Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 310, 30 March 1878, Page 14

Town News.

Notice is given that the Supreme Court will sit for the trial of divorce and matrimonial causes on the 20th May next. Tenders are called for up to the 17th April next, for the supply of 30,000 sleepei’s for the Patea-Manawatu railway. Sir George Grey, accompanied by his private secretary (Mr. Mitchell) and Mx\ Seymour George, left in the Hiuernoa for Auckland on Thursday. It is understood that the object of Sir George Grey’s mission is to hold an interview with King Tawhaio at the Upper Waikato, at which meeting matters affecting tlxe interests of both Europeans and Natives will be discussed. We have received fi'om the Secretary of the Postal Department specimens of newspaper wrappers bearing a halfpenny stamp, which will bo issued on the Ist of April. In the case of newspapers which are to be sent to places beyond the colony the additional postage stamp will have to be affixed. The wrappers referred to, which appear to be very well suited to the purpose for which they are intended, can be purchased at the following rates: —18 wrappers for 10d.; 270 do, 12s. 6d.; 540 do, <£l 55.; 1080 do, £2 10s.

It was reported iu town on Thursday that Mr. Higginsou and Mr. Ivxiorpp, of the Engineering Department, are about to be removed from their present posts, but will be retained iu the Government service in other appointments if they so desire it. It is also said that Mr. Blackett, G.E., will be appointed Engineer-in-Cliief, on tlie retirement of Mr. Carruthers. Mr. Bawson, formerly of Canterbury, is spoken of as being likely to be appointed Commissioner of Railways for "the North Island.

Tenders are invited by Air. G. A. Beere, Panama Chambers, up to the 6tli Apiil, for the construction of a cart road from Wellington to Kilbirnie.

An entertainment was given by the Pearl of Peace Bodge, 1.0.G.T., in the Rechabite Hall, Manners-street, on Tuesday evening, iu aid of St. Peter’s Church building fund. Air. Fraser, G.W.C.T., presided. There was a numerous attendance. The musical selections were very pleasingly rendered, and the entertainment was brought to a close by an amusing farce * entitled “ The Dentist’s Shop.” The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court will commence on Monday next, April 1. The following is the calendar of prisoners for trial : —Richard Ross (horse-stealing), Francis Doueghtie and Robert James Parr (fraudulent bankruptcy), Niels Jansen Berquist (sheepstealing), Richard Btickridge and William Neil (horse-stealing), E. H. Mouravieff, alias Jacobson, (obtaining goods by false pretences), Walter Ockendon (robbery), Patrick Shine and Thomas Maher (felony), Frederick Cattling (rape), and J Dhn Pestridge (arson). Our readers will see by our advertising columns that Mr. J. H. Wallace will hold an important sale on the 9th of April of the Bower Hutt township. This property is the very centre of the Bower Ilutt, and adjoins the Hutt bridge, Eraser’s Hotel, the Family Hotel, Cleland’s store, and is that portion of the Bower Hutt where the business is done ; an excellent opportunity is therefore afforded to parties desiring to acquire a' valuable freehold. At the same sale Air. Wallace will also sell that valuable freehold in the rising town of Masterton, the Pioneer Temperance Hotel, as advertised.

A serious accident occurred early on Sunday morning. As a young man named Alfred Eade was riding on horseback to the scene of the fire in Willis-street, in order to render assistance, his horse, in coming through Tara-naki-street, tripped, and immediately started off. His rider was thrown off, and dragged in the stirrup for a short time. Fortunately, however, the stirrup-leather broke, otherwise the consequences might have been much more serious. As it was, Air. Eade was thrown violently on the ground, and had one of his legs fractured, and was also considerably hurt about the head and arms. Dr. Tribe was in attendance upon him shortly after the occurrence, and upon making inquiries last evening we were glad to hear that although the young man is seriously hurt no fatal results are anticipated. ?a\)n Wednesday afternoon about four o’clock there was an alarm of fire, and as usual a large number of people rushed to the scene of action, which was an eight-roomed house in Taranakistreet, belonging to Mr. G. R. Macdonald, and occupied by Mr. Rous Marten. The brigades, with their accustomed promptitude, lost no time in hastening to the spot, but happily their services were not required, as the fire was extinguished before their arrival, aud before any appreciable damage was done. From inquiries made the following appear to be the facta of the case :—Air. Alarten’s servant was cooking dinner at the time, when someone outside called her attention to the fact that the roof of the house was on fire. On further inspection it was discovered that the shingles had ignited, but before the fire had made any headway it was put out by the assistance of the bystanders, just before the arrival of tlie brigades. It is fortunate that the alarm was given as soon as it was, otherwise the consequences might have been much more serious.

