RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamif.- ]

Some write, a neighbour's name to lash, Some write—vain thought—for needful cash Somo writo to pleaso tho country c:a*h, Aud raise a din. For me an aim I nover fosh— I write for fun.

*'Pot not thy trust in Prince," wrote the wise man long ago, and his warning holds good at the present day. Certain Princes of tho Blood (as some Aucklandors know to their cost) cannot be trusted with an old fiddlo, and even Princes of tho Press are not abovo suspicion. I wont tho othor night to hoar a lecturo by a self-styled "Prince of Journalists," and am compelled to say that I found him rather untrust worthy. Ho said at tho outset that ho would toll his audience in plain langungo all about tho privato lifo and habits of two brother Princes, and that ho would not give any roview of their works —a task which he graciously admittod had already been efficiently undertaken. But lo and behold ! ho immediately launchod out into an olabor atonoticeofDickens'sandThackoray'snovcls an analysis of tho characters thoy dopictod, and a glowing eulogium of their genius, in terspersed with a few stray reminiscen ces of the groat men, such as that Dickens walked ten miles every day, gave nice dinners, and woro three vests, while Thackeray was a very tall man with a broken nose nnd gold rimmed spectacles ! It wus indeed a " priceless luxury " to hoar thoso interesting dotails, and to know particularly that we wero faco to faco with the identical big-hoadod boy in frills who had gazed on the eminently boautiful faco of a "masher" of the past generation, the very same impecunious youth whom Dickons started on tho road to literary dis tinction, nnd on whom Thackeray several times deigned to smile, But I should havo, liked to havo heard more about the distinguished men, and less about tho undistinguished but big headed boy in frills. It would have beon loss egotistical and moro interesting, besides being in good faith, but I supposo that, like the neody knife-grinder, the loctnror might woll havo exclaimed—" Story 1 God bless you, I have nono to toll, sir !" As usual when a man has nothing to say, ho took a precious long time to say it—thrash ing away laboriously at empty chaff and trying to persuado his hearers that golden grains of truth wero boing produced. But " Kings' chaff is bettor than othor people's corn," and doubtloss the Princo of Jour nalists was "chaffing" the gentle Auck landers, who saw not tho goldon grains of a material kind dropping into the princely pockets. As contrasted with the glowing lectures delivered here on the same topic years ago, the effort of Monday night was "flat, stale, and unprofitable;" but the audience enjoyed a sort of Barmecide feast in the gastronomical garnishing that threw a halo of glory around the com monplace discourse.

What n lot of green chumps they must be up at Cambridge ! They telegraphed to the great Prince asking if ho would give a lecture as he passed through for tho benefit of the Free Library. The Prince's Prince wired back tho query—" What foe will you give?" and the simple bucolics were so flabbergasted by the sordid turn which this gave to the negotiations that thoy have not yet recovered their breath. What a rude awakening they must have had from their fond fancyings of princely bounty freely extended to help the cause of literature and popular education ! I nevor thought our country cousins wero so un sophisticated in the ways of this wicked world. Did they not know that all that high-falu tin talk about the noble mission of the anonymous journalist was pure G.A.S., and that Princes of tho Pen do not put their trust in any one, but apply to their speeches as to their writings the good old rule of " Cash on delivery ?"

Did thoy not know that Mr Sala abso lutely declined to do Auckland the ineffable honour of looking at the Hot Lakes unices he was guaranteed £160 in hand? Did they not know that the hat went round in our rich city until the needful was collected ? And do they not know that poor Tauranga is straining evory nerve in order to raise a sum of money sufficient to bribe the princely benefactor to pay a visit to the starving township in the Bay of Plenty, so that peradventure the necromancy of his genius may bring it into notice ? Do they not know that in till probability the hotelkeopers of Ohinemutu would have a keen contest for the honour of entertaining the mighty man, craving no more in return than "honourable mention " in hia immortal effusions? Yet these things ar3 common talk, and either Cam bridge people are >n dense ignorance, or they have a firm, unquestioning faith in princes, at total variance with tho wise man's experience.

Though one of the meanest of anonymous journalists (I use the superlative in its primary sense), I have a great jealousy for the honour of the profession, and I am rendered quite happy by what I have heard of the Prince of Journalists. If the king can do no wrong, surely a prince's example may be followed with safety. Often have I heard tho vulgar sneer—"Oh, you can get these newspaper men to do anything for a good feed I" and as often as I heard it have I repelled the accusation with warmth, and maintained the superiority of literary men to mercenary or material considerations. But I Bee now that Ihave taken unnecessarily high ground. Here is a gentleman paid by the " Daily Telegraph " to write letters descriptive of the colonies, who gets paid by a lot of silly colonial papers for the samo letters, and who yet asks the people of Auckland to give him a bonus for doing his work. Local journalists will, I hope, profit by the precedent thus established. When ono is sent to report the colonial Parliament, for instance, ho must not only insist upon having his salary and expenses from the office, but must stipulate for a handsome honorarium from the Legislature, and a substantial " tip " from the people of Wel lington; Or if ono is detailed to describe the Melbourne Cup Raco, he must decline to act unless his " screw " is supplemented by £100 or bo from the Victorian Racing Club and an equal sum from tho Molburnians ! Comfortable and convenient though this eort of morality is, I question if thore is a single Auckland journolist who would de grade a noble profession by Buch disgrace ful ethics, which would even be condemned on the Stock Exchange May I never go to " the lakes that burn with fire and brim atone " if I cannot get thero by honourablo means.

Bo William Richard's himself again, and has gracofully settled do» n for another year to the honours, responsibilities, and emolu ments of tho Mayor's chair of our noble city of Auckland. 'J imo was when Mr Waddol held rather pronounced views against eeemliness of a " third term," but it was another man who was candidate then, and of course circumstances alter casos. Three •rears ago our prosent Mayor opposed the re election of hie predecossor on those grounds: " To be asked to hold office a second year is a great compliment: but whon ono is inclined to take a third term it is an insult to the rest of tho community." Now his apologist in the loading columns of a con temporary says Mr WacUel's election for the third time is a high mark of public esteem, and a sure sign that no change was neces sary or desirable. Which are we to believe Mr Wnddel or his apologist? I prefer the former's view of the case, and therefore accept tho latest exemplification of " con tinuous cobblers' wa_ " as o snub to nil the public men of tho city. Of course it is pure humbug to prete.id that he "only yielded to tho earnest solicitation of friends, 1' accepted the "twt " from a sense <yf duty," and so iorthi A consistent and strong man would havo "declined to yield to pressure, and his sense,of duty would have impelled him to an opposite course By the way, has the reader taken stock of the large number of third and even fourth terms of the Mayoralty of colonial towns which are recorded in the daily press ? It appears to me te bo a sign of tho times • the "depression" in industrial and com mercial circles has evidently extended to public life', thero is a woful lack of public spirit, and mostoftheMayoralelectionshave gone by dofault. A brilliant exception is ■found in the Empire City, where there are four claimants for the honour ; and in the neighbourhood of Auckland the suburban boroughs of Newmarket and Onehunga stand out ati exemplars of activity. Some fool talks of having aldermen for Auck land j let us first show that there is a proper spirit of competition for the Mayor's chair beforo we seqd other Beats a-begging I

Of what use is earthly fame whon the following cau occur, in these enlightened days, in our fair city ? Tho scone openß outside a stationer's shop in Quoen-strect. A number of pooplc arc collected, looking at a fine coloured picture of our most gracious Queen. Various remarks aro made by tho spectators, some assort ing that tho picture flatters Her Majesty. This idea is strongly com bated by a gentleman well known in Blue Ribbon circles, who boldly affirms that tho likeness is almost exact with tho original as seen by him 25 yoars ago. Whilo tho dis cussion'is proceeding one of Auckland's oldest merchants approaches, and is ap pealed to for his opinion about tho picture After gazing earnestly at the generally well-known features, ho turned round and quietly asked " Who is itmoant for ?" This innocent question at once sent "Zamiol" away meditating upon the transient naturo of oarthly fame, as exemplified by tho fact that an aged merchant, in tho Corinth of the South, should not recognise tho faco of a Queen who is usually spoken of ns beloved by all hor subjocts.

Somo good pooplo aro concernod lost tho City Fathers, in their zoal to protect the public against tho Salvationist nuisance, should infringe upon tlio right of public mooting and procession. I think tho fear is altogether unfounded, for no Corporation or its officials would dare enforce a by-law when its operation clashed with popular feeling and usagos. It is essontial that the officers of tho law should havo power to put a stop to street disturbances of ovory kind, with discretion as to whon suchpowershould bo exortecl. I would commend to our local rulers a very common sonso view of the subject which has just been taken by Sydney judges. For causing n disturbance in a "barracks" meeting a man was sont six weeks to prison,and another was committed for trial. In another case the defendant was discharged becauso it was shown that he interfered to stop tho Salvation band's horrible noiso in the street on a Sunday morning. A lady was dying in a houso noar by, yot the " sacred " music of tho big drum was thumped out with tho usual fervour ; and tho defendant, a neighbouring chemist, emptied a bottlo of vile-smelling stuff near tha musicians and compelled them to desist. Mr Abbott, tho presiding magistrate, in dismissing thochargo a.ainst tho chemist, said ho thought tho " Army " could bo prosecuted as itinorant musicians, That seems sound sonse. If the Salvation ists aro to be protected from molestation in their " barracks," snroly tho public should be similarly protected in tho streets, and not bo mangled by runaway horses, or tor tured by horriblo noises, becauso, forsooth, some ponplo think it a religions observance !

