OUR LONDON FLANEUR.

SOCIAL, THEATRICAL AND LITERARY.

London, February 28. The Late Editor of Tire: " Times"—Abraham Haywaud and the "Times"—A Colonist at Home—Curious Manners— Asking KOR Things—More About the Fortescue— Garmoyle Ksclandre—Exit " Gumboil"— Miss F.s First Love-Revival ok " Peril" at trk Haymarket—The Great Scene of tiie Piece—A Semi-Success—An American Fiasco—"Marjory's Lovers" at the Court—A Srupid Play—The Queen's Journal—Nkw Novels-New Editions, &c, &c.

London, February 2G. It is not often the London world loses two such remarkable literary men in a single week as John Chenery and Abraham Hay ward. Tho late editor of the " Times " I knew vory little of. Ho was indeed a most difficult person to socuro as an acquaintance. Fellows who met him daily at the Athcnamm seldom got farther than a friendly nod, though with his staff he was always on the best of terms, and will bo much regretted. When Chenery was alive, peoplo talked of him as one of tho worst oditors tho great newspaper ever had, but now ho is dead wo hoar quite a different story. Tho deliberate verdict upon him seems to bo that, though avowedly unfit for tho position, ho fulfilled its duties honestly and thoroughly. As a matter of fact, 1 believe tho day of the " Times " lias gone by. The great penny dailies equalit in thomattorof news andcriti cism.and excel it as an advertising medium. Were John Delano himself to return from tho gravo.glfted with all his pristine powers, lie could not resuscitato tho once mighty "Times." Tcmpora mutnntur ct nos mil iamur in ill is.

Abraham Hayward, curiously enough, was a great friend of Chcnery's. He got the crodit of inspiring the foreign policy of the "Times," and oven contributed leading articles occasionally. Hayward was tho flaneur par excellence of his day. I lo oither gave dinner parties or dinod out almost ovcry night of his life, and was a coveted guest at all the best houses. A brilliant talker and an inimitable raconteur, blessed with an excellent memory, stored with the quaintest anecdotes and most varied infor mation, lie had few equals in society,and no superiors. Tho only living litterateur who can now claim a somewhat similar position is George Augustus Sala. But ho doesn't care to mix with the eremc dc la crane of the upper ten thousand. Talking of Sala reminds me of some recent troubles. During the past few weeks I have been devoting occasional spare- hours to accompanying a colonial friend to the various sights of London. He is a vciy fine fellow, a smart man, and thought a good deal of in Now Zealand ; but his colonial education has narrowed his mind to such an extent that ho seems quite incapable of appreciating the best thing you can show him—in fact, only cares for what will bo of somo ulterior benefit to him whon he gets back to your end of tho world. Par excmplt, the programme of a theatre interests him far more than the performance. He goes to tho play because he wants to say he has been there, and the programme is proof positive of the fact, but ho doesn't really enjoy it at tho time. 'What does appear to gratify him is being able to make the acquaintance of somo celebrity, and when ho sees a chance of this he doesn't stick at trifles. Now, I confess to being a bit of a "snob" myself, at least, I am always pleased to know a great man when I can be legitimately introduced to him. The idea of forcing oneself on to a perfect stranger should, however, surely be repug nant to any well-bred man. My New Zealand friend literally mado cold boads of perspiration run down my back at a thea trical premiere the other evening. I pointed out to him a world-famous novelist and critic standing amongst a clique of " first righters " and newspaper men in tho smok ing-room, between tho acts. Tho bell just rang at the moment for tho curtain to go up, but as we were returning to our seats my friend said, " Ah ! I'm sorry we had to move, for I meant to go up to Mr Sala and tell him how pleased 1 was with some of his writings." I don't think this colonial gentleman is sonceited. Ho simply seems to have no sense of proportion. Fancy writing to the Speaker of the House of Commons for a general pass for the session, a favour that is only granted to most distinguished strangers, foreign princes, ambassadors,&c.! He not only did this, but after seeing the Post-office, absolutely dropped a line to Gladstone to express his approval of tho general arrangements there. Since then I know for a fact he has written to three or four Ministers and peers asking for some thing ; indeed, my impression is he casts several such letters on the waters every day in the hope that they may return, if not the favour asked, at least an autograph letter. Snubs don't influence him one bit. " At any rate," he says, " one can but ask." I have mentioned these facts because I fancy they may possibly explain why a good many capi tal fellows from the colonies make themselves objectionable when they come home. You see Jack is as good as his brother in Auck land or Dunedin. There are not, either politically or socially, many men who, by virtue of their talents or position, absolutely command deference. Jack's son grows up in an atmosphere of modified communism, and when (as in my friend's case) atheism is super-added, he has no respect for anything in heaven above or tho earth beneath. I cannot say I consider it a good training. It may—probably does —foster a "healthy independence," but a lad gets this at the expense of many finer and perhaps equally essential qualities. Please do not misunderstand me. Ido not for an instant mean to aver that many colo nists are afflicted with my friend's complaint. The majority I have found as sensitive and well-bred as the most cosmopolitan Englishmen. The only thing Ido urge is that, when possible, colonial paronts should send their children Home for a portion of their education. Your schools are in all respects as good as ours, but the effects of bringing up a lad from childhood to man hood in the same contracted sphere cannot bo but to blunt his imagination, and give him an estimate of men and things both false and absurd.