It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns that Alessrs. T. K. Macdonald and Co. offer for sale at the Exchange Mart, on, Monday next, some very eligible town and. country sections. Amongst these are four admirably situated building sites, beingsubdivisions of town acres 334 and 343, having; frontages to Brougham and Austin streets. The terms, which are arranged with the view of giving working men a chance of obtaining a freehold, are as follows :—lO per cent, deposit, and the balance in one, two, and three years. The auctioneers will make arrangements with purchasers to help them to build, if the latter desire it. This offers an excellent opportunity to all who wish to acquire comfortable homesteads for themselves. It is a very generally admitted fact that building allotments within an easy distance of the centre of population are becoming very rare, and that working men have often great difficulty in obtaining suitable pieces of land for building, without having to walk a long distance to and from work. The lots above referred to are exactly suited to meet this want. Eithograplied plans may be had in a few days on application to the auctioneers at the Exchange Mart.

®As yet the Empire City is behind some of the other chief towns of the colony in the matter of Turkish baths, which are now very generally regarded in almost all centres of civilisation as necessary adjuncts to the health and comfort of the community. We are glad to hear, however, that there is a prospect of the Wellington public being supplied in a short time with these baths on a scale adequate to the growing population of the place, aud fitted up with all the usual accessories to comfort and convenience; and moreover that they will be superintended by a person thoroughly competent for the office, which requires both skill and exparience, especially in matters of detail. We hear that it is in contemplation to start a limited liability company to effect the object in view, and that Professor Augustus, of Bambton-qaay, with a thoroughly qualified assistant of long experience, will cooperate with the shareholders in order to bring the new scheme before the Wellington public in such a manner as to warrant success. There can be very little doubt, considering the large measure of success which has attended the establishment of Turkish baths elsewhere, that their establishment iu Wellington will prove a great boon to the people, and a very lucrative investment to the proprietors.

Mr. J. H. "Wallace notifies that lithographed plans are to be had on application at his mart, of properties for sale in the Lower Hutt township, which will be put up to auction on the 9th April; and of the farm sections in the Mungaroa Valley, which are to be offered oh the 22nd April. A boy about 10 years old, named George Loveday, was found by the police on Sunday on the wharf, apparently wandering about in search of his friends. On making inquiries it was elicited from him that his parents had gone away in a steamer to Lyttelton, leaving him (possibly by mistake) behind. The police provided him with lodgings at one of the boarding-houses in town, where he will be well taken care of until his parents can be communicated with.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday, Henry Manders, M.H.R., was sued by George Turner, painter, for 305., being the cost of renovating the interior of a cottage occupied by the member for Queenstown when in Wellington. Plaintiff produced a letter of instructions, in which defendant ordered certain improvements to be made to the cottage, and a “handsome centre” for one of the room ceiling. The defendant, whose evidence was taicen at Queenstown, pleaded not indebted. Judgment was given for the amount claimed, with costs.

Mr. Harrison Ord on Wednesday night gave a second most instructive and interesting lecture on the “ Tabernacle of Israel ” to a large and attentive audience at the Atlienseum Hall. The beautiful model of the Tabernacle and its furniture helped to increase the interest of those present, many of whom when the lecture was over gathering round it to enjoy a closer inspection of its details. Mr. Ord dwelt at some length on the necessity of a real and hearty acceptance of the atonement of Christ, and illustrated his subject by several appropriate anecdotes. The course of lectures will be continued this evening, and the choir will again give their aid to increase the interest of these services. Mr. Ord’s lecture on the “ Tabernacle in the Wilderness ” drew on Thursday a large audience, who listened with almost breathless attention while the speaker dwelt on the teaching of the burnt sacrifice and the meat offering spoken of in Lev. 1 and 2, and pointed out how Christ is shown forth in them. After the lecture, a number of those present gathered round Mr. Ord’s beautiful model to examine it more closely and question him as to its details. The lecture was continued last evening, at the Athenaeum Hall, at half-past seven ; and on Sunday Mr. Ord will preach at the Odd Pellows’ Hall, at 7.30.

