had detained him. His Honor replied that he could not take such an excuse. Had he offered as an excuse forgetfulness or ignorance, it might have been accepted, but as for an important business engagement that was no excuse at all. Attendance to an order of the Court was the most important business. He would, however, reduce the fine to 40s. With respect to Mr Beetham, Constable Stewart stated that that gentleman was absent from the Hutt when service was made, and had not been able to return yet. His Honor therefore remitted the fine. The Grand Jury found true bills in all cases, and two cases were tried. In one instance, that of James Mackay, charged with committing wilful damage at Government House, prisoner was convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. James Harris, charged with larceny, was acquitted. There are two cases remaining for trial—viz., Solomon, for forgery, and Michael Foley, charged with having committed rape. Complaints have been made regarding the management of the Thorndon Baths, which might occasion surprise to those who believe in the axiom (whence originated no one knows) that "new brooms sweep a simple figure of speech in common use within domestic circles. It seems a fact, however, that reform is necessary in the regulations of the Thorndon baths ; or perhaps, it might be more proper to say that there is a want of regulation in the whole affair. In the first place, the baths are advertised to be open every day of the week, and the public have been frequently disappointed in consequence of such an announcement, because as a matter of fact they have been found closed on Sundays and on public holidays. In other parts of the colony baths are kept open during stated hours on the Sabbath, and this is made known in the usual manner. No one will deny the right of every man to have a day of rest, and we can see no reason why popular feeling should make an exception of a man in charge of baths; but in order that the public may not suffer disappointment and annoyance the trustees (or whoever are th« responsible parties) should take care to advertise when the keeper is supposed to keep holiday, and when he may be relied upon as being present to discharge the duties for which he receives remuneration. Moreover, we understand that the present keeper of the Thorndon baths has not only taken upon himself to act in direct opposition to the printed regulations, but has conceived the idea that to enforce obedience to the code he has chosen to arrange, it is necessary to be impertinent to customers. When gentlemen have walked a long distance for the purpose of having a bathe, they do not, naturally, care to be treated with extreme incivility, but that such has been the treatment received by a number of gentlemen" is a fact %p which they (the gentleman referred to) are prepared to testify. It is to be hoped that those in authority will take steps to work reform where reform is necessary.

Amongst the customary Christmas " break-ino-s-up" which have not hitherto been noticed, is°that of the Te Aro Grammar School and College. Owing to sickness, the usual formalities were this year dispensed with ; but, to give honor to whom honor is due, it may be stated that the boys—some forty—attending the school, underwent a searching examination in their various subjects of study during the year, and the result of the ordeal was, that in the highest form (No. 3), Robert Kemble came out with first honors ; Frank Dixon, second ; Herbert Hunt, third ; Robert Murray securing honorable mention. In second form, the following was the order of merit: —Douglas Buck,\firsjk prize ; Hermann Knigge, second ; HerberfiSßailly, third ; Percy Knowles, honorable merition. First form: —Harry Warcup, first pri/ie ; William Pyke, second ; B. Harrison, third ; Frederick Wallace, honorable mention. A cursory inspection of the examination papers enables us to say that the tasks set were in many cases of a character which might almost seem to be beyond the capabilities of boys of the ages of the competitors ; yet, speaking generally, the answers were very correct, and the papers written in a clear, business-like manner. In arithmetic and Eng-

jjlish, this was particularly observable. The object of the principal (Mr. Curtis) is to impart first, a sound English and commercial education to all ; and in this curriculum, he includes the modern languages of Trench and German as being very necessary. But if parents are desirous of their children attaining to the higher education, every facility is offered. Resident and visiting masters are engaged specially to teach Liatin, Greek, &c, so that the school is essentially a commercial and classical academy. For boarders there is excellent accommodation ; spacious, airy dormitories, cheerful schoolrooms and apartments for leisure hours, together with the indispensable playground ; and as a proof of the success of the teaching, it may be stated that Mr. Curtis has sent five competitors for the Civil Service examinations, and four for the .Local Cambridge examinations. Without doubt, the Te Aro College is an excellent educational establishment.

A numerously attended tea meeting in connection with the Adelaide-road Wesleyan Sunday School took place on Tuesday. The tea was got up by the ladies, who came forward with their usual liberality, and provided good things in abundance. After tea a public meeting was held, at which the Superintendent of the circuit, the Rev. W. Morley, presided ; and after proceedings had been opened in the usual form, the secretary, Mr. Blow, read the third annual report. This was of a most encouraging nature. After a few prefatory sentences, it related that the average attendance during the year had been in the morning, 82 ; afternoon, 66. Three teachers had joined, and one had left the school; and 67 new scholars had been received, while 27 had left and one had died—making the total number of scholars on the roll to be 120, with 12 teachers. The school library had received additions during the year, and there were now 247 volumes in it, and books were issued to 84 scholars. The library is supported by voluntary contributions, and the teachers hope for increased assistance. The school income for the year had been £ls 18s. 9d., and there was a cash balance of about £l, and about the same amount stood to the credit of the library account after all debts had been discharged. Mr. Short then addressed the meeting, and the chairman recommended the ladies to try to extend the sphere of usefulness of the Sunday School. The Rev. Mr. Dewsbury next delivered an interesting address, in the course of which he dwelt on the importance of early culture and training. He spoke eulogistically of the system of education pursued under the auspices of the Government of the colony, which he said placed that great boon within the reach of all, but the_ next thing to be desired was compulsory education. It was stated by the chairman that the receipts at the anniversary exceeded those of the previous one. A vote of thanks to the ladies who had provided the tea was carried by acclamation, as was also one to the gentlemen who had trained the children for the anniversary. The singing of the children, under the leadership of Mr. W. Tonks, was a feature of the evening, and certainly bore evidence to the care which had been devoted to their instruction.