The Fortescue-C4armoyle csclandrc still forms a delightful.morsel of gossip for Lon don society. The Prince of Wales pos sesses great influence with the " upper ten," and " Gumboil " has been in much better odour with the peers since H.R.H. expressed approval of Lord Cairns's action. Vulgar folks, on the contrary, call the young Lord a " little cad," and earnestly hope that MissFortescuewill bo awarded the full£3o,ooosheclaims. Anaction hasalready been commenced, and is to be carried to the bitter end, as Miss Fortescue's parents are naturally anxious to show there was no sort of excuse for the young man's con duct, or reason why their daughter should not have become a peeress. This is a cen sorious world, and they are well aware that if she accepted a sum of money privately, there would be plenty of good women to declare "Miss Fortescue was no better

than she ought to bo, my deal', and Gar moylefound it out and broke with her." The sprightly " Gumboil " has already left London "for a prolonged tour in tho East." Lord Cairns must lovo him dearly. The great Chancellor was, a few years ago, the possessor of a name which, thanks to his labours and genius, was honoured and respected wherever English is talked. Now Oarmoyle has dragged it deep in the miro, covered himself with ridicule, and mado his family the subjects of count loss jibes and jeers. The young man succeeds to a fortune of some thousands on attaining the age of 25, but as Lord Cairns has already disbursed £10,000 for his small debts, and has now to settle a number of big ones, and a broach of promiso caso to boot, it is not probablo there will be much of the inheritance left whon his "masher" lordship comes into it. The breaking-oil'lottor which "Gumboil" wrote to his Jinncfe may (a comic journal remarks) bo divided into three acts, classi lied thus: Act 1., Lord Cairns (his ob jection.) Act 11., Lord Garmoylo (his ob jection.) Act 111., Lady Cairns (her objoction.) The cpistlo covered seven closely-written sheets, and as a master piece of inane tautology, is likely to create much amusement whon read out in Court. On every page roferonco i& mado to Miss F.s "beautiful bluo oyes," whilst the oft repcated queries as to her solicitor's ad dress arc touchingly thoughtful.

Miss Fortescuo was engaged to a Mr Harry Quiltcr when sho met Lord Garmoylo Sho will not return to tho stage till after tho broach of promiso caso is tried. " I'inaforo" Gilbort advised this couiho. Ho feels specially incensed over the all'air, because it was through his wife Garmoylo obtained an introduction to the young lady. Mr Gco. Lewis, Mr Clias. Russoll, and other famous banisters, mutual friends of both parties, strongly urged a private settlement of dill'ercnces, but all hopo of this was squelched by Lord Cairns ro fusing to console Miss F. with a penny more than £5,000. Gilbort simply laughed when tho sum was mentioned. "We shall not," ho said, "dream of accepting loss than £-20,000. Empty-headed numskulls like Garmoylo must bo taught that philundoring with a beautiful and virtuous actress with out meaning matrimony is an oxpensivc in sult." The popular version of Sardon's Intimos," produced at the Prince of Walcs's Theatre ton years ago, under the title of " I'cril," was revived at tho Haymarkct last Saturday with fair success. The oast was a strong ono, and tho mounting admirable ; but to my mind tho play did not go with veriK I seem to remember at the I'rinco of Wales'. Of course you know the plot of " Nos Inlimcs." A country gentleman, Sir Gcorgo Ormond, asks a number of old frionds to stay with him at his houso in Kent. They reward his hospitality in various fashions. Ono of them, Captain Bradford, makes lovo to Lady Ormond, who, although really fond of hor middlo-aged husband, encourages the handsome young oilicer out of idleness and ennui. Tho others, an old Indiin olliccr and his young son (a well-brought-up lad, who flirts with miladis French maid and smokes cigars on tho sly), and a soured solicitor ami his crabbed wife, nbuso the houso and grounds, quarrel with each other, insult Sir George, and eventually rouse his jealousy of Lady Ormond. Tho great scono in "I'eril" takes place in Lady Ormond's boudoir, whither, at the dead of night, and when Sir George is supposed to hnvo gone up to London, Captain Bradford penetrates, and makes desperate lovo to miladi. Terri fied and disgusted, with hor eyes open to past folly, and a ghastly fear lest they should bo discovered, sho implores him to desist, but in vain. Blind with passion, he disregards hor entreaties, and trios to clasp hor to his heart. She resists, and in tho courso of a frantic struggle chairs aro knocked over, a 1 cll-ropo pulled down, and the room disordered. Suddenly a noiso is hoard, Bradford goes out oti the balcony to ascortain what it can be, and Lady Ormond, sw'My closing windows and shutters upon him, bars hor persecutor out, and sink< fainting on the floor. But she has no time for sentiment. Sir George's voice is heard outside, and in another moment he knocks at the locked door, sternly demanding instant admission. Lady Ormond at onco opens it, and Sir Georgo (who is followed by his "friends") seoms much relieved at finding her alono. Tho prying "friends," however, soon dis cover the overturned chairs, tho torn-down boll ropo, and Lady Ormond's agitation. What do they portend? Sir Georgo's brow is clouding when tho door opens, and the true friond of tho Ormonds, the family doctor, who thoroughly understands the real state of affairs, and is willing to liolp miladi, entors. His oye at once falls on tho disarranged chamber, and in the easiest way possible ho explains how the Indian baronet's model son roolcd in there sick and fainting from smoking one of his father's " lunkah cheroets," and overturned half-a -dozon chairs in his progress ; also, how lie (tho doctor) in jerking the boll-ropo for assistance had pulled it down. Evon tho "Paul Pry" friends seem satisfied with this explanation, but the situation presontly go.os critical, for Bradford is outside on the Balcony, and at any moment Sir George may open the window to give his wifo air. The doctor produces a phial from his pocket, and, tapping tho cork, says signifi cantly, "This stopper is rather still", I want to make it jump out; come, my friend (tapping the stopper), jump, jump, jump." The third time ho Bays "jump" a shadow passes the window, and a thud is heard. Bradford has taken a daring leap down into the garden, and whon Sir George opens tho window no one is there.

