SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

lii New Zealand. Gorildino U.C. Spring September __, 26 We. Bay J.C. Spring October 6, i IPiiknranga Hunt Club Steeplechase Meet; j* ins October 2o lYunnkiiT.C. Spring October 28 Iptagauui J.C. Spring ..... ..Nov. 2 Canterbury J.C, Metropolitan.... Nov. 11, v, w Auckland RC. Spring.. 5 0V'H iT.-k.-puna J.C. Spring Vt"Nm-m W l ,iti_i ( .toii R.C. Spring v . -Nov. 28,29 liiu-edlii J.C. Spring... - Nov. 29, Dec. 1

Australia. T.A.T.x.. (Cnulfleld) Mee-_iig..October llandlS V _~,U. Spnutj November 1, J, l>, 8

To Correspondents.

U.tS.—Brown and Roso was scratched for the »:toat Metropolitan Stakes on the 2flth of An. use.

(kuil Kbown (Pon-onby).-Anel and Perfume lire both by Dainty Ariel; Omega, by Blcd iiH.r«; Prince Charlie and Smike, by Papapa. .All five are out, of Una.

bJ-OiiT (Cambridge). --You can purchase Whetham and Walker's " N.Z. Turf Record «*t the local bookselleis', Upton Se Co., Queen ■sireuL It contains all Hie information you desire. The price is (is Gd»

SNQOl.t___t.-The Tester, sire of Tremando, was bred Ir England in 1870. He is by baccha- V.meter (son of Sweetmeat)- Lady Abbess, by Surplice—Lady Sarah, by Velocipede—Lady Maori Carew, by Trump. The Tester was iin ported to Xew South Wales oy Mr Baldwin I In 1817.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Thk fine weathor wo have had of late has bi_.!>n the means of making the racecourse

a.t fillerslie look pretty busy in the morn ings. Krupp, Necklace, and Radames are lill looking extremely well, and of the three two-year-olds that Chaafe has in hand, Der-

ringer ig the most forward. Libeller and Tetford, who have been brought up from •the Thames, are amongst thoso who havo figured on the course during the week, and both have wintered woll. The pair are in charge of their old trainer, George Row lands. Mr Lushington's two-year-olds are both shaping nicely, and the young lady who bears the name of Steal All gives pro-

mi.°e of being able to hold her own when j the colours are up. R. Thorpe has Satanella in hand and Mr W. Proffitt's two-year-old illy Welcome Katie, while W. Davis is looking after Mr E. D. Halstead's hurdle roeer Minuet. At Papakura, I learn that French has six in work, viz., _Fishwoman, Mitrailleuse, Pishgirl, Tor pedo, the two-year-old Musket—Slander colt, and a two-year-old filly by Musket — Posarina. J. Rae has in hand at the Three Kings, Chandler, Shotover, and the two year-old filly Cnpella. Mr Thompson's team, who are quartered at Brown's Island, consists of Yuba Bill, Angler, Pearl, and AS., and I understand all are looking particularly well. By oablo we learn that Bargo i 3 held in such favour for the V.1..C. Derby that 5 ty 2 is now the best offer against him. The Broker seems to have a good following, and he is quoted at sto 1. The prices for the Melbourne Cup, cabled by Reuter during the week, are as follows :—

14 to 1 against Bargo 11 to 1 — Off Colour 21 to 1 — LeGrand 20 to 1 — Tremando 25 to 1 — Hilltop 25 to 1 — Sir Modred 33 to I — the others. • Mr Percival issued a neat little book this week containing the Auckland Racing Club programmes for the forthcoming racing 8,-;»son. The entries for all events of the

Ciub closed to date are also given, besides a

list.of winnors of previous races, weight •for-age scale, etc. Nominations for tho two principal events of the Spring Meeting close on the 3rd of October.

.Sir Modred's victory in the GK."b Metro politan Stakes was a most unpopular one, and from several quarters of the grand stand and lawn hoots and groans were levelled-against him before he had passed the winning post. After the son of Traducer had weighed in, his rider, Colley, was called before the stewards and questioned with reference to the horse'srunningin the Spring Stakes. Colley, in answer to the Hon. J. White, the chairman, said he rode the horse out in the race referred to, and wasat a lo3s to account for his improved form. He acknowledged having had the best of a gallop on Hastings on Monday afternoon, but attributed the same to the last-named being an indifferent performer in private. Colley said that he himself had backed Hastings, and lost £15 on him. Nothing further was done save to call upon Mr J. Mondy, the owner of Sir Modred, to appear before the stewards, and show cause why the horse shall not be disqualified on ac count of his inconsistent running. It is stated that although Sir Modred is nomin ated by Mr Proudfoot, the real owner is Mr Mondy. After the-decision of the race it was discovered that several bookmakers had laid their full books against the winner, and nn impression gained evidence that the stable had got on for a fair stake at liberal odds; 20 to 1 was freely offered against him before ho left the paddock, but after what had happened in connection with the Hawkeebury Handicap people were afraid to touch him.;

The following foalings have taken place at Sylvia Park this week :—

Lure (Cull sister to Lurline)—black colt to Leo linns. • " Sweet Cicely—brown Ally to Antcros. Frailty (dam of Trenton)—brown colt to Anteros. l.uiiKawcrewere—brown colt to Musket. Agate (by Rapid Bay—Onyx)—brown colt to Musket,

I am glad to hear that the Christchurch trainer, George Wright, who arrived here some weeks back, has succeeded in getting employment. He is located at the Show C rounds, Green Lane, and has under his charge Carbineer, Revolver, the Pakuranga Hunt Cup candidate Quilp, and the two year-old fillies Steal All and Lady Lons dale.

The Hon. W. Robinson has made another .addition to his string, having pur chased the chestnut colt Wizard by King of Clubs from Charm, which was passed in at the last Middle Park sale, and who has since then been receiving his early tuition at Ted Cutts's hands. Wizard's name appears amongst those en gaged in the forthopming C.J.C. Welcome Stakes.

Auckland horse-owners who intend having c a cut-in for the next Dnnedin Cup of l,ooosovs., D.J.C. Handicap, and Foroury Handicap, should bear in mind that nomi nations close on Saturday next, before eight o'clock. Martini-Henry's many Auckland ad mirers will be glad to hear that he has | a;ain put in an appearance on the Rand wick training ground, but it is stated he U looking somewhat big. "ToutCela" says Mr Fennelly feels quite confident that the son of Musket will be able to take part V in the coining Flemington campaign. c: ; The third payment for the Caulheld Cup, ; which fell due" on the Ist of September, shows that 73 still remain in. The follow ing are the names of those struck out :— Hurricane, Bristol, Hesperian, Lord Exeter, Gulden Butterfly, Brown-and-Rose, Madcap, M.inrico, Livingstone, Landsborough, Bryan O'Lynn, Mentmoro, Country Boy, Maggie Moore,. Exminstcr, Anchorite, Caller Ou, Grace Darling, Impulse. Nineteen have paid-up for the Guineas, the most prominent names being Tremando, Cairngorm, David, " The Bohemian, Silver King, Coir, Gratitude, I and Helene. It will be remembered that a few weeks back I took exception to tho severe nature of the course over which tho Pakuranga Hunt Club Steeplechases are to be run, but since then the Committee have considered the matter, and decided to take clown the gtone wall and make it more easy to . negotiate. This is what "Mazoppa" says in referring to the matter;—" That hill at the back of the cutting is a regular terror. It is so steep that all but the stoutest and best-conditioned horses must inevitably 1 bust up' before the last half-mile is reached, and I should think that the chances of a close finish are very small indeed. Such a severe course may have its uses as test of stamina and endurance, but for the purpose of a race it is unnecessarily rough on the horses." The race for the A.J.C. Derby was arery hollow affiiir, it being reduced to a match between the Hon. J. White and Mr A. F. " Smart, each of whom had two representa tives^ —the 'o-mer Bargo and Tremando, sni the latter C-iirugrrrm and Nepicallina. In the paddock, odds of 3to 1 were laid on •Birgo winning, but a few reputed good judges cherished the idea that Cairngorm would turn ihe tables on him. Their cal culations were greatly at fault, however, for Cairngorm was outpaced from tho jump, .and notwithstanding that Yoemans pushed '. him along every yard of the journey, he was 'totally unable to reach Bargo, who sailed leisurely into the straight and defeated . I Tremando in the run home. Ellis shook the f whip at Tremando- when within the dis tance, and the colt responded co readily that lor an instant it appeared as if he I would' give Bargo some trouble, but Hales I bad a tight hold of the favourite, and he had only to e_we hi. head to enable him to .; win easily by a clear length. Mr Smart's )• pair were beaten off, and Bargo could have vm by hfdf-a-dczen lengths did the or. ca'i'n require. Tbo Hon. J. White« iTii'len victory in the A.J.G. Derby wa.< well received on all hands, and after weij'h .»•; in.Uargo, decorated with the orthodox blue garland of the New South Wales turf, BStwas paraded on the lawn and vociferously ■fcpnlauded by the occupants of the stand. -

Mr D. LUVPgon's colt Cairo was .again suc cessful at the Hawktsbury Spring Sleeting, the Two-Year-Old Sti&es. falling to his crodit. Ho got over the half-mile in SOJeoe?., and amongst the nine who opposed him were two of Grand Flaneur's progeny. Cairo is half-brother to Wallangra, and if he trains on, should havo an excellent chance of appropriating the Mar'bvrnong Plate.

