GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5172, 19 October 1877, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS.

The value of the exports from the port of Wellington during the quarter ending 30th September amounted to £63,485. During the quarter ending September 30th 32 vessels of 19,506 tons register, manned by 577 men, cleared out of the port of Wellington for foreign ports. During the same period 30 vessels, of 17,764 tons, and -manned by 543 men, entered it from foreign ports. The tonnage of 342 vessels which arrived in the port of Wellington coastwise during the quarter ending September 30 was 60,155 tons, and they were manned by 4666 men. The passengers which these vessels carried are approximately estimated at 2129 male and 604 female adults, and 258 male and 109 female children. The outward vessels numbered 340 of 60,779 tons register, manned by 4676 men, and carrjing 822 male and 183 female adults, and 48 male and 34 female children. The following tenders were received at the Public Works office for the Ohaupo section of the Kaipara and Punui railway:—Accepted : Topham and Angus, Dunedin, £9948. Declined : Pierce Lannigan, Auckland, £11,758 ; W. Cameron, Auckland, £12,853 ; D. Fallon, Auckland, £12,968 ; J. Britton, Auckland, £13,335 ; Martin , and Kirby, Auckland, £13,513 ; Allen Magrun, Auckland, £15,574 ; and W. Foughey, Auckland, £17,250.

Mr. J. T. Peacock, who recently lost his seat in the Legislative Council through disqualification, has by virtue of a writ from his Excellency the Governor resumed his seat He was introduced on October 10th by Colonel Brett and Mr. Peters, and was about to be sworn, when Mr. Robinson jumped up and protested against his having to take the oath a second time. He said that members of that Council were members for life, aud that Mr. Peacock ner ?r having broken his first oath had no occasion to take another. Sir F. D. Bell gave it as his opinion that unless Mr. Peacock took the oath ha could not be considered a member of the Council, and in this opinion tho Hon. the Speaker coincided. Mr. Peacock then commenced to read a statement he had prepared of a protest against his having to take the oath, but he was interrupted by the Speaker, who, on a question raised by Sir Francis Dillon Bell, ruled that Mr. Peacock could not address the Council until he had resumed his seat. Mr. Peacock then agreed to take the oath under protest, but it was pointed out to him that no one could take the oath under protest, aud that any remarks he had to make could be just as easily made after he had resumed his seat. Mr. Peacock then resumed his seat, having taken the oath, and proceeded to read his protest, the two main features of which were that he had not been disqualified, and had not required to take another oath, having never broken the original one which he first took on being called to the Council. Altogether the scene was a lively one. We notice in our obituary column an announcement of the death of one ot-our earliest settlers, “Mr. George Moore.” Mr. Moore arrived in Wellington in 1842, and was a member of Sir George Grey’s nominee Council. For a few years ho occupied a position both .in public and local politics, but gradually retired from each field, and/for the last fifteen or twenty years devoted • himself to his private affairs. He revisited England some time ago. He was much esteemed and respected. It will be seen that he dic-d-at a ripe old age, having passed the allotted three score years and ten. The funeral which took place bn Wednesday, October XOtb; was attended by a large number of persons who desired to pay this mark of respect to the memory of a good and useful colonist who formerly took an active part in public life, and «as much esteemed by a large circle of friends.

An Otago exchange says that it is expected that the line from Waipahi to Clinton, a distance of ton miles, will he ready for opening about the beginning of November, by which time it is also expected that the Clutha Bridge will be finished and the trains running into Balclutha township. The line will then be completed from Dunedin to Invercargill, with the exception of the Balclutha and Clinton section, which is 22 miles in length. .

