The annual meeting for the election of the Board of Conservators for the ensuing year was hel i yesterdiy at noon. Mr Shand was called t<» the chair. The accounts for the year ending this day were adopted by the meeting. The following gantlenun were nomi nated as candidates for the Board of Conservators for the ensuing year : -Messr< P, Grant, J. Shand, J. M'Brearty, J. Allan, D. Grant, J. Dow, H. Snow, J . H. Cox, and J. W. Joseph. A. poll being detnvi'led, the Chairman appointed Saturday, the 14th February,. 1879, for polling day, and Mr Thomas Riclnrclaoa returning officer. Messrs G. Williams and J. C Hodge 3 were appointed auditors.
CHAMPION SCHOONER RACE.
A prospector named Cooper reports finding encouraging quartz prospects at Wainuiomata, . near Wellington. Gold has frequently been re ported as found in the locality. Auckland, February 7th. At a meeting of the directors oi the Pumping Association, it was decided to convene a meet ing of all parties concerned, including Borough and County Councils, mine owners, and pros pecting associations, on Thursday, in Auck . land,- to discuss the practicability of making .arrangements to continue the pumps at the Thames. At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on this question, the Chairman said that in a short time, owing to the stoppage of the pumps, gas or water would be up to sea. level in the Caledonian, Moanataian, and other mines, and 300 persons would be thrown :out of' employment. '

Work and Wages.