Interest has to be re-aroused in the last act by a clover trick, but this I shall not describe as the foregoing will recall to most of you the play upon which "Peril" is founded. It has'been performed in New Zealand under various names, that of " Friends " or " Our Friends " being as a rule the commonest.

"Marjory's Lovers," the long-promiped American comedy, by Mr Brunder Mat thews, was produced at the Court Theatre on the 20th, and proved a complete failure. The story turns on tho machinations of a jealous Spaniard and a disreputable old "sharper," who, for purposes of their own, causo a pack of marked playing-cards to bo found in* the possession of a young English man, the hero of tho piece. The latter is consequently branded as a swindler in a foreign club-house, and made to look mean in the eyes of his sweetheart. Tho young lady however, of course, remains faithful, and the real rogues are duly found out and punished. This incident is too slight to found a long play upon; moreover, tho dialogue hasn't any sparkle about it. The first night the audience were very respect ful, and listened courteously up to the last, but when the curtain fell there was a storm of hisses. Messrs Cecil and Clayton will withdraw the piece directly MrDionßouci cault's version of "The Chaplain of the Fleet" can be got ready.

The new piece at tho Princes Theatre is a free adaptation of a famous Swedish comedy, Ibsen's "Nora." It will probably be called "Breaking a Butterfly." Tho revivals of Albery's "Forgiven" and " Coquettes " are postponed. Crowds still flock to see Mary Anderson, whose lease of the Lyceum ends in April. Some exquisite photographs of her as

"Galatea" havo just been taken by Van dor Heydc, which, apart from any know ledge of the actress, form charming pic turos.

Very few interesting new books seem to bo coining out just now. The " volumes of the hour" are, of course, " Tho Queen's Journal" and Mr Egmont Hakos's " Lifo of Chinese Gordon," both of which will be widoly read all tho world over. The Royal Diary is having an immenso sale. Two editions of 10,000 have boon sold out, and a third is in preparation. Tho " Pall Mall Gazette" waggishly romarks that Her Majesty mado a mistake in binding tho book in grcon cloth—tho colour sliould surely havo boon brown. Richard Dowling, whose sonsational "Weird Sisters," "Mystery of Killard," and "Sweet Tinsfail" wore so successful, has just complctod a delightfully " blood curdling" romance, entitled, "Tho Last Call," which I read through from end to end without stopping on Tuesday evoning. Ho has also reprinted in a shilling volumo tho short tales which he reeontly contri buted to the "Weekly Despatch," under tho titlo "On the Embankment." They aro not, howovor, at all good. A sixpenny translation of Marie Colombior's famous brochure, "Sara Barnum," was printed in London last week, and is soiling wild-fire. It reads to mo like a somewhat modified version of Lola's " Nairn." Bulwor's " Last of tho Barons," printed in good typo and on fairpapor, is a farproforablo sixpennyworth. Chatto and Windus havo added, " Circo's Lovers" by Loith Dorwont, and "Hearts," by D. O. Murray, to their 3s (id serios. Tho hitter is a capital story, and I can also re commend a cheap two shilling re-issuo of the popular " Rcminisconcos of an Old Bohemian."

The scoro and piano arrangement of " Princess Ida" woro issued last week, and Boosoy has published "Tho Beggar Stu dent," shortly to bo produced at tho Al hambra. In my next I shali havo somothing to say about tho now songs which have suc ceeded at tho roccnt Ballad Concerts.

A Group of Gaol Birds.

I was surprised, during tho cightcon months 1 was in gaol, at tho number of respoclablo men — such as solicitors, an ox-ollicor of Guards, a bank manager, a man of title, stockbrokers, cashiers, ex-officer of the army and navy, clerks, clergymen, &o.—in Coldbath Fiolds. Some of these had quite lost (supposing thoy evor had any) their pristine semblancoof respectability; othors, again, rotaincd tho appearance of persons of education, and spoko and doportcd them selves as such. A lamontablo instance of tho fatal cll'ect of associating with tho scum, and tho case with which a young man of good position can acquiro tho stylo and ap pearance of a vagrant, was oxomplilicd in youngß . Ho was not moro than'2sor 2G, had been a subaltern in tho Guards, and camo, moreovor, of a good county stock ; and yet in six months ho had so far degenerated as to bo punished on tho day his scntenco oxpirod for stealing a loaf from a follow-prisonor. A worthy old man with groy hair and vcnorablo appoaranco, and who might havo passed for tho chairman of a board of directors, appoarcd ovory morning at mino and other cells in tho passago with a dust pan, and with methodical precision removed tho sweepings. Ho told mo ho had boon a solicitor with a largo connection, with chambers in street, and had a wifo nnd grown-up family in a comfortablo houso in a well-known suburb. His imprisonment was perceptibly tolling on him, and his hair and beard grow whiter ovory day. A bustling, busincss-liko man, one day attracted my attention. He was connected with tho storos, and brought mo a now pair of boots. Ho had boon tho managor of a London bank, and undergoing retiromont for six months for .some error regarding the ownership of i'UOO. A tall, smart- looking man that was pointed out to mo wus, lam informed, an individual who attained notorioty some two years ago over a mining scheme. Ho was suH'ering two years' incarceration for a miscalculation of over £7,000.

