THE SOLOMON ISLANDS.

EXPERIENCES OF A NEW ZEALAND TRAPER.

The Florida Group.

The small group called Florida is tho nearest land on the northern side to Savoo. This group is noted only for tho number of its inhabitants, nnd the several attempts they have made to seize and massacre ships and their crews. The country itself is covored with grass, and trees aro scattered here and thero in small clumps, giving it rather a park-like appearance. Tho land is good, and at one time evidently consisted of dense forest; but it has all been burnt off for yarn plantations during tho course of centuries, and the country donudod of timber except in tho small patchos now to bo seen, which tho natives are doing their best to destroy too. A horrible mas sacre was recently perpetrated by tho natives on tho crow of a vossol that had called at the island for the purposes of trndo. A number of the wretches boarded tho vessel, and after sundry bartering one of tlie crow perceived fi;ns of danger and cautioned the ciptain, who took no notico of it. Freeman, a darky, closed his trado chest, refusod to givo any moro trado, and walked forward. The natives seized this opportunity, killed the captain and Free man on tho sput, and wounded the first mate mortally. Ho managed to reach tho cabin, whore ho shot himsolf,'nnd tho cook followed his example, though unhurt. Tho only European then alive was the second mate, and, all honour to tho plucky fellow, ho commonced firing on tho natives, killing four, some of whom woro chiefs. This cleared tho vessel, tho rest of tho murderers jumping overboard. Ho fot tho vossol out to sea with tho nssistanco of somo of tho surviving labour from other islands; but, finding he could not work tho ship with them, as he was unnblo to make them understand his orders, ho pulled away in a boat for tho adjacent island of Savoo. Hero he found ono of Ferguson's vessols, and they immediately sont Arabs off to hor, as sho was- lying nearly becalmed oil tho island. Just boforo they reached hor a breeze sprang up, and sho ran before it, so they had to return and chaso hor in the barque. Ono of thoso who thus assisted described tho horrid spcctaclo on board. On our last cruise wo had taken a Savoo interpreter on board for trading purposes, nnd dropped anchor in tho bay whore this massacre took place. We horo found the Sandfly, from which we h?d parted company a few days previously. Tho captain made use of our interpreter for inquiring into that case. They woro asked if any of them could speak-English. Thoy declared their inability to do so. The chiof was thon sont for, but he declined to come. Tho in formation elicited through our interprotor, Tom, was the usual statemont: that the murderers did not belong to their village ; that they had since gone away—somo in this canoe, somo in that. Could not say whero to; believed thoy wcro nil since iead. Here the captain of 11.M.5. Sandfly asked somo rathor important questions, whoso tenor I forget, but one of the natives standing by, in his eagerness to givo a satisfactory explanation, quite forgot his previous statement about English, and called out, " You say yes, Tom, you say yes." Of courso, there was a shout of laughter from all the Europeans within hearing. The captain warned thorn against any similar outrage, threatening to shell them and burn their villages down ; but it was impossible, without the aid of the second mate of tho unfortunate vessel, to provo who were tho actual paiticipators in the crime. lie would certainly have punished any of tho actual criminals could he have got them. It is mest probable that thero were plenty among the forty or fifty men surrounding and on board of us at the time. We at least learn the value of tho motto " Nil desperandum " from the action of that mate. It shows what can be dono by oven one determined man. The products of Florida are boche du-mer, vegetable ivory, tortoise-sholl, and pearl shell, black and golden edge. From here wo sailed to Thousand Ships Bay in Isabel. The third ai id last mission station in the group is situated in tho native town ship here. It was conducted by a native teacher of Mari, one of the Loyalty Group. He is, I believe, now removed, having come into collision with some of tho natives. He wounded two by shooting at them, but not mortally. At ono time ho evidently thought himself in considerable danger in consequence, as he wrote to a European at . Savoo asking him to remove them; but tho latter had no boat, so could not comply with his request. Tho chief Bern hero is one of the exceptions to tho usual run of petty chiefs amongst the Solomons, as his authority extends over hall' the large island of Isabol. He is a tall, big man, with the mien and manner of a chief. He is very friendly to.all European.9 now, though some twenty years ago his people killed aud ate a portion of a ship's crew here. Amongst others they got hold of the captain's son, a littlo boy eight years of age. Large quan titities of black - edged pearl - shell, beclie -dv - mer, ami saddle . back shell can bo procured on this island; and thero is not the slightest doubt that tho golden edge is to be found here too, as I picked up a watorworn oneon tho beach. Thousand Ships Bay has several fne anchorages in it. There are several small island.-) in the harbour. On -these the pigeons from tho main-land con gregate in thousands during tho breeding season. An hour before sunset, and an hour after sunrise, tho noiso of thoir wings and cooing is very loud. Four of us landed on Pigeon Island in tho centre of the bay, and during ono hour in the evening and one fn the morning we bagged ovor 70 birds, besides losing an equal number in the thick network of vines with which the trees are covered. We planted on a former occasion some cocoanuts, tomatoes, and pumpkins here; but tho soil was too rank, the vegetables running to stalk. The tomatoes were about 6 feet in length, and lying on the ground instead of growing into o bush, and some of tho pumpkin vines were between SO and 40 foet, and both without fruit. St. George's Island, which forms the south-western sideof the bay, hasa fine channel between it and the main-land, about 500 yards in width, a»d between 4 - and 5 fathoms deep, with a strong current Tunning both ways according to the tide. This channel, though marked on the charts, 'is very little known to captains, who wpuld, however, find it very handy in certain winds. From its appearance I should judge golden edge likely to be got in it, but it would require a diving dres3 from the depth of the water. Cocoanuts are scarce on moßt parts of this island, but it abounds in marble and fine woods. St. George's Island ia covered with metalliferous stone of some sort. It is very heavy, and is thickly impregnated with metal, Tho in terior of the country is composed of high mountains, but there aro thousands of acres of clear grass-covered land without a tree; 'metals of all sorts are doubtless to be found; quartz is abundant and of good colour. I have a specimen of marble from the bay mentioned above. The northern extremity of the island is a mass of small islands and reefs ; thore is a good anchorage within them, and Ferguson's diver got a patch of golden edge shell there. It swarnw at certain seasons of the year with the shell turtle, and the natives of ,the adjacent island of New Geoitfifc, who are the greatest turtle-fishers' in ihe group, are in the habit of visiting this part regularly, where most of the shell in the SoWßons is collected. The natives all ovor the irfond, but espe cially at this part, havo been id ths habit of building platforms from 30 to SO fest from the ground on some of the largest trees. Here the whole inhabitants of a village take refuge during the head hunting raids of the natives of New Georgia, which were, a short time ago, regularly and systematically carried out year after year. They still continue, though npfc to such an extent. These plat forms were of service during the old days, when the most dangerous projectile was an arrow or spear; but they are a poor safe guard againstthemusket, with which thenew Georgians are now plentifully provided. Captain Ferguson informed me he saw one of their tabu houses paned with skulls, and estimated tbe quantity at about 1,000, Of ' course, this would be the result of the raids of years; but the wholesale slaughter can be estimated when one village alone possessed so many. Indeed, the scarcity of population on Isabel and Choiseul, two of the largest islands in the group, with every facility for supporting a dense one, can only be attributed to these raids, and the consequent misery arising from them. For miles along the side of Isabel, next New Keorgia, not a human being is to be seen Od the coast, the natives living mostly a long, way inland. Heads of enemies are taken all over the group, but nowhere in such a systematic style as this. They are fenerally placed either on the graves or ung up in the canoe houses. Of nine that •wecounted on one grave in Bocato, four were indented with tomahawk cuts, showing how the victims had been killed. At this latter "place immense seams of white marble run from the summit of the adjacent hills right down to high-water mark—ample material for ornamental building when a future oc-1

