GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5260, 1 February 1878, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS.

It is positively announced that Air. Reader Wood resigns his seat for an extended visit to England. Air. ,T. Moss, and probably Air. Dargaville, will be candidates for the vacancy. Air. W. T. L. Travers, as city solicitor, officially informed the Council on January 25th of his inteution to leave for England at an early date, and that he would probably be absent from,Wellington eight mouths. .He advised them on one or two matters which had been referred to him, and spoke of arrangements being made regarding the legal adviser of the Council during his absence. The-Hon. Air. Sheehan received the following letter on January 18 from King Tawhiao: — “ To you, the parent of those who are dead, this is my letter to you. I have written to you and telegraphed to you before, but you have not listened to what I have said. I hear you left for Wellington without coining to see me, and I how ask you again to come and see me, that we may settle the affairs of this island. I will remain here until the latter dry of this month/ This is sufficient.” .

Captain Babot of the barque Rialto, which arrived here on January 22 from London, hasreceived the following letter from the Lady Superior of St. : Mary's Convent, thanking him for the kindness he had shown to the Indies dost! qeiTfsi r tlTe" ediiyjmtj who were passengers by his .-Ship :—“ Wellington, January 231 Dear Sir, —J have to thank you, on tho part of the Sisters of Alercy) for your great kindness to the ladies, who'were destined for this convent, and who had tiie good fortune, to come over in your ship, i They,speak of you in the highest terms, and fee jdeeply grateful for your great kindness and attention during the voyage. ; We shall be happy, to see you at the convent when you can find time to pay. ns a visit.” On dimming up the number of prisoners committed .to the-Wellington Gaol for the year 1877, ’and comparing it "with the return for 1876, it was found that there were 74 men and 13 women, nr 87 in all, less committed in the former than in the latter mentioned year. This it .very satisfactory, as it indicates that crime is on the decrease ; for, notwithstanding the large increase in our population, fewer persons have been sent to gaol. It also speaks well for the immigrants who have recently arrived amongst us, and demonstrates that a wise discretion must have been exercised in their selection.

New townships are springing up rapidly all over New Zealand. In reference to one of the latest of these embryo cities, called Warrengafe, near Wanganui, the Chronicle of the 31st nit. states that -it is most advantageously situated close to the site of the flour mill, at the junction of the No. 2 Hue with the Beulah and Warrengate-roads, and the crossing of the railway. A better or more convenient site for. a new township could scarcely be found, and the want of a centre for the exchange of stock, produce, and merchandise nearer than Wangiinui has been long felt in the neighbor-, hood.

We understand that the Loudon Pidelity Guarantee Company, which almost a year ago established agencies throughout New Zealand, has recently entirely withdrawn from business in this colony. 1 This 1 will be good news for those interested in the Pidelity and Accident Guaranty Company of New Zealand, which has its head quarters in this city. It is always pleasant to see local enterprise taking the place of foreign companies, and as the colonial company which we have mentioned has a list of shareholders comprising some of the best and most influential names in New Zealand, it will no doubt fully command the confidence of the public, aud occupy the field in this line of business.

A 3 settlement progresses in the interior of the. provincial district the effect is plainly observable in the large number of passengers which are daily conveyed by the two principal lines of coaches which connect Wellington with the country districts. On Jan. 18 th no less than 28 passengers, booked at Otaki for Wellington, and Messrs. Hastwell and Co. had to put on-au extra coach. The passenger traffic between the Wairarapa and Wellington has also assumed large dimensions, and three persons are conveyed by coach to the various centres of population itnd rural districts of the Wairarapa for every one who travelled that road a few years ago. The sooner the railway is completed to Masterton the more profitable it will be to the country from a direct monetary point, and the more conducive it will be to the progress of settlement in one of th'e most important districts in the North Island. The anniversary treat to the children attending St. 1 John’s Presbyterian Church was to have been held on January 22 at Howe’s Farm, but in icousequence of the inclemency of the weather was held at the schoolroom, Willisstreet. Between 400 and 500 pupils, teachers, and friends assembled. In the afternoon the young people were regaled with tea, cake, buns, aud other refreshments to their hearts’ content. A - large . number of prizes were afterwards distributed amongst those children who had distinguished -themselves at the recent examination in Scripture history and catechism. The Kev. Mr. Paterson presided on the; occasion, and made some appropriate observations to the successful competitors, and also addressed a few words of' encouragement to the less fortunate, urging them to persevere and not be disheartened by defeat, pointing out that they might he successful next year. After addresses from one or two gentlemen present, the meeting was brought to a satisfactory conclusion by the singing of a parting hymn by the children, and the benediction being pronounced by the Kev. Mr. Paterson.

The following letter from the Under-Secre-tary for. Public Works to Mr. T. Revans, re construction of the Wellington and Mastertou railway; has been published in the Wairarapa Standard :—“ Wellington, January 18.—Sir, —I am directed by the Hon. the Minister for Public Works to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth inst., in reference to the completion of the line from Featherstou to Masterton,' and in reply to inform you that the plans and specifications for the whole length are very nearly completed, and it is to be hoped the advertisement calling for tenders’ will bo issued very shortly—certainly within a week or ten days. With reference to your renewed suggestion for carting the rails over the Rirautaka, the Minister is assured that owing to the rate at which the permanent way is being laid on the present contracts, no time, whatever would now be saved thereby. Under these circumstances the Minister finds himself tirtable to adopt a proposal, which, but for the reason above given might probably have proved a valuable one. —I have, &0., John Knowlks. Mr. F. Williams, of the Registrar-General’s office, died somewhat suddenly on January 7th.

The total amount subscribed to the Indian Famine Relief Fund in this district reached the handsome sum of £2040 11s. lid, *- A New Zealand Gazette published on January 12th further prorogues Parliament until Friday the 29th March. Some very rich specimens of auriferous quartz from Picton have been shown in town ■ recently. A New Zealand Gazette, issued on Jan. 14, notifies that his Excellency the Governor has been pleased to accept the resignation by the Hon. Sir George Grey, K. 0.8., of his appointment of Commissioner of Customs, and that the Hon. John Ballance has been appointed Commissioner of Customs and Alinister of Education, and has taken the necessary oaths as a member of the Executive. The children attending the Church of England Sunday schools in Wellington held their annual picnic in the Botanical Gardens on 17th January. There was a large attendance, and a variety of sports and games were got up, which appeared to be greatly enjoyed by the young people, who were fortunate in having a very: pleasant day for their holiday. The Hot Lakes District at this season of the year always' attracts a number of visitors from all parts of the colony. Amongst the “old identities” of Wellington who are about to pay a visit to this wonderful region ai-e Messrs. G. Crawford, J. Martin, and R, J. Duncan. They will be absent, we understand, about three weeks or a month.