The Reformer announced in its leading article of September 29th that with that issue it ceased publication. We understand that Mr. Moody has disposed of the Star Hotel, Lambton-quay, for £4250, to Mr. Webb, of Havelock. Sixty-nine births and twenty-three deaths were registered at Wellington during September, and eighteen marriage certificates were issued. ' At a trial of Canterbury v. Newcastle coal the'result showed the cost for one.day’s working of Newcastle, 18s. 2d.; local coal, lus. sd. The trial was equally satisfactory in all other respects. A very pleasing entertainment was given on October 9th by the members of the Pearl of Peace Lodge, 1.0.G.T., at the United Methodist Free Church, Oourtenay-place. Mr. Redstone occupied the chair, and a large and appreciative audience was present. Return of patients in the Wellington Hospital during and ending the mouth of September, 1377: —Admitted: males, 16; females, 5. Discharged : males, 10 ; females, 2. Died; males, 2. Left in hospital: males, 44; females, 11; total, 55. We understand that the plan of the Te Aro reclamation is hung up in the Major’s room, Provincial Buildings, Custom House-quay, where it can be inspected by the ratepayers. It extends to the 12ft. line, instead of 20ft. deep, ns first, proposed. A further test of the sand discovered at Kalapoi resulted in the production of a good sample of glass, and one sample of sand is reported to be suitable for the manufacture of table, window, and plate glass; another probably is suitable for bottle glass. A company is about to be formed to work the sand.

A new bridge has recently been erected over the Kaueranga River, at Parawai (Thames), which will greatly facilitate traffic to and from Ohinemuri and the Upper Thames country. The bridge is 272£t. without the approaches, 16ft. wide in the clear, two spans of 26ft., one of 40, and six of 30ft. The whole of the timber used in its construction is heart of kauri, well bolted and braced. The work has been completed by Messrs. Cullen and Co., the contractors, tor the very moderate sum of £B4O.

A largely attended meeting of the Cricketers’ Association was held on October 3rd at the Pier Hotel. A report of the proceedings appears in another column,by which it will be seen that the association have reconsidered their former proposal to the Australian team, and now offer them half the gross takings. This, we apprehend, will be considered a sufficiently liberal offer. The terms offered by the Auckland cricketers were the whole of the proceeds of the ground, less 10 per cent, after payment of expenses. The hare and hounds’ race got up by the mem : bers of the Athletic Club came off on October 6. There was a good muster, and a capital start was effected from the Caledonian Hotel at 3 o’clock. The course was over the hills at the back of Vogeltown, crossing the .Happy Valley, and thence along the ridge towards the Kaiwarra Creek near the Waterworks, and then to the Botanical Gardens; a pretty stiff bit sf country taken all through. Mr. Wright came in first, and won the prize—a silver pencil case ; Mr. Govett being a good second. The success which attended the race will probably induce its repetition on a future occasion. The ball given by the members of the Wellington Club on the nightof the3rdin their handsome and commodious new Club House was a brilliant affair. A large number of invitations had been issued and responded to, as was evinced by the numerous assemblage present, which comprised members' of the Legislature, the leading citizens of Wellington with the ladies of their several families, and many visitors from other districts. The supper reflected great credit upon the caterer, and the affair was pronounced one of the greatest social successes of the season.