Conspicuous at the Te Aro end of the city is the new English Church now in course of erection. Is is a considerable time since the movement to obtain this additional church was set on foot. Eirst it was thought a sum of £4OOO could be raised, and competitive designs were called for, that of Mr. C. Tringham being accepted. Subsequently the sum to be spent was reduced to £2OOO, and new designs were called for, yet again there was another reduction, and £ISOO was fixed as the utmost outlay. Mr. Tringham again drew designs, and on these last designs the tender of Messrs. Nash and Upton to do the whole of the work was sent in, accepted, and the building (now approaching completion) was commenced. It may be described as being of the early English Gothic order of architecture, and in some respects similar to St. Paul's, Thorndon, but it is more symmetrical. The length from the chancel to the front is about 87ft., width, 50ft., with an altitude of 42ft. from floor to apex of roof. There are two side aisles and a nave, and the seats, which are constructed in the modern open fashion, and will seat about 450 persons, range laterally. The organ loft is situate at the side of the lectern, and accommodation for the choir is provided in the chancel. The chancel, which is raised 4ft. above the floor, is very nicely ornamented, being lined with panelled work of kauri and red pine intermixed, and this is surmounted by a string-course with quarterfoils all round. The clere-storey is supported by massive pillars and brackets, and over this is an archway shaft, with moulded caps and base. "Very fine strong timber is being used in the construction of the building, and altogether Messrs. Nash and Upton are carrying out the contract in a very satisfactory manner. Viewed from a distance, the church is a handsome looking structure, but it would have presented a much more imposing appearance had Mr. Tringham's original design been carried out, and a tower placed at the head of the church. However, financial difficulties stand in the way at present ; but we may hope that at some future time the completed design will be carried out. On Saturday, a case to which considerable interest attached was decided at the Resident Magistrate's Court, and the decision given by the Resident Magistrate is one which should have the effect of lessening the annoyance which the travelling public have frequently to put up with. A man named George Edwards sued Mr. Andrew Young, coach proprietor, for having (by his servant) broken a contract he entered into to carry defendant from Otaki to Wellington, by leaving him on the road. ' He claimed £l7 damages. It was admitted that defendant had been left on the Paikakariki Hill, but defendant pleaded justification, inasmuch as plaintiff was drunk, noisy, and foul in his language. This was proved to the satisfaction of the Court by the driver, Mr. Hall, and by a passenger, Mr. Blackett, assistant engineer-in-chief, who stated that plaintiff took

drink at every public-bouse on the road, and more than that, supplied himself with bottles of brandy to drink on the road, that he was drunk, and used bad language notwithstanding repeated cautions, and behaved generally in a manner very annoying to the passengers, amongst whom were females. Evidence was callecf in rebuttal, but it was of a very weak character, and the Magistrate gave no weight to it. He said, in giving judgment, that he was sorry coachmen did not more frequently use their discretion and refuse to carry drunken men to the annoyance of sober respectable passengers. He considered the coachman quite justified in what he had done, and therefore found for defendant with costs. This judgment will strengthen the hands of coachmen, who in driving along the perilous roads of this province have too much to do in attending to their horses without having their attention distracted by drunken passengers. That Te Aro bull has been again the subject of complaints. His depredations strike terror to the hearts of those living in the streets to which—with an eccentricity only conceivable in a bull so dreadful—he confines his attentions. Harrowing accounts have been received of his tossing a man in the prime of life ; carrying an infant in his mouth over fifty yards, at which point we are told he was about to swallow the child, when, providentially, his attention was arrested by a placard offering £IOO reward for Cunningham, and becoming engrossed in contemplation thereof, dropped his burden, and some time afterwards was seen to erect his tail wildly and rush up the streets as if urged on in his wild career by a thousand fiends. Several appeals have been made to the Inspector of Nuisances. Perhaps the gentleman who owns this bull is ignorant of the manner in which his pet regales himself at the public expense, but as attention has once before been directed to the matter, he will do well to keep his beast to himself, otherwise that bull will certainly get into trouble. As before stated, the Inspector of Nuisances has been apprised of the matter ; but no steps have yet been taken by him to abate the annoyance —why, does not appear, unless indeed that official has a wholesome dread of the bull owner's influnce. The latter gentleman, being in some way connected with the management of local affairs (and enjoying a reputation for ornament quite as much as for usefulness), may have inspired the Inspector of Nuisances (if not any one else) with a sense of his importance in the State. Such, of course, may not be the case, and very likely is not. The anniversary services in connection with the Adelaide-road Sunday School were held on Sunday afternoon and evening. Quite recently an addition has been made to the chapel, which it is proposed to devote to school purposes. The chapel was decorated with flowers and green leaves, which were so arranged as to produce a very pretty effect, and in the centre of the church was suspended a banner, upon which was inscribed a line from the Psalms appropriate to the occasion. Mr. Dewsbury preached in the afternoon, Mr. Morley in the evening, there being on each occasion a good attendance of children, whose vocal performances were really excellent, thanks to their teachers. Mr. Morley took his text from the 11th chapter of St. Mark —" And they brought young children within, that they might teach them ; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it he was much displeased, and said unto them : Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. Verily I say unto you whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." From this text the rev. gentleman preached a most eloquent sermon, proceeding to explain in a clear and forcible manner the lessons it contained, as showing the relationship of children to the Church. Children were born members of the Church, and were possessed of the grace of God, although they were not capable of undertaking the responsibilities of their positions until they arrived at a certain age, and required certain training, which it was the object of these Sunday schools to afford ; wherefore he claimed support on behalf of those schools, and conjured parents to recognise the necessity of bringing their children into communion with the Lord by this means, and besought teachers to renewed exertions in the cause. In concluding a most earnest and eloquent appeal, Mr. Morley directed his remarks particularly to the children present, and in a few simple and touching words besought them to reward the love bestowed upon them by their Saviour, infollowinghis commandments, always remembering that the eye of God was ever upon them. A collection was made on behalf of the school fund, and was liberally subscribed to. Mr. Morley notified that a conference reception meeting will be held on Tuesday, when a number of ministers will be present, some of them being expected to arrive from other parts of the colony on that date. On Thursday evening a lecture on the " Doctrines of the Mormon Faith" was delivered by a gentleman styling himself Elder Hurst. The oration had at least the merit of novelty, and the speaker possessed a certain advantage in being totally unlike any of the speakers to whom the majority of Englishmen are accustomed. With a fixity of purpose and conscientious devotion to a number of set phrases, peculiar, no doubt, to Elders of the Mormon faith generally; he commenced, continued, and ended by informing his hearers, that the Mormon faith was the only true faith, a logical proposition from which he deduced the conclusion that all men, of any other faith whatsoever, musst be in danger of everlasting perdition, always providing, of course, that they do not in the interests of their own salvation see the wisdom of becoming Mormons before the eleventh hour. As an additional argument in favor of his faith, however, Mr. Hurst was good enough to remark that he found a marked difference in "society and the manners of the people" in Utah and Wellington ; therefore, of course, it follows

