SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand.

Epsom Racing and Trotting Meeting ... Aug. 30 < leraldine R.C. Spring September 2 ? -26 Ha'vke's Bay J.C. Spring -Octobei 6,7 i-anterbury J.C. Metropolitan... .Nov. U, 13, M Auckland R.C. Spring vw Jo T.ikapuna J. C. Spring • > • • £<"• *^ Wellington B.C. Spring Nov. 28, 29 Australia. . 1 la.vkesbury 1..C. 5pring........ • ■ Aagugß* 2jj .J.C. Spring August 30; September 2,1, 6 V..1.C. Spring November 1, 4, 6, 8

To Correspondents.

-Sylvia.— You win the wager, tisnci man ui>.« in 19!j. and Yatlendon in 1880. M mm (NowmarkeO.-Bricsls is the only fljljr th it has been success! ill in a Melbourne oup. Sho won in 1876. Jkamss-Cheviot carried Bst Slbs in the last Christchureh Midsummer Handicap, and ran the two miles in Smius. Usees. 1.. v.-As a two-year-old Sir Bedivere won the Autumn Nursery Handicap, and ran Si cond to Water Nymph for the Champagne stakes. Last, season he ran second to Oudeisfor the C..1.C. Derby, second to-Welcome Jack foi the i •an* rbury Cup, and was unplaced in the only other ihre. events that he started for.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

The appearance of the Hawkesbury Handicap betting quotations, and the nominations for Goraldine and Napier Spring Meetings, is the warning note that another racing season is closo at hand. Wo in Now Zealand do not ring up the cirtain before the 25th and 26th of Septem ber, but our Australian friends open the ball on Thursday and Saturday next with the Hawkesbury Meeting. This gathering is always looked forward to with some interest, as the result of tho Guineas and principal Handicap invariably throws a certain amount of light on the Melbourne Derby mid Cup. Tho names of those who h we paid-up for the Hawkesbury Handi cap, run on Saturday, are as follows :—

st lb stlb SirModred ..9 0 Friendship .. 611 Warwick.. ..8 7 Honoydow .. 610 Willeroo-.. .. S 7 Kathleen.. ..6 9 Hurricane ..8 2 Coir .. .. 6 9

liristol .. ..8 2 Phyllis First Demon ..80 Dizzy

Rapid .. ..8 0 Erin .. ..6 7 Moth .. ..7 12 Blazes .. .. G 7 Hastings .. .. 711 Morceau .. .. G 6 Hvpatia .. .. 710 Princess of Lorno 6 6 .iilltop .. ..7 9 BrianO'Lynn .. G 6 Baron Yon Tomboy .. ..6 5 Mueller.. .. 7 8 Mentmore .. 6 5 Girflold .. ..7 7 Goldfinch.. ..6 4 !'i*tailoUß ..7 5 Albert "Victor ..6 4 Bonnie 800 .. 7 5 Tramp .. ..6 4 AVa.li.ngra ..7 3 Lord Ulifden .'.6 4 Privateer.. ..7 3 Mirabs-au.. ..6 2 .iirdExotfer ..7 2 Sling .. ..0 0 W.-own and Hoso 7 0 Isonomy .. ..6 0 Reginald.. ..7 0 Maggie Mooro .. 6 0 Rosea won.. .. 612 Kathleen Mavour neen .. ..6 0 fn tho strength of.several good gallops, Hurricane's party havo supported him to win tho ovent for a big stake down to 5 to 1, nnd he occupios the portion of firstfavourite. With Bst 21b, there is no doubt he has a most tempting appearance on paper^for it vill be remembered that in the last V.R.C. Derby he got third to Martini-Henry, and Ihe 1J mile was run in 2min. 39sec. Now he has 81b off his back, so that it will take a real good one to beat him. Sir Modred (who is to be ridden by McGrade) is held next in esteem for tho event, and it is said t hat ho is looking pounds belter than when 1'; was in work at Flemington for the Mel bourne Cup won by Zulu. Wallangra is unother candidate whos; chance is highly thought of, and if the three-year-old colt 3 Reginald starts he must prove a dangerous customer. "Vigilant," of the Melbourne 'Sports'.nin," considers tho best horses • — at the weights — engaged in tho rice are Sir Modred, Hurricane, Bristol, First Demon, Hastings, Wal ] nigra, Reginald, and Phyllis, and ho expects Hurricane or Sir Modred to win, with Phyllis and Reginald close up. " Tout Cela," of the Sydney " Sportsman," f -.ncios most Wallangra, Bonnie Bee, Hur ricane, Sir Modred, and Phyllis. I learn that tho Hon. J. White's colt Bir;_"> has been backed in Melbourne for »;1 available money for the V.R.C. Derby ft. f* to 1, and 5 to 1 is now tfie best offer, tiarfield, who has occupied the position of first favourite all through the winter, has receded to 8 to 1 offered. For tho Mel bourne Cup 100 to 3 on the field may bo had. The following are the quotations:— 100 to 3 Sweet William (off) MO to 3 Bargo (off) 100 to 3 Le Grand (tk) 100 to 3 Maroney (off) 100 to 3 Garfield (tk) 100 to 3 Despot (off) 100 to 3 Sir Garnet (off) 100 to 3 Skipper (tk) lftO to 3 Silver King (tk) KM to 3 Wallangra (off) 100 to 3 Tho Broker (tk) 10 ■ to 3 Malua (off) 100 to 3 Tremando (off) 100 to 2 Bonnie Bee (off)

Major George's horses Nelson and Wapiti wore shipped for Christchureh on Thursday last in the s.s. Rotomahana. They went down in charge of Harry Harrison, and are to be located atJTed Cutts's stable, which contains July, Sou'wester, and Water King, the recently-named AVatersprite colt. Major George was also a passenger by the Rotomahana.

Messrs Whetham and Walkor, of Dun-" odin, have issued their " New Zea lind Turf Record," and I have to acknow ledge my indebtedness to those gentlemen for a copy of the same. The volume num bers 371 clearly printed pages, and con tains a full report of each race-meeting 1 hat has taken place throughout the Colony • luring the past season, and when I •mention that even a small gathering liko that of Morcury Bay is chronicled, it is t-oarcely necessary for me to say anything further regarding its completeness. In ad dition to the racing records, there is a handy index, by which a horse's perform ances can be seen in a few moments, together with tables showing the results of the principal New Zealand and Austra li.in races (many of which have never ap peared in print before), entries for coming i ■ vents to date, owners' colours, scale iif weight-for-age, and principal sales of blood stock. The compilers have certainly < lone their work well, for the work is as rompleto as it is possible to be, and I hope 1 heir many months of toil to supply a want that has long been felt by turfites will meet with the pecuniary success it deserves. On perusing the preface, I 1,-itice that only twenty out of ovor two Jmndred Clubs have yet accorded tho com pilers any support towards their under taking, which is indeed poor encourage ment to them for the expense and labour i hey have gone to. Once the "Record" i - circulated and known, however, I have l, i doubt it will be supporced by all Clubs, j> id meet with a ready sale among turfites r^nerally. It is published at the low price nY aix shillings, and will be obtainable from 1 io local booksellers, Messrs Upton and ( ',0., in the course of a few days. Mr J. Marshall's new stables, which are pit.uated near the entrance to the Ellerslie r ice-course, are now completed, and his r iitt are to be shifted there some timo next week. There has been an impression i, iroad that Chaafe is a public trainer, but j learn he is solely in Mr Marshall's employ, i- id the only horses to be located in tho new ibles besides his own are Krupp, Radames, Hunrav, and King. Mr G. G. Stead's four-year-old colt Ike Ji vi uume into notice in Christchureh for t'i. New Zeabind Cup, for I learn from a private source that he was backed in tie early part of the week by the stable ■j,, win' -2,000. it being got on at loo's 1> 7. With 78t 91b, Ike has nothing to «• implain of on the score of weight, but it V -mains to be seen whether he can get to t'lo end of two miles. There is a deal of mystery in Sydney con e -rning Martini-Henry's absence from the 1 uining track, and all sorts of rumours are iiriroad as to the cause. The general i. -inion appears to be that he has been i-'istered for ring bone, but one scribe seems ii .1, to be so sure about the matter, and .-ivres he was backed for the Melbourne dp in the early part of the present month, v hich has set many thinking he is intended I r the great Flomington evont. from the "N.Z. Referee" I learn the f'hristchurch Derby has been the medium i- some "tall" speculation, for on it 1, •coming knowu that Liverpool had beon . ratohed for his Melbourne engagements, f, to 1 became the best offer against I'm. This was .the means also of send i ,g Trcntnn back a point, as 500 to 100 was offered on the field. Lady Evelyn v..m backed to win £500, at 100 to 10, her I,'»* price now being 100 to 15 Fusilier 'wis introduced into the quotations by his p vner tak ng 500 to 30, but 100 to 8 is atill <■ i -offer. Fusilier's stable companion, i 'mrmer. receded to 100 to 10, after 300 to !' t hid been booked. Eskatos also receded i: few points, 100 to 12 being laid and i fered.