cupation of the country shall have suffi ciently advanced to require it. Choiseul is a similar island to Isabel, mountainous and wooded, and sparsely inhabited. It is a littlo visited by trading vessels, but littlo is to bo got, and the natives will not get oven that little. Near its south-eastern extremity is a channel, not marked on charts, which forms an island of onecornor. In this channel Daly, tho old island trader, having a diver with him, got in a short timo a lino haul of 5 tons of golden-edged pearl shell. Tho spot has nevor boon dis covered by any other trader. Now ( leorgia, tho next portion of land claiming attention, is composed of several islands and hundreds of islets. This is at present the head centre of tho moro valuable portion of Solomon trading. From this place tho greater por tion of the tortoise i>lioll in tho group is procured, the natives going over to tho small islands around Isabel for it. Tho natives arc, perhaps, tho most warlike in the group, and aro in tho habit of going on regular hoad-hunting expeditions, liko the Dyaks of Borneo. They do not generally givo way to cannibalism, not nearly as much so a« on all tho islands to tho east ward ; but still it is practised at certain times, of which I givo tho following in stance occurring there some years ago, as related to 1110 by an eye-witness i—Thuy wcro about to celebrate tho erection of one of their largo tabu houses. Tho natives gathered from all parts, and at a certain timo in tho ceremonies a proeossion was formed. A small slave boy of somo tj years of ago was picked up and carried on tho shoulders of a man, evidently onjoying his elevated position. After circling tho building sovoral times, a man from behind seized tiio child by tho head and severed his throat with a sharp split edgo of bamboo. Tho body was then hold in such a position ns to allow tho blood to pour on otto of the posts of tho building, after which it was cooked and distributed in small quantities, with ether food, to thoso who liked it. My informant, told mo it was a common sight, aftor their hond-huntiiig expeditions, to soo heads stuck on polos on various parts of tho beach. Hero thoy ofton preserve tho heads much as tho Maoris used to do of old ; whereas, in other parts of the group, the natives aro content with tho bare skull, removing tho lowor jaw en tirely. The nativos nro moro energetic hero in procuring produce than in any other part of tho group. To the westward of thoir islands lie several others detached, and of medium sizo, all productive of trade in large quantities. Tho largest and most westward island is Bongainvillo. The nativos are wild in the extreme ; they aro perfectly black —darker, if possible, than the West Coast African. Fow vessels go near tho land, for foar of tho na tives, though tho coast is covered with cocoanuts and populous in the extreme. Vessels becalmed close in shore aro liable to be attacked by the nativos in bodies 200 to 300 strong, and without tho slightest pro vocation. Their weapons aro long spears, 12 and 14 feet in longth, also bows with arrows four feet long. Thoy appear, from specimens I have scon, to bo a bigger race of men than thoso further east. Tho contro of the country is mountainous, the highest peak reaching 10,000 feet, with one largo volcano in tho centre. This, when onco settled, will probably prove the most lucrative in tho group. A beginning must always be made in tho worst place, and tho sooner such is tho caso tho bettor. It may cost a life or two, but I believe careful management in the boginning will avert oven that. Unfortunately, tho Carl of notorious reputation tried ono of her principal kidnapping oxploits here, and it was these turbulent natives who began tho row in hor hold, resulting in tho goneral murder of the labour on board, The wholo of tho Solomon Group was as much locked j up as this is a short time ago, and it is now ! comparatively open to all cornel's.

Bouka, a small island at its north-west extremity, contains about as bad a lot as any in tho group. Its vicinity is much fre quented by whalers, sperm whales abound ing there at certain seasons of the year. These seven largo islands montioncd com prise tho wholo of tho Solomon Group. There are some seventeen harbours in the entire group known to vossols nt tiio present time, apart from numbers of anchorages more or less safe, according to the position of the wind. Many of those, howovor, aro only fit for small craft undor fifty tons, and some are not marked on any chart, and could only be mado tiso of by personal in spection. Tho latter class of vessols, how ever, are better adapted to the local trado of these islands, and will undoubtedly be used far moro frequently than larger ones, for which there aro few large and safe harbours, The products of tho country nro cobra, bocho-du-mer,, tortoise-shell, pearl shcil, black and gold edge, saddle-back shell, vegetable ivory, mother-o'-poarl, gum damma, besides several varieties of hard wood, valuable on account of thoir hard ness, durability, and the beauty of grain of somo of them. Of theso articles of produce most are found on nearly overy island, but the first four articles take a good deal of labour to manufacture or procure, and, consequently, natives are content to supply them only in quantities sufficient to insure thoir wants. Tho latter articles are easily got. Some, such as tho saddle-back and inother-o'-pearl shells, are merely the refuse of their daily food, tho natives using the fish contained in them every day. Others are before thorn in tons, to bo pickod up or cut down, in cither case to be got with little labour. The quantity is hardly likely for many years to be limited by tho number of vessels going there, but rather by) the glut of trado experienced by coast natives, who will work that off in their own leisurely fashion with the natives of the in terior. The character of tho natives is not AI. They are inveteratethievos, and thore is a natural adhesivoness between their fingers and any article not too hot or too heavy for them. Nothing comes amiss, from the lid of a saucepan to an old nail. They scarcely ever speak the truth, unless, per haps, when discussing some immaterial custom of theirs. They will tell you un blushiegly when wanting you to visit their village that they have two or threo houeos full of produce, all waiting for you if you will only go and buy it, When you get there, perhaps aftor a long pull in tho hot sun, you may often think yourself lucky if you get a bagful, and the one who misleads you will calmly laugh at you if you get riled. Tiiey are treachorous from cowardice, and kill from a total disregard of human lifo. They are lazy, like the majority of Molanesians, and cannibals also, but not to the extent of gross feeding on the human body. They rather seem to use it as a delicacy, and vory seldom. Popr Townsond's body was cut into a number of small pieces, which were dis-. ti-ibuted over a large oxtent of coast, but for what purpose I cannot say, unless that of enlisting tho sympathy of adjacent tribes in caso they had to escape to tho mainland. These are their bad qualities; on the other hand, they have many good ones. They are hospitable, they rarely drink liquor, oven when offored them, they are never cruel, they are fond of their children and of liye animals and bird pots, whom by their gentlo treatment they per- j foctly tamo, and when they tako a liking to a European, thoy servo him fairly well, and always warn him of any danger impending. Thoy also, in common with most eavagos, havo a strong sonse of justice, and in the event of a European punishing one of their number for some actual offence, rarely take umbrage thereat. But woe to the unlucky wight who punishes or oven accuses a man unjustly I A natiye once called mo aside, and in Fijian distinctly warned me that it was not safe for me to remain in a certain place, as one of tho minor chiefs was inimical to me, and in fact had paid for my J.-ejid. On another occasion three of us were J!) a house together, which was tabued from all natives, except th 6 three chiefs. In the meantime another chief turned up, whose claim to a similar right wo did not know, and becoming npisy, he was asked several times to retire, and re fusing to comply, one of us lifted him up and chucked him out of the hotise. The follow, whose eyes fairly blazed with rage, shouted out to tho natives (150 strong) around him, to kill us, and was backed up by a small party amongst them. But the majority, after two or three minutes'con sideration, acted with great justice, and took our side of the question, telling the chief he should have declared his position to us previously, and had only himself to thoak. In their fights amongst each other, they prefer to creep stealthily up to a village and kill one or two, and secure a few prisoners; children are preferred, who are sold for native money as soon as pos sible. If adults are taken they are certain to be killed, as they are bound to run away the first opportunity they get. Children of both sexes are often marked with the blind tatoo spoken o£ before. Female chastity is supposed to'be enforced until a certain event takes place, and on most islands I believe it is. Murder can be con. doned amongst them by payment of various articlesj and is also paid for >vhen one wishes to remove another by death from his path. This is the mest frequent way of assassination in these parts, a stranger from a distance being chosen to commit and be paid for the crime. They have no belief in anything that I could dis cover, except in spirits of evil, whom their