The annual treat to the pupils attending the Terrace school took place on Friday. The young people, after enjoying themselves at various games during the afternoon, were regaled with tea, cake, and other refreshments, which were provided by the local committee. Upwards of 250 children sat down to tea, and did justice to the good things provided. After tea prizes were given to all who had passed in the late examination, and certificates to the successful candidates for Standards 111. and IV. Several friends were present during the afternoon, among whom we noticed Messrs. Gisborne, M.H.R., Toomath, Rev. J. Paterson, &c., together with several ladies. After the prizes were distributed the children and friends were addressed by Messrs. Himant, Gisborne, and the chairman (Mr. J. Burns). Three cheers were given for Messrs. Gisborne, Toomath, for the local committee, the visitors, and also the teachers. It is to be feared that there are incendiaries in our -midst. On Saturday evening an attempt appears to have been made to set fire to the Argus printing office. Our evening contemporary in its issue of Monday thus describes the particulars of the affair, which certainly seem of a very suspicious character: —“About half-past six o’clock on Saturday evening the Evening Argus printing office was closed, the publishing office being kept open till about nine o’clock. At the latter hour all seemed to be right. On Monday morning, however, a neighbor observed that several of the windows in the rooms of the printing and literary departments were open, though they had been closed and fastened on the previous night. About eight o’clock this morning it was discovered that the accountant’s and editor’s offices had been broken into, and that a vile attempt had been made to burn down the building. The incendiary had evidently entered the accountant’s office by means of the window, and after he was there had broken off the gas pipe so as to allow the gas to escape. This design, however, was frustrated, for it happened that the gas was turned off at the meter, which the man could not get at. After turning on the gas, as he supposed, he set fire to a quantity of papers (receipts, &c.), which were on three files that hung very near the ga3 pipe. He apparently concluded that the flame would catch the gas, and that an explosion would ensue, whereby the whole of the building would be destroyed. This was not the case, however, because, as we have already stated, the gas was turned off at the meter, and there was none in the pipe. The papers on the file were burned to cinders, but very little other damage was done. It is supposed that the incendiary got in at the window of the accountant’s room, and, after setting fire to the papers and turning the gas tap, broke open the door of the editor’s room and made his exit by the window which faces the harbor. The supposition is that on getting out by the window just referred to he proceeded along the beach at low water until he reached some place by which he could ascend to Willis-street or Old Custom-house-street. The police are now on the look-out for the offender. It may be stated that nothing is mis-sing from the office, and therefore it is assumed that the person who endeavored to burn the premises had no intention of committing robbery. The Associated Insurance Companies notify that they will give a reward of .£IOO for such information as will lead to the apprehension of the offender.”

Mr. George Thomas held a sale of Mr. H. Border’s stock on Thursday. Milch cows brought from £5 to £lO and calves 355. each. There was a large attendance, and the bidding was very spirited. At the meeting of the Typographical Association on Saturday evening the only business for consideration was the federation proposals. The motion on the subject was lost. Though the feeling of the meeting was in favor of federation, they did not think it practicable to carry it out.

About midnight on Wednesday the firebells rang out an alarm, and the brigades turned out promptly, as they invariably do, but fortunately on this occasion their services were not required, the alarm being a false one, arising from a bush fire in the direction of Wadestown.

Notice is given that a sale of Crown lands will be held iu the Council Hall, on Tuesday, the 23rd April, when 606 sections of surveyed lauds iu the "Districts of Paliautanui, Hutt, Oliariu, Manawatu, Wanganui, Featherston, and Mauriceville, and in the township of Carnarvon, will be submitted to public competition.

special meeting of the City Council was held on Thursday afternoon, to consider the appointment of an Inspector of Nuisances, vice Mr. Monaghan, resigned. There were a number of applicants, and Mr. Alfred Johnston was appointed, on a vote being taken, by seven to three.

An accident occurred on Thursday near the railway station to a man driving a horse and spring cart. He was urging his horse on by vigorous applications of the whip, and iu leaning over the side of the vehicle fell over 1 , and his face coming in contact with the hard road with considerable force, was a good deal cut and bruised, but no permanent injury was sustained.

The Rev. Father Hennebery has sent a letter to the Press Agency, stating that the reports lately sent abroad from Westland ‘"about his denouncing mixed and legal marriages as no marriages, and of his being prosecuted for £IOOO pounds damages for personally attacking an editor for charging him with inciting the Catholics from the pulpit against nonCatholics, and also as to the police force being increased through fear of disturbances arising from the temperance procession, are untrue. The Reverend Father adds that if such reports are repeated he shall take proceedings against the parties.

JSpWe regret to notice that the provisional directors of the Lion Foundry Company have decided to abandon the undertaking. When the project was first made public, we fully anticipated that the shares would be eagerly subscribed, as we considered it a most legitimate outlet for the investment of capital, the business being undoubtedly of a most payable nature. Money for the formation of companies of a purely speculative character is not wanting, and it is therefore all the more surprising that in a case of this kind, where a handsome and certain return on capital invested in a property, the value of which is rapidly and constantly increasing, appeared certain, the amount required to float the company was not forthcoming. We feel sure the citizens of Wellington will yet regret the loss of the opportunity offered them, and that Mr. Mills will be a large gainer by the apathy displayed. The fifth anniversary of the Thorndon Wesleyan Sabbath School was held on Tuesday in the Wesleyan Church, Moleswortli-street, and proved in every respect one of those successful treats which are occasionally exhibited on such occasions. The soiree was well patronised; and afterwards, with the Rev. Mr. Dewsbury presiding, the secretary, Mr. Wm. Kirk, read the annual report. The report showed the number of scholars in the class books to be : —Boys, 87 ; girls, 74 ; total, 161; with an average attendance of 92 for the year, being a considerable increase on the previous year. The want of teachers had been felt very much, and especially during the last three or four months, and assistance was much required to accomplish the good work sought to be attained. During the year thirtyone volumes had been added to the library, and further additions were expected. The statement of receipts and expenditure was submitted and adopted, after which a service of song was held, the choir of the church officiating, assisted by the ladies and gentlemen of kindred churches. In every respect the anniversary meeting was a most successful affair, and it is evident that this school is making very satisfactory progress. The Jurist of February thus refers to Mr. Stout’s appointment as Attorney-General : “ The elevation of a barrister under 40 years of age to the Bench as a Lord Justice of Appeal recently, gave rise to a great deal of comment in the English newspapers—the bloom of youth being still considered incompatible with judicial excellence. In New Zealand we have just heard of the appointment of a New Zealand barrister of only seven years’ standing at the Bar—Mr. Robert Stout—as AttorneyGeneral. The newspapers have not yet expressed their doubts as to his capacity for the office on the ground of inexperience, but we are none the less sure that the appointment will be cordially received by the profession. There can be no question as to his qualifications for the office, nor can there be any doubt as to his desire to promote the interests of the profession, now that he is in a position to do so. We have not yet had an Attorney-General who seemed to have the least idea that any matter outside his official duties had any claim upon his attention ; the result being that the interests of the profession have been altogether ignored in Parliament, and the traditional leader of the Bar has never been seen at the head of his forces. It is quite possible that the Bar of New Zealand may yet learn to assert itself as a power in the State, and that its now scattered units may be gradually combined ; but without a leader in Parliament it will be practically powerless in giving effect to its views.

