RANDOM SHOTS.

{By Zamiel.l

dome write, a neighbours name to lash, Prmo writo-vain thought!—for needfulcast), ugmg writo to plcaso Iho country clash. And miBO a nin. Kor m-), Bn aim I never fash— I wtito for tun.

The potpourri of Parliamentary novelties this week has been diversified enough to satisfy every taste. For those who delight not in tariffs and morceaux from statistical returns, thoro was a choico little asylum Hoandal, and a pleasaDt interlude on the woes of barmaids. Tho fiasco in which the no-confidence debate terminated shows how well the Ministerial hook had been baited. The protestations of members, one after another, that they wero most anxious to got rid of tho Ministerial measures without displacing the men, became humourously pitiful, and when Sir Julius Vogol wound up with a patronising speech, treating honourablo members liko so many childron, and posing as one of the good genii, having come down from an enchanted and blissful region to de liver us from our eorrows, a delightful climax was reached, and tho curtain foil upon ono of tho most curious farces that havo over been enacted on the political stage. lam as yet puzzled to determine whether this habit of patronising prominent repre sentatives, and ovon his own colleagues, arises from a stupendous egotism or unbounded cheek. From whichovor cause, howovor, it is surely unwiso to provoke com parisons between tho known failures of the Colonial Treasurer and tho successes achieved by many mombers of the Houso, whoso financing, if on a less magnificent scale than his, has produced moro subatan results.

My Bympathotic soul has beon sadly wrought upon by tho woes of the barmaids and their masters. How doeply grateful the nymphs who dispense smiles with liquid refreshments ought to be to the thousands of goody-goody folk who have petitioned Parliament on their behalf. Tho chief movers in this agitation are teetotallers, and underlying their action is the notion that men are willing to quaff largo quantities of indifferent grog, not because they want it, but merely with the object of lingering within the entrancing intluonco of some charming creature with banged hair who has been engaged by tho artful landlord to fa-scinate the victim while ho swallows his pition. This unsophisticated notion of tho functions of barmaids finds spocial ac ceptance at clerical meetings and gatherings of youthful Blue Ribbonites. I don't think old stagers attach much impor tance to it, and I shall be a good deal as tonished if tho revenue fromspirits falls with tho disappearance of barmaids. In Great Britain and the United State?, where feminine waitresses in bars arenot numerous, the people consume a full average of alcoholic stimulmts; and there is a general verdancy about the thoory that tho men delight in absorbing tho landlord's liquors because they dote upon his waitress, i ap prehend that women are employed in bars for much the same reasons as they are em ployed in shops and other places of busi ness. They are handy, attractive, and do the work that is required of them. To pro hibit their employment closes another of the few occupations in which women can now eirn a livelihood. Mr Stout, has, however, hit upon a ! very ingeni oaa way to get rid of barmaids. He sajs : The law already interferes with the employment of women in other busi nesses, and prohibits working beyond a reasonable number of hours ; it ought to make an equal provision for the protection of women engagsd to slave in bars. The suggestion is a cute one, for the Premier knows that to prohibit the employment of barmaids aftor 6 p.m. moans the disqualifi cation of women for that particular calling. At tho same time, no one who has any know ledge of the long hours in which these girls are kept on their feet, and tho drivel they have to listen to, can avoid tho conviction fiat of all occupations in which women en deavour to obtain a living, this is the one where fominino patience, endurance, and natural modesty are put to the severest test. But it is a libel upon the sex, and on many worthy girls declare that their womanhood hna invariably broken dutvu uuder the trial.

The opponents of barmaids will point to the long string of names attached to these petitions as a proof of the activity of public feeling on the question. Ido not hesitate to say that an equal number of worthy citi -7.3H8 could beinducod, upon an equal amount of solicitation, to sign a petition for anything else under the sun that does not concern them, and appear to do no particular violence to anyone. A gentleman who has lately tried canvassing for signatures relates his experiences. He found nine out of every ten people ready to sign " any blooming thing" but a subscription list or a P.N. This petition was in the first instance com bined with a canvass for small subscriptions to advance the good cause, but the request far thebawbees provoked so many objections to the cause, and interfered so much with the collection of autographs, that the promo ters thought it advisable to drop it, and ask for names only.

It is curious how history repeats itself. From Endor to Auckland ia a far cry, but a recent event in the latter place bears a noteworthy resemblance to something that occurred in the former a good many years ago. The lady of Endor in one of her mediumistic moods was requested by a superstitious devotee who had got into a Bcrape to call up the spirit of an old—well, not a friend exactly, but a former acquaint ance, who might possibly tell the anxious inquirer something important to know. The conditions were apparently favourable on tlwfe particular evening, for the medium saw a number of spirits swim within her ken before she recognised the one she wanted. And he had the form of an old man, and wan covered with a mantle. Tho lady in Auck land the other night also found favourable conditions, for she descried, so the report says, a roomful of spirits. One in par ticular she pointed out, a tall, old man, with a stoop in his shoulders, who was of a miserly turn when he walked our streets. Thus far tho parallel between the two ladies runs pretty evonly, but there is here an important divorgenco. Tho spirit which the ancient one conjured up was im mediately recognised ; but, strange to say, the former Aucklander, with his stooping shoulders and miserly habits, did not appear to be known to the audience. Must it be confessed, then, that the modern exponent of the art is not up to her business as tho old-fashioned dame evidently was, and that.too after all the experience of the America of the nineteenth century ? Surely Home and Slado would never have bungled so'/ It "Zamiel" might be per mitted to give a word of advice, he would recommend the medium in question, before she makes her next sally, to confer with some of her friends who have known Auck -1 md longer than she ha 3, and then, my word for it, she will bo able to give such a word picture of some old identity that nono but idiots and fools will fail to recognise it,

The General Election to bo fought out in England shortly will be one of tho most interesting that have happened for many years, A special featuro ia that it will be f .night iD a purer manner anil with less lavish expenditure than any previous election. If the late Liberal Govornmont hid accomplished nothing else but the pissing of the Corrupt Practices Bill, they wjuld navo gained thogratitudo of all pure minded politicians, and of those who arc desirous of limiting tho power of wealth and of title. This Bill is already bearing f uit. Before English constituencies ara appearing men who, although tiey havo not the collars of gold with which to da/.zlo tho eyes of the elector?, havo that which is needed infinitely more in the Legislature of a coun try—that is, brains and common sense. The doors of the British House of Commons havo bjen closed to many men of the truest type of manhood, and consequently legislation for the good of tho greatest number has in many cases bad to suffer. Under the

limited expenditure allownblo at olections now, men of tho Broadhurst and Burt type of representatives will be largely increased, and still moro practical legislation on behalf of tho working classes may be oxpected.

Another special featuro in tho Gonoval Election will bo tho grand sight of two millions of newly enfranchised men marching to the polling booth to oxcvcise their right as citizons recently, given them in tho teeth of an obstinato aristocracy such as Now Zealand knows nothing of. The world will watch to see how these new masters oxerciso the power they now possess. This widely ex tended franchise is only another step in the direction of "manhood suffrage," which wo have in operation hore in New Zoaland.