that as Wellington is not like unto Utah, Wellington needs reform, and Mr. Hurst, as an apostle of the " late " faith, can see no way by which our city can be saved from this distressing oddity but by becoming the abode of a Mormon people. If this line of argument appears as forcible to all who hear and read as it does to Mr. Hurst, his visit to this part of the world will not have been without fruitful consequences ; but if, on the other hand, there should be many of us foolish enough to believe that the Bible is capable of other interpretation than that given it by Mr. Hurst, then his preachings will perhaps have exposed him to the contempt entertained for those who, while professing to be expounders of a holy work, do bring it into ridicule and shame, and cause many to scoff who would otherwise pray. The lecturer gave a brief account of his sojourn in Utah and of his residence in Logan City, Cash Valley. Eor what he had experienced there he thanked God, because, to use his own words, he " went down into the waters of Baptism and came up the recipient of the Holy Ghost." In anything that has been said of the lecture above, many persons will no doubt see nought that is objectionable in the lecture. It is perfectly clear that if Mr. Hurst believes he is right he may say so to anyone that will listen to him. But tastes vary, and while in Utah it may be popular to speak coarsely of holy things, and irreverently of the great author of our beings, it is just possible that such may give offence to people outside of Utah. It is to be regretted that Mr. Hurst is exercised with regard to Wellington manners. We can assure that gentleman, however, that he is not, as a representative of a class, unfamiliar to readers of authors who have undertaken representations of American character. In Mr. Hurst we recognise a prototype of the immortal Chollop in all save the " Ripper, Tickler" and other murderous accompaniments; and although this gentleman is eloquent on the toleration of Mormon citizens, we have no doubt that visitors to Utah would find, as Mark Tapley did in Eden, that it must be "cracked up," and that the toleration and freedom is a sham. Mr. Hurst took occasion to mention that he left his home, in common with other elders, " without purse or scrip," and trusted to " luck" for maintenance. This is an example of toleration that is quite remarkable, and very pleasant to think of ; and may account for the fact that the Utah citizens are enabled to despatch lecturers whose eloquence is on a par with their notions of grammatical English. Mr. Hurst intends lecturing again on Sunday. As a cab was proceeding down the wharf on Wednesday it came into collision with a crane, and the top part of the face was smashed in. The crane was projecting towards the middle of the wharf, and the cabman must have supposed his vehicle would run clear of it. The parish church of St. Michael, Hughenden, was reopened lately, after having undergone almost entire reconstruction. The services were fully choral, and the Bishop of Oxford preached the sermon. After the reopening a luncheon took place, at which Mr. Disraeli presided and spoke ; Sir W. Vernon Harcourt, who was present as the Premier's guest, also making a speech in reply to the toast of his health.

PROFESSION OF TWO NOVICES. On Thursday evening the impressive ceremony of the reception and profession of two " Sisters of our Lady of Mercy" took place at St. Mary's Cathedral, Hill-street. There was a very large congregation present and everything passed off most solemnly.

The ladies to be admitted were Miss Mary Ward (niece to the Bishop), and Miss Margaret Kirk.

At the appointed hour all the religious in the convent assembled together with the postulants, bridal angels, cross bearer, &c, and they moved in processson into the church, the choir on the entrance of the procession commencing O Glorioso, &c. The sisters advanced two by two, with lighted candles in their hands, next came the cross-bearer, bridal angels, two and two, the postulants, with the Lady Superioress and the assistant. The postulants, cross-bearer, and bridal angels were all attired in bridal, costume.

The procession having arrived at the grate, the different parties took up the posts allotted to them, the clergy with a band of acolytes entered, and the ceremony was commenced by the Bishop, who acted as celebrant, reading several prayers. Then came the sermon. The Bishop took for his text Matt, xvii., 37, 38, 39. He said the command given in this text to love God and to love the neighbor was one which every person was bound to fulfil. It mattered not what his station inlif e—whether high or low, rich or poor, influential or of small degree amongst men—every man must obey this command or suffer the punishment of hell. But although this commandment should be generally obeyed, although it ought to be so easy to obey, yet, because of man's sinful nature, very few could fulfil it. Those who did desire to fulfil it must make great efforts to do so—they would have to strive through the whole of their existence with very great courage and perseverance, but still, notwithstanding the difficulty, the attempt must be made, or they would be eternally lost. The obstacles which stood in the Christian's way were three :—The first was drawn from the flesh, for "the flesh rebelleth against the spirit," the second was concupiscence of the sight, and third pride of life. To overcome these difficulties was the great object of the Christian's life, and one of the best possible ways to overcome them was to take the course which the Sisters were that night taking. It was more easy to abstain from the pleasures of the world altogether than to regulate enjoyment of them, and in coming there that evening to renounce these pleasures for ever they were fleeing from evil. They were entering a school where they would be taught to renounce worldly pleasures, to appreciate voluntary poverty, to comfort the sick, to relieve the distressed in body and spirit, to educate the ignorant ; in fact, they would learn to love God and their neighbors, and

would not only fulfil the commandment, but would attain to perfection in God. True, they would lose freedom in some matters, but such loss would be gain. It was not true freedom to be unfettered by the restraint of wholesome laws, and to be allowed a free course in the follies of the world ; and if they lost freedom in small things they gained freedom in pursuing the way of life. They would renounce all self-will and learn to imitate the Apostles in that they would teach the Gospel. They would imitate the angels, too ; angels were ever bright and pure, and they on earth would be pure, too ; but their purity would be even of a higher order than that of the angels. The angels were spirits disassociated from earthly imperfections, therefore they (the Sisters) were going to do by grace what the angels did by nature. The angels would be but fulfilling the purpose for which they were created, but the Sisters would have fought against a sinful life, and the new life would be the result of triumph and victoiy. Like the angels, they would praise God day and night, and like the angels, they would be the bearers of messages of peace and mercy. Just as a guardian angel protected each person born into the world, so the Sisters would guard and protect the poor and the ignorant. They were also goin<? to imitate the Queen of Angels, the Blessed Virgin, and last of all, they would imitate Jesus Christ himself.

The sermon being ended, the Superioress and assistant conducted the postulants to the grate, where, kneeling, each was interrogated as follows :

Celebrant: My child, what do you demand? Postulanc: The Mercy of God, and the Holy Habit of Religion. Celebrant: Is it with your own free will you demand the Holy Habit of Religion ! Postulant: Yes, my Lord. Celebrant: Reverend Mother, have you made the necessary inquiries, and are you satisfied ? Suz>erioress : Yes, my Lord. Celebrant: My child, have you a firm intention to' persevere in religion to the end of your life ; and do you hope to have sufficient strength to carry constantly the sweet yoke of our Lord Jesus Christ, solely for the love and fear of God ? Postulant: Relying on the mercy of God, I hope to be able to do so.

Celebrant: What God has commenced in you, may he perfect.

Postulant: Amen. Celebrant: May the Lord banish from you the old man with his works.' Postulant: Amen. The postulants then retired to the sacristy and changed their bridal attire for the religious habit, which had been previously blessed by the Bishop. On their return several prayers were said, after which the postulants prostrated themselves before the altar, and the choir sang Veni Creator, and after several more prayers the ceremony concluded, and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed.

