PER SPECIAL WIRE TO "STAR."

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3468, 5 February 1880, Page 2

PER SPECIAL WIRE TO "STAR."

(Pbess Association.)

AUCKLAND

Yesterday

A lively scene took place to-night at St. James' Church. Last week a resolution was carried that dancing and rinking be permitted in the Sunday School Hall. To night a fresh meeting was convened, when the anti-dancing and anti-rinking fraternity mustered in force, and after a warm debate they reversed the former decision. The comet was seen again rather bright tonight. The Alburnia has declared a dividend of 10s per share, absorbing £4,000. His Worship the Mayor has accepted the Presidency of the Early Closing Association. The Society intend to give a first class free public entertainment in order to popularise the movement, and to secure an address if possible from Sir George Grey. An inquest has been held on the body of William Fergusson, found dead on the Ellerslie road. Dr Stockwell deposed that there were no marks of violence. He believed the wheel of his cart had passed over him. Verdict, that deceased was found dead; that his death was caused by injuries described in the medical evidence, but how these injuries were caused there is no evidence to show.

The funeral of the late J. S. Macfarlane took place today at St. Andrew's church cemetry, Epsom. There were 50 carriages, and great numbers on horseback. The church could not hold those present when the mortuary service was being conducted. The Venerable Archdeacon conducted the service, and among the mourners were the Hon. F. Whitaker, Hou. James Williamson, Dr Pollen, John Sheehan, W. Swanson, and many other old colonists were present. ,

At the meeting of the Auckland Presbytery the Key. McKae was elected Moderator. The Rev. D. Bruce introduced to the assembly the Rev. B. Mclntosh, who had recently arrived from Scotland, and Mr Douglas, who had completed the full curriculum of Lis studies, and had taken the degree of Master of Arts. A satisfactory Sabbath School report was presented. A. difference of opinion. The Rer Mr Munro remarked that, in answer to one of the usual enquiries, he had received from certain Ministers very, frivolous and indeed insulting answers The question was as to whether any particular-indications of spiritual life had been discerned during the year, and one of the answers which might be given as a sample for some of the others, stated; " Nothing extraordinary except such as rinking and dancing." This was evidently intended as a reflection upon a particular congregation (St. James'). The Rev; Mr Macnicol took occasion to deny the authorship of the answer. The Rev. Mr Carrick thought the reply disclosed very bad taste on the part of the writer. This day. Mr James Stewart, District Engineer, has announced that he will to-morrow pay all claims recovered by Dempsey's laborers. Several others recovered judgment to-day. At the Resident Magistrate's Court today Thomas ■ . Fitzgerald sued W. L. | Eees for <£25, money lent to pay election expenses in the City East contest, and in- | terest. Judgment for the £25, without | interest. In the case Bowden and Co., v. Mclvor, claim £5, it was shown the defendant was the owner of Giey Momus and three other race horses. Payment ordered | within two months or a term of imprisonment. A letter from the secretary of the Sydney Exhibition says, the prize medals are being prepared in London, and the plate for the certificates by the New York engrossers. The prize list will shortly be published.