A writer who feols aggriovod because throe doctors, applied to in succession, declined to como to an urgont case, haa boon answered by two correspondents, who say tho complainant had no right to ex pect medical men to allow a call which ought to havo boen providod against beforohand to intorforo with their other engagements. The controversy raises the o'd disputed question of tho relations botwoon tho medical profession and the people Legally, of course, a doctor is under no. obligation to answer a summons for his services any moro than a tradesman or mechanic; but o doctor's calling is peculiar, and ho cannot dony an urgent call without doing vioionce to humauo instincts, and falling in the esti mation of his fellow citizens. Whilo this is truo, however, allowanco must bo mado for tho lnrgor nnmbor of necessary calls at most unseasonable tin.os which aro made upon overy medical man, and the largor number of annoyances which ho sullors from tho exactions of norvous subjects who mako him tho victim of their groundless fears. Only ono who has been turned out of bod when woariod out physically and mentally, to attend to somo nervous creaturo whoso illnoss is in imagination, can fully appreciate the feelings of a doctor when ho is aroused in his n'rst sleep by that dreadful bell.

I was agreeably struck the other evening with tho singing of a child-choir in ono of our suburban Bethels, under a painstaking preceptor, and I could not help think ing of tho good that must accrue from this elevating practico. Thero woro some interruptions, however, at the commencement, from tho boys on the back-seats, which was not surprising when the conduct of the fantastic preacher chairman is considered. His faco was half comic, half-serious, at the opening of the evening's amusement, and hia peculiarities caused much diversion. "Now, boys,"said ho, "down on your marrow-bones, every .one on ye, and shut your eyes, for I'm going to pray !" I noticed that several boys wore inclined to laugh at tho speaker, and one little ragamuffin burst forth. Ho could not help it, he said, and I verily be lieve ho told the truth, for I my.self dared not look at the chairman for fear of commit ting the same error. " Now then, you boy down there, tho third from tho wall, I saw you with ono eye open. Now, if you dou't bo quiet and shut tho other eye, out you go." I thought to mysolf, "Howover can that pious Chairman's heart bo in his prayer whon he shuts only one oye and has the other on thoso blessed boys; and is it wonderful that little boys undor such a funny teacher should laugh V"

I happonod to drop into tho V.M.C.A. Rooms on Tuesday night, and had the benefit of the Key. J. S. Hill's " Advice to Young Men." Tho advice ivas good, and was brought forward in an interesting and practical manner, which must have had some inlluence upon his audience, evon if, to use ono of the lecturer's own expressions, " their hearts had been turned to stone" by contact with tho " Valley of Slime Pits." Mr Hill did not mince matters ivhon making reference to thoso forbidden naughtine.-ses which aro not usually discussed when ladies are prcsont, but spoUo plainly and forcibly, describing their influences as thoso of a serpent which seized tho man and crushed out his vitals. He cxpreesod abhorrence of the practices of young men who trifled with the opposite sex, and at tho samo time cau tioned them to beware of being ensnared by dosigning fomales. Tho rev. lecturer especially opened fire upon a photographic studio in Queon street, whore tho photo graphs of women in an almost nude con dition aro displayed by tho hundred. Ho considers that tho influences of such an ex hibition is harmful, and is evidently do sirous that all young men will carefully omit to look at those very naughty picturos. Henceforth, thoreforo, when "good" young men pass that establish ment their heads should bo turned tho other way. Singular to relato, how ever, there aro more young ladies than young mon amongst tho visitors to that "cortain photographic studio," and with out saying anything further I feol inclined to recommend to tho rev. gentleman adopt for tho title of his next lecture, " Advice to Young Women." They want it!

How true it is that prejudice dies hard ! Even in the advanced culture of this fag end of the nineteenth century, and undor thefreoinstitutions of thehub of thounivorse —in other words, Now Zealand—it displays a wonderful tenacity of life. In the domain of religion it still flourishes with adolescent exuberance ; and, in social or public polity, anything that threatens its cherished dogma of the absolute subservience of the gentler sex to tho lords of creation stimulates it into virulent activity. The admission of women into suitable om ployments invariably provokes an outcry from men engaged in the trades and professions on which they encroach, and, actuated by tho same old prejudiced feel ings, the self-styled Liberal Association of Auckland only the other day decided that it was inexpedient ;to extend the popular franchise to women. In view of the prevalence of this sexual prejudice, it ia hardly a matter of surprise that tho appointment of Miss Schnackenberg, of the Auckland Girls' High School, as assistant in tho Napier High School should have evoked' a bitter hostility in tho capital of Hawke'a Bay ? It certainly is not remarkable, but it is really pitiful. No one questions the lady's ability, or impugna her attainments, while her character is above reproach. Her only drawback is her sox. And yot we are a liberal and enlightened people. So we fondly bolieve, but it is about time that wo began to understand how miserably and continually we fall short of our professions. xxx

The " Herald " is consumed with anxiety lost the authorities should neglect to put an effectual stop to "the Blovenly and dis roputablo practice engaged in by men, women, and children alike of lounging in tho Park at midday, for the purpose of eating their mid-day lunch." After this one is naturally curious to know whether tho Park was designed for tho people or for the purpose of providing its keepers with easy situations. If for the keepers, then the " Herald " is justifiod, perhaps, in protesting against any increaso of their labours in the collection and removal of luncli-wrappers. But if the Park is a popular reserve, then the people, I presume, have a perfect right to enter it at the mid day hour, and to eat their lun cheon of bread and butter beneath tho grateful shado of the spreading trees. It is only an official dreading any addition to his duties, or a cad affecting aversion to the ihj'i polloi, who would notice othorwiso than with pleasure that the Park wag a wholesome and pleasant resort for tho sons and daughters of toil during the Bhort mealtime respite, which is with them the breathing-time of day. Perhaps it would plense the "Herald" hotter that tho busy toilorsof this industrial hivo should bo driven into the streets to furtively bolt their food, or bo compelled to despatch it in the stuffy atmosphere of their workrooms.

"Alan! for the rarity Of Christian charity Under tho sun."

Mutual Improvement Societies aro. no doubt, vcxy useful institutions, and perhaps one of 1 he best exercisos that they indulge in is tha art of impromptu speaking. One of the most pitiblo sights is that presented by a man who lies been suddenly asked to ma!<o a fow remarks, and finds himself utterly iucapabla of speakin™. Ho clears

his voico ropoatodly, starts, breaks down, tries again, and generally subsides amidst the ironical applnuso of thoao who havo boon listening. To prepare for sucli emergencies thero is nothing liko practis ing impromptu speaking. The othor evening I turnod into the room where ono of theso meetings was being hold, and was much edified by the remarks mado by somo of the embryo orators. One of those had to deal with the question of "woman's rights." As ho was a young unmarried man, ho of course could not fully roalise the true influence of woman, still ho made a very fair attempt at expressing hia opinion. Another member, however, felt tiiat ho could havo handled that subject much better—in fact, averring that ho was sure- ho could havo spoken for half-an-hour upon such an interesting question. This speaker I was also a bachelor, and seemed to be of opinion that ho was well vorsed in matters where ladies wore concerned, notwithstand ing, that ho is still unengaged. Horo is a fair chanco for somo gushing maiden to try what effect woman's influence has upon him when strenuously applied. Ono of tho speakers was called upon for his opinion on tho prevailing fashion of dress improvers. After carefully surveying tho audience to soo that no wearers of tho objectionablo articlo wore present, ho launched out vigorously, and sovoroly criticised the fashion of tho day. Other members also spoke regarding this articlo of fominino at tire, which was chnraetoriHod as a scandalous abortion, though the spoaker looked round approhonsively as ho used tho expression, evidontly fearing that somo of tho fair sex might have onturcd Hko angels aro said to do, unawares. Ho, howevor, wound up his string of [invectives with an aclrnowledg mont that after all tho ladies looked peculiar without the improvers now that thoy had become accustomod to them, I thoHghtlexactly so AVhatovor they woar, wo can't holp liking thorn, and it is my firm beliof that if thoy commenced wearing small wheelbarrows by way of hoadgear, "woman's influence" would bo so groat that, however wo objected! wo should first tolorato, then admire their tasto. It is no use boys, you must take thorn as they aro, and don't waste timo fighting against what you cannot holp ; for wlion fashion leads tho way the ladies will follow with far moro obodionco than thoy woro over known to ex hibit to tho wishes of tho stornor sex. And yot wo know that it in to ploaso men moro than themselves that thoy adopt those fashions, no matter how absurd thoy may be.