A man who called himsolf Count H , and an ex-convict to boot, was languishing for a year, boeause certain nobleman had had the bad tasto to object to his having ob tained money from them by false pretences. This nobleman had a mania for petitioning tho Homo Ollico.

In addition to those, numerous indivi duals who had been gontlomen in thoir day was known to me by sight. Conspicuous amongst them was an old gaol bird and ox convict, who had twenty years ago been a captain in tho army, and ever sinco had existed (and still is) in prison, for terms of sovon, five, fivo, two, and one years. All tho starch had boon thoroughly wrung out of him, though he occasionally stood on a dilapidated kind of dignity. I onco asked him where a fiiand of his had gone. He replied, " I don't know ; wo don't speak now ; he's no gentle man. Will you believe it, ho had the im pertinence to doubt my word." As his word had been doubted a good many times during the past twenty years, I was con siderably amused by this assumption of dignity. — " Bightcon Months' Imprison ment."

Dead Eyes That Winked.

For wonderful stories road the Paris "Figaro." Horo is ono of thorn : —Dr Do la Pommcrais was executed in Juno, ISO 4, for a murder of the Palmer typo. On the night before his oxecut ion he was visited by Surgeon Vclpeau, who, aftor a fow preliminary remarks, in formed him that he camo in tho interest of science, and that ho hoped for Dr. T>o la Pommerais's co-opovation, " You know," ho said, "that ono of tho most interesting questions of physiology is as to whother any ray of momory, rellection, or real sonsibility survives in the brain of a man after tho fall of tho head." At this point the con domned man looked somewhat startled; but professional instincts at once resumed their sway, and the two physicians calmly discussed and arranged the dotails of an experiment for tho next morning. "When the knife falls," said A relpean, "I shall bo standing at your sido, and your lioad will at once pass from tho executioner's hands into mine. I will then cry distinctly into your ear: ' Couty de la Pommorais, can you at this moment thrice lower tho lid of your right eye while the left remains open ?" The next day, when the great surgeon reached tho condemned cell, he found tho doomed man practising the sign agreed upon. A few moments later the guillotine had done its work, the heaciwas in Velpeau's hands, and the question put. Familiar as he was with the most shocking and ghastly scenes, he was almost frozen with terror as he saw the right lid fall, while tho other eye looked fixedly at him. "Again!" he cried frantically. The lids moved, but they did not part. It was all over.

A young lady, reading in a newspaper the other day of a girl having been made crazy by a sudden kiss, called the attention of her uncle, who was in the room, to this singular occurrence, whereupon the old gentleman gruflly demanded what the feol had gone crazy for. " What did she_ gc crazy for ?" archly returned the ingenious maiden, " Why, for more, I suppose."

FEMALE POISONERS.

All Arsonioal Solution of Fly Papors.—

Unexampled Cruelty.

[KKOiM OUR LONDON COKKKSI'ONDKNTj

Few murdors inoro terrible or forocious can well bo imagined than tho crime—or rather long serios of crimes—for which twowomon, Catherine Flannaganand Margaret Higgins, were tho other afternoon most justly sontonced to death at Liverpool Assizes. I wrote you something about Mrs Flanna gan's, caso last November, but at at that time, sho was only suspected of being a dis ciple of Lucrozia Borgia; in fact, as may be guessed from tho following resume of the affair) it has taken many months, much dotcctivc skill, and a prolonged trial to bring guilt home to her and her accom plice. The murders committed by thoso two in human wretches will take rank with the most atrocious which our criminal annals can produce, a spocially vile feature about them being that greed of money was the incentive to crime.

In Soptombor of last year Thomas Hoggins, a labouring man, residing with his wife and daughter in Latiinor-streot, Liverpool, fell ill. Dr. Whitford, a medical ollicor of the city, was called in, and to him Higgins acknowledged that he had been drinking a good deal of late. He was suffering from various symptoms, which led the medical man to suppose that it was a case of alcoholic poisoning, and ho appears to havo so treated it. At all ovents, m a short time he again saw the patient, who was no bettor, butappoarcd to bo sulloring from dyscntory, and a few days later—a week or so after ho whs first called in — ho was told that I tiggins was dead, and was asked to givo a certificate of death. Dr. Whitford apparently felt no hesitation in certifying that tho deceased man had died from dysontery. Ho had boon waited upon during his illness by his wifo, and by his eistor-in-law, Mrs Flanna gan ; and tho d6etor saw no reason to sup poso that thoro had boon any foul play in tho business, Fortunately, however, for the ends of justice, tho deceased's brother was not so easily satisfied. Ho know that Thomas was a mnn in good health and strength, and ho could not understand how ho so soon gavo way to what did not appear to bo a vory clangorous malady. Moreover, ho probably already had his suspicions aroused from other deaths which had pre viously taken placo among tho prisoner's relatives. Ho thereforo ropairod to the coroner, and obtained an order for a post mortem examination ; but whon Dr. Whit ford and another doctor, who performed tho operation, arrived at tho collar where tho Iliggins family lived, they found that the funeral was just about to tako placo. Portions of tho interior of tho body were thon at once subjected to examination, and subsequently analysed ; and it is a romark able fact that Mrs Flannagan, when sko heard of what had occurrod, absconded, and was only discovered and arrested many days afterwards. It appoarcd from tho evi dence of Dr. Campbell Brown, a specialist in poisonn, who was called as a witness on Friday, that ho had examined tho contents of tho bottles sent to him, and had found a quantity of arsonic in tho various organs of the deceased man. The taking of'thc arsenic must, ho testified, have extonded over several days ; and there was a sufficient quantity found altogether to enablo him to say arsenical poisoning was the cause of doath. A previous examination and analysis had taken placo, in which tho prcsenco of arsenic in tho remains was placod beyond doubt.