medicine men set to work to exorcise when a person is taken ill. I saw one of our labour, a lazy old reprobate, practising this once. Tho old invalid sat on tho ground while the othor sprinkled somo ashes and lime over him. He then took a largo leaf and applied it gently to his body and various limbs, lifting it up and drawing it down alternately, muttering something tho while He thon gathered tho corners and edges of tho leaf carefully together, carried it to and held it over the rippling wavelets on the boach, and protended to blow some thing away from tho leaf with his mouth. This repeated for a few minutes, completed tho wholo affair, upon which ho received, as a fee I presume, a large present of cooked food, in mourning, which they sometimes wear for a long time, thoy shave all or part of tho head. Thore does not appear to bo much utl'cction between husband and wife, nor could it bo expected, lie buys hor, and kills hor at any moment if ho likes. The mon arc vory fond of thoir children, ofton nursing tho littlo onos for hours. Thoy aro also in tho habit of taming animals aud birds, chiolly tho bare-tailed cuscus and Hying fox amongst mammalia, and tho cockatoo, parrot, parroquot, and blue crane amongst birds. Tho natives appear to mo to bo capital linguists. Thoy can soon pick up the English language, long before wo can theirs, and it is clangorous uttering anything aloud in our language that you do not wish understood by thorn. Most of tho villages on tho frequented parts of thoso islands havo ono man at loast who ; understands it, and I am sorry to say ho is generally the shrewdest rascal in tiio plnco, and tho ono to bo most dreaded in any trouble. I think tho palm for canoe-build ing, in tho wholo Pacific Ocoan, can bo safely awarded to tho Solomon Islands for lightness and boftdtyof construction andforco. They are all built, oxcept tho very smallest sizo, which are used with outriggers attached. Thoy consist of several planks bonutifullyfittodsido by side, with holes bored on tho opposite edges of tho planks, which aro thon literally sown together, all seams and holes boing thon plastered ovor with tho kernel of a sort of nut growing ovory whoro plentifully on tho boach ; bow and stem-boards aro added, and thoir libs nnd scats fitted to it, the side 3 often ornamented in tho most tasteful manner with large white sholls and inlaid work of fragments of nautilus shell." Thoy nro of all sizes, from thoso 30 to 401bs weight lit for one man only, to thoso cnpabloofcarryingfrom.'iO to 00 men. Thoy take the greatest care of their canoes, building lino shods for them, tho posts of which aro ornamented in their best stylo, chietly with nude human figures, malo and femnlo, and adorned with imitations of tho ornamonts actually in use at such place in quostion. People spoak of tho disgusting productions of savage chisols ; but oxcopt in their roughness and want of beauty, thoy aro not a whit more lowd than tho productions of European artists, ancient and modern. Fishes and. birds aro also imitated both on tho buildings and canoes, I had a pipe cut out of bcge-tablo ivory, and carvod in exact imitation of a faco of Napoleon Third, from a clay pipe, by a Solomon Islander. I should cortainly consider that thoy havo a bettor idea of sculpture than any other natives of the Pacific. Every nation has its peculiar distinctive gifts ; those of this soom to bo languages and sculpture. Much of their idoas and social lifo are totally unknown to us bocause wo are unnblo to converse with them in thoir own language, and through their dread of lotting us 800 anything of their cannibalism.

REVIEW.

"LAYS OF NORTHERN ZEALANDIA. By Edward Skk.lton Garton.