There is a beautiful story about Charles Dickons which, strangely enough, Mr Sala did not include in his discourso on Monday last. It is related that on ono ocoasion Dickens received from the late Professor Holioway a chequo for £1,000 with a polite note requesting him to oblige by men tioning " Holloway's Pills and Ointment" in ono of his novels. The eminently beauti ful ono had a spark of honour about him, and returned tho cheque without commont. I wonder why Sala did not mention that notable instanco of noblo-mindednoss nnd purity of purposo. Would ho perhaps not approve of tho great novelist's action ? or would ho himself in like circumstances have ro-urned the cheque?

Tho first summer holiday is over, and Volunteers and others havo sottled down until Christmas to their usual avocations. The woather, however, for lack of sunshine, could not be called "royal," although favourable to the growth of vegetation. I could not help thinking over tho difference between the holidays of the present and the past. The old fairs, such as St. Bartholomew's, Fairlop, Greenwich, and Camborwell, are added to the lengthened list of almost forgotten festivals of dd England, and the misernblo attompt to revive, some yoars ago, at tho North Shoro, the traditional festivities of old times was a wretched failure Nobody bolioves in' the existence of the conventional family grinning over a big pudding, and I presume that tha perpetuation of this form of art would be defended only on the ground that it is symbolical. Tho character of tho peoplo's holidays, especially in tho colony, has entirely changed. There is a widely prevailing theory thnt the working people cari be amused in some way which seems good to a patronising fussiness, irrespective of any consideration of what the people like for themselves. To provide real pleaeuro for the people—either activesport or com petitive exorcise -it would seem to be^a necessary preliminary to study what they can really enjoy in accord ance with prevailing notions, and it is quite possible to give a large amount of gratification on this basis without any compromise of principle or encouragement to a depraved taste, iet young mon amuse themselves in their own way if such amusements are innocent of evil to the geno ral community, whether it be football, cricket, boating, volunteering or otherwise. These sports, temperately indulged in, may bo productive of benefit in invigorat ing the physical, if they do not improve the intellectual faculties, + + + Apropos de holies, a friond sends mo the following lines, which may be read with interest :— NOTES ON O.A.ST-aONOMY. We've had lecturers hore by the score - Good, bad. and indifferent 'oo: We've had Massey. with spirits galore, And Bright and his infidel crew ; But ot all, be thoy many or few. None can touch the great Prince of tho Press— Tho Wonder—tho big Bugaboo— The delightful and dear G.A.B. Of geology Denton could toll. And Proctor oonld speak of tho Bkies; The O'Gorman could take vato —well, To the home of defilement and lies; But we never yet opened our eyes In nnminglcd amazement, I guess. Till wo hoard with unbounded surprise The tales of the great G. A S. For he's travelled to reßions afar— He is real'y a wonderful man; He's on intimate terms with the Czar, And ho knows all tho Nihilist plan ; Ho has hobnobbed with Khiva's bold Khan, "With tho Sultan of Turncy no loss; The Mikado of ancient japan Has talked with tho great G.A.S.! Ha knows tho great blessing and boon Ot a rare gastronomical treat: He has lunched with the Man in the Moon On oysters and whltobnlt co sweet; H-i has diner! with tho highest elite ; Ho has supped ut Lnrti Wolosley's own moss; But ho nncr hail tho Key of the Street — Ho's a raro bon vivant, G-.A.3.1 Whim tho Prinoa of War Specials was here, Wo thought he nut on too much "sido ;" But our broii ennosetl cherub, so dear, Has no affeotathm or pride. Let none e'or contemn or deride Tho servile and venial Pms Till with Salad and Salary plied Thr.y have heard tho inspired G.A.S. I

Of Bherry, and hook, and champagne, He talks of libations so free; His lottors demonstrate quite plain That ho writes in and for the "D.T. If I couldn't write hotter than he,

I'd n'low you to write mo down Ass, But ho mounts like a kite, don't you see, Becauso hy's inflated with GAS!

A Terrible Adu mf*//-.—The Italian and Swiss papers relate some striking incidents to which the recent avalanches have given rise. A man of the name of Rapelli, an ex marshal of Carabineers, lived with his wife and children in the village of Groscavello. The wife was an invalid, and while her husband and their little girl were in her bedroom a short timo ago an avalanche fell on the village and crushed the house. Rapelli was killed, and the child, one of whose feet was caught between two joists, was thrown head downward, without any possibility of extriOoting herself. The mother, though saved from destruction by* a beam, had one of her arms so tightly wedged under it that she could only just touch the child's head'with the tip of her fingers. After hanging in the position described for thirty hours, continually crying to her mother for help, she died in convulsions. Mdmo. Rapelli would probably have perished of hunger and cold if a hen had not come vpthin reaoh of her free hand. She seized and strangled it, plucked it with her teeth, and placed the feathers under her neck, which was in contact with the snow. Then she devoured the fowl just as it was. After remaining thus imprisoned nearly sixty hours she was got out by a rescue party and carried into a stable hard by, where she survived, but in a condition bordering on idiotcy. The cause of these disasters (a correspondent points out) is well known. Thoracis nothing like forests for stopping or breaking the force of an avalanche, and the slopes of the Italian sides of the Alps have been almost completely denuded of their timber. The Swiss owe their comparative immunity from the catastrophes which have wrought so much havoc among their neigh bours to the care they bestow on the preser vation oi their mountain woods.

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURE.

Takapuna J.C. Sprirrr Novemhc_ 28 Wellington I!.C. .pnng November 27, 23 Dunedin J.C. Sprinsr November 28,3. Island Bay November Meeting Nov. 30 utahuhu ltd- Sprln,. Decomhnr 19 Thames J.C. Summer December SS, 2!>. Hawko's Buy J.C. Sum mor Ijee. _S Auokland H C. Summer Dec. 2U. Jan 1,3 j Canterbury J.C. Summer lanu&ry 1. 'i • Northern J.C fniiiiiicr January 8, 9. HaiUisvillu Turf Club Mealing January 29

Nov. 30

DATES OF NOMINATIONS AND ACCEPT ANCE.

Acceptances Auckland Cup and Steeple chnse.- December I.

To Correspondents.

TtciinOHN'K.-Ev.rton Lad beat Stoneyhurst in tho Dunedin Champagne Stakes lust February. Bad MKMOKV.-Woodnyniph had .Ist 121b in the lust Auokland Cup, and rati third, Thoro wero only six starters. Aluhedus.-(I) Puramcnn was .ot by Sator out of Minn Minn. (2) Tim Whllllor ran in Mr P. Butler'ti coluurs, " green and wbite hoops." X—The hi-hest prioo yearling sold at, tho last New Zealand Stud Company's salo was l-idy Norah. Sho brought 325 guineas. Petroleum cost .HO KUinens. W.H. (I)iirguvll!e).—Loohle.l was foaled in April, I>SI. Ho i-i by Prince Charlie (winner of tho Middle Park Plate, mid 'two Thousand Uuineai) out of Nelly Moore, by Voltigeur (winner of thcUeraraud St. Leger); hor dam, Fickle, is by Dundee out of Changeable, by Weatborbit.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

The Spring Mooting of tho Takapuna Jockey Club takos place on Saturday noxt, and if the Club aro favoured with a lino afternoon, thoy will doubtless havo a most successful gathering. The weights for the four principal events were declared by Mr W. W, llobii.son in tlio early part of tho week, nnd taken on tho whole, tho compila tion speaks woll for that gentleman's future sucooes. Whilo saying this much though, it cannot bo said that the handicap is without faults. For instance, in the Soring Handicap, Mystery, in my opinion, has got off a bit too cheaply, whilo to say tho least, it is absurd that a three-year-old filly of Empress's breeding should get off with such a fcathor as Sst 91b. In tho St. Andrew's Handicap thoro is little to cavil at, but an animal of Ngata'a reputation should havo got moro than Ost 101b in tho Steeplechase The horse, however, pulled up very lame after tho Hurdle Race ut tho Auckland Spring Mooting, so that wo aro not likely to see him at the post. The acceptances and general on tries for tho meeting, which wore made last night, will bo found in another portion of this issue. Mr M. Gallagher, who has been en a visit to tho V.R.C. Spring Meeting, re turned on Wednesday. Like all Now Zea landers who have visited tho Victorian capital, ho speaks very highly of the way racing matters aro carried out thero, and during his visit ho was entertained on all hands and honoured with being made a member of tho Victorian Club. Mr Gallagher tells mo that Mr D. O'Brien wus mado an offer of £1,500 for Trenton by Mr h. Haines, the well-known bookmaker, but it was refused, and it is just on tho cards that we may sco tlio son of Musket contesting some of tho events of our Summer Meeting. During tho week Trenton has been supported to win the Auckland Cup for about £400 at 100's to 5.