Ah goon as this was known, orders were obtained for tho exhumation of tho bodies of other persons whom Flannagan and Higgins were suspoctcd of having done to death by poison. Thcso wero Margaret .lonnings, a girl of ninetcon, who with her father had lodged in Flannagan's liou.se, and boon waited on by the two women in her last illness; a child, the stop-daughter of tho prisoner Higgins, called Mary Higgins, in whoso death the stepmother alono was charged with having a hand ; and John Flunnagan, brother of the othor prisoner, who died after a week's illness, boing also attended by tho two women, apparently without the assistance of any doctor whatever. Each ono of these bodies was dug up—John Flannagan had been dead for threo years—and their re mains subjected to examination and analysis As a result, it is now certain that these two wrotched womon have been engaged in secretly destroying thoir nearest relatives, without hesitation and without remorse, for a series of years past. Indeed, there are suspicions of othor murders com mitted by tho same hands. Dr. Campbell Brown swore that tho bodies of all these thrco individuals wore found, when ex humed, in such a perfect state of preserva tion as in itself gavo strong corroboration to tho idea that they were the victims of arsenical poisoning ; while tho remains of each one of them disclosed tho presenco of a large amount of tho deadly drug, quito suliicient to cause death. The pocket of tho prisoner Higgins's dress was cut out, and in tho fluff at tho bottom was dis covered a largo mixturo of arsenic dust, which is supposed to havo got spilt from some bottlo or paper. Further in a bottle in the cellar of tho houso whore Thomas Higgins died was found a small quantity of a mixturo containing, according to Dr. Brown's evidence, "a neutral solution of arsonic, somo colouring matter, mineral particles, and vegetable fibre." Now, as a consoquence of this ovidenco, two questions ariso—whoro had the prieonors got tho arsenic, and what motive had thoy for destroying these four lives ? The first ques tion seoma to have rather baffled tho prosecution until latoly. It was imagined that rat poison had boon used ; but there was no indication in tho remains that such was tho case, as indigo or soot—usually mingled with this poison—would in that event havo been found by the analysts. Arsenic in a puro form would probably not havo been sold to women like Flannagan and Higgins, noither of whom, it seems, knew how to write, or if it had, the evidonco of a chemist's assistant would have been forthcoming by this time, as in Lamson's case. Where, then, had tho poison been ob tained ? At length the idea seems to have struck somebody that there is arsenic in fly-papers ; and Dr. Campbell Brown gave the result of some experiments which he had made with an " Infallible Fly Paper," of Liverpool manufacture. In each speci men lie found that there was almost a grain of arsenic, and on comparing a solution formed by soaking this paper with the con tents of tho bottle found in the cellar, he obtained a fluid almost exactly identical. It is, theroforo, tolerably certain that Catherine Flannagan and Margaret Higgins took this cunning means of obtaining the arsonic solution with which to undermine the lives of their unhappy victims. Of the awful and cold-blooded cruelty practised by these fionds in human shape it is need less to say anything. The evidence of a neighbour who saw Thomas Higgins just before his death was to the effect that he was moaning and crying out for water, and that the prisonor Flannagan was offering him somo liquid out of a spoon. Ho tasted

it, and turned his head away in dis gust, and on his again crying for wator tho neighbour gave him some, upon which ho " thanked God," and turn ing ovor on his face, was dead almost in an instant. He was a strong healthy man of forty-five, with no organic disea.se to ac count for hiH fearfully sudden end.

Trcvious to the death of Thomas Higgins, his lifo had been insured by the prisoners in as many as five difl'eront societies. Al together a sum of ninety-two pounds ought to have fallon to tho deceased's representa tives upon his dcatli, and a certain amount of this was actually obtained. Here we have tho motive for all the murders, re vealed in tho most startling simplicity. Tho prisoners worked upon a settled plan, and mado a complete business of poisoning. They were enormously helped in their systom of speculating in human lives by the fact that some insurance companies were willing to insuro Thomas Higgins's lifo without his knowledge, and to receive the weekly premiums from his wife and sister-in-law. Upon this point the evidence is so instructive that it ought to bo quoted in full. Mr Finnigan, agent for the Prudential Insuranco Company in Liver pool, was called to explain the circum stances under which ho insured the lifo of tho deceased man somo time in Febru ary, ISS3. He said, " I filled up the name of Thomas Iliggins in the proposal produced. I saw Thomas Iliggins, but did not speak to him, because Mrs Flannagan told mo ho was rathorodd. She told mo not to speak to him." Tho .Judge thon inquired, "Why did you purposoly refrain from speaking to the man 1" To which tho witness frankly replied, " Be cause I thought lie might have objected to tho insurance." This drew from his lord ship the exclamation, "I thought so." In spito of only having .seen the assured at a dista'neo of fourteen yards, tho agent stated to his directors that ho was of opinion Thomas lliggins was in good lioalth. Asked if he was aware that lie was commit ting forgery in signing Thomas HigginsV name in the proposal, tho agent said lie thought it was " all right." Another agont, for a different society, actually allowed the little daughter of Mrs Flannagan to sign tho doccascd man's name; while yet a third official of an insuranco company stated that ho had asked to sco Thomas Higgins before insuring his life, and that Mrs Flan nagan had pointed out to him a wrong man. It is not .surprising that under these circum stancos Mr Justice Butt remarked that he had never heard of such a .^tate of things in his lifo ; and the ovidonce in this terrible murder trial obviously calls for somo amend ment in the law relating to the ways of in surance companies.