Auckland: H. Brett,

"Evkmnci Star

Office, Shoktland-strekt,

We incline to bo vory lenient to tho first venture of a Now Zealand poot, who aims at describing tho scenery and hymning tho traditions of his native land : and in tho preson t caso criticism is still further disnrmod by tho youth of tho authoi',and by the tender dedication of tho psoms to his mothor. Tho handsome volume now boforo us, though betraying no "highest heaven of invention " or surpassing molody in tho vorsitication, demands the gentlest treatment compatible with honest criticism and thp cations of true art. In noticing these " Lays of Northern Zcalandia," the composition of a native of the colony, it is well to remember that timo is a necessary clomont in the formation of any country's literature, and that the poetry of early American authors, for in stance, was marked by a crudity of concep tion and baldness of expression which were absolutely ludicrous at . times. With thoso qualifying considerations in view, our judgment on Mr Carton's ■ work is of the most encouraging kind. He has shown good tasto in his choice of sub jects, and tho wholo book is porvaded by an - exalted spirit, while the ideas and lan guage at times rise into tho region of pure pootry. The chief poem in the book is " Oanoti; a Maori Tale," which ! consists of threo cantos in rather irregular I metro. Though by no moans tho best j f poem in tho book, this contains somo good passages, and as d wholo is well worth perusal. Tho blemishes consist of faulty scansion," defective rhyming, and, mo.o rarely, hazy sense. Noarly the wholo : ot- tho poems in the volumo are of indigenous growth,'in which "kauri " ! rhymes with "Maori," nnd the his tory and botany of the North Island are ' faithfully portrayed. "To Reinga," a description of the Maori Heaven, is perhaps the most perfect pieco of all; but wo prefer quoting as a sample of the author's stylo this on the DEATH OF THE MAORI CHIEF. Woundod, In his wharo dying, Was tho Maori chieftain lying; All hl9 warriors sat around him, Horrojv deop in ovory look. He to balMo In the morning, Thoughts ot doath and daligor scorning; In the oventldo they tound him On tho Hold ho ne'er forsook. Still his eye a gleam retalnoth Of a flro that still remaineth, Of a soul that laughed at danger, Spito of pain and death's ombraco J And though heathen, hnd omotionß Dooper far than hcuthon notions; Uut hatred of the whito-faoed stranger Showed upon his tattooed face. With a voloe that onco like thundor Led his warriors on to plunder, Now no moro than just a whisper. Choked by blood that llllcd his throat. Ho to those that lingered near him In his dying hour to cheer him. Slowly, in prophetic whispor. Thus his parting farewell spoke :— " Warriors brave, though I am dying, Though your leader low is lying, Rush to battle I Rush to glory I Rush on those that seek your land 1 Show them that the warrior Maori Can enduro liko tho kauri- Like tho kauris, old and hoary. That through the tempests firmly stand, " Like the kauri's lofty station Thus shall Btand the Maori nation. Fight, bravo warriors, light and cono.uor, Till the strangers leavo our shore. They, In guise of love protending. Do hut seek our lonely ending. Fight aiid drive thorn o'er the ocean! Drive them from our native shore 1" Then hie warrior soul departed. Left hia comrades broken-hearted, To tho northern cavoß of glory, To the warriors' home of rest, Fiercoly tattooed, death-defying. Was his visage, c'en when dying ; Thus a mighty soul departed. To the Reinga of the Blest. Other pieces which deserve mention are: "The Land of the Tall.Kauri Tree," " Eyes of Beauty,Faro-theo-well" (a Byronic echo), and "Blanche de Vere" (an old world story very simply told). A small collection'of " Sonnets " is ' principally conspicuous for the evidence it gives that the author has yet to learn the structure of the sonnet; and the "Early Poems" appended only serve to mark how little progress Mr .Gaiton has made in his art since he was in his teens. Of the blemishes which disfigure the later poems wo may cull a few samples to show that our criticism is not undeserved. The word " poem " is repeatedly used as though it consisted of ono syllable and were pro nounced "pome." In introducing a Maori story, the writer says ; — " Years, years before ever Thera eln'an'ol Or even Now Zealand's Shore had been stranded," This is absolutely meaningless; but there is a comical suggestiveness about the lines de scribing the rescue of a girl from drown ing :— " A young and beauteous maiden, Seeming dead, all toatcr-laden 1" The literalness of the statement jars on the J aesthetic sense just as much as that cele brated misprinted line— "See tho pale martyr, with his shirt cmfircl" ; It is with every wish, to encourage i Mr Garton to better efforts that i we point out these defects. There j is no reason why "a Muse whose \ only inspiration has been her native j soil of N«w Zealand " should not produce i poetry deserving of a permanent place in c the world's literature ; the reason, indeed, is c all the other way; and nothing would } gratify us more than to see the author of ( " Lays of Northern " win that c niche for his native land, c

SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand.

Wellington J.C. Summer Fob. 1 and B Wellington K.O. Summer Feb. Gaud i Dunedin J.C. Autumn Feb. 20, 27, and,2B Wnnganui J.C. Autumn March o and B North Auckland (Dargavillo) Races..March (.. i_ Oamuru J.C. Autumn March 17 and is Hawko's Hnv J.C. Autumn ....March Hand 111 T.J.C. Anniversary Meeting.. ..March 27 and 28 Auckland K.C. Autumn April I and l> C. J.C. Autumn Met line; April (land , Auckland U.C. Steeplechase Moot ins; luno (> Australia. V.B.C. Autumn February 28, March 5,7 A.J.C. Autumn April (i, S, 10, 11

To Correspondents.

S.H.B. (WlinnKnroi..—Wo will endeavour to hunt up tho information by next week. Nkmo.—You win tho wujfer. Tho lloliinsoii- Liuico stable havo novcr won a Dunedin Cup. L. Y. l'\—The year Natator won tho Welling ton Cup, Libeller was second, and Dan third. Nonsense), JLiima, Sir (loorgc, Mischief, ami Hiindwick woro tho other starters. W. J. C.--ln tho last Dunedin Cup, Lady Kiiium curried Sat. ulb., unit Vaiiuuard Set. 811). In thu Jockey Club Handicap ) j mile, the mure carriod Sat. 131b.. and beat Van uunrd (Ssl. lllli.) by n clear Irnuth. Thine Wire the only races In which they mot. Kkow Am..—lt is quite Iruo that the Musket —Slander colt- was backed at the Bottling over the last Takapuua Spring Mooting In win the noxt Melbourne Cup. Ilia owner look a couple of thousand ahoul him, and three or four North Shore resident) one thousand each. Mr J. IC. Poole was the layer.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Duiunci thejwholo of noxt week, Wellington turfites will have a busy time of it, for both tho Summer Meetings of tho Jockey Club and Racing Club will ongross their atten tion. Tho Gold Cup will bo run oil' at tho now Island Bay Course on Wednesday, and tho big raco of the old-established Club comes up for decision at tho Hutt on Thursday. Tho following are tho names of thoso who mado tho final payment for tho Gold Cup, 1.? mile :— st lb st lb Vanguard „ .. II 7 'flgrcdia ... .. 7ti Snlvngo .. ~ S !) Armourer .. .. 7 H Sou'-woatcr „S s Lady Evelyn .- 7 3 Black Koso .. 8 12 Mocha .. .. 7 10 Administrator „ 713 Uuitors „ ..(17 Fusilier .. 7 !) Wanderer (Into Ugly Buck.. ..7 8 Uu'Hon) ... .. (i 0 The first on tho list that strikes mo as having a show in tho raco is Sou'-wostcr, and as tho distance is to his liking, I shall not be surprised to sco him at a vory short prico boforo tho Hag falls. Black Roso is a donl fancied for tho event, but in my opinion ho is nono too leniently dealt with in tho matter of weight, anil all things boing equal, I shall bo quite prepared to see him go down bofbro ono of tho othor threo-yoar-olds. With 7st (ilb, Tigrodia is undoubtedly woll in, but a telegram this week informs us all is not right with hor, so under those circumstances, I cannot soo my way clear to stand hor. Lady Evelyn is v young lady I have always had n good word for, and although, so far, slio has not shown form ovor n tlistanco of ground, 1 don't think sho can bo a bad ono when tho stnblo think it worth while to bring her up from Dunedin. With littlo in tho way of owners' intentions to guido mo, I don't care to make n straight-out selection, but I havo ah idea that Sou'-wcstor or Lady Evolyn will bo returned tho winner. Tho following aro the iiiimos of thoso en gaged in the Wellington Cup, 2 miles, run on Friday:— st lb st 11) Tasman .. .. !i (1 Normanby.. ..7 3 SalvuKO .. .. S 7 Lady Kvolyn ..7 " Sou'wester.. .. S 5 Minerva .. .. 7 li Blnok Hose ...S3 Talebearer.. ..7 0 Titfrodln .. .. 710 Armourer .. .. (i 11! Fusilier .. ..7 8 Mocha .. ..0 7 The Poet .. ..7 8 The well-known Sydney sportsman, the Hon. J. White, accompanied by Mr C. M.- Lloyd, of Rivorina, N.S. W., arrived hero from tho South on Monday, and the follow ing day woro taken out to Sylvia Park. Both gontlomon cxprcssscd themselves groaily pleased with what they saw, and Musket I boliovo camo in for a deal of praise from tho owner of Martini-llomy. Tho visitors subsequently had a look over Mr J. Marshall's stablo and its occupants, and woro driven round the raco-courso. Mr White and Mr Lloyd left tor tho Hot Lakes on Wednesday. ' The nominations tor tho Great Northern Derby of 750 soys,, to bo run at. tho Auck land Racing Club Summer Meeting of ISSIi- S7, woro mado up this week, and number 73 which must bo considorcd exceedingly satis factory. Thore aic 08 onirics for tho Great Foal Stakes, and -10 for tho Mares' Produce S'akes. No word came from Australia by tho mail this week regarding entries there, so that it looks as if nono had boon received.