Somo weeks ago I montionod tho oxist once of tho Otago Early History Society, and oxprossed tho hope that there would soon bo established a similar institution in Auckland. Tho Otago Society, it would appear, has bonefitod considerably by tho highly successful conversauiono rocontly hold, and fresh lifo has beon infused. Sevoral vory interesting papors havo beon handed in. Mr A. C. Botrg has written the history of the First Presbyterian Church since lSf>4, and Mr J' E. Brown, of Milton, has given his reminiscences of the industrial growth of tho province. I should very much liko to see a similar activity at this end of tho colony, and I do not suppose that there would be much difficulty in getting really interesting articles printed It may bo mentioned further, by way of guidance and instruction, that the following aro the principal heads under which information is requested :—(1) Agriculture, kind of crops grown, and with what success, methods of cultivation, &c. ; (2) value of land, rates of rent : (:!) mining ; (1) timber-cutting ; (5) manufacturing; (ti) ratosof wages, quality of labour, .hours of work, i&c. ; (7) prices, cspcciaU'yiin romoto districts ; (S) banking rates of interest at dilloronfc periods, tho credit systom, tho uso of substitutes for money ; (9) methods and coHt of transport. Much information of thi3 description it will bo impossible to obtain in a few years' time : so that prosont opportunities, already fowor than they used to bo, ought not to bo neglected.

Scandalous Stories.

An Attack on tho Moral Character of

Gladstone,

London, May 10th.—Parliamentary circles aro greatly excited over attacks on the character of Gladstone, Sir Charlos Dilko, Colonial Secretary, and tho Marquis of Hartington, Socrotary of War. maAo lv lrH«r^ cont 10 the Paris " Neuvello Kevuo' by Count Paul Vasuli. Advanco sheota of tho lettors have been suppliod to a numbor of English papors. Tho count's letters give a number of scandals against tho throe gentlemen named. Some of those scandals nro old, but many of them are new. It will perhaps bo nows to most American readers that Gladstone is vulnerable to gossip, spocially to possip concerning women, but Count Yasali rofors circumstantially to the Proinior as having boon ongaged in a not very croditablo intriguo with a woman do scribed as "Laura 8.," who is known to many and who is doscribed in tho count's letter as a woman who has contracted some very respectablo debts in Paris socioty, " tho ' only thing about hor," says Vasali, " wliich can be called rospoctablo." Tho count, in that parb of his letters in which ho as sociates tho name of tho British Premier with that of " Laura 8.," declares that "the beauty named had occasion to send her portrait to hor old admirer, and Mrs Glad stone, who jealously watches over tho whims and fancies of her husband, sent tho portrait back." Concerning tho same subject, Count Paul Vasali says, among othor tilings : " I can not toll you whother tho relations of the grand old man with Mrs Langtry havo over really stepped beyond tho bounds of a certain sontimentalism, but 1 can tell you that ho has not ceased to pay his court to women. He has a passion for billet-doux, and ovon from his seat in Parliament ho sends notos to one of his beautiful assist ants, which are often handed to discroot messengers, under the eyes of Mrs Glad stone, and are suppressed." Commonting upon those rumours about Gladstone's alleged relations with Mmo. Novidofi, tho editor of tho "Nouvollo Revue," which is publishing Count Vasali's letters, doclaree an a friend of this lady that the reports are falso. Ho adds, howevor, that he cannot atfirm that a woman of such intelligence as that possessed by Mmo. Novi dofT is not flattered by the Hontitnent with which sho inspires Gladstono. but ho donies she has over responded with ovon a shadow of flirtation.

Count Vasali rofors to Lord Harlington's long connection with a celebrated duchess. Tho count says tho marquis does not at tempt to please any othor woman. "She governs him entirely," tho count says, "and is discreet enough to respect the proprieties of society, whichj thankful for this conces sion, closes its eyes."

Equally unscrupulous ia Vasali'a refer ence to Sir Charles Dilke, " an advocate for cremation." The count says: "He had his young wife cremated, and another woman alive makes him glow with a gentle flame. Fair, intelligent, and distinguished, the friend of Sir Charles is not as grand a lady as the friend of tho Marquis of Hartington, but she still takes him a *ay from the vulgar like. Being married, she will have to break the ties which enchain her to share the life which eho has conquered."

A Pig Dealer who Became a Prince.

Tjib doath of tho Princo Aloxandor Carageorgovitch is announced as having taken placo at Temesvar, in Hungary, on .Sunday last week. Tho deceased Prince was the son of Czerny Georgu, or Black (icorgo, who, beginning lifo as a pig doaler, ultimately became the first Princo and ruler of Sorvia, whose independence ho had gained by his sword. Black Georgo, as students of Servian history will bo aware* was murdered, and was succeeded by Milan Obronovitch, during whoso reign tho late Prince served in tho Russian army. After the deposition of Milan Obrenovitch, Princo Alexandor succeoded to the throno, and did much towards tho development of Sorvia duringhis reign. Ho was, however, deposed in 1853, and exiled from Servia. After his deposition Michael Obrenovitch, the son of Milan, succeeded to the throne, but was murdered in 186S, Princa Alexander beiug generally charged with having hired tho assassins who committed the crime. Since then the deceased Princo has lived ia retirotoeiiti i

SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand. Wellington R.C. Steoplcchaßo Meeting.. July 18

To Correspondents.

X.Y.Z.-In the Henderson's Mill Cup of 1881, Konilwouti finished lirst, Yatapa second, and Tim Whilllcr tUird. Ponsoshv.—Foul Shot is entered for the cext IMirlßtchurcb Derby, but the only roprosonta tlvo Mr Marshall has in tho race is Jlubk. the colt by Muskot—Perfume. B.W.—Tho V.It.C. Derby and Melbnurno Clip havo beon won by tho aamo horae livo times, viz.,by hantera in 1801; Briesisin 187 li; Chester in 1877; Grand Flaneur in 1880; and Martiui- Honry in 1883. Old Si'OKT (Freeman's Bay).-Macaroni did not accept for the Hurdlo Haco at tho Auckland Winter Meeting, but hia name appeared in tnc list published In tho daily papers through a clerical error. Tho time of hia withdrawal from tho raco would, therefore, be 8 p.m. on tho let of Juno. Bkekdkk — Tha recognised praotico with a certain class of brooders is to use young stal lions with old maro9, and to put young maroa to old stallions. Thoro aro numoroua instancos ot tho bucccbs of thi* plan. A groat number ofourbeßt horses have been out ot old maroa or by old horses—as, for inntanco, Mnrtini-llonry, Commotion, Lo Grand, Bargo, Darebin and Grand Flaneur.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