I understand that it ia just possible Mr Balmain's two-year-old colt Musk Rose, by Musket- Rosotto, will not be raced here this season. His owner entertains a very high opinion of him, and ho proposes keep ing him specially to contest tho next V.R.C. Derby. From Melbourne I learn that tho Hon. W. Robinson shortly roturns to "NOW Zea land for a timo, and that his team are to be trained for their future engagements by Mr F. F. Dakin. It is said that tho hon. gentle man won £4,000 by Shoot Anchor's victory in tho Melbourne Cup

At. Sylvia Park, My Idea (tho dam of Nelson) has produced a colt to Lcolinu , and Atalanta a filly to Muskot.

Mr Pilbrow had a slice of good luck in winning tho Now Zealand Cup (says "Actaion"). Previous to tho start his colt Fusillado ran into a post,which ho smashed, and gotting rid of his jockoy, galloped lo wards Cutts's where ho stopped and com menced to crop the grass. Then, after winning the raco, Dodd, wlu rode him, could not draw tho weight, but with tlio aid of tho bridle just turned the scale.

The Otahuhu Pacing Club havo issued tho programmo for their Spring Mooting, whicb takes place on Saturday, 13th Decem ber. Thoro are seven events, tho best being the Suburban Plato Handicap of GOsovs., Hurdle Race of 35sovs, and Stooplechaso of 50sovs. Nominations for thes. three ovents closo on tho -Ith Dceembor.

The Australian jumper Granville, who is among those nominated for tlio Auckland Steeplechase, has lately been showing somo good form ovor tho big foncos in Victoria, Ho won the Steeplochaso at Wyndhnm, and a few days later also got home in tho Steoplechase at tho Williamstown Meoting, carrying good weights in cuch event. Granville is an agod son of Ebor out of a mare called Sybil.

The Victorianhnndicapper.Mr Barnard,is gradually taking the weight off Welcome Jack. In tho Veteran Stakes, \_ mile, run on the third day of tho V.R.C. Meeting, tho erstwhile New Zoaland champion had Sst 101b allotted him, and then he failed to gain a placo. Mr D. McKinnon's colt, Scot Froo, tho winner of the Welcome Stakes at tho Auck land Spring Mooting, has been put into George Wright's hands to bo prepared for his future engagements. Tho Canterbury Jockey Club have re ceived tho excellent nomination of 72 for tho Welcome Stakes, run at their next Spring Meeting. Auckland is very largely repre sented in the list, the Now Zoaland Stud Company contributing 34 entries; Mr W, Somerville, 4; and Mr W. Walters, 3.

Woodpecker has beon sent up to tho Waikato, whoro he is to bo turned out for a longthened spoil.

Messrs Halstead Brothors havo purchased Yankee, a six-year-old son of Patriarch and Zebra. He has won several good races in Povorty Bay and the Hawke's Bay province. The total amount paid away in stakoa over the V.R.C. Meeting was £14,088 10s. The Hon. J. Whito was the largest winner, his cheque amounting to £3,632 10s, of which £1,513 10s was gained by Norden feldt's Derby victory. Mr M. Lougblin was second on tho list with £2,516, and Trenton's successes placed Mr D. O'Brion third with £1,119.

Black Roao broko down so badly in tho Now Zoaland Cup that it is very improbablo ho will over sport silk aimin. Thompson, who rodo him in tho raco, .aid ho was pulling him out of the saddle, and going so strong that he thought ho had the raco well in hand, but shortly after letting him out he felt him go under him,and he finished on three legs.

The Hon. James White, during a rocent visit to Mr James Wilson's stud at St Albans, near Geelong, was so impressed with Sheet .Anchor's sire, St Albans, that he asked Mr Wilson as a favour if ho would allow him to send a mare to tho horso out of seaßo» in order to breed to English lime with a view of entering the produco for tho English Derby. Mr Wilson readily agreed to further by every means in his power so laudable an attempt to win tho English blue riband, and probably Phillino, tho dam of Phil Athol nnd Philip Augustus, will be selected to visit Sb. Albans in February next.

Tho Taranaki Jockoy Club Anniversary Meeting has been fixed to take place on the 31sfc March and Ist April. The total amount to be givon away in stakes tots up te £870, the two loading events being the T J.C. Handicap ot £250, and Autumn Handicap of £150. Mr J. 0. Evett will allot the weights.

Tho Committeo of tho Victorian Tatter sail's Club heard the uncompleted evidonce in tho case submitted to Adelaide Tattor sall's concerning Nowstoad. Tho Victorian Club say they cannot take any notice of the case, which must bo adjudicated upon in Adelaide, especially as tho evidence for warded thorn does not evon include a state ment of the owner, against whom a charge of conspiracy is sought to bo established. Even if the charge is proved.it cannot affect tho general settling, and it is very unlikely that anything will come of tho affair. The backer who is asking the betting clubs to investigate tho Nowstead matter has paid part of his wagers undor protest, and in tends to let the rest stand over til' some de cision on the caso submitted by him to the Adelaide Tattersall's is arrived at,

Derritr, who rodo Winchester in the Maiden Plate at tho'V.R.C. Spring Meet ing, was as nearly us possible caught nap ping in ythat race. Cantering up the straight, winning with a lot in hand, the crack New Zealand jockoy took a pull at the favourite half-a dozen lengths from the post, and young Sanders, • seeing just a possibility of a win, brought up Cyclops with a great rush, and, a length from home, caught Winchester, but tho Maorilander had just time to shake up Ms mount and win on the post.

Jly friend " Pegasus," who was on a visit to the C.J.C Spring Meeting, supplies tho follow in;; mtorosting notos to tlio Dun edin Star " concerning tho running of tho horses in tho New Zealand Cup : —

Fusillade's victory in Iho Cup waa v severe blow to many, and, from what; I can gathor, was unexpected oven by tho l'ilbrow and Ray party, who wont for Leon on tlio day of tho raco, and put thoir principal jockey (Clarke) up ou him, giving tho mount on Fu.iljl-do to an inexporiencod boy—DoJtl— who, however, rode an ex ceedingly well judged race. Several of the bookmakers havo lost heavily, but tbe Duneoin contingent won monoy, except thoso private backers who stuck to Lady Emma or Captain Webster. Back Roso's breakdown is so sovoro as to warrant the belief that he will never raco again. Ad ministrator ran a grand horso ; whilo wo have not yet neon tho. best of Loohiol, who, with a fortnight-more time to get fit, would havo about won. Hermitage waß not dis graced, for ho wasagood fourth : butCaplain Webster could got no nearer than fifth, and two miles is ovidontly boyond his distance. What Tigor Tim could have dono has yet to bo proved, but his party woro vory sanguine, and I shall oxpoet to sco him win a good race bofore long. Leon must also be woll worth watching, for ho ran forward for a milu and throo-quartors, Minerva also showed well for a uiilo and a-half, whilo The Foot, but for bolting, must havo had an outside chance, for ho was woll among thorn in the straight, Sou'-woator was ovidontly only out for an airing, whilo Turquoise, Nelson, Wapiti, Alpino Roso, and Lady Emma woro never in it. Tlio last-named teemed quite unable to gallop, ami Koan was riding her hard in tlio lirst half-mile. The slowness of tho timo is accounted for by the very strong wind that was blowing, which made several seconds difference to the horses. At tho annual mooting of tlio Now Zea land Grand National Steoplochaso Club, several alterations wero mado in tho rule?. Tho most important of thoso was tho amending of Kulo S, which now reads —"A muidon horso or mare is considered one that has novor won a steoplochaso in any county of tho vnluo of 20 soys or upwards, other than a qualified hunters'steeplechase, and a horso that has novor started in one, that has never started for a steeplechase othor than qualified hunters' steeplechase, in any county of tho value of 20 soys or upwards." Mr Moikle gavo nolico of motion to bo brought up at tho next gonoial mooting, \iz. :—"That the lowest weight ho in future not less than 9st, and not lOst." During tho Christchureh Spring Mooting the onormoussumof £35,907 was put through tho totalisator*, three of which woro in uso. This is tho biggest record in tho New Zea land history of the totalisator, tho nearest approach being £38,391), at tho last Dunedin Autumn Meeting, Mr M. Loughlin won about £25,000 by Sheet Anchor's Molbourno Cup victory. Among tho Australian public, it is ro oorded thnt ono gentleman had sixty bots and did not win a solitary wager, whilo another backer, well known in Sydney, had ono wagor viz., £5000 to £'25 Nordenfeldt and Sheet Anchor, and won it, while a well-known doctor won also seven wagers out of nine from ono bookmaker. The Hon. XV. Pearson disposed of the majority of his horses by auction tho othor week. Plausible passed into tho hands of Mr E. .Yeokes for 105 guineas, and the samo buyer took Kingship at (15 guineas. Arsenal was knoekeel down to Mr A. Me Quado for 375 guineas. Tlio Helonsvillo Turf Club havo fixed thoir annual meeting to take placo on the usual tlato, 29th January. During tho V.R.C. Spring Meeting, Joseph Thompson (tho Leviathan) was brought before tho stewards for using abusive latigungo to a gentleman in the pad dock, and was ordered to nnologi.e. Tho Chairman at tlio tamo time informed Thompson that if ho camo bofore tho stewards again ho would bo warned off the course for ever.

A CHAT WITH THE MELBOURNE CUP JOCKEYS.