It seems to be admitted on nil sides in Australia that the Hon. J. White has a great colt in Tremando. "Vigilant," of tho Melbourne " Sportsman," who attended tho A.J.C. Spring Meeting, states he is convinced that when the son of The Tester is thoroughly wound up, ho will be found to be 71b. better than Bargo. In his opinion he is the best colt Fcnnolly ever trained.

The tactics adopted by certain Aus tralian horse-owners this season has been, to say the least, disgusting, and a great out cry has been raised among the Sydney public at the way they havo been treatod. Sir Modred's withdrawal from the Hawkes bury Handicap was followed up by some equally discreditable proceedings in the "Metrop.," Malua and Off Colour both being rushed into the market for thatevent, and then suddenly withdrawn. The matter has become so serious that the Australian Jockey Club have taken it up and tho following rule which has been drawn up will be considered at a special meeting of the Club called for the 22nd of September:-" If for a race for which tho first forfeit has been de clared any horse be withdrawn within seven days of the time appointed for running, tho committee may call upon the owner or nominator for an explanation ; and, unless thoy aro satisfied that the reasons assigned for the scratching are sufficient, they may disqualify such horse) and the owner or nominator, or all or any of them, for such period as they may think lit, and may de clare off all bets Effecting such horse in respect of that race." There was only a small attendance at tho sale of the Grange two-year-olds at Rand wick. Of the five lots submitted, throo only found purchasers, tho two passed in being a full sister to Lo Grand and a chest nut filly by Epigram from Eineute. There was a reserve of 1000 guineas on tho first named, but 700 guineas was tho best offer. She was consequently withdrawn, and hor owner.Mr W, H. Kent,has decided to place her in T. Lamond's stable, to bo trained for future engagements. Appended aro par ticulars of the threo lot 3 sold :—Brown colt, 2 years, brother to Canary, by Epigram— Caprice, Mr W. A. Long, 550 guineas; brown colt, 2 years, brother to Sir Oliver, by Epigram—Olive, Mr E. Sampson, 400 fuineas ; grey colt, 2 years, by Epigram— oxglove, Mr J. Allison, 140 guineas. The Emeute filly was passed in at 300 guineas The prices realised were considered full value, and surprise was expressed at the two lots boing passed in. The action of the Auckland Racing Club in raising the Derby of 18S6-S7 to 750eovs. is thus referred to by " Mazeppa ": —" This i 3 perhaps a rather ambitious undertaking for the A.R.C., but it proves at any ratio that the members of the Club have illimit able faith in its future prospects, and that they aro not lacking in enterprise. The worst luck I wish the Club is that the new race may fill as well as the V.R.C. Derby, and I for one shall not grudge them one jot of the praise if the event develops in the course of time into an important race."

The Sandown Park Club announce that tho second Great Eclipse Stakes will bo run at Sandown Park in July, 1887. The conditions are that the winner shall receive 10,000sdvs, and the second 500sovs. It is a mile and a quarter, weight for age, with penalties for winners of weight-for-age races, and a 101b penalty for the winner of the Derby, Oaks, St. Leger, and Grand Prix.

Although Hales was insensible when picked up from the fall ho received while riding Despot in the "Metrop.," ho soon got round, and was afterwards well enough to walk about the paddock. It is a strange coincidence that Hales should have fallen at very nearly the same.spot whilst riding the ill-fated Morpeth, who was killed in the melee, which took place between him and his stable associate, Martini-Henry, at the last A.J.O. Autumn Meeting. A capital instance of " diamond cut dia mond " occurred in the Hawkesbury Pro duce Stakes. • The eventual winner, Reginald, is in the same Victorian stable as The Broker, the colt lately backed for a fair amount in the V.R.C. Derby, and he unquestionably came to Hawkesbury in the hope of "getting a line " by meeting Bargo. This was shrewd of Mr. Martin, tbo owner (says "ToutCela") but "the best laid schemee of men and mice aft gang aglee." The Hon. James White sent lolanthe in stead, and thus turned the •tables by getting a line himself—which was shrewder still.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Major George returned from the South on Monday. Una (the datnof Carbineer) has dropped a foal to Billingsgate. The "Australian Turf Record" for the past season has been issued. Ted Kelly is preparing King Don for the Pakuranga Hunt Club Meeting. * The annual stallion parade will bo held at the Ellerslie show grounds on Saturday next.

An Auckland admirer of Martini-Henry tpok 1,000 to 35 this week that he wins the Melbourne Cup.

The Hon. J. White's frauds, Segenhoo and Gloucester, have been relegated to stud duties at Mr A. Town's stud farm.

Trenton has again put in' an appearance on the Christchurch racecourse, but has been only treated to gentle exercise.

A Tattersall's Club has been formed in Wellington. Mr E. H. Goldsmith has been appointed Secretary pro. tern.

Mr J. Pilbrow has supported his colt Ugly Buck for the Christchurch Derby for a few hundreds at 100 to 6.

After Bonnie Bee's second in the Hawkes bury Handicap he was purchased by Mr. W. J. Forrester, of Richmond, for 750 guineas. Bargo's time for the Hawkesbury Guineas was the fostest on record for that event, the son of Maribyrnong covering the mile in lmin. 44sec.

The Australian Jockey Club inquiry into Sir Modred's withdrawal from the Hawkes bury Handicap had to be dismissed for want of evidence.

Bonnie Bee, who, dufingthe four seasons of his turf career, has,won something like a score of races, has been placed in no fewer than 39 events.

Hastings left the paddock at the long odds of 100 to 6 for the Hawkesbury Handi cap, at which jirice First Demon started last year. *:.'■"

The training stables burned at Fleming ton, of which we were informed by cable, belonged to Mr H. Chifnoy. None of the horses destroyed were known to fame.

The Christchurch Middle Park Stud Company have re-purchased;! Becky Flat. Sho is by King of Clubs out of Welcome Jack's own sister, Becky Sharp.

The Hon. J. White was tho largest win ner at the Hawkesbury Spring Meeting. His cheque amounted to £428 los. The total sum paid away was £2,222.

The English horse Splendour, which Mr Frank Reynolds bought recently from Mr G. G. Stead, has arrived safely at Sydney. He is to stand the season at. the low figure of ten guineas. "SirLauncelot" says the support awarded Ike for the N.Z. Cup has emanated from one of that class of sporting men whom the Hon. J. White holds in such abhorronce—tho "professional backer." Mr J. Stephenson informs " Mazeppa " that the two-year-old colt by Cadogan— Fallacy has been named Everton Lad, and the mare by St. Albans is to be known as

Beeswing.

A Sydney papef states that Garfield has for some time been wasting away from an unknown cause, and, in similar manner to human beings, under what is now known as Bright's disease. Mr M. O'Brien, of New Plymouth, has leased Mr Standish's horses Normanby, Witiora, and Okato for the season. He also has Wide-awake, the runner-up in the late Island Bay Steeplechase, in hand.

One of the remarkable features of the Hawkesbury Handicap was the fact that such well-known horsemen as Hales, Mc- Grade, O'Brien, and Williamson were without mounts. W. Kelso rode Hastings. A commission has been executed in Sydney in favour of The Broker and Con ingsby, and The Broker and Le Grand, for tho.V.RC. Derby and Melbourne Cup. All the money in the market at 1,000 to 5 was taken.

Dirk Hatteraick and the V.R.O. Derby candidate, The Broker, have changed hands, Mr A. R. Robertson having purchased the pair for 2,500 guineas. Both horses are to remain in Morrison's hands to be trained for their engagements. The S.A.J.C. Derby was won by Mr W. Blaokler's filly Gratitude, who was got by countryman from Serenity, Sandal being second, and Helene third. Gratitude won easily by two lengths.and got over the mile and a half in 2mins. 44sees. : '. , At a general meeting of Christchurch [ lattorsalls Club, it was agreed "That a [ new rule be made to allow the Committee to | hoar and adjudicate on coursing matters, I and nlao on other sporting cases-whore both i F-- !<es agree to abide by the decision of tin. Committee." Mr K. G. Griffith was elected Secretary, vice■MSfiV-H. William \ resigned. '"' '

FILED SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTAI.ON.)

FOOTBALL FIXTURES.

Auckland Rugby Union Programme,

Soptombor 13—Representative Team chosen to play against Waikato on tho 20th inst. v. All comers.

September 20 — Auokland v. Waikato, at Hamilton.