Despite the heavy liabilities the Dunedin JwiKfey Club have on band, they are deter mined not. to be behind their Christchureh , w,ighbours. Their programmes, which ivebcn drawn up for next season, show t 'at the added money has been increased i the tune of 1330 soya. _ The programme . ) >r the Autumn Meeting is nearly identical . vithvthat of lost year, excepting in the " y lue of the stakes. The Dunedin Cup is | > vised from TOO soys. to-1000 soys; tho T'.J.C. Handicap from 300 boys. to 400 i jvs„ and the Forbury from 250 soys, to ..UMeova,' . *> ■ ■ __, :.".,...: ,_i,„.:i ~*, . :fe_: : «_. v. .•:...

From Sydney papors I learn that the ownor of First Demon was compelled to withdraw him from tho Melbourne Cup, the colt having becomo sore from tho effects of the hard work ho did last season. Ho has been turned out, and will not figure again on tho racecourse until tho Autumn comes round.

Australian backers are ovidently getting their fingers burnt this season, for it is stated there is great dissatisfaction in Mel bourne over Archie being scratched for the Caulfield Cup. Ho was very heavily backed both in doubles and straight-out. Thoro is also a deal of disgust at Mr W. Branch sud denly withdrawing Silver King from tho Caulfield Cup after tho colt being intro duced into the market and rushed to tho top of the quotations. "Nemo," who has been reviewing tho Melbourne Cup candidates, concludes his article as follows:—"At the weights, I liko best Ned o' the Hills, Despot, Warwick, Mama, Reginald, Le Grand, Littlo Sister, Garfield, King's Own, Recovery, Battailous, Tremando, Martini-Henry, and Bristol, and were I to go for four they would bo Ned o' tho Hills, Martini-Henry, Despot, and Reginald ; but had Stockwell lived I should not hare searched further for the winner." Those of my readers whoare fond of " putting a bit on " should not overlook the horses "Nemo " has selected, for thoro is no writer in Australia that gets so near to the " good things " as ho does.

While the Hon. VV. Robinson was passing through Wellington on his way to Christ church, he was interviewed by " Vigilant," of tho "Evoning Post," on Australian racing matters. Mr Robinson expressed his belief that tho older horses of New Zea land wero butter able to copo with the Aus tralian horses on equal terms, that is, at weight for age, than either our two or three year-olds. Tho youngsters, both of Sydney and Melbourne, ho is of opinion, are more fully developed than those of New Zea land. On looking at somo of tho crack two-year-olds in both places, ho came ,to the conclusion that they wore j a good deal ahead of anything we havo over hore, the Sydney two-year olds being moro precocious than thoso of Melbourne. The three-year-olds, also, wore very woll grown. But when he came to the older horses ho could not help thinking that thoy did not show tho fiamo and muscle observable in horses of the same age in New Zealand. As the Australians camo to maturity moro 'quickly than ours, so they seemed to stop their growth at an earlier period of their liv.s. Asked what was his opinion of Martini-Henry, Mr Kobinson said ho had had a good look at him, and was not much impressed. He should not seloct him as the beau ideal of a racehorse, and did not expect to sco him im prove on his three-year-old form. The fact of his bcingbredin Auckland, where the climate ismoro like that of Sydney than Canterbury, no doubt had much to do with his ex cellence as a youngster. Mr Robinson ex pressed considerable annoyance at tho statement made in several of tho New Zea land papers that tho principal object of his visit to Australia had been to try to got the disqualification removed from his trainer Ray. The report was wholly unauthor ised. As a matter of fact, nothing could be done until the next meeting of the Vic toria Racing Club. Nothing succeeds like success, especially in racing, and we have an apt illustration in the case of tho reputed sire of St. Gatien, The Rover, who was on sale in England for some time at 50 guineas. Since his sup posed son ran a dead heat with Harvester, and ran so well at Ascot, inquiries have

been made as to the price of The Rover, who is located in Ireland. His owner has replied

" 7,000 guineas." This is a high figure for an animal that not long ago was simply a cab horse.

Encouraged by the running of Malua, Stockwell, and others, the Tasmanians arc sending some animals to represent them at tho approaching V.R.C. Spring Carnival. Meteor, by St. Albans from Deception (full brother to Ringwood), is the latest arrival, and he will be brought out by Scobie (at Ballarat), the well-knov.n cross-country rider. Meteor is now at the top of the Caulfield Cup quotations, he having been supported to win £4,000. At Messrs W. C. Yuille's annual sale of thoroughbred stallions in Melbourne thero was a good attendance, but the great majority of the animals entered, and which included many sires of repute, were passed in, the prices offered being generally much below the owners' values. Cassivellaunus, recently taken over from Dunedin, was amongst those who failed to find a pur chaser, tho best bid for him being 225 guineas. Writes " Mazeppa " : —Looking through last season's records, one can hardly help remarking the number of races that wero won by four and five-year-olds. Taking advantage of a few leisure moments the other day, I selected the 75 most important flat handicaps, and jotting down the par ticulars, found that 13 of theso events had been won by aged horses, 11 by six-year olds, IS by five-year-olds, 23 by four-year olds, and only 10 by three-year-olds. The writer adds that he does not wish to insist on any moral being drawn, but if last season's doings are any guide to the future, one might with profit confine his attention to four and five-year-olds as likely winners of the big betting races. ' In an article on the Federal Consultation Company of £25,000, and in whose pro spectus a number of the names of the pro moters is given, the "Melbourne Sports man" says:—We are not acquainted with either of the gentlemen whose names figure as promoters of the scheme, but we must confess that we fail to see the necessity for inscribing on the prospectus of a bona fide concern the three words of which wo have italicised— "all genuine names." The individuals whose names are given may be all honourable men, but then, on the other hand, they may not bo; and as some of the fraudulent sweep people who have been driven out of Victoria have made Sydney their head quarters, the public would in sweep invest ments do well to proceed with caution.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Mr W. Proffitt arrived from tho South on Monday.

Lo Grand has beon scratched for tho Caulfield Cup. Sting, King of the Vale, and Bassanio have been taken to India.

No Name (the dam of Oudeis), who was put to Albany last year, has missed. The Australian hurdle-racer Borderman, has been brought over to Christchureh.

The Hon. J. White has withdrawn all of his horses from the Hawkesbury Handicap. The fee for St. Alban's services during the forthcoming season has been fixed at 40 guineas. Weights for the Hawke's Bay Spring Handicap and Hurdles are due on Tuesday next. **

No less than 27,000 copies of the V.R.C. Racing Club Calendar are issued each month.

Mr G. G. Stead has christened his two year-old colt by Cadogan—Awatea, "Beres ford."

Ladj Evelyn is reported to be looking remarkably well, and tho most advanced of the Dunedin horses.

Wing (full brother to Sting) was with drawn from the Melbourne Cup on account of having sprung a curb.

Thirty new scraping sheds aro to be erected at Flemington beforo tho forth coming Spring Meeting. With the exception of Chandler,all of Mr. J. Lennard's horses are advertised to be sold at Buckland's on Friday next. Mr Hurtle Fisher's Impulse won the Winter Handicap at the Geelong Meeting. Six others started, including Guesswork. The total amount of money paid away in stakes to winners at the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase meeting was £1,977. Mr D. O'Brien has christened his recently purchased colt by Manuka—Miss Jackson, Derwenter, after the river Derwent in Tasmania.

Mr J. Crozier'a colt Illusion died from internal inflammation. He was only pur chased by him in November last for 800 guineas. At the Liverpool Jockey Club Mooting lately, Mr W. J. Forrester won four out of the five events that were contested during tho day.

Mr Wm. Gerrard, the owner of the Rapid Bay Stud, Adelaide, is dead. He was the importer of Ace of Clubf, Talk o' tho Hill, and Tregeagle. The balance-sheet read at tho annual meoting of the Victorian Tattersall's Club showed a balanco to the crodit of tho Club of £1,238 3s sd.

The Wellington Jockey Club intend erecting a grand stand and other necessary buildings at Island Bay for their race meeting in November next. A ring valued at £90 was recently stolen from Mr Donald Wallace, the well-known racehorse owner, who was living in the Oriental Hotel, Melbourne. It is stated that Calma, the last Caulfield Cup winner, will in all likelihood not be seen in public again, it having been found almost impossible to train him. C. P. Chater, of Hong Kong, China, a large owner of racehorses, scored 16 wins and a dead-heat out of 26 events at the annual meeting there in April. The " Australasian " has raised tho ques tion of whether or not Phil Athol should be granted an allowance in the V.R.C. Derby on account of being sired north of the Line.

Hastings, by Wilberforce—Carlotta, who is ontored for oach of tho four big Aus tralian Spring Handicaps, has been pur chased by Mr C. T. Roberts, of Masquerade

fame. Chippenham, tho winner of tho late V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase, has beon sold to an Indian buyer. At one time ho was engaged between the shafts of a Warrnambool doctor's buggy. Fred Archer promises to have a splendid scoro at tho end of the present season. Up to the end of June he had ridden (17 winners out of 2*20 mounts, whilo C. W Tood is second with 50 wins out of 197 mounts.

The well-known thoroughbred Somnus has been sold by Mi*S. Powell, of Wanganui, to Mr Baker, of Foxton, for 300 guineas, and will new ho at the service of tho public in the Manawatn district.

