RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamiel.l

rfwim write, a neighbours namo to lash, P<mo writo—vain thought!—for needful caah, l-ome write to please tho country clash. And raise a din. tTor n*.o, an aim I never fash— I write {or fun.

Salvage ! Salvage ! Salvage ! Owen and I Graham's fire was a protty big flare-up, but if one-tenth part of tho stuff that has been Bold as salvage stock camo out of that unfortunate warehouse, the firm, in making thoir indents, must have reckoned on a monopoly of tho wholesale business of the city. Tho biggest lino, albeit, was taken by en enterprising vendor of " rags " to Dunedin, whore probably the flaming announcements —pardon tho pun, it -was irresistible—will, I supposo, also burst forth in the local printa. But what I took occasion to remark last week aboutpolitics is equally true of business—people dearly love a good humbug. They may suspect or even know it to bo humbug, yot none the less they run aftor it. A little woll distributed " salvage " will leaven a sholf full of dead stock, and woll the canny draper knows how to bait his hook. If ho can only create a run and make tho nimble sixponco turn, it will pay him to mark down stock and give tho bargain-hunter tho benefit of a rapid-sale discount, and one or two " groat catcho3 " will roconcilo tho thrifty dame to largo draws upon her housekeeping money for othor purchases, about tho cheapness of which aho may bo dubious,

Besides, what a grand lover these alarm ing sacrifices aro to move the penurious " hubby." "My dear," blio begins at breakfast, "I saw Mrs Brownyosterday, and aho had bought a splendid dresa-pieco, worth 2s 6d a yard, for la 3d. It was only just tho least bit damaged. You know, now, I want a dress 80 badly, and I don't mind wearing one that has a few spots on, if wo can save 103 ! And there is Mary, too, and tho children. It would be a pity to lose tho chance of getting their winter things. We could save two or three pounds easily if wo got them now." It's no use for him to pooh pooh salvage, and denounce Bales as a delusion and a snaro— those drapers' circulars are flung at his devoted hoad at breakfast, dinner, and tea : " \Vhy, just look hero, my dear, Horrocks's best calico at 2Jd a yard ; there can't bo any deception about that " She feels that it is now or never, and with astuteness begotten of experience she peppers him with stories cf tho great bargains they are allowing to go past them, while Mrs Smith and Mrs Broivn are dressing like duchesses on next to nothing. Poor little dear, sho knows it is all humbug, but who wouldn't employ strategy if en gaged to draw a badger ?

A vory good story is told by a local draper. Ho says he neglected to purchase at Owen and Graham's sale, and his customers were disgusted. Seeing that they were determined to have salvage Btock, he employed his assistants in carry ing to a warehouse at the rear of the shop all the goods that were considered unsaleable, and that had lain on his shelves for months in some instances. Heap ing these up in the shod, he had a firo kindled, and after seeing that the goods were thoroughly smoked, he deluged the pile with water. " Salvage Stock " was his war-cry next day, and within a week he had cold seventy per cent, of the goods at double the price he had been asking pre viously. I give the story as I hoard it, and just for what it is worth. xxx Talking about salvage calls to mind salvago of another sort. Rescue from the earthly flames is something, but how much more sweetly precious is salvage from flames ovorlaating. Salvage of this sort is the stock-in-trade of a certain class of dealers in nostrums for spiritual diseases, and they have occasionally objectionable ways of pushjmj Uwyv iH""Gftin;J tflo-'prTme offenders wore membors of tho Salvation Army. 1 don't share the prejudices against that body. With a certain cluse, a tlass which none others reach, they aro doing good work, toaching honesty and sobriety; but zoal for the cause sometimes outruns discretion. A poor man lay sick and nigh unto death not far frcm St. Paul's Church. Ho had been afflicted with " doubts " and not a little mental dis tress at the prospect of crossing the mys terious border, and was advised in his difficulties by two Episcopalian clergymen, who had shown him groat attention. Mow there chanced to be in this man's household "a little maid," and sho a member of the Army, eager for active service. Without consulting her master or mistress, she introduced a detachment of the "blood and fire " contingent into the sick chamber, and they utilised thoir opportunity by pitching it so hot into the erring one, and picturing such a cheerful prospect of his future, that tho poor, prostrated doubter was seized by an awful terror, so that tho very bed shook with his tremblings, and tho gentle "comforters" retired, leaving him in a sate of utter physical collapse. The wife of the sufferer was so incensed by the outrage upon tho sanctity of her house bold rights and by tho brutality of the pro ceeding that she had serious thoughts of sooing whether the law would provide no means of punishing the outrage, x xx

Gong Kee ia a gone coon, Ah Tack must go round on another beat, and Ah Quote will have to look up English rather than Chinese precedents. A gentleman who signs himself " Conservative " has written to the papers declaring it to be a very great ahaine that these guileless strangers were not permitted to continue their innocent little diversions—that it was a very bad thing to deprive Gong Kee of the nice little pot, and that tho Government aro rather worse than the stakeholder for raking in his pool. This gentleman —who says he thinks all these things because he is a Conservative—wonders why Liberals want to place restrictions on liberty, and why Johnny shouldn't be swindled out of his money if he likea it, or pollute the atmos pbere, physical and moral, if it suits him. "Them questions ia a poser for those Radical fellers who wants to do a working man out of his beer," I fancy I hear another "Conservative" say as he blows a cloud. Just so. But the law happens to drop heavily upon other swindlers beside Gong Kee and his patrons. A man may have a perfectly sincere penchant for larceny, or a weakness for dirty back-yards, or a thousand and one other vices without which he cannot attain to that blissful egotistical happiness that befits a true Conservative— by the way, the I Celestial is the typical Conservative, a man after his apologist's own heart—but cruel laws place a veto on his peculiar tastes. Gaming - houses, whether kept by Gong Coon or Richard Welsher, are moral pest houses, and to plead for their tolerance because the police have heretofore shown a culpable remissness in putting them down, ! is a mode of argument perfectly worthy of I atrulyConservativemind. Formy own part, ■ I hope the descent on Gong Kee is but the prelude to a raid on some of those infamous dens, licensed and unlicensed, where un limited 100 and euchre represent the Cau •asian "fan tan," and men and boys pledge their moral manhood with the weekly ■ salaries that belong to their families. Let us hope that Detective Hughes has picked up some experience in other games than fan tan in the " sunny South," and that he means to show us how to play them—out. j XXX ; I am told there was a touch of melancholy In Mr Boucicault's voice when, standing upon the top of Mount Eden, ho ex claimed: "Well, I havo put some fine things in the way of scenery on the stage, j but I haven't touched that yet—if it could only be done, what a draw I What a deli cious combination of artistic enthusiasm and managerial shrewdness there is about that exclamation. J x x x '■ i For pure Vandalism, and puerilo, impo- 1 tent intolerance. I have never read any- 1 thing to equal the account received by the I mail of thenewingoff of the arms of the great i stone cross on the Pantheon at Paris, to i pfeparo the building for the reception of j VMoV Hugo's itmains. If thia is the a

ripened fruit of a creed of intellectual great- j ness—egad, tho Gotha were giants. A grim satire ia buried in the con cluding sontencos of the telegram an nouncing this outrage :—"A similar fate," it says, " would have bofallen tho great gilt cross on the dome had not its enormous size and weight made an attempt to remove it perilous." And so tho great cross spread its arms unshaken above the heads ot the malevolent pigmies who raped and raved around the poor clay of their ! deified hero, whoso festering carcase was even then silently teaching a solemn losson on the folly of intellectual pride.