A couple of wooks back 1 informed my roadera that Mi- V. F. Dakin, of Melbourne, was in nogotation with the Auckland Racing Club to act as handicappor, and that tho Commit-too had roforrod tho applica. tion to Mio Canterbury and Dunodin Jockey Clubs, asking if they would cooporato in securing Mr Dakin's services. Last wook's issuo of tho "N,Z. lloferco " has an articlo in its loading columns on tho subject, from which I mako tho following oxtract: — " Hero, indood, soorns a chanco of unravel ing tho Gordian knot which lias so long pnzzled Now Zoaland turlitos— whore was tho handicappor to bo found who should bo "likoCn?sara wife, above suspicion," who should be froo from local prejudices and local friendship, and who would not bo the objectof localjoalonsies'; A thorough judgo of racing ; an enthusiast, heart and soul, in tho broeoding of tho noble thorough brod and in all appertaining to him, from his carliost gallops of foalhood to tho timo when ho departs for tho happy hunting grounds ; and, abovo all, a gentle man to boot, Mr Dakin is just the sort of man wo want to fulfil tho duties of a handi cappor in this colony. Lot tho various H icing Clubs thoroforo hesitate no longer in co operating in tho direction of appointing Mr Dakin to tho post of handicappcr for No v Zealand. Surely tho Auckland Racing Club, Canterbury Jockey Club, Dunedin Jockey Club, and Hawko's Hay Jockey Club can each afford to contributo .€IOO a your to a handicappor's salary. That makes WOO straight out. Add to this tho following amounts :—Wellington Raring Club, £00 ; Wellington Jockey Club, '£50 ; Wanganui Jockey Club, £50; and Taranaki J.C., South Canterbury J.C., Oamaru J.C., Nofeon J.C., Marlborongh R.C., Aahburton II.C, and Wairarapa J.C. £10oach, and if eight other Clubs contributed £10 oach, a total of £700 por annum would be made up. Wo have, howover, estimated tho contributions on rather alow scale, and, this being so, wo do not think thoro would bo tho slightest difficulty in making up £1,000 por annum, under which amount porhaps a handicappor could hardly undortako dtitios which would involvo a good deal of oxponso in tho way of travelling.

M. Carniody camo up from Napior during the wook, and will at onco maUo a start at his profession in tho stables lately occupied by Rowlands. Mr "W. Icon's colt Petroleum, by Cadogan -Petrolouso, will rcceivo his preparation for his two -year-old engagements at his hands, while ho will also have Entiold and Woodpoeker under his caro. Cartnody is spoken of on nil fidos as a steady and painstaking man, and I shall bo glad to henr of his success horo. Router informs us by cablo that Commo tion is awarded tho post of honour in tho Caulfield Cup with 9st 121b*, Welcome Jack coming next with Oat -lib. Liko his coadjutor in Sydney, tho Victorian h.indi cappor lias shown no mercy towards Mr Pilbrow's horse, but still 1 am inclined to think that if tho son of Tradiicer went to thojpost dressed in his very best, ho would makon bold bid for victory. Tho Canterbury Jockey Club havo made public tho programmes of their Spring, Summor, and Autumn Meotings for next season. As intimated by mo last weok, tho Spring Mooting lias boon fixed forNovomber 10th, 12th, and 13th, and tho Summor Moot ing, which willnowextondovor two days, takes pluco on January Ist and 2nd, and tho Autumn Meeting on Easter Monday and Tuesday. Tho total added money for tho three gatherings is £9,000, or an increase of £")00 on last season.

Old Commotion has been well suppnrtod during tho week to win tho Molbourno Cup by local backers, who accept 100> to 3 about him, while tho short prico of S's to 1 aro taken that tho son of Panic gots a placo. Tho lien. ,1. White's Lennox, by Mini brynong—Lady Kingston, has also met with a good amount of support, straight out and in doubles.

Mr C. 11. Lushington, I hear, is having but littlo done with Tho Foot's yearling brother at present, owing to tho youngster's foet troubling him, but tho other threo yearlings owned by him, viz., colt by Apromont—Nolly Mooro named [Utm'i'ul Thornton), colt by Antoros—Lady Mnry {(rrarii Mount), and lilly by Cadogan —Stoppo (Lcuhj Norali), aro progressing most satisfactorily with their education. All threo aro growing nnd furnishing out nicely, and havo been soon out on tho raco course two or thrco mornings latoly. Lionel (tho two yoarold brother to Loos), I understand, had tho misfortuno to get ono of his logs in a wire fonco !-omo timo back, but is now almost hinißelf again.

The stablos in Green Lane belonging to ill1 Bowman aro now presidod ovor by Mr J. B. Williamson, recontly of Taranaki, who has startod as public trainor horo. Ho has undor his chargo tho steeplechaser Ngata, Sir Bedivoro, tho yeutling colt by Cadogan—Mies Laura, who belongs to a local "sport," and Mr Balmain'a yearling colt Musk Rose, by Musket—Rosetto.

Mr llobbs'a Gaming and Lotteries Act Amendment Bill makes it illegal for any poison to oxhibit placards or ndvertiso bet ting on horsos, swoopatakos, or lottorios, the penalties being up to .L'so for cuoli offence, or not exceeding two months' imprisonment, with or without hard labour. Where the Postmaster-Uoneral has reason to suspoct any person to bo engaged in lotteries, gambling or fortune-tolling, he may notify in the Gazette that no lettor, packot, parcel, or nowapapor addressed to auch person shall bo registered or delivered. No monoy orders shall bo issued in favour of any such person with respect to whom any such order has boon made and doclarod by notification as aforesaid, and no monoy order shall bo paid to any such person.

It turns out that Mr H. Osoorno lms bestowed tho namo of Jacinth, not Hyacinth, on tho yearling colt by Muskot from Onyx that ho purchased at tho Now Zealand Stud Company sale in Sydney last January. Tho name by souio means got mutilated in tho V.R.C. entries.

One or two " sports " who, as a rule, are not far out in their calculations, have been inquiring of late for Sir W. J, Clarke's Fish o' Silver for tho Molbourno Cup, and on Saturday night last a local backer accepted 1,000 to 20 that ho places tha great event to his credit. Fish o' Silver is a bay colt, foalod on tho 11th November, 1882, and can boast of an oxcellent pedigreo, being got by the recently defunct Angler (sire of i'ro gress, Robinson Crusoe, and Onyx), out of Nevada, who comes from a great racing family in England.

i Referring to tho fact of tho Victoria > Racing Club refusing Welcome Jack's entry for tho Molbourno Cup, "Augur" says:—"l do not see how it could bo' acccptoil, as tho fivo sovereigns had not been paid. Of course, this omission is a Borious blow to tho New Zealandera who backed him ; but, after all, the loss may be a gain, for, when Welcome Jack was in the ring tho othor day, I did not like tho look of his forofetlock joints, one especially, and whoover has tho training of the horse may find it difficult to bring him to the post." i "Senex," who has been analysing the chances of the Now Zealand Cup horses! thinks tho winnor will come from one of the following dozen: —Tasman, Turquoiße,Fusi- Her, Sou-wester, Kocklace, Administrator, Lochiol, Charmer, Takes Misa, Miuorvaj : Spado Guinea and Leon.