During the fire on January 16 at the railway station, one of the telegraph posts was burnt, and a serious interruption to the Hue would, in all probability, have occurred but for the promptitude with which Dr, Lenrou, the head of the Telegraph Department, acted. Within a very short time of the post catching fire, he and his men were on the spot, bringing a new post and the necessary appliances in au express cart, and there was but little delay before the new post was put up in place of the old one, and no stoppage to the transmission of messages was caused by the fire. A rather amusing incident (says the Olarjo Daily Times of the 29th nit.) occurred during the progress of yester-raorning’s passenger train from Balclutha. When the train arrived at Owhiro the guard told the enginedriver tha’- there was a waggon to be attached to the train, not knowing that it had been taken by the previous train. The guard uncoupled the engine and goods waggons from the carriages, but the engine-driver not seeing a truck, and being signalled to go, started, and did not stop until he had readied Alnsgiel, .where lie. discovered the train was minus the carriages. The consternation of the passengers when they saw. the engine disappearing from view ma.-be imagine!. . A funny story comes to band, about the recent event of a sailing vessel (the Cora), (Tossing the Hokitika bar uuder’parivas, a circumstance telegraphed through.the length and breadth of the colony. At the time the Cora was standing on and off the bar under easy canvas, the signalman had gone away to dinner, and some young larrikins on the wharf thought it would be a splendid joke to go to the signal station and hoist the balls as signal “Staujd on; take tlie, bar.”,.This they did, and the Cora stood in, although the wind was light and the channel intricate. Espying the signalman returning- the lads then hauled down tire balls and made themselves scarce, but the signalman coming to his post, and seem.- the craft in - mid-channel, at once, as the only chance to help her out of danger, hoisted, the balls again, and; so the Cora, by a fluke, got safe down the channel. . r ;

A large number of tourists.are, as is usual at this season,;pf the .year, visiting, the Hot Lake district'. The, Hawke’s: Bay Herald of the 29th ult. says Travellers by. the,Taupe coaches will be glad to learn that the coaches now leave Napier on Wednesday n orniugs, instead of Tuesday's, as was, hitherto, the case. By, this alteration no' delay, takes 'place in the transmission of mails or passengers from Wellington to Tauranga .and. Auckland.” - The same journal also observes :—“A, work is about to be issued, under the auspices of the Uhjon Steam Shipping Company, called. ‘The Southern Guide to the Hut Lakes and Spring Districts of the North Island,’ which will contain all possible information as to the route to be taken by travellers visiting, that • wonderful locality, full particulars as to steamer fares, road charges, .dates of' arrival and departure, sanitary properties of the various springs, and, in 1 short, everything which could be found useful by tourists. The book, will be published shortly, and should cotmiiaud au extensive sale.” .

The!following tenders have been received at the Public Works Office, , Wellington, for the Papattt bridge ' contract, Napier-Mana-watu railway Accepted : Proudfoot and Mackay, Dunedin, £15,195. Decline I: D. Fallon, Auckland, £15,197; W. Stocks, Christchurch,£ls,2oo; J.B. Blair, Dunedin,£l6,799; Hector Reid, Dunedin, £16,905 ; A. Nicolson, W. J. Alcerley, and M. Darrach, Auckland, £17,000 ; M. Danaher, Auckland, £17,900 ; J. Bassett, Wanganui, £18,055; Davis and Co., Wellington, £18,279; D. Ross, Auckland, £18,336 ; Nathan and Wilkie, Bulls, £18,738; Jno. Britton, Auckland, £18,850; A. Mackay, Napier, £19,790 ; 11. J. Allen, Dunedin, £19,918 ; A. Macleod, Waipukurau, £19,979 ; J. Jay, Wellington,; £20,270; R. Dickson, Auckland, £20,375 ; W. Oainerou, Dunedin, £21,608 ; Tawse. and Brown; Wellington, £21,350 ; Jno. Taylor and Co., . Auckland, £22,037 ; W. Rowe, Wanganui, £22,930 ; Lockie and Dunn, Wellington, £24,916.

The Waikato Times of the 27th hit. relates the following particulars of a serious gunshot accident :—“Dr. Waddington returned yesterday from the Piako, to which place he had been hastily summoned on Monday to attend the little son of Mr. Mcdashan, who had bci-n accidentally wounded by his brother that morning. It appears that Master John McGlashan fired at a fowl, and did not know that his brother and Mr. T. G. Sandes were in a Hue with the bird, at a distance of only a dozen yards, hidden from his sight by the drooping branches of a willow. The principal part of the charge was received by the little brother, taking effect over the face, chest, and stomach. Several of the pellets, number eight shot, hit Mr. T, G. Sandes upon the head and face and arm, being buried deeply in the muscles. Dr. Waddington has formed a favorable opinion of the little boy's case, for although very seriously injured, and suffering from the shook given to the nervous system, it would appear that none of the shots have perforated the lungs or stomach. The spitting of blood reported on Tuesday was caused by some two or three of the pellets striking the cheek and taking a downward course into the mouth.”

The Albert Hotel, at the corner of Bouloottstreet and Willia-streot, is now in full awing, and the proprietress, Mrs. Power, has spared no elfort in fitting it up in such a manner as to attract families and visitors .to Wellington. The situation, and the fact of the hotel having one private entrance to Boulcott-streot and another to Willis-street, will tend to make it what appears to be the wish of the landlady, viz., a comfortable family hotel. The building is a very commodious one, and comfort has been studied in its construction more than outward show. The first floor comprises the bar, commercial room, and bar parlor, and also a store-room. The second floor (which used to be the first in the old days of the Union Bank), contains the billiard-room, to which is attached a very comfortable-smoking-room, two parlors, dining-room, kitchen, and , scullery. On the third floor are three large bedrooms and two handsome parlors, fitted up with pianos and other luxurious articles for the, use of' families. The upper, or fourth floor contains a very largo room about 60ft. x 25ft., which can be converted either into a club-room or billiardroom, or both together. There “are five large bedrooms and fifteen single bedrooms on this flat, and also bathrooms for ladies and gentlemen. A class of hotels like this new building would be a credir to any city, and it may be reasonably -expected that Mrs. Power will have no reason to regret being the first tenant of the building which is dedicated to the “ Old Identities.’’

It is reported that Judge Hogan retires on a pension. It is stated that considerable reductions are contemplated in the Native Lands Court, Colonial Survey, and Customs Departments. The business hours of the latter are to be extended till i o’clock.

The valuation of the borough of Blenheim is £16.131, against £14,427 last year. The directors of the Dunedin, Pensiuaula, and Ocean Beach railway celebrated the opening of the Anderson’s Bay section of the line o January 7th. Mr. N. W. Werry, Becord Clerk in the Public Works Department, has been appointed Chief Clerk in the Railway Department. Mr. H. J. Blow succeeds Mr. Werry in the latter office. The Customs returns at Hokitika show a large increase of trade for 1877 over 1876. The gold exported increased over £70,000. Imports, exports, and Customs duties have all increased several thousand pounds. The Jewish Association in Christchurch are responding to an appeal from the London Association for the Relief. of Distressed Jews in Turkey, and are raising subscriptions, which are coming in freely from members of all denominations.