A meeting of gentlemen favorable to the formation of a company for exporting Oamaru stone took place on Sept, 20. It was resolved that a company be formed with a nominal capital of £25,000. The provisional directors appointed were the Mayor (W. J. Steward), Hon. It. Campbell, Messrs. Geo. Sumpter, Thomas Procter, S. Gibbs, Joseph Booth, J. Liddell, C. S. Allen, and O.' Galbraith. The following gentlemen were requested to act provisionally in Melbourne, viz, the Mayor, Alderman Eyre, Jno. Andrews, Esq., M.L.A., Messrs. Samuel A mess, A. K. Smith, T. W. Mason, and Millar (of .the Melbourne rope works), with power to add to their number. A meeting of owners of land at Kilbirnie was held on September 25 at Mr. White's office, Panama-street, Captain Williams in the chair, to consider the advisability ot-making a direct road from Pine-street into Kilbirnie, Between twenty and thirty persons, all having an interest in Kilbirnie property, were present, and it was agreed, with only three dissentients, that the object in view was a most desirable one, and a committee was formed from amongst those present to take the necessary steps to its accomplishment. Several gentlemen who were unable to be present, had signified their assent to the proposal, and also promised to give it their hearty support. . All interests wore fairly represented at the meeting, and there can be very little doubt that the proposed road will be made. This will add another outlet from the town to Evans Bay, which is much required, and will not only be a benefit to pro-perty-holders in the immediate locality, but will also be of considerable advantage to the general public. The Wellington Jockey Club are about to erect permanent and substantial booths at the Hutt racecourse, and so do away with the absurd old, practice of . every year fitting up trumpery canvas erections just for the day. The fact that the Wellington Cup for next meeting is to be £SOO, instead of £3OO as heretofore, has been most favorably commented on by the New' Zealand Press generally, as showing the liberal spirit of our club, and we may expect that the 2nd of November, which is the day for receiving the Cup nominations, will demonstrate by a numerous entry how fully this step has been appreciated by owners and trainers. The Wairarapa meeting is now fixed for the 14 th and 15th February, just a week after our races, thus giving comfortable time for horses to proceed there after their performances at the Hutt. - Not the least subject for congratulation, and denoting the continued increasing interest now felt in Wellington in these matters, is that the Hutt Park course (so much admired by the numerous sjjortsmen who now visit Wellington from other parts of New Zealand, Australia, and the Old Country), is about to be greatly improved in many ways, and more particularly as regsrds the run in. A well attended meutingof persons desirous of joining that useful institution, the no wly formed Wellington Volunteer Fire Police, was held on October 2nd at the Central Police Station. His Worship the Mayor, in response to an invitation, was present to swear in the members as special constables, and having administered the oath to twenty-six persons, congratulated the meeting on the measure of success, which had attended their efforts to establish a body to preserve life. and property and keep order at fires. He also suggested that the secretary should communicate with the City Council, notifying that the Volunteer Fire Police had been formed, so that they might have official recognition and standing. Tire suggestion was adopted by the meeting, and a vote of thanks was passed by acclamation to the Mayor for his attendance, and for the support and countenance he had given to the undertaking. The meeting then resolved itself into a committee to consider what uniform should be worn by members of the corps and other matters of detail.: The great services rendered by the fire brigades have been fully and deservedly acknowleged, and should the Volunteer Fire Police Corps' services be required, they will doubtless render a good account of themselves, and be a most valuable auxiliary to the brigades, and may be the means of saving to the insurance companies and to the owners of property generally throughout the town much that would otherwise be lost or destroyed, in which event their services are not likely to bo forgotten by their fellow-citizens. It speaks well for the energy and pluck of those of our young men of Wellington who have so readily responded to the call to form themselves into a Volunteer Fire Police, and doubtless additions will be made to their numbers as the corps becomes ; more generally known and firmly established.

The sand recently discovered near Kaiapoi has been tested for glass-making with very satisfactory results. The Wellington immigration office received 70 nominations of assisted immigrants during the month, which were forwarded to England by the outgoing mail on September 23. The Mount Rochfort line,-'from Westport to Ngakawau, was opened on Sept. 26. The event was celebrated by a public holiday, excursion trains running through and carrying several hundred persons. Peters, mail contractor between Tauranga and Napier, announces that coaches will run regularly three times a week between Taurauga and Rotomahama, Hot Lakes and Napier, instead of once a week as heretofore, at reduced i-ates.

A proclamation of the Maori King is being promulgated, setting forth that the end of the world aud of the pakeha will come to pass in eighteen mouths from the 10th October. The King’s messengers are conveying this intelligence to his subjects throughout the island. The concert at the Princess Theatre, Torystreet, on Oct. 9th, in aid of St. Mark’s Church organ, draw a crowded house, aud passed off remarkably well. Great credit is due to the ladies and gentlemen who gave their services on this occasion, and thereby greatly contributed to the enjoyment of the evening, and to the augmentation of the funds. The funeral of Mr. Thomas Richardson, one of the oldest settlers in Wellington, who had lived on his property in Willis-street for over thirty years, took place on Septgraber 22nd, and was numerously attended. Amongst those who followed the remains of the deceased to their last resting place were many of the leading citizens of the place, and some of the deceased’s near relatives had come from a great distance in order to be present. ' Mr. R. J. Duncan sold on Sept. 25 an allotment in Tiaakori-road, 183 ft. by 50ft., with house thereon, in the occupation of Mr. Marchant, to Mr. J. Burn for £750. Seventy acres of land at Rangitikei fetched £1 per acre, Mr. J. Gilligan being the purchaser; 105 acres in the same district were sold to Mr. J. Brennan at £1 Is. 6d. Mrs. Gillard’s property in Herbert-street was bought in at £550.