HUMOUROUS CLIPPINGS.

What part of a dwolling-houso would best suit a phrenologist for his study I— The scullery.

An Abordonian recently bought a horso by photograph, thus literally getting the cirto licforo tho horso.

" What a beautiful thing, my dear, is a rosy cheek !" " Yes, husband, but how great the contrast when the blush settles on tho nose !"

A friend of a noted sculptor was boasting of tho artist's skill, when one of his auditors remarked : " Your friend is doubt less a great sculptor, but he can't carve a turkey. I've seen him try and fail."

" Don't you remember tho next word in your lesson ? It's the word after cheese. What comes after chceso ?" " Mouse !" exclaimed tho triumphant pupil. A musical composer, having been asked if ho had done anything lately, said " Yes," his last work was a " composition—with his creditors."

" Free Chops " is a sign hung out by a Chicago restaurant, and when the customers apply they are shown a wood pile and handed an axe. Whon Kcan was playing Louis XL at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, a rather laugh ublo tiling occurred. When the attendants announced "The King is dead!" a pious Irishman in the stalls exclaimed, " And may the Lord have mercy on his guilty sowl!"

Yeast was invented in the year leven; gambling in the year won ; pianos in the year forte ; icstheticism in the year "too ;" tho German negative in the year " nein ;" and free lunches in the year " ate."

Tho most absent-minded of men is the professor who, when he hears himself knocking tho ashes out of his pipe, will call out, " Come in."

A refreshment bar on a northern railway is kept by a veteran baker. A sprightly young travellor complained of one of his pies the other day. The old man became angry. "'Young man," ho said severely, "I made pies before you was born." " Yes," responded tho travellor, "I fancy this must bo one of those same pies." A couplo of pedestrian "gonts from town," passing a tollbar, attempted a joke at the expense of a young woman who stood at tho door, by asking what the chargo was for passing through the bar. "If you are gentlomcn, nothing ; if you are donkeys, a penny each," replied the damsel, much to their discomfiture.

At a West-End Rkstauraxt.— Guest (who has a complaint to make): "I say, waiter, where's tho proprietor?" Waiter (contemptuously): "Gone to his club to dinner. You don't suppose 'c dines 'ere, do you ?"

Mrs Hunter (to shopman): "If you will cut mo a small sample of this I will find out from my dressmaker how many yards I need, and can send for tho goods by post." Enfant Terrible: "Why, mamma, that's just what you said in all tho othor shops." "What is the name of your cat? ono lad asked of another. "We used to call him William until ho had fits, but now wo call him Fits- William."

A famous Prussian general was inspecting somo military stables. " What do I see there," ho said, in tones of thunder, to a sergeant—"cobwebs?" "Yes, sir," was the respectful reply. "Wo keep them there to catch tho flies, and prevent their teasing tho horses." Sunday-school teacher, about to comment on St. Paul's directions for tho conduct of mon and women during Divine service: " Wow, do you know why women do not take off their bonnets in church ?" Small boy: " 'Cos thoy ain't got no looking glasses to put 'em on again by." In a railway carriage: Guibollard asks very politely, "Madame, does smoking trouble you?" "Oh, yes, monsieur; not ordinar ily, but to-day—" "Ah! madame," re plied Guibollard, in a very sympathetic tone, " how much you are about to suffer I" —Paris Wit.

A practical Yankee being told that in the days of tho Millennium the lion and the lamb will lie down together, said " ho ex pectod the lamb would lay down inside tho lion."

Speaking of the house of a lady who does not intend to spoil her children by sparing the rod, somebody remarked how neat and clean everything was. "Yes," said Fogg, " everything is like whacks works." "Pomade, sir?" politely said a barber to a cranky customer in his chair." " No," ho growled, " I don't want any oleomargine on my head." "All right, sir," rsplied the cranium manipulator, "I never put butter on cabbage."

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1884.

