Untitled

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2776, 7 January 1878, Page 2

The funeral of the late Mr John A rthur, formerly mine manager at Tairua, who died in Auckland on Saturday, took place at three o'clock to-day. The funeral was attended by a number of brethren of the Corinthian Lodge, of which he had been a member, and by members of other lodges. A portion of the burial service was Riven in S. George's Church, the choir being present to render the choral portion. Besides the masonic brethren (ht.ro were present at the funeral a number of private friends of the deceased, who was highly respected where known.

The heavy fall of rain yesterday morning, assisted by the high tide, had the effect of causing a small flood in some of the lower portions of our township On the beach near the Volunteer Hall the water rose to within a few inches of the level of tho footpath, and covered the flat with drift wood and debris. The Knraka creek rose considerably and flooded the flat near the beach from Walters street to near Judd's foundry. The embankment erected by Mr Ronald McDonald to protect bis grounds from the inroads of the creek was considerably damaged, and some outbuildings which had been erected on the embankment were washed into the creek.

Ma Wat. McCtjllotjgh received this morning; from Mr Johnston, officer in charge of the telegraph station at Tapu, the sum of £2 os, the proceeds of a concert held in thnt place on behalf of the Thames Hospital. It is pleasing to tee that unsolicited the residents of Tapu take such means to add to the funds of the Hospital, and Mr Johnston, the hon. secretary to the concert, and those ladies and gentlemen who assisted, deserve the thanks of the general committee of the institution benefited for their exertions.

A TELEGBAii to the Auckland Star on Saturday reports the arrival at Napier of the immigrant ship Renfrewshire, 97 days from London, with sickness on board. The s.s. Fairy took off the members of the Board of Health. On the usual questions being asked it was ascertained that scarlatina had been prevalent during the voyager which had caused the death of five children —the last one only three days ago. There were still one or two cases on board. The Health Com mis-

sioners immediately decided upon placing tho ship in qunrnntine. In the meantime the agouts—Messrs Watt Eros.—sent a quantity of fresh vegetables nnd provisions. The Commissioners will go off again early next week, and if tho eickness has decreased, the ship will bo admitted to pratique. Dr Dale, who had charge of the immigrants on the Bebbington, is in charge of tbe Renfrewshire. This is the first time any of the immigrant ships to Hawke's Bay have been quarantined.

The total cost of the late reception of Sir George Grey and the Hon. John Sheehan was £84 16s lid, and has to be borne by the local bodies as follows:—Borough Council,s£34 18s fid; County Council, £34 18s 6d; Parawai Highway Board, £7 10s; Harbor Board, £7 10s; total, £84 16s lid.

Thk Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Ireland has resolved that it cannot continue to recognise the Grand Orient of France as a Masonic body, because it has altered the first article of its constitution, and omitted a declaration of belief in the existence of God and the immortality of the floul, thus rendering atheists and materialists eligible as members.

Tkttth says:—Sir Hercules Robinson; G.C.M.G., will return home from Sydney early next year, and report names Lord Normanby, at present in New Zealand, as his probable successor in the Governorship of New South Wales. The appointment would meet with much approval, for Lord Normanby has fully earned the confidence of the Colonial Office, and his popularity in New Zealand is beyond question.

The libel case, F. Wbitaker t. George Jones, jun., is to be heard at Punedin in the second week of March. The defence will be conducted by Mr W. L. Bees, of Auckland.

At the settling up for the Auckland Bacing Club's Summer Meeting, on Friday night, the following amounts were paid over:—Mr WaHeis, £726 Os 9d; Mr McGee, £361; Mr Bolton, £265 Is; Mr Horsfall, £127 6s ; Mr Edgar, £38; Mr Caulton,£24 ss; Mr S. Morrin, £23 15s; Mr Spencer, £9 10s; making an aggregate total of £1574.17 a 9d.

At the last meeting of the Board of Education strong representations were made as to the necessity of erecting a proper school building for Waiolahi.— The Chairman said the condition of things in the winter would be very deplorable if something were not done meantime. So it had been represented to him. He thought the question one deserving of immediate attention.—The Inspector of Schools thought that this and the Tararu ought to be amalgamated. There were ample powers in the Act for that purpose. It was necessary that the Board should give authority for that purpose. —The Inspector was accordingly authorised to amalgamate the Waiotahi with the Tararu and Shelback schools.