For the University of Otago Matricula tion examination, nine candidates presented themselves, of whom the Professorial Board report the undermentioned as having been successful : — Andrew Cameron, Thomas Oheyne Farnie, James Macpherson, George Montgomery, and John Sorlay. For the Scott Scholarship, two candidates only came forward to compete, and the Professorial Board unanimously recommended it should be awarded to George Montgomery. The half-yearly meeting of the Press Club took place at Jones's Hotel on Saturday evening, when there was a good attendance. The Vice-President (Mr R. H. Leary) occupied the chair, and five new members were declared duly elected Some business of minor importance having been disposed of, an adjournment was made to the dining room, where a capital spread had been pre pared. A most enjoyable evening was spent, and the company separated at an early hour. An elegant silver cup, recently manufac tured by Messrs Harrop and Neil, of Princes street, was designed as the Hon. John Maclean's special prize for merino sheep, at tho recent Agricultural and Pastoral Show, at Oamaru. It is about 5 inches by 12 inches, and surmounted by a small shoep in frosted silver. Plenty of space has been prepared for an inscription on the Bhield. Tho work is a first-chas artistic production, and reflects considerable credit upon the above*mentioned mm. Great progress is being made at the Chain HlUo tunnel. When work was stopped for' tjte weak an Saturday night last, there were *Bjy 253 ft tp b? «ut tough, Tic utacu«t

At a meeting of the Otago Schoolmasters' Association, held on Saturday morning, in the Athenaeum, there were present Messrs M'Kay, Stewart, Milne. Reid, Murray, Neish. Macandrew, Balsillie, and others. Mr M'Lauchlan presided. A letter wan read from the secretary oi the Tuapeka Branch Association stating that they had had a dis cussion on " retiring allowances to teachers," and asking the opinion of the Association on the question. The matter having been fully d ibated at previous meetings of the Associa tion, the Secretary Waß instructed to com municate the result. 