TE AROHA

There is no need disguising the fact that the population is gradually dwindling away, and should the exodusjeontinue at> similar rate for the next month there will be very few people left. It is not likely such will be the case, as the majority of those gone are men who could not hold on any longer whilst those herd will stay at least for three! or four months longer, by which time the field will have received a thorough trial. 20 men left by coach and steamer this morning, and 9 or 10 will follow suit to-

morrow,

FIRE IN OTAGO.
(UY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

£6,000 INSUKANCE.
DDNEDIN, this day. Messks Dkuil and Davidson's (lour mill at Ottopopo, was burnad this morning. The insurance on tho stock was £800, and on the building, £3000 ; machinery, £1500. It is divided as follows : National, £1500 ; Union, £500; South British, £1500; United, £500 ; Victoria, .£SOO ; Standard, £500 ; New Zealand, £800.
EXCURSIONS TO-MORROW.
Loyal Good Intent Lodge ok Odd fellows.—The members of this progressive lodge, under their respective officers, have decided upon an excurtiou to-morrow to the Hot Springs by the s.s, lona, leaving the Queen-street Wharf at 9.30 a.m. A full aud ellicient band will be provided, and members will appear in uniform. Builders' PICNIO. — The Auckland Builders' and Contractors' Association will start by the steamer Comerang to-morrow from the wharf at 9 a.m. for Mr Buekland's farm, for the purpose o£ holdin^Ja picnic.
IIOBSON COBl'S,—The llobson corps will hold their annual picnic at the Tamaki to morrow, starting at 9 a.m. from tue wharf.
CITY SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