In a big iaco like tlio Melbourne Cup very littlo trouble is experienced in obtain. ing excuses from tlio different riders for thoir defeat in tho contest, and it may also be mentioned that thoro are usually some ten or a dozen riders who aio prepared to swear on oath that thoy finished fourth. Such, howover, was not tho caso in this year's Cup, with tho exception of Cumin, who piloted Minerva, and oven ho is not sure that ho was not an oyolash behind Nordcnfeldt. M. O'Urien, who rodo Shoet Anchor, states that ho {;ot away with his fiold fairly well, and at onco sot te work to ensure a good position after rounding tho river turn. In this movo, ho states, ho was successful, although atone timo lro was afraid Ted Power would tako tho wind out of his sails. O'Brien states that ho did not get fairly on to tho rails till noaring tho abattoirs, and, as bo expected, Power was at bis side, and subsequently Grace Darling. From this point to tho finish ho maintained his position, and prides himself that ho never rodo a bettor finish in his lib-. In answer lo a quory, .1. Williams, who steered Grace Darling, stated that but for being interfered with by Blink Bonny at tho abattoirs, ho would have " walkod in." Alec. Robertson, tho young gentleman in " roso stripes," who was lined for broaking away at the start, states that howaswi-llsatis ficd with the po-tion ho hold till Hearing tho abattoirs, where ho ran into Nordenfold t, who at this point was noxt the rails. Ho. how ovor, quickly righted himself, and had a fair run tho remainder of tho journey, and ascribes his defeat to tho extraordinary fast timo mado. E. Powor, who acted as mentor for Plausible, frankly admits that "the paco was too warm for him." He, however, managed to hold his own with Shoot Anchor in tho run down the river tido, during which, to uso his own words, ho noticed that "Mick O'Brien was going woll," and remarked to him, "Savo £50 with you, .Mick, will you?" Mick glanced tideways at Plausible, and said. " How's your covoy going, Toddy?" "Oh, splen didly," replied Power. "All right, then, old chap; I'll savo £50 with you." The younger Gough, whoso mission was on Brown and Rose, states that his stirrup leather broko when near tho abattoirs, but that tho nccidont was no impediment to him, ns his mnro was beaten at the time it happened. T ■ Saunders and Smith, who rodo Acolyto and St. Lawrence respectively, say thoy wero beaten at tho end of tho lirst furlong. "My horso,"stntos Saunders, "could not paco with tho leaders nt any part of tho raco." R. Ellis was per haps tho most unfortunate of all tho riders, his mount, Nordcnfeldt;, was knocked and hustled about in all directions. Aftor being run into by Trenton at tho abat toirs, ho was galloped on by Liverpool closo to tho six furlong po3t, and whon the turn was reached ho was hemmod in on all sid s. Ellis thinks ho would havo won had tlio raco beon a furlong further, os his horso wus full of iunning, and nnswored very gamely ovory cut ho gave him with tho whip. Despotnevershowod prominently after tho grand stand was passed. M'Auliffe states that ho raced gamoly enough, but tho paco killed him. In answer to a quostion, It. Derrict, who rode Liverpool, stated that bo had a fair run all tho way, with tho excep tion of when ho unfortunately galloped on to Nordonfoldt. Whon noar tho abattoirs Liverpool held a nice position, about fourth from tho leador, but, although at his top all tho way, ho could not got on oven terms with the loading division at the finish, J, Williamson, who piloted Lord Exotor, is of opinion that ho would have boon pretty handy at the finish had his horso not brokon down near tho scraping sheds. Ho states that ho was well up with his fiold and going well within himself. Cerise and Blue finished about ninth. The lad Sorry, who rodo her, states that she ran very evenly all tho journey, but liko a number of others, "could not go the pace." Mr W. Lang does not know what became of Stornoway, ho never saw him after the stand was passed; but Musfirove, who rodo him, throws a littlo light on the subject by stating that ho finished with the ruck. Several othor lads were interviewed respecting their position in the raco, and thoir own opinions respect ing their chance of winning, but in nearly every caso the reply was summed up in the tereo avowal that •' tho pace was too hot." - " Melbourno Ago "

HORRIBLE OUTRAGE.

Frightful Mutilation.- A Jewish Family

slaughtered.

From Glemboka, in Galicia, havo coino de tails of a terrible outrauc, of which seven members of a Jewish family were the victims. Tho murdorers slaughtered with hatchets and knives an inn-keeperr, his wife, son, daughter, niece, and servant, Another son was found frightfully muti lated and insensible, and no hope of his recovery was entertained. The ruffians plundered the house ; but a baby and two little girls of 10 and 13, who had hidden themselves under the pillows ot the beds, escaped massacre..

THE GARDEN.

[By Hortus.)

Calendar of Operations, November 21.

[HOBTUS in witling to answer any queries. Cor respoiidcui.- must give their full names urn! addresses, though not, for publication.!

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Citrous Trees (l_aiwnka).-All the oltr.m family can ho propagated from layers. l*t„ The wood must be of two season's growth. 2nd. It will take twelve months beloro- you can separate tho layer from the parent plant. 3rd 1 oiuld not describe tho modus operandi, without using a diagram..which I oanuot do in Ibis column, tee diagram "Layering" in "Brett's Colonißts' Guile." Ith The host Be.i-n- tni.yer is when wo receive the usual autui.,.. ;nnora)ly about tho end of March v, ~_„ n.i, gof April. You have not told me what brai'cnof the citron family you intend to layer. If It is tbo swost orange, you would bo better t. n w seed und graft. Thoy will make belter plants from the graft than from layering. Leak Mould ('Amateur").—lf you kno.v any porson in the country near a hush, iry and get them to collect you ono or two bags of tho decayed debris of thu trees; that wl,i.,h is rotted to near iho consistency of soil is the best. 'I ho abovo is the only method I know by which you can procure leaf-mould. Any quantity can daily he obtiined iv any largo bush. It should only cost you a fow shillings per bag, aud one bag should assist in potting . a largu numbor of pl_nts.—Tho roses you V .anted last year could not he expected to (lower as well us thoso that havo beon two years in tho ground. T heyJagfc not got the nccc.sary strength. They wß_\ bo a'' r'Kllt iiextsoiißOn. Give a little lliy*Tm-_ui- and that will give you hotter flow er_ and mako the plants strongor for next season. JrOTTi-a Plants 1"A.," Auckland).—You can easily ascertain when a pot is tilled with roots by tho following mothod:-Place jour loft hand ovor thu top of tho pot, lstting tl.o plant come betweon the middle fingers Lit tho not with the right hand, then turn it upside down, and gently tape tlie edge of the not on n, tabl:. or b.-nch. Lift up tlio pot, and you will then be able to soo the roots. If tlio roots aro all round ll.c soil, your coleus wants ro-pottlng. If not, put tho plant back in the pot, again, and givu a few sharp raps on tho table to put tho ball ml o its plaoo again. If the abovo is carefully dono, it will do no harm to thu plant. Book on Fruit Culture (" Fruit").—There Is no spocial work treating on tha cultivation of fruit trees iv Now _ jalitm. that I am uwuro of at prosent. I havo not the slightest doubt mat such a work would bo of immom-o bonoflt to porno who want to start fruit grow ing. In timo somo ot our orehurdiats may turn thoir attontion to giving thoir experience of growing fruit trees, in book form, to tho public.

Soapsuds for Pot Plants (•' Memo."*.—Soap suds might, in somo oasoi, be bonelloial to pot plants, but I would not advise you to uso it. Give it to tho flower border or kitchen garden, and mako some other liquid manure for your pot plants.

Roses.