A good story haß been related to me as showing how a well-known Queen-street draper got tho hotter of a " hard case." In tho rush of business one Saturday evening, j his anxiety to obligo prevailod ovor his business shrewdness, so that in a moment of misplaced generosity he agreed to ex change cheques (a common custom) with a party who docs a little in tho shipping trado. No soonor had this transaction been accomplished, howover, than tho draper rcgrottcd his own goodness, and wished with all his heart that his own chequo was safely back in his pocket. Ho resolved, howovor, that he would not bo outdono, and directly tho banks opened on Monday morning, ho pro touted tho chequo received in oxchango for his own. Its speedy re furn, marked " not sufficient funds," occasioned him no sur prise. Pocketing tho precious document, lie ma^ic a rapid journey to another bunk ing establishment, on which his own chequo was drawn. 11 ore ho had waitod for a tow moments, whon his friend of Saturday night appeared, cashed his cheque, and pocketed tho money with the proatost com placoncy. Thodrapor then politely invited him to step into his place of business for a minuto. Tho " friond" acquiesced, and thereupon tho draper calmly closed tho door, rolled up his slooves, and remarked, "Now kindly hand over that £0; your chequo was useless." Fairly cornered, and deeming discretion tho butter part of valour, tho sharper, with rueful countenance, passed over tho coins, and departod a sadder man, with tho consciousnessof having been bowled out in attempting a dirty trick without has ing enjoyed tho price ot his humiliation. X X X "8.H.G." sends mo tho following epi grammatic lines addressed to " Auspex " which he requests mo to publish : — Not Bcldom on the mastiffs track wo sco Some wretched cv", with roul malignity, Snarling a base defiance, all in vain— Tha nobler uaiuro noata him with disdain. In his own strength reil int, he doth know Hinuelf superior to his crmuripK foe. K'etißo, friend Auip,x, snarl jnsms you list, Yourw.uld-be wit its aim has wholly missed. " Exnihilonilfit, which wo may tako— "TKeempty vea=el loudest noise doth make.'

We are living in an age of "talk." Every paper we take up is inundated with the sayings of this one and that one. Even in that august deliberative assembly, the British House of Commons, the cloture has had to be applied to keep in check those who think the Empire can be ruled by talking. Things are too real for us thus to theorise, and more of the practical aspects of great questions are needed. Our local " pailiamentarians" are now in session. Let mo in tho kindest possible mannor, whilst wishing thorn every success, point out the possibility of frustrating their ends by an indulgence in small talk. The desire to bo thought witty and humorous must not be carried too far. One of our poets, I think Pope, said,

"Word* aro liko leaves, and whoro they moat abound Much fruit of sense beneath In rarely found."

Of course, it would ha a libel on our local statesmen to agree with Pope, but I hope they will do all in their power to raise the discussion of political subjects to the high est possiblo platform. The great art in oratory is to oxpress our ideas as concisely, as clearly, and as simply as possible.

As the good people of Ivarangahapo appear to bo greatly exercised in mind between the innovators who are mov ing heaven and earth for a change in tho name of their leading thorough tou,mi,xilv? r flfciVd intaßen"Tr)e"froubTe to acquire porno information as to the precise signification of tho polysyllable Maori appellative. A well - informed Maori scholar whom I consulted assures me that tho literal moaning is nothing more nor less than "Call tho club-footed man," and he suggests as a likely deriva tion that possibly in the olden time, when the road was the crest of a ridge between two fern-clad gtillies, two tribos or hapus met there, and one party being club footed, the chief of the other party in raising tho customary shout of welcome singled out his congeur by his physical infirmity, and directed towards him accordingly tho ovation of his people. The Maoris in such a case would readily enough apply the phrase to the meeting place. By a figura tive application tho word would also°bear the meaning "an indifferent or halting welcome." Whatever the meaning, my sympathies are with those who would pre.-orve the name. It is certainly more euphonious than Chcapsido, Broadway, Fleet or Ro gent-stroats, and on antiquarian grounds, it seems a pity to eliminate the ancient Maori nomenclature from tho country. It is going rapidly enough.

The old story of the Wado Bottler who polled his bullocks in order to swell the election returns is brought back to memory by tho recent achievement of a Whangaroa resident. Ho was on the verge of bankruptcy, and it became necessary that he should maintain his credit in Auckland. Ho, therefore, wrote to the local merchant with whom he was dealing, telling him that he was about to put a largo amount of timber into the creek, and that when it reached the mill he would pay up honourably. The accommodation was ac cordingly granted, and yet the store keeper subsequently sought relief from his dobts in the whitewashing process. Tho irate creditor demanded an explanation I of the promise with respect to the timber supposed to be on its way to market, and his chagrin may be imagined when he discovered that the timber referred to belonged to another settler, and was still standing in the forest, and that the debtor's connection with it ex tended no further than the fact that ho had arranged to pay a royalty on any portion of the timber he might cut. It is unnecessary to say he had cut nono, and that the asset was therefore wholly value less.

XXX Mr Henry Worthington, Headmaster of the Wellesley-street School, and member for Lyttelton in the Parliamentary Union Housoofßepresentativos.most signally "put his foot into it" (aa the phrase goes) at the meeting of the lutter body on Mon day night. A fortnight since he pave notice of a question, and last Mon day being the timo for putting it, he asked with due importance if, in view of the numbers of children under school-age about the streets the Government intendod to enforce the compulsory clausesof the Edu cation Act. As the question was put a titter •went round the Ministerial benches, and a broad smile irradiated the features of the members of fclio Cabinet. Mr VVortbmg ton adjusted his spectacles, looked more narrowly at the Order Paper, and then hearing the sotto voce remark, " Oh, ho wants the babes in arms as well," he recognised in amazement the singular phrase " under school age." Blushing crimson, he hastily apologised, explained that it was an egregious mistake, and j suggested that perhaps it might |be the printer's fault. But the j Attorney - General dragged from his convulsive fingers even this straw by as suring the Houee that the Premier faith fully followed tho honourable! member's " copy." Whereupon the elect of Lyttol - ton heavily collapsed, and it is now said "he never smiled again." XXX Baiting the parson is a popular sport with congregations who have been goaded to re bellionby pro.°y forty minutes' pennons or too plain homo thrusts from the socurity of the pulpit; but the fun has also its attrac tions for tho clerics themselves when a weak brother is caught stumbling. Or. presuming ' it to be a painful duty, they perform it with 03 much vim as my old school-master dis played wh*n layipg en tbe cane, though all tho white prtfffesting to the srfnirm-. i

ing and sceptical urchin that the per formance was moro painful to himself than to his victim. Tho Presbyterians have been rather celebrated in the colonies for parson-baiting, but probably this is owing to the nature of their Church Go verninent. What, under Episcopalian rule, would bo settled by a pri vate " wigging" from tho Bishop, or undor Weslcyan dominion by a conclave of parsons sitting with closed" doors, must come before tho opon Courts undor Presbyterian Church laws. Thoro ia, howover, about Presbyterian parsons a sur vival of tho Knoxonian severity, and whon taking tho Boy. T. W. Dunn to task last Wednesday, as one solemn-visaged minister after another roso to bis feot and ac'dressod the meeting with sovority of look and tone, supporting himself with an umbrella or stick, ono could easily imagine that he was in tho presence of some of tho stern old Covenanters, who wero in the habit of leaning on their swords when they at tended divino service. To obtain lonve on tho plea of visiting an aged matornal parent, and to spend tho time in a worldly lecturing tour on heads and faces, was, however, rather a Bovoro trial to the consciences of these storn dis ciplinarians, and tho Pukekoho minister may feel thankful that ho got off so oasily.