After tho way Mitrailleuse shaped on Saturday last at Onehunga, I think it is fortunate for hor owner she was not taken to Australia. Although very speedy over a short courso, it was proved conclusively by hor running in both tho dtp and Publicans' Purse that sho cannot got bo yond a mile, even among a lot of moderates. In tho Cup, Sutherland wasat hot' when about aquartorof a mile from home, but to no pur pose, for sho was dono with, and her running in tho Publicans' Purse was attended with similar results.

A match has boon arranged to tako place betwoon Julia Ann and Whalebone over tho Auckland stoeplechaso courso on Satur day noxt. Tiio match is for £50 nsido, list. up.

The local boikmaker^, Messrs Lyons. Enko, nnd Gallagher loft yesterday fcr Wellington by the s.s. To Annu to as-ist nt; tho race meetings in tho Empire City noxt week.

Merlin, tho winner of tho Sydnoy Turf Club Anniversary Handicap, decided at Randwick on Monday last, was quiotly backed to win tho evont ovor since tho weights appoared. Ho is the property of Mr John Cannon, and was got by Blank Englo, ivho had come into somo prominonco as a site through tho running of his two year-old progony at tho recent A.J.C. Sum mer Mooting. Strange to say, Merlin run third in both the big handicaps decided at Randwick on Boxing Day and Now Yoar's Day, viz., tho Summor Cup and Tattersall's Cup. I regret to hoar that tho Anteros—Sylvia yearling colt forwarded to Sydnoy by tho New Zealand Stud Company got a nasty knocking.about on tho voyage across, and it will probably bo somo timo boforo ho is himself again. Arrangomonts havo been mado with tho Hon. J. White to havo charge of him.

Mr W. Weston has purchasod tho jump ing horse Azim. Tho prico paid was £100.

For in - and - out running, commend me to tho mare named Frivolity that ran at tho Onehunga Meeting on Saturday. Tho knowing division selected her as a good thing for the' Maiden Plate, but sho could get no nearer than third in that ovont. Hnlf-ari-hour afterwards, how ever, sho was saddled up to moot Azim, Linwood, and Minuet in tho Hurdle Raco, and, to the astonishment of all and sundry, won easily I Looking over tho "N.Z, Turf Rogister " of 1880-81, I find that Frivolity was bred in tho Wanganui district, nnd during the season mentionod started six times. Sho failed to score a win, but among her performances was gotting second in the Wanganui Derby in a fiold of ton.

From tho training notes publishod in tho Sydnoy ovening journal of the 22nd, I notice that Welcomo Jack and Clarence were doing slow work at Randwick.

Nominations for the Tnranaki Jockoy Club Handicap, Autumn Handicap, Flying Handicap, the Nursery Handicap, Hurdles, and Steeplechase, to bo run on the 27th and 28th March, close to-night (Saturday), at 9 o'clock.

Mr M. Fennelly has taken up Norden feldt, Auckland - bred colt got by Musket from Onyx, and put him in work with a view to "the good things of next season.

The annual meeting of the Cambridgo Jockey Club was held last weok, when the following programme for tho Autumn Meeting was adopted:—First Day: Handi cap Hurdles, 40 boys ; Selling Hack Bace, 20 soys ; Shorts Handicap, 20 govs ; Cam bridge Cup, 130 soys i Maiden Steeplechnso, 20 soys. Second Day : Handicap Hurdles, 30 soys; Autumn Handicap, 65 soys j Handicap Steeplechase, 50 soys j Waikato Flate, 25 soys, a timepiece valued at £7; Stewards' Handicap, 30 soys j Free Handi cap, 20 soys Total, 027 soys. Tho Au tumn Meeting was fixed for Thursday and Friday, the 15th and 16th April, and the Spring Meeting for the 9fch November. The following gentlemen were appointed stewards for 18S5:—Messrs Hughes, Bach, Brown, J. P. Thomson, J. B. Lewis, E. Hewitt, Jas. Forrest, Asher, Arnold, Mr>on, and D. Waddington. Mr W. J. Carr was appointed Secretary, vice Mr W. Scott, resigned. •In accepting Mr Scott's resig nation the Club passed the following reso lutlon .-—"That the resignation of the Sec retary be accepted, and that this meeting desires to express its regret that that gentleman finds himself unable to continue his services to the Club, and further tend ders him a hearty vote of thanks for the energetic and able manner in which he dis charged the duties of bia office." r

Last week it was telegraphed hero that Vanguard had boon backed for tho Dunedin Cup to win £4,000, but it seems that tho amount, was greatly exaggerated. "Senox, in referring to the matter, says •. —" It has eonio to my knovvlodgo that Mr H. A. Davis, who took tho odds in Christchurch, barely succeeded in getting £-100 from tho books hero, and I have vory much doubt if tho rest of tho bookmakers would sub scribe the othor £3,000. It is probable that about £1,000 has been got about tho horse.'

i' 1,057 went through tho totalisator at tho Oiiuiiuiiga Meeting on Saturday, After being in tho Australian market for somo time, Sir Modrcd has changed hands, Mt-T. a. Clibborn having sold him to Mi ll. S. (iibson. Tiio prico paid has not transpired, butl notice that in connection with tho sale a Sydney writer has boen shown n written oiler i'i'om a woll-known brcodor of 1,201) guineas for tho brilliant son of Trndueor.

In reviewing tho Wellington Gold Cup accoptors, " Vigilant " writes : — Mochu, Mrßcdwood's.'i-ycarokl filly, by Antoros— Amy, is, 1 am told, really a lady, and is not unlikely to carry tho Spring Crook monoy in prefcrenco to Black Kosc. There is no doubt that "Bluff Hal" has a nest of rattling good youngsters this year, and as thoy aro allowed to (ly they are proving themselves clippers at tho game Look out for this " littlo 'tin."

At tho settling of the Poverty Bay Moot ing, CS'^2 was paid away in stakes. Mr W. Dennett received .C.'SG,"., Mr XV. Ruddock £17;"., and Mr W. Prollitt i'Oli. Tho Club mado t'lSi") percentage from tho totalisator. At tho annual mooting of tho Australian Jockey Club, tho profit and loss account showed a balanco of £24,010 2s 3d. The dobt of tiio club has been reduced to CG,OG3 Us 11(1 by the purchaso of £1,850 worth of debentures, and under tho terms of tho loan a further amount of £3,000 will bo called in on tho first of July noxt. Tho Hon. J. White nppeai-s to have a promising V.X.C. Dot-by candidate in Monlo Ohristo. In Molbourno, all tho money that can bo got has been taken about him for-the Porby and Cup at 1,000 to 20. Monlo Christo was got by Chostcr from tho Tasmnnian inaro Kathleen.