CRICKET FIXTURES.

The Australian Eleven. October 31—Shaw's English Eleven v. Aus tralian Team, at Adelaide.

AQUATIC FIXTURES.

September—W. G. Brett v. A. F. Sharland, on Paramatta, for trophy and amateur champion ship of the colonies. October—Opening of the boating soason. October 18-Matterson v. Kemp, JB_oo a-Bide. on the Nepean course. November 9—Whau River Regatta. January 29—Auckland Annualßegatta. January—Hanlan v. Cliilbrd, £500 a-side. May— Hanlan v. Beach, £500 a-Bido and cham pionship of tho world, on the Paramatta River. Clifford v. Tcemcr, £500 a-side.

Tiik football season of '84, now drawing to a close with the projected match between Auckland and Waikato at Hamilton on the 20th inst., maybe considered to have been a more successful one during the last few years. This success is mainly due, first, to tho favourable arranging and triumphantly winning of a series of matches with our sister colony of New South Wales, and secondly, to tho influx in the ranks of the Association of three new clubs, two of which had formerly ranked as juniors, and the third was organised at the beginning of the season. The former of the causes was instrumental in creating among tho general public a greater interest in our old English sport than has been displayed in previous years, while tho unbeaten record which the New Zealand team brought back from their trip to the land of tho " Cornstalks " was gratifying alike to the members of the team, their fellow footballers, and tho patriotism of our colonists at large, who, whether wo send a football team, a cricket team, a New Zealand horee, or an aspiring scholar, to win laurels in othor lands, always feel a lively pride in the victories of the repre sentatives of their adopted home. The prowess of our own Auckland representa tives who took part in the football tour, Messrs Ryan, O'Connor, Carter, andLeoky, will also compare very favourably with that displayed by the best of their Southern companions, and I feel sure that Auckland could furnish, should the occasion arise, a full fifteen equally as good in its various departments as the above quintette. The weekly contests between the different clubs ■ too, have, owing to tho recent editions, been, as a matter of course, more numerous and at the same time more de termined and exciting than in previous years. Of the now adherents to our Rugby Union, the Gordon Club, during the firet series of matohos, made a very bold bid for victory, and, indeed, during the first half of tho season, looked like carrying off first honours, while the Newton and Albert also proved themselves no despicable foes for their older opponents to contend with. With the return matches, however, last year's champion (the Ponsonby team) re asserted their supremacy, and again hold the coveted position of the premier club, while the North Shore and Grafton im proved their position bo as to attain respec tively second and third places. The other senior club (the Auckland) has throughout the season suffered greatly from scarcity of and consequent change of back players, and to this in a great degree may bo attributed the low position (sixth) which they take in tho order of merit. It is, however, but fair to this Club and tho Grafton to state that each during the first part of tho season lost the services of two of their best men, who wore doing service in tho interprovincial team. I hear on good authority that the Victoria Club—which has certainly proved itself the be_t of the juniors this season—intends to join tho Association as a senior club, and to measure its strength against this year's champions. Probably others will follow the example thus set, and I will venture to predict for tho football season of 1885 quite as prosperous a career as that of 1884 has been.

Bailey is building a new yacht similar to the Minx for Walter Jones. This craft will tako part in races during the coming season.

O'Connor did not take part in the foot ball match on Saturday last owing to bis being unwell.

I hear that there is a likelihood of tho old Athletic Ciub being revived shortly, or, fail ing this, that a new clnb will be established on the same basis.

Hewson and Melville have turned out a yacht of about 4 tons, similar to the Belle, and she will no doubt be creditably heard of in future regattas here.

The Waitemata Boating Club has given Bailey an order for a new whaleboat, which is expected to prove faster than any previously turned out here in that lino.

On Wednesday last Logan launched at North Shore a new fishing yacht for use in the harbour, and she will probably take part in coming regattas.

The "Bulletin" says that Peter Newton intends " doing " Tasmania, New Zealand, and then 'Frisco. At the latter place he will probably be "done."

Tom Ryan has so far recovered from his recent illness that he is expected to take part in a football match between Auckland and Waikato clubs, to be played this day week.

Cooper's injuries, sustained in the foot ball match between Ponsonby and North

Shore against Combined,have not proved of a very serious nature, and he is expected to be all right again very soon.

In the football match between the Combined team and Ponsonby and North Shore on Saturday last, Davy played a fine game, scoring two tries and kicking a goal from one of them.

Davy, the footballer, left for Gisborne by Thursday's steamer. He was consequently not eligible for selection in the team which is to represent Auckland against Waikato on Saturday, the 20th inst.

A Sydney paper replies to a correspon dent's query thus :—" Hanlan is married. He and his wife are both Protestants. Pro bably he would be just as fast a sculler pro fessing any other dogma. This is a most peculiar question."

As there wore fully 1,500 persons at the football match last Saturday, and the gate money only amounted to £33 (the admis sion fee being one shilling), it is apparent that fully half the spectators got in without paying the " collection." How?

William Edwards, the long - distance walker, according to latest advices, was in England, anxious for a contest with Weston, O'Leary, Vaughan, or any other, the walk to take place at New York next fall.

The last football match of the season, under the auspices of the Association, will be that which is fixed to take place at Hamilton on Saturday next between Auck land and Waikato teams. The former should have an easy victory.

The English Eleven, under the captaincy of Alfred Shaw, who purpose making a tour through tho Australian colonies during tho coming cricket season, will leave Eng land by the steamer Orient on September 17, and will open their campaign at Adelaide on October 31'

Many people want to know if "those medals" have yet been presented to the Auckland representatives who took part in the Sydney football tour. The Southern representatives have received their medals long ago, and Auckland appears to be behindhand in the matter.

The English team of cricketers which is expected to play in Australia during the coining season will be as follows; — Shaw, Shrewsbury, Barnes, Flowers, v Bates, Ulyett, M. Read, Pilling, Barlow or Peate, W. W. Read, E. J. Diver. W. Newham or J. Shutor, with J. Lillywhite as umpire

The annual meeting of the Gordon Cricket Club was held on Tuesday evening last, when thoClubwasshown to be in a<»ood financial position. The election of officers resulted in the re-election of almost all those who served in that capacity during last season, and a number of new members were also elected.

Braund would have taken part in the match between Ponsonby and North Shore against the Combined team but for a return of his old complaint, a weak knee. When kicking a goal on the previous Saturday for Ponsonby against Newton, lie hurt his knee, and was in consequence content to be an onlooker instead of a competitor in the big match.

The umpire (P. J. Clark) in the Hanlan - Beach race has stated, according to a recent publication in the Sydney " Mail," that the steamer Tomki must have been quite 600 yards behind the scullers when Hanlan fouled Beach, when nearly two miles of the course had been completed. He does not consider that the Tomki was in the slight est degree to blame for the foul.

Neil Matterson, the Clarence' .River sculler who defeated Robert Edwards on the Paramatta champion course August 22nd, was born in Kempsey, Macleary River, June 6, 1864, and is at present 20 years of age. He had previous to meeting Edwards, beaten several good scullers, and is now anxious to meet the best professional sculler in Australia.

There was the usual trouble at the foot ball match in the Domain last Satur day through the spectators crowding the ground, and on several occasions their re prehensible conduct in this respect in terfered with the play. Unfortunately, there ia at present no efficacious way of pre venting this, and it is desirable that some thing should be dono in the matter before another season.

Robert Edwards, recently defeated by Neil Matterson on the Paramatta River, has in liis time competed in sculling matches with Laycock, Messenger, Greenland, Miller, and McDonald. Ho defeated all except the former, with whom he made a very hard contested race at Melbourne on June sth, 18S0. Edwards started at scratch with Pearce in the Nepian Handicap Race, but was fouled by the latter, and lost all chance of success.

The coming cricket season in Australia is expected to prow an unusually brilliant one. According to the " Sydney Mail," " the season will be marked by the visit of a powerful team of English cricketers, the return of Murdoch and his gallant band, laurel-crowned, from the old country, the intercolonial matches with the sister colony of Victoria, and a series of competitions among the junior clubs for a challenge cup under the auspices of the recently-formod Junior Cricket Association."

An objectionable feature at the football match played in tho Domain on Saturday last, and, indeed at many matches during tho past'season, was tho ridiculous conduct of one or two players, who wero perpetually ondoavouringto raise a laugh amongst the spectators. Tho stock "joko," if such It can bo called, is when collared to yell in a key a fow octaves above tho shout of a lost Indian. This conduct may bo intensely amusing, but it degenerates into childish ness, and it becomes simply "cloying" when indulged in for several seasons by the same players.

" Anglo-Colonial" contributes the follow ing in tho" European Mail" :—"A New Zealander, well known, I believe, to many in the Britain of tho South for his cycling achievements on the beautifail Canterbury plains, is now indulging in tours on the steel horse in the English midlands. As a born Now Zealander, he finds the scenery here in strong contrast to that ho is ac custoinod to, and whilo missing the rugged mountains, the rapid streams, and vast filains of trackless country of his native and, which impart such true sublimity to its great natural beauty, readily admits that lie is greatly impressed by the richness of detail in English rural panoramas."