The Panama Canal.

The following is the report of an interview by a " Lyttolton Times " reporter with ono who has cropped the isthmus : — Tho first idea of cutting a canal through the Isthmus of Panama (said Mr Ticlihorne) was concoived somo hundreds of years back by a Spanish navigator, who was of the same family as Cervantes, tho great author of " Don Quixoto," thus proving that tho importance of tho scheme had suggested itself to tradors even when commerce with these almost unknown regions was in a very primitive condition. Thenamoof Corvantos boing thus associated with tho Canal doos not, howovcr, indicate that thero is any thing Quixotic in tho scheme as propounded by Baion do Losseps who, after hissuccoss ful vonturo in tho matter of tho Suez Canal, turned his attention to this tho most impor tant project of tho Western Hemisphere. Baron do Losseps, occupies, in connection with this scheme, tho post of president director of the Company, which rojoices in tho namo of " Con.pagnio universello dv Canal Intor-Oce'aniquo." When the business was being started ho was asked where lio expected to got tho necessary funds from, and ho replied : From the class Lord Palmerston used to dub Us pctits gens. As reported at tho time in a French journal, his remarks wore "Eh Men, ret petits gens out fait ks plus ijrandes ccuvres dv siecle." (Bravos, applattdiscmcnts rcpetis.) The original estimato for the work was £24,000,000 sterling, or fit looks a good deal larger in French currency) (J0O,l)0O,000lr. The present head engineer, M. Dingier, was called upon to calculate the amount of ex cavation that would bo required, and bis estimate was that 100,000,000 cubic metres of earth would have to be removed. Tho breadth of tho Canal is to bo 22 metres at tho bottom and 50 metres at the top of tho water ; its depth is to be 8 i metres, and its length exactly 75 kilomotres—that is to say, from the island of Perico in Panama Buy straight across the country to the Bay of Limon on the Colon side. From tho Panama end tho ground for 11 kilometres is very levol, then for 40 kilometres you aro going up and downhill through tho Cordilleras ; then tho remaining 21 kilometres aro level again and splondid cutting. Tho work is going on at both ends and at tho centre Tho Panama end of tho work is contracted for by tho Franco American Trading Com pany of New York, thoir contract being Ifr SOc per cubic metro. On tho Colon sido the contract is taken by tho American Con tracting and Dredging Company at a price varying from Ifr 29c to Ifr 50c. Tho cen tral sections are let out in small contracts to different poople, who employ on tlio work Jamaica and Wcstlnriian niuger.ogcnorally ; and owing to tho difficult character of tho ground to bo cut and tho greater dopth in tho centro, tho prices vary from .'!fr to Gfr per cubic mot re. Out of tho amount ori ginally Pstiniated^.CS^OOO^OOO^tho suiJ^of start, chit-fly for liocepcary buildings, etc., but a largo-tho largest-portion of it was paid to tho American Railway Company, from whom tho Canal Company had no al tcrnativo but to buy tho necessary privileges for carriage, etc., at most exorbitant rates. To give you an idea of tlio way in which this railway company aro making hay while whilo tlio sun shines—for when tho canal is open their day will bo closed -I may tell you that tho prico of thoir through ticket is 25d01, or £5 for a distanco of sixty four miles. Not the least interesting object to bo seen in this district is the old paved roadway from Colnn to Panama ; for it must bo ro mombered that in tho early days of tho Spanish rulo Panama was tho capital, both commercially and politically, of Amorica ; and tho Spaniards sent thoir mails by sailing vessels to Colon, whonco they were trans mitted to tho other sido across this road made by tho Government, and thonco dis tributed along; the South Amorican coast The old road is very intorosting as a rolicof tho past, but can bo seen only in a few places, as the tropical growth ofvordurohas now hidden it almost everywhere.

Itwasat one timo thought that tho Chngros Rivor would be capable of boing utilised in connection with tho Canal, but later oa it was found that tho difforonco of tho water level in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans would provnnt tho rivor being used. At tho tides thoro must bo a groat rush of water, which, unless tho Canal is kopt as straight as possible, would bring down tho sides V7horevor impinged upon in a circuitouß route. A considerable amount of money will consequently havo to bo spent in diverting the course of tho Chagres, and two or three canals aro at the presont time being constructed for this purpose. Wlien tho Panama Canal itsolf is com pleted, a good timo will havo to be spent in the formation of harbours at eithor end. At this end, for instance, a channel will havo to be dredged through the Bay of Panama; while on the Celon sido it is arranged to havo two large embankments erected. If possible, this Canal is to be constructed without any sido locks, a 9 in tho Suez Canal; but it may yet bo found absolutely indispensable to havo one lock at least. Tho highest point of tho Cordilleras through which the Canal will pass in tho centre of the isthmus is 500 ft. The largest steam dredges at work remove 4,000 cubic metres of earth per diem, and tho smaller ones 800 metres. This will give you somo idea of tho progress that is being made.

The city of Panama is a beautiful place. Its bay, with green islands dotted all over its surface, makes it one of tho most charming cities in this part of the world. The scenery across the isthmus is also very picturesque, but the climate is most poison ous. Fevers are very common, and the little graveyards which are scattered all along the line of the works remind one of going over a battle-field. There are 9,000 men engaged on the Canal, and, notwith standing the great risk of sicknoss, every boat that comes in from San Francisco has her steerage full of candidates for employ mont. Certainly the pay is very good, running about 3dol a-day, with an allowance of rum and cinchona to help them to fight the fever. From time to time many reports find their way into your colonial papers, depreciating the progress made in this great enterprise. To understand this it is neces sary for me to mention that as a matter of course there aro no newspapers but American ones which can be supposed to write with anything like authority on matters con nected with the Panama Canal, as thoy alone are near the works.; and the same is the case with tho Railway Company Well, 99 per cent, of the people of America aro opposed, and always have been opposed, to the Canal. You can understand that this must be so when I say that all the trunk lines of railway from the oast to the West coast will suffer very largely when the Canal is opened. Their chief loss will be of passenger traffic, as they now meet tho Aus tralian and New Zealand steamers,and there are three large lines of steamers which run between San FranciscoandChinaand Japan. All this traffic will bo diverted to tho Canal as foon aa it is open. The United States will suffer to that extent anyhow. Then there is the Panama Railway, which was opened with such eclat sotno few years ago, and the shares in which are pretty well distributed all through tho States. This railway will almost have to be completely pulled up when tho Canal is in working order. That will give you eorae idea of the American position.

SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES,

New Zealand. Wellington R.C. Stcoplccbaso Meeting.. July 18

To Correspondents,

C.P.—The nominations for tho Kpsom Derby

aro mado vthon yearlings. M.V.(Cambridge).-Dunlop is by Nockorsgat— iit'a ; The Toacher by Wang Forward—Jtunily Faithful.