The stewards of tho Wellington Racing Club arc peifecting arrangements to con struct a railway siding which will take peoplo right to tho course at the Hutt, tho cost of which will be about £2,000.

Percy Martin and Goosoman have dis solved partnership, nnd tho .saining busi noes will bo carried on by Martin, who has at present in training Leonato, Pearl, Fore runner, and a Musket —Aconite colt.

Ml* H. Redwood's C..T.C. Derby candidate Black Rose, by Anteros—Red Rose, has eonio in for a bit of attention in Christ church betting circles, and has beon sup ported to win the ovent at 100's to S. "Mazeppa" hears from Batty that old Strop, who is now 22 years of age, is to bo put into training again, and that Zillah (Tasmau's dam) is in foal to Lapidist, the winner of tho V.R.C. Derby of 187:1.

Tho Com, whoso deeds on the Australian turf under the bluo and black banner of Mr J. Mayo, are so well-known, will tako his placo among tho sires of the season, and stand in Morpeth (N.S.W.)this year.

Tho Dunedin sportsman, Mr W. 11. Taggart, has leased Wator Nymph for the forthcoming racing season. Water Nymph was got by Totara from Watorsprito, and as a two-year-old showed a lot of form.

After some weeks' sparring among the members of the Hnwke's Bay Jockey Club, n resolution has been carried by a majority of 02 to 10 to purchase tho present race course from tho Agricultural Association. With the SOOsovs. added nionoy, and the .sweepstakes now to hand, the Christchureh Derby is already worth £063, and by the time the other 20 soys. of the sweep is paid the value of the stake should amount to fully SOO soys.

Tho following aro the nominations for tho Geraldine Cup :—Ugly Buck, Sou-wester, July, Tho Toot, Holdcrness, Salvage, Cheviot, Vanguard, Nonsense, Tnsnian, Johnny Faulkner, Tim WhitHer, Charmer, and Grand Duke.

Tho Maiden Deer Park yearling salo in July was remarkable for the introduction of the first of Beaudesert's stock, and the com petition for several of tho youngsters was very spirited. There wero 22 lots offered and sold, and the total amount realised was

4,575g5, or an avcrago of 20Sgs each. At the annual meeting of Bowes' Tattor sall's Club (Melbourne), tho following now rule was agreed to:—"That any layer otl'ei ing a prico against any event or events (if any) must, in caso of such wager being ac cepted, satisfy tho backer that tho wager asked for has already beon written, or else ratify his offer." During the past season Administrator, tho dead-heater for the A.R.C. Autumn Handi cap, started on 23 occasions, out of which he claims no less than 12 winning brackot., including two dead heats. Ho was five times second, and a liko number of times third, and Mas only once unplaced. His total winnings for the season amount to £SSO.

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS

(BY ACT-EON.)

FOOTBALL FIXTURES.

Auckland Rugby Union Programme

August I(s—Auckland v. Grafton, Ponsonby v New-tan, Gordon v. Albert.

August 23—Grafton v. North Shore, Ponsonby v. Albert, Gordon v. Albert. August 30— Sept. C-Club ties.

CRICKET FIXTURES.

Tbo Australian Eleven,

Augusc IS—Cheltenham, Australians v. Glou cestershire.

August 21—Nottingham, Australians v. Notts. August 25—Brighton, Australians v. Past and Present ot Cambridge. August 2S—Gravesend, Australians v. South of England.

September 1 — Nottingham, Australians v North of England.

September I—Scarborough, Australians v. I Zingari. September 11—Oval, Australians v. All Eng land.

AQUATIC FIXTURES.

August 16—Hanlan v. Beach, on the Paninmtt. River.

August 23-Edwards v. Jlattcrson, on the Sydney championship course. £200. September—W. G. Brett v. A. F. Sharland, on Paramatta, tor trophy and amateur champion ship of the colonies.

The win of North Shore of 12 points to love against Newton last Saturday brings their total record for the season up to 4S points.

Secretaries of football clubs desirous of having the results of matches published in tho Stab should send particulars in first thing on Monday morning. This alone will permit publication.

An effort is being made to get up another regatta on the Whau River. The affair, if managed at all, should be a greater success than before, and with this in view large money prizes will be necessary.

An amateur athletic team has gono from New York to England for tho purpose of competing in the championship races. The team is a first-class one, and will un doubtedly take a very high placo.

The American gentlemen cricketers, who are at present visiting England, have made a remarkably good showing. It is possible they may meet tho Australian Eleven in England.

The West End Rowing Club having failed in arriving at a satisfactory arrangement with Mr Upton with referonco to ground for a boat-shed at Shelly Boach, are now in treaty with Mr Campbell for use of a small bay further along the shore.

I observed that several footballers played in the Domain last Saturday without stock ings. This is bad form, but worse still, it is said that one player went so far as to divest himself of all clothing except trousers. This is really " going too far."

The Auckland Regatta Association, I am informed,are without a Secretary at present. Mr J. Marshall was elected at the annual meeting, but has since resigned, and it is quite time that something was done in the matter.

Edwards, of Melbourne, has completed the third boat for Hanlan. The frame and shell, minus the fittings, scarcely turn the scale at 101b. Though but Bozs. over the weight {of his first attempt, Edwards has made this boat much stiffer.

I was rather disappointed with the gen oral play of Ponsonby in their match against Grafton. Several of the mon performed brilliant feats, but they were badly backed up, while there was alsoagooddeal of off side play. These matters should be attended to.

The sculling race between Hanlan and Beach for championship of the world was to have taken place to-day on the Paramatta River. Hanlan, as might be expected, ac cording to latest information was decidedly the favourite, although his opponent was by no means without backers.

Speaking of a recent football match be tween New South Wales and Queensland, which ended in a decisive victory for the former by four goals and three tries to nil, the "Sydnoy Morning Herald" says tho New South Welshmen have Buccosfully copied the style of play adopted by the New Zealanders.

•Tho whole history of sport (says tho "Dramatic News") fails to produce an instance of another phenomenon such as Mr W. G. Grace can fairly be said to be on the cricket held. No other branch of athletic pursuits indeed can claim a repre sentative who for a continuous (ei-ru of 18 years has been without a rival at his own particular game. Yet this can be urged on behalf of Mr William Gilbert ('race.

The shortest glove fight on record re cently took place at Memphis, in America, between tho great American "s'ogger,"J. F. Sullivan, and a bricklayer named Wil liam Fleming, who in order to win £200 undertook to stand up four rounds against Sullivan. In the first round Fleming was hit heavily on the lower part of the left jaw and was knocked senseless in two seconds. It took the united ministrations of four men for a quarter of an hour to bring Fleming te his senses.

Had Inspector Goldie been on the Do main football ground on Saturday, and had felt so inclined, he could have made a great raid on collarless canines, rang ing from the ugliest of bull-dogs to the pet and curled poodle belonging to our lady friends. Dog fights were a feature of the afternoon's sport. It would be well for people who go to football matches to leave their puppies at home, for the animals, by constantly running across the field, may hinder the players,

It is extremely unlikely that Ponsonby will have the services of their "crack " three quarter back Jack Arneil any move this season, the injury which he received in Gordon match having proved far more iorious than was at first expected. Ho was confined to his room during tho early part of this week, but is again on the high road to recovery. His modical advisor, how ever, deems it prudent that he should undertake no violent exercise for some timo to come.

Tho sholl which Donnelly and Sullivan, boatbuildors, have had in hand for somo time past has been completed and handed ovor to William Beach. Sho is totally different in appearance from tho sholl built by J. Dodcf, and weighs four pounds heavier. Her outriggers consist each of oho tubular and two solid iron stays, which certainly do not compare favourably in ap pearance or weight with tho four tubular stays as in Dodd's boat, and hor bottom is wider and flatter.

A rather amusing diversion occurred in the football match between Ponsonby and Grafton on Saturday last. A second ball got into tho field somehow, and several players eagerly seized upon it, tho result being that a part of each team was playing at opposite ends of the ground from their friends. Tho laughter of the onlookers was tho fiist intimation of this mistnko, which was soon discovered ; tho strango ball was ignominiously chucked out, and play, which was temporarily suspended, was resumed With vigour,

I was very glad to see that although Turnbull had resolved to givo up football, when he saw that his club was likely to bo short in their match with Grafton last wcok, ho gallantly camo to tho rescue at tho last minute, and having sent to tho North Shore for his uniform, took part in tho match. He played a splendid game, being always on tho ball; indeed, Ponsonby would havo made a very poor stand in tho serum without him, well backed always by Young.

Tho following shows how tho Auckland Association Clubs stood up to August 9th :— Ponsonby played 10 matches, of which 7 wore won, 1 drawn and 2 lost. Gordon played 10 matches, 5 won, 1 drawn, 4 lost. Grafton played 10 matches, 4 won, 3 drawn, 3 lost. North Shore played 12 matches, (i w»n, 2 drawn, 4 lost. Newton played 10 matches, 3 won, 2 drawn, 5 lost. Albort played 10 matches, 3 won, 1 drawn, 6 lost. Auckland played 11 maxhes, 2 won, 2 drawn, 7 lost. This loaves Ponsonby along way ahead of all opponents.