A sitting of the Bankruptcy Court was held before Mr. Allan (the Registrar) on Tuesday, when, on the application of Mr. Fitz Gerald, an order of final discharge was granted to Mr. C. Mainwaring, of Palmerston North.

We again refer our readers to the very important sale of agricultural land which Mr. J. 11. Wallace offers, as per advertisement, for sale at the Land Mart, Hunter-street, on the 22nd of April. A full detailed plan of these beautiful farm sections is now ready for distribution. Parties visiting the district will see the extensive drain, and will be at once convinced of the advantages that this sale offers to small capitalists, dairymen, market gardeners, and others seeking investment in good fi’eehold land.

At a committee meeting of the Athletic Club, held on Tuesday at the Pier Hotel, it was deckled not to have the concert that had been proposed in aid of the club funds. Some conversation took place in reference to a gymnasium, one member proposing that a petition should be presented to the Government asking for a grant of a small piece of the new reclaimed land. The members of the committee have been energetically canvassing for honorary members, and have been fairly successful.

An adjourned extraordinary general meeting of the Wellington Land and Building Company (Limited), was held on Wednesday at the office of the secretary ( dr. White), in Panamastreet. There were fifteen shareholders present. The folio ving proposals were submitted to the meeting and adopted:—That in order to make provision for the increasing and profitable business of the company, additional capital be raised by the creation and issue of new shares. That 18,000 additional shares of £5 each be now created. That 2000 of the said additional shares be forthwith allotted to the existing shareholders, in proportion to the shares i-espectively held by them, that is to say, for every share held by any shareholder, one additional share shall be allotted as a bonus, aud that the sum of 455. shall be deemed to have been paid up iu respect of each of such 2000 additional shares; and ss. per share shall, on application, be paid to the company by each shareholder accepting such bonus shares. That the remaining 16,000 of such additional shares be from time to time allotted and sold, as hereinafter provided, at such times and places, either within or without the colony, as the directors may think fit and direct : provided that, unless otherwise ordered by an extraordinary meeting, six calendar months at least shall elapse between any two issues. That except as hereinafter provided such 16,000 shares shall be offered from time to time to the then existing shareholders in proportion to the shares respectively held by them as nearly as conveniently may be : provided that the directors may, if they deem it advantageous to the company, sell or deliver in exchange for landed property of adequate value 4000 shares out of the said 16,000 shares. That such of the said 16000 shares as shall not be disposed of under the foregoiug resolutions may be sold on account of the company by the directors in such manner as they think fit, but not below par. That the 47th Regulation of the company be altered by striking out the words “ ten shares,” and in lieu thereof inserting the words “fifty shares.” That the following be a Regulation of the company, and be inserted in the Articles of Association as Regulation 67a : “ The directors may, with the sanction of the company in general meeting, declare an ad interim dividend to be paid to the shareholders in proportion to their shares. w The Catholic Cathedral, Hill-street, has recently undergone extensive alterations, which are now all but completed. The interior ever since the church was built presented a disappointing view from that shown by the exterior, there having been nothing but bare unfinished walls and long upright posts, forming the temporary support of the clerestory. The renovation presents an interior at once complete, with high artistic taste, perhaps unequalled in New Zealand. The general style is early English, merging into the decorated at the chancel. The side aisles are separated from the nave by a line of Gothic arches, moulded and enriched with dog-tooth ornaments, and supported by monolithic octagonal pillars in Keene cement, resting on moulded bases, and surmounted bv early English capitals. Above each capital is a boss formed by a cluster of oak leaves and acorns caught by a hand. From the bosses spring vaulting shafts supporting the wall posts and hammer braces of the roof principals and secured to the tie-beams with moulded pendants. The roofs of the side aisles rest on curved bracing from the capitals and wall corbels. Under each corbel is jflaced one of the fine pictures forming the “ stations of the cross,” which on Friday last, in the presence of the congregation, were canonically placed on the walls by the Rev. Father McGuinness, the clergyman in charge of the parish. The roofs are all painted and grained oak of different shades presenting a very pleasing ■ appearance. The chancel arch rests on corbels and pendants—a beautiful piece of architectural skill and aesthetic finish. The pendants have moulded capitals enriched, and are surrounded with ivy leaves placed spirally, the lower portion being formed of clusters of oak leaves and acorns. Massive rope mouldings are tied round each pendant and ingeniously worked into the chancel jambs, and hang down to near the floor, where the ends are festooned with lilies. The pulpit (in itself a masterpiece), situated at the south sideof the chancel, is imitation freestone, octagonal, and corbelled out of a. slender shaft resting on the floor. The upper portion is of open Gothic arcade work, with moulded cornice, bases, and angle drops. The approach from the pulpit is from the chapel of the Blessed Virgin, situated on the south side of the church. A peculiarity in the pulpit is the square landing, which is to be used during the special service of the “ May Devotions.” St. Joseph s chapel completes the northern aisle. Inside the sanctuary, on the north side of the High .Altar is tolacsd the