Messrs, Bethuue and Hunter’s land sale on October Bth was largely attended. Lot 1, Mr. Campion’s run at Rangitikei, comprising 6583 acres freehold with buildings, was sold to Messrs. Johnston aud Co. at 30s. per acre ; lot 2, an allotment in Ghuznee-street next the Foresters’ Arms Hotel with a frontage of 53 links by a depth of 171 links, realised £lO per foot, Mr. J. Martin was the purchaser ; lots 3 and 4, a 999 years’ lease of an allotment in Manners-street, fetched £3l per foot ; lot 5, 354 acres, section 36 Rangitikei, with improvements, was sold to Mr. J. Woodward at £2 6s. per acre. Mr. J. H. Wallace sold on October 9th the remainder of the book debts in the estate of A. Mullins and Sons to Mr. T. K. Macdonald for £26. Four debentures in the Wellington and Hntt Building Society realised £2OO, The following lots in the township of Stuartville were disposed of :—Lots 3, 5,7,9, and 14 to Mr. R. Clelaud at prices varying from £24 to £2B. Mr. Cavanagh was the purchaser of lot 17 at £25, and of lot 21 at £45 and lot-22 at £43. Lot 27 was sold to Mr. E, W. Mills at £l7, and lots 28, 29, and 30 to Mr. Earrelly at £26, £46, and £63 respectively. Lot 31. was sold to Mr. Duignan for £52, Land in Karere Block, being portions of lots 5 and 6, fetched 235. and 635. per acre. Allotment No. 102, in the township of Clyde, Hawke’s Bay, realised £3.

A New Zealand Gazette, dated the 4th inst., which readied us on Friday, notifies the following traffic returns on the New Zealand railways for the month ending 25th August— Kaipara section, receipts, £321 10s. 6d.; Auckland, do, £1899 10s 5d.; Napier, £1397 14s._ 9d.; Wellington, £832 11s. 6d.; Foxton, £690 6s. 7d.; Wanganui, £l2l 55.; New Plymouth, £149 os. 9d.; Greymouth, £sll 4s, 9d.; Westport, £74 3s. Id.; Nelson, £327 os. 9d.; Pictou, £403 ,3s. 3d.; Christchurch, £15,583 18s. 7d.; Dunedin, £5955 3s. 5d.; Invercargill, £2643 14s. Regulations relating to trout fishing on the Matai River, Nelson, - and in Otago, are published for general information. The acceptance by the Governor of the resignation of D. McKellar, Esq., of Cromwell, of his appointment as, justice, of the peace, is announced. The Rev. Father Heunebery, a gentleman who has met with great success in America as a preacher of missions, commenced his ministrations in this colony at St. Mary’s on Sunday, September 23. The rare powers of the ■ rev. gentleman may be judge-1 of by the fact that for two hours and a-quarter he secured the rapt attention of a large congregation. Father Hennebery took the text of ids sermon from the 16th chapter and 24th verse of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans—“ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” He dwelt upon the great advantages which man spiritually receives from the Grace of God, on the object for which missions are held, and upon the great and beneficial effects which have followed-them. He concluded by expressing the hope that all Catholics in Wellington would attend the mission, which wouldlast throughout the week. During that time three sermons would be preachedeach day, Mass would be said -every morning, and confessions heard continually.' Father Hennebery’s exertions in the cause of temperance have been highly successful in this city. It is stated that over nine hundred persons have already promised to abstain from the use of intoxicating drinks, under the earnest exhortations of the reverend gentlemen. On October 7th a procession, numbering about one thousand of both sexes, formed at the Catholic Cathedral in Thorndon, and proceeded to St. Joseph’s. Father Hennebery delivered an impressive address, and was listened to with the most earnest attention. In the 'evening the reverend father again addressed a large congregation in St. Mary’s, at tho conclusion of which the Right Reverend Bishop Redwood exhorted those present to keep the pledges they had taken. He also spoke of the good results which had accrued from the labors of the Rev. Father Heunebery. A-musical and literary entertainment, was given on the evening of the Bth by the choir of St. John’s Church, assisted by other friends, in aid of the organ fund. This was one of the most successful of tho aeries of these entertainments which have been given this season. , There was a large attendance, and the vocal and instrumental talent displayed on the occasion was of a very high order. The following were particularly well rendered —Pianoforte duet, “Le iCheval de Bronze ;” the songs, “Farewell to Loch Katrine,” and “Once again;” “ The hunter's farewell” (quartette), “ A torti ti lagni ’’ (violoncello solo), “ Vashti ” (song), “Martha” (pianoforte duet), “Life let us cherish ” (violin solo), “ Let us be joyful ” (quartette), “My pretty gazelle” (song), a humorous Scotch song, and a chorus from “ Oberon in Fairy Laud.” A meeting of the New Zealand Temperance Alliance was h rid on October Bth at the Provincial Buildings. Present -Yen. Archdeacon Stock; (in the chair), Hon. W. Fox, Revs. Harvey, Ogg, Reid, West, Redstone, Messrs. Holdsworth, Fraser, McLean, and Okell. A set of rules was adopted, and the following officers were elected. President : The Right Reverend Bishop Hadfield; secretary, Mr. Powles ; treasurer, Mr. Holdsworth. Council: Right Rev. Bishop Hadfield, Von. Archdeacon Stock, Revs, B. W. Harvey, R. Coffey, J. Paterson, O. S. Ogg, F. O. Dewsbury, A. Reid, ■W. H. West, F. Trivett, J. Dumbell, H. B. Bedstone, Hon. W. Fox, Messrs. F. H. Fraser, S. Costall, F. M. Oliivier, J. Woodward, J, McLean, A. O. Leitch, and J. O’Kell ; five to form a quorum. It was stated that there were funds in hand to tho extent of £l4 Bs. It was agreed to hold another meeting in a fortnight. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