Owing to tho North Shore Club standing out this afternoon in accordance with tho programme of matches laid down by the Association, thoro will ho threo matches played on thissido of tho wator,viz.,Grafton v. Auckland, Ponsonby v. Newton, and Gordon v. Albert. Two of these wid be played in the Domain, and tho third in tho Metropolitan, the Olubs drawing lots for tho choico of grounds. It is anticipated that Grafton will havo a good match with Auckland, but win, that Ponsonby will defoat tho Nowton, whilo the Gordon should not havo much difficulty in disposing of the Alberts.

The No Plus Ultra, a now three-ton yacht built in England, is the longest and narrowest thrco-tonner possible under the Y.R.A. rule to livo in, unless, as her clover designer says, a man succoeds in finding a thin crew accustomed to live on their sides, and who will not mind coming up on deck to turn round. The length ovor all of tho Ne Plus Ultra is 60 feet, the length of the load line, 3S'5 feet ; beam, 3 feet; draught, 11 feet. The area of lower sail is 1,500 square feet, of the wholo sail 1,870 square foot; mast, dock to hounds, 2S l'cot; main boom, 3S feet; main gaff, 25 feet; area of wetted surface, 010 square feet.

The amateur champion race meeting ol tho Sydney Bicycle Club was hold or August 2nd, theil being 12,000 spectators. Tho principal results wore :—

One Mile Amatritk Ciiamimonkhii* oi New South Wales —C. W. Bennett, Speedwell 8.C., 1; F. 11. Shackolford, Vie torian. 8.C., 2 ; H. R. Stokes, Melbourne, 3. Timo, 3mins. 20secs.

One Mile Maiden Biovcli Haxhicai (open).—A. U. I'cdrian, Balmain, 125 yds., I ; 11. C. Begot, Melbourne, ,10yds. 2, ; F. Peers, Balmain, 00yd.., 3. Time, 3mins, 20Jsecs.

Ten* Milk Amateur Ciiami'iossiih* of New South Walks.—F. H. Shackleford, Victoria 8.C., 1; C. W. Bennett, Spcod well 8.C., 2 ; A. Lee, Wanderers' 8.C., 3. Won by 5 yards. Time 3"mins. Ssccs.

Tho " Town and Country" publishes a table showing that since their arrival in England the Australians had, up to August 2, won 12 out of 21 matches played, and that four matches were drawn. Tho fol lowing is the tablo :—Matches won (12) : Australia v. Lord Sheffield's Eleven, by an innings and six runs ; Australia v. Surrey, by eight wickets ; Australia v. Birmingham District, by foar wickets; Australia v. Derbyshire, by an innings and 40 runs ; Australia v, Nottingham, by throo wickets; Australia v. Yorkshire, by three wickets ; Australia v. Cambridge, by 114 runs ; Aus tralia v. Liverpool Distriot, by ono ,v icket: Australia v. Gentlemen, by 40 runs ; Aus tralia v. Players, by six wickets ; Australia v. Leicestershire, by 10 wickets; Australia v. Middlcssex, by an innings and 29 runs. Matches lost (5): Australia v. Oxford, by seven wickets; Australia v. M.C.C., by an innings and 115 runs ; Australia v. Gentle men, by four wickets ; Australia v. North of England, by an innings and 21 runs ; Australia v. England, by an innings and 5 runs. Matches drawn (4): Australia v. Lancashire ; Australia v. Huddorsfiold and District; Australia v. England ; Australia v. Sussex.

PEDESTRIANISM.

On August Ist and 2nd a twelve hours walking match for the championship of Auckland and £50, and second and third prizes of £30 and £20, took place at tho Theatre Royal between seven local pedes trians named A. Hendry, J. Hendry, T. Jerome, Cutler, S. Goodman, Stevenson, and T. Willis. Tho match resulted:— A.Hendry ... G3 miles 7 laps J. Hendry ... 02 miles Slaps W.Stevenson... 61 miles 15 laps Goodman ... 57 miles Cutler 47 miles 23 laps Willis 47 miles 9 laps Jerome ... 40 miles

A Horrible Crime.

A terkible case has been recently tried be fore the Criminal Court at Mannheim, Ger many. An aged day labourer, Stumpf by name, got out of work on account of poor health, and bocame in course of time a con firmed invalid. His wife, who is sixty-two years of age, at first helped bravely by taking in washing, but after a whilo she took to drinking, and lost customer aftor customer. How hard it went with the old couple may bo judgeil from the fact that all thoy had to Uve on was the pay Stumpf received for minding a store two or three times a week overnight, getting about 4d each time. His wife was no comfort to him, and frequently said to others that she would be glad if the old man would die. On the last day of February their rent became due. The municipality refused assistance, be cause it was feared that the woman would spend the money for whisky. However, the landlord was kind enough to permit the poor people to stay. On March 4th Mrs Stumpf appcarod at the polico station and reported that her husband had cut bis throat. When closely questioned, she told the following story :—On the ovening of the 3rd of March sho and her husband had talked for a long time about their hardships, until she had fallen asleep. About mid night her husband had arisen again and gone into an adjoining garret. Ho stayed away so long that sho followed him and found him standing in the garret, his throat bared and an open razor in his hand. When he perceived her ho asked hor to cut Ids throat. At first she had refused to do it, but at last she consented, and slashed him across the throat. He had fallen to the floor and she left had the room, thinking ho would bleed to death. Returning after about fifteen minutes, she had found him still alive, and even strong [enough to walk with her assistance. She had wiped off the blood from him, placed a bit of cloth over the wound, and put him to bed. The next day he had indicated te her by signs he had not been able to articulate a sound— that he wanted her to cut off his head en tirely. She then led him back to the garret and killed him. The Court became satisfied that the woman's story was true. The cir cumstance thatnonoof the neighbours heard any struggle and the fact that there wero two blood puddles, one fresher than the other in the garret, and no trace of blood in the bed, seemed to confirm what the woman said, and spoke against the ■ theory that Stumpf had been killed against his will. The woman was sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.

"BUCIIU PAIBA."-Qulok, comnlela cure, nil .imoyimj pLUlu.y, Bliuliler ami Urinary Diseases. At Druggists. —. «_. l£«wi)t_oia& riosser & Co., Aleuts, Auckland.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

-(•-•)- SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS.

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

August 10th, 1884,

During tho past month, politics havo been tho all-absorbing thomo throughout the colony. Tho elections, which wero pro ceeding on tho day that tho last mail left, wero attended by more than tho usual share of excitement, and wero in general fought out with unwonted keenness. Tho issuo before tho country was tho general policy and administration of the Atkinson Go vernment, who had been defeated in tho Houso of Representatives through de fections from their own ranks. Sufficiently clear and decided has boon tho roply re turned by tho constituencies. Out of 95 members of tho House, only somo 34 wero returned pledged to support tho Atkinson Ministry, and of theso many claimed absolute freedom of action in tho event of new circumstances arising. Of tho remain ing members, a largo following pledged themselves to join Sir Julius Vogol, about an equal number might be described as "unattached" Oppositionists, whilo about a dozen wero supporters of Sir George Groy. Though tho Houso thus olectod was weak

from a party point of view, it proved excep tionally strong in its general composi tion—tho average of political ability and experience among its members being much higher than has boon tho caso for many years. A largo number of able politicians who havo beon "out of tho hurly-burly " for a length of timo havo boon oloctod, embracing, besides Sir Julius Vogol, such mon as Mr ltobort Stout from Otago, Mr Richardson from Canterbury, Mr Ormontl from Napier, and Mr Ballance from Wanganui. All tho members of the Atkinson Government wero returned with tho singlo oxcoption of tho Hon. Thomas Dick ; and this, coupled with the fact that no section of tho Opposition was strong enough to command a majority in tho Houso, showed that tho unpopularity of tho Cabinet was not so groat as had been supposed, while it also mado tho political situation very perplexing,

Tho Auckland membors of tho new Houso aro as follow: —Bay of Islands, Mr R. Hobbs; Rodney, Mr W. P. Moat; Mursden, Hon. R. Mitchelson j Waitomata, Mr W. ,1. Hurst; Manukau, Sir O. M. O'Korko; City East, Sir George Groy; City West, Mr J. M. Dargaville; City North, Mr T. Thompson ; Newton, Mr Thos. Peacock ; Parnell, Mr F. J. Moss ; ['Mon, Mr .). A. Tolo ; Franklin North, Mr W. F. Buckland ; Franklin South, Mr Hamlin ; Thames, Colonel Eraser; Coro mandcl, Mr A. J. Cadman ; Tauranga, Captain Morris ; Waikato, Mr J. B. Why to; Waipa, Mr E. Lako ; East Coast, Mr Locke; Napier, Mr Ormond ; Hawko's Bay, Captain Russoll ; Wuipawa, Mr Smith. The most notable ovonts in connection with the Auckland elec. tions wore the defeat of the Grcyito can didates for Parnell, Newton, and Franklin North, and tho oxclusion from tho House of Mr Wm. Swanson, who lost his sect by leaving his old constituency (Nowton) and contesting City West with Mr J. M, Darga villo.