Episcopal throne, the chair being on a raised dais, and covered by a canopy, with pillars and pendants in white and gold, having cornice witli carved leaves ornamentation on top. The drapery is purple with golden binding. On the front of the canopy rests the coat of arms of the Bishop of the diocese, the Right Rev. Dr. Redwood. The sanctuary, with its stained glass windows (fine specimens of French art), is separated from the nave by a rich railing, with ballusters of iron and golden traceried panels. The confessionals, three in number, are situated at the west end of the church, under the corbelled projection of the organ loft, which is over the vestibule. The design for the High Altar, to replace the present one, has been forwarded to a sculptor iu Paris, and will be carried out in marble of various colors. The whole of the works have been executed with great care, and in an excellent aud substantial manner, by the contractors, Messrs. Murdoch and Rose, of this city, f£6m the designs and under the superintendence of Mr. Charles O’Neill, C.E. and architect. The plaster work was done by Mr. Folley, the painter work by Mr. McMurrin, the plumber and glazier work, &c., by Mr. Hall, and the drapery , &c., by Mr. James. LAND SALES.

An important sale of forty freehold allotments, situate at Petone, the property of Mr. G. E. Barton, was held by Mr. A. A. Barnett at the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Tuesday afternoon. There was a numerous attendance of buyers, aud the bidding was very spirited, all the lots realising good prices. A feature of the sale was an enlarged plan measuring 14ft. by 10ft. The following is a list of the lots sold, from which it will be seen that over £IOOO was realised : Section No. 25, Plummer, £37 10s; No. 26, Rolands, £35; No. 27, Talbot, £34; No. 28, Williams, £33; No. 20, Taylor, £29 ; No. 30, Quin, £2B : No. 31, Wain, £26 ; No. 32, Ilaines, £25; No. 33, Rose, £22; No. 34, Stevens, £2l; No. 35, Quin, £24 ; No. 36, Hooper, £23 ; No. 37, Hooper, £23 ; No. 38, Hooper, £2l; No. 39, Taylor, £32 ; No. 40, Taylor, £45 ; No. 20, Hooper, £4B ; No. 19, Hooper, £27 : No. 18, Simimerfleld, £2l ; No. 17. Williams, £2O ; No. 16, Quin, £2O ; No. 15, Quin, £2O ; No. 14, Quin, £2O : No. 13, Quin, 20 ; No. 12. Haines, £26 ; No. 11, Rond, £26 ; No. 10, Rolands, £35 ; No. 9, Quin, £33; No. 8, Rolands, £33 ; No. 7, Lockie, £33 ; No. 6. Lockie, £39; No. 24, Lockie, £4O; No. 22, Scott, £34 ; No. 21, Tuckweli, £3O; No. 4, Frost, £36. An allotment of land in Haining-street, having a frontage of 174 ft. to that thoroughfare, by a depth of 49Jft., with a cottage residence, was sold by Mr. G. Thomas on Friday for £llO. At Mr. G. Thomas’ sale on Wednesday six sections at Bunnythorpe were knocked down to Mr. W. R. Waters at £5 10s. each. Mr. G. Dixon was the purchaser of 150 acres of uncleared land in the Rang'tilcei District at 15s. per acre. The lease of a section at Newtown, with a five-roomed house, shop, and outbuildings, was baught in, the reserve price (£700) not being reached. IMMIGRATION RETURNS. During the year ending 1877, the AgentGeneral has despatched to the colony 33 ships, conveying 5630 souls, equal to 50274 statute adults. The number is classified as

follows : Souls. English 2515 Scotch* .. .. 694 Irish 2352 Foreigners .. .. .. .. .. 89 Total 5630 equal to 5027£ statute adults. The following return gives the number introduced into each provincial district or chief port, viz. : Souls. Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 488 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 84 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 411 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 106 Westland 125 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 128 AVellington 544 Canterbury.. .. .. .. .. 2112 Port Chalmers 1389 Bluff 248 Totat 5630 The total number introduced into the colony since the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act is as under : Souls. English 44,172 Scotch 13,511 Irish 19,475 Foreigners .. .. .. .. .. 7668 Total 84,826 Equal to statute adults.