As this is the season whon tho roso is in full bloom, a few words to amatours may assist thorn in producing flowors of a hotter quality, whoro quality is preferred to quantity. Whoro largo clusters of buds aro showing, thin off all tho buds to one or two on oach dilator, so that tho strength of tlio shoot may go towards supplying nourishment to ono or two good flowers, instoad of a numbor of indifforcnt ones. Tho vigour and boauty of tho flowers will also bo greatly increased by giving frequent watorings with liquid manure Mulching with cow manure will nlso assist if watered occasionally with clo-m wator. Somo growers in England wator frequently with soot water, using about lialf-a bushel of soot to ovory 10 gallons of wator, and when watering add about half a-pint of this to every gallon of clean water. This, somo growers say, improvos tho colour of both leaves and flowors. Whoro roses aro threw ing out suckers, they should be at onco romovod by tracing thorn to their sourcs, and breaking thorn oil' at tho roots. Allowing suckers to grow simply robs tho plant of a grtat portion of its strength. Green Hies may bo killed on the roso by dissolving about four ouncos of soft soap in ono gallon of wator, straining it, and syringing tho plants for throo or four days running. A now hook on ro'os has been written by Mr Max Singer, ro.-o growor of Tournai, Belgium, which appears to be a usoful addition to tho literature of tho Queon of flowors. The book is arranged alphabetically, nnd tho name of the Hewer being in bold Murk typo, makes rapid reference easy. The purposes of tho book aro purely popular and practical. As notxl :'i tho prefaco, it gives in tho caso of mode: kinds tho name of the grower, tho date i ' distribution, tho species to which tho v.v i-ty belongs or is related, the habit, tho ii. roof the foliago, tho colouring and pocoli r itios of inlloreseonco, with occa sional notes on tho culture, hardiness, suitability for forcing, and other points of interest. Nearly six thousand roses nro described. Thero aro a numbor of wood cuts showing flowers life-si/.0. It is worthy of note that in tho caso of ro jo specios tho Fronch popular names aro in all cason usod in preforoneo to tho Latin botanic form, which either occurs as an accossory oris omitted alto gether. Throughout tho book the roses arc clearly described, and tho author lias care fully noted individual peculiarities. For instance,in describing climbingDevonionsis, his words translato as follows :—"Growth vigorous, shoots very rambling, of a deep groon colour, with fow prickles: louvos glossy, rogularly toothed ; flower largo and full, double in tho centre, tho petals nro curled, nnd arrangod with much art, giving tho llcwor a look of having a smaller ro->o within a larger; colouring whito, yolluw towards the middle, Hosh colour in tho centra, etc." Tuberous Begonias Out-doors ia England. Tho succoss that has attonded tho cultiva tion of thoso bogonias in tho open ground, whether in bods by thomsolvoa or associated with othor things, has long boon provod to tho satisfaction of thoso who havo so tried thorn. Yot it would appear that thoy nro far from boing co generally used in this way as thoir morits entitle them to ho. Thero are, however, fow plants that possess so many proportios that como up to them for out-door cultivation as tuberous bogonias. In tho driest parts of tho kingdom during tho prosont as in tho preceding unprccedontedly dry summer in s.voral placos whoro I havo mot with thorn thoy havo Bhown thoir ability to bear extromo dryness equally woll ns they had before shown thoir indifference to tho opposite of too much wot, tho only differ ence being that, as might havo boon ex ported, thoy havo mado shorter growth. 13ut, a6 might easily havo been foreseen, thoro is a groat difteronca in tho behaviour of different kinds, just as with othor plants that aro usod in tho samo way —of zonal pelargoniums, for instaneo. Thoro aro somo varioties that aro so much suporior to othors for outdoor culti vation aa to put tlio othors out of court. As a rule, it may bo taken for .granted that tho vory large-floworo begonias should bo avoidorl for planting out of doors for two reasons—first, bocauso thoy do not produco a sufficient quantity of Honors ; and secondly, because tho latter aro liable to got knocked off in rough woathor. Tho small-loaved, small-flowoiod varieties with pointed narrow petals givo tho most t>von shoot of bloom, but thoro nro numbers of kinds with rounded potals und smallish flowors, such as may bo from tho produco of a good .train of sood, that aro highly effectivo, especially when a mixture of colours is associated togothor. comprising as thoy do various shades from deep rosy crimson, scarlet, pink, blush, to whito and yellow. There is littlo doubt that tho tuborous begonias will ultimately bo much moro used than hitherto for plant ing by those who hold on to flowor gardens filled with summer bodders, and also in liorbaceous beds and borders. In tho latt or, much may bo effected with them to keep up a . ufficicnt display after tho principal portion of tho occupants nro out of bloom. In such seasons as the present when many of tho herbaceous plants have boen half roatod to death, they will bo especially useful. Ono thing that commonds them jto thoso who have little accommodation for ordinary bed ding plants is that there is no difficulty in wiriteringthom. All that tho tubers require is storing out of tho roach pf frost (like potatoos), and as soon as they show signs of starting into growth in tho spring to put thorn in little pots and stand them in a cold frame with a mat or two ovor thorn on trosty nights, planting them out in tho border whon dangor from frost is over. Thoir continuity of flowering all through tho summer and autumn until frost comes is not tho least of their merits.—"T.B." in " Garden."

Tho above would bo ono of tlio most use ful and easily propagated plants for border cultivation bore. It only wants to become more genorally known, and it would soon become a universal favourito. I saw a few under cultivation last season, and they fully como up to what "T. 8." says of them. In thebeginning of lost autumn the tubers wore simply lifted into a' pot and placed in a shed, and in the beginning of this spring they were again planted out in tho opee border, wbere they are now about thre inches above the soil, and likely to do well this season,

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

(By Euterpe.)

Tub London "Times" U valuod at £5,000,000.

At Amsterdam a quartette of negresses arc.giving concerts.

Mr Henry Goorgo ia preparing a work to be addressed to American working men, showing the folly of protective legislation.

Mr 11, Herman has in preparation for the London tluioty a burlesque in which Mephistopholes will iiguro conspicuously.

Miss Mario De Groy has mado a striking success in tho English provinces as Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing."

An amusing and instructive book, entitled " Don't, Pat : a Manual of Irishisms," is to bo published in Dublin very soon,

Signor Nobili, tho operatic impresario, is dying in Mclbourno with an affection of tho liver.

Majoroni and Wilson's Opora Company which finish thoir local season to-night, play ut Blonhoim and Nolson on thoir way down South

" Ironia " is to bo the tifclo of tho ancient British play written by Mr VV. (J. Wells for Mies Mary Andorson, and Boadicea is not to bo its horoine.

Mrs Cecil Clay (Miss Rosina Yokes) has sailed from England for America with a company to play an adaptation of Mr Anstoy's "Tinted Venus," andothorpiecos.

Herr (.rohmann, aconduetorat Chemnitz, in Bohemia, recently foil down dead oi apoplexy while conducting hia orchestra. Two of his sons wore among the musicians.

Miss Amy Johns is at Hastings, Hawko's Bay, appearing in an entertainment entitled '.' Pleasant Hours." Tho programme com prises comedy, burlosquo,songs,and dances, iltc.

Tho courtship of Miles Standish has been omboilied in an opera culled " Priscilla," by an American librettist Thero aro somo comical incidents in tho piece, which is likely to win popularity.

Tho over-green "Pinnforo" has been rovivod for a weok in Sydnoy, with Miss Alico Hoods as Josephine and Mr Howard Vernon as Sir Joseph. For tho first time on record it did not draw well.

Tho Rev. .fob n Alexandor Dowie, n clergy man who lias boon earning an unonviable notoriety in Melbourne, roforred in a recent Sunday sermon to "Antigone" as "an unclean, filthy, abominable play."

Fryer's Circus, which is showing in Bol moro Park, Sydnoy,has been crowded overy ovoning sinco opening. Harry Tooco is in Sydney. On Novomber 3rd ho gavo an entertainment nt tho Protestant Hall, entitled " Tlio Foots of all Nations."

John F. Shoridun and his ■' Fun on tho Bristol " aro lying up at Sydnoy, and will probably do so for a fow weeks. Mr Sheridan contemplates a second colonial tour with " Undo Tom's Cubin " und othor novelties.

Signorn Mnjoroni leaves for Italy shortly, and it is not improbabio that during hor stay in Rome sho will givo somo dramatic recitals in English, in association with hor illustrious aunt, tho Marchioness Grilli, hotter known ns Madame Ristori.

A now soprano has been discovered named Mdlle Maria Osta who is to mako hor nppoaruuco shortly at Berlin. Sho is spoken of lw tho sanguine ns a kind of Teresa Tilic-ii and Adolina Patti rolled in to ono and boiled down to youth.

Tho " Library Edition " of Thackoray'.j works, which lias been appearing, volumo, by volumo in England during tho past two years, will soon bo completed by tho publi cation of two volumos containing his hither to uncollected writings.

Messrs Routlodgo have commenced tho issue of a series of standard books to bo known as the Pocket Library, the first volumo being Bret Harlo's pooms, which will bo clearly printed on pressed paper, and issued tn v very tasteful half-cloth binding at tho low prico of Is. .

Mr Bradlaugh intonds to visit Australia under tho auspices of the Fr.ethougbt Soeioti<*s. At tho recent secular Conference in Melbourne it was decided to send £100 to Mr Bradlaugh, to pay the cntiro expenses of his visit, and to givo him . ovon eighths of the net profits of the trip.

Messrs Novollo, Ewer, and Co. givo their approaching season of oratorio concerts, under tho direction of Mr A. C. Mackenzie, wlio.o " Rose of Sharon " has almost taken London n--.d Paris by storm. Anton Dvorak's " Stabat Mater," and " Spectro Brido " aro to bo proseiito-1 during tlio series.

Tho Theatre for September again raises tho cry for theatrical knighthood, urging that Mr Irving, Air Bancroft, and Mr Toolo aro surely much moro worthy of knighthood than tlio provincial mayors who happen to prose-tit addresses during a royal visit.

Miss Emma Nevada has advised a certain expedient fur preventing tho jealouey which often oxists between lady artistes in travell ing concort troupes, .-ho. horsolf will bo the only lady vocalist of tlio company with which she tours in America noxt winter, and will, of course, monopolise all tho applause and "all tho bouquets."

A dwarf, who, for diminutive stature, rivals tho celebrated Tom Thumb, is being exhibited in Christchurch. Tho littlo fellow is a colonial production, having been born at Ureon Island, Otago. Though ovor 14 yoars of age, bo is only some 30in. in height, and weights about 201b. It is intended to tako him to America.

Tlio English sixponny magazines havo boon pushing tho shilling monthlies hard, and tho latter havo cut down thoir rates of pay in mtmy instances, Tho editor of one of them says that ho only pays £5 for a short story, and he can got ns many of thorn ns lie wants at that prico—stoiies, say, of ten to twenty thousand words.

The fourth volumo of Mr Loslio Stcphon's " Dictionary of National Biography " has boon recently published. It continues tho lives of our greatest personages, from "William Boalo" to "Dr. George E. Bibor." Among tho items given is an account of tho rico and progress of the publishing houso of Messrs Bentloy.

