AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5282, 22 December 1885, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

This day. There was a crowded attendance at the debate on the divine origin of Christianity between Messrs Walker and Aldridge last night, the Bey. Mr Hill in the Chair. H.MS. Nelson arrived at 10 o'clock last night, and the shore batteries paid her the usual compliments. Sir Geo. Whitmore, Col. Lyon, the Mayor, and the Chairman of the Harbor Board, are to wait upon the Admiral this afternoon. Bey. Mr Bull gave an excellent sermon on Sunday on the •' Holy Catholic Church," referring at length to the questions raised by the Bey. Mr Mason. He said, " Of all impediments in the progress of Christianity none were worse than those used by Christian professors themselves, for instead of uniting for spiritual culture and defence, their dissensions had given occasion for derision on the part of their common enemies.

The Bingarooma brought 200 persons to spend Christmas in the Auckland district.

Fresh water baths designed and erected under the supervision of Mr Wm. Errington. C.E., were opened this afternoon ; they are the largest in the Colonies, holding 270,000 gallons of water, running from a depth of 10ft to 4ft, and lined throughout with encaustic tiles, set in cement. There are 52 dressing rooms, 11 hot, and 6 shower baths, costing when finished nearly £7000. The strike of carpenters and joiners, it i* feared, will assume large proportions. The Herald deprecates their action especially at this season, with the prospect of quiet times next year. There is a difference of £1500 between the highest (Massey) and the lowest (Colebrook) tenderers for the Costley Institute. The lowest has been accepted at £2490 for brick and stone, Heron coming next with £2500.

(Per Press Association).