WELLINGTON AND HUTT BUILD--5T ING SOCIETY. The third annual meeting of the Wellington and Hutt Building Society was held at the society's office, Panama-street, last evening ; Mr E. W. Mills in the chair. The Chairman explained that in the ordinary course the meeting ought to have been held in the month of January, but they had not been able to get the books ready and have the accounts audited in time, and this necessitated a postponement. REPORT. The Secretary read the report, which referred to the continued success of the society's business. Since the last annml meeting the society lias been incorporated under "The Building Societies Act. 1876," which exempts it from all stamp duties, and increases its borrowing powers, thus enabling the committee to exteiul their operations. The securities held were considered very satisfactory, ami the property mortgaged yearly increasing in value. The number of shares held amount to 1012£, the profit for the year upon which is £1305 Os. 4d., or nearly £.l ss. lOd. per share. A balance sheet giving details was attached. The Chairman, before moving the adoption of the report, remarked that their late secretary, Mr. Tribe, died in March last, and Mr. Ledger was appointed in his place. The item for interest was rather large, but that was caused by an excessive overdraft, produced by the considerable amount of money they had lent. The overdraft had, however, been reduced, and they were again enabled to lend money. The amount of calls paid up to the present time was about £9 155., and on that sum they had made a profit of something like £6, which he, speaking as a large shareholder.

thought was all that could be By j registering under the Building bocieties Act they were exempted from stamp duties. lie moved the adoption of the report. . Mr. Plimsier seconded the motion, which was carried. ELECTION OP OFFICERS. Messrs. Thos. Mills, R. J. Duncan, and Major Atkinson, retiring directors, were reelected. Messrs. W. It. Waters and Thos. W. Pilcher were re-elected auditors. EDUCATION BOARD. The Board met on Wednesday. Present Messrs. Pharazyn (chairman), Gisborne, Toomath, Bunny, and Bee (secretary.) The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The bank account was reported to be £3085 to the credit of the Board. The tender of Mr. P. Greer, to erect a teacher’s residence at Tawa Plat for £239, was accepted. It being reported that certain necessary adjuncts to the school at Masterton were required, they were authorised to be done. The following letter was received from Mr. Hislop, the Secretary to the Education Dement : Department of Education, Wellington, March 12, 1878. Sir, —I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge the receipt of the Board’s estimates of receipts and expenditure asked for by circular No. 2. I am to pbint out that a misunderstanding seems to have arisen in regard to the sum of £7OOO, which is included in the Board’s estimate of receipts on account of school buildings, and which is stated to have been “ provided by the Minister for this year m reduction of existing indebtedness.” I may mention that previously to the apportionment, about a month ago, of the special vote of £50,000 for school buildings, most of the Education Boards had expended on school buildings larger or smaller portions of the monies received by them monthly from the Colonial Treasury out of the ordinary Education vote, instead of receiving such amounts out of the special appropriation for school buildings. It was understood by Government that Boards which should he able to spare out of their ordinary revenue from capitation grants and other ordinary receipts the amounts so expended by them on school buildings, or any portion of such amounts, were empowered by section 43 of the Act to charge the amount so saved against school buildings, so as to leave free for additiona.l expenditure on buildings the whole or the greater part of their share of the special vote of £50,000 which was not drawn upon until quite 16 But it was at the same time understood that if the ordinary receipts for the financial year could not wholly cover both the ordinary current expenditure and the amounts previously drawn from the ordinary Education vote, and spent on school buildings, the portion of such former outlay on buildings which could not be so covered by the ordinary income would of necessity be deducted from the Board’s share of the special vote of £50,000. In regard to this point, I bat' to refer your Board to paragraph No. 5 of circular No. 2. The same circular calls attention to the fact that Parliament had positively limited the amounts at the disposal of Government for distribution among Education Boards. It was therefore under the belief that your Board, after providing sufficiently for llie ordinary annual expenditure, saw its way to the saving of £7OOO for buildings out of the ordinary annual income that Mr. Ballance intimated that the sum of £7OOO, already paid out of the education vote, as well as the £IO,OOO proposed to be granted out of the special appropriation of £50,000, would be available for school buildings. It was certainly not understood by him that your Board expected or would receive for ordinary school purposes the whole of the capitation allowance authorised by Parliament, and alstf the additional sum of £17,000 for school buildings. . There is, in fact, no available fund out of winch the £7OOO referred to can be taken. The amount must either be taken from the authorised capitation grant, or deducted from the £IO,OOO allotted to your Board out of the special vote of £50,000, or it can be taken partly from each vote. The Secretary said they had of course put down the £7OOO, because it was promised by the Minister of Education to a deputation which waited upon him. He .at that time stated that it would not be deducted from the share of £50,000. Mr. Bunny remarked that they would be deprived of £7OOO, although the money was spent when the turn education districts of Wanganui and Wellington were connected. Mr. Gisborne said that they had also lost the whole of a year’s rates, as they had been done away with. Mr. Bunny was about to suggest that a deputation consisting of three other gentlemen and himself should wait upon the Hon. Mr. Ballance with a view of bringing matters before him, when The Secretary intimated that as his report was not completed, he would ask them to hold another meeting, and it was resolved to adjourn until next day after disposing of some matters of detail. An account for repairs at Thorndon school was ordered to be paid. Mr. Dick, of Wainuiomata, wrote, offering to lease a portion of the education reserve for fourteen years at the rate of £7 10s. a year. The subject was referred to Mr. Toomath to report upon. A letter was received from Mr. Douglas, a resident on the East Coast, offering to lease an education reserve for 21 years at the rate of 2d. per acre. Mr. Lee said the country where the reserve was situated was excessively rough and hilly. The application was not entertained. A letter was received from Mr. Everess, replying to some charges made by Mr. Gordon, the assistant master of the Mount Cook boys’ school, against him. The matter was considered in committee. Mr. Dougherty, assistant-master at the To Aro school,°who had received a month’s notice of dismissal from the Board, wrote stating that he would not accept it because it was illegal ; and he also questioned the legality of Miss Eraucis’ appointment as teacher in the school. Erom a section of the Act, which was read, it appeared that any teacher employed by the Board might be dismissed peremptorily if guilty of immoral conduct or gross misbehavior —otherwise three months’ notice would have to be given. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Dougherty should be at once dismissed. Messrs. Gisborne and Toomath were inclined tbthe giving of three months’ notice. The matter was deferred until there were more members present. The meeting then adjourned.