American stories continuo to find favour in tho oyes of English publishers and of tho English public. Mr Howell's " Silas Lapham " will bo issuod by Mr Douglas, Mr James's " Bostoniuns " by Macmillan and Co,, Miss Murfreo's "Prophet of tho Great Smoky Mountains" by Chatto and Wind us, and Mr Brander Matthews. "Last Mooting" by Mr Fisher Unwin.

"ho Abbo Liszt lost monoy on his last visit to London in 1810, and resolved novor to sot foot on English shores again. This he has pertinaciously adhorod to, although somo years a-^o a cheqtto for £10,000 was offered him for fifty recitals in England. Liko Wilholmj, when ho happened to havo a poor houso in tlio colonies, Liszt would exclaim, " I veel not play to pigs."

Miss Eloiso Juno has opened at Dunedin in hor favourito pieco, " Jeanio Doans " Shebas with hor a fair company, of which Mr CH. Taylor is a most useful loading man. Miss Juno shows a disposition to depart from hor propor groovo and play farcical comody in tho shapoof " Tho Strategist," and drawing-room comody in tho shnpo of Sordou s "Nos Intiinos," " Our Fi-iends "

Mr Harry W. Einmott, an actor who was bore sovoral years ago.has just boen sued ot Melbourno by hia wife, professionally known as Marian Melrose, for £2 2s per weok maintonanco under an agreement entered into some timo previously. During tho evidence it transpired that Emmatt,'s rod namo is Donby, and his wifo's true maiden name was Campion. Miss Molroso wit-3 horo with Clark and Ryman's Minstrels.

The publishers ot America have hit upon a novel idea. Thoy havo issued a smart book, called "Tho Buntling Ball," tho author of which is anonymous, and with ouch copy thoro is a blank page givon for the inscripti n on it of a namo ; tho page is then to li, c'unu'd to tho publishers. The ono who has written upon the blank page the right name of the author of the hook is to recoivo l.OOQdols.

Tho first copy of a now journal called the " Linguist" has just appeared in England. It is printed in fivo difforont languages-English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Gorman- and it is announced that if necessary a supplement will bo issuod later containing articles in Portu guese, modern Greok, Russian, Hindustani, and Arabic, Students of tho languages, it is expoctod, will bo particularly benefited by the perusal of this paper.

During tho performance of St Leon's Circus in New Plymouth on Nov. 4, tlio fastenings of tho top of tho tent gave way, nnd the immense cloud of canvas collapsed. Tho ring of keroseno lamps, which lit up the urena, wore at the same time dashed to tho ground, and for so<-firal moments it was feared that tho blazing korosene would ignite the canvas. However, noth ing more serious happened than a delay of a few minutes while the tent and lamps were being fixed up again,

A newspaper correspondent, writing from Portland, Oregon, U.S., says : "Some old Melbourne and New Zealand favourites bnvo lately been; playing 'Parted on their own account The fomale Hamlet, Louise Pomorov, and hor juvenile husband^ Arthur Elliott, havo had a 'few words. The lady has left him, and is now on hor own hook. Miss Jeannie Winston, well known in Now Zoaland, and hor husband, Arther Bell, have separated in consequence of alleged attentions to the lady by another gentleman."

Mr Frank Lacoy, who managed small minstrel affairs and who it is said was quite recently in Auckland aspianiat to a "show," has been marrying a member of his company known aa Ida Talbot-real name Susan lleilly. As Lacev had already a wife living in Sydnoy, he hadgota friend to impersonate a registrar, which the friend very foolishly did, and married them. The deception was soon found out, and Lacoy is now committed for trial, The good natured friend has not been caught yot, but an absorbing interest is manifestedin hismovements by tho police.

A gontloman in Philadelphia has in his possession a pair of old buckskin gauntlets richly ombroidorod with gold throad, which aro said, on oxcollent authority, to havo beloMged to Shakespeare. They were pre sented in 17(59 to David Garrick by a lineal descendant of tho poot; and Garrick was assured that an unbroken tradition stated that tlio articles had beon part of Shake speare's theatrical v.nrdrobo, and worn by him. Garrack's: widow gavo them to Mrs Siddons, and from that timo till they passed into tho hands of the presont owner, thoir history is easily traced.

Now Zealanders will follow with interest the career of that talented and highly promising young Auckland artist, Mr Samuel K. Keesing. Apropos of his resi dence in tho Victorian Metropolis he writes : " I am glad to say that my pictures havo mot with a splendid reception. Most of tho loading pooplo of Melbourne visited my studio, which I had decorated in the latest stylo—tho walls hung with chocolate drapery, Persian ru^s thrown on tho floor, and Japanese screens, otc, etc., placed in convenient positions. Tho pictures, com prising about oight largo ones, woro arranged upon draped oasels. It all looked very nice and neat. The Terrace pictures created great enthusiasm, and several Eng lish artists say thoy would create quito a sensation in London."

Mr Boucicault has boen well, but, somo how, not enthusiastically received in Christ church. The critic of the Lyttloton Times, disappointed with his " Conn," remarked that ho was oxpected to beat all former records, but did not. This elicited the following reply from tho veteran :—"Silt, — I am not surprised to read that my delinea tion of tho Irish peasant proved somewhat disappointing to tho Christchurch public — that it was found wanting in tho ' firo and onorgy' to which thoy have boon accustomed. Tho ' firo and onorgy' that consists of dancing around tho stuyo in an oxplctive mannor, indulging in ridiculous capers nnd oxtruvagnnciosoilauguageand gesturo, form the materials of a clowning character, known as 'thestago Irishman,'which it haabeon my vocation, as on artist and dramatist, to abolish. I took tho Melbourne public by surprise at first, which caused the 'Argus' to remark that thoy had boon accustomod to tho brandiod wino that thoy could not at onco appreciato tho quulity of tho pure and fiuor wino. But bofore I loft Victoria 1 had knockod tho stuiling out of that old libel, 'Ragged Pat.' If I cannot succeed in doing likewise here, I shall still remem ber Christchurch has a zoological garden, whore tho last specimen of that extinct orenturo is preserved. In Barnum's Musoum in Now York I saw ' a mormaid ' and a * woolly horee,' in which tho simplo minded wero courted to believo ; but that Prince of Showmen nevor ventured to praotico on the credulity of tho public so far as to manufacture a stago Irishman, Ho draw- tho lino there. I am, &c, Dion Boucicault."

Tho now Drury Lane melodrama " Human Nature" will no doubt bo seen in tho«ocolo nios beforo long, as it bids fair to bo a great success in London. There is a good plot which passes in atago roviow BO'Tieof thomost pre.^s i n gsocial quest ions of tho day. Thoaudience thus witness tho ruin of a household, the procuration of a decree nisi against an inno cent woman, samo non-philantht'ophic kid napping, a farm whither children are sent to bo murdered, and so forth. Noxt come tlio inevitable battlo scones. SThe . pectators avo transported to the Bayuda desoit to witness vivid pictures of the most striking events of tho Soudan compaiyn. Tlio night sceno within tho zaroba in the heart of the enemy's country, tho capturo by assault of tho Arab citadel, and tlio scono at tho-Wells are described as among tlio most striking presentments that havo over been seen ovon at Drury Lano. In tho course of these tableaux the Italian priest who escaped from El Oboid, tlio ollicor who was alloged to havo hositatcd in the immediate relief of a British farce, and tho Frenchman who joined the -lahdi, aro all brought bodily upon thestago. Thedcath of Olivier Pain is also mado, by a dramatic license, to take placo at the Wells, From tho Egyptian doeort to Trafalgar Squaro is but a stop, and tho audience are therefore, after a fow moment-B^intorval, confronted with a London crowd who havoclimbod Landsoer's Horn; and the baso of Nolson's Column, and tax tho resources of tho polico to keep nrdor. Then through tho mob march regi ments of tho dismounted camel corps, and aftor another short internal the threads of tho plot nro resumed, villainy is unmasked, and virtue rewarded. This is a vory big thing in sensational dramas.

The Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove Triumvirate.

Wk bog to acknowledge tho recoipt from Mr Garnet Walch, of Melbourno, of a smnll brochure from his pen, ontitlod " Tho Wil liamsons : beir.g a Brief Account of tho Carcor of Mr and Mrs J. 0. Williamson, together with Facts and Figures relating to tho firm of Williamson, Oarner, and Mus grove" From it wo loam that Jatues Cassius Williamson is a native of Pennsylvania, U.S., that ho mado his lirst appearance upon tho stage at tho ago of 12 joars, that aftor a fow moro yoars' schooling ho adopted tho actor's profession, and that in Fob,, 1873, ho married Miss Maggie Mooro, whom ho mot on tho San Fran cisco stago. Soon afterwards ho purchased "Struck Oil," and arrivod in Melbourno with it towards tho end of 1874. It was a huge sttcoess both in Australia and during tlio subsequent " Tour Round tho World." Mr Walch relates how Mr Arthur Garner and Mr Goorgo Musgrovo camo to join Mr Williamson as theatrical entrepreneurs, and then adduces tho following figures from the last balance sheet to show tho magnitude of thoir operations .-—Amount paid in theatro rents, £31.239 15s Id ; in shares of "stars," combinations, t'50,0.0 19s lOd ; for royalties to authors and play-owners, £4,821 Ss 2d ; law co-te, etc., £1,507 ; pns sago monoy, £4,294 15s 7d ; bills for sun dries, £21,772 2s Od ; printing and adver tising (Australian work only), £16,447 9s 2d ; salaries and wages to actors, singers, scenic artists, and working staff gonorally, £135,245 17s lid. Theso amounts foot up to upwards of a quarter of a million sterling, exclusive of the expenses of Mr William son's roccnt trip home to secure pieces, &c. The firm employ sevoral hundred people, whilo the groat bulk of the monoy is circulated in tho colonies. Tho booklet, is pleasantly written, clearly printed, and bears on its front and back lithographed portraits respectively of Mr and Mrs J C. Williamson. Reverting to the letterpress, the compiler will pardon us for indicating one blemish which ought to bo removed. Ho shows a singular mis apprehension- for a literary man-of the moaning of tlio word "prototyp ."' By speaking of a cortain drama as "an im provement on Fonimore, whereof tho dime novel is the modern prototype." " Proto type," or original, is .obviously the very opposite of what ho intends to say.