The Bale of the Gibson estate in Manners-street on Wednesday, September 20tb, by Mr. Finnimoro was largely attended, and the lots realised excellent prices. The total proceeds amounted to £13,000. The following are the details of the sale:-—Lot I—O. W. Clayton, at £3O per foot; lot 2—o. W. Clayton, £3O per foot; lot 3—J. Madden, £32 10s. per foot ; lot 4 bought in at £32 1 0s. per foot; lot 5—E. Tuckwell, £2OO for the lot; lot 6—bought in at £3O per foot; lot 7—F. Cooper, £3O per foot; lot 8 —O. W. Clayton, £34 per foot ; lot 9—R. Martin, £4O per foot; lot 10—-J. Madden, £3O per foot; lot 11—W. Scott, £B6 per foot.

Mr. Driver, of Dunedin has concluded the sale of Rhodes and Leadham’s estate, near Timaru, consisting of 9350 acres freehold, 800 head pure-bred cattle, and 12,000 sheep, for £115,000, to Heming and Hedley, of Oamaru. The Manawatu Times of the 19th ult. says —“ Mr. Hanlon, while digging in his yard the other day at the Terrace, Palmerston, unearthed a lump of ironstone weighing about 301 b. It is a good sample of ore.” The cause of charity has been benefited by the successful effort which was made to collect funds for a tribute to the memory of the late Dr. Isaac Earl Eeatherston. This is fitting; for his ears, while he was with us, were ever open to the cry of distress. The money collected for the memorial bust had a surplus of' £44, which has been given to the orphanage fund of the Wellington Benevolent Society. The Tmpeha Times records the following instance of honesty on the part of a Chinaman: —A neighboring ruuholder paid off his Chinese cook, and in doing so gave “John” £6 more than he was entitled to. The Chinaman reappeared at the station in a few days, and muck to his late employer’s surprise, handed back the £6, saying “ too muchee.” Chinamen are usually good cooks, but not always honest; one who is both must be a valuable man to his employers. The Southern Mercury of the 22nd Sept, says:—Of the 2 42 unemployed laborers to whom orders for railway passes to the Balolutha section several'weeks ago were issued, 133 put in an appearance, and were supplied with work ; 104 were on the works when the pay-sheet was made up at the end of last month. Their earnings amounted on the average to at least 6s. per day, several having worked overtime. After Balolutha and its hotels were made somewhat lively, and since then only 54 have resumed work.