The Wanganui Harbor Board has decided upon commencing the harbor improvements .forthwith. The first portion of the works is to cost £27,000, consisting of the deepening of the channel across what is known as the flats, the protection of the Spit and Castle Cliff, indthe reclamation of the foreshore above the bridge. It is intended to obtain an overdraft at the bank on the security of the land endowment.

The returns from the goldfields at the Thames and Coromandel for the year 1877 was 128,408 ozs. as against 69,8070z5. in 1876. The Moauataiari mine < outribnted about 40,0000z5. during 1877, and paid nearly £IOO,OOO in dividends. The Coromandel returns for the year are about GOOD or 7000ozs. Probably another 4000ozs. were produced on the Thames from tailings, mills, &c., of which no account has been furnished to the Press.

Mr. John Mitchell, an elderly man, who has been a resident for some time in Dunedin, met on Saturday, January sth, with a fatal accident. As he was driving along one of the streets at the north end of the city he fell from the cart on his head, breaking his neck. Dr. Gillies was called, and pronounced life to he extinct.

Au accident occurred on January sth at Johusonville to a settler named Peter Johnson, who was engaged in falling a tree, which in its descent struck him on the leg and crushed the limb severely. He was brought into town as soon as possible after the accident, and taken to the Hospital, where it has been found necessary to resort to amputation, but we are glad to bear that the patient is in a fair way o! recovery. ' On-Friday evening,-January 4th, says the Poverty Bay Herald, Bro. T. W. Porter was installed as Worshipful Master of the Tauranganui Lodge, No. 1480. The '■ imposing ceremony was performed by Bi’b, P.M. W. W. Wilson, Bro.- P.M. K. Price, and Bro. W.M. S. R. Drausfield. . After the installation the brethren adjourned to the Shamrock Hotel, 1 where Bro. Walker had provided an excellent banquet. The usual Masonic toasts inseparable to the occasion were proposed and duly honored, when harmony was the order of the night.

At Mr. T. K. Macdonald’s sale of city, suburban, and rural land on Jan. 7th there was a good attendance, and fair prices realised. The foil -wing lots were sold;—Section 52, Porirua, 120 acres, with nursery garden, orchard, &0., B. Greenfield, £1200; leasehold allotment No. S, College-street, subject to a ground rent of £lO per annum, J. Adams; £27 10s.; dwellinghouse, six rooms, with frontage of 38ft. to Ghuziiee-street, by a depth of 72ft., W. Driscoll, £GOO ; allotment IS, £l2O. Seven al’ot-, meuts in the township of' Woodville were sold at prices varying from £l4 to £lB. An allotment in the township of Palmerston was sold to P. ; Coffey for £22. Section 193, in the township of Fitzherbert, was purchased by J. D. Baird for £236 Bs. 6d. - , A number of. the lots which were withdrawn have since been disposed of at the reserve prices. ~ . , A- largely attended meeting of the Greymouth Goal Company was held on January sth. The present position and future prospects of the company were fully discussed, and it was resolved that .the capital should be increased by the issue of. 8000 new shares of £2 each, £1 paid up. , The directors. were also authorised to mortgage the mine and plant for a sum not exceeding £4OOO, in order to secure themselves in giving their “ joint and several ” note to the bank 1 for another draft ,to meet current expenses. It was understood, that the directors would not find it necessary .to exercise, this power, but that the possession of it would | facilitate their negotiations with the bank, i On all hands the greatest confidence in the ultimate success of the mine was expressed. Atthemeeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company, held at Auckland on Wednesday, 9th January, the chairman said the company had made steady progress during the year, but at the same time h -d experienced heavy marine losses. - He would ask the shareholders to agree to the appointment of an inspector, who was at present engaged in the Southern districts. The receipts, including a balance from last year, were £150,780, and the expenditure £126,103, including all losses to the end of the half-year. The balance to the credit of profit aud loss was £24,600. A dividend of 15 per cent, was declared, aud a balance of £9677 carried for-, ward. The premiums amounted to £83,500, and the losses to £59,276. Appropriation for losses unpaid, £31,363. The report was adopted. The directors and aud.tors were reelected,

The report of the Tiraaru Harbor Commission has been received, and is very elaborate. It goes into the whole question of the practicability of the schemes proposed for the breakwater, Timaru harbor. It puts aside Sir John Coode’s plan as too extensive, and proposes a solid structure from the shore, viz., a solid mole from shore to the distance of nine hundred feat, terminating in a breakwater similar to Sir J. Coode’s, but of smaller dimensions. The report considers that it would take a year to construct a mole of three hundred feet. Regarding travelling shingle ; if it is found when the mole is constructed that an accumulation of shingle takes place in the southern angle between it and the shore, an opening might be left. The portion then executed would protect the present landingplace. It also remarks on the two plans handed in by the Harbor Board. It accepts the general form of that marked “ Panagathos,” and suggests as the best site that ch»sen by the late Mr. Balfour. It considers that the “Panagathos” plan could not be constructed under £250,000, and suggests that it would not he prudent to undertake a work of this kind unless that sum was definitely counted on. The newly-elected Harbor Board met on Jan. 15th. Mr. H. Archer was chosen chairman. The report of the Timaru Harbor Commission was read, and the thanks of the Board were passed to the commission. The engineer was instructed to forthwith make a survey, to take soundings and borings in the harbor, on the late Mr. Balfour’s chosen site, for the, breakwater. It was resolved that an urgent request be forwarded to the Government by the chairman to sanction the harbor works being commenced at once, and to allow the Board to call for tenders for a solid mole 300 feet long, to commence from the shore at a .spot selected by the late Mr. Balfour, being the site fixed by the harbor commission as the most suitable at which to commence operations. It was resolved that the engineer be instructed to prepare specifications and call for tenders, and to provide in the specifications for accommodating vessels at as early a date as possible. It was further resolved that the chairman should intimate to the Government that the Board considers more than 500 feet would be a great service to the port of Timaru, aud be remunerative as the work progresses. It was resolved that the engineer be telegraphed to at Auckland that his immediate services are required at Timaru. It was resolved that the engineer report to the Board as soon as possible on the plant and other requirements necessary for the Board to provide. It was resolved that Messrs. Guthrie aud Larnach’s tender for 1000 tons of Portland cement, at £4 16s. 5d., be accepted. W e understand that Mr. Marcus, the senior guard ou the Wellington and Masterton railway, has been appointed station-master at Wanganui. Mr. Marcus has been on the Wellington line since the opening of the railway, and by his courtesy to passengers and readiness to oblige all whom he came in contact with secured many friends.