The religious name of Miss Ward is Sister Aloysius Francis, and Miss Kirk's is Sister Mary de Salet. The clergy taking part in the ceremonies, besides the Bishop, were the Rev. Father Petit Jean, Pev. Father O'Reilly (celebrant at the Benediction), Rev. Father Chataigner, Per. Father Kearney (master of ceremonies). The choir had been specially strengthened from the Te Aro Church, and under the conductorship of Mr. Patnam rendered the musical part of the service in a very satisfactory manner. Miss M. Cemino presided at the organ. The pieces sung were O Gloriosa, Salve Jleyina, quce est ista, Hegnum Mundi, Veni Creator, Ecce qua Bonum, 0 Salutam hostia, Tantuvi ergo, Adeste fidelis. The proceedings terminated at about halfpast 9 o'clock.

GRAPPLING FOR THE CABLE. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) On board the Luna, .Cook Strait, Sunday, 9 th. The Luna left yesterday morning about 5 a.m., the weather looking beautifully fine, but upon reaching the Heads it was seen that the Strait was enveloped in a dense fog. It was decided, however, to push on in the hope that the fog would lift sufficiently to enable bearings to be taken ; but as soon as one bank of fog was passed another followed it close up. After going out about ten or twelve miles the engines were stopped, and the steamer allowed to drift until another glimpse of land was obtained. This state of things lasted throughout the day. Three different times the steamer came in close to shore, and was steamed out again without an observation being taken, or the grappling gear being got ready for a cast. Several soundings were taken, the shallowest being forty-five fathoms, and the deepest being 200. Upon one occasion when the fog lifted a little the position of the steamer was found to be unpleasantly close to the shore. As the afternoon was Avell advanced, without anything having been done, and without any prospect of the weather clearing, Captain Fairchild availed himself of an opportune break in the dense vapor that enveloped everything and ran into the Heads, and came to an anchor in Worser Bay, where already some seven small craft that had been endeavoring to get out during the day were lying at anchor. About twelve that night the Tui passed by on her way to Blenheim with telegrams, and as the mist was not so bad just then as it had been during the day, she headed right out, and no doubt successfully made her trip across. As soon as daylight broke, it was seen that the Phcebe, which had cleared at Wellington the night before at about eleven, had come to an anchor on the other side of the channel, having been deterred by the impenetrable looking mist that shut in the opening and the surrounding hills. Both vessels remained quietly at anchor until between eight and nine, when the fog banks were observed to be break - ing up and drifting inland. Steam was immediately got up on board both vessels, and in a short time the surrounding hills were stripped of their fleecy mantles, and the Luna and the Phcebe were moving out under full steam, all on board of the latter indulging in the agreeable anticipation of being abie to do something in the way of grappling for the broken cable. .v':- . While taking soundings a novel experiment in fishing was tried. The chief officer of the

Luna fastened a baited hapuka hook upon the deep-sea lead, and at the 45 fathoms cast a,n enormous hapuka was hooked. As the line was hauled in by the donken engine, there was no such thing as " playing" your fish, and the unfortunate hapuka was dragged from his ocean home at such a rate that upon reaching the surface it was quite dead, and its great eyes were starting out of its head. Another monster, considerably over ] OOlbs. weight, was in the same way hooked at 120 fathoms deep —rather deep fishing, one would say. It is now Sunday morning, nearly eleven o'clock, with the Tui in sight, and in the hope of her coming alongside I dash off these few lines rather hurriedly, to show what has been done so far. At present Captain Johnston, Captain Eairchilr", and Mr. Kock are engaged in taking bearings, and are all quite sanguine that in an hour or two more the grapnel will have been let go, and the Luna will have commenced trawling for the cable.

Monday, 10th.

Grappling a submarine cable is not an easy job at any time, or in any sea; but in Cook's Strait the operation is of more than ordinai-y difficulty. At first glance, the thing seems to be simple enough. Xnowing the exact point at which each end of the cable leaves the shore, one naturally thinks that there is nothing easier in the world than to go a short distance to one side or the other of the probable line traversed by the cable, and then drag across it at right angles, and that by doing so you cannot fail to hook the electric eel you are in quest of. But as with many another simple looking experiment, the test of hard experience puts the matter in quite another light. This is: just what has been the case with the New Zealand cable, and however easy the task may appear to an anxious public, it is only fair to those engaged in fishing for our broken cable to say that they at least had a tolerably good idea of the difficult nature of the duty they had to perform long before ever a beginning was made at all. So far the result has fully borne out the fears that had been entertained. One of the principal obstacles—probably the greatest obstacle—to be overcome in this deep sea fishing match is the terrific tide which ebbs and flows through the Strait, and no one but a mariner engaged in coast surveying or in some similar task can form any adequate conception of the nature and enormous power of the tide that scours like an ocean sluice between the North and South Islands twice a day. As it happened yesterday that a number of sailing vessels were working their way in various directions through the Strait, a fine opportunity was offered to the most unobservant to note how helpless a vessel may become in Cook's Strait without a breeze; and of course when a foggy atmosphere is added the position is attended with considerable danger. While dragging for the cable during midday, one vessel bound for "Wellington was carried to within a very short distance of Pencarrow lighthouse. Another mile or so and she could have safely made her way Inside the Heads, but the flood tide overtook her before that, and in about an hour and a half she had drifted back ten miles, with all sail set. This is given merely as an instance, because there were several vessels in the Strait at the same time, and all were affected in the same way—one tide carrying them miles upon their course, and the next taking them a great deal further out of it. A steamer under very easy steam is much in the same position as a sailing vessel with a very light breeze; and as the work of dragging has to be carried on with a very small head of steam, the power of the tide is very difficult to contend with, and the most skilful seamanship is required to neutralise the effect of so potent a power. Another source of delay and difficulty in picking the cable is the unevenness of the bottom; portions of it, as has been demonstrated by soundings, being rocky and cut into deep and abrupt channels. Of course when the grapnel catches on a rock, the steamer is at once brought up until the hawser assumes a vertical position; then one or two violent oscillations or jerks take place and a slack rope shows that the cable has not been caught; all your high hopes are dashed, and the task has to be begun over again by making a retrogression, so as to make certain that the cable has not been missed by overshooting the object which pulled you up, and which may, for all you know, have intercepted your grappling iron when but a few yards from the object you are in search of. Another source of defeat and disappointment in dragging, is when you find that your tackle becomes suddenly slack and takes a jump, that is, by hanging slack for a few mimxtes and then fastening again a little further on. This shows at once that a gut has been crossed, and an uneasy feeling is created that probably the cable is lying close and snug down in that ocean channel. The operations of yesterday were attended with all these features.