Tho now Parliament—tho ninth of the colony of Now Zealand—met for tho first time on tho 7th inst., being formally opened by Commission. Sir G. M, O'Korko having been unanimously re elected Speaker, the House adjourned till noxt day, when the Premier promised to make a statement of the intentions of tho Government. On Friday, Sth inst., when tho House met, Major Atkinson announced that he had placed hi. resignation and that of his colleagues in the hands of tho Governor ; that his Excel lency had not asked for advice, and that according to constitutional usago none had been tendered ; that the resignations had been accepted, and tho retiring Cabinet only held office till their successors wore appointed. Tho Houso thon adjourned for a week. Tho following day it became known that Sir Wm. Jervois had consulted with Mr Orniond, and as the outcome had called upon Sir Julius Vogol to form a Ministry.

From this point political intrigue and under-plot have been tho rule ; for Sir Julius not being ablo to command a majority of tho House, had to sock about for accessions from other sections of tho Oppo sition. Ho purchased tho support of the Otago and Canterbury Independent mem bers by offering portfolios to Messrs Stout, Macandrew, and Montgomery ; but the two latter made their allegianco contin gent on the condition that Mr Stout, and not Sir Julius Vogel, should bo Premier. This was settled, but in turn it alienated some Canterbury supporters, and Sir Julius sought to induce Sir George Grey to enter tho Cabinet. His overtures were, however, declined ; and tho result has been to cause a closer rapprochement than beforo existed between the Groy and Atkinson parties.

Tho task of forming a Cabinot was pretty nearly concluded on Tuesday last, when Sir Julius Vogel submitted to His Excellency tho following arrangement of portfolios i— Sir Julius Vogel, Colonial Treasurer, Post master - General, and Commissioner of Stamps (with precedence) ; Mr Stout, Premier and Attorney-General; Hon. E. Richardson, Public Works ; Mr Mont gomery, Colonial Secretary and Education; Mr Macandrew, Lands and Mines; Mr Ballance, Native and Defence; Sir George Whitmore, without portfolio. There is still one vacancy in the Ministry, to which it is intended to appoint an Auckland man. The House of Representatives has been further adjourned till Tuesday next, 19th inst. (the date of the mail steamer's sailing), when the Governor's speech will bedelivered. It is admitted, ovon by the supporters of Sir Julius Vogel, that the Ministry can not be strong or lasting, and prognosti cations aro being made of tho speedy roturn to power of Major Atkinson. His Excellency the Governor, who was on a visit to Melbourne in connection with the scheme ol defence for the colony of Victoria, returned to Now Zealand by the stoamor Waihora on the 28th ult. He at once relieved the Acting Governor, the Ho .. G. M. Waterhouse, and resumed the duties of his office.

Native affairs remain tranquil, though there is some ground for apprehending a fresh outbreak of trouble at Parihaka. The West Coast Peace Preservation Act—a special measure passed to secure tho control of turbulent natives in that distriot—was allowed to lapso on the dissolution of last Parliament, and tho fanatical followers of Te Whiti and Tohu have taken advantage of this to assemble in largo numbers on the scene of tho former troubles. On the 2Sth ult. there were fully 1,500 Maoris at Pari haka; but. since then the large majority of them havo peacefully returned to thoir homes. Tho real trouble will begin this month, when the natives will probably gather again in force to plant tho crops, as in doing so they may come into conflict with the European settlers in the neighbour hood.

Tho steamer Waihora, which brought Sir Wm, Jervois from Melbourne, also conveyed to our shores the dreaded disease, small-pox. That malady has hitherto beon prevented from obtaining a fixed habitat in, this colony by the enforcement of a strict quarantine, but its proximity always creates alarm in the minds of colonists. In the present instance the infection was beyond doubt obtained at Melbourne, where small pox has been prevalent for months past, and has oven spread to New South Wales and South Australia. The infected porson was a lamp-trimmer on the steamer, and on his being landed at Napier, and his disease as certained to be small-pox, he was completely isolated and attended until his death, which took place on the 13th instant. Another case of .the fell malady has since been reported at Invercargill, which is the nearest port to Melbourne ; but immediate precautions have le;n taken there also, and it is confidently hoped that by strict vigil ance on the part of the Health Officers, the disease will be prevented from obtaining a foothold in this colony.

Considerable interest), was manifested in

the docking of tho steamer Triumph, which, we are glad to say, was successfully accom plished on the morning of tho 10th August. At an early hour in tho morning, Mr Fraser, the owner, accompanied by Mr D. Gouk, Captain .Burgess, Harbourmaster, and a largo number of workmen wero on the scene. A diver was sent down and saw that tho blocks were all right, and a few minutes before nine the water had reached 13ft. 4iu. on the Dock sill. At nine the Triumph was started ahead, and twenty minutes later sho was as far in tho Dock as was iequired. The shoring up was speedily dono, and tho docking of tho Triumph, about which many people had doubts and fours, was accomplished. The Triumph's stern, extending about 35 feet over tho Dock gates, it was found necessary to erect £ new enclosure The temporary gates wore built of heavy beams about 15 inches square, the mode of procedure being somewhat as follows : One of these pieces of timber, having being cut to tho required sizo, was placed horizontally on the sill of tho Dock, and others wore laid upon it, and each firmly bolted to tho ono underneath. This was continued until tho structure was abovo high-water mark, when tho Dock was pumpod out and repairs to the vessel com menced. Thousands of persons wero daily socking to obtain admission to tho stoamor, but had to bo refused because their prcsonco on board hindered progress of the work. It is stated that tho Triumph will be in Dock only six weeks, which will require tho employment of a very largo number of men and great speed in tho work. A further injury has been discovered in tho storn of tho vessel which will neces sitate hor being takon out and docked stern foremost after tho repairs now in hand aro completed.

Tho opening of street tramways in the city of Auckland marks a stage in the pro gross ot tho district. Projected and carried through by local enterprise an! capital, tho making of tho linos has beon so far pushed forward as to allow of cars running between tho city and Newton. The cars started to run on Monday lust, and havo been exceed ingly well patronised by the public, running as they do every quarter of an hour, and carrying passengers at half tho rates chargod by the omnibuses, Progress is being mado with tho works necessary to oompleto the western circuit of the system, but operations havo been rather impeded by tho rainy season. A slight " hitch " in tho running of tho cars has occurred on account of an informality in obtaining Government sanction, but this will bo speedily overcome, and tho cars will start running again. Towards tho ond of last month, local interest in tho political situation, which hud boon powerfully stimulated by the recent goncral elections, was temporarily dis tracted by the sudden outcrop of a question of Sabbath observance. A Comic Opera Company, which had beon playing in tho city for somo timo, advertised a sacred concert to tako place in the Opora Houso on Sunday, July 27th, at tho usual pricos chargod for ad mission. A newspaper discussion onsuod, and at the last moment tho Superintendent of Police issued an intimation to the pro motors, Messrs Hallifax and Dean, that the charging for admission would amount to a violation of the law, and as such would entail prosecution on his part. A similar notice was sent to tho Rationalistic Associa tion, who for somo timo previous had boon charging for admission to tho Sunday lec ture, delivered under their auspices. In both cases tho difficulty was mot by the freo admission of tho public and tho making of a collection instead. Tho promoters of tho sacred concert, however, wore not satisfied with tho result, and thoroforo repeated their programme on tho following Sunday, when tho receipts fell rtlll further below thoir expectations. In the meantime tho Rationalistic Association, having takon legal advice, determined to resume their prnctico of charging for admission. Tho first locturo under tho

system thus reverted to was delivered last Sunday evening, when Detective Walker was conspicuous by his presence. Wo understand, however, that the polico do not intend to institute proceedings unless the Association by tho Introduction of singing into thoir programmes mako tho lectures come under the definition of