At Taupo a native husband during a domestic quarrel, bit his wife’s ear off. Jealousy is supposed to be the cause. We understand that Mr. Marshall Wood, the eminent sculptor, to some of whose works we referred in a recent issue, has received an order to execute a bust of Sir George Grey. A new steamer for the North Shore Ferry Company was launched at Auckland on Jan. loth ; length, 115 ft; width, 15ft. She is named the Tongariro. The New Zealand Loan Agency Company propose to increase their capital by the issue of shares amounting to a million, thus making the capital two millions. Father Hennebery still continues his mission services. He has been most successful in temperance lectures in the Canterbury country districts, inducing an immense number of Catholics to take the pledge. A girl named Dogherty, living in Auckland, while being rebuked by her mother for companionship with a young man named Horne, picked up a.-knife with which she was cutting bread, and sen-rely stabbed her mother in the head. The girl has been arrested. The Auckland Steam Packet Company sold their plant on Jan. 10th at the following prices : —Southern Cross, £7000; Go-Ahead, £2500; Pretty Jane, £2350; hulk Cantero, £300; coals on board, £B4; total, £12,234. The steamers were purchased by a newly-formed Auckland company, with 7000 £4 shares, £2 paid up. Out of 6612 shares in the old company, 5300 are merged in the new company, which continues to trade on the East Coast.

The Hoehstetter water-race was formally opened by the Grey County Chairman on 10th January, in the presence of his Honor Judge Weston, the member for the Grey Valley, and a large concourse of people. A banquet and ball took [dace in the evening. The race is a magnificent work, IGi miles long, and carries about seventy bead of water. It has cost about £IOO,OOO. Great expectations of its utility are formed, and all the water has already been applied for. At a meeting of the New Zealand Shipping Company, held in Christchurch on Thursday, Jan. 17th, resolutions were adopted repealing clause 5 of the articles of association, and empowering the directors to borrow on debentures any sum not,exceeding the amount of uncalled portion of capital, debentures to be first charge ou such uncalled portion of capital. The chairman announced that a dividend of 4 per cent.: would be declared for the half year ending 31st December last. James, Wheatley, an old settler, and a member fpr the Kakauui Riding' of the Waitaki County Council, died suddenly on January. 4th, at his residence, Kakauui, of apoplexy. He attended ' a meeting of the Acclimatisation Society in the afternoon, and : rode .home. When his housekeeper went into the sittingroom she found him lying forward on his chair dead.; He was a great enthusiast in field sports, and took au active interest in acclimatisation, coursing, and racing. He was well liked throughout the district. The Primitive Methodist Conference, held in Auckland, closed its sitting on Monday, 14th January. The increase for the past year is two ministers and 120 members ; church property, £4OOO. The Rev. Mr. Dean was appointed editor of the connexional.paper and general secretary, to reside in Wellington. 'The following are the.stations of ministers fixed for the ensuing year;—New Plymouth, John Utaudriu, Alfred C. Jeynes ; Wellington, JohnDumbell, William S. Potter ; Auckland, Daniel Dutton, ‘FR.A.S.; Auckland (second), P. Wright Jones ; Christchurch, William Tiusley ; Invercargill, , Chas. JB. Ward; Timaru, Joseph Sharp ; Manawatu, Jas. Clover ; Ashburton and Geraldine, B. Warlow and J. Westbrook ; Thames, John Nixon ; Dunedin, Josiah Ward and two from England ; Greeudale, circuit missionary for Oamaru and Waimate. Five other ministers are expected from England shortly. The next conference will be held at Wellington. In the Nsvv.Zealand Gazette of January, 3rd a notice'is given calling attention to the fact that an Act has been passed to provide for the satisfaction of certain land orders issued by the New Zealand Company in reference to lands in the_ Manawatu District. Every person claiming land in the above district must, within twelve months after the 30th November last if be be resident in the colony, and within two years if he be resident elsewhere,- give notice for the hearing and decision of his claim under the provisions of the Act; and, at the time of making his application for the satisfaction of his claim, must lodge with the Commissioner the original land order under which he claims to .be entitle ! to select auy section of laud, unless such laud order shall previously have been lodged with the Commissioner. No claim can be heard and determined until.such original land order is lodged, or proof of the loss given to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

A special meeting of the W.V.F.P. Corps was held iu the Central Fire Brigade Station on Tuesday, January Bth, Lieut. Walden iu the chair. A complaint was preferred by one of the officers against a member of the brigade, for insubordination at the fire which occurred on.Christinas Day in Ouba street. This resulted in the member referred to being expelled from the corps. The following alterationsto rules were passed, viz.;—That the monthly meeting should be held on the first Thursday,.and the practice on the third Wednesday, in each month. That members should wear full uniform at all practices, and that all apologies for absence should he in writing. It was then resolved that the corps do now hold its general monthly meeting. The election of a captain, vice Captain Scott, resigned, was then proceeded with. The following candidates were nominated : —Lieut. Walden and members Asher and Marryat. Upon the poll being taken, Lieutenant Walden was declared duly elected. The following were then nominated for the office of First Lieutenant ;—Lieutenants Ambrose and Silvery and Members Asher and Marryat. Upon the vote being taken, Member Asher was duly elected. The following resignations were received and accepted :—Members Turner and Hud-on. Tlie following gentlemen were proposed as members and - elected;—Messrs. E. Sheen and Kay. ;At the conclusion of the business, the, meeting adjourned, the members afterwards proceeding to the Central Hotel, where the healths of the newly-electod officers were proposed by Lieutenant Ambrose, and after the toasts had been duly honored by the company and responded to by Captain Walden and Lieut. Asher, the meeting separated.

An accident of a serious nature occurred at the Patent Slip on Monday, January 7th. It appears that the steamer Stella was being lowered down, when suddenly, without the slightest warning, the large flywheel connected with the machinery gave way, and as it was revolving with great rapidity, it flew into many pieces, the greater portion of it going out through the roof of the engine-house, making a large hole in it. Some pieces of great weight were found nearly a hundred yards from where the engine stood, and one piece in 1 particular, weighing some five cwt., was buried in the ground, having doubtless been thrown high in the air. The steam-pipe which connected the boiler to the engine was broken, and the steam rushed out with a great, noise, filling the engine-house, and rendering it impossible to see anything inside for some considerable time. Fortunately the accident was unaccompanied by loss of life, though the escape of the engineer, who was the only person in the engine-house at the time, was . alraostmiraculous. He was standing quite close to the flywheel when it gave way, yet none of the pieces injured him. The severe shook knocked him down, and when he was picked up it was found that the debris of the wheel and the shed lay all. round, and quite close to him, while he was untouched. The wheel was a cast-iron one, sixteen feet in diameter, and weighed nearly six tons. It was composed of sections, and it is supposed that through some fault in one of these the accident occurred. It is anticipated that in a few days hence the slip will be in working order, as the engine being a double one it can be worked without a flywheel. The damage done is estimated at about £IOO. Thanks to the energy of Mr. George, the manager, and Mr. Thirkell and his excellent staff, work was only suspended for two days through the late accident. A new wheel has been ordered, but even without it vessels of a larger size than usually visit the slip can be taken up and lowered.