Although the day closed barren of results, it was far from being unsatisfactory. Looking at th e day's doings in the light that every failure brings one nearer to success, there was a good deal to be satisfied with. A number of soundings were taken, and a good many miles of Strait dragged ; and what is of more value than either, the most careful and accurate bearings of the soundings and the ground grappled were taken by Captain Johnston, Mr. Koch, and Captain Eairchild. The question naturally arises, why should it be necessary at this time of day to do this submarine surveying? No doubt it should have been done when the cable was laid, so that if ever any part of it wanted repairing, the weak spot could be discovered at once. Unfortunately this was not the case. It has been discovered that a great blunder was committed by some one, and the colony is now paying the penalty. Those who recollect the expedition of the Weymouth and the exaltation of feeling that prevailed generally about that time, can readily account for it. As it has been impossible to discover any record whatever of the line over which the cable was laid on that memorable occasion, there is very strong grounds for supposing that it was laid "anyhow." The principal portion of the work was done after sundown, and as during that time the vessel was

subject to the influence of two different tides—the power of which are probably better known to-day than they were then—it would be very extraordinary indeed if the cable was laid in anything like a direct line. That the line was very indirect is made patent by the fact that forty-two miles of cable were paid out between Lyell's Bay and White's Bay. As the amount of material used was a great deal more than ought to have been necessary, one cannot help thinking that the cable-laying journey was of rather a meandering nature. Hence the difficulty of now finding the exact track with any degree of expedition. The day was beautifully fine throughout, and very favorable for the work in hand. The sea was smooth, there was little or no wind, and with the exception of about an hour at midday the landmarks were sufficiently plain to enable bearings to be taken with accuracy. The soundings taken during the day showed that we were dragging in a uniform depth of from 90 to 100 fathoms, the bottom being fine gravel and shells, except where a rock was encountered, and when that was the case the vessel was invariably brought up dead. Upon one occasion there were high hopes that we had hooked our fish ; but, alas, as soon as the steamer came up to the spot the grapnel gave a jump or two and it was found that we had only caught a rock. A few more trials, with no success, and we took shelter in Otorong Bay for the night. At half-past six this morning we were at it again, a fresh, breeze blowing, little or no sea on, and the day bright, beautiful, and clear. We are soon exploring the deep once more. A little while and the Luna is again brought up not far from where the rock held us yesterday, and just about the spot where Captain Johnston has all along maintained that the cable is or ought to be. We haul in 100 fathoms and still hold, and expectation becomes intense when we find that the chain is coming off the bottom, bearing a heavy strain. Up it comes, nearer and nearer to the bows, and all is excitement. When within about a fathom or two of the top, and everybody is cocksure that Ave have caught the cable at last, there is a sudden surge upon the drum of the winding gear, and the order is shouted, " Clap on your stoppers." Too late ! the grapnel is parted at the shackle just when the cable is almost at the surface. Tui waiting, must finish for to-day. Tuesday, 11th.

When the cable slipped out of our grip yesterday the Tui was down \tpon us before there •was any time to go into particulars, though for the matter of that there is little or nothing in connection with the accident that need be narrated. One reason was given for it that may be accepted as sufficiently reasonable, and that was that there were not enough turns around the drum for winding up, and that either the pitching of the vessel or the weight of the suspended cable caused a little more strain than usual. The turns round the drum slipped, a sudden jerk followed, and the cable was gone. No time was lost, as the weather looked threatening for ■wind, and' the vessel was steamed up into position again as nearly as could be determined owing to the great strength of the tide, which made it rather difficult. Captain Johnston and Mr. Koch at once took angles, and everyone felt that it wasome satisfaction at least to be able to put one's finger upon the chart and say, "There is where the cable is." A new grapnel was bent on and thrown overboard, and dragging commenced, but the violent jerking and tugging soon showed that we were dragging over a reef of rocks, the first rocky patch of any size that we had dragged over up to that time. After dragging some time without any sign of the cable, the grapnel was hauled up a good deal the worse for its passage over the reef. One prong was broken off, and several others were straightened out and rendered quite useless. There were plenty of grapnels. A new one was put on, and another attempt made to recross the line of the cable where it had been grappled already. About this time the wind began to freshen ominously, and continued so until a very stiff breeze was blowing, and what with wind and tide together, the Luna fonud it a hard job to get to the exact spot we wanted to arrive at. It soon became evident that, even if we could hook the cable, it would be too great a risk to attempt to lift it, as such a wind and tide would carry everything away. After a little consultation, it was decided to put back to Oterong, and await a favorable change in the weather. The steamer was accordingly headed that way, and we were soon at our former anchorage, which is a tolerably good place for fish. The weather wise scanned the horizon, and predicted that there would be no work done the following day. They were right. In the early part of the night the wind whistled angrily, though without raising a very heavy sea. About midnight there was a sort of lull, but towards morning it freshened up again, and became as strong as ever, so that all hope of doing any work that day was abandoned, and each was left to his own devices to beguile the tedium according to his own liking. The different modes of occupation consisted mainly of fishing, reading, and conversation. In the north-east corner of the little bay there was a nice little reef of rocks that looked a tempting place for fish. A party was made up, a boat manned, and the fishers were soon engaged in trying to entice the finny inhabitants to hook themselves on; but either the fish were not plentiful enough, or they were in a state of repletion; for very few were caught. The amusement was soon given up, and the party returned to the ship. As the sea and wind out in the Strait did not appear from that distance to be likely to prevent work, steam was got up, and after dinner another start was made. But, as with the fishing expedition, it was a case of distance lending enchantment to the view ; when we reached the probable spot about which the cable broke it was seen that it would be useless to attempt anything. The wind and sea were nearly as bad as they were the day before, and it was determined to run into Lyell's Bay, from where the telegraph could be used to send to town for anything required..