An adjourned meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, when there were present • _Mr. Pharazyn, Chairman; Messro. Bunny, Gisborne, and Toomath. . f A r Witli reference to the dismissal ot Air. Dougherty, assistant-master to the Le A.ro school, the Board, after consultation with law officer, decided that Mr. Dougherty should be dismissed without notice at once. ~ A letter was authorised to be sent to the census remimerator inquiring what number of children of school age are now m the city or Wellington. _ It was resolved to expend £2O on the puichase of Count de Zaba’s charts. . Messrs. Gisborne and Toomath were instructed to report upou the embankment of the Terrace near the school. It was resolved to rent the hall at the Uppei Hutt temporarily for additional school accomAn application from the Good roi the use of a portion of the new school m Lara-naki-streefc for their meetings, was declined. A committee was appointed to considei the Board’s report to the Minister of education. The report is a very voluminous one. A deputation was appointed to wait on the Minister of Education this (Friday) morning, re the £7OOO, and as to a request for an additional school site for Thorndon. The meeting then terminated. f FIRE IN WILLIS-STREET. At 5 o’clock on Sunday morning the alarm of fire was sounded from the several firebeils in the city, and in a very short time, as is usually the case, a large number of people got up from their beds, and hurriedly putting on their clothes, rushed into the street and made their way as speedily as possible to the scene of action, which was Mrs. Mason’s boardinghouse iu Upper Willis-street, and which, by the time most of them got there, was in flames. The fire brigades, to whom too much praise cannot be given, were on the spot in what appeared to be an almost incredibly short space of time, and to their exertions it is due that the fire was confined to the premises in which it originated, which, as most of our readers aie aware, are in a very thickly-built portion of the city, with houses on each side in close proximity. The fire, we understand, was discovered by two lodgers named Brooke and Zesch, who were sleeping in a room on the upper floor over the sitting-room, in. which latter apartment, or in the kitchen, it is supposed the fire originated, although how it was caused appears to be altogether unaccountable, but it is presumed to be purely accidental. As soon as the fire was perceived by these parties, they did their best to arouse the other inmates of the house, who lost no time in getting up and saving themselves, but were unable to save any of their effects, except the clothes they had on, and some of them, indeed, in the terror of the moment, made their escape in very scanty habiliments. One of the boarders, iu order to save himself, jumped from the window of the upper floor, a distance from the ground of some 20ft., and in his fall unfortunately struck Mr. II Mason, an employe in the New Zealand Times office, who was stopping in the house, and who was badly cut and bruised about the face. Mrs. Mason and her daughters had only just time to effect their escape from the building without attempting to save any property in the house, and one of them had. her face scorched a good deal despite of no time being lost in beating a retreat from the burning building. The fire gained rapidly soon after it was discovered, and it seems probable that it must have been burning for some time before the first alarm was given. It was within a very few minutes, however, of the inmates beincr first aroused that the alarm was giv.en from° the Wellington Brigade station, where the fire seems to have been observed before any intimation was brought to. them from Mrs. Mason’s place. It appears indeed that the house was on fire for some little time befoie itsoccupants, who were probably sleeping soundly at that early hour on Sunday morning, were aware of what had occurred. The premises, which we understand are the property of Mrs. Scott, and were held under lease by Mrs. Mason, were insured in the South British for £SOO, and the furniture, which was of considerable value, was also insured in the National and ’Victoria office--. The house is completely gutted, and the furniture, tofcaly destroyed. As we have said, the origin of the fire is a mystery, but is presumed to be purely accidental. An inquest will probably be held to inquire into the matter, and it is possible that some further light may be thrown upon the subject. There was fortunately little or no wind blowing at the time, the morning being remarkably fine and calm, otherwise there cannot be a doubt that this fire would have been of a much more destructive character, as. it must have rapidly spread to the adjoining buildings. INQUEST. An inquest was held on Thursday afternoon, at the Te Aro Hotel, to make inquiry as to the origin of the fire on last Sunday, morning which destroyed the boarding-house in Willis-street occupied by Mrs. Mason. The Coroner stated that the inquest was held at the request of the insurance companies, and he understood there were no suspicious circumstances connected with the fire. Mr. Eitzherbert watched the proceedings on behalf of Mrs. Mason, and Mr. Wallace for the National Insurance Company. The jury having inspected the scone of the fire, the following evidence was taken : Albert Zesch, sworn, deposed : I am a printer, residing in Wellington. I have lodged with Mrs. Mason for three years, and I slept there on Saturday night last. It was about 1 o’clock ou Sunday morning when I got home. Every one appeared to be iu bed when. I entered the house, and I went to bed in tne dark, as I generally do when I come home late. I went straight to bed, and fell off. to sleep. My first alarm was a sensation of choking,'and when I awoke I found the room full of°smoke. I jumped hurriedly from bed, ana called to Jii2. Brooks, the occupant of another