The statement of assets and liabilities in the estate of Mr Bate shows the amount of tho former to bo set down at £5,660, and the amount of the latter as £3,700 18s.id, tho apparent surplus of assets ovnr liabilities being thus £1,953 Is Sd. The secured liabilities amount to £2,433 "a 2d, and the unsecured to £1,273 Us 2d. Included in tho latter is a debt item of £308 to trio Now Zoaland Government. . Minerva is said to be in great demand in Dunedin for tho Now Zoaland Cup, and backed for more money than any othor candidate engaged. Despite this, howover, I notice that 100's to 5 can bo still had about The Sydney correspondent of the " Australasian " thus refors to tho Hon. W. Robinson's string—" Thundorbolt has now joined tho rest of the Now Zoalanders, who can bo soon each morning getting through thoir preparations. Tho son of Musket is only a small horso, but vory symmetrical, and strides over tho ground long and low with porfoct action. Vanguard is eomo thing after tho stylo of Coriolanus, and irn prossos mo as a roal gamo horse, and not particular about weight. Livorpool in a handsome chostnut, but not displaying the blood-liko quality so apparent in his half brother Sir Modred. Oudois is a taking colt, and should tako some boating in any of our handicaps." Tho old Amorican golding, Parole, during tho nino years ho was on the turf, won 82, IS Idols, Converted into pounds, this would moan over £1(5,000. lie commenced winning aH a two-year-old in 1575, and ran on till 1533, ho having appeared no lens than 12(i times, and was first 59 times, second '22, and third 15. "Augur" recently paid a visit to Mr.T. Wilson's famous brooding establishment at St. Albans, and of tho many occupants of its paddocks, ho is greatly impressed with a colt by St. Albans from Royal Maid. Ho says:—"Of all tho youngsters that havo graced tho paddocks of St. Albans, none, porhaps, has equalled this colt. Without an atom of coarsoness about him, ho is strong and woll-proportioncd, and boing noarly a yearling, ono can judge what he will be in timo to como. In colour ho is bay, with three white foot and n faco quite as white as Blair Athol's. Should ho prove tho good colt ho promisos to bo, there will bo no dilliculty in distinguishing him as he inakos his way to tho front. Like tho othor progony of St. Albans, ho has the sound looking legs of tho family, and as you walk round him you marvol at his extraordinary powor." Mr A. Yuillo, tho compilor of tho Austra lian Stud Book, complains that notwith standing tho notices bieodors have received from him and tho pross, many of thorn are dilatory in sending in their roturns. At last accounts, tho English crack, St. Simon, was doing good work at Nowmarkot, co that thoro is a probability of tho groat son of Galopin mooting St. Gation in some of tho Cup races of tho present soason. I'rofesser Samplo, tho well-known horso trainer who visited Auckland somo timo back, is now in England, giving exhibitions of his skill,

Camballo, who won tho Christchurch Groat Autumn Handicap in tho colour? of Maron and Vallance, died in India lately.

First Domon is being proparcd for his noxt soason's engagements by tho painstak ing trainor, J. Monaghan. Tho disappointing Swoet William, who has on so many occasions put backers in a hole, is in tho privato salo list of Mr T. S. Clibborn, of Sydney. Old Socundus, by Kolpie, who ha 9 beon tho horo of many a well-eontostod race, was a fow weeks ago raHlod, and bocamo the pro perty of tho Australian jockey, Norriker, who disposed of him at a small figuro for stud purposes. Whon paying ovor some monoy recently, Mr H. Oxenham, tho wollknown Sydney boolunakor, lost or mislaid four CoO-notos, and nothing has sinco boen hoard of thorn.

"llapior," of tho "English Dramatic Nows,1' says :— It seems to bo accepted that (-handler's loap of ItTft over wnter is the biggest jump over takon, but is this co 1 I nin told that the double at Punches town has boon "llown." j\lr Stiirgess tells mo that ho has seen a horso fly it, and there is a story of its having been dono on another occasion, ftow, if this is co, Chandler's leap is eclipsed. Tho bank is a broad ono, there is a wido ditch each side, and, if my informant is correct, in a cloan jump ovor this a horso must clear nearer 40ft than .')7ft. Moreover, whoroas Chandlor had not to rise at tho water, tho bank is noarly sft in hoight, so that tho Irish horsos had to go up as woll as ovor.

In tho courso of his remarks on tho doath of I'oeress, "Sonox" writes:—The announce ment must havo stirred tho breasts of many old Sports in Canterbury, bringing back their memories to morry days gono by. Wo look back upon her now as ono of our racing landmarks, for Bhe was almost invincible in her day, and hor days wero many in tho land—racing eoason after season from her third year to hor seventh, winning two sensational Cantorbury Cups, and then leaving tho turt as sound as a boll in an equally sensational mannor."

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

CRICKET AVERAGES

Nowton C.C

Durimi last soason, tho Newton Crickot Club played l(i matches, of which thoy won i), drew 3, and lost 4. Tho aggregate of runs for tho season was 1,407, for tho loss of 171 wickol?, being an average of B'3o. Their opponents scored 1,354 runs for tho loss of '20~> wickets. Avorago, G'ls4. Wo are indebted to MrG. P. Osmond, Socrotary of tho Club, for thoso and tho following additional statistic :— HOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Runs. Mdns. Wkts, Av'kc. A. Prllcliard 1131 i!»2 62 lil) — fi'32 T. Mills .. 11.50 512 13 71 - 71fl WnddiiiKbam 591 235 22 3J — 829 J. Perkins .. 12!) Cl 7 2G — lO'l Hatting Averages. No. of No. of Total Mutches, completed Runs. Averages. Innings. W. Hobson 12 11 132 1012 C. \VrackliDg- him ..15 16 IP j 10 5 C. Cotam.. 12 13 IS) 10 0 O. Sexton ..11 8 79 9 7 T. Moll ..16 17 150 !IO J. Perking.. 13 11 i)l 8H It Mason ..11 11 1)3 B'S W. Porteoua 15 1« 110 Iflll A.Pritchard 15 i:i So 07 .1. Hobnon 12 10 X 52 W. Smith 11 II 71 s'l S. G. Burns 11 : 8 32 10 T. Craig j 5 l.i 3,0 O. K. Osmond 8 8 11 1(j Trophies.—Fivat batting, VV. Hobson; second batting, C. Waddlntrtiam; bowline, A. Prlt chard; host all-round man. T. Mills: fielding. \V. Poitooua; batting Socond Kleven, O. Sexton. Otahuhu C.C. This club played 13 matchos, of which thoy won (i, lost 3, and drew 4. BATTING AVERAGES. No. o£ Mobl Total Avo- Namo. In. in In. Runs. rage. G. P. Kwing.. .. 3 u2 90 SO It. Crowo .. .. II 68 133 2G'3 S. H. Dunklcy ..15 39 2U 15*1 W. N. Ewing (J 21 71 11*1 O, Bowden .. ..15 3i 172 117 G. Drown .. .. (i 20 57 112 F. Porch .. .. 12 21 133 U'l W. Porch .. .. 11 15 56 7 J.Ciray .. .. H 18 89 li'U C.X Perry.. ..13 18 73 5-8 N. H. Porch ..10 17 II I "I J. Loahy .... 10 !) 3J IS

The Dynamite Scare.

Tuk inspection of "black bags" by the London police ia fast becoming an intolor ablo nuisance. Even ladies attending divine service at Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's are suspected of being dynnmitards if only they follow the fashion of carrying the small bags such as are used for the indispensablo handkerchief, scent bottle, and purse. The Harmonies in Blue who have charge of tho gates may be good follows enough in their way, but scarcely tho kind of officials who ought to be entruated with thodolicate duty of overhauling ladies' scent bottles. The next thing we shall hoar of will bo that policemen may with official impunity dive into ladies' pockets in search of something intended to blow up our public buildings. Ono offthoso days some spirited London lady of the Weldon type will be " blowing up " v constable—but not with dynamite.