6



Railways. |J E W ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TIME TABLE. — Ox and after APRIL Ist, 1884. AUCKLAND AND ONEHUNGA LINK. Out. Week Days. Sundays. ._.. ... . i Sat a.m. a.m.,no'n p.m.|p.m. p.m.lp.m. p.m. p.m. p.m :i mn m 0 Auckland dep. 7.15 8.40J12.0 2.0 .. 1.15 5.20 6.0 8.30 IUS 90 9 w 2 Newmarket Junction .. 7.25 8.5012.10 2.10 .. 1.25 5.30 6.10 8.40 1125 nio 9in 8 lljmueru 7.30 8.5512.15 2.15! .. 1.30 5.35 0.15 8.15 11.30 915 iik 1 rtGrcen Lane .. J .. .. .. ' "* 5 aEllerslic i .. .. i .. .. 1 .. I .. li Penroso Junction .. ..I 7.15 9.1012.30 2.301 1.12A1.12 5.50 6.32 9.0 11.11 9"'ft *h ale Papapa .. j .. .... 8 Onohunga arr. 7,5.5 9.2012. Joi 2.10 4.21J 1.50 6.0 ! 6.10 9.10 11.50 0.35 3.7 ONEHUNGA LINE. In. Week Days. Sundays. a.m.a.m.|a.m.|a.m. p.m.p.m.p.m.p.m.p.m.p.m. p.m.a.m.p.m. 0 Onehunga .. .. dep. 7.5 8.20! !).2O 10.10 1.0 355 1.30 5.10 6.20 0.55 9.30 10.0 5.30 aTe Papapa .. .. 1 .... 3 Pcnrose Junction .. .. 7.13 8.30|c!).30| 610.20 1.10rZ1.5 61.10 5.20 efi.3o cVl.b 9.4010.10 510 laKllerslie "77"' ~T~ •■ oflQreonLane I (il Rcmucra 7.30 8.11 "' 10.3.5 1.25 1.30 " 5.a5 " 7.20 9.5.510.21 553 7 Newmarket Junction .. 7.3.5 8.50 : 10.11 1.30 1.10 " 5.40 " 7.25 10.010 26 5-58 8j Auckland .. .. arr. 7.15 3.0 ~ j 10.50 1.10 1.49 ;; 5.50 ;; 7.35!10.1010.35 6.7 6 Change for Mercer and Intermediate Stations. c Change forTe Awamutu and Intermediate Stations. d Change for Auckland and Intermediate Stations. c Change for Otahnhu. MAIN LINE. AUCKLAND - MERCER -TE AWAMUTU. South-Week Days. ■ I—b r~^ " „ . . am. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p, m , 0 Auckland dep. 6.0 620 9.0 9.15 4.15 GO 2 Newmarket Junction .. .. G.lO «.3O 0.11 9.57 I 1.25 Kin 3 llemuera 0.15 .. 9.15 10.3 i 4.30 o'ls nl Green Lano .. .. c .. a ao KUerslio.. .. c .. a" ' 6 I'enrose Junction 6.32 6.17 f1.30 10 20 I 64.45 66'ffl « Ctahuhu — 6.12 7.5 9.10 .. | 4.57 (\A2 II Papatoitoi .. 9.50 10.17 I 5.6 15 Manurewa .. .. c .. o'O 111 Papakura 8.0 10.18 .. ! 5.35 n2l Hunua .. .. c .. ! 22 Drury 8.15 10.37 llilO ! 5.55 a23 Runciman .. .. c .. a2B Paerata .. .. c .. 30 Pukckohc 5.07 11.5 12.18 6.25 <i 33 Buckland c .. 3.5 Tuakau 8.20 11.22 .. 6.11 a27 Wangaruta .. . c .. 10 Pokeno .. 11.38 ' 71 43 MERCER iH£ • 10° IL5° '-20 7.18 " < dep- .. 10.20 12.10 T. T. «50 Whangamarino .. .. .. .. | ab\ Wairangi 006 Rangiriri aOO Ohinewai •• •• 65 Huntly J2.0 1.21 69 'laupiri .. 1.3!) 71 Ngaruawahia .. 12.55 1.55 a7B Pukete aSI Teßapa 85 Hamilton Junction .. .. .. 1.35 2.35 85 Hamilton .. 1.40 !)0 Rukuhia .. .. .. | 111 Ohaupo .. .. 3.8 a.% Lakoltoad 99 Ngaroto : .. .. .. 3.25 100 Tb Awamutu .. .. an-. .. .. 3.30 North—Week Days. I li 1 a I a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. 0 Tb Awamutu .. .. dep. .. .. .. 9.10 2 Ngaroto.. .. : .. .. .. .. .. 9.47 n I Lake Road 7 Ohaupo .. .. .. 10.4 all Rukuhin II! Hamilton .. .. .. .. 2.0 16 Hamilton Junction .. ; .. 10.40 2.5 a2O Teßapa a23 Pukete 27 Ngaruawahia .. .. .. 11.20 2.49 31 Taupiri .. .. 11.10 3.10 36 Huntly .. .. 12.5 3.30 oil Ohinewai a1.5 Rangiriri .. .. : «I 7 Wairangi nsl Whangamarino .. .. .. .. _ o, MhRCfcR , dcp- 6.15 .. 11.20 1.45 5.20 GO Pokeno 6.26 .. .. 1.57 a63 Wangarata .. .. .. .. / .. 65 Tuakau 6.16 .. .. 2.18 aOB Buckland .. .. .. / .. 70 Pukekohe 7,6 .. I 12.40 2.35 6.23 073 Paerata .. | / .. a7B Runciman .. .... / .. 78 Drury 7.43 .. 1.20 3.10 7.5 oSO Hunua .. .. .. / .. 81 Papaknra 7.51 .. .. 3.22 85 Manurcwa 8.10 .. 1 / .. 7.3t 89 Papatoitoi 8.28 j 2 25 3.55 7.50 92 Otahuhu 8 3S 7.5 .. 4.3 .. 6.50 95 Pcnrose Junction 68.51 d 7.15 2.53 64.15 8.20 7.5 n 96 Ellcrslie .. ft.. ni'7 Green Lano ; .. .. h .. 97 Remuera SM .. .. 4.30 8.35 7.?0 98 New-market Junction .. .. 9.11 .. 3.20 c 1.40 8.41 7.25 100 Auckland arr. 9.20 „ 3.30 4.49 8.50 7.35 b Change for OnehuDga. B—Goods Trains-a Passenger Carriage is attached to these Trains which stop for Passengers by Signal only, and runs from Huntly to Hamilton and back on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only, d Change for Auckland and intermediate Stations, c Change for Helensville and intermediate Stations. D— Goods Trains-a Passenger Carriage U attached to these Trains which stop for Passengers by Signal only, c Only stops to pick up Passengers for Waikato. /Only stops to set down Passengers from Waikato. a Flag Stations.