"cntertninmonts." Tho mattor has now ceased to engross attention in faco of tho more interesting political dovclopinonts at Wellington. Tho statistics of imports and exports for tho quarter ending 30th June last show that, as compared with the previous year, tho colony is still in v depressed condition. Tho imports last quarter wore £1,004,009, and tho exports wero £1,007,835, as against £1,757,190 and ■-1,81(1,04!' respectively for the corresponding quarter of last year. Auckland shows a considerable increase in imports, the amount being £443,424 ; but her exports havo fallen off, reaching a total of only £150,500. Among the wonderful developments of t ratio in modern times that of the woollon industries ranks as phenomenal. From carefully-compiled statistics wo find that in 1831 tho total importation of wool into England did not excoed 97,371 bales, whilo in 1883 it had risen to tho gigantic total of 1,488,400 bales. booking moro par ticularly to tho details of tho colonial wool production, wo lind that Victoria heads tho list for ISS3 with 33t!,51S bales, Now South Wales follows with 234,059, and New Zealand is "a good third" with 215,024. South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia follow at long intervals Our own colony was tho last to enter tho trado, her exports not ap pearing on the list till 1818, when she figures for tho modest total of 507 bales. Two years prior to that, Western Australia had sent Homo 1,505 balos, andyot anothoryoar oarlior South Australia had sont 4,532, at a timo when Tasmania was exporting 10,839 bales. Now Now Zealand has quite out stripped theso three colonies, her oxport of wool to England last year being double that of South Australia, nine times that of Taemanii, and twenty times that of Western Australia. This result is ontirely duo, we believe, to the superior nature of our pasture lands, which enables this colony to maintain much more sheep in proportion to its area than any other in tho group. Tho growth of our wool exports to England, sinco thoy started 35 years ago, has been ns steady as it has beon rapid. In ISSB thoy had risen to 10,792 bales, in tho next decado tho figures mounted to 81,208, and this largo total was doubled in tho cour.e of othor ten years. Tho ratio of increase for the last ten years has been 7,471 bales por annum for Now Zealand, 7,110 for Victoria, and 2,199 for Now South Wales, while it is considerably less for the othor colonies. These facts are of great importance, as showing that cur producing powers have not yet reached their limit, though it is probable that the expansion of the frozen meat trade may for some time keep down our exports of wool. It is also evident that the absorb ing power of tho English market is not one whit less than it was before our trade in wool commenc.d, and wo may receive with indifference tho announcement that the Government of tho United States mean to continue their stupid policy of imposing a protective tariff on foreign wools. Groat excitement prevailed in Auckland on tho 4th of August when it became known that small-pox had broken out on board of the Union Company's steamer Waihora, which arrived late in the afternoon of tho same day. The facts are theso : Tho Wai hora arrived on August 2nd at Napier, on her usual trip from Melbourne, via Southern ports, and on the morning of the 4th tho Mayor of Auckland recoived a tologram from there stating that a case of small pox had occurred on the vessel, that the patient had boon sent on shore, and that the steamer would continue her voyage to Auck land. The telegram was sent to the Harbour Board by thoTownClerk, and in consequoncs after Dr. Philson, Health Officer, had been consulted, instructions were given to the Harbour - master that tho Waihora, -.on arrival hero, must bo prevented from coming up tho harbour until examined. On the arrival of tho Waihora she, ac cording to directions, chopped anchor alongside of tho quarantine hulk. Dr. Philson immediately wont alongside of tho vessel, when Captain Edie ro ported that ho had on board 35 saloon and 45 steerage passengers, all well. No sickness occurred, except in the caso of the fireman landed at Napier. From tho symptoms described by the cap tain,' Dr. Philson had no doubt that the man was suffering from small-pox. The Wai hora's passengers have since been in quaran tine at Motuihi. All arc well, no fresh sickness having occurred.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE AS TRONOMER-ROYAL.

"Sydney Observatory, February 26th, 1880. Several of the rate curves respond to th c change in the barometer in a way that shows the isochronal properties of their balance springs are not quite perfect. Looking down the curves, it becomes at once evident that Watch No. 5, which is No. 670,068, second grado, of tho American Waltham Watch Company, is re markably free from these defects, nnd presents the best rato of all the watches tested. Amongst the cheaper watches tested, No. 6, which is No. 1,221,336 of tho American Waltham Watch Company, is worthy of notice; it is a watch of the sixth grado, yet its performance has been better than that of many very expensive and otherwise first-class watches tested. Suoh a wntchsppftks volumes in favour of tho system under which it was made, nnd is the best com ment upon the accuracy of tho machines that produced it, H. C. Rur.cH, 8.\.. F.R.A.S., Astronomer • Royal, Sydupy Qbuervatory."— lACYI.)

DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL

Dunning's London Comic Opera Company opened at the Opera Houso on Saturday, June 28, and held possession of the boards until Wednesday, August 0, doing very fair business the whole time. Miss Annette Ivanova was the prima donna, Miss Leaf second lady, and Mr Knight "Aston tho loading tenor. In the courso of the season thoro were produced Lccocq's "Manola,"Von Suppc's "Boccac cio," Planquetto's "Rip Van Winkle," Bnealossi's " Les Manteaux Noirs," Crook's "King's Dragoons," Offenbach's "Barbo Bloue," and Lococq's "La Fillc do Madame Angot." "Boccaccio" and "Kip Van Winkle" wore tho "hits" of the season, both of them, but particularly the latter work, being very effectively staged and satisfactorily interpreted. Tho Company also gave two sacred concerts on Sunday evenings, but as thoy wero prohibited from charging for admission, the venture in each caso proved a comparative failure from a financial point of view. While comic opera was still holding the predominant place among local amusements, tho Wilhnott Dramatic Troupe opened at the Theatre Royal, but were so poorly patronised that they soon left on a trip to the Thames. They have now returned, and aro playing in the Opera House. Tho next attraction will bo Miss Augusta Dargon, an accomplished elocutionist, who is now, along with her follow-passongors of tho Waihora, under going an enforced detention at the quaran tine station.

GOLDFIELDS SUMMARY.

Thames, August 10. T.IK centre of interest at the Thames gold field is the New Prince Imperial mine, which has undoubtedly proved to bo one which possesses surprising resources, such as were scarcely dreamt of a few years ago. Tho operations of this Company have dono moro to establish confidence in tho produc tiveness of the reefs of tho Thames at great depths than thoso of others for many years previously, and the policy at present pur sued, of gradually following the gold down wards, is ono that meets with general ap proval. Tho crosscut at the new level 500 feet from the surface, intersected tho No. 2 reef about sovon weeks ago, and tho results met with in its development have surpassed all anticipations, while a most encouraging outlook remains for operations. The drives havo been extended about 230 feet along the course of tho lodo, but, as was the case in the upper levels, tho lichest stone has been obtained from the western end. Here the roof has been gold-bearing for more than 120 feet in length. It averages about IS inches in thickness, and at short intervals has produced spooimens, some of which havo been exceedingly rich in quality. An abundant show of gold has been left in the floor of tiio drive at several points, affording a promising augury for tho next level, whilo tho stopes already opened overhead aro yielding their quote of specimens weekly. The crushing for last month gavo the splendid return of 1,0610kb. 14dwts. gold, for which 830 loads general stuff and Bcwt. specimens wero reduced. The directors havo made an advantageous purchase of the Alburnia 22 stamper battery for £1,000, and it has boon decided to sink tho main shaft for tho purposo of opening another level. Tho work of sinking was commonced last week. Tho usual operations aro pro ceeding in uppor levols.—Caledonian Low Level: The prospocting tunnel at the 040 feet lovel is GOO feet in length, and a bar of hard rock is at present in tho face. A trial parcel was broken from a reef intersected a few weeks ago, and is now being tested at one of the batteries. —Deep Level Cro.-s: A leader at the 040 feet level has been pros pected during the month, without any tangible result, and tho manager has now commenced stoping at a point where the block is likely to provo payable.—Rocky Point (Karaka): This claim continues to command a large share of attention, which its excellent prospects fully justify. Last month's crushing from the Adelaide lode yielded at tho rato of 3ozs. gold per load, tho metal being worth £3 2s per ounce—an unusually high value for Thames gold. Another parcel trcatod a fortnight ago gave a satisfactory result, and the stopes since worked have yioldod parcels of capital ."pecimons. A system of ventilation has juht been established through tho adjoin ing Adelaide mine, which will enable more extensive works to be carried on.— Cambria i Tho main reef has hitherto been poor, but a block opened upon stringers in its foot wall is yielding satisfactorily. A crushing last month gave a remunerative result, and another is now in progress.— Bright Smile : A small quantity of golden stone has been obtained from the inter mediate lovel during the month, and tho prospects in tho low levol are improving.— The London and Mariner Companies havo decided upon amalgamation, the Hand of Friendship has resumed operations, and the Manukau is likely to follow the example. No noteworthy changes havo taken place in other mine.*.—Waiorongomai: Fair re turns came to hand from this district at tho end of the month, and the New Find directors have been able to distribute an other dividend of Is per share.—Karanga bake : Tho Sir Waltor Scott Company has commenced operations under auspicious cir cumstances, its first crushing of 220 tons having just given tho handsome return of 4250z5, gold.—Owharoa: The whole of the Smile of Fortune mine and battery have been let on tribute at 15 por cent. Summary ok Gold Returns, From July 16lh to August 12th, 1884, inclusive. Ozs. dwts. Adclaido and tributes 56 6 Alburnia tributes 56 16 Caledonian I rlbutes 58 16 Cambria, 30 tons 56 16 City of Manchester, 18 tons .. .. 27 7 Hart. 68 loads 28 13 Dart tributes -. ..36 1 Magnolia, 6 loads 7 ,i Martha Kxtcndcd (Waihi), 600 tons.. 166 0 Moanataiari tributes S8 18 New Eureka (Otanui). fO tons.. ..81 0 New Princo Imporial, 830 loads scwt, 1061 11 Queen of Beauty. 21 loads .. .. 10 1 Hocky Point. 25 loads 15 18 Reub'on Parr tributes 16 2 Sundries 500 0 Small parcols 36 0 Tliumos Goldon Crown, 120 tons .. S7 0 Thames Golden Crown tributes ..17 9 Waiotahl, 210 tons,. „ _. ~190 5 Wuitekourl tributes 62 5 Total 2,670 15 WAIOKONGOMAI RETURNS. Now Find 500 0 Colonist 221 2 Eureka 78 16 Canadian 57 18 Stanloy 19 Diamond Gully 1 H Total 85!) 16 FIRES. A shoemaker's workshop at Christchureh was burned down on July 31. It was in sured for £50. Mr G. Helm's hotel and billiard-room at Clifton, near Invorcargill, were burned down on July 27. The tire started in the kitchen, and very little was savsd. Tho church parsonage occupied by the Rev. Dr. Taylor, Wellington, took fire on August 6. It was extinguished beforo much damage was dono. Tho shop and dwelling-house of Joseph Barnard, cabinet-maker, Grey town, were destroyod by fire on August 1. The build ing was owned by the Wellington Trust Loan Company, and was insured in tho Colonial Office for £150. A cottago in Levin-street, Invorcargill, occupied by Mrs Johnston, boarding-house keeper, was destroyed by fire on August S. Nothing was saved, and thero was no in surance ob the furniture or effects. The cottage belonged to Mr Sloan, and was insuredfor £125 in tho Australian Mercantile Union Office.