Wednesday 12th,

When at the cable house in Lyell's Bay last night, Dr. Lemon telegraphed for the Tui to bring out fresh provisions, the ship's store of beef and muttbn having run out that day. He also sent in a pattern for an improved grapnel. Though the grapnels in use were equal to any ordinary work, the doctor was not satisfied as to their strength in resisting the extraordinary strain they were liableto in dragging over arocky bottom. While at the cable house Mr. Maginnity rode out, bringing with him a chart of the caile course as taken by Captain Kennedy at the time it was laid nine years' ago. This was a welcome acquisition, as anything that threw any light upon an operation respecting which there could scarcely be said to be any authentic data was looked upon as quite a treasure by the cable seekers. Whether the course and bearings mapped by Captain Kennedy were absolutely correct or not, it is not possible at present to determine. It showed, however, a remarkably close approximation to the course which had been worked out by Captain Johnston, and ■worked out, too, with the very slightest possible data to guide him. Beyond the two points of connection with the land, the revolutions of the drum in paying out, and the tides at the time of laying, there was absolutely nothing to work from. With these slender materials, aided by the recollection of two or three gentlemen connected with the Telegraph Department, and who assisted in laying the cable, Captain Johnston, Dr. Lemon, and Mr. Koch calculated a probable course, which is now considered to have been a very good guess, for there was necessarily considerable guess work about it. One thing, however, has been proved almost beyond a doubt—the line given crossed the very spot were the cable was hooked. But this is a matter that will require a little more time and further operations before all doubts can be removed. Thursday, noon. Altogether, yesterday was rather depressing. The monotony of inaction began to be wearying. The usual resources of amusement at sea seemed to pall upon every one. The smokers no longer enjoyed th«ir tobacco ; the once ardent fishermen threw aside their lines in disgust. As we had taken plenty of water in at Lyell's Bay, and had provisions and coals to last for the next six days, there was a general longing for action, and involuntary prayers that the clerk of the weather would grant a smooth sea and light wind. Although at sundown the sky was not assuring, and the surf rolling in on the beach had a hollow sound not very agreeable to sailors' ears, midnight brought an equable change. Early in the evening the captain made arrangements for an early start, and about 2 a.m. the trampling overhead and on deck showed all was activity once more. We were under weigh at halfpast two, and where we wanted to be in less than two hours. Wind and tide being very favorable. The first cast was unsuccessful. We had crossed the line of the cable without hooking it. We worked back as near the right spot as possible, and made another cast, paying out 170 fathoms of chain. was said, to be not enough, Captain ITairchild maintaining that in dragging it was necessary to pay out three fathoms for every fathom in depth to bring the grapnel to the proper angle. As the charmed line was again crossed without any luck, it was decided to haul in and bend on the new grapnel made according to Dr. Lemon's plan, and brought out early that morning by the Tui. There was no mistake about the quantity of slack paid out after this cast. The work of dragging went on quietly. As breakfast was on, and something of the novelty of the work had worn off, the deck was pretty clear of people. Captain ITairchild and Captain Johnston, however, were keeping a keen look-out, as, according to the land marks of each, we were about over the cable again. The work of steaming across the supposed line is not so easy as might be supposed. The Luna has had only one boiler working since she has been out, and it is as much as she can do to steam against the rushing tide, the power of which can scarcely be credited. On the previous day, when wind and tide both were against her, she was actually unable to take up the necessary position for dragging. The accuracy of the observations of Captains Johnston and Eairchild, was singularly borne out, as a few moments after the observation by Captain ITairchild, "The ship has passed the cable, but the grapnel is not yet up to it," the steamer's head began gently to come round, though the helm was hard up, and immediately afterwards Mr. Smith and Mr. Mattison sung out that the ship was brought up by something. The previous failure showed the delicate nature of the work of hauling-in, and Captain Pairchild exercised the very greatest care, and displayed a good deal of skill in taking precautions to prevent the slightest slip or surge of the hauling-in hawser ; and when the heavy strain of the cable, as it came to the surface, began to be felt,Jit was seen that the utmost skill and seamanship was required to bring the cable to the surface without an accident.

The winding gear worked like a piece of clockwork certainly, but as the drum had been made for wire-rope the chain was constantly slipping, and very annoying consequences might have arisen had not a steady strain been kept upon the slack as it was taken in. As the work of hauling in went on the ship had to be kept under steam to counteract the force of the tide. In rather less than an hour a long thin shadow under the surf ace, running athwart ship, showed that the prize was hooked at last. There it was showing up in a sharp bight, hanging on a single prong of the grapnel, looking none the worse for its long submersion, a few weeds and barnacles clinging to it and showing that it had not been silted over. Having caught the cable then arose the question of what to do next. There was no certainty as to what side of the break we had it, or even whether it was severed at all or not ; and there was a good deal of doubt as to whether it was best to cut and test or to underrun it towards Wellington on the as-

sumption that we were on the White Bay side of the break, which we ought to be according to the tests of Mr. Floyd and Dr. Lemon. The Tui is sighted coming up, and after a good deal of consultation the following course has been decided upon :—The Tui will be detained alongside for an hour to render assistance in towing or otherwise if required, during the experiment of underrunning for a mile or two to see if the break—if break there be—can be found. This part of the work required a great deal of management. About eleven in the morning the work of underrunning was commenced, and the heavy strain upon the cable in passing over the iron sheare showed the danger of the process was all that had been urged by some of those connected with the Telegraph Department. It was felt, however, that by underrunning an infinity of labor and trouble would be avoided if the operation could be successfully performed ; but there was no doubt that it was attended with considerable risk. The condition of the cable was admirable, though here and there appeared a broken strand of the wire covering. A great portion of the cable was still covered with the outer seizing, but it was too rotten to stand any tear or wear, and it peeled off as it passed over the block, leaving the zinc wire under it as bright as when it left the manufacturers. In places there was quite a variety ->f algse and barnacles, and marine life generally. Shortly before one o'clock one end of the cable showed less strain than the other, and we thought we were coming near a break, which turned out to be right. About half a mile from the break there were several kinks in the cable and stray wires curled up. Upon coming close to the break the cable became more attenuated by the wires being drawn out, and at the break the end of the cable tapered off to nothing. As soon as the end was seen coming the chain stopper clipped it, and the buoy was thrown overboard, but as the tide worked the vessel one way, while the cable held it at the nose, a hitch took place and the cable had to be let go. The buoy, however, is riding over the spot, and the cable can now be picked up in half an hour. It is worthy of note to those who took the bearings, that the break is exactly where the rock "was hooked on Sunday last, and where Captain Johnston said he was certain the cable was. We are likely to try for the White Bay end this afternoon. The Tui is waiting. Thursday afternoon. When the cable slipped from us at last, it did not do so without leaving a very much abused piece of it in our hands. When the underrunning process brought us close to the break, the cabin slipped through the block with doubly increased velocity, and as some of the broken wires that stuck out were caught in the block, the whole of them were drawn up into something like a cJievaux de frise, much in the same way as drawing a single strand out of a rope without untwisting the lays. The portion left on board has been saved as a curiosity. The enwrapping galvanised iron wire was very much oxidised. Many of the strands were corroded almost in two, and all of them were so eaten away as to be very much weakened. The insulated triple cord was, however, as perfect as could be desired, except at the point of breakage. Why the outer covering of the cable should be so damaged at one place, and be so sound in all other parts that we had seen, led to no little speculation, and apparently without any unanimity of opinion being arrived at. One theory was that the broken part had been lying on a rocky bed, and that as soDn as the friction caused by the tide wore away the galvanised coating the iron became at once affected by the corrosive action of the sea water, and which had ever, since been eating it away, steadily but surely. Another view was that the rocks were impregnated with some mineral substance antagonistic to iron, and hence its appearance of decay. By the time dinner was over the buoy was scarcely distinguishable, and as this could not be accounted for by the vessel steaming away, it was soon discovered that the tide had taken complete jDOssession of the buoy, which, instead of bobbing up and down over the end of the cable, had drifted nearly five miles from where it was dropped overboard. This was another instance of the immense power of the tide, for it must be remembered that besides a large mushroom anchor fastened to the buoy, it was further weighted with 118 fathoms of chain and 120 fathom-; of Manilla rope. As there was every probability of losing the buoy altogether if left to drift away much longer, it was taken in again. This consumed a little time, and as a very heavy swell had got up in the meantime that rolled the sponsons under water and gave the landsmen a lively time of it to keep their feet, it was deemed safer to attempt nothing more that afternoon. There was a well-grounded fear that nightfall might overtake the work at a critical point, and it had been amply proved that it would not be safe for the Luna to swing to the cable all night. A light and buoyant schooner, or a small steamer like the Tui, might do so with safety, but to do so with the Luna must result in a smash. The steamer was accordingly headed for the shore once more in the hope that an early start might be made the next day ; and there was every prospect of doing so, as the sky and the glass alike indicated fine weather.

