To the Editor : Sir,—As ono of the suf ferers by the Tararua disaster having lost a son by that awful calamity, I would crave a spa.cc in your valuable journal to express my heartfelt thanks to J. McCosh Clark, Esq., Mayor of Auckland, for tbe kind help he has afforded me in collect ing and forwarding me the sum of £10 4s. I was given to understand that the Union S.S. Co. had inaugurated a fund for the relief ot those who wero distressed, but not withstanding that our Mayor interested him self in my behalf, no satisfactory answer was vouchsafed, Again tendering my thanks to Mr Clark, and trusting you may find space tor this.—l am, &c, W. McQuillan.
On the evening following the arrival of the ship Hermione, from London, a very pleasant social gathering waa held on board, the object being to present to Captain Roberts, the worthy commander, an address, thanking him for the kindness and con sideration to the passengers during the voyage. A similarcompliment, accompanied by a pair of binocular glasses, was presented to Mr Salmon, chief officer, while Dr. West's services were also suitably recog nised. Songa were given by several gentle men and numerous toasts drunk, a most onjoyablo evening terminating with " Auld Lang Syne " and " God Save the Queen," most heartily engaged in by all.
The football matcn oetween tbe Pon sonby 2nd fifteen, and Newton Clubs, resulted in a draw. Skccne securing a try for Ponsonby, and Bailey a try for Newton, The game throughout was greatly in favour of Ponsonby.