Inquikku.—Gladiator, tho sire of Macaroni, is an imported clieatnut horses, bred in 1871. Ho is by Gladiator from Nunoia, by Nunuto from Fatiraa, by Xlie. M.-aeru W. C. Yuillo, of Mulbourno, havo Gladiutur on their private Ealo lißt.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

The weights for the next Molbourno Cup, which havo been looked forward to with so

much interest, aro now before us, and they will supply turfites with plenty of food for discussion and research for somo months to come. In my opinion, it is about tho best production for tho great race that hasomanated from tho hands of Mr Barnard, and he has so " flattered " tho wholo of tho 105 engaged that even tho chance of gallant old Commotion, with tho top weight of 9st 101b, cannot bo despised. Now Zoalanders will hail with satisfaction tho evident fact that tho Victorian h.indi capper has striven to make himself acquainted with tho performances and merits of our representative?, and I think it will bo agreed that ho has given them ovory chanco of placing the much-coveted prize to the honour of Maoriland. I don't think that a performer like Tasman, who has scored so many brilliant victories under heavy imposts, could have received loss than 9nt, but with 31b less, Vanguard has got off very leniently, and, personally, I am of opinion ho is the pick of tho Hon. VV. Robinson's team. The longbottled-up Oudeis with Bst 31b, has evory chanco givon him to como out of his shell, and Liverpool (7stSlb) .Winehestei (6st i)lb), and July (7st 51b) also have nothing to bo atraid of on tho scoro of weight Thobrilhant Auck land bred Trenton is nicol.v handicapped with 7st 131b,and I should think after the way tho colt has beon slaughtered in tho New Zealand Cup, that his owner would bo half inelinod to eliip him ovor and have a cut in for the race. With 7st 51b Thunderbolt is anothor well-treated animal, and thoto who sup ported him oarly in tho day will now havo good hedging money. For tho two big races of Now South Wales—tho Hawkesbury Handicap and Great Metropolitan Stakes- Mr Scarr scorns to have taken ovory caro of Welcome Jack, for he has awarded him tho post of honour in oach, but tho Hon. VV, Robinson's team aro all loniently handi capped. The problem backers will now havo to solvo is, which of tho five ropresenta tivos who belong to tho Robinson stable will bo deputed to carry tho " white jackot and black and gold sash" in the several King and Ngnta were brought back from Napier on Monday. Owing to thoro boing no room available St. Dunstan was lott behind, and Mr J. Chadwick's team go on to Wellington to tako part in tho Steeple chase Mooting thero on tho ISth inst. Considering that St. Albans has only had four representatives, viz., Tasman, Johnny Faulkner, Captain Webster, and Captain Cook.doing battle on his behalf in Now Zea land during the season now at a close, ho has mado a very good record among tho winning siros. Looking over the various meetings that have taken placo, I find that tho quartette above mentioned havo won for himabout.fi,73"). When this is tacked onto tho enormous amount won by St. Albans's progeny in Australia, it will bo found that when tho roturna aro mado up,a few months honco, ho will this eenson havo far exceeded tho £5,620 won for him during tho season of ISS3 S4. From tho accounts of tho raco for tho Epsom Derby telegraphed to tho American papers, it seems that the winnor, Molten, started a red hot favourite with the odds of 7 to -1 against him. As was anticipated, Lord Hastiner's colt was ridden lv- Archer, ivno rm« FCTlson has performed tho uu paralleled feat of riding tho winnor of tho Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, and Oaks. During the week, Vanguard and Oudeis havo both beon well supported in Auckland for tho .Melbourne Otip, at 100's to 3, and old Commotion has plenty of admirers who aro willing to tako 100's to '2 about him winning. Tho Canterbury Jockey Club havo fixed their Spring Mooting to tako place on ( Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 10, 12, and 13, and thoro will bo two days' racing at tho Midxummor Meeting instead of ono, as previously. I havo to acknowledge tho recoipt of a now candidate for the patronage of sport ing men in tho shape of " Oxenham's Turf Register " for Juno. Tho littlo volume which is published in Sydney, is to bo issued monthly, at ono shilling, and will givo the placed performances for the pre vious month of tho horses at all meetings of tho slightest importance in Now South Wales. Victoria, South Australia, Queens land, New Zealand, and Tasmania, with othor useful matter. It contains 94 pages, and as thero is tuich a deal of interest now being takon in tho nlTairs of tho Australian turf by Auckland sports, I can confidently rocommond the " Register to their notice "Nemo," of tho "Sydnoy Mail," has an article in last Saturday's issue on the A.J.C. and V. RC. Derby candidates. Speaking of tho last-named raco, he thus refers to Thunderbolt: —"Tho New Zoalandbred Thunderbolt has a spoedy record, for he has won five races ovor six furlongs, and has never yet had his colours lowered. He is by Musket from Lockot, and is well bred enough tor anything ; but to look at he is littlo more than a galloway, somowhat like Ringmaster, and does not give tho idea that he could live successfully to the end of a solidly fought milo and a half with Bst.

101b. in the saddle. However, they run in all shapes and sizes, and as ho has a lot of public form on his side his prospects should not bo ignored." The article concludes :—

There are, of course, several of the com paratively unknown division which may be tween this and thon develop into race horees ; but up to date tho Derby of our Southern frionds would eeem to mean some thing very much like a match between New stead and Monte Christo, and in the event of both atripping ' cherry ripo' I shall expect Newetead to break the chain which has hitherto eurrounded Maribyrnong Plate winners by carrying his colours home for the mostijnportantthree-yearold race of tho season." Referring to tho A.J.C. Derby, the writersaysßstlolb will tellagainstMatch lock.and adds :—"On papor tho race would seem to be at tho mercy of the ' blue and white,' and as Uralla appears to be Ihe most forward of the lot in point of con dition, it is quite likely that she will be | asked to act here, while Monto Christo will . be carefully nursed to meat Newstead in the struggle for the Victorian bluo ribbon, and outside her own stable Uralla may have most trouble from Cairo/ Not only has death been busy among tho New Zealand thoroughbreds oflate, but in Australia several have aleo recently paid the debt of nature. In Melbourne, Dr. L. L. Smith has lost his brood maro Princess of Prussia, grand dam of the lato V.R.C. j Derby winner, Rufus, and MrE. Jelletthas i put a couple of his promising youngsters ( under tho sod, while in Tasmania, a colt by I The Assyrian from Lass-o'-the-Hills, said to j bo the best-looking youngster connected > with the Waverley stud,has passed out. In , Sydney, Mr T. Ivory's brood mare, Sultana j (dam of that good horse Sweetmeat) has succumbed to the efFects of old age, She ! was 24 years old. and last year dropped a ' foal to Tho Jester, by Maribyrnong. From the riotes of the Wanganui scribe, "Flaneur," I learn that Mr Peel, of Upokongaro, owns Hinu, dam of St. Dun stan. The old mare is by Don Juan, and is also tho dam of St. Swithin, by Day Dawn. She has a two-year-old filly by Puriri, now in T. McElwain's academy, whore she is being got ready for a future career over sticks. This young lady has been christoned St. Helena; hor yearling I half-sister, by Cocksure, has been called St. I. Durißtan, and is now enjoying the good feed , i in her owner's paddocks, where Hinu is now ; i loom'ng big with foalonce more to Cocksure. 1 The same scribo r-tates that an attempt will j - be made to secure- the services of Anteroa < for the district next Boason, and a yearling s filly by Hippocampus -Foam, owned by Mr 1 D. Fraser, w a very well grown youngster, 1 and shaped like a racehorse, and strongly i resembles Hipporiamia in her "Blonde* ,c filly" dayis. f

The " Australasian " of Saturday last has | an article in its leading columns on the turf in New Zealand, in the course of which it is asserted without hesitation that Welcome Jack has not yet appeared in first-class condition since his arrival in Australia, and Clarence has suffered from a similar cause. The writer of tne article favours tho use of tho totalisator, but says an indiscriminate use of the instrument 18 tho rock upon which New Zealanders will wreck themselves, and trusts that in the interests of tho turf the leading clubß will confer and take every step to prevent its injudicious use.