One part of the arrangements about which little indeed has been said has been a very general theme of admiration. The winding gear, it appears, is a. composite production, portions of it having come from England, and the other, and really most important part of it, having been manufactured in the colony. The engine brought out for working the winding gear was found not to be at all up to the mark. Mr. Nancarrow accordingly designed a new engine entirely. It was manufactured by Mr. E.°W. Mills. The result is a pleasing success, the machinery being more than equal to any work likely to be required of it, and the whole apparatus working as perfectly as a clock, and with little more noise.

CITY COUNCIL. A special meeting of the City Council was held'oh Wednesday afternoon; to consider the Wharf Committee's report re the Queen's wharf. There were present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Dransfield, Cleland, Gillon, Moss, Mills, Rainie, Pharazyn, and Greenfield. The report was read, being as follows : "1. The committee report that, on further consideration, they have to recommend to the Council not only to assume the collection of the wharf dues, under schedules 1 and 2 of the wharf reflations, as suggested in the committee's intenm report of the 6th instant, but that the Council should also take the entire management of the bonded store and sheds into thenown hands. The committee feel the responsibility of this recommendation, but they are fortified in proposing it by a unanimous and strong expression of opinion in its favor from the committee of the Chamber of Commerce. "2. As it is required that seven clear days notice of any permanent appointments under the Council shall be sriven, together with the salaries proposed to be paid to such appointments, your committee have found it necessary to advertise as follows : "(a.) For a wharfinger at a salary of £4OO per annum, with security in the sum of £SOO. "(b.) For an accountant at £3OO, with security for £250. "(c.) For a clerk at £l5O, and a youth at

£75. "(d.) A person for the weighbridge at £IOO. "Your committee request the _sanction of the Council to these recommendations. "3. Your committee append a proof of the wharf regulations and dues, as revised by them. Looking at the financial position of the Council, and to the fact that the management of the wharf by the Council must be regarded to some extent as an experiment, your committee do not see their way in the meantime to recommend any material reduction in the wharf clues. "4. The harbor-master will undertake to see the wharf regulations carried out in respect to the occupation of berths by vessels and the time allowed them for such occupation, and generally take the requisite supervision of all vessels at the wharf. The committee recommend that he should receive a honorarium for his services in so doing. "5. Your committee have considered the letter from Mr. Jackson, the present lessee of the wharf, remitted to them by the Council, in which he asks for an extension of his lease till the end of April. The committee can see no sufficiently good reason for the adoption of such a course, and cannot recommend that the request be acceded to." SCHEDULE OJF WHARF CHARGES. The charges mentioned in Schedules 1,2, and 3 respectively shall, as applied therein, be made for wharfage and storage at the Queen's wharf, bonded store and sheds for the use of the steam hoists. The terms wharfinger and storekeeper shall apply to such person or persons as the Council may from time to time appoint. SCHEDULE I. —WHARF CHARGES. Per ton. s. d. Wharfage (taken at weight or measurement on which freight is collected, to he furnished by consignees or shippers, except where expressly provided for under Schedule II.)-- •• £ 5 Passenger vehicles, each .. • • - - v o SCHEDULE lI.—SPECIAL WHARFAGE. S. d. Wool, flax, and tow, per bale .. .- .".,?„ Sheepskins, loose, per 100 * » Sheepskins, in bales, per bale •-,-•• , V % « Horses, bullocks, and other great cattle each .. 2 b Sheep, pigs, and other small cattle, each - - 0 3 Half rates for cattle, if transhipped from punts, &c Shingles, for 1000 - • -•° % Timber, per 100 ft. super « * Bricks, per 1000 - - - • % « Slates, per 1000 .. • - • - • • "in Carts and carriages, each .. ••..--, - ' ? Y, Empty tanks (400 gallons or upwards), each .. 1 0 Empties of all other kinds, half the wharfage which would be chargeable if full Hides 5 40 to the ton Quarter-casks and barrels .... 6 Bottled beer in casks or cases (4 cloz. qts. and S doz. pts.) .... .. S „ Barrels, tar .. -.- ■ • • • • * » Beer, hhds. .. •-,,-; - • ■" fi ." ;„ Spirits, wines, &c. (in 1 doz. cases re- it. in. puted quarts), each .... . ... 1 *> Kerosene. 8 gals., each .... .. j « Tanks (400 gals.), full .. .. • • 64 u Government cargo and stores free. The contents of all three-bushel sacks to pay at the rate of ten to the ton. • All goods transhipped from one vessel to another lying alongside the wharf, but not put upon the wharf, to be charged half wharfage, except coal and ballast, which shall be free. Hay and straw, butter, and tallow, to be charged by Two-thirds wharfage shall be paid on all cargo landed or shipped on the breastwork of the reclaimed Fresh provisions free, and ships' stores supplied to vessels at the wharf, and carried by hand, also free of wharfage. In migrants* baggage, and passengers luggage not exceeding half ton measurement shall be exempt from wharfage ; but the terms baggage and_ luggage are not to include commercial travellers sample packages. . . Shippers and consignees to supply wharfinger with a list of cargo to be shipped or landed, together with the particulars of weight or measurement on which freight is calculated, and wharfage to be paid accordingly unless the measurement or weight be found incorrect, in which case the same is to be paid on the correct measurement or weight. Goods re-shipped without being removed from the wharf, and upon which inwsrd wharfage has been paid to be free of outward wharfage. SCHEDULE 111. STORAGE. CHARGES FOR STORAGE IN THE QUEEX'S BOND. Weighing, . ; Marking, Pent per receiving & Week, delivering.