"ROUGH ON CORNS. "-Ask t«i woiisv-iiouuii «• flinj.-." QiittKht.', ti.iaiiU.iv!, 1.-ruiuioul cart. Urus, w«U

THE GARDEN

[B? HoRTCS.]

Calendar of Oporations, July U,

[Hortus is willing to answor any quorioß. Cor respondents must givo their full names aud addresses, though not for publication.!

TO CORRESPONDENTS. f ,,.,., M r vv writes: "I am desirous of grow ' luimn Hh'v aro strown in a cold nouso. m" pinohi^ and Wing un will have to, bo i more trouuent. as with artilioial hoat the \ mi* will grow much faster.

Wellington Exhibition.

Till! Auckland Gardenora1 Horticultural Society will pack and forward any samples of locally-grown fruit to tho Wellington Ex hibition. Any exhibits addressed tn Mr Smallfield, Hon. Secrotary, care of Messrs Hoskelh and Aitkon, Durham-street, or to Mr Jamos Mason's soed warehouse, Queen streot, not later than tho 20th inst., will be attended to. This is a capital chanco for somo of those who think they are growing first-class orangtw. II eont to Wellington, they would got them properly tested as to whether thoro is plonty of saccharine matter or too much, and I would liko to sco a few good tost? so as to put an end to tho un certainty regarding this fruit.

Wiutor or Rest Pruning.

(CONTINUED IKO.M LAST WKKK.)

Old poach trees can bo almost onlircly ronovatod by cutting out about one-third of tho oli] limbs this year, one-third noxt season, and tho balance tho third season. Chorry trees, on tho other hand, should only bo pruned when it is absolutely neccs sary, and only in tho winter months, as it 13 ono of tho fow hardy fruit-trees that disl'ko tho pruning knife. All pruning of fruit trees should bo performed as early in tho wintor as poesiblo, as lato pruning or spring pruning is very objectionable unless on trees that have been moved. Very early in tho spring tho upward movements of sap com monco, and any pruning dono after this always injures tho tree. Tho wounds bleed to a eonsidorablo extent, losing a quantity of sap. Consequently tliero is a corresponding loss of strength at tho flower-producing period of tho troo; and frequently the caueo of flowers not sotting well, and thus losing a portion of the crop from a cause which can bo easily remedied. Besides, the sap which oozes from tho wounds attracts variousinnocts.orsporcsof parasite plantsgor ininateandareassistedtogrowuponthostems or branches by what wo might call tho life of tho tree, at tho samo timo preventing tho healthy hoaling of tho wounds made, somotimos producing the first gorms of canker on tho trees. To avoid tho abovo it is hotter to prune a littlo early, evon beforo the sap is all down, rather than risk it while it is rising. And wo must recollect that with trees hero there is what i would call very littlo rest; the- sap ifl still malting a downward movement for eomo timo after tbo leaves havo fallen, and it is in an upward motion for somo timo boforo either the flowors or loaf bud swoll in tho spring. So horo tho best timo to apply tho knifo is immediately whon tho leaf falls. Of courso, with transplanted trees tho pruning can bo doforrod for some littlo timo later, as tho upward action of sap does not tako place for a lator poriod than on trees that have occupied tho tamo ground for one year. Now I will try and give my ideas about how to doal with trees of tho eamo variety but of dill'oront strongth of growth. Some times I havo seen troes headed back protty freoly whon, in my estimation, tho hoad ought only to have beon vory sparingly touchod with the knifo on their uppor branches-I horo refer to troes that have beon makingstrong rapid growth. Tho moro tho uppor branches of trees of this classaro cut back, tho stronger and rankor they ivill grow next season. Trees ot tho abovo class should receivo a sovero root-pruning immediately, if not already performed. Such root-pruning must be more or loss severe, according to tho rank stato of tho growth last season. If only modorately strong, then a few roots only should bo cut, aa the fow roots cut will bo sufficient to curtail tho feeding powors of the treo, so that it will produce Bhortjointod, hardy wood, with plenty of buds. Again, if tho troo bo strong-growing and producing rank wood, with the buds at a considerable distanco apart, thon Buch treo ought to roceivo a sovoro root pruning so as to reduce its wood producing-powors. Trees of tho above class, if loft alono for a fow years, I well know would soon oxhaust this strong-growing tendency, and settle down into fruit boaring trees in time; but nil who plant fruit troos want to bring them into a hoalthy fruit-bearing stato as soon as possiblo, and by studying ovory stage of growth in the difforont trees, and trying to reduce somo tendencies and incroaso others in such growth, wo may bo able to bring our fruit trees into a healthy fruit-bearing stato much sooner, and at tho same timo ro duco the quantity of usoloss timbor which a largo numbor of our orchard trees aro al lowed to grow. After root-pruning, strong trees should be allowed to etand for a fow weoks boforo the bronchos are pruned, Aftor that period bua elapsed tho supor lluoue shoots that aro not wanted for tho pormanent branches of the troo should be cut out.

(To be Continued.)

TUE LAKE DWELLERS

How Thoy Lived and What Thoy Ato

and Woro,

Til kv wovo and plaited cloth, and either cultivated or bartered corn from tribes who practised agriculture. Moreover, they had shoep, pigs, goats and cows, nnd grow pears and apples, whilo they euppliod themeolvoe with (ish by moans of linos and note. Their grain they ground into meal by moans of a mortarorby "moalingßtonea,"and flavoured it, as do tho Danes and Germans of our times, with poppy seoda, or, Hko so many other people, with caraways. They ato the wator chesnut, the hazelnut and tho wal nut, boachnuts and acorns, and, in tho season, feasted on tho raspberry, tho straw berry, tho elderberry, tho blackberry, tho wild chorry and sloo. Tho art of making pottory was familiar to them, and their implements of stono, horn, and bone woro halted in wooden handlos. Tanning was practised, and tho presence of a wooden last proves that they mado shoos or sandals to moasuro. Firo thoy obtained by striking a flint flako against a piece of iron pyrites, and the atone implements were fixed into their handles by moans of the Val de Travers asphalt, so commonly used in these times as a cement for streot pavomont. Their oxen woro of tho ancient breed kept in Neolithic Britain,and their swine, sheop, and cows were confined in pens near tho huts of theao prehistoric farmers. Thoir dog was a jackal-looking animal, which was probably brought from South-eastern Europe or .Southern Central Asia, since its nearest native ally is a jackal found in those parts of tho world, whilo tho hog is thought py Mr Dawkins to have been introduced into Europo as a domestic animal. The sheop of tho Lake dwellers was horned, and of a " fine, delicate breed," and the goat was probably the ancestor of the Welsh variety, though, as neither animal is represented by any wild stock in Europe, their ancostry must be sought for in some othor quarter of the world, whence they sproad over Neolithic Europe. Tho stqck of the Lake d>vollors appears to have been introduced into Europo en masse, and not, as might havo been expected, one after anothor, though it is doubtful whether tho ass was a contemporary of the species mentioned, since it ha 3 beon found in only two of the settlements. In brief, it is all but certain that the domestic animate of the Lake dwellers were brought from Central Asia, the home of ao many of tho European people's,—" Peoples of tho World."

GOSSIP FROM STAKE AND STUDIO.

(By Eoiebpe.)

Miss Gonovieve Ward has now openod at tho New Opera-house, Sydney. The title of Henry Byron's unacted play, found by Mr Pothern in his father s papers, is"ANobloNoodle." Joseph B. Tolk has secured, a new play by Dr Sayre, tho author of ' The Strate gist." Its present titlo is " Mixed Pickles. The Melbourne Fraternity of Mutual Imps held a masquerade ball in the Exhibi tion building on tho 24th ult.