Thoro was Bomo tall jumping at Kirk a Bazaar, Melbourno, tho other week. A couple ol horses belonging to Mr Glasacock and Mr Warnor wore put at tho bars, ana easily topped them after the height had been increased by tho addition of a Oott, woight placed under tho bar. Mr Glass cock's chestnut cob followed up his feat by lumping tho bar after anothor 561b. woight had boon added. Tho jump negotiated must havo been about sft. llin. or 6ft. in "^Mozoppa" has gathered together the opinions expressed by tho leading sporting writers as to which horses aro bost treated in tho handicap for tho Now Zealand Gup. Analysing tho summary, ho finds that oi tho nino ecribos

Kight have solected Capt. Webster ■ f Six „ ~ Necklace SK- " ~ Kou'-woater Four „ „ LttdyKnima Four . ~ Nelson Four „ Hanlan Four „ Bubuzahl Four „ „ Wapiti Thrne IKO Three " „ Take Miss Thru!) .. Minerva Throo .. Hormitngo Throo !! Administrator Throu ','. i. TurqupißO Two •■ Consul Two ',', ~ Aluino Roso Two ~ ii Loon Two .1 Ivochiel Two " „ Dorwontor Two „ ii July Turn „ Fororunnpr TwS " Tim Whiillor Ono " .. KvortonLad One " SpntioGmnoa Ono " ! Johnny Faulkner n,o " , Clianner Ono I; .. Strenuous Our .. Tronton Ono " .. UUickllOSO OnS ." .. Fllßilior Conioctu.ro, lately first favourite for tho Adelaide Cup, and an own sister to Guess work, has boen broken into harness by Mr Glasocoak, and ia now soon daily drivon about tho streots of Melbourne RiiiL'WOod, tho well-porformod hurdle and fiatracor, and winnor of tho last Australian Cup, has taken his dopartnro for India under tho care of tho Caulfield trainer, .1. Hoywoud, jun. Mr Androw Town, tho well known Isow Soutli Wales Btud master, has purchased tho recently imported stallion Cheviot, who was got by Adventurer from Grey Stocking, by Stock well, anil tho American trotting Biro lionosty. Thoso two last additions to Mr Town's stud bring his list of thoroughbred stallions up to 20. "While in New Zoaland a short tirao ago (writes "Augur") Mr A. B. Blackwood purchased n yoarliug colt, by Apremont from Aglaia, an imported maro by Knowsloy. Tho colt nnirod In Melbourne a short timo ago, and has boon placod in Mr F. P. Dakin's hands. Thoro aro fow bettor-looking colts at Flomington, and if all goes well with him ho may carry hia owner's colours to tho front in soino of tho good races of next soason. In tho eourso of a sketch of tho orstwhilo Now Zealand stooploehaso ridor R;tddy Mclvor, who won the late Grand National Stooplechnso at Randwick on Progress, tho Molbourno " Sportsman " says : -JSorn at Cuithnostt, Scotland, in 1552, ho landed in tho colonios in '59, and couiraoncod to mako hia mark as a horsoman in 'C 9, when ho rodo the winner of a hurdlo race in Now Zealand, whoro, until about two years back, ho has beon constantly riding eineo, both as an amateur and professional. Mclvorowned somo of tho clovorost cross country horses in Maoriland, of whom tho beat, probably, waa Tommy Dodd, who cost him £13 10s originally, and with whom ho won thirty two races out of a po.«.«iblo forty-ono —not by any moans a bad record. For two years in suecc-isiou lie stood second uu thu list of winning owners in New Zoaland, with two jumpers, ono season carrying off thirty-ono races, principally over sticks. Athleto "Roddy" has a record of over a hundred wins, running, jumping, vault ing, swimming, and diving being a fow of his accomplishments in that lino ; whilo, as a pigeon shot and a billiard player, there were fow Now Zoalanders who could take I him down. Ho is now about to start "on his own hook " as private trainor, in which cipacity ho should meet with much support, as tlicro aro few horsemen in Australia who enjoy a bigger reputation for sobrioty, "straight" going, and shrewd hard headoduess than Roddy Mclvor. It is a fact well known to o.xporionced raco-goers that whilst somo seasons aro more than usually prolific of high-clasa throe-yoarolds, others on tho contrary are only remarkable for producing nothing above tho lovol of mediocrity. In Australian turf annals, Chester's yoar stands out prominently for tho suporior quality of tho threo-ycar-old.s that competed in tho classic races of tho season. In addition to the Molbourno Derby and Cup winnor it brought forth tho great First King (whoso champion record, inado with somothing to spare, has never yot boon lowered), tho un fortunate l'luto, the wiry Savanaka, Wood lands, and Cap-apio (who oach in turn lowered tho colours of tho mighty son of Yattondon and Lady Chester), Lockloys, Amendment, Swivollor, and Watorford, oach and all of which woro above tho general avorngo in pointofoxcellonco. Grand Flaneur, who came on the scono three years lator, was probably the equal of any ono of tho forogoing, as he left tho turf with an unbeaten certificate, after doincr all that was asked of him, which included two Derbies, ono St. Legor, the Molbourno

Cup, and Champion Stakes; but his only rival for tho supremacy was Pro gress, the pair boing tho length of a stroot in front of every other horso of tho

same age. The following year produced another famous pair in Darebln and Commo tion, but in the succeeding season Navigator stood head and shoulders above his com peers, even though the brilliant Fryingpan was amongst them, as woll as that promising disappointment, Segenhoo. NoxttoChostor's year, however, that of Martini-Henry will hereafter appear in our racing annals as productive of a raco of giants, aa tho son of Musket lowerod all previous records of Derby and Cup performances, even though ho failed to secure championship honours, andhe was woll backed up by Le Grand, Off Color, andSardius. Tho season just drawn to a i close, on the other hand, has shown us no thing approaching first-class, but tho ono that is fast drawing upon us bids fair to rival that which gave us Chester, First King and company in tho number of its equine celebrities, and seldom has the question of superiority presented a moro opon appear ance near tho close of the racing yoar. Newetead'a runaway victory in tho Mari byrnong Plato stands uniquo in tho way of public performances, but the roports of his moro rocont growth, and chango of training quarters detract somewhat from the hope ful character of hia future prospects. In Urolla. Monte Christo, and Matchlock the Hon. Jaraos White possesses a trio that havo already acquitted thetnselvos more than creditably on the racecourse, whilst rumour speaks highly of tho promising ap poirancoof his pair of dark colts, Nordenfeldt and Lennox. The first-named is very closely related to Martini-Henry, being by the samo Bire out of that beautiful and speedy maro Onyx, the dam of Sardonyx, whilst tho latter is a son of Maribyrnong and Lady Kingston, a line of breeding that for quality it would be difficult to excel. A colt that has already made a name for himself in Maoriland is Thundor bolt, a son of Musket and Locket, now located at Bandwick under Mason's care. This colony has a number of other useful representatives in Manchester, First Chester, Cardigan, Cairo, and Algerian, whilst Victoria will bring a strong team into tho field from Tho Teacher, Dunlop, Arsonal, First Prince, Binginaster, Remus, and 1.0. U., and in addition to Kewstead South Australia will be represented by the brother to Don Carlos natnod Gasconade. Prom the strength of this list of probable competitors it is easy to sco that the struggle for classic honours next season will oe more than usually interesting, and any thing that tends towards the solution of the ill-important problem will be eagerly levoured by an anxious public.—" Sydney sportfeman.