Consignees of bonded goods may require the storekeeper to receive such goods at ship's side and deliver them into the Queen's bond, or vice versa, on payment of one shilling per ton in addition to the above-men-tioned charges ; and also, at any time thereafter, to deliver the same goods from the Queens bond to ship's side without any further charge. SCALE OF CHARGES FOR STORAGE IN SHEDS ON THE WHARF. Goods sent to the sheds and stored for vessels which are not then in harbor or not ready to receive, and

goods delivered from ship direct into sheds and not taken away during the day to pay 2s. per ton for one I week, or for any fractional part of a week and Is. per ton per week, or for any fractional part of a week after the first week including the cost for receiving and delivering to and from the ships side Goods placed upon the wharf on discharge or for shipment, and which, in the opinion of the wharfingei shall impede the traffic or working of the wharf may be stored by his order, and shall be liable to a charge for storage of Is. per ton for the first day, and of 2s. per ton per week, or fractional part of a week afterwards, during which they remained stored. Goods requiring examination and making up under her Majesty's Customs to have free storage in the sheds during the time this is being done, but not exceeding four days, after that time, to be charged at the rate of 2s. per ton per week or fractional part of a week. No charge for storage to be made upon goods necessarily passed through the sheds for convenience of landing or shipping. Fourpence per ton to be charged for use of steam hoists. Any vessel loading New Zealand produce may, with the consent of the wharfinger, erect a woolpress in the shed marked D, on payment of £s.' They may also have storage for their cargo at Id. per bale or package on all passed through the shed for shipment, but such shipment shall be effected without unnecessary delay. Ship to provide labor for storing wool in sheds or to pay the storekeeper 3d. per bale for so doing. Each ship to have a fair share of the shed according to tonnage, to be determined by the wharfinger in case of difference between ship master and storekeeper. Presses may be erected and remain in the shed at a rental of £1 per week while not being used, so long as they do not impede the general business of the wharf, but the fee of £5 to be paid in respect of each vessel for which they are used. This clause shall come into operation only when the appliances at the disposal cf the storekeeper shall be insufficient for the work of pressing the wool. The charge for pressing wool shall not exceed Is. per bale. WHARF MANAGEMENT. 1. The time allowed to vessels to occupy berths at the wharf, for the purpose of discharging cargo, shall be (exclusive of Sundays and holidays, and the day of removal): — . , For Colliers 50 tons register, per day For vessels under 150 tons 40 ~ „ For vessels over 150 .. 60 „ ~ One day extra for every 100 tons register to he allowed upon the payment of the sum of three farthings per register ton per day. Double time for vessels loading, with half-rate for extra time. Time allowed for ballasting to be at the rate of 80 tons for every working day. \' - 2. Vessels discharging cargo at outside berths to be allowed two days for every one of the foregoing scale. Vessels loading, three days for every two. 3. Notwithstanding the specified time allowed for loading and discharging, the harbor-master shall have full power to require the removal of any vessel from the wharf if in his opinion due diligence is not being used. 4. No. 1 berth shall be kept open whenever considered necessary by the harbor-master for steamers carrying mails and passengers. 5. Masters and owners of vessels shall be entitled to have the use of the steam hoists and engineer, cranes, trollies, &c., in the order of their applications. 6. No ballast or coal shall be deposited on the wharf or in the sheds. 7. Allvessels lying at the wharf shall have properly fixed gangways for reaching the wharf and shall throughout the night show a proper light at the gangway to the satisfaction of the harbor-master, and the master of any vessel failing to comply with this regulation shall be liable to pay to the wharfinger a sum of £2 per day for each day during which he shall be alongside the wharf. 8. Wharf to be open daily for business from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sundays and holidays excepted). 9. The wharfinger shall have control of all carts and vehicles attending the wharf, and may only admit such vehicles in the proper turn for loading or discharging. 10. Wharfinger empowered to take charge of and store cargo if not removed by the consignee within three hours after being landed, or to cause the same to be delivered to the consignee at his expense and risk. 11. Vessels to pay (not exceeding) Is. per ton extra to storekeeper, on all cargo landed before 8 a.m., and after 4 p.m., to 6 p.m. (on Saturdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) No extra charge to be made for coal, ballast, or timber discharged or shipped during extra hours. 12. Goods landed for re-shipment tohave precedence of all other goods stored in the sheds. Having been read over, the report was again read clause by clause at the instance of the Mayor, who entered into explanations where such were required. Councillor Dransfield moved, and Councillor Gillon seconded, that the report be adopted. Carried unanimously. Councillor Gillon then moved the following resolution :— " That as the management of the wharf will require the close attention and supervision of this Council, it is desirable that a sub-committee should be appointed to advise the wharfinger and decide all matters requiring immediate action ; that such sub-committee shall consist of the Mayor and two Councillors, one of whom shall retire monthly, his place being taken by the Councillor next on the attached list ; that such sub-committee shall have full power to act, but shall report all its decisions to the Wharf Committee ; that the Councillors forming the sub-committee for the month of February be Councillors Dransfield and Mills ; that they shall determine by lot which shall retire on the Ist March; and that thereafter the Councillor who has been longest on the sub-committee shall retire at the end of each month."

Seconded by Councillor Mills, and carried nem. con.

Councillor Dkansfield moved, Councillor Greenfield seconded, and it was carried, "That the Wharf Committee be authorized to make all such arrangements with reference to the working plant upon the wharf as may be deemed advisable, in view of the change to take place on the Ist February." This was the only business before the Council, and councillors generally expressed themselves gratified with the result of their deliberations on this question of wharf management.

s. d. s. d. Pipes, puncheons, or butts 0 4a2 0 Hogsheads .. 0 2 1 6 Barrels, qr.-casks, or octaves 0 1* : 0 6 Half-tierces tobacco .. " 0 3~ 1 C Kegs or cases .. Cases of cigars, 10,000 (or in propor0 1-5 0 9 tion) '. • •• 0 4i 2 0 Cases or baskets, 4 gals. .. 0 n 0 3 2 0 Ok 0 2 Tons goods',' weight or measure1 0 0 0