Early on July 31 a fire broke out in a storo at Mokarakara, four miles from Gis borne, owned by Mr L. D. Nathan, of Auckland, and occupied by Mr D. Mur chic, formerly of Invorcargill. The placo was completely gutted, nothing being saved. It is supposed the fire was caused by a spark from tho fireplace or a piece of wood falling out.

A two-roomed cottago in Hereford-street, Christchureh, was dostroyed by fireon August 5. The house was insured for£so in the Mer cantile Union Office, but tho furniture was not insured. Mr E. A. Green's shop, in Manchester-street, caught fire the same night, and the stock was much damaged. It was insured in tho Colonial Ollico for £300, and in tho Victorian for £300. The building was insured, but it is not known in what offieo. It is not much damaged. The house of Mr Reginald Jones,'solicitor, at Invercargill, was burned down on the 7th of August. It was insured for £400 in the North British Office, and the furniture and effects for £700, £500 of which was in tho Liverpool, London, and Globe Office, and £200 in the Lancashire. Mr Jones was absent at a meeting, and only his wife and a servant wero in the house, from which nothing was saved.

The houso and property of the Rev. Mc- Gregor, between Amborley and Leithfield, were completely destroyed by lire on tho 7th August. It was in the occupation of Mr Nicholson, wifo, and family. The chil dren wore rescued with great difficulty. Nothing was saved. It is supposed that the fire was caused by tho children',, clothes being too near the fireplace when the inmates retired to rest. The building was insured in the New Zealand Offir.e'for £90; the furniture and effect, for £100 in the Union, * "

CRIMES.

Shoplifting is considerably on the increase in Christchureh.

John McCleary has been committed for trial at Nelson on the charge of arson, A boy of 14 years old is in prison at Christchureh for various burglaries. Wm Wakelin, painter, Dunedin, being in low spirits, has drowned himself in the Silver Stream. Annie Anderson has been committed for trial on the chargo of child murder, com mitted near Masterton last month.

Tho Nottingham Castlo Hotel, Morrins ville, near Thames, was burglariously entered on August 3, and about £30 in cash besides valuables stolen.

William Isherwood blew out his brains at Greymouth on August 1. Mining specu lation and hard drinking aro assigned as contributing Causes. Te Meihana, who Was committed for trial on a chargo of murder of a native I woman at Ohinomutu, was brought here on July 24 in chargo of Constable MaroneJ find lodged in Mount Eden Gaol. Tho prisoner is 27 years of ago, and ho is quite intelli gent looking, though ho has beon twice an inmate of the Lunatic Asylum. He speaks English well. At Blenheim on the 25th of July Fanny Bonnington, for the. wilful mtirdor of her newly-born female infant on the 3rd July was committed for trial. Bail was allowed, two sureties of £250 each. Tho accused has been servant to Mr Dodson for the last three or four months, and tho body of the child was found in a closet on his ground. At tho Magistrate's Court, Wellington, on the 6th of August, 11. H. Lewis was charged with a breach of the Prison Act in having secreted a number of articles, with a view to handing them to prisoners in Mount Pleasant Gaol. Prisoner had been con victed of forgery, but had had a portion of his sentence commuted on account of his having accepted tho office of common hang man for the colony, in which capacity he had executed six convicts, his last victim being at Napier. He was sentenced to 1 month's hard labour.

James Ingham, who was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment for larceny at the Police Court on August 11, possosses tho some what dubious honour of being Auckland's oldest crimina'. His first appearance on the polico records now availablo dates back to 1854, when he received a life sentence for rape. This, however, was commuted in IS9, in consequence of information he gave to the authorities concerning an impending mutiny amongst the prisoners. Through Ingham's services the mutiny, which had been carefully planned, was nipped in the bud, and the convict became a free man. After his release ho did not mend his ways, being continually in trouble for various offences, principally thefts. In 1879 he received sontences of five years and throe years for larceny and obtaining money under false pretences, and he was only discharged a few months ago. A fracas occurred in the Shakespeare Hotel shortly before twelve o'clock on Bth August, which resulted in a man named Terence Lynch sustaining serious injttrios and subsequently to the arrest of five persons on suspicion of being concerned in the affair. It appears that four men, named John, David, and James Roche and Thomas Han'.an were sitting in a back room of the hotel playing cards, while McCarthy, the barman, was sitting watch ing the game During tho course of the game Lynch and a man named Thomas Atkinson entered the room. Tho former, who is a well-known exponent of the "manly art of self defence," being considerably the worse for liquor. Statements differ as to how the row originated, but it would appear that Lynch, who was somowhat bounceable, ordered the Roche brothers and Hanlan to leavo tho room. The Roches, with this .attacked Lynch, who, though ho received a severe kick near the eye, suc ceeded in "marking" his opponents. Whilo tho melee was in progress, Atkinson rushed out for the polico, and in a minute or so Sergeant McMahon, Constable Ward and a numbor of civilians were at the back door of the hotel demanding admission. As the door was not opened promptly, the services of a ladder were called into requisi tion, and the police were about to use it as a battering ram when Healy, tho licensee of the house, opened the door. Lynch was found lying on the floor in an unconscious state, the Roche brothers having mean whilo mado their escape through the front door. Thoy were, however, seen standing at tho corner of Albert and Wyndham street?, and after a rou_;h-and tumble, the poli;o succeeded in handcuffing them. These, with the barman and Hanlan, wore mirehed off to tho lo< k-up, and the injured man was sent off to the Hospital in a oab. Tho bi others Roche were sentenced to one month's imprisonment for assaulting Con stable Ward. McCarthy and Hanlan were remanded, and will have to answer for their tonduct as soon a. the injured man (Lynch) is able to leave the Hospital to give evi dence against them.

From a rec.nt number of the "Fiji Times ' we learn that the labour schooner John Hunt returned to Suva with her flag at half mast for the death of her captain, Daniel Leahy, who died in consequence o*. a wound received at Malicola. Only meagre particu lars are to hand, but from these it appears that after engaging 27 recruits, the vessel arrived off Malicola and signals were made from the beach to send in the boats. The captain went in, and the natives, on his ap proach, withdrew into the bush. The cap tain hesitated to land, and a man then came down with a club and a spear, which he offered for salo. The captain bought tho club, and was turning to get a knife as payment for the spear, when the man hurled it and struck him. A flight of spears followed, ono of which hit a native in the boat. The crew backed out, and after the wounded mon were got on board, tho vessel was headed for Havanah Harbour, but the captain died in great agony seven days after receiving the wound.

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS

Jeremiah Savage has been accidentally drowned at Castle Point Beach, Wellington,

A Dunedin butcher has got his leg broken by a big dog upsetting him in the street. Thoa. King, of Wellington, drank a bottle of rum on the 31st July, and the next morning was found dead.

John Hall, bushman, has died at Grey mouth from injuries sustained by a falling tree.

The son of a farmer, named Colin Camp bell, aged 10 years, was found drowned on August 4 in a creek near his father's house at Totara, near Timaru.

On the 26th July a bushman named James Brown working at Snowden's bush, near I.aeo, had his foot cut clean off above the ankle by a kauri log. Three seamen named Gerhew, Morton, and Broughton were drowned off Tasmania by the sinking of the barque Farningham, bound from Dunedin to Adelaide. Mr Duncan Clerk, whilst riding between Lichfield and his homestead at Patetere on July 29, was accidentally thrown from his horse, and had his collarbone broken. A youth named Gibson, whilst shooting rabbits at To Awamutu on August 6, was accidentally shot by one of his com panions. Death ensued on August 8. At a Salvation Army service at Rangiora, near Christchureh, on July 23, a man who had been making a disturbance was ejected with such force as to break his leg. Mrs Collins, residing near Camp, at Featherstone, whilo in a state of drunken ness set Bre to her house. She was severely burnt, and died on July 27. The house was saved. A ten-year-old boy, son of Mr Wilson, teacher, East Oxford, Canterbury, was ac cidently killed on August 1 by boing run ovor. John Hopping was injured by a fall of earth at St. Martin's brickworks, Opawa, near Christchureh, on July 23. He was re moved to the Hospital, and did well until tho 25th July, when he began to sink. He died the next day. While somo experiments wore being con ducted in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society at Milton, near Christ church, an explosion took place, and about two dozen persons wero injured by broken glass Mr Albert Boeleman, master of Gladstone School, was found dead on the Ngalmranga Road, Wellington, on the Gth August. He had been thrown from his horse. He was a native of France, and leaves a wife and several children. He is believed to have property in Canterbury. Four gentleman leftKumara on August 10 with a double buggy and pair to conduct a Presbyterian meeting. Owing, it is said, to the break not acting, they went down zigzag at a great speed. The buggy cap sized, and the horses bolted off with the pole and wheels, leaving the body of the buggy and occupants overturned. The Rev. Hay sustained a scalp wound, and Mr James Woons Baker had the bone of his right fore arm broken. Messrs Campbell and Nichol son escaped unhurt. On August 10 a little boy about 8 years of age, son of Mr Waymouth (of Mitchelson and Co.), fell off the cliff at Judge's Bay, a distance of 40 feet, on to the rocks. Charles Vinco was rowing past the rocks, when he was attracted by the calls of .children, and brought the lad to Messrs Sharland and Co. 's, The boy's arm is fractured, bia het-d

much injured, and by the symptoms he is also seriously injured internally. Aftei some delay, Dr. Huxtable was called in and pronounced the skull to bo fractured.