The well-known actress, Miss Ada Caven dish, who has only lately^rison from what threatened to be her deathbed, has just been marriod to an equally woll-known dramatic critic, Mr Frank Marshall. Mdme. Judic ib about to retire from tho staco, and it is announced that her present season at tho Variety will bo her farewell to J'nris She goos to America next, and in the spring disappears into private life. An original drama, entitled "Unmasked, or tho Runaway Convict," by Mr Barnett, a Canterbury schoolmaster, is about to be produced in Christchurch. The scene is laid in that city.

Professor Haselmayor, tho well.known staeo conjuror, has just died at A leuna, aeed 47, at the precise juncture that he had rotired with the idea of enjoying the largo fortuno ho had amassed.

M. Gounod has written a third aria for Siebol in "Faust," which was introduced for tho first time in January by a now singer, Mdlle. Fignet. If it is as good as tho famous "Flower Song," it ought to cronto a sensation.

Dunodin is absolutely without amuse ments, and promises to remain so until the oponin" of tho Wybort fceevo Company at tho ond of this month. By tho way, this Company has been doing good business in Wellington.

Tho Tichborno claimant has been earning from £100 to £200 a week with a travelling varioty company in the English provinces. Ho merely had to do a 10 minutes' walk round and oxplainliimself and his grievances to tho audience.

Mr Robert Underwood, who acted as busi ness manager for Mr A. T. Dunning in con nect ion with tho Pollard Company, has left for Sydney and Melbourne, whore he intends keoping a look-out for noveltioa for New Zealand.

Mr Edward Farley has carried out his idea of taking a company into tho far East, and when last heard from he was at Singa pore with a small company playing a round of popular opora. Miss Eva l)ovonport is tho prima donna.

Jlerr Remonyi and his company arc at presont in Melbourno. Mr Ilimmoll and Miss Haltio Downing have loft him, and propose to return to America. Herr Romonyi proposes a tour round Borno of the largor towns inland.

On concluding her recent season in San Francisco, MissEmmaNoyada was presented by her old schoolfellows with a purse contain ing 2,000 dollars in gold. The prima donna was a good doal affoctod by the ovation ehe rccolved, and broko down in attempting to sing "Homo, Sweet Homo."

Tho Majoroni and Wilson Comic Opera Company in Melbourne havo producod Offenbach's " Brigands " at the Bijou with groat success, Mies Gracie Plaisted and Mr Harding in the principal parts. Thereismuch bright music in this opera, and the canon for tho beggars is never forgotten by anyone who hoars it woll dono.

Thoreis onoslorious bit of British boasting in tho spectacular drama " Khartoum," at Sangor's, which invariably brings down <;ho houeo. " I can sco you aro English by your faces," says tho Madlii to a peripatetic artist and a military chum. " Very likely," is tho roply, "no British foe has over tlis covored it by our backs." JI. Honri Kowalski, the eminent pianist and UUerakur, who was in Molbourne dur ing tho Exhibition year, is o.vpected to pay another visit soon. He was said to be in Colombo on May 10, M. Kowalski is a good and genuino musician, and in passing through Auckland several years ago ho contributed a pieoo of music to MrCailliau's papor, "Tlio Music." l)r, J. E.Taylor, tho now science lecturer, is holding forth in the Athomeum Hall, Melbourne Tho title of his first lecture was "Tho World Boforo Man," and it proved attractive onough to fill tho hall, Dr Taylor ia a line, tall, fair Englishman, who spoaks clearly and well. His lectiiro was attentively followed, and frequently ap plauded. His second locture was on " Flowers and Fruitß,"

(ieorgo Macdonald, thopoot and novelist, has entered a new iiold of literature—the editing of Shnksporc's plays. His sta?e directions are more pootical, actors think, than practical. Imagine an actor studying this situntion : "Here the actor should show a markod calmness and olovation in ' Hamlet.' He should havo around him, as it wero, a luminous cloud of his coming end. A smile net all of this world should close tho speech." A smilo not all of this world would be ellbctivo !

Two concorts woro given during April in London in aid of tho Women's Industries (in connection with tho Loan Exhibition thcroof) in which the programmes were mado up of compositions entirely by women, Mrs Meadows White, Lady Thompson, Mrs Joseph Robinson, Miss Agnes Zimmer man, Maude Yalerio White, Mrs Koeckel (Jules do Sivrt»i),Mrs John Macfarren (Julos do Brissac), E. Philp, Madamo Schumann, Fanny Hensolt, and others.

There is just now running at the Olympic Theatre, London, a drama called "A Dangerous Game," by Sir Randal Roberts, the titled actor, author, and stage manager. On the first night towards the finish of the piece the boll rung for "businoss" was mistaken for the signal to drop the curtain, and an unrehearsed effect ensued, The baronet, who was playing himself, rushod madly from tho stago, and refused to go on again, or to have anything more to do with his part. Tho manageress, Mrs Conover, was compelled to go in front and mako an apology to the expectant audience. Coincidentally with the publication of tho Revised Bible, Messrs Brook and Chrystal are issuing a work on "The Bibles of Other Nations," being selections in English from the Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, Buddhist, and Egyptian Scriptures, from tho Koran, tho Talmud, and tho Apocryphal Gospels, with introductions to each book—that to tho Talmud being written by the Roy. L. M. Simmons, professor of Hebrew at Victoria University, Manchester. The Volumo also contains an essay on the Ethnic Scriptures, by Dr. James M. Hodgson, and a letter by Max Muller on "Bibles of the World." Canon Farrar gave permission for tho inclusion of tho translation of "The Teaching of tho Twelve Apostles." An £ nglish minor, being curious to know the character of Handel's great work the " Mossiah," which ho had frequently heard highly praised, went to hear it, and arrived shortly before the occurrence of the famous chorus, "lam the King of Glory." He mado his retreat from the hall not long afterwards, and being asked by some acquaintances why ho had left before the end of the concert, gave the following ox planation !—" Wey, ho said, "aa wes boggorin gled to get oot safe. Yon chap gat up and baals out " Aa'm the King iv Glory.' Directly eftor, anuther jumps up an' yells, ' Aa's the King iv Glory." No suinor was ho doon than up starts anuther chop on' screams oot 'Aa's the King iv Glory.' Then tho whole lot began to yell "Aa's the King iv Glory,' an' as aa saa thor wes ganning to bo a row aa cam oot."

Two Little Thieves

Sparrows may he cross, unamiablo littlo brutos, but thoy are intelligent enough to know on which side their bread is butterod. Tho other morning a lady was awoko by a mournful noise, and, looking up from her pillow, beheld two sparrows on tho eillof the open window tugging away at a ball of blue wool that had been used for somo fancy work and loft on tho tablo tjio previous night. Tho object of tho sparrows was burglary, for they had not only onterod tho room, but thoy had dragged their plunder nearly out of the window before being dis covered. The lady looked on at the per formance with breathless interest, and finally had the satisfaction of seeing tho fattest burglar fly away with tho spoils, closely followed by his pal.—" Boston Beacon."

ON THE TRAMP THROUGH THE NORTH ISLAND.

