THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3721, 27 November 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1880.

In our advertising columns is a notice to convene a public meeting at the Academy of Music on Wednesday next, to consider the best means of inducing the Government to construct that portion of the Ohinemuri main road through Tukukino's land at Komata. It is called by order of the County Council in response So an influen* tially signed requisition. A special grant of £3030 was made during the last session for this particular undertaking, and in view of the pressing requirements of the district, and the recent opening of the Aroha goldfield which is daily attracting many hundreds of visitors, miners, and settlers, we feel assured the Government will redeem their oft-repeated promise, that the road would be constructed at the earliest opportunity. We have ho idea that any but a passive resistance would be offered by the natives, and no better inducements than the recent gold discoveries at the Te Aroha could be offered for its com* pletion.

We shall not be surprised to find the residents of Te Aroha applying for a telegraph station at that place. The wi'es cross the Waihou not very f»r from the present township, so that at a slight cost a line could ba laid on to the place. The. cost, we believe, would be covered by the revenue from, a week's telegrams. '

Regabding Mr John McGregor, whose terrible death has cast such a gloom over the people of this district, a friend sends us the following particulars :—Mr McGregor arrived in Auckland from Glasgow,in 1865, and first settled at Papakura. He was one of the pioneers of this field, being an energetic prospector, and held several valuable interests. He always took a lively interest in the field. Deceased was a member of the Sir Walter Scotc Lodge of Freemasons, and of the Court Pride of Parnell Foresters, but had to withdraw in consequence of force of circumstances, thus on his death leaving his large family of little children totally unprovided for. It is proposed to circulate subscription lists in aid of the widow and children, and we feel sure the appeal will be liberally responded to. Mr Comer has called a meeting of the friends of Mr McGregor, at the Gresham Hall, for this evening, at 7.30 o'clock.

Mb G. A. Bbown, of Auckland, whose lectures in that city during the past few months on Theological subjects, have been very largely, attended, and highly spoken of, is announced to give a lecture in the Hauraki Olub Boom, Albert street on Wednesday evening aext, on the following subject:—" Is evil eternal, or is man in present possession of Immortality ? " Mr Brown's opinions on these subjects—■subjects that have been causing a large amount of enquiry lately, especially in this district—are not what are generally accepted as orthodox, but the matter will no donbt be treated in au intellectual manner by the lecturer.

Membebs of the Naval Brigade and St. George's Cadets muster for their usual Church parade to-morrow morning.

AatoNa the prizes to be given away at the Sightascope exhibition to night will be a valuable silver watch, so no doubt there will be an extra number of visitors present anxious to become possessors of it.

An eminent Maori chief, who does not often come to town, was met in Queen street yes* terday by a European who speaks bis language, and who thus accosted him : " O, great chief; you are come to Auckland doubtless to see the representative of Her Majesty, the new Governor ??' *« The Governor !" said the aboriginal, in a tone of measureless contempt. "No fear! I have come to see the circus."

The Hamilton Correspondent of the Herald sends the following:—Mr J. D. Wickham rode from Te Aroha into Hamilton this morning. He passed the bridge at a quick pace, and waving his hand to the toll collector, called out, "Charge it t» the Lance." The police have laid an information for evading toll, and for a breach of the by-laws, for riding other than at a walking pace over the bridge.

On Thursday, Mr J. Newman a^d several other gentlemen waited upon the AttorneyGeneral, in regard to the regulation which makes it imperative thuf all ground taken up on the Te Aroha goldfield should be manned at once, and continuously worked. They represented that such a regulation would have the effect: of deterring investors- Mr Whitaker said the object the Government were anxious to secure was, the prospecting of the ground as effectively and speedily as possible, and that could not be done if protection were allowed for a certain time, as a matter of course. Whan the field had been in existence for some period the old regulation of a fortnight's protection for new claims would doubtless be introduced, and also the security of leases, but at present he thought the regulation made would not be altered. The members of the deputation might, however, write a letter on tbe subject, which he would transmit to the Minister of Mines.—Herald*

The Kevd. S. 3". Neill will deliver the next of his lectures on the Scriptures in the Presbyterian Church to-morrow evening. The subject, will be found in our advertising columns. ,

Theme whs only one case on the charge sheet at the K.M. Court this morning. A person was fined 10s and oosta for drunkenness, or in default, 24 houra' imprisonment. Captain Skoufl occupied the Bench. Ik another column Elder Batt is announced to give lectures on Mormon subjects. We are glad to notioe that one of our citizens haa sufficient, enterprise to commence running a 'buss at regular stated intervals between the Thames and Hikutaia for the convenience of residents in the district who may have occasion to travel in that direction, and for the speedy and safe delivery of parcels, &c. The road between here and Hikutnia if, we believe, in capital order, and from the low fares charged it is not too much to expect to ?ee the enterprise of Mr Phillips I meet with its reward. Should the Komata j difficulty get. settled, and a .passable road made there, we have no doubt that a 'buss would he at once laid on for Paeroa, and, if sufficient inducement offered; even through to th© Aroha. We wish Mr Phillips every success in his renture.

These wa« au alarm of fire in Sbortland this morning* It, appears that a spark from a chimney ignited the shingles on the roof of a building in the possession of Mr Dann, cabinet innker, and adjoining Mr Fagg's place. The Fire Brigades were quickly on the spot, but Mr Fagg, with commendable promptitude, had used his hand hose, and so prevented the spread of the Sanies. The Shortland brigade turned en the large supp'-y, which extinguished the flames. The damage is only slight to the roof of the building. In another colntnn Mr Dann thanks Mr Fagg and the Fire Brigades.

' The directors of the Auckland Steam Navigation Company had an interview with Sir Arthur Gordon and Mr Dcs Voeux yesterday, relative to the development of Fiji uud the Island trade. Mr Dcs Voeux expressed his desire to aid in every possible waj in doing so.

Mb .Chabmss Weston, the well-knbwn mechanic and blacksmith, died at hia residence, Tararu Soad, this forenoon. He has been ailing or some mouths, but his earlj decease was not expected. The brethren of the Masonic order will attepd his funeral j date and hour will be announced.

On reference to our advertising columns will be seen the abridged prospectus of the Caswell Sound Marble Portland Cement and Mining Company Limited, the share list of of which closes on the 15th Deoember.— .Advt. :,.,"' . '. .\ '■ -.■'/'