ADuuedinfirm recently wrote to a gentleman at Oamaru who was in their debt in the following terms, as published by the North Otago Times • “ Dear Sir, —It is said that those who give to the poor lend to the Lord. You can put this into excellent practice by sending the amount of our little account, for we occupy the position of the ‘poor’ just now. We are, &o,” The recipient of the letter was equal to the occasion, and replied as follows ; —“ Dear Sirs, —Your favor reminds me of another passage: ‘Agree with thine adversary while thou art in the way, lest he hale thee to the judge, aud the judge deliver thee to the officer,-and the officer cast thee into prison.’ Accordingly please find cheque herewith.” The last few words (says our contemporary) will no doubt be the most satisfactory of this unique commercial correspondence. On Thursday, the 27th Sept., at 2 o'clock, the foundation stone of Messrs. Caselberg and Co.’s new store at Mastertou was laid by his Worship the Mayor in the presence of a large concourse of people. At the conclusion of the ceremony about 150 of the citizens sat down to a sumptuous repast provided by the firm. The Mayor' occupied the chair, and Mr. Rocked the vice-chair. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the usual loyal toasts were proposed by the chairman, aud heartily responded to. In proposing “Success to the firm,” his Worship made some appropriate remarks, alluding to the public spirit and enterprise that Mr. Caselberg had ever displayed siuce he became a resident amongst them.- The toast was drunk with three times three, and one cheer more. The health of the architect, Mr. W. C. Chatfield, and that of Mr. Dear, the contractor, were proposed by Mr. Caselberg, aud met with an enthusiastic response. The building will be a large one, constructed of brick and concrete, being one storey 60ft. x 80ft. and 20ft. high,, having a handsome facade to Mainstreet. The building will cost about £4OOO, and the contractors hope to be able to hand it over to the firm by Christmas. The adjourned annual general meeting of the Fidelity and Accident Guarantee Company of New Zealand was held at the company’s office, Lambton-quay, on Sept. 28, when the following shareholders, representing all parts of. the colony, were present or-repre-sented by proxy, viz. ;—Hon. J. B. Acland, M.L.O. ; Hon. John Hall, M.L.O. ; Hon. R. Hart, M.L.O. ; Hon, J. T. Peacock, M.L.O. ; Hon. F. Whitaker, M.H.R. ; Hon. E. Richardson, M.H.R. ; Hon. W. H. Reynolds, M.H.R. ; Messrs. G. Hunter, M.H.R., W. S. Moorhouse, M.H.R. ; L. Harper, M.H.R. ; Sir W. Fitzherbert, K.O.M.G. ;Hon. G. McLean, M.H.R. ; H. Bastings, M.H.R. ; Dr, Diver, Messrs. Levy, Dransfield, Krull, . Port, Mills, E. Reeves, D. L. Murdoch, I. Plimmer. J. C. Firth, C. R. Blakestou, W. Cuff, O. S. Reeves, James Marshall, John Hislop, John Mitchell, J. McDowell, T. McKenzie, J. E. Nathan, TJ. Mountain, R. Walker, J. Beaumont, S. E. Nathan, David Craig, J. L. Campbell, Robert Wilson, J. Logan, and John Davis. The directors’ report aud balance sheet were adopted unanimously. The directors aud local directors, as nominated by advertisement in our columns, were all elected) Messrs. W. H. Levin and Edward Reeves were re-elected as auditors. All the members of the medical staff of the Christchurch Hospital have ceased attendance for the following reasons; —Some time ago Dr. Campbell, one of the hospital surgeons, brought a case in the Supreme Court for the recovery of £SOO from the executors of a private patient, when Dt. Campbell said he gave him a deposit receipt for the £SOO just prior to his death. The patient died,-and the amount could not be recovered, and subsequently the medical staff of the hospital, considering tho evidence in Court disclosed improper conduct on the part of Dr. Campbell, petitioned tho Government to remove him from the hospital staff. The Government took no action. The application was repeated without effect, and Drs. Turnbull, Deamer, Nedwill, Powell, Hays, Doyle, and Franklin have ceased attendance at the hospital. There is no one now in charge of the medical cases. Dr. Prins continues to act with Dr. Campbell in surgical cases. Dr. Campbell has since withdrawn from the hospital staff. An official inquiry is to be held at his request. We have received a copy of the “SchpoList of Christ College Grammar School, Canterbury, N.Z., from the year 1852 to 1857,” with an historical introduction from the pen of the Very Rev. the Dean of Christchurch. Notes are appended, giving the - present occupation and address of a large number of former pupils, the scholarships they have won, and also their achievements in cricket, football, &c. It appears from the list that many of the old College boys are settled in Wellington, aud that here aud elsewhere they are doing useful work in the learned professions, the civil service, and commerce. A number of them have graduated at English Universities, and to all who have been educated at this establishment a perusal of the list must be very gratifying, as showing the success attained by its scholars, as well as to the founders of the school, and those who are now its governors and masters. By reference to an advertisement in another column it will be seen that the work can be procured post free for 35., and all old College boys will be glad to have a copy of it. The re-opening services in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, Webb-street, were held on September 23rd; and wore largely attended. The Uev. F. Trivett preached in the morning, and tho Kev. J. Dumbell in the evening, collections being made at the close of each service in aid of the church funds, and liberally responded to. Mr. Dumbell took for his text 2nd Kings, 7th chapter, 9th verse, and made a forcible comparison between the leper sufferiugf rom that loathsome and terrible disease of the body and the man spiritually unclean. He concluded by earnestly appealing to the congregation to support the funds of the church. The discourses both in the morning and evening were' listened to with marked attention throughout. The church has been lengthened more than 20 feet, and is now capable of seating about 400 people comfortably. The acoustic properties of the building have also been greatly improved by the alterations, the preacher being now easily heard all over the church. A tea meeting was held on the following Tuesday evening, and was very largely attended. . A public meeting followed, over which his Worship the Mayor presided, and during the course of the evening several interesting addresses were delivered by ministers and friends. The proceedings were greatly enlivened by an excellent choir, which rendered some pleasing selections from a new service of song.