Notes of a Walk from WoUinßto» Auckland. *

" What aro you thinking, of Sphinx," «!■ the artist, aa we safe smoking by a con«c oneovoning in Wellington. We hadoal boon in Wollington about three y^/l having been living quietly in Cbristch^ for some months aftor our Otirei trip. % Sphinx, I may mention, was the Bobriqntf acquired by the rocorder of the last t' on account of his taciturn habits, andu that name he shall henceforth be caiy "What aro you thinking of, Sphinx".. l>eated tho artist, aa ho liad received answer to liis first question. For moments tho Sphinx sat as immoveableaiii silent as his Egyptian namesake, then emit ting an immenßO volume of smoke from h lips and opening his half-closed, eyes tl slowly said, "I havo been thinking Beriou»k of shouldering the old knapsack and takV another trip." J1 The jovial artist suddenly jumped from hiH chair, his face, brightened and his c™« might be seen to sparkle through the den!! clouds of smoke, aa ho enthusiasticaß, cried "Agreed; I'm your mari," at th« same time slapping the recumbont Spbin! energetically on the shoulder. ThoSphinx, tlms rudely aseaulted,merely answered, "Right, old boy," and thea J. cupied himself in rubbing bis should™ "Well," said the artist, " where fhall \y« go, and when ?" Another silence, then tho Sphinx again spoke. "I've been thinking" said he, "of taking a trip from here right through to Auckland by way of Napier and Lake Taupo, and as to the time, whyttj sooner tho botter."

These sentiments also met with the an. probation of the knight of the pencil, coL ■ at once eet to work to arrange our plajg, I Tliis occupied us till bed-time, when we re tired to dream of crossing impassably I rivers and climbing perpendicular hill« Next morning we set to work to got thin™ ready, having arranged to start the follow ing day. We had decided to carry as little aa possible, as in a long tramp it does not do to bo handicapped with too much weight, i When, however, we were folly equipped wo found our knapsacks quite heavy enough, and when the artist first shouldered his burden, he romarked with great 6m. phasis, "Well, any man who would carry more than this on along journey would be a regular glutton." ■ (~..: V Tho first consideration was a tent, as it would hardly do to camp in the bush without a covering of some sort, it being now winter. For this we bought an oil sheet 6 feet square, enough to form a tent large enoogl; for the pair of ua to crawl under. Blanketi and an extra pair of boots werealsopro cured. Wo then set to work to stock tba commissariat for the first part of our journey,; laying in, as moet serviceable, a supply oi j biscuits, bacon, cheoso, tea and sugar yw& last, but not least, tobacco enough to have smoked the plague of locusts out of Egypt, , Tho morning of June 28th found us readyr to start, having sent our luggage ■on tr Auckland by boat. So,having said good by»i to the many friends we had made during out ; short stay in Wellington, and receiving many kind wishos for a good journey, we set out at 11 n.m , in a drizzling rainjwhica, did not look like a good omen. However, wei had made up our minds to start in: any'j; weather, as we knew wo were fure ti Viave , rough weather some part of the 1.-mv The drizzle soon became a downpour, whicH" transformed us into what the Sphinx termed - : a couple of perambulating sponges. :Wo coon passed through Roiwerra, MhaoraDgi and Petono, getting gradually more soaked-- >, as wo proceeded. However, much to out .■ surprise, it cleared up later on ; and our spirits rose accordingly. The scenery wu - vory pretty as we tramped along the Hntt valley, tho mists rising from the hillsides in varied and fantastic shapes aa the; gun peeped forth and the wind began,to blow?;, gontly from the sea. After passing Taitai.r and Wallaeoville, we arrived at the Upper;, Hutt, where we decided to halt for the, night at the comfortable hotel. We were: quite wet through. After feeding the inner \ man we retired for the night, and soon slept ; peacefully. ■ 4,-w

We rose at daybreak, and after straggling into our wet garments and boots with many a groan of dissatisfaction, we started, i By,;. the way, is thore anything in the wotld : more unpleasant than pulling on wet clothe;:: on a frosty morning? I appeal to all,; travellers to support me in the assertion that/ thero is not. The morning, however, was* beautifully fine, and before long the sun and; wind had completely dried us. We passed Mongaroa and Kaitoki, and,, commenced to climb the celebrated Rimuvi: takaGorge. We weremuch comforted by an ■- equestrian travoller we met at the foot, wliOj; informed us the Gorge waa 6 miles up and f* miles down. We were congratulating, our-; selves on having the best of the bargain^! whon another traveller informed us it was 7:. miles up and 6 milos down. The grand; scenery, however, made it seem much ■ shorter. The Sphinx began to descant on j the beauties of nature, but happening .tp < catch his foot against a piece of rook, hifl; eulogies came to an abrupt termination, and ■ his conversation became of a far,'lam,' elevated and lofty style. After reaching the summit we descended into the valley, ;; ; and soon^eighted Lake Wairarapa, which is,; a grand sheet of water. Leaving Feathnwj Btono behind, we pressed on. It had now ■ become dark, but on we trudged across the : Matai River plain, and over the Tauharo- '■'. nikau Biver, through Garterton, andsooai to Masterton, which we reached at 10 p.m.i r after a long but most enjoyable walk of 47 jj miles. Next day wo journeyed on through ;• Mau ricevillo, and entered the 40 Mile Bush, where we decided to halt and pitch camp. And; here I may as well describe our wiorfas openmdi of co doing, as all our camps were somewhat similar.

The artist cut down some treo ferns with! his tomahawk, and laid the stems together to form a mattrass, while the Sphinx; collected the fern leaves for the bed. :A -stake was then driven at either end, and a !• ridge pole erected. Our oil sheet wai|.r stretched ovor and tied firmly down to : .i peps. One end was then hermetically ! sealed with fores, the other end being, -j sirailary troatod on cold nights after we baa : turned in. The tent thus erected wae'i about 2 feot high in the centre, and it was ■ great fun to see the Sphinx struggling to -, get his long limbs inside without an acci-. dent. When inside he laid down on a sheet; of American cloth as a precaution against damp, arranged the knapsacks as pillows, and stowed away the blankets ready for ;: ueo, Meanwhile the artist had not been' idle, having lighted a blazing fire and hung the billy ovor it in orthodox bush fashion. i When the water boiled, tea was made, and each hungry traveller transfixed a huge, I block of beef steak on a piece of wood and . toasted it carefully over the fire. When^i all was ready, we fell to work. How, we did oat! No one knows what appetite isunlesshe has had experience bya walking tour. The artist, with his mouth ( full of steak, remarked that he would be, : ashamed to look a bullock in the face for a ■ month. Pipes were then lighted and: i more tea mado, and soon we rolled ourselves in our blankets at peace with the world in, general. Before, however, the drowsy god could close our eyes, we were aroused by a terrible scratching in the vicinity of oiir provision bag. The agile artist instantly jumped up, and then announced with agita: tion that the rats had already made sad havoc with our supplies. We hung the • bag up to the ridge-pole, but still the rats continued to prowl round. Tho happy-go lucky artist was not to be denied his rest, howevor, and soon was in the land of dreams, \ the Sphinx meanwhile keeping watch, hold- , ing a huge clasp knife open in his hand, ready for emergencies, and as tho night wore on ho placed a piece of fat near tho fire as a bait, and whenever a rat vontured forth with its mouth watering, the Sphinx plunged forward with his knife, but the rats woro top nimble, and lie only succeeded in stabbingthoground, much to his chagrin, At midnight his refreshed companion woke and took his turn at rot-hunting, but still no slaughtered rats, although the tucker was kopt intact.

Frask J. Greenwood. Willmji Hooker Pulfoep. (To be Continued.)

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1886,

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FLIES AND BUGS, wtio... avrfi »«ai^ «t» .*#