AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3406, 21 November 1879, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

Last night.

Arrived : Brig Meg Merriles from Fiji. H.M.S. Emerald and the schooner Ovalau were approaching Levuka.when the brig Meg Morriles left. George Noble, schoouer, for Auckland, has sailed from Newcastle.

At the annual meeting of the Auckland Cornajitteo of the New Zealand Rifle Association it was resolved that special efforts be made to raise funds to send representatives to Nelson at the coming prize meeting. At a meeting of the Auckland United Labourers Mutual Aid Society the following resolution was passed :—" That the secretary correspond with kindred societies throughout New Zealand with a view to devise some means whereby to stop for the present free immigration to this Colony." The Carandini Company will arrive in Auckland by the Rotomahana. It includes Madame Carandini and Miss Marie, Miss Melville, Vernon Reid, and Gordon Gooch.

At the Wesleyan District Meeting to-day, reports were read from the missionaries in native districts. Mr Schnackenberg reported that dancing is becoming a mania among the Raglan and Kawhia natives, and Mr Gittos reports that the Kaipara natives were largely influenced by superstition, owing to an outbreak of disease.

The Auckland Arti*fc Exhibition was opened to day. A largo number of visitors attended.

News by tho Mpg Merrillies from Fiji to sth instant, roports :—

The brig John Wesley was at Levuka, having on board the Kcv. George Brown, and a quantity of supplies fcr tho New Britain Mission.

The chiefs of Rotumah had visited Fiji, and tendered the annexation of the island lo the Government. Sir Arthur Gordon accepted the ofter pending the Queen's reply, and sent Lieut. Gordon to Rotumah to act as adviser] to tho natives in the meantime.