The shareholders in the above company are to be congratulated on the continued improvement shown in the business. The report, just issued, shows that the profit on working account for the past half-year amounts to $30,448.65 us compared with $24,110.76 for the corresponding six months 1 of 1896, being an increase of $6,337.39. The directors propose to deal with the credit balance of $27,078.17 as follows—To pay a final dividend of 3 per cent, making 6 per cent for the year; to write $10,000 off value of furniture and fixtures, and $500 off that of steam launch, and to carry to new account the sum of $3,259.67. The meeting will be held on the 2ist inst,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.