AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4432, 19 March 1883, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

This day. Mr Bryce returned to Auckland on Saturday night, after an interview with the Premier, and proceeds south. John O'Neil, an engine driver, dropped dead at Parnell on Saturday, Anun seemly occurrence eventuated at his funeral yesterday; the deceased was a Catholic and the mourners and friends waited round the grave till Father Downey, who was to conduct the burial service, had finished officiating at another interment; when the latter was over, Father Downey said he had received such instructions] from Father Fynes, the Vicar General, as would prevent him conducting service at O'Neill's grave. After some delay the Priest consented to conduct the service and the funeral concluded. John Brown was arrested on Saturday by detective Hughes for a breach of the Gaming and Lotteries Act by playing " Under and Over" at the Henderson Mill races. Mr Robt. Graham has recently come into possession of Matuatonga, an ancient stone image which the Maoris say was brought from Hawaiki in an Arawa canoe, some three generations ago, and was buried on the island of Mokoia, where it has since laid concealed as the presiding diety and protector. During all this time no man has ever had the privilege of seeing it except Grey and-Graham. The appearance of the stone is disappointing, it being nothing but a huge sandstone boulder about half a-ton in weight with imperfect traces of arms and legs on it; it is much weatherworn.