A case of drowning occurred about i. o'clock on July 26 at Queen - street Wharf. The Engineer of the Rangitikei was going aboard his vessel when he slipped off the gangway and fell into the water. The accident was observed and prompt measures taken to rescue the unfortunate man. When brought on to the wharf, life was evidently not yot extinct, but all efforts of resuscitation failed. Tho name of the unfortunate man was James Thomas,

On July 24 a rebbiter on Smith's run, Greenfield, Otago, was savagely attacked by his pack of dogs. Ono of tho dogs started! the attack, but he succeeded in keeping the animal off. It was soon joined by the wholo pack, but he succeeded in getting; back to a fence, and in that position de-, fended himself as well as he could, and had killed four of tho dogs with his knife when assistance arrived, and he was rescued. The man can only attribute the attack to the fact that he was carrying sheepskins tho previous day, and tho scent may have attracted tho brute 3.

A fatal accident happened on July 30 to, Thomas Boyce, a carter in the employ of Messrs Hellaby Bros., biftchers, Shortland streot. Mr William Hellaby states that at 10 in the morning Boyce was taking a horse and trolly into the-yard at the bad. of the premises opening into Chancery Lane. He >Jiad the horse bj' the head, when it suddenly dashed forward, and Boyce was jammed by the trolly against the wooden gate. He im mediately exclaimed "I am killed !" ant ran a few yards from the spot, sat on a step, and died. A groom named John Milvihill put his arms around him, but, he only survived about three minutes. Dr, Huxtable was sent for, but his services were, unnecessary, life being extinct. Boyce, who occupied a house near tho Bricklayers' Arms Hotel, Chapel-street, leaves a wife and five children.

A melancholy accident occurred on tho Onehunga Road on August 4, by which a Mr J. Barldw,a youngmun recently arrived from England, met his death. Mr Barlowand Miss Agnes Wybar were riding on horseback to wards town about half-past seven, and when at Bird Grove, a narrow and danger ous part of the road, the_ horse ridden by Mr Barlow came forcibly in contact with a dray loaded with long spars belonging to Mr Cunningham,of Onehunga. Both horse and rider fell. Mr Barlow struck the ground heavily, and death appeared to, follow almost instantaneously-. _>r. Coom, of Newmarket, was in attendance speedily, but too late to be of any assistance. It is stated that Mr Barlow was on the wrong side of the road when the accident occurred, and that Miss Wybar, by keeping on the opposite side, escaped injury. The body ol Mr Barlow was convoyed to the house of Mr Roay, market garaerier, and an inquest took place on August, at which the follow ing verdict was returned;—'' That the deceased, Joshua Barlow, was accident ally killed by coming in contact with a dray at Bird Grove Bridge, Epsom," and they added a rider as follows : " The jury recom mend that the Government be requested to widen the Bird Grove Bridge, as it is in a dangerous condition." At the inquest on the body of John Marsh Girdlcstone, who shot himeelf at Napier, on July 29, C. Villers deposed that deceased arrived at Petane by the coach leaving town at 11 o'olock. At' Viller's hotel he asked for the loan of a gun to shoot bitterns. When it was given him he re marked that the gun had a rebounding lock. The usual way for a sportsman to carry suoh a gun is at full cock, and if the lock touched anything it would go off. De ceased understood the mechanism of the gun, and wont up the valley, when witness lost sight of him. Deceased was in his usual health and spirits. Two othtr wit nesses, standing a short distance from tho hotel, saw deceased at the foot of the hil', heard the explosion of the guii, and saw de ceased fall. They ran to the spot, and found tho gun hanging on the wire fence, tho muzzle towards the ground, and the trigger behind a point of the wire where a joint occurred in the fence. Deceased, quite dead, was lying on the other side of the fence. The evi dence of the police with respect to the position of the body and gun wont to show that in getting through the fence tho trigger caught the projection of wire splice. The Coroner, in summing up, said the evidence showed the cause of death to be pure accident, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

MASONIC.

The monthly meeting of Lodge Eden, No. 1,530, E.C., was held on the 23rd of July, when a large number of members and visiting brethren were presont. The lodge having been raised to tho third de gree, Brothers Warren and Callow, P.M.'s, presented the W.M. elect, Brother Charles Morris Newson, to receive at tho hands of the retiring W.M. the benefit of installa tion, which ceremony having been per formed, the newly - installed W.M. invested the following brethren with the collars of their respective offices: —Brothers T. W. Kitt, 1.P.M.; Francis Stephens, S.W. ; Thomas Walker, J.W. ; Thomas Jones, Treasurer; J. Warren, P.M. Secretary; John Thompson, S.D. ; Hugh Grey, J.D.; W. W. Lepine, Director of Ceremonies ; A. Hedley, J.G.; W. Johnston, Tyler; Moore and Steel, Stewards. The Treasurer's balance-sheet was read, and showed that the Lodge was in a good financial position. Subsequently those present sat down to an excellent spread provided by Brother McEwen, of the City Buffet, and several toasts were drunk.

Zealnndta Royal Arch Chapter.

On August 5 the consecration and dedica tion ceremonies of the above Chapter took place, at the Masonic Hall, Princes street. The charter for the Chapter was is sued by tho Supreme Grand Royal Arch of Scotland, in response to a petition from a number of Royal Arch Masons of Auckland. As one of the petitioning companions, the charter was sent to M. E. Comp—Wm. McCullough, a past Z. of the order, authoris ing and empowering him to constitute and consecrate the Chapter according to ancient usages and established customs. The installing principals were—M.S. Companion Wm. McCullough, Z. ; M.E. Companion Wm. Lodder, H. ; M.E. Com panion Wm. Tebbs, J.; M.E. Companion Clark, Principal Sojourner; M.E. Com panion Cooper, Director of C.romonies; M.E. Companion Kitt, Scribe N.; Com panion Bennett, Scribe E.; and Companions Kempt, Bedford, and Bertram, Junior Sojourners. Occupying soats on the dais were past Principals Nelson, Skinner, Levy, La Roche, Kitt, M.E. Companion H. G. Wade, and several visitors from Vic toria. Companion W. Roes was organist, and rendered tho musical portions of the ceremony in a most finished style. Upon the conclusion of an able oration by Companion Tebbs, the following companions were installed and in vested with their robes of office :—M.E. Companion A. Dewar, as Record Principal H.; M.E. Companion M. Niccol, as Third Principal J.; Companions W. Errington and James McLaren, as Scribes of the- Chapter ; Companion T. Dunlop, Trea surer ; Companions G. L. Gunn, S. Young, and Wm. Laurie, as Sojourners. A long list of the names of Master Masons desirous of joining the Chapter was read over, including that of Bro. Sir F. Wh.taker, P. G. Master, of the Scotch Constitution in the North Island of New Zealand.

BREACH OF PROMISE OF MARRIAGE.

On August 4th an action of breach of pro mise was heaol beforo Mr Justice Gillies and a jury of four. Damages were laid at £500. The prosecutrix, a young woman named Wilhemina Pop Smith Mackay, in tho course of her evidence, deposed that she had mot tho defendant, James Anderson, while at Wellington. She had been a housemaid in the household of tho Hon. W. Rol'eston, and the defendant was then a waiter at Government House. Defendant had promised to marry her, and seduced her. Shortly before the birth of the child, Ander son came to Auckland, for the purpose of starting a grocery business, and after the arrival of the little stranger the prosecutrix also came to Auckland and asked the de fendant to carry out his promise. This Anderson declined to do ; a few days later he married another woman. Miss Mackay then instituted the present proceedings, but before the hearing of the case Anderson had "levanted "to Sydney. The jury, without leaving tbe box, awarded £250 damages. The defendant has since been adjudicated a bankrupt on Miss Mackay's petition.

POLITICAL.

It is twenty years since Major Atkinson first became a member of a New Zealand ■"." Government. , , At Gisborne on July 29 Mr Rees said he i had a bill prepared dealing vith native"'..'"';' lands which he wnul : ontrnft. to Wi f'ero,.,i:t| : who, though a native, was quite whipetentiA

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 1884

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