During the females were arrested for drunkenness in Christchurch. The returns from the Post Office Savings Banks in Canterbury show the deposits for 1877 as £163,137 ; withdrawals, £155,701 ; balance at credit of de ositors, £190,322. Mr. Ingles informs the Marlborough Express that he has succeeded in stocking two of the rivers near Kaikoura, the Waiwhero and the Camden, with trout. The other day he drew up three young fish in a bucket. An extensive survey of Government purchased land has just been begun at Taupo in the Upper Mahaka country. Mr. Monro is the surveyor. The Opeps surveys, suspended in November last through native troubles, were completed on January 23 under Captain Turner. . . .

'Tongariro, after au interval of endit years is giving signs of activity. Loud rumblings were heard from the direction of the volcano on the night of the 23rd, continuing at interval* during the following day. ' The crater ami cone are covered with clouds, so that the lires (if any) are not visible. The directors of the Wellington Gas Company (Limited) met at the company’s office on Thursday, Jan. 10th, when it was resolved that the price of gas should be reduced from 12s. to 11s. from the Ist instant. The engineer reported that the large gasholder would iu all probability arrive in Wellington within a month, and he was authorised to arrange for its erection, and also instructed to out up the necessary new buildings. When these works are completed, the company will be iu a position to supply double the quantity of gas uow issued. The directors hope that it will soon be in their power to make a further reduction. The Hawke’s Bay Herald of the 9th ultimo says : —“ It is ou the cards, we hear, that a township will shortly be laid out at tbe lower crossing of the Manawatu, about half way between Woodville and Palmerston. Mr. McKenzie, the proprietor of the hotel there, owns about 400 acres of cleared laud, and contemplates having about half of it out up into town ami suburban sections. The name of the township will probably be Pobangina, from a river which at that point flows into the Manawatu. It will form the connecting liuk between the East aud West Coast settlemeuts.”

From Timaru we learn that a fatal accident occurred on Monday night, January 21st, at Opawa on the railway. ' A man named Hutt, abullook-drive:-, belonging to Level’s station, while attempting to pass into another carriage fell. The guard hearing a women scream put th* break hard down, and backed the train, when. the body of the man Hutt was found outside the rails. His head was severed into two pieces, and the back half, of the skull was hanging to the other portion by a piece of skin. Brains were found about six yards from the line. The flange of the wheel struck He man’s head. ■ The body was uninjured. Had he fallen three or four inches further off he would probably have been saved. Hutt was about 25 years old, and it is believed bis parents live at Moeraki Downs.

A heavy gale passed through the Wairarapa in the early part of the'mouth. At Carterton several chimuies and telegraph poles were blown'down. Hr. Parker, an old settler, had a verynarrow escape from being killed. During the night he went outside his house, and a tree fell upon him, striking him on the neck. He lay senseless for some time, when he was discovered by bis wife. During the gale a bush fire was burning in the neighborhood, but was put out by the heavy rain. At Mastertou nearly, all the windows on . the east side of Bridge-street were broken. , Many chimneys were blown, down, and. the root of an unfinished building was carried several chains. Parts of , the neighboring bush look as if cut down by band. ■ Two houses were burnt down,' and two blown over. Mr. Lowe’s Railway Hotel narrowly escaped, and all the furniture had been removed. Heavy rain has commenced to fail, and the crops still standing are much damaged, especially oats. Ho gale of equal severity has been felt here before.

The Wellington Volunteers being desirous of giving a fitting welcome, to Major and Mrs. Pearce on their return to the colony, assembled at an early hour on Saturday January 12. As soon as the time-gun announced the arrival of the Arawata they,. under , the command of Captain Mocrhouse, proceeded to.the wharf, and when Major Pearce landed presented arms, and gave three hearty cheers. Major Pearce cordially shook hands with his old comrades, and expressed the pleasure he felt at being once more amongst them. He also warmly thanked them for the honor they had paid to Mrs. Pearce and himself in their giving them a public welcome. Previous to •marching to the wharf the corps, who had proceeded on to the reclaimed land fired a salute of seventeen guns, which was replied, to from the 'Arawata, and two guns were also fired from the St. Leonards. The vessels in harbor hoisted their gayest colors, and the effect was a very pleasing one, and must have been most gratifying to those in whose especial honor it was got up. . The N.Z. Herald of the sth ult. says “At the present time, when so many are suffering from diarrhoea and other similar complaints, the following-information may be useful Mr, Shaw called at the publishing office of this journal yesterday, and stated that the settlers of New Zealand have a-cure for these complaints at hand without co-t, and without much trouble. He stated that the well-known shrub “ koromiko ” of the Maoris is an infallible cure for all bowel complaints either in man or cattle. He has used it for years in his own family, and amongst his stock, and in every case it effected a safe and speedy cure. His mode of using the shrub is to gather a small handful of the green leaves, and digest them amongst hot water as tea is prepared. Then take a cupful of the decoction in the morning, sweetened or otherwise, and another in the evening before retiring to rest. Two such doses will invariably effect a cure even in very severe cases. To cattle a large quantity should be given. The liquid is not unpleasant to the taste. It is slightly bitter, but does pot leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth. He states that the shrub is quite harmless,- and that noinjuryneetl befeared from taking a much larger quantity than the above. We are not aware of this plant having been made the subject of chemical analysis, but if, the statement of Mi’. Shaw be realised in the experience of others, it would be desirabl.- to have such an examination made, for thereby a useful drug might be added to our chemists’ stores, wheu it would be more available and in a handier form than using the green leaves just wheu wanted.”

Miss Sutherland, who has labored zealously in the cause of '■harity in the Wairarapa, particularly in relieving the sick and afflicted, is now on a visit to this city, and has called upon many of our citizens, with the view of obtaining help to erect a cottage hospital at Mastertou. We are happy to state that Miss Sutherland so far has met with success in her philanthropic efforts. The, sum of £365 has been collected in the Masterton District, in addition to which the following subscriptions have been received in Wellington:—James Smith, £2 ; F. A. Krull, £3 3s. : W. Waring Taylor, £2 25,; W. H. Levin, £2 25.; Edward Pearce, £2 25.; Wm. Dawson and Co., £2 25.; Thomson, Shannon, and Co., £3 35.; W. and 6. Turnbull and Co., £2 25.; Kirkcaldie and Stains, £2 25.; J. Paul, £1; A Friend, 2s. 6d.; A Friend, 55.; F., 2s. 6d.; D. M., 55.; J.. Kerby, 10a.; F. C. Binns, 10s.; George Crawford, £1 Is.; E. W. Mills, £2 25.; A. C. Shaw, £1 Is.; R. J. Duncan, £1 Is.; P. Laiug, £1 Is.; Geo. Dutton, 10s,; G. E. Tolhurst, £1 Is.;, P. and G., 10s.; Wilson and Richardson, £1 ; C. D. Barraud, 10s.; G. Grey, £1 Is.; Ben. Ling, £1 ; Casey and McDonald, 10s.; R. Hannah and Co., 10s.; Mills and Co., £1 Is G. Hunter, £2 2s. ; Blundell Bros., £2 25.; E. Port, £2 ; Wemys, 55.; Whittem, £1 Is.; J. Mitchell, 10s.; J. McLean, £1 ; H. Logan, £1 Is.; J. Dransfield, £1 Is.; A. B. MoLaughlan, 10s.; . J. Woodward, £1 Is.; P. Moeller, £l. Total amount received, £sl ss. Mr. Inspector Atcheson received a telegram on Jan. 11, stating that a man named Frederick, Israel Davis had been arrested at Hokitika, charged with embezzling the sum of £2OO, the property of the National Bank. The information, which has been laid by the manager of the National Bank in Wellington, states that Davis was acting as trustee for the bank, and. in that capacity embezzled the funds.