The late Mr. George Moore, we hear, left by will £SOO, to found a scholarship in connection with the Wellington College. The time-gun which is to be erected on Mount Victoria arrived here on Wednesday by the Stella from Ouehunga. A local committee has been formed in Wellington in aid of the Australian Juvenile Industrial Exhibition at Ballarat. Applications for space can be received up to December 24, addressed to Mr. S. Carroll, Secretary Chamber of Commerce, Eull particulars will be found in our advertising columns. A meeting of the committee recently appointed by property-holders of Kilbirnie was held on Wednesday, at which Mr. Beere, surveyor, was present. That gentleman had been instructed to lay out a lino of road from the city to the new township. He reports that he has surveyed a practicable route, with a gradient in no place exceeding one in ten, and that the road will be a little under a mile. The cost of forming and metalling a road ten feet wide he estimates at £4OO. The committee resolved to carry out the work if permission be obtained from the City Council to make the road through the Town Belt. It was decided to petition the City Council, and if that body granted the request of the committee, to proceed with the work immediately. The road will be a decided advantage to the people of the city, as well as to the owners of property at Kilbirnie, aud we are sure the City Council will grant every facility to those who undertake its construction without cost to the Corporation. The lunatic Mclntosh, who some time past escaped from Mount View Asylum, has, we learn, proceeded along the coast to Pahau. On his way he stopped four days at Mr. Akers’ station at Wharepapa, making himself useful in mending boots and doing other small ser vices for the station hands. He also while there tried his hand at sitting a bucking horse bareback, which he stuck to manfully for the first two or three bucks, but eventually was duly landed on his back. He still sticks to his mania for preaching. Whenever he can get a willing listener he holds forth incessantly. He is sane enough to know that the policemen are on his track, but he states that it will take more than one to take him.

