Dur ing that time, his exemplary conduct was such that (without his knowledge) I marked hiru as a desirable person for th,e pilot service of the port, and on hearing of his misfortune I lost no time in conveying prospective inducements'for him to return to this Co.lony, which finally resulted in his bcirig appointed as pilot for this port in 187,3. Since then, lam pleased to say that all my expectations have been realised. It has become known to me that Mr Bain very naturally feels keenly the punishment of havipg his certificate taken from him; and is very anxious to have that feoling removed by the restoration of that document. It will afford me much pleasure to hear that Mr Bain lias received his certificate. At the same time 1 hope he will never require it for the purpose of going to sea..—Signed, D. T. Allan, Harbour Master, Port Newcastle, July 20th, 1875." , ' From the Tuapeka Times we learn that a lar^e and influential meeting was held in Storry's Commercial Hotel on Thursday evening, to consider in how far the present banking system in Lawrence is a nducive to i the well-being of the commercial interest of the Tuapeka district. The meeting was called by circular, and brought together nearly all the business men of the town. After a long conversation, which was gene rally on the action of the Banks in putting on the screw, and after a resolution had been moved that the Banks of New South Wales and New Zealand be asked to form their agencies into branches, the following amendment was moved and seconded :—" That a requisition 'be pre pared afld signed inviting the Colonial Bank to establish a branchj of their bank in Lawrence" It was stated that in the Tuapeka district there were shareholders of the Colonial Bank representing some 6000 shares, and these persons would much prefer doing their business with that bank. It was also as serted, on good authority, that several of the best accounts in the district would be trans ferred in the event of the Colonial starting in the town. The amendment was. carried by a largo majority. The meeting then broke up. The Saturday evening ooncert at the Odd fellows' Hall was very well attended. 