THE GARDEN.

[By Hortcs.]

Calendar of Operations, July 4.

[Hortus is wining to answer any querlos. Cor respondent must Rivo thoir full names and addresses, though not for publication.!

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Phcnino Trues (Plum).-I could not give you dono duritJK Bummer by pinching. You can th.nrcKUU.to tho shape of tho tr«o «(«,« w. li as MiDDros<t?rowth, but them will ah- ays neo" tJ boa cenain amount of winter pnm ng to bo dono every floason. for dune*; the winter iho lo*vos aro off the trooa and ajfj number of things can then bo boob.Mm-. t would bo iuiposbiblo io boo whilo tho Jolmgoiß Rroora FOB Apples (Orchard).-Thc only stock w oh I would uso for grafting applo trees cm hero would ho the Spy. It is Ujfl onrgori hliirht-rosisting stock wo possnßßthntniitu rally Tho MaKoton iB also largely ÜButl horo, but its duo's a urnltiiu.io of small fibres is tho bost for tho produoiion ..f fruit. If 3°*™°*}° giow timber ia jcur trees uso tho Mngeten, aa Its roots possess all tho cliai actorißttcs of a good timber producer 1 wouldnot;imroto •i ti'pn that was it rat od on th« Mageteu—inttt i 8 to Bay.lif I warned a good fruiting troo.

Winter or Best Pruning.

TllE season for tho usual winter pruning of fruit trees and shrubs is just on end, a nndfew linos on tho subject may bo of uso to sotno. It would bo impossible for mo to lay down any definite rulos how to trout any indivi dual troo or trees. All that con bo done is simply to explain a fow of tho general principles, and objects to be obtained by

the pruning of troea and shrubs. Pruning,

when proporly performed, is an operation that is raoro or loss beneficial to all kinds of trees and shrubs. By pruning wo not only bring the plant into proper shape, but we can also, in a great measure, control tho vital forces of tho trees and shrubs, causing a distribution of sap to those parts which most w.int it, and also to an oxtent control ling thoir fruit, flower, or wood production. Tho groat secrot of pruning consists in knowing tho nature of tho trees to bo doalt

with, tho future uso of each shoot or branch which may bo brought into oxistence by tho particular system adopted, and how to provido for circumstances that may ariso to intorforo with tho plan laid down at tho boginning. As I have said, only a fnw genoral rules can bo given, which will guide the inexperienced in determining tho treatment necessary for each trco or shrub. That, of course, must

bo decided at the timo tho operation is be ing performed. In pruning, tho operator must look woll at tlio general habit and characteristics of each variety. Some vari eties will require thinning out, while othora will havo to bo headed back for tho purposo of forcing a greator number of lateral brnnchos. Also sco that tho branches nro properly thinned, so that suliiciont light may ponetrato to the contro of tho treo. Thon it is as well to soe that tho hoad of tho treo is proporly balanced, that is, that no greater number of branches are left to grow on ono sido than on tho other. When a treo has becomo woll furnished with a pro per supply of blanches, caro should bo taken to keop them free from superfluous shoots, as all trees will throw out moro than are noedod. Thoso should, if possible bo formed into spurs during tho summer by pinching them back us they grow. Tho email shoots, ns they may appear, will not soora to be too clo.io, but as thoy grow thoy will also produce other shoots which will in a short timo causo such an intricacy of small shoots that all will bo provonted from making a healthy growth. Again, in pruning tbo kind or varieties of trees must be looked to, and in what manner thoy produco their fruits whothor it bo upon sjpuib vi uu tlio wood producod from last year's growth On tioos that produce fruit from spurs the operator while pruning must try and increase tho numbor ol spurs. The apples, poara, plums, and chorrios produce their fruit princibly on spurs of eouio few inches in length, which grow from tho old or weUostablisliod wood or the newly ■ formed wood. Tho main object is to increase those. Sometimes I havo seen them increased by grafting, and it is a fact that the French gardeners practiso tho above mode of increasing spurs extensively. Thoso spurs, if not injured, will continuo growing fruit for a groat number of years, co that when a treo is proporly supplied with branches covered with fruit spurs all the pruning that will be required in after years will be to keop any now branches from interfering with one another, or any particular branch from gotting too much of the cap of tho tree, and thoroby taking too much the load, and robbing the rest of tho branches of a fair proportion of their food ; and if the treo bliows any inclination to produco strong or rank wood all over, a timely root pruning will soon correct this tendency A few of the apples and cherries, and also the peaoh, nectarine, and apricot, >roduce their fruit mostly upon one-year old wood. It is therefore necessary to pruno them in such a manner that a good number of healthy branches aro produced every year so as to have an average crop every year—not an extraordinary crop every second year, as is too of ton the case with neglected trees of the above class. This is easily accomplished by pruning back a numbor of tho bearing shoots every winter - in fact, simply thinning them out. This can also bo considerably helped by a judicious pinching or thinning out of the weaker shoots during tho summer while thoy are in urowth.

(To be Continued.)

Treo and Plant Selecting.

1 This ia a subject which demands a good • deal of consideration. If shelter or orna • mental plants aro wanted, never purchase ■ long, ovor-drawn plants; such are pro duced by being planted too thick in the ; nursery rows. They have generally a long i thin stem with straggling branches, and whon lifted their stems will be seen to be out of all proportion to the roots which can be obtained with thorn. Such plants never succeed well, especially if planted inexposed situations. They take a long time to re cover from the check which they roceive by being taken out of.the close, well-sheltered nursery rows. Their wood, which has been overdrawn, is soft, and not properly riponod. When lifted, all the small fibres aro cut away, and it takes a long time befoie the roots can make sufficiont fibres to support the tree. The best trees of all to purchase aro young, strong, healthy treos grown ono yoar in the nursery row. Such trees aro in a much more healthy state to bo planted out. Tho small roots or fibres being near the base of the root, are therefore not all cut off in transplant ing, and as it is upon the small fibres, or upon its quickly-making more, that the well being of a tree depends, a young tree manifestly has this advantage. There are some nurseries which make a practice of growing every year a number of advanced trees to suit customers. Those trees are always lifted and planted at a good distance apart, the nurseryman expect i ing and obtaining a good figure for them, which indeed they are well worth. Such trees succeed admirably, and are woll adapted for planting in eoine places ; but they should never be used in exposed situations. Next comes the selecting of fruit trees. This demands even more con sideration, as some varieties succeed better on some soils than others. The best plan is always to examine your soil, comparing it with that of your neighbours' who havo fruit troes planted. If the soil be the samo, and their trees aro succeeding, purchase the same varieties ;if not, consult your nursery man, who will be able to assist you. Tho purpose in view is another consideration, as some will want to grow fruit for tho market, when prolific bearing varieties must be puroh&sed ; others, again, will want to grow for quality, or fine-flavoured fruit i for their own consumption, to attain which result those varieties which are noted for their quality, flavour, and size should be purchased. The next con- ■ sideration will bo selecting such treeß aa ; are likely to grow vigorously wh6n planted. Young, healthy trees are also t^e best in : thia department, as they are more likely to i