A tea and public meeting was held on Tuesday evening in the schoolroom, Courtenay-place, in connection with United Methodist Free Churches. There was a large attendance, and the Rev. Mr. Redstone occupied the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Paterson, the Rev. Mr; Moir, and the Rev. Mr. Dumbell. The choir, under the directorship of Mx - . Hudson, contributed to the evening’s enjoyment by their excellent rendering of some sacred music. The meeting separated shortly before ten o’clock. We hear the shares in the Lion Foundry and Engineering Company are now being freely subscribed for. Over 400 were applied for on Monday, which makes the total number of applications received up to the present time nearly £3OOO, or three-fourths of the total number to be allotted. This is satisfactory as showing that the public of Wellington, usually so apathetic in matters of this kind, are fully alive to the advantages of a really good investment. We would remind intending shareholders that the share list closes on Saturday next, and advise such- not to lose the chance of securing shares in an undertaking so highly lucrative as this is certain to become.

The following tenders for inland mail services have been accepted, to commence on the Ist January next Between Wellington and Wanganui, twice weekly, £475 per annum, Andrew Young; Wanganui aud Hawera, daily, £2OO per annum, Andrew Young; Hawera aud New Plymouth, twice weekly, £7OO per annum, Andrew Young; Palmerston North and Kopua Railway Station, twice weekly, £290 per annum, Hastwell and Macara ; Chief Post Office and Post Office, Adelaide-road, daily, £2O per annum, H. Bayliss ; Masterton and Woodville service —the tenders sent in were ' declined, and fresh tenders are to be called for.

In reference to recent gold discoveries within the Bailer County, the Westport Times says that if anticipations are fulfilled, a country of alluvial'gold workings, some eight miles by six in extent, and leading to terraces and high ranges where further auriferous treasures are known to exist in the matrix, will be opened up. We hear sometimes of working people finding a difficulty in getting employment in Dunedin, but it would appear nevertheless that female servants and skilled agricultural laborers-are still in demand there, judging from the following paragraph in the Otago Ouanlian of the 6th iust.: —“All the single females open for engagement met with ready employment yesterday at Caversham Depot. The wages ranged from £25 to £36 per annum for general servants. Pourteen ploughmen were engaged at from £SO to £55 per annum and found. The remainder of the immigrants are expected to be engaged for the country on Monday.” A shock of earthquake was felt on the night of October 9th in various parts of the Province of Otago, with more or less intensity, as appears from the following telegrams received by the Press Agency:—“Naseby.—There was a sharp shock of earthquake a few minutes before 10 last night. The direction was nearly due north and south. Oamaru.—There was a slight shook of earthquake last night at 9.98. Direction, south to- north. Palmerston South.—There was a sharp shook of earthquake at 9.58 last night. The direction wat from north to south. The shock was followed by heavy rain. Dunedin.—There was a rather smart shock of earthquake at 9.58 last night. It lasted about five seconds. Direction, north to south. Lawrence.—An earthquake was felt here last night at 9.56. There were three distinct shocks experienced. It was accompanied by a rumbling noise. Direction, from north-west to south east. Roxburgh.—There was a severe shock of earthquake at 9.45 last night. Three distinct aud heavy movements were felt from north to south. The sky was very wild, and there was heavy lightning at the time. Balclutha.— There was a smart shook of earthquake at 9.58 last night, lasting a few seconds. Direction, north to south. The night was dark and showery. Port Chalmers. Two distinct shocks of earthquake, preceded ■by low rumbling noises, were experienced last night at 10 o’clock. The first shock lasted about twenty seconds ; the second was of much longer duration, and more violent. Heavy rain followed,” The providing rational amusement for the unfortunate class of people confined in lunatic asylums baa been found a great means of rendering their condition somewhat less unhappy aud monotonous than it used to be in'olden times, when no such humane measures were resorted to. Many of our readers are perhaps unaware that every week a ball is given at the Mount View Asylum. The patients mix freely with the other guests, and appear to enjoy themselves heartily. The present superintendent appears most desirous of doing aU he can for the welfare of those placed under his care, and although it is evident from the published reports that the establishment in the past has certainly not been as well managed as it ought to have been, there is every reason to believe that in the future ve y marked improvement will take place.