The buckets were all placed in position yesterday, and the dredge will be taken over to the South Lagoon today, ready to start work as eounas the other preliminary arrangements are completed, for removing the spoil to the shore. At the last meeting of the Hospital Com mittee, Mr Meyer gave notioe of the following motion; — "That a committee be appointed consisting of memberß from the local committee and members from the country committees and delegates, to take into con sideration and report whether, for the welfare of the institution, any and what alteration in its management would be advisable to make, especially— l. The appointment of a resident surgeon who would do also the dispensing; and 2, The amalgamation of the two offices of dispenser and secretary, and other matters.' There will be an ordinary meeting of the Borough Council at half past seven this evening. On Wednesday evening the choir of the •Preßby terian Church, Stafford, gave a service of aong in the church. The service was based on a phase of life in London, and was entitled Christie's Old Organ. There was a good attendance and the songs, as well as the story, were much appreciated. No charge was made for admission, but a collection was taken on behalf of the Sunday School. The thanks of the whole community are due to Mr Stewart, the conductor, for this special treat. The pleasing and effective rendering of the service was the result of much careful training. Miss Duff presided at the har monium, and also sustained a part in some of the solos and duets. Miss Stevenson also rendered good service in the solos. Mr M'Whirter occupied the chair, and, in pro posing a vote ot thanks to the singers* advocated the claims of rational and elevating amusements like the present, in preference to the giddy and often hurtful pastimes so common among us. The connective readings were given by the Rev. Mr West. Mails for the United Kingdom and Aus tralian Colonies, per Arawata, close at the Bluff this day (Friday), at noon. Ordinary messages for transmission will be received at the Hokitika Telegraph Office up till 11 a,m. and urgent messages up till 11.30 am. The Assessment Court for tho Arahura Riding of the County of Westland was held yesterday at Goldsborough, the judge being Dr Giles. There were two objections to the valuation. 