adopt themselves to it, and make trees suited to tho circumstances under which they are to grow. Here again tho nursery man has always a stock of advanced trees on hand to suit those with old orchards where thoro are only a few trees wanted to replace old ones taken out,, or to supply persons wanting an orchard of advanced trees at once. If theso trees have been properly prepared for transplanting, and the place thoy are going to occupj is well sheltered, there is no objection to them, but rather a benefit, as by this moans tho plan tor is enabled to have an orchard of fruit-boaring trees the lirst sou Eon. But I for all new unsheltered orchards, young, i healthy fruit trees ono yoar from bud or : graft are best. Look out always short, I stubby, well-grown, hoalthy trees. In pruning these trees, try and form them with short Bteros. It is essential in this hot climite that tho branches and foliage should Bhade tho stem and roots as toon us possible Trees aro also better as medium dwarfs, aa thoy do not take so much to shelter them. On roceiving trees from a nurseryman, it might not be convenient to plant them at onco. When such is the caso, unpack at onco and heel tho trees in the ground, covering up the root*. As tho fine ends of tho fibrous roots are as delicate as can be, thoy will, if allowed to become dried, cause tho treo to take so much longer timo in re covering after planting. When roots have been hacked ordumaced in lifting, cut them clean with a knife, as a clean wound heals much quicker than a rugged one. The snmo principal applies to purchasing pot plants. Always purchaeo young free grow ing plants that have never been root bound in the pot or drawn up with rank wood. Tho young free-growing plants will always mako better specimens in the future.

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

(By Euterpe.)

The Lynch Family aro ringing their bolls in Sydnoy. Mr Georgo Dean has determined to leave for England at once. Instead of doing tho "block" up and down Collins street, Melbourne, the ladies resort to tho Imps' invitation afternoon concerts, in Club Rooms, Burke-street. Tho revival at tho Sydney Opora Houfie of thehistoricaltragedyol: "Marie Antoinette," with Signora Majeroni in tho title part, has been a success. A society has been formed with tho title ot tho Christchurch Liodortafol, which, it is hoped, will give an impetus to the culti vation of music in Christchurch. " Youth," rewritten and introducing the Australian Contingent coming to tho resicuo has been a great success at the Melbourne Opora House. One of Auckland's favourites, Miss Carrie was recently married in Ballarat to a Mr Beekwoll, a commercial traveller for a firt-t-class house. Grattan Kiggs, at latest dates, was tour ing Queensland under Mr Charles Macma hon's management. Miss Ethel Adtile is his leading lady. A Saturday afternoon concert in Mel bourno yielded £200 for the Gordon Statue Fund. Mi*s Etsa May, Miss Amy Horton, and Signor Palodini took part. "lolanthe "in Melbourne is not a finan cial success, though " Bob" Brough, brotlior to the groat Lionol, has become already a great favourite with tho Victor ians.

Of the withdrawal from tho " lolanthe " Company of its lending tenor tho "Aus tralasian " ironically says :— " Signor Rrocolini, the Italian gentloman whospoko English with such a New York accent, has gone back to Now York." Tho largest and most elegant theatre in tho colonies is about to be built in Mcl bourno by Mr Joubert on tho sito of tho old Hippodrome. It is to bo called tho Alexandra. Tho second meeting of tho Auckland Lodgo of Imps paused off most aatisfactori ly. Tho candidates fnr initiation woro in numbor than tho foundora of the Lodge oven hoped for. Mr A. W. Ellin, Auckland, has been giving instances of his skill In ttiought retiding beforo Nelson audiencos. He ex pects to appear in Christchurch someiiuie in July. Prior to lior doparturo for London Miss De Groy appeared as Lady Teazle at tho Imps Matinoo in Sydnoy. Tho Opora House whs crowded by ono of the most fashionable audiences ever assembled with in its walls. Among the degrees which the University of Edinburgh intends to confer at its coming centennaiy commemoration is that of Doctor of Laws on Professor Villari, tho well-known author of tho livea of Machiavelli and Savo narola. Tho reported death of Hugh Conway (Mr F. J. Fargus), turns out to be incorrect. The author of "Called Back " is recovering from his eovcro illnoes, and the doath an nouncod in the London papers was that of a rolntivo at Bristol. It is probable that tho "Imps" will shortly give a "social," whon invitations will bo issued to ladies and gentlemen to come, and see, and hear as much of "Impdom" as may be good for them. Thursday or Saturday week is tho probable date.

Tfco Wybort-Reevo Company opened at the Theatre Koyal, Wollington, in " Im pulse," to a splendid house. The pit and stalls were crowded almost uncomfortably, and as the Governor and his suite wero present upstairs, the dress circle was also well filled. In Melbourne "Caste" has followed " Youth "at the Opera House. "La Fille do Madame Ansrot" is being performed at tho Bijou Theatre. Emerson's Minstrels

nre drawing crowds to St. George's Hall, and "Christy's Beauties," at the

Nugeet Theatre, have proved a success. The long-expected "Correspondence of Richard Wagner " is definitely announced for publication at Vienna. The corres pondence comprises the period between 1830 and ISS3, and the greater part has never before been published. The editor is Horr Emerich Kastner, the well-known Wagnerite and savant.

An important innovation with regard to booking arrangements for theatres has been introduced by Mr Henry Irving on his return to London from his last American

tour. Henceforth, pitites and "pods" will be able to book their seats beforehand, like the more fortunate occupier of a stall and the rjlutocrat who takes a box.

Miss Agnos Consuelo (Gco rge Dean's sister) has left the lyric for tho dramatic stage. Having a new play written for her, phe organised a Company, and at latest English date was on a provincial tour. The play is a four-act society drama by Mr G. W. A ppleton,entitled "Zana," tho role of the heroine (Zana) being undertaken by Miss Consuelo horsolf.

Mr Charles G. Leland, of Hans Breit mann repute, has, it is stated, had placed in his hands a. remarkable) collection of letters written by Thackeary,during a period of fifteen years, to one who had been an in timate colleee friend. As they have never been publishod, and the lady who owns them has'signified to Mr Leland her willing ness, he will probably edit them for publi cation in America.

There was a violent sceno in the Opera House, Londonderry, on the first produc tion of a pantomime in which wore tableaux [ representing the Queen and Prince of AVales. Those in the gallery hissed and groaned tho representations, and sang " God Savo Ireland." The disturbance was kept up till half the pit and balcony audience had left. Every scene of the pantomimo was groaned ot by the gallery. Mr Charles Fox, a well-known Christ church amateur singer, is abcut to leave for Australia. He intends to adopt music as a profession, and will probably join Mdme Rita and Mr RarJcM. His performance of Gronicheux in " Le» Cloches do Corneville " is slid to havo boon one of the best amateur renderings of an operatic character given in the Cathedral city.

Under the title of "Tho Imperial Parliament," tlioro is to bo issued in London a series of shilling volumes on current political topicp, written by peliti cianß who are recognised ss authorities on the subjects of •which they treat. The fir?t volum3 to bo published will bo "Tmporial Federation," by tho Marquiß of Lome. Tho two next volumes, which will follow shortly, aro to ba "Representation," by Sir John Lubbook, and "Local and Country Govern ■ ment,'* by Messrs W. Rathbwne, A. Poll, and F. C; Montague.

Miso Genevieve Ward is doing a splendid 1 business in Brisbane.