Referring to Hanlan's challenge to Beach, the "Town and Country Journal " enys :— " The danger in Haitian's postponing a race for tho championship until next winter would seem to be that William Beach can not refuse to row a race after February, and if Hanlan does not row him some one else is certain to do so. ' The holdor of tho cham pionship must answer a challenge within Bix months, otherwise he forfeits his claim to tho title.' It is quite certain that Beach will not allow his title to go by default, especially as he is quite willing to meet nil comers within the proper time ; and should it happen a bettor man than Boach would come forward, then Hanlan would have to meet a new man."

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

[By Euterpe.]

Miss Gkokoib Smituson is playing to moderato houses in Dunedin.

Gerald Mnssey commenced his Melbourne courso of lectures at the Athenioum on Septembor 2.

Zulu Thompson Is doing tho usual stroke at Port Elizabeth (South Africa). It is rather amusing to exhibit a diorama of the Zulu War to tho Zulus.

Gilbort Sarony, whose clever sketch of the French dancing master when ho was horo with tho Loftus troupe will not yet be forgotten, is doing a great business in 'Frisco.

Tho benefit given at tho Theatre Royal on August 10 for the widow and children of tho late Edmond Marshall, the actor, re sulted in n not sum of between £300 and

£400, which is to bo applied to their necessities.

Professor Anderson had good audiences during his stay in Invercargul. He created considerable amusemont recently by a pie eating contest between two boys. Tho winner received a prize, besides earning tho proud distinction of being "champion pie-eator of Invercargill."

Referring to a report that Mr Geo. Dean went by the soubriquet of "Handsome George," and was accustomed to inquire for letters thus addressed to himself at tho

post-office, the Sydney "Bulletin" says:— "This kind of thing makes one tired ol being a man, and wieli to be a penguin."

George Rignold opens at the Sydney Opera House with the production of " Romeo and Juliet," for which he has pur chased the dresses, and appointments used at Henry Irving's famous revival of that tragedy. Mr Frank Cates is spoken of as the Romeo.

The scheme for providing a new theatre for Napier is well under weigh, and is to comprise the erection in Tennyson-street of a pile of buildings, to include several shope, a large public hall for meetings, &c, and a well-appointed theatre designed In accordance with the best modern improve ments. The estimated cost is £7,000.

"H.M.S. Pinaforo" is considered to be the best effort made hitherto by Pollard's Opera Company. A great deal of tho credit is due to little Miss Marion Norman, who plays Buttercup. From her entrance in the first act to the fall of the curtain she engrosses the attention of her audience by her marvellous singing and acting.

Miss Genevievo Ward gave an afternoon tea recently on the stage of the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, to a number of citizens. She received them in the boudoir scene of " Fedora." Artists, bankers, lawyers, jour nalists, . and merchants were among the company who sipped tea quite sociably with the star.

A Melbourne paper refers in commenda tory terms to the " iron voice " of Mr Chas. Harding, the tenorof Emilie Melville's Opera Company, as exhibited in the part of "Don Caasar de Bazan," and goes on to say that "Turn.on, Old Time," has never been sung better there. I have heard of a silver tenor, but an iron one must bo a decided novelty.

The following par from a Sydney paper recalls to mind a prima donna who visited Auckland several yoars ago:—A ploasant reunion was given by Mrs Wangenheim to some forty guests, at her residence, Forbes street, last Thursday. Dincing, kept up till 2 a.m., was varied by the fine singing of Miss Emma Wangenheim, whose voice has lost none of his tone.

Miss Jenny Lee has concluded her season at the Sydney Opera House, and with it terminated her engagements in Australia. In her special line she will long be remem bered as an exceedingly clever actress, Her versatility was attested by her imper sonation of Conn in "Tho Shaughraun." She has been succeeded at the Opera House by Miss Marie De Gray and her London Comedy Company. They opened in Gold smith's famous comedy, "She Stoops to Conquer."

Adelaide has three theatres in full swing. A local critic, however, is mournful there anent. He says: " A sterling actress (Mies Jeffreys Lewis) is playing a good piece at the Royal to almost empty benches. A well-trained troupe has been giving Offen bach's ' Princess of Trebizonde' to paying but notcrowdedhousesattheAcademy. Mr John F. Sheridan, a clever actor, is playing a broad, vulgar, nigger minstrel kind of a comedy at Garner's Theatre, and he has crowded houses every night. What is the logical inference ?"

Professor Heller, of Ballarat, came to grief at Charlton, Victoria, the other night (says the "Bulletin.") He advertised the usual thing—presdigitation and a present for everybody. It turned out that he couldn't do any tricks, and the gifts " hadn't arrived;" so the people rushed at him for their money, only " to find the police escorting him to tbe Globe Hotel, under a running fire of such words as 'swindler,' 'fraud,' 'Ballarat impostor,' ' Drag him through the mud,' etc." This gift business has been rather overdone lately. Ben Allah spoiled the market. But he was a genius at it, and he could con jure. He'd advertise to give away a kind of Tower of London regalia, show ing the flashing diamonds and gleam ing coffee sets in the Window of a popular tradesman. Then he would show, distri bute the tin brooches, pimcushions, and penny-whistles, and before the audience had sufficiently recovered from surprise to give vent to indignation, Ben was ensconced in his buggy, scampering away in the moon- j light. " • |

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS.

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

September 13th, 1884,

Politically, the past month has furnished the most eventful era in tho history of the colony. On the 19th of August tho Ministry in which Mr Stout held the portfolios of Premier and Attorney-General, and Sir Julius Vogel that of Colonial Treasurer, with Messrs Macandrew, Montgomery, Richardson, Ballanco, Morris and Colonel Whltmore ns colleagues, submitted an out line of their policy to Parliament in the Governor's Speech. Its more prominent features were the substitution of a land tax for a property tax, a measure for tho en couragement of trade with the So uth Sea Islands, a vigorous railway policy, local government reform, and encouragement to local industries. Tho two wings of the Op position (consisting of tho supporters of Major,Atkinson and Sir Georgo Grey) put forward Mr J. W. Thomson, of Clutha, who formerly held a portfolio in the Grey Ministry, to move a vote of want of confi dence. This was carried on the 20th inst., by a majority of 19, after a few hours' de bate. His Excellency then summoned Mr Thomson, who undertook tho forma tion of a Ministry, but abandoned j tho task on the following day. Sir George! Grey was then invited by His Excollenoy to i enter upon tho difficult task. Ho occupied from the 22nd to the 26th inst. in negotia tions with the Atkinson and Stout-Vogel parties, considering tho possibilities of various coalitions, and thon doclined to form a Ministry, accompanying his retirement with a suggestion that Major Atkinson should be sent for as tho member who had the boat chance of obtaining for His Excel lency advisers who could command a majority in Parliament. Major Atkinson immediately accepted tho responsibility, and aftor several attompts to bring about a coalition with Mr Stout and Sir Julius Vogel, which were rendered abortive in consequence of tho demand that tho latter should obtain a dominating voico in the coalition Government, Major Atkinson abandoned all hope of strengthening him self by those means, and held out the olive branch to tho Grey party in an offer of a portfolio to Mr Tole. This was declined j and then, acting upon the recommendation of a meeting of his supporters, ho placed himself at the head of an Exeoutive consist ing, with tho oxception of the Premier, Mr Mitoholson, and the Hon. George McLoan (in tho Legislative Council) entiroly of mom hers now to office. The momborsof this Cabinet, in addition to tho Ministers named, woro Messrs \Vakcfield (Cantor bury), Hursthouse (Nelson), and Captain Rusßoll (Hawko'B Bay). They wero Immedi ately challenged by Mr Stout. While this, motion was pending Major Atkinson incurred the displeasure of some of his supporters by offering to replace his new colleagues with a coalition Cabinet on the basis that he should bo Premier, Sir Julius Vogol Treasurer, and Mr Stout Attornoy-Gonernl; the other jiortfolios to be filled by them jointly or al ternately. These overtures wore rejected by Mr Stout rof using to enter any Government with Major Atkinson at its head. Mr Stout'i motion was thon debated in ono evoning's sitting, and tho now Ministry wero de feated by a majority of eight on tho morn ing of tho 30th inst. after an existence of less than three days. Sir Georgo Grey and his supporters voted against them and turned tho scalo, His Excellency now summoned Mr Stout, who again entered upon tho work of Cabinet - making. He first submitted proposals tor coalition to Major Atkinson, offering him any seat in the Cabinot, exclusive of the Premier ship, or.- Treasury —or if ho wore willing" to stand aside, giving him the nomination of three members. Theso offers wero rejected, and then Mr Stout proceeded to fill up the soats in tho Ministry from his own and the Vogol and Groy parties. Tho Ministry wero finally announced as follows :—

Hoii. R. Stout, Premier and Attorney- General. ~

Hon. Sir J. Vookl, Colonial Tro&surer and Commissioner of Stamps.