We understand that Mr. Travers sent in his resignation of his seat for the city to the Speaker on January 25. On Jan. 29, being the anniversary of the Queen’s proclamation of the colony, the Supreme Court did not sit. By the Rotorua on Jan. 25 the following letters, books, and papers were received by the San Francisco mail:—From London: Letter-, 8156; books, 731; papers, 9886 ; from the United States : Letters, 197 ; books, 54 ; papers, 445. We hear on what appears to be good authority that some of the electors of Wellington have requested Sir George Grey to allow himself to be put in nomination for the vacant seat for Wellington, and that ho has replied to the effect that if, on his return from the North, he is assured by competent judges in the matter that he has a fair chance of success, he will place his services at the-disposal of the constituency. Mr. Hutchison it is said will stand for the Wairarapa, and_ will be backed by the Grey interest in that district. The superintendent of the Eastern Extension Cable Company has telegraphed that the Singapore and Batavia cable was- working badly for some days prior to its total interruption. The repairing ship Edinburgh was on her way from Rangoon to Singapore, and communication would probably be restored in about a week. Hail steamers arrive at Batavia from Singapore on the 3rd, 6th, lith, and 20th’ of February ; but many local steamers are sure to arrive between those dates. A fire broke out on January 29 at Mr. Bishop’s tea mart, Willis-street, but was fortunately extinguished before any serious damage was done. At about 2 o’clock smoke was observed coming from a window on the upper floor of the building, and on access being gained to the room it was discovered to be on fire. By the prompt application of a few buckets of water—there fortunately being a good supply at Jthe time—the flames were got under, and when the fire brigades came on the scene, which they did within a very few minutes of the first alarm being given, there was no need for their services. . Some American brooms and other articles were damaged, but the pecuniary loss will be very small. What was the cause of the fire is at present unexplained, but it is presumed to have been purely accidental. Shortly after the arrival of the brigades a rather unseemly altercation took place between a member of the Central and a member of the Wellington Brigade, which resulted in a fight in which the Wellington man appeared to get rather the worst of it. The great and valuable services rendered by both of the brigades to the citizens are so highly and deservedly appreciated that it seems a pity that any occurrences of the kind referred to should take place. The Wesleyan picnic at Silverstream on Jan. 29 we hear was a very successful affair. The weather was all that could be desired, and the spot selected a most charming one. There was a large attendance, and all present the ladies and children and the clergymen and laymen—seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, and the party returned to Wellington in the evening, after spending a most pleasant day. On January 28 an attempt was made to blow op tbe sunken hulk, Eli Whitney, by me ins of dynamite. A charge of 201bs. was exploded under her by electricity, and the result was that the mast was canted slightly to one side, but no debris from the wreck appeared on the surface of the water. The explosion was more of au experiment to try the pow*r of the dynamite on the hulk than anything else, as it was feared thatif too heavy a charge was put under herat first it might cause injury to the shipping and surrounding property. Mr. Wright, who left here in charge of the , salmon for Wanganui, has just returned, and repo.-ts that with the exception of a few they arrived in first-rate, condition. Mr. Brewer, tbe honorary secretary of the Acclimatisation Society, had determined upon taking them all 40 miles up the river, and accompanied; by Major Nixon ha had a canoe and crew of Maoris in readiness. Immediately the steamer arrived the fish were put on board the canoe and a start was made, and about 18 miles made that afternoon, the rest of the journey being performed next day. The fish were distributed in various places, 250 being turned ont at Kaimatira, 700 at Raurikihea, 5.00 at Pnketerata, 250 at Te Maire, and 1000 at Te Rimu under the lee of the island. Mr. Wright states that the Wanganui River is specially adapted for salmon and trout. It appears slightly muddy at the mouth, but when you get up a few miles it is composed of loim gravelly reaches, swift cold water, and small rapids. The Maoris at the various pas evinced great interest in the fish, and showed their visitors every hospitality. They promised to look upon the young fish as tapu (sacred); and to report to t*- e secretary at any time if they saw them. We trust valuable returns will result from this trip in a few years. The Wellington Trust Loan and Investment Company (Limited), appears to be in a flourishing condition. The annual report, which will be submitted to the directors at the fifth annual general meeting, to be held on the 4th February next, says : —ln their filth report the directors might again have confined themselves to congratulating the shareholders upon the continued prosperity of the company, but the fact that a change has been made during the year in the articles of association, makes it desirable to refer to that circumstance, and to place it on record in the annual report. The change, which was mads at a general meeting held on the 25th day of September, 1877, authorised the increase of the capital of the company to £200,000, and empowered the directors to make interim payments on account of the dividends of any year, when they may deem it expedient to do so. In virtue of the powers thus conferred, the directors have notified to the shareholders that each one is entitled to take up new shares equal in number to those at present held, and have paid an interim dividend at the rate of 4 per cent. The result of the business of the year, as shown by the balance-sheet, is that a profit of £6245 6s. 7d. has been made, ont of which £2050 has been paid as above, and the directors now recommend a further dividend at the rate of 6 per cent., making 10 per cent, for the year. This will take £3075, leaving £ll2O 4s. 7d. to be carried on as a nucleus of a reserve fund. Air. Pearce, one of the directors, retired in the early part of the year, and Air. G. Alien was elected to fill the vacancy. The three directors who now retire by rotation are Messrs. Allen, Burne, and Woodward, all of whom offer themselves for re-election.

His Worship the Mayor of Wellington received by the English mail the following letter from the Lord Mayor of London :—“ Mansion House, London, 8.0., December 13, 1877, Dear Mr. Mayor,—l have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of October 20. I beg most earnestly to thank you for the steps you have so kindly taken to raise sums in aid of the Indian Famine Fund, and I congratulate yon on the success of your efforts, proved, as that has been, by the payment of many handsome donations through your agents here. 1 feel sure that English people will be delighted to see that the traditional warmheartedness of British colonists still exists, and that sufferings cannot be found in any part of her Majesty’s dominions, which her subjects in the colonies, as well as at Home, are not anxious to alleviate.—Wishing you and your fellow-citizens a happy and prosperous New Year, I am, &c., Thos. S. Ovvmw, Lord Mavor of London.—The Mayor of Wellington, N.Z."