—Trains do not stop unless required. Notice should be given to the Guard at the previous stopping Stations by any Passengers desiring to alight at Flag Stations, g Only stops to pick up Passengers, ft Only stops to set down Passengers. KAIPARA BRANCH. AUCKLAND - HENDERSON - HELENSVILLE. OUT.—Week Days, IN.—Week Days. ;a.m.la m. p.m. I a.m.p.m. p.m. 0 Auckland (departure) .. .. 7.1510.50 4.30 0 Helensville (departure) .. 0.25 .. 4.30 2 Newmarket Junction .. .. 7.2611.10 4.41 a3;Ohirangi IMountEden 73111.17 4.46 aljPaeroa nsKingsland a6iWoodhill o5 Morningsifie - «7Reweti ai Mount Albert alOWaimauku SAvondale 7.4711.37 5.3 14 Kumeu Junction .. .. 7.25 .. 5.35 aSNewLynn al7lTaupaki nil Waikomiti 19Waitakorc 7.45 .. 5.55 II Henderson : 8.1012.4 5.30 a2lSwanson ' aHSwanson j .. ~~ .. JfSffi^M B' lo 2>° GA° 20Waitakero 5.35 .. 5.55 "% W A '"k T olmtl n<y> TnnTinki «29 New Lynn "2o: KunVeu Junction:: " ll 5.55 " 6.17 M Avondalc 8.37 2.27 6.41 /»9<i Wnimniitrii "32 Mount Albert frtlßcwSa - a33Morningside SliWoodlill n34Kingsland n3sPaeroa 35 Mount Eden 8.55 2.48 7.0 36Newmarkot Junction.. ..69.10 3.5 7.10 38Helenaville" '.'. '.'. ::9.55" 7.20 38 Auckland (arrive) .. ..9.81)316 7.20 C—Goods Train—a Passenger Carriage is attached to this Train which stops for Passengers by Signal only, a Change for Waikato. GENERAL CONDITIONS. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF TRAINS.-The Department does not pledge itself as to the despatch or arrival of trains at the exact time shown in the Time Tables; should circumstances rendor it impossiDlo or inexpedient for a train to proceed, the fares paid will be returned. The Department does not undertake to forward passengers in such cases. CHILDREN.—Children under three years of age are carried free; above three, and under twelve yers of age, at half fare. PASSENGERS can be booked at Stations conditionally only that there is room in the train. PASSENGERS entering the train at a Booking Station without a ticket, or having got in at a Flag Station and not taking a ticket at tho proper Booking Station, will be charged one shilling in addition to the ordinary fare. LUGGAGE.—Each passenger is allowed to take 1121bs. of Personal Luggage free (not including merchandise of any kind), and for every 561bft, or fraction of 561b5., above this weight, for every 50 miles, the charge will bo one shilling. No luggage will be allowed to be taken into the carnages unless of such a size that it can bo placed under the seat without inconvenience. The Department will not be responsible for luggage which is not carried in the ran, or which passengers may have neglected to see labelled. Passengers having lugguage to ko by train must present it at the Station at least ten minutes before the advertised departure of the train, or tho Department will not be responsible for its despatch. Passengers who have lost luggage are requested to give notice to the Station Masters at once. Tho Department will not be responsible for any luggage or parcels improperly left about the Station premises. GOODS AND PARCELS to Flag Stations, platform, and private sidings, whore no officer of the Department is in charge, must be prepaid, and will be put out at such Stations at tho risk of consignee. PARCELS must bo at the Station at least thirty minutes before the advertised time of departure of the train by which thoy are to be forwarded. HORSES, CARRIAGES, AND DOGS.-The Department does not undertake to forward Horses, Carriages, or Dogs by any particular train, but when sent the must be at the forwarding Stations half-an-hour before the departure of the train. The owners of horses must provide moans of securing them in tho horse box, and tho Railway Department will not be accountable for any injuries sustained through their breaking loose or otherwise, nor will it undertake to carry unbroken or vicious horses. At country Stations requisitions for horse boxes or carriage trucks must be made the day before they are wanted. •,,DOGS_ muißt bßi Provided with chains or other sufficient means of securing them. They } n<?tfe • allowed, m, carnages, and the sender must obtain a ticket, to be given up beforo the end of the journey, before the dog is delivered. SMOKING is strictly prohibited in any part of the Railway premises or in the carriages, except those specially sot apart and marked for the purpose. * ' «3* All Time Tables issued prior to this date are now cancelled. J. P. JLAXWELL, General Managor.