Hon. J. Ballanoe, Native Minister.

Hon, J. A. Tole, Minister of Justice.

Hon. E. Richardson, Minister of Public Works. "

Hon. P. Bucklev, Colonial Secretary (in Legislative Council). Hon. W, H. Rbymolds (in Council), without portfolio.

One portfolio which, it was announced, would be allotted to an Auckland man, was left unfilled, and it was also proposjd to ask Parliament to sanction an eighth Minister with the portfolio of Mines. In a statement of policy mode to tho House, the Premier said that no proposition for altering, the direct taxation of the country, would be submitted this year. The scheme for non-political railway boards, propounded by the first Stout-Vogel Go vernment, , was also abandoned, and

the measures for the present Parlia ment will probably be confined to financial, proposals and somo minor bills. The Public Works Fund is nearly ex hausted, and permanent provision will have to- be made for the deficiency from last year. It is reported that in the Financial Statement, which is looked fornextTuesday, a scheme will be propounded for using the accrued sinking fund, which now reaches a total 'of 12,800,000, to supplement the financial resources. The new Go vernment are very woak in the House, as shown by the fact that they were defeated by fourteen in their nomina-

tion of Major Steward against Mr Hamlin as Chairman of Committees. But a feeling prevails in favour of giving them a chance of disclosing their policy, and if its proposale are favourably received the Min istry will no doubt continue to hold office through the recess. Tho wreck of the ship Lastingham on one of the rocky headlands which abound in Cook Strait has formed the painful sensa tion of the past month. The storm in which the vessol perished was felt over the whole of the colony, but was most 6evere in the central portion ; arid, as will bo seen by reports, the gale was accompanied by heavy, rainfall, causing floods and entailing loss of life, besides great destruction of property. Auckland only experienced a high wind for two days, and no damage whatever was caused in this province. The disaster to the Lastingham, which involved the loss of seventeen lives, though chiefly, due to the fierce hurricane that raged; in the Straits, was probably partly caused by an error of judgment on the part of Captain Morrison, an old and experienced mariner, who with his wife went down with the ill-fated ship. The only safe course in such a storm was to have run out of the Straits to the open sea ; but if the ! captain erred, he has paid the penalty with ! his life, and it would be ungenerous1 to cast' such reflections on his character as one of the rescued seamen has done. This adds another to the list of calamities which during the past year have followed the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company. The Lasting ham was chartered by the Company for this voyage, and it will be remembered that the steamer Triumph, which ran ashore at Tiritiri lighthouse was chartered by the same Company. Throughout the colony the news of the catastrophe caused a thrill of horror, and the relatives of those who periehedhave the warm sympathies of colonists in their bereavement. A step in advance in connection with the completion of the North Island trunk , railway has been made by the Government proposing the appointment of

a Select Committee to report to Parliament on the best route by which to make the connection between Wellington and Auck land, The new Ministry recognise this work as onb til ufgeiit importance, but_ as there are decided divergences of opinion on the subject of route, they have thought to avoid wounding the .susceptibilities of the advocates of the rival routes by referring the question to a committee. From the nature of tho case, however, it is unlikely that a unanimous decision will be arrived at, and it is expected that Parliament will have to settle the question of route after all. To practical minds the question virtually settles itself, for whereas by the western route the connection can bo made for tho £1,000,000 available for the purpose, the central lino could not bo constructed for less than a million and a-half Btorllng.

Movements for the establishment of sub tropical farming In Auckland district have been making good progress of late, and the suitability of the soil and climate for orange and vino growing, sericulture, &c, having been prdved, it only Wants the Introduction of cheap and skilled labour to ensilre the successful prosecution of these and other industries on a largo scale. The other day a block of over 5,000 acres, near Hokianga, was inspected by Messrs Murphy and Federli, on behalf of a company which has been formed for the purpose of introduc ing Swiss, Italian, and French peasant farmers to prosecute olive-growing, eeri culturo, vjne cultivation, and other industries in which they aro skilled. The land will be favourably reported upon, so that it is probable that it will very soon bo purchased by tho company, and the schomo pushed forward with vigour. It is intended that Mr Federli, who is an Italian, shall go to Europe to select suitablo families of Bottlers to take up tho lands.

Another movement, that for the formation of the Swiss settloment of Helvetia, in close proximity to this city, is in a moro advanced state, A'ino-growing will horo be combined with dairy-farming, and it is in contempla tion to have factories for condensing milk and for making cheeso on the Swiss prin ciple. Alrondy the new Holvetia is present ing a fino appearance as seen from the trunk lino of railway, numerous improvements havingbeenmado, including the planting of a number of fruit, forest, and shelter trees. A pionoor party of Swiss workmen have been on tho ground for some time, and preparations are in active progress for the reception of a fresh lot of immigrants from Switzerland. That tho scheme is to be vigorously prosecuted is ovidenced by the fact that the promoters have recently ox tended the area of the settlement by the pur chase, through Messrs Vaile and Douglas, of tho balance of the Woodhouse Estate, consisting of about 1,000 acres. Holvetia is only about two railos from Pukekohe and Paorata stations on the Auckland railway, and its proximity to the city, coupled with tho abundant means of transit, will secure for products a roady, convenient, and oxtensivo market. Wattle-growing is'an industry which it is expected will here be profitably carried on, as there is a good locul market for this produce. The buccoss of these experiments is a matter of great importance to the whole of this district, as the prosecution of theso branches of agri culture and fruitgrowing will not only upon up the coiintiy, but bring an increasing and prosperous imputation. Wo hopo tho Swiss settlement may prove all that its promote™ desiroi and that tho additional workmen shortly oxJ)oi_ted to arrive will find every encouragement and assistance hero.

GOLDFIELDS SUMMARY

Thames, September 13. Tiii. past month has been unproductive of important discoveries so far as the Thames Goldfiold is concerned, but sundry items of intelligence of a cheering character are to hand from the country districts. Most en couraging is tho nows from tho Waihi Coldiield, a email district situated about fifteen miles eastward of Paeroa township. Tho Waihi lodes have hitherto been remark ablo for their dimensions rather than their richness ; and in consequence of tho low grade of the quartz, the Martha Extended Company has reduced its mode of working to such a degree of economy that a return of between 4 and 5 dwts. per ton recoups ordinary oxponses. Now, however, in driving on tho main roof at the low level, tho manager has met with nn improved class of stono, surpassing anything hithorto known in the district—oxcopting only one or two carefully eelected trial parcels. The averago yield of tho general stuff crushed at the battery during the last few days has exceeded an ounce of gold por ton; and should similar returns continue, tho share holders will bo ablo to congratulate one another upon such results as have not hitherto been foreseen, Tho Karangahako district, situated within a fow miles of Paoroa, has commanded a largo share of public ottention during the past few months. The crushing of 212 tons from tho Sir Walter Scott mine was finished about the time when our last Summaky was written, and prodiicod 423Jozh. gold, which must be considered remarkably satisfactory as the result of tho maidon effort of a young com pany. A large block of remunerative ground has boon opened, and another crushing of 200 tons is now in progress. Tha oberatians at Waiorongomni havo been retarded by the occurrence of serious landslip, on fho tramway, between the tramway and battery, the stampers having in consequence been idlo during the greater part of tho month. Reference to the an nexed table of returns will, however, show satisfactory results for the work previously done. In the Thamos district there is little to report, further than the progress of tho various works in hand. The New Prince Imperial shaft has been sunk about 50 feet below No. 6 level, and will have attained the depth at which next level will be opened out within the coming fortnight. The westerndriveon N 0.2 reef, at No. 6 levol, has intersected the " break " and is rapidly ap proaching tho Deep Levol Cross boundary. The reef was for a considerable distance affected by unfavourable country, but has of late regained its normal appearance, and shown gold pretty freely. Deep Level Cross: Stoping was carried on during the early part of the month upon the leader at the 640 feet level; but the remunerative ground was soon exhausted, and operations are now confined to prospecting upon a large body of quartz at the 640 feet level. Caledonian Low Level: A well mineralised leader, a foot in width, was intersected by tho prospecting tunnel last week. It was,

however, in close proximity to a large water-course; otherwise the conditions were highly favourable for tho existence of gold. A trial parcel of 4 tons from tho large lode recently intersected yielded lSdwts. gold. Rocky Point: A crushing of 65 loads quartz from tho stopes has given the oxcellont re turn of 120ozs. I3dwts gold. Cambria: The stopes on the stringers ure yielding remunerative crushing stuff, and a crosscut is also being driven into tho hanging wall of the main reef Several gold-boaring branch lenders have already been inter sected. Bright Smile: In oponing up the footwall leader at the Deeside Level, promis ing results are bt ing obtained. Dart: The crosscut at No. 4 level has reached the hanging wall branch of No. 2 reef, and the main body may bo struck at any moment