A LUCKY AMERICA.

Value of Eucalyptus.

Here is a piece of luck. The owner of a stall nt tho London Inventories, a Mt Downie, nn Amorican, discovered, by tho purest accident, that the juice of eucalyptus leaves rom'oved thohardestboilorscalo, with out in any way injuring tho metal Itwa'mi accidental discovery, and nothing moro Ho was able, nevertheless, to patent it as an invention," and now he is in a fair way of making an immense fortune out of it As boiler scale coutos tho loss of millions annu ally to employers of steam power, thr money value of the happy little accident may bo ! imagined. ' I

KOHIMARAMA INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

There are a great many persons in thn province of Auckland who have hoard thoro is such a place as the above, and that is all they do know about it, and these aro gene rally the very persons who are only too 1 ready to believe the slightest rumour circu lated to the disparagement of the school and tho persons who havo charge of it. Lat terly, in consequence of reports having arisen ot harsh treatment, cruolty, 4c, the place has been much talked about, and, as usual, many absurd, unkind remarks havo been made, genet-ally, it is to bo regretted, by those who know little or nothing about tho place or its inhabitants. When Dickens wrote "Nicholas Kickleby," his principal object was to expose the cruel deceit and harsh treatment practised by some of the so-called boarding-schools in remote parts of England, whore poor children wero liter ally beaten and starved to death-simply having boon placed there by unnatural parents in order to be got rid of. With a slight idea that Kohimarama might be a second Dotheboys Hall on an improved scale, and tho master a modorn revival of Squeors,. I determined, for the sake of Buffering humanity and public information, to ascertain how things wero carried on, and one line morning started at six o'clock, walking ovor the hills to the left of Remuera, reaching the school about sight o'clock. On obtaining my first sight ot the low roofed straggling buildings, a thought of the vile Yorkshire school rushed across my mind, but it was at once dispelled as I hoard the merry laugh of some 30 or 40 boys playing about, and saw the manager, Mr Hogan, whose sturdy build, upright carriage, ruddy, cheerful countenance, and laughing blue eyes, soon put thoughts of Squoers to flight. I introduced myself, and having oxplaiuod the reason of my visit, , was kindly invited into the manager's house, and introduced to Mrs Hogan, a fine matronly-looking woman, and the mother of live handsome, healthy-looking children. After somo breakfast, at the invitation of i Mr Hogan, I went to tho school-room, the boys being assembled for morning i prayers, which woro given by the manager. First there was a hymn, then a chapter , from the Bible, an extempore prayer (de livered as if the speaker had his heart in his work), concluding with the Lord's Prayer all tlio boys repeating. The boys wero then dismissed to play until school-time, which is 9.30 a.m. And now a short description of tho placo will not bo amiss bofore describ ing tho roulino and system under which ' tlio school is conducted. Kohimarama is tho proporty of tho Mclanesian Mission, rented by tho Govornmont for the sum of ' £132 por annum, the extent being 39 acres of well grassed levol land, a flat surrounded by high land with a direct water frontage. • Tho distance from Auckland is nine miles overland and five miloa by water. The place is this aide of St. Holier's Bay, closo to thonativoßott!omontorakoi,and infront, sea ward, stands tho grand old mountain l.angi ! toto. Whon first ronted by the Govern ment it wr,s usod as a naval training school, but in 18S2 it was pioclaimod an Industrial School, and the present manager appointed. Thoschoolis maintained bytheGoVornment, but in somo cases whore parents can afford [ to pay, a small weekly paymentisdemandod. Since the school's establishment about 200 boys havo b.on sen!-,, many of whom are now earning their livelihood in respectable posi tions, a credit to themselves, their parents, and tho school. The class of boys sent are thoso boyond tho control of their parents, thoso destitute, thoso whose parents are i doad or in gaol, and thoso who have com mitted somo offenco against the law, the youth of tho offender proventing him being , sent to gaol. On entering, a paper is pro duced signed by the Police Magistrate, on which isstated the roasontho boy is sont, tho torm he has to bo kept, if charge for main tenance is to bo made, and tho religion he is to be brought up in. The boys aro 1 clothed in a kind of uniform which cer tainly does not bear tbe slightest approach • to prison dross. In wintor each boy has 1 two suits of tweod, and in summer two or three suits of strong brown holland, They 1 risent6a,m. in summer and 7 a.m. inwiator, 1 retiring about 830 pm. They have five hours' schooling. During the summer months they can havo a salt-water bath i whenever thoy feel disposed, and this, with 1 tho fine fresh sea breezo and the good and 1 ample food,accounts for tho healthy cheerful look of the youngsters. Cleanliness is one of the principal things observable to a casual visitor, everything being kept 1 beautifully clean, and every facility given Ito tho boys to batho and wash in fresh wator, tho lavatory being fitted up with ton largo enamel basins and with plugs and tops, whilo four largo wooden troughs, also furnished with plugs and taps, afford the means of a fresh-water bach when required. Adjoining tho lavatory are tho clo.-ots and urinals, also marvels of clean liness. The dietary ecalo is most liberal. Coffeo for breakfast and tea for suppor, with plonty of bicnd and butter ; porridge once a week; roast meat threo times a week j soup twice, and stew twice, with occasional puddings, which, I boliove, are not included in tho good dieters' scale, but given by the good-hoartod wife cf the manager, Tho meal hours aro; breakfast, 8 30; dinner, 1 p.m, ; and tea, 5 p.m. After breakfast tho boys assemble for prayers and then for school nt 9,30, with the exception of thoso who nro told off to assist in the domestic duties of the school—two as sisting in tho kitchen, two in the laundry, and two or three in those ring room. In fact, the school is like a bco hivo—everybody at work and no drones. Thero is a fino vogetablo garden, which is kept going by tho united efforts of the manager ancl some of the big boys, and uffords a liboral supply 0 [ vegetables for all, tho soil being admirably adapted for garden purposes. Tho scholastic arrange ments aro excellent, conducted under the supervision of Mr Brunton, lato second master Oamaru District School, assisted by Miss Dickson. Tho schoolroom, built at tho instigation of the present manager, is a stout wooden building, about 40 feet by 20 feet, divided by a wooden -liveable partition, fitted up with desks, forms, presses, nnd replete with every appliance for teaching the necessary threo It's. Tho slooping arrangements are excellent, tlio dormitories boingwoll lightodandventilatod and it was a treat te see the well scrubbed floor, neat iron bedsteads, ancl snow-whko bedding and bed clothes, and I have no hesitation in saying that tho boys are far bettor off in many ways than the children of many working men in Auckland. Thoy havo good food, good clothes, good beds, and liberal education, and the greatest of bless ings - plenty of good fresh air and exorcise. The clothing department is under tho care of Miss Hogan, and tho largo amount of clothing in the storeroom gavo sufficient proof of t,ho industry and skill of this young lady, Besides tho clothing mado on tho premises, tho store-room con tains a largo supply of ready made fusthfti clothing—hoots, socks, caps, &o. The laundry is another institution filled up with washing troughs, patent ringer and mangle, with a large coppw, which, by tlie way, was as bright ns brick dust and elbow groaso could mako it. Tho laundress has tho assistance of two boys. Next comoa the kitchen, and here, aa in the laundry, the cleanly aspect of everything is remarkable. Tho cook, a very respectable looking per sonage, and a great favourito with the boys, to whom sho is very kind, has also tho assistanco of two boys, who do the rough work scrubbing pots, washing potatoes, etc From the kitchen we enter tho refectory, and at first sight I thought I was in tho hall of somo old oastlo, from the rough stono walls presented to view. _ No whitewash, paint, or japor to hido iho rough-hewn stone wall which oven in tho medieval ages would have been covered by tapestry, but tho brethren of the Mission ovidontly believed in little comfort and lots of vontilatiou, the wind whistling through tlio apfrtures between the oaves and tho wall. In many places, howover, the wind has been stoppou from coming in, and a fireplace latterly put in by themannger takos off a little of tho chilly feeling that strikes one on entering tbe room, which is 35ft. long by about2oft. wido. It is usod as a refectory, and in the oveuing as a play-room. Tho arrangements for supplying water aro very complete, a well having been sunk closo to tho school, to which is affixed n pump and olevated cistern, holding obout 200 gallons, tlio contents boing carried by pipes te the laundry, kitchen, lavatory, and manager's house. Dr. Purchos i 3 tho medical officer, but his servicos aro seldom or nevor required, Kohimarama boing one of Uie healthiest places in Auckland." The Loys aro allowed every indulgence, and have every inducement to behavo themselves. They can write to thoir parents or relatives ns often as they feel inclined, tho manager having the power to frank all lotters. When a boy, having no parents or relatives, reaches a certain age, he is apprenticed to somo trade, or hired out, and thero are several apprentices now in Auckland who speak in the highest terms of the school and the present manager, lor whom, apparently, thoy entertain a vory kindly feeling. Boys under ten years of age ore boarded out with respectable people who are willipg to aug- ,

