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Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 324, 8 May 1877, Page 2

The meeting of the Committee of the Xorth Ofcago Horticultural Society called for last evening did not eventuate, owing to there not being sufficient members present to form a quorum. Oue of a ser'es of concerts to be held throiiL'h the winter months will take place on Wednesday evening, the 9th inst., under the auspices of the Star of Hope Lodge, 1.0.Gr.T., they having arranged an excellent programme, at which some well known amateur vocalists will assist, and should the weather prove favourable, W3 hope to see a large attendance, as the price of_. admission is very moderate.

The Hon. M. Holmes has presented a valuable collection of seeds of a large variety of conifera to the Municipal Council. The Corporation of Port Chalmers want to borrow LIO,OOO more to complete their waterworks.

Mails for America, Europe, &c, via Frisco, per City of Sydney, close at Auckland at noon to-morrow.

At the usual weekly meeting of the St. Paul's Young Men's Association, held last evening, the President (the Rev. A. B, Todd) being in the chair, a capital essay was read by Mr. P. Cormack on the different translations of the Bible. The essay was listened to with great interest, and on its conclusion, the members present indulged in considerable criticism upon it. The President followed up with an interesting papc by Dr. Boberts on the revision of the Bible, adding thereto some appropriate remarks of his own. Altogether, the proceedings were of a highly interesting nature, and a pleasant and profitable evening was passed.

The usual monthly meeting of the Committee of the North Utago Benevolent Society was held last evening at the office of the Secretary (Mr. Church). Mr. Fleming (vicepresident) occupied the chair, and there were present :—Messrs. Bonayne, Milligan, Dawson, Greenfield, and the Rev. A. B. Todd. The minutes of the last meeting of the Committee were read and confirmed, and the outward correspondence read and approved. On the motion of the Rev. Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Bonayne, it was resolved, " I'hat the thanks of the Committee be given to the Hon. D. Beid for the prompt and willing manner in which he had responded to their request in reference to setting aside the immigrants' cottages and land as an endowment for the Institution, and ho t e that he will be able to carry out his views on the subject." Messrs. Dawson and Ronayne were appointed a Visiting Committee for next month. Several accounts were passed for payment. The Visiting Committee's report for the past month was read and considered. It was decided that the Secretary should write to Mr. P. 11. Orr, Station Peak, thanking him for his attention and kindness in collecting for the Society. Notice of motion was given for the consideration of the advisability of appointing a permanent collector for the Society, and the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman.

Civilisation seems to be making great strides amongst some, at least, of the Maoris of Auckland. At any rate so we might be led to believe on reading a set of resolutions passed at a meeting of one of the Northern tribes—the Xgatiwhatua. Amongst there resolutions we find the following very ample pi-oof of the progress of the work of civilisation, from an Auckland point of view : " That the Governor should return to Auckland, to the place where he is most required, on account of the many and great troubles of this Province." It is to be hoped that on reading this the Home of Representatives will be moved in the matter ; but it is to be feared that even this wail on behalf of the removal of the Seat of Government will not bo sufficient to obtain for Auckland the advantages so much coveted by her. The last of the series of resolutions, however, is an unfortunate one. It afii-ins that the tribe shall hereafter be called "The KnglUiman." And so, after all, it is appareut that the loyal and patriotic tribe of dark skins are only aping the ways of their pale-faced brethren, and as a natural consequence their first consideration, like that of their patterns, is the securing of a large expenditure of Government money in Auckland.

The Daily Times says :—" Yesterday a special reporter from this office visited the scene of the late rush at the West Taieri, and found the place completely deserted. Gold was got from most of the holes which were put down, but not enough to pay, there being very little washdirt. One shaft on the hill was sunk to a depth of 49ft. The prospect claim was driven up hill 10ft., but with the rise of the bed rock, the gravel ran nearly out, leaving the bare colour of gold.