, ! Queen of Beauty : Mr J. Radford has been r : appointed manager, and proposes the con > I tinuntion of the shaft, holding tho theory > that if the reef returns to the westward j underlie, it will resume its former auriferous nature. The Albumin Company is about to wind-up, and its numerous licensed 1 holdings will shortly be disposed of by public competition. Summary op Gold Rbtuhns, I From August 12th to September 9th, inclusive, 'I Ozs, dwtß. i Adelaide and tributes 58 10 i Alburnia tributes 3fi 19 , Bright Smile, 12 loads 77 5 Caledonian, 50 loads .. *.. .. fo 2 1 Caledonian tributes . .. .. 133 5 Cambria, 40 loads ..' 42 10 City of Manohcator and tribute .. 33 4 Dart tributos 19 5 Darwin. 3 loads .' 1 15 Deep Level Cross, 40 loads .. .. 20 0 Kuranui Hill tributes 42 0 Martha Extended (Waihi) .. ..93 4 Moanataiari, 85 tons 65 2 : Moanataiari tributes 207 18 NowPrincelmperial, 55910 ads ..721 2 Pinafore tribute 11 3 Reuben Parr tributes 9 15 RookvPoint, 65 loads .. ..1588 13 : Sir Walter .Scott (Karangahake), 212 I tons 120 13 ' Sundries 500 0 Thames Golden Crown, 120 tons ..97 6 Thames Golden Crown tributes .. 17 11 Waiotahi. 210 tons .. ..197 2 Waitekauri tributes 57 10 j Total .. 3,055 16 WAIORONGOMAI RETURNS. ' New Find. 138 trucks 496 12 Colonist, 198 trucks .... ..203 0 Canadian, 131 trucks SO 0 Inverness, 105 trucks 83 15 Premier, tailings 12 19 Eureka, tailings 2 1 Vermont, 2J tons 19 1 Welcome, 3 tons „ .. 21 10 May Queen, 4 J tons 14 8 Total 933 6 Mr Ahem, the successful tenderer for the erection of the Railway Station, has already commenced the preliminary opera tions with, a staff of 20 men, but 50 or 60 will be put on as soon as the work is suffi ciently advanced to use them profitably. The contract price is £12,168, and tho con tract time expires on November 21st, 1885.

RELIGIOUS.

The Rev. J. Haselden has resigned the incumbency of St. Luke's, Mount Albert, In order to devote his whole time to his work as organising clergyman in connection with the Homo Mission of the diocese.

"Maior" Pollard lia? brought back to Dunedin "the Little Wonder" of the Salvation Army who recently elopeu > Vltn . a " captain." It will be little wonder though she should go off again.

A "saved drunkards' testimony meet ing," under the auspices oi the Salvation Army, was held at the Choral Hall on Sept, 4, tho building being thronged. Mr C. J, Stone presided, and amongst those on the platform were the Rev, Thomas Hamer, "Staff-Captain " Wright, and "Captain" Burford. The testimonies of the votaries of Bacchus who had been saved through the ministrations of the Army were varied by speeches from the Chairman, and "Captains" Wright and Burford, and musical selections by the band, A special "holiness meeting" was held at the Bar racks the next evening, tthen " Captain Wright and his wife took their public leavo of tho Salvationists of Auckland.

The City Council of Christchurch de cided on the oth September to allow " Ivo" to give Freethought lectures in the Theatre Royal on Sunday evenings, with tho right to make a charge at tho doors. It was also decided to take steps to stop the Salvation Army processions and the band playing through tho streets, The public will be greatly relieved by this action, for the band performances aro fearful and wonderful. Qno member of the Council, however, declared that he felt inspired by tho exhilarating Army music. This may perhaps be accounted for by the fact that he is a local preachor amongst tho Primitive Methodists, his oratory being of the Boanerges typo.

Through tho active and unremitting exertions of the Revs. R. Sommervillo and D. W. Runciman, the necessary arrange-

inents for building up an additional Pres byterian congregation on the western side of the city are advancing towards a satisfactory completion. An excellent site for a church has been secured on tho Surrey Hills estate, and the contract for the erection of a temporary sanctuary has just been let to the Messrs Darrach, the amount of their tender being £358. Of this amount £100 has already been collected, and confident hopes are entertained that the promoters will be enabled to open the church in October next free of dobt. As already in dicated, it is only regarded as a makeshift. When the congregation has been organised and ascertains its strength, the projected building will bo moved back to serve as a schoolhouse, and a more pretensious edifice erected in its stead.

There was a crowded audience at St. Thomas's Church on August 28, when the now organ built by Mr Wilmett, of Pon sonby, was dedicuted by the Bishop of. Auckland. Tho Bishop gave an instructive address, in which ho referred at length to the antiquity of musical instruments in the worship of tho Almighty. He also spoke of the objections taken to instrumental music in tho worship of the Creator, and called the attention of tho choir and others to another danger—that of over-exaltation of instrumental music. The Revs. J. Bates, J. llaselden, W. Tebbs, W. Calder, Dr. Purchas/J, W. Allowny, A. J. Hitch cock. E.Percival, W. Long, and L.Keating took part in the service, and Miss Hamil ton, Messrs Hardwiok, Bruce, Jones, and Major Pirio performed at the recital, the service being of a very satisfactory character. A collection of £13 2s was taken up during the evening. The anniversary of the Ponsonby Wes loyan Sunday-school was celebrated on 20th August by a musical and literary entertain ment in the Ponsonby Hall. The Rev. T. 0. Carr occupied the chair. The Secretary's report showed that owing, to increase of scholars, the teachers have decided to erect additional class-rooms at a cost of £200, of which £80 has been already collected. The Band of Hope was said to be in a prosperous condition. There are 260 scholars on the roll, showing an increase on last year ot 33 ; averago attendance, 189 ; largest at tendance, 226. At the morning school there is an averago attendance of 60, and 29 teachers, with an average attendance of 21. The library contains 470 volumes. The Treasurer's report showed a credit balance of £8 lCs OJd. Several musical selections wore rendered by tho choir, solos were given by Miss Culpan, Miss Main, Miss McElwnin and Mr Barnes ; pianoforte selec tions by Mr R. J. Lambert; recitations by Mr Shackleford and Miss Bruce; reading by the Rev. Mr Carr, and addresses by tho Revs. J. Pinfold and A. Reid. The enter tainment was of a pleasing character, and passed off successfully. Tho annual concert in connection with St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church was held in tho Ponsonby Hall on Sep tember 4, and passed off successfully. Tho Church choir, which was assisted by a string quartette from tho Orchestral Society and other friends, rendered suit able selections, tho instrumental peform nncos by Messrs C. and J. Hemus, Clough, and Edger being especially good. Tho programme included the following items, almost all of which were Well received :—Solo, "The AVood nymph's Call," Miss McMillan ; trio, " Memory," Misses Culpan and Brassey, and Mr Edwards ; violin solo, Mr Cook ; song, " A Vision," Miss Culpan ; song, "A Dream Within a Dream," Mr Burn ham ; duet, " Tho Moon Hath Raised Her Lamp Above," Messrs Knox and Edwards ; song, "Rage, Thou Angry Storm," Mr Knox; solo, " Love, I 'Will Love Thee Ever," Miss Brassey; song, " Non 6 Ver," Mr Burnham; song, "Never Too Late to Mend," Mr Taylor; duet, "How Sad it is to Say Farewell," Misses Culpan and Brassey; solo, " Should Ho Upbraid," Miss McMillan ; "Ruby," Mr J. Edwards. Mr J. G. Culpan acted as conductor, and the accompaniments were played by the Misses Culpan and Main. The concort con cluded with the National Anthem. The Sunday - school attachod to St. Matthew's Church, which has recently been thoroughly repaired at a total cost of £400, half of which sum has been subscribed, was

re-opened on the 19th August by a tea meet ing and musical entertainment. The tables were provided by ladies of the parish, viz.: Mesdames, Singleton, Shortt, King, Saun ders, Walker, Hnlstead, Stevenson, Wad del (Lady Mayoress), J. Williams, Doonin, J. Morrin, Taylor, Jenkins, Dawson, Wil liams, Fox, Colson, W. Douglas, Tebbs, Brigham, Misses Pulleng, McLachlan, Nearing, and Evans. There was also given a bachelors' table, presided over by Mrs A. Williams and Mrs Mclvor. At tho after meeting, tho Rev. W. Tebbs presided, the following clergymen also being present:—Veil. Archdeacon Dudley, Revs. W. Calder, J. K. Davies, S. Walpole, C. M. Nelson, P. Smallfiolel, J. Hitchcock, and J. Bates. Tho audieneo was su large that the building was crowded to tho doors. Bishop Cowie, in a brief address, congratulated the parish on the possession of such a handsome schoolroom, and ox pressed his pleasure in declaring the Sun day school formally opened. Addresses wore also delivered by Archdeacon Dudley, Rev. 0. M. Nolson, and Rev. W. Calder. At intervals during the evening a good musical programme was gone through.