Horokiwi Valley on January 25 was a scene of festivity and enjoyment, it being the annual gathering of the children for their treat and sports in Mr. Smith’s paddock, adjoining the school. Although called the school treat, the grown-up people always make a day’s amusement also, and on this occasion upwards of 150 people were oa the ground. The Pahautanui band, which was in attendance, rendered valuable service, and dancing on the green formed one of tiie leading features of the day's entertainment. Amongst other noticeable events were the vaulting by the boys and the racing of the girls for a large wedding cake, the gift of Mr. T. ’Smith. The tea was under the superintendence of Mr. and Mrs. Pryke, after which dancing was resumed, and carried on till a late hour, when the company dispersed well satisfied with their day’s pleasure.

Tho Ota"o Times understands that the Minister of Lauds and Immigration, Air. Macaudrew, will visit Jackson Bay, Martin Bay, and the West Coast settlements towards' the ’latter end of February. Messrs. Wylie and Givdlestone, of Masterton, report the sale of Air. Duncan McLean’s farm on the Opalri, consisting of 190 acres freehold and 400 acres leasehold, to”Measra. Hester and Taylor,' for the sum of £1765. _ Information has been received by the police that a boy named Short, the son of a farmer at Feilding, was kicked by a horse and sustained very serious injuries, from which he died. ’ . A meeting of the Wellington Phrenological Society was held ,’on Saturday, January 12, at Air. Aloody’s Assembly Rooms, Adelaide-rqad, for tbe consideration and adoption of rules and election of officers, ifec., when the following gentlemen ■ were unanimously elected to take office for the first six months :—President, Air, John Buffer ; secretary, Air. George Gray; treasurer, Air, Charles Taylor. It was decided to have the opening meeting at the Assembly Rooms on the following Saturday evening, when, Professor Fraser will give au inaugural address. In connection with the rejoicing in honor of the return of Alajor and Airs. Pearce, we are sorry to state that a sad accident occurred. Whilst one of the sailors on board the Arawata, whose name we understand is Robert Alalcolm, was ramming home a charge of powder, tl e gun, a nine-pounder, exploded, and the unfortunate man had his right hand almost blown off. Dr, Bradford was in attendance, within a very short time of the oceurren , and the patient was removed to the hospital, where it is hoped that although his hand is very badly torn and burned it may not be necessary to resort to amputation. Alalcolm is a strong healthy man, apparently between twenty and thirty years of age, and is said to be of very steady habits, and a great favorite on board tbe ship. Our native friends of tbe Waimate (says the Wanganui Herald) have a keen eye to the main chance. For some years now a profitable business has been done in tnreshing out the grass seed that grows so plentifully in the fertile plains north of Wningongoro and selling it in Wanganui. Titoko Warn is anxious to march with the times, and with that end has purchased a threshing machine from Mr. Jolm Duthie, through the well-known Hawera storekeeper, Air. James Davidson. Titoko is determined to reap the full benefit of the confiscated land before the question is finally settled. The last but one of the six monthly competitions for the City Rifles challenge medal and money prizes took place on Saturday, January 12, at the Polhill Guily range. The weather was very strong, with slight showers of rain during the competition. The competitors were in charge of Captain Crowe. As will be seen by the scores, tho competition was very l closely contested throughout, and resulted in Private Nodder, a comparatively young but promising shot, heading the list with the excellent score of 65 points, which entitles him to a money prize and to hold the medal for one month, Private Alclutosh, tbe previous holder, only making 62. The five highest scores are in full as under, the others being close up :

Some short time ago the pupils of the Lower Hutt school gave an entertainment to raise funds in order to have a picnic during the vacation, and by the assistance of some kind friends and the local committee they were enabled to carry out their wishes, and on January 11th the picnic was given at Petone, in the grounds of the. Maori chief Opuni. Owing to the harvesting, only 10-1 children were present, with some of their parents and friends. A most enjoyable day was spent, and all the usual amusements were indulged in. In the afternoon the certificates of merit for successful progress during the year were presented by Hr. Toomath, the member of the Education Board for the district, he having kindly attended for that purpose at the request of the committee. Mr. George Beetham, another member of the Education Board, was also present for some time. In presenting the awards, Mr. Toomath made some very suitable observations to the young people, and concluded by begging they would profit by this seed-time of their youth, and gain all the useful information possible ; for they would find as they grew older, the truth of that old saying—“ Knowledge is power.” The honor list he he’d in his hand showed they had not been idle. It was creditable alike to them and their teachers, and must be very pleasing to the committee and their parents. The Chairman, Mr. Valentine, thanked Mr. Toomath for his kindness in attending on the occasion, and for the many other good turns he had done for the Hutt Educational District; and the boys then gave cheers for Mr. Toomath, the teachers, and Mr. Valentine. Thefollnwingisthe honor list: —Class VI. (Upper)—Marks : Ist, John Pringle; 2nd, Samuel Knight. Arithmetic; Ist, Samuel Knight ; 2nd, J. Pringle. English ; Ist, John Wilkins ; 2nd, J. Pringle. History and Geography : Ist, Chas. Clifford ; 2nd, J. Wilkins. Class VI. (Lower). —-Marks : Ist, A. Prethy ; 2nd, • Eliza Speedy. Arithmetic ; Ist, A. Percy and L. Mudgway (equal); 2nd, Graham Pringle. History and Geography : Ist, Joseph Handle ; 2nd, R. McKenzie. English : Ist, Lucy Mudgway ; 2nd, G. Pringle. Reading (special) : Claude Jordan. Class V.—Marks : Ist, James Knight, 2nd, Emily Speedy. All subjects : 1-t, Emily Speedy ; 2nd, Clara Speedy. Class IV. —Marks : Ist, Bessie Smith ; 2nd, Arthur Hall. Examination : Ist, Arthur Hall ; 2nd, G. Clifford, Class lll.—Marks : Ist, John Wollend. Examination : Ist, George Ashton ; 2nd, Robert Scrimshaw. Arithmetic (special): H. Valentine. Class fl.—Marks ; Ist, Kirk Hall; 2nd, Ethelbert Ransom. Examination; Ist, Herbert England. Class I.—Mivks : Ist, S. Mudway ; 2nd, Wm, McKenzie. Examination ; Ist, Wm. McKenzie; 2nd, 15. Death. A recent issue of the Thames. Advertiser lias the following respecting the funeial of an old soldier;—“The funeral of the late Mr. John Shoard took place yesterday afternoon. The deceased had been in receipt of a pension from her Majesty for upwards of forty years, having enlisted in the army at an early age. He was not present at Waterloo, but was one of a detachment of recruits sens to fill up the gaps in the 19th Regiment after that ever-memor-able day, and the deceased remained in Pranee during the occupation of that country by the allied armies, and afterwards served with his regiment in different parts of the British Empire. Having completed his twenty-two years’ service, ho was pensioned off, and subsequently emigrated to New Zealand. He was one of the pioneers of the Thames goldfields. The deceased having, when near his cud, expressed a wish to receive the last honors of a British soldier, his son (Voi, John Shcard, of No. 2 H.R.V.), in deference thereto, saw Major Cooper on the subject, who instructed the officer commanding No. 2 to parade a private’s funeral guard and procession. The funeral cortege left the dwelling of Voi. J. Sheard, Karaka Creek, about 2.30 yesterday. The band of No. 2 Haurakis took the lead, playing a funeral hymn. The bearers were old pensioners of the district, and four privates of the 2nd Haurakis acted as pall-bearers. The Rev. V. Lush officiated at the Shortland Cemetery, whore the deceased was buried, with the usual three volleys, given as a last mark of respect by New Zealand volunteers to the memory of an old Queen’s soldier.” The Dunedin Morninf/ Herald of the 11th January says; —The advisability of somedistinct expression of opinion being obtained from the British Government as to their intentions with regard to the New Hebrides Group was discussed last night at some length by the Presbyterian Synod, which body seems to be in great dread of the French flag being hoisted over those islands. They fear that if the French took possession all the good work which has and is being done there by their missionaries would have no practical result. No motion, however, was put to the meeting on the subject.