ment their ln e ->, .„ v , '• ment allowance "u_u t tit. o these little ones.'*#> «4 ehS certain age !> c * j »*. and his Lings '^Vr4S**'<- Savings E_nk 8bv PS? ln- *«S2&ft; applies to the%fi es?>< i'Jji InaustnalSchoefLl the«oS ( !1 * also under the «■, • ? «Übl_„£*««t In December laßt Pr Blon of«.B*" K" to the credit M sf*ft%N th. school, I w«^S^*Sfe' amount of clerical .3t__S 3SS sary, and how Mr H_««PPMeirt. n__ keep the books rftSS^^ttk marama and tho How^ T m*tyKrt? lookso e ffi ciellUy Xl^^ft children, is a marvel p\Welfßre oIS separate ledgeraecountanfi^ ft count There are ration,,«. a WWg returns, records of^*»*_s also those who a re 3 and all these returnsaren.tbnH PPt? IN, manner, but in a first-rate mfc'N giving evidence to theeffi^wa* manager. And nowa geS \A of * school. It is to be wSW*** more generally known BEhfift? . % by thoso who take, JSMSI philanthropic works. Many _^!t ii amusement could be ___d_»_^W>*_ boys by some visiters MSjls t readings and something th_ 7mL ?? $*H the youngsters, and ffi«s receive a hearty welcome from M?_ SW Hogan. They need net be S t S^d^- There are no boys with pale and J 00*". faces, lank and bony fiL^JjW faces of old men (mch * dJfr** Dickens)-none of that ki„? CHb? healthy, cheerful ladJ-thilSM if they were well cared for, «?£&'« rom conventional trammelsoffitN they run about allday withou3 A» or caps, many persons would 2 'uS shows a want of discipline " W . ,_?* it. Did not Sir John Hall,' w wL *< the school sometime back say tho children running about _„__. Wt hatless" The very wVltut&i my children go." One thing eMkJ 0* 8 visitor, and that is tbe easy S_a fte which the boys address th fl L aoner i« the kindly LK^iti them. Ko-wviLno^fe. a happy-go-lucky 80r t of 3 shows thoy respect, but ceXfcT not fear, him. For the informs." af Xt wishing to pay the school a v?.!t J_\ are many ways of transit. You©_"_ Cutler's 'bus to his house, i_±&M by foot over the hills about -3?S good walk along the beach, or by watLi _ boat from Auckland, whichS| Tuesday and Friday,'aboutßoSS morning; or by boat trom North'■*£__. There is no doubt the various buifc general accommodation could be vt_H»i» proved, but the Government does no .«_ its way to go into expenditure mZ lease expiresin about two years,'and* Mission, with an eye to the mai_ •___£ will not renew the lease, as they expect ff. property to bo enhanced in value, otb to the proposed formation of J: to*? ship at St. Helier's Bay. The H&S ment are willing, I believe, to'S the place on lea ß e for 50 years; and then oi course vast improvements would be made A steam launch, for instance, instead of the two whaleboats now iv use, .bald enable the manager to bring up provision. &c., and not, as now, bn dependent one waterman's boat. On the lawn in front ol the manager's residence are two meta-jili of good men in the shape of two freei im ■ planted by Bishop Patteson and one by Bishop Selwyn, and I advise the reader to follow the example thus set by these (mod and true men. If you cannot plant tree, pay the school a visit and endeavour to; plant in the hearts of the boys the leteot God and goodwill t.) all, with the endeavour to lead a good, honest, sober life when they leave the school and enter on the battle of life with this world. troubles. Only a little trouble, de* reader, and how much pleasure and in struction can you give to these little ones. SItKHOS,

SCENES OF PERUVIAN LIFE.

A Country In which StaMeg Kay Iw Found on tho Roof-Umbrellas a Drug In the Markets of Lima—People Crowdlntto Sunrtay BuU Fights. *"".*■■

All the houses in Lima are bnilt on tie , earthquake plan, either of great thick walls of adobe or mere shacks of bamboo reeds lashed together by thongs of rawhide, end plastered within and without with:thick layers of mud. This style of architectae ' will answer in a country where it revet rains, and where cyclones never come j'bnt if a good pour should fall in Lima,*the wholo town would be washed into the rivet Kininc and carried out tc sea. There is nevor more than one entrance to tho houses, and that is protectod first by agreatiwn | grating and then by solid doors. The win dows aro covered with bars. This waa done as a precaution against bandits in early ■ times, nnd against revolutionist- in later days, and a very essential precaution it has. been ; for, during the time of the Viceroys, bands of robbers used to come do-nftMT the mountains and pirates from theses,,, i Through tho single entrance paesee every ono who comes and goes—the butcher, th. baker, tho priest who comes to shrivethe-;.■ dying.and the youngman to whom Mercedes is engaged. The other evening a party were i making a call, and the iron gate wasclosed and locked by tho porters, as usual,;. When thoy wanted to go awey he broke the key in tho lock, and it looked as if the hosts.. would have to find lodgings, or let-tho tiuests down Irom tlio roof by ropes, for all the windows were protected by iron bars! but a screwdriver was finally disoovtred,.by means of which tho rusty hingea were dis placed and the pison opened. Tho roofs of the dwellings are abrajs p.ifcctly flat, and among the common peo ple aro u.c-d as barnyards and henneries. ; Very often a cow spends nil her days on the roof of liar owner's residenoe, being taken y up whon a calf nnd taken down attheetia of life as fresh beef. In the meantime die i^ fed on slops from the kitchen, and inhales ~f alfalfa, tho South American clover, which the Indians bring in from the country on their own shoulders or the backs of mules. Chicken coop* are more common o»: tho roofs of dwellings, and in the thickly populated portions of town your neighbour J ooclis waken you at daylight with-.minders. of St. Petor. Lima is a poor place to send umbrellas, for along the coast from the northern boun- ;.. dary of Peru, far south west to the end 61; tho Chiloan Dos-ort, rain never falls. There is a disagreeable, dismal- stioky, rheumatic dew, however, which is worse than a shower, for during the winter eettson, M; ginning iii April and ending in October, it penetrates the thickest clothing trndg m one a sensation described by Mantihnl M domnition moist. ■■,"■■_' The thermometer is pretty regular, how ever, and ranges from 60dee. to s&deg. Fahrenheit during the year, January being the hottest month and July the coolest. Pulmonary complaints are unknown, tot fevers are very common, and the mortaw among infants is pitiable. At CallM,yeUow fever is usually endemic, anV h, ere,f_ three or four deaths amongtlie marine population every week, ns the sanjW regulations are not well enforced, an 4 »«. city is dirty, _~____. There is no Sunday in Peru. &T. are open on that day as usual, Inij.W afteKoon bull fights.cock fighte, apdst-nUtf public entertainments are always held, "c women always go to. mass in thp tnoraingi and do up the religion for the entire fanffly. as very few men are ever seen ra W 8 churches, Under President .Prado, W 1569 to 1876, the Catholic Cliarch was mo joctedto the samo sort of treatment rtn" received in the otherKepubl.es, but to«« cossors wero more hospitable towardfline priests, and the church isrega.u.ngmw* • its ancient influence. Some of the conM cated monasteries have been restored,^ in«» Bishop presides over the lower bran* « »= NatioLlLegislature, havingbeenel^ a popular vote in one of tbe W*&J*3 He is a jolly-looking old pairejrMy^ rotund, and does not have the aposaranM" su (Tering much mortification of tbei a«% In Lima, for a population of abort « hundred thousand, there are 126 W»» churchos and twelve m?".Mto"£-Se_- vents; and tho samo religious pn«^. tend all over Peru. There »?« *« testant churches in the Repubhc. V£ _ them is in Lima, and " "«ftffli_ pastor, being of the, Church of m school, an 4 supported to-»e ~ speaking residents. Th^ .otheris \»^ and an active young »«ta#g>_li Philadelphia, the Key. Mr Thomp"". y pastor. The church is un^torton,;^ largelysustained tion Company, a British*^fft» tt2 c weaj has a monopoly of f m»SatCaaaft coast, and keeps its headqnarte«'' w()r) j No attempt- at has every been made in W«. ia^g, . Thompson says tbe fif d'BJ! fe Mllo» His time is most spent i amoug» rf „ who haunt CallaoJ>y .*• XungW looking after the Bnglwh*»P« BD» , gation under bi« charge. <v

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1885.

4



DONT DIE IN THE HOll*""? ...... tttta__s_ws_SMft; ««& Ktwptb.rno, Fk»m. _ a,.. AfenU. AgckluJ