A rathorsonsational hot (says "Martini,") I am told, was recently mado in Welling ton. A bookmaker laid a looal gentleman CIOO to livo drinks against an animal entered and accopted for tho Cold Cup, and allotted a small weight. Rather a long shot, that.

According to a Wellington paper, Bob Ray is reported to havo stated that tho turns on tiio Island Bay course are the tost to bo found on any racecourse in Now Zealand.

Tho Victoria Racing Club intend to oxpond L'l,ooo in laying down a track in stdo tho course proper lit Flominglon whicli shall bo (it for uso in any weather.

King's Own, aftor having a long spell, has again joined Alsopp's toam, and U doing steady work at Randwick.

Tom Brown, tho well-known Sydnoy trainer, lias removed his string of rncoliorsos to private grounds near Warwick Farm, tho property of Mr W. A. Long, whero in future ho will train tho horses entrusted to liis caro.

At a recent salo of racohorsos in Mol bourno, St. Lawrence, who ran so woll as a two-year-old, was knocked down to MrT. Coll'ey for 170 guineas.

In eonsoquencj of tho abolition of tho totalisator, the South Australian Jockey Club lias becomo a thing of the past. Tho Morphctvillo racecourse and all the erections Miorcon are to bo disposed of by auction early in Fobruary.

A fow dayH back '250 to 100 was booked about Commotion for the Champion Race, and 1)00 to 100 was taken about Malua, and ollbrcd on tho field bar ono. Por tho St. Logor '2 to 1 is ollbrcd about Bargo.

Writes "Augur":---As Warwick, Archie, and Privateer liavo gone back to Warwick Farm, I presumo Mr A. F, Smart docs not intend to retire from tho turf. Brown nnd Rose turned the luck on Boxing Day, and 1 hopo to sco tho colours at our Autumn Meeting.

Solo, who won the Two-Yenr-Old Raco at tiio Victoriau Club meeting, was a short timo a<;o oii'ercd for sale at £'.'(), but nobody seeming dispesed to purchaso, Mr Look gave him to his owner, Jh-T. Jones, for a few pounds.

Mnej,'rcpor, the siro of Scot free, whoso easy victory in tho Sale Mr James Merry's colour.-' in 1870 for tho Two Thousand, and subsequent sensational defeat in tho Derby, will bo remembered, died suddonly last month. As Macgregor was ono of tho most "sensational" horses that over trod n racocourso, tho following pirticulnra from "Boil's Life " may be read with interest:— "Macgregor never raced in public until brought out for the Two Thousand Guineas on May 3,1870. Ho did not start absolutely favourite, but was socond in demand to Kingcraft. Short as is tho period sinco that memorable afternoon,- tho appearance nnd customs of Newmarket Mouth havo altered strangely in tho timo. By the many tho raco for tho Two Thousand Guineas is now seen under moro favourable circum stances than it was then tho case. John Daloy had wasted hard to rido Maegrogor at Bst. 101b. Hut the time had arrived when it had bocomo absolutely a matter of suffering for him to reduce himsolf to such a woight, and, reluctantly, Mr .Merry consented that ho should carry a pound overweight, so at Bst. 111b. ho wont to scale accordingly." Rather oddly Macgregor won tho Two Thousand in much tho snmo stylo aa did his son Scofc-iroo this year. Ho enmo homo fivo lengths boforo ihis nearest followers, and rarely, I fancy, has a great raco boen won more easily. Lord Stamford's Normanby. who started at a very long price, beat King craft for second place, nnd fourth camo Haw thorndon, so in this raco or in the only ono ho afterwards carried off, Mncgregordofoatod tho winners of Derby, Oaks, nnd St. Logor in IS7O. Tho horse returned to scalo amidst {Treat oxcitemont. 'Yo had an easy ride, John,' was Mr Horry's comment; and I remember, too, a significant remark from another much interested in the colt. That thoDcrby was 'all ovor' most pooplo vowed at onco.'but liko others who both boforo and finco prophosiod in the samo way after an oar-y Two Thousand suc cors, thoy wercmi.stnlton. Fordlmm had tho mount on Macgregor for tho Derby, and in a Held of fifteen (including Cockney Boy, who performed tho comic part in the race) tho horse started with odds of 9 to 4 on him. On tho Tuesday on tho previous week ho had won the Eighteenth Bionninl at Bath by many longths, with Gamos last of tho four runners, and most of his backers doubtless anticipated that ho would scoro ono of tho hollowcst Derby victorios on re cord, It is a sad recollection to somo that ho only finished fourth, common horses liko Palnnrston and Muster boing boforo him and behind Kingcraft, who won by four lengths. Maegrogor never ran more, and conflicting versions havo boon given of tho causo of his defeat. By somo it is sup posed that it dated from the raco at Bath. I have beon assured by ono who should know that his last gallop in tho weok beforo tho Derby was tho best lie over took. That Epsom Meeting was not n fortunate one for tho yollow-and-black cap. Quoen of tho Gipsios finished second for tho Woodcote, Bicycle boat King of tho Forest for tho Stanley Stakes, and Gamos defeated Sun- Bhino for tho Oaks. Sunshine did not start favourito, I boliovo, bocauso hor wind was nfTocted."

MUTINY ON THE AGNES DONALD.

Two Natives Attempt to Talco tho Vessel,

Mr Harry Greenshields, who was on board tho Auckland schoonor Agnes Donald during an attempt made by two natives to murder tho crew and run away with tho vessel, arrivod here by the Arawata on Jan. 28. We now learn that the Agnes Donald was at the time on a voyage from this port to Fiji. Captain Hayward was in charge, and there were also on board Mr Greenshields and'two other Europeans, besides two natives. At eight o'clock in the evening, when all the white men except ing the cook were below, and the latter had charge of tho wheel, and the vessel going at an average rate of speed, thetwo natives made an attempt, to carry their murderous design into execution. Mr Greenshialds was going on deck from below, when ono of the natives struck him a severe blow on the head with an iron bar. Those remaining below heard the noise of the assault, and rushed on deck, but with out any weapons. Captain Haywood was immediately attacked by a native, who stabbed him several times in different parts of tho body. The cook left the wheel to render assistance, and during a struggle which ensued, one native fell overboard, and was drowned, and the other was over, powered. On arrival of .the vessel at Fiji, the native was tried for the grave offeuees he had committed, and escaped with seven days' imprisonment. Uaptain Haywood and others havo recovered from their in-. juries, but- it is evident that they had a narrow escape of their lives.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS.