Tho honorary secretary of the Wellington Rowing Club has received the following letter from the honorary secretary of the Lyttelton Regatta Committee:—-“ Lyttelton, January 7, 18f8.—To the honorary secretary of the Wellington Rowing Chib.—Sir, —I have the honor to forward you the following resolution which was passed unanimously, and with acclamation, at a' large meeting held at Lyttelton, on Thursday, January 3. I may add that not only the Regatta Committee but the boatingmen of, Canterbury generally much admired, not only the splendid puffing of your men, but also their extremely gentlemanly behavior both before and after, the race, proving that they knew not only how to win, but also how to, lose, which is the real,test of a true sportsman. The following is the resolution:—‘ That the honorary secretary write a letter to the Wellington Rowing Club, complimenting them on the way their men have pulled in the Champion Whaleboat Race at the late regatta, and hoping the club will send representatives to compete at the regatta of 1879.’—H. C. Jacobson, honorary secretary Lyttelton Regatta Committee.” The firebells rang out an alarm on the night of Friday, January 11th, when it was discovered that the bootshop of Air. Moran, Willisstreet, was in flames. The fire brigades were on the scene within a few moments from the first discovery of the fire, and there being a plentiful supply of water, the flames were quickly got under control. From the moment the hose was got to play on the fire it was plain that all danger of its spreading was at an end, and the large crowd which blocked the roadway could see noth ng but tbe charred remains of the shop fittings. The fire police were not long in making their appearance ; but luckily their services were not much required for the purpose of preventing* the crowd interfering with the operations of tho firemen. The shop was completely gutted by the fire, but the other parts of the building did not appear to have sustained much injury, the fire having been confined to the apartment in which it originated. The building is owned by Captain Williams, and it is one of a number of shops erected by him some twelve months ago. We understand that the building is insured to the extent of £3OO. The stock and furniture are insured iu the Northern Insurance Company Rr £l5O, and in the New Zealand Company for £IOO. Air. Moran estimates its value at about £350 ; but as part of the property was saved, that amount will not be lost. However, Air. Aloran is of opinion that ho will be a considerable loser by tbe fire. He could not accurately estimate the amount of his loss, as it was impossible to find out what goods had been saved. About five minutes before the discovery of tbe fire Air. Aloran had been in the shop, and he thought that the fire originated through a lighted candle which he was using, and which had been somewhat insecurely fixed underneath the counter, dropping upon some paper used for wrapping boots. At anyrate, he states that he could not have quitted the shop more than five minutes before Mrs. Aloran, who was in an adjoining apartment, noticed smoke issuing through the boards of the partition. It was fortunate that the entire family had not retired to rest, or, judging from the rapid progress of the fire iu the shop, disastrous results might have followed. The children, servant, and some young men who lodge in the establishment were iu bed when the fire broke out; but the children were quickly removed from the premises on the first alarm. Had the fire broken out at a later hour it might have been our painful duty to record a calamity similar to that which occurred a short time ago in Thorndou. The obituary of the month includes the name of Air. Walter O. Higgiu (sou of the late Captain Higgin, 65th Regiment), who died on the 14th inst. of typhoid fever. Though young in years, Air. Higgin’s shrewdness and business habits had advanced him to a prominent position, and his death was much regretted by a numerous circle of friends, amongst whom he was a great favorite. The defective drainage of Ids residence is supposed to have caused the malady to which Air. Higgin succumbed, after a lingering and painful illness. As an instance of the resisting power of iron safes we have a very striking proof in the late fire at the railway station here. One of Atilner’s safes was standing in the office of the railway manager, with a safe of Tatm's make upon it. They were botli subjected to what we might term the heat of a smelting furnace for nearly au hour. AVhen the fire was got under • sufficiently to enable people to approach the spot where-the safes stood, they found the Milner’s safe bent into all sorts of shapes l by the terrific heat, but quite sound ; and ; on applying the key to tho lock, they were, much astonished to find that it unlocked with perfect ease. It is also' .a remarkable fact that: on examining tlie oonteuts they were found to be without , tbe least damage ; even a small wooden shelf, that had been temporarily put in for the manager’s convenience, was not charred. Our reporter also saw a watch belonging to the manager of the railway, that had been put into the safe for care, going all rmht, and none tbe worse for its fearful roasting. The Tann’s safe had fared somewhat worse. There was strong evidence of the fearful erdeal it had gone through, but it was plain it had not the iron sides of a Alilner. The back was completely nut, and the sides and front all burned out. The contents were of comse destroyed and useless. Some idea of the intense he.»t may be gathered from the fact that the rails within about ten yards of where the safes wore standing were bent into all sorts of conceivable shapes. Tho steamer Ladybird, with the Canterbury cricketers, arrived on the Bth Jam, having been detained by head winds. AVhen the vessel arrived in harbor two guns were fired from the St. Leonards, so as to' collect the AA'effinglon cricketers on the wharf to give their rivals a hearty welcome. , When the boat came alongside, some hearty cheering.was indulged iu cm both sides, and Captain Todd, of the St. Leonards, then invited tho Christchurch men on board his vessel to partake of some refreshments, which were liberally provided. On the following day a match was played on tho Basin Reserve between the Canterbury men and a Wellington eleven, which resulted in au easy victory for the vis tors. Thera was only time for.one innings on each side. The scores were :—Canterbury, 153; AVellington, 32.

Name. g| O rs o u si si o - 1 Private Nodder 33333 43434 42443 40443 05 Private W. Ballinger 34344 44443 32042 33333|(!3 Private McIntosh .. 33433 44343 44342 23033|G2 Captain Crowe 43433 34333 34333 40032)58 Private Cording 23333144442,23033 23024156