bed in my room. I then ran into an adjoining room and called out to another boarder, “ Ihe place is on fire.” He replied, “I’m notgoingtoany fire,” and I then proceeded to wake the others up. We broke a window, and opened a door communicating with the stairs. The floor, of the room upon which we stood was getting quite heated, and we all had to escape by the windows, dropping ou to a lean-to. One man named Brennan was obliged to jump from the back window, which was high from the ground. After getting out, I went to a detached room, where I found Mrs. Mason. I cannot say how the fire originated. Cross-examined : I got in by the side door, which was always left open. 'I he house was a well-furnished one. I am not aware of anyone coming in after myself. The gas was generally turned out by Mrs. Mason’s instructions. Mary Mason deposed : I am a widow, and occupier of the house which was burned down in Willis-street on Sunday morning. I went to bed about five minutes after twelve on Saturday night, at which time my house was perfectly quiet. I have about twenty lodgers, and they all appeared to have retired when I had. Before going to bed I told the waiter, who sleeps in the dining room, to put out the gas, and I afterwards tried it iu my room, and found it had been turned off. I heard nothing to alarm me until I heard some one jumping about and call “ Eire.” I was so nervous that I could not open my door, which was locked, and one of the boarders. broke it open. On getting out I saw the sitting-room and staircase in flames. The Coroner : Where did the fire seem most concentrated ? Witness : I could not say, as I was in such a flurry. My three daughters, who slept in the same room with me, had some difficulty in escaping, one of them being much burnt about the face. There had been no fire in any of the rooms, except the kitchen, for some weeks. Cress-examined : I leave the side door open for my lodgers to get in. The Coroner : Was the house insured ? Witness : I don’t know ; it belongs to Mrs. Scott. The Coroner : Was your furniture insured ? Witness : Yes. The Coroner : Eor what amount ? Witness : £I3OO, in two policies. The Coroner : What was the value of it ? ’ Witness : I value my furniture at more than it was insured for. By Mr. Wallace : I fancy the man who slept iu the dining room got out of the front door, and the man in the kitchen was nearly suffocated. William Dyer, deposed : I am a waiter employed by Mrs. Mason at her house in Willisstreet. On Saturday night I got home about eleven o’clock, and went to bed about twelve o’clock. I turned off the gas, having first lit a candle from it. My first alarm was caused by boxes being thrown on to the zinc roof of the lean-to, and when I awoke the room I was sleeping in was on fire, leaving me barely time to escape, with nothing on but my trousers. The flames appeared to be coming from a corner under the stairs. The Coroner having remarked that he thought they had sufficient evidence, asked the foreman if he would like more witnesses to be examined. The Foreman said he thought it was unnecessary to call any others. A Juryman : I should like to know something about the fellow in the kitchen, because I know there is something, and he might throw light upon it. The waiter was not in attendance. John Brennan, a miner, said he lodged at the house in question, and went home about one o’ clock on Sunday morning. He struck a match im going in, and it did not go out until he got upstairs. He was not smoking when he went in. The Coroner said that as far as he could see there was no occasion to get any more evidence. It was one of those tilings which so often happen here, the house being of such a combustible material that there was no chance of tracing the origin of the fire. He supposed it was by misadventure in some way or other, such as a match falling. It had not been explained by the evidence. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the fire originated accidentally, but there was no evidence to show how the accident occurred.