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

Saturday, January 31

Quite an unwonted sensation was ox poriencod during tho month in tho shape of what was belioved to bo a bona fide move for tho annexation of Samoa by tho Govornmont of this colony. The occur rences which led up to the solu tion were in themselves noteworthy. Sir P. D. Bell, tho Agent-General, in Lon don, cabled to the Government on 27th Doc. last, stating that tho British Ambassador at Berlin had reason to believo that Germany intended to nnnox the Navigator Islands or proclaim a pro tectorate over them. Shortly afterwards intelligence was received via Fiji of what had taken placo at Samoa—how tho native Government, alarmed by the presence of tho Gorman gunboat Albatross, had sent a potition to Groat Britain praying for tho protection of Queen Victoria; how tho Germans had thereupon coerced the king into signing a treaty introducing a now form of government—the administra tion to consist of tho German Consul, two Gormans of repute, and two Samoan chiefs; and how the king and chiefs had complained to the British Consul and asked for annexa tion to Now Zealand. Hon. Mr Stout was immediately summoned from Dunedin, nnd a Cabinet Council was held at Wellington to consider what should be done. For this Counoii also His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. P. Buckley returned to Wellington post haste, there boing prosont at tho mooting Sir Wm. F, D. Jor vois, Mr Stout, Sir Julius Vogol, Mr Buckley, Mr Ballanco, Mr Richardson, and Mr Reynolds.

What took place at the Cabinet conclave has not boen allowed to transpire, and a version of the discussion whichj was publi shed has boon pronounced by Ministers to bo inaccurate and untruthful. But, with regard to what action followed upon it, thero can bo no mistako. The Government Btcamer Hinomoa, which was to bring Sir Julius Vogel to Waiwora Hot Springs for tho benefit of his health, had her crow augmented, and stores were laid in for a lengthened voyago. Nay, moro, tho Hon. Mr Buckloy, Colonial Secretary, with the Undcr-Socretary and other officials, took passages by her, and a "military force," consisting of five members of the Armed Constabulary, was ordorod to accompany tho expedition. It was concluded at once that the intention was to send the Hinemoa to hoist tho British Hag on tho Samoan Islands, and great excitement was in con soquonco created, and tho movoments of the vossol were closely watched and faith fully chronicled. Tho Hinomoa sailed, and nfter landing Sir Julius Vogel at Waiwora, came into Auckland Harbour, whore tho utmost reticence was displayed by all on board ns to hor future destination, . Tiiat something serious was in contemplation was proved by the arrival of Mr Ponnefather, tho Governor's private socretary, in a day or two afterwards, with important des patches for tho Colonial Treasurer, which was followed by tho Hinomoa ajjnin steaming down to Waiwera with Hon. Messrs Buckloy and Tolo on board. From Waiwora blio wont to Sir George (iroy's island home of Kawau, whore a long consultation took place between our " grand old man " and Messrs Buckley and Tolo ; a conference the scope and results of which aro unknown, but doubtless referring to annexation in tho Pacific. Once moro the steamer camo back to Auckland, still surrounded by an atmosphere of profound mystery ; sho was benched and cleaned, and seeinod to bo waiting orders to go to soa ; but suddenly she was ordered back to Wellington, whore the "army" disom barked, and tho nine-day-wonder was at an end.

What is presumed to havo taken place in tho Cnbinot Council to as follows :—At the meeting at Wellington, the Colonial Treasurer declared himself in favour of a vigorous policy of annexation, in order to prevent any of tho South Sea Islands falling into tho grasp of a foreign Power. Theso islands, from their position, were of great importance to New Zealand, which natu rally would absorb tho greater part of their trade; and tho fact of, influential chiefs having appealod for our protection was in itself considered sufficient guarantee for action. Mr Stout and the othor members of the Cabinet genorally agreed with tho views of Sir Julius Vogel, and wore in favour of taking action at once in tho direction of confederating with the Samoon Islands. His Excellency the Govornor, however, urged various objections as representing tho Imperial Govern ment, and pressed the Ministry to dolny taking action until the consent of Lord Derby, on behalf of the Homo authorities, was asked and obtained. His Excolloncy accordingly telegraphed to tho following effect to Lord Dorby :— " Decombor 81.—My advisers deem annex ation Samoa by Now Zealand imperative. Havo resolved on that step, and strongly urgo Royal assent' to Confederation Annexation Islands Act, 1883." The reply of Lord Derby was, as might havo boen expected, of a cautious, hesitat ing, and half-hearted kind, not actually forbidding the annexation proposed, but discouraging it. The terms of his message woro said to bo:—" Government dicapprovo proposed annexation Samoa by New Zea land Government pending present negotia tions and Royal assent given to Act speci fied." The Act referred to is the measure introduced in 1883 by Sir George Grey, and entitled " an Act to facilitate the con federation with and annexation to the colony of New Zealand of any island or islands in the Pacific, the Government or constituted authority of which may make proposals to that effect to the Government of New Zealand." This Aot passed both Houses of Parliament, but was the only measurereservedfor Her Majesty's approval, and that approval has not yet been pro nounced—there being an evident fear lest doing so should compromise the Imperial Government with foreign powers or com mit them to undefined- responsibilities. Lord Derby's reply is understood to have been under consideration of the impromptu Cabinet Council held at Waiwera, when no change was apparent in the attitude and determination of Ministere with regard to Samoa, It waa resolved to send another cable message to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, pressing more' strongly than before the necessity of having the Samoan Islands attached to New Zealand. It was urged that permission should be given the Colonial Government to acquire a coaling station in the Samoan Group, but authority to do so was denied, and Ministers were reluctantly compelled to abandon their intentions. That is the hypothetical account of their deliberations; their own version is that they only meant to "spy out the -land" by a voyage of inquiry in the Hinemoa, but as the Imperial Government discouraged the idea, they deferred to their opinion and ordered the Hinemoa back to Wellington. In connection with this affair it may be mentioned that Mr J. C. Firth has been in communication with the Govern ment concerning the desirability of annex ing . certain guano islands in the South Pacific, and that his overtures on the sub ject have boen favourably received,

It was rumoured in political circles at Wellington on January 21st that tho Imperial Govornment wcro willing, if New Zealand thought that its own affairs did not afford sufficient scopo for its energies, to allow it to tako chargo of and administer the affairs of Fiji, The costof government in that colony is understood to impose considerable strain on tho Imporinl purso, and Lord Derby was said to have indicated that he would bo quite willing to transfer this to the Now Zealand Treasury, and compensate this colony for tho loss of Samoa by giving it Fiji. Theso rumours have since been contradicted, but thoy may bo taken as giving a fair indication oi future policy. Tho Fiji settlors are by no means enamoured of their existing form of government, and havo expressed a desire for amalgamation with New Zealand, and iii tho present rago for annexation, it would not bo strange though the union should bo consummated.

Tho Hon. J. Ballanco, Minister for Native Affairs and Defence, arrived at Onehunga from Wellington by the Hinomoa on Jim. 28. In the courso of c jnversation with ono of our reporters, Mr Ballanco said he intends to remain in Auckland until Monday next, when he proceeds to Waikato. Ho will go to Alexandra first, and will probably sco the natives at all the different places there. Ho had invitations from most of tho chiefs to meot thorn, and it was in response to those that ho went. Tho natives wished to discuss land and railway matters with him, and also the question of native Eolicy. After visiting the Waikato, o intended to proceed to tho Thames, and thon purposed going down tiie East Coast. He would land at Tauranga, and pay a visit to tho natives of Rotorua, who were anxious to sco him about matters relating the Hot Lakes. They were greatly troubled about thoir rents, which they said had not been paid since the begining. With regard to the rents, it was tho intention of the Go vernment to make tho lessees pay. Tho Government were virtually trustees in tho matter, and as tho rents had been held to be legal, the Government were determined to enforce payment. Ho would call and sec Ropata at. Tologa Bay, and discuss questions relating _to land, which appeared to be occupying tho minds of tho natives all over tho island just now. From Tologa Bay ho would pro ceed to Gisborne in order to be present at a meeting to bo held thore on the 24th of February. Our reporter inquired tho intentions of tho Government respecting annexation, and Mr Ballance replied that tho Government had now no intention of sending tho Hinemoa to Samoa. She would have gone had it not been for the reply received from Lord Derby. The vessel was at his disposal in the mean time, but sho might be callod South sooner than at present intended, in order to tako tho Governor to the West Coast Sounds. At all events, we could safely say thatsho would notgototho Islands or Samoa.