" lolantho " is a big hit at the Theatre i Royal in Melbourne, and so far as " mount ing" goes the "triumvirate" areeaidto I huvo outdone theinsolves. Some idea of '■'■■ tho magnificence of the production can be ' uathercd from tho fact that tho vuluo of I the jewels worn in tho pieco is £750, eac i, | Fuiry carrying £20 worth. The Fairiea' $ wands are jewelled to the value of £5 each i whilst tho bare spear head used by the Fairy Queen cost £30. Majeroni and » Wilson's Company aro, however, holding 1 their own at the Bijou. They have been doing " Tho Brigands " (Offenbach's). Recently at the Crystal Palace, waa produced, for the first time in England I Berlioz's "To Deum," which has been characterised as a Colossus among choral works. |and in imposing effect comparable with no other mußic in existence, except perhaps, tho " JXequiem " of the same com- ; poser. Tho "To Deum" "was intended to form part of a gigantic composition celebrating tho return of Bonaparte by who.oo personality Berlioz, in common with ■ all tho men of his generation, wag pro- : foundly affected- from his Italian cam- ■ paign."

"Maritana" was produced at the Mel bourne Bijou the other day, and the I " Australasian " is pleased to cay that Mr Harding's "Don L'resar is a tine rough rollicking specimen of thoroystering Spanish ! ne'er-do-well. Ho is consistent, too, and never loses sight of what the character ' phouldbe. And he eings it admirably. He ' is quite as good as any lyric Don Caesar we have had in Melbourne, and a great deal better than some Don Cco*arß. Mr Wont worth isthe best of allthelineof 'Maritana' Kings we have had, whether for appearance, voice or acting."

Mr George Darrell was to make his re appearance! on the Australian stage at Her Majesty's Opora House, Meloourne, on the 27th ult., in an entirely new and original play written by himself, entitled "The Squatter," There is not a pistol or gun shot, nor a sensation scene in the whole play. The scene is laid in Victoria, and the incidents depict the manners and cus toms of colonial life; amongst the charac ters are a squatter, a sundowner, a new chum, a mayor of Melbourne, a merchant of the same city, a modern masher, a colonial larrikin, a Mayoress, a Salvationist, and a host of subsidiary personages.

There aro now some three thousand Imps scattered all over the world. Among them arc included such names as: Remonyi, Ratcliffe (tho great flautist shortly to delight all lovers of music in Auckland), J, C. Williamson, G. B. Lewis, G. Reynold?, Sheridan (Widow O'Brien), Professor Bald win, Charley Harding, I. B. Appleby, and Nat Douglas (P. a. Fs.), Harry Stanley, Arthur Elliot, Knight Aston, Loredan, Woodfiold, G. Letheradge, and Phil. Day (the original "Silver King Jaikes,' in Mel bourne), Howard Vornon (better known amongst us us " Bunthorne"') our old friend Grattun Riggs, and our present friends, the members of the Silver King Co.

The Dunodin Masonic Shakespeare Dra matic Club recently produced "Macbeth " for tho benefit of a public charity. Alto gether four performances were given, each being attended by a largo audience. A local papor fays: "In inanj ways the per formance was unique. Tho three witches were respectively English, Irfsh, and Scotch, and at times made the distinctive nationalities as marked as possible. The English witch was portrayed by tho same actor as onacted tho part of Malcolm, the Scottish prince, and on more than one occasion tho stage and audience wero kept waiting to allow tho chango of costume from one part to the other, albeit the witch continued to exhibit tho sandals, &c, of the knight. Thon, as if it wero not suffi cient for ono man's work to be Malcolm and the First Witch, tho first murderer had to bo thrown in. , J

Here is Miss Andersons farewell speech at the Lyceum :—''Ladies and gontemen,— Tho dreaded Mast night' hascome, dreaded by mo, at least; I have to part with you who havo been so kind to mo. The delight. I naturally feel at the prospect of returning to my native country is tempered with a great regret, saddoned by the thought that I must leave you. I little imagined when I came before you for the first time, a stranger, feeling very helpless, tremblingly wondering what your verdict on my poor: efforts would be, how soon I should find friends among you, or what pain it would cost mo to say, as I must say to-night, ' Good-bye' to them. Yes, you have been very good to me, and 1 have tried hard to deserve your goodness. Please do not quite forget me, who can never forget you or your kindness. I hope lam not saying 1 Goodbye' for ever, for I want to come, back. Dare I hope you will be a little glad to see me, as glad ns I shall be to see youj Until then, ' Good-bye.' "

A ROMANTIC CAREER.

Tho Life of Vlotor Hugo's Daughter mado Desolate by a British Lieutenant.

New Yobk, May 27.—A special to the

"Tribune" from Halifax says: The,

" Herald" publishes some details of the \ romantic career of Adele, daughter of Vie tor Hugo, to whom he left 4,0(10,000 francs —half of his fortune. The facts are fur nished by Robert Mattoon, Q.C., a well known criminal lawyer, who acted for her professionally on several occasions. Adele, named for the mother, was her father's favourite child. She was an exceedingly: handsome woman, tall and stately, of dark' complexion, piercing black eyes, wavy hair of jet black, high forehead and Roman. nose, Her story, as told by herself, is as follows : When a mere girl living with her parents in Brussels, she became acquainted* with a young man, one Pinser, belonging to a wealthy family then staying at Brussels, j She fell madly in love with him, and he appeared equally infatuated, so they became formally engaged and were secretly mar ried, as she believed. Owing to their youth and the opposition of Pinser's family, the affair waa kept private and he promised to make her his wife publicly in due time. Meanwhile ho was gazetted a Lieutenant in the British army.and ordered with his regi ment, the famous Sixteenth, to Halifax. Just previous to this he wrote to her to meet him in London, where they would be formally married. Victor Hugo refused to let her go, and said that if Pinser wanted to marry her he must do so at Brussels. But Adolo insisted. Finally her parents gave way, the mother accompanying her to Lon don, but before they reached there Pinser had started with his regiment for Halifax.

Tho mother and daughter returned to Brussels, and shortly afterwards Adele clan destinely loft home, resolved to follow the man she so madly loved. Arriving at Ne'v York, she made hor way to Halifax, and lived there for nearly three years. Pinser proved recreant, but she seems to havo followed him day and night, and frequently declared to a family with whom she boardod that he should never marry another woman while eho lived. She was eccontric, and never went out unless deeply veiled. At night she wont out alone in dis guise, wearing a high hat, top boots, and carrying a stick, All her letters were ad dressed to "Mme. I'inscr," and she received monthly remittances of lOOdol. each from hor father. Pinser repudiated all knowledge of or connection with Adele Hugo, and had not been hero long ere ho became engaged to the daughter of J. W. Johnston, then Premier of Nova Scotia. This coming to Adele's ears, she confided her history in professional confidence to Mr Mattooa, and that gentleman sent a letter to Pinser, whoso alleged relations with Miss Hugo then camo to the knowledge of tho Johnston family. They immediately broko off social inter course with him.

Miss Hugo's life and conversation soemed absorbed in I'inser. She employed a good deal of bor timo in writing. She was a beautiful writer, and at ono timo offered to Mr Mattoon all her manuscript, paying that if ho would publish it fomo day it would startle tho world and bring him a fortune. Her father, who was devotedly attachod to hor, used to tell her that eho could write better thnn ho could oighteen years ago. Pinrev left Halifax with his regiment for Barbados.", and Adele followed him. After sho went away sho wrote letters to friends here, which aro still preserved. At the timo she wf.e lioro one of tho sods of Louis Philippe visited Halifax, and loarning of Miss Hugo's presence in the city, visited her. Some years ago she became insane, and was placed in a private asylum either in New York or Bo3ton. The fate of ttio man wfro fostrayed her h unknown.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1885,

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