A meeting of porsons interested in tho formation of a Presbyterian City Mission was held in St. James's Hall on Sopt. 9. Mr J. Buchanan occupied the chair, and explained that the object of the proposed mission was to prevent the tendency of inhabitants in town to neglect regular attendance at divine The Rev. Mr Monro moved, " That it is desirable that a city mission be instituted in connection with the Presby terian Church in Auckland." He esti mated that out of 50,000 inhabitants

in Auckland about 10,000 attended no church at all, and ho believed that one out of every ten could bo reckoned on as a Presbyterian. In round numbers, there were about 3,000 lapsed Presbyterians in our midst. There were thrco persons engaged in mission work in the city, and two or three Bible women. As to whether the Church could support such a mis sion, he said that the ordinary re venue for the past year • was £2,590, and it would be easy to augment the sum. The Rev. M. Fraser seconded the motion. Ho believed that even as a financial specu lation the mission would pay, for the contributions of the 3,000 lapsed Pres byterians would more than repay the £200 which it was proposed to lav out on it. The motion was carried. The Rev. Runciman, in moving the adoption of a code of rules, remarked that the religious census taken by the Star in 1881 showed conclusively that 52 percent, was thelargestntimberthatattonded church on a Sunday, and this was about the number that actually attended. Mr Macky seconded the motion, which was adopted. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Macnicol, seconded by Mr Smart, it was agreed, "That Messrs M. A. Clark, G. Fra.er, T. Richardson, T. Macky, Ryburn, McPherson, H. Barton, J Buchanan; and the ministers of the city and suburban churches be a com mittee for the purpose of carrying out the objects of the mission." During the even ing St. James's choir tang several hymns, and the proceedings closed with prayer

ALLEGED INFANTICIDE.

On ye [of the most painful tragfed.es tfcat has happened in this city for many years past has been brought to light, the evidence so far adduced pointing to the complicity of a mother in tho destruction of her own offspring. The leading facts arc as follows:—For some weeks past a young woman named Mrs Wilson, alias Miss Smith, has beeil boarding in the house of l*' Wakeham, storekeeper, Brighton Road, Parnell. ghe' did not givo" any infor mation regarding- her antecedents, merely saying that her name was Mrs Wilson. On the 31st of July, the child, a girl, was born, tho woman being attended during her confinement by Dr. Wright, of Parnell, and a midwife named Mrs Nome. On Wednesday, 6th August, Mrs Wilson was able to get up, and on Saturday even ing, about 7 o'clock, despite the rain and wind, she left Mr Wakeham's, taking her baby with her, She returned in the course of an hour and a-half without her child. Mr Wakeham noticed that her dress and hands were muddy, and his suspicions being aroused, he questioned her as to the Where abouts of the' child. She replied that she had given it to some friends. Subsequently he informed the police, and brought the woman to the police station, where Sergeant Gamble questioned ho'r about tho child. She then made a statement to the effect that on Saturday night the infant was ill, that sho gave it some laudanum to soothe it, that it died in her arms, and that sho threw it over the cliir at Parnell. She said her name was Rosina Smith, not Wil son, and that she was unmarried. She de clined to give the namo of the father. Iho unfortunate woman, who was deeply affected during the making of this state ment, was then taken charge of by the police. The case was placed in the hands of Detectives Walker and Twohey to " work up," and taking Miss Smith with them, they proceeded in n cab towards Parnell. When the cab was passing _ Mason's gardens, tho woman exclaimed in heart-broken accents, "Don't tuko me in there. It's there.' The conveyance was at once stopped, and the officers began to search the ground. Miss Wilson refusod to budge from the cab or to give any further information. About 100 yards from the main gate, Detective Twohey discovered some footmarks, and spent a good deal of time searching about the spot, without result. Constable Hob3on was more success ful. While searching the shrubbery close to the hot-house, he found a stopperless feeding bottle, and a few yards further on there were evidences that the ground had been recently overturned. His suspicions being aroused, ho procured a spade and commenced diggiag. At a depth of about 18 inches he came upon a bundle wrapped in a woollen shawl. It was opened, and the body of a child was disclosed—its poor little dead face shrunken with the moisture, its eyes closed, and its face flattened with the pressure of the soil. The inquest on the child Emily Wilson was concluded at 7 o'clock on August 22nd. At the conclusion of the evidence Mr Superintendent • Thomson intimated that tho analysis of the stomach of tho child had not yet been completed by Mr Pond. The report of that gentleman would bo considered at the Supreme Court. The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that the evidence did net disclose whether the death had been accidental or otherwise. The jury then retired to consider their verdict, and after half-an-honr's deliberation found: "That Emily Wilson, being an infant of tender years, was found dead on the 19th day of August, 1884, in the pro vincial district of Auckland, New Zealand, having been buried in certain nursery gar dens therein situate, known as Mason's Gardens, Manukau Road, and that the manner of death was by asphyxia or suffocation, but how such suffocation was caused no evidence thereof doth appear to the jurors. The jury are also of opinion that further investigation into the circum stances attending the case are required." A charge of wilful murder was laid by the police against the mother, and after a largo amount of evidence had been led, at various sittings of the Pelice Court, the accused was finally, on the 9th inst., committed for triil. Mr Brassey and Mr S. Hesketh have been retained for the defence.

ATTEMPTS SUICIDE.

Considerable sensation was caused in Freeman's Bay on Sept. 8 by the report of an attempt at self-destruction by a tailor named Patrick Moran, who had been lodging with Mr Daniel Quinn, of Willow street, a small lane off Napier-street. At 10 a.m. Mrs Quinn, while washing clothes in the yard, heard a noise in tho house, and going in discovered her lodger lying on the floor of his room. She called assistance, and investigation showed that Moran had attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head with a revolver, which was found lying on the bed. Mrs Mary Quinn states that Patrick Moran, a tailor, had been occupying a room in her house for tho last two months ; that is, since he camo out of the Hospital, where he had been treated for consumption. About 10 a.m. to-day she was washing clothes In the yard at the back of her house when she heard a noise as though some thing had fallen in her cottage. Being unablo to satisfactorily account for this disturbance, she went into the passage and past the door of the room which Moran occupied. The door was partly open. She looked in, and saw her lodger lying on the floor. She immediately concluded that there was something wrong with the man, and called to a person named Taylor, who was near, and asked him to see what was the matter.

Mr Taylor states that he heard the cries of Mrs Quinn ; he went into the house and, at her request, proceeded to Moran's bed room. Here ho found its occupant lying on the floor. He was dressed, and lying partly under the bed. Investigation showed that the man was bleeding from a wound on tho right side of tho forehead, and there was a pool of blood on the pillow slip, which was on the bed. There was also a revolver lying on the pillow. Dr. Baynton was sent for, and speedily arrived. Constable Bernard.^tates, respecting the sad affair, that he wis called at 11.45 a.m., and went in company with Constable Collis to Quinn's house in Willow-street. There he saw Patrick Moran lying on a bed. The man was sensible, but the side of his head and neck were smeared with blood which came from a wound in tho right forehead. Tho pillows and the sheet on the bed wero also covered with blood. Richard Taylor who was present handed the constable a five-barrelled revolver, which apparently had been recently dischargrd, two chambers being still loaded. In reply to questions as to what had caused all the blood, Moran said that "he was tired of life," that ho had gone into Quinn's room where he found "a loaded revolver. Ho determined to shoot himself and discharged ono of tho chamber's shots into his head, but without the anticipated result. Moran, it appears, has been unwell for some months past. He was usually a very temperate man, but had been drinking for tho last two or three days. Ho was formerly in the employ of Mr Samuol Coombes, clothier, of Queen street.

_ Tho injured man succumbed to his injuries next evening at tho Hospital. The bullet was extracted during the morning by Dr. Bond, but Moran gradually sank, and after having been in an unconscious state for some hours, died.

EDUCATIONAL.

Mr Heath, head-master of Auckland Girls' High School, has been appointed head-master of Napier Boys' High School. There were 35 applicants for tho appoint ment.

At Dunedin the ceremony of capping the students of the New Zealand University entitled to degrees took place on August 27. The students were—R. A. Lindsay, W. Hislop, R. McNab, W. A. Stout, W. A. Keilly, 8.A.; G. A. Purke, D. White, M.A. ; S. T. R..Barclay, LL.B. D. W. M. Burn, entitled to an M A. degree, was not present, being now residing in Wellington. Professor Salmon presented the diplomas, and Dr. Colquboun delivered a lengthy address. There was quite the usual amount of interruption from the students, who assembled in large force.

The public presentation of Bachelor of Arts diplomas to Miss Clementino Emily Margaret Harrison, Mr BartholomewCronin (Head-master of Tuakau School), and Mr Walter Henry Airey, the three successful Auckland undergraduates in the last Uni versity examinations, took place on 28th August in the Choral Hall, Bishop Cowie, Vice-Chancellor's delegate, presiding.

VOLUNTEERS.

The annual report of Lieutenant-Colonel Reader on the Volunteer Force gives the strength on 31st December last as fol lows :—Cavalry, 379; Naval Artillery, 530; Artillery, 634 ; Garrison Rifles, 1,021; county corps, 1,168-giving a total of 4,332, of whom 3,394 are efficient. The new regulations, after upwards of a year's trial, are reported to be working in a gener ally satisfactory, manner,

STORM AND FLOODS.

A terrible fatality occurred at Woodville, • Wellington, on the night of September 1 r whereby two women were drowned. Rail* fell all day and during the night in torrents, and as the result the Manawatu River rose with great rapidity. Mr H. McKenzie, contractor for the Manawatu Railway and traffic bridse, '1 miles from Woodville, lived in a house on n raised piece of ground en thei bank of the r.vei*. Shortly after midnight he found his house was being surrounded by water, and a raft was made for the pur-, pose of getting the people away from the hou?o. Shortly after three o'clock the first, attempt -#as ni-idc, the raft being occupied by Mrs McKetoie and her son, Mrs Feasy and her husband, and a man named Mc- Millan. When crossing, however, the raft struck a snag und capsised. All the occu. pants got safely on board again, but the steering- polo was lost, and tho raft was swept again into the surging currents of tho main stream. Again tho raft struck _t snag and capsized. Tho three men some how got ashore, and were picked np nearly insensible, but the two women werij drowned, and there seems little hope of ever recovering their bodies. Mrs McKenzie had been living in Dunelin, and only came to Woodville on Mon day last. Mr McKenzie has lost q great quantity of timber, and his sinking machinery ht_s been-submerged. Traffic is. stopped at the .Gorge, and the Mastcrton Ferry main roaa', Masterton, is under water for nearly a. miip. No loss of stock is yet reported.

A very heavy north-west gale blew for three days at Wellington with heavy rain. The Ifutt River was hi heavy flood, and flowing over tho main read, in sovoral places, but is now falling rapidly. One of the breakwaters on tho river has been carried inlay.

The Waipoua River, J.l;i-;._. Uj:i, over flowed its banks on (September 3 near the railway works, There was a heavy flood in town. J. Peterson, an elderly man, Jn charge of Macar's farm, at Opaki, was drowned the same day in the Waipoua, while trying to rescue a sheep from the flooded land.

The above Hood washed away tho em bankment of Waingawa railway bridge, suspending oil traffic, passengers having to be sent by coach. The new railway bridge beyond Mastertou station blocked tho Waii pawa River and floodeH the northern part of the town, doing considerable damage to roads and fences, tho bridge itself being destroyed. Communication between Mastert ton and the north is cut off by the embankment of the Waipuna Bridge giving way. There were two feet of water in tpwn, but when the railway bridge near the station gave way the water subsided rapidly. Several families residing near the. river were imperilled. It is rumoured that the Tenui mail man has been drowned, and tho police are making inquiries. The heavy rain which fell at Carterton dur ing 24 hours did not cause any particular damage to the township. All the stream* were much swollen. From Kokatu and Wai~. hakeke it is reported that . several' fanners have lost heavily. The sheep and stock were removed on Sept. 3 above whore the heavy floods of March, 1880,. reached ; but this flood exceeded that, and the .settlers were powerless to assist the stock and face the wall of water that came ; down in the afternoon. The losses fall principally on small farmers, who can ill afford them.

Xearly three inches rainfall was recorded at Fielding during 24 hours. The snow inciting on the run^es flooded the rivers. higher than for some years. Railway com munication was interrupted North and South, The extent of the damage is not yet known.

Edward Power, a well-known miner, was drowned in the Arrow River, Otago, on September 2. He fell off. a footbridge, and, though a moderate swimmer, the current was too strong for him, the river being swollen from recent rains.

OBITUARY NOTICES.

Mr James Milner, auctioneer, Dunedin, ar.d an old resident of the colony, died on September 6 from a paralytic stroke. Yen. Archdeacon Brown, of Tauranga r ditiil on September 5. The deceased gentle man, who was SI years of age, had been in the colony since 1826.

U Wellington on August 25 Colonel Lcekie died from liver complaint. His i!e-tli was accelerated by the rough shock: lie received by fire breaking out on his pre mi.-i.-s some little time ago. Ho was 00 years of age, and wa3 a colonel in tho :.9th Regiment, •on full pay. He served through a portion of the Crimean war, being piv. cut nt the storming of Sebastopol, in which he took an activo part. He also _<rvcd in Canada and various parts of India, and was an intimate friend of " Chi nese" Gordon. He leaves a wife and grown family.

Mr George Andrews, lessee of the Car penters' Arms Hotel, passed over to the great majority on the 6th September. He had been ailing for some time previously, but his death was nevertheless rather un expected. Many years ago Mr Andrews was well-know» as a contractor, and mora recently he took over the Carpenters' Anna, and conducted it in a most creditable manner. ' The deceased, who was well known aud respected amongst numerous friends, leaves a widow and grown-up family to mourn his loss.

A profound feeling of regret was ex pressed by all classes of the community when the news gained currency that Lady Whitaker had died at her residence, Emily Plato, at an early hour on 3rd September. The deceased lady has been for upwards of forty years a resident In this pro vincial district, and with her husband, Sir Frederick, bore the trials and troubles of early colonisation. She was a devoted wife and mother, and ber popularity was greatest amongst those who knew her best—a sure indication of a loving heart and a loveablo nature. The deceased lady leaves four sons—Mr F. Whitaker, late M.H.R. for Waipa, Mr Alfred E. Whitaker, barrister, Mr Harry Whitaker, and Mr Herbert AVhitaker—and several daughters, one of whom was only married on Saturday last. The deceased lady's maiden name was Shepherd. Her brother Major Shepherd, and her sisters, Lady O'Rprke and Mrs Eochefort, are well known in this city.

The remains of Mrs Buddie, widow of the late Rev. Thomas Buddie, were consigned to the grave in ho cemetery, Symonds-' street, on 4th Sep ember, in the presence' of a large <;a tiering of citizens and mourners, who had known and respected the deceased lady for many years. The funeral cortege moved from the residence of the deceased lady at tl.e set lin, !r , followed by member, o' I!:,, ;„.-.;;., ai<a ct ]ong cession of |ci.'-uii_ who had known and esteemed Mrs Buddie. A mortuary service was first held in tho Grafton Road Wcsleyan Church, nt which Ihe lien-. Alexander Reid, of Pitt-street, deliver-.1 an impressive and eulogistic address on the excellent character, bene volence, and virtues of the deceased in her modest,- unassuming walk of life. Prayer wa3 offered by the Rev. J. Wallis, and while the procession was forming, the organist performed "The Dead March." vTho chief mourners were the sons and sons in-law of deceased, viz,, Messrs Thomas, William, and Joseph Buddie, and Mr R Arthur and Rev. R. Bavin. The funeral service was performed by Rev. A. Reid assisted by Rev. W. J. Watkin, closing with the singing of the hymn, " Give Me the' Wings of Faith," over the grave. It is with sincere regret we have to chronicle the death of Mr Edmund Foley at the ripe old age of 73. Mr Foley arrived m the Province of Auckland in 1839 with his wife and family, and settled in Karangahape, now known as Corn walhs, situated at the north side of the Manakau. In 1813 ho removed to Queen-street, Auckland, where he opened a butchers shop, near the premises of the bouth British Insurance Office, and carried on a most successful business. Vacating this occupation, he opened tho first licensed hotel at Otahuhu, which he conducted for many years, ultimately disposing of it to Mr Possemskie. At Otahuhu he held a large farming interest, the extensive operations of which were carried on at both sides of the Otahuhu Bridge. In ISSB he repre sented the Northern Division, now named Korth and South Franklin, in the Provincial Council, his colleagues being Messrs Good fellow, May, and the late Patrick Lorrigan. During the Maori war he went to Tauranga, having had large commissariat contracts there, and was an eye-witness of the histori cal Gate Pah disaster. From the begin uig of provincialism to 1870, his political influence in Auckland, South division, and among the pensioners' settlements was con siderable. Since this period he has taken little or no interest in politics. He leaves a largo family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom have been comfortably provided for. His youngest son is a partner in the firm of Messrs J. Dignan and Co., late of Quick's stables. Mr Foley was born at County Tipperary, Ireland, as was also his wife—sister of the late Sir John O'Shaugh nessy, the well-known Victorian Premier who was also created a Count of the Roman' Empire by Pope- Piu IX., in recognition of services rendered to the Roman Catholic Church m Australia.

THE AUCKLAND EVENiTO STAR, $ SATURP&*, SEPTEMBER t«, 1&4.

4