Tho pooplo of this colony, accustomed .is thoy are to cheap land in abundance, havo had their sympathies deeply stirred, by the accounts published of the sufferings of the oppressed crofters in the Isle of Skyo, and theso sympathies havo sought n practical outlet. ThoCaloJoniin Society of Dunedin have forwarded to M r Gladstone a letter on tho subject of encouraging the emigration of Skye croitors to Ota<;o, and it is said that the matter has also been under con sideration by Government. It was re ported that Covornmcnt intended sending Mr James Mncaridrew to Skyo for the pur pose of bringing out a party of special settlers to the colony ; but this has been contradicted, and the statement is, at any rate, premature. The unanimous feeling of colonists in that it would be mutually beneficial if these Highland crofters could bo persuaded to removo from their barren and inhospitable homes to tho smiling and fortilo shores of Now Zealand. In the Auckland district, it is felt that a settlement of tho kind Mould be most successful, and evidence in that direc tion is afforded by the prosperous settlement of Wnipu, in tho northern part of the province, which is almost exclusively peopled by Highland families from Nova Scotia. It is to bo hoped that wo have not hoard the last of i;heso vory commend able proposals. Major Te Whcoro, who went to England with Tnwhiao last year, returned hero by tho s.s. Waihora, by way of the South, on Jan. 20. To Whcoro is looking well, and appears to have oujoyod his trip very much.

The confiscation of American apples in focted with codlin moth imported irorn San Francisco .1 few months ago put Southern importers to considerable loss. Tho Premier was waited upon by a depu tation of fruit'importers at Dunedin on January 9. They stated that the whole of tho apples for Otago had to be sent to Melbourne, entailing a loss of fifty percent, on tho actual cost to tho importers. The PremiorsatdtheGovernmenthad no powerto givo compensation, but if Parliament were approached, tho claims of the fruit, importers would no doubt be carefully considered. Tho deputation next urged that Adelaide grapes be admitted to tho colony. The prohibition had been imposed under the im pression that Adolaido grapes wcro affected by disease, which was not the case. Tho Premier said he was surprised to learn that ihe importation of grapes from Australia had been prohibited for two years. He would at once communicate the deputation's wishes en this matter to Mr Larnach, who had chargo of tho Customs and Marine De partment. The prosecution of Waring Taylor, a pro minent Wellington morchant, for appro priating to his own use Bank of New Zealand shares belonging to tho May trust estate, was concluded on January 20, when tho jury, aftor three-quarters of an hour's deliberation, found the prisonor guilty on all the counts ox cept four, on which His Honor had directed them to acquit. On tho application of tho prisoner's counsel, sentence wat postponed until the criminal sessions of the Supremo Court, in July next, in order to allow cer tain points which havo been reserved to bo argued in tho Appeal Court. Bail was accepted ; himself in £2,000 and two surc ies of £1,000 oach. At tho Supremo Court on January 23, W. Waring Taylor was subsequently indicted, under tho Lar ceny Act, on a charge of having convorted to his own uso, with intont to dofrnud, tho sum of £700 which had boon entrusted to him by James May for investment on first class security on tho 10th Soptembor, 1881. Aftor a short absenco tho jury returned a votdict of guilty. The sontenco has also boen postponed until tho July sittings to allow reserved points to bo docided by tho Appoal Court. Tho other charges will not bo hoard until tho previous cases aro disposod of.

An almost completo skoloton of a inoa is reported as having boen found near Mata knna last week. Tho wind, acting on tho sand-hills, uncovered a number of bones, in cluding ono of unusual length, which at tracted some attention. This discovery led to a careful search, with the result that about 14 yards distant were found tho head, ono complete log, and a number of smaller bones of a bird which must have stood at least 7 foot in height. At Christchurch on Jan. 0 it was unani mously decidod that a scheme for tho con struction of a railway from Christchurch to Brunnorton, and Brunnerton to Nelson, should bo placod on the London money market as a joint scheme.

It would appear to be definitely fixed that the English team of cricketers now in.Aus tralia will not pay a visit to this colony. Mr Lillywhite, who is manager for the team, says, in a letter to a friend at Napier, that thore is no chance of a team visiting New Zealand this season, as they cannot make profitable arrangements because of the stiffness of Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland in regard to terms. The team go instead to Queensland, with a guarantee of £1,000 for a trip that will occupy twenty-two days, aud clear of all expenses. A tour through New Zea land would occupy six weeks, and the ex perience of cricket patronage here has con vinced the team that they could not make nearly as much in this colony unless they reaped a good harvost in the large centres of population. The time required for the trip to New Zealand being double what is necessary for the Queensland tour, they have naturally decided in favour of the latter.

A further consignment of art treasures from tho generous hand of Mr J. T. Mao kelvie has arrived by the ship Vanduara for the people of Auckland. Until the Art Gallery is ready they will be deposited in the Museum, where an early opportunity will be taken of exhibiting them upon the walls. The collection is as follows t— SS , „ L oiL Paintin Kß-' "Feeding the Chicks,''by W. Hemsleyj "The Game of Mora,' by P. G. Gilardi; "Neapolitan In terior," by W. Constantino. Framed Water Colour Drawings : Studies of sheep, S? w-"OBling! studies of figures, &c, by ii \ i,608^. 5 "^ntoßton, Hants.'' Sketches (10 in number) ly H. Buttam Willis, R.W.S. :-A bull, two sketches of oowß, heads of. Highland cattle, pencil sketch of a cow and: ditto of a calf in one frame, two sketches of horses in one framo, one sketch of a horse, two frames of land- Bcapea in Gloucestershire j one landscape

(boing study of trees), one landscape in wato?colours. Sketches (14 in number) by A. P. Newton, R.W.S. i-Three frame studies in sepin. In water colour i Edge of a Highland forest, study of Essex barges, study of Highland scenery, study ot a bridge, study of a British tree, study of ruins, Scotch pino and bridge waterfutl, beaches and stags, Highland landscapes, lake and mountains, study of a boat. In addition to theso there is a portfolio con tainin" seventeen pencil and two water coloui"sketches, by H. B. Willis, R.W.S. ; ono pencil and six water colour skotclies, by A. P. Newton,.R.W.S. ; twenty-two pencil sketches on six cards, by ,E. \\. iViokc, R.A. ; eight pencil sketches of Cannes, Nico, Troves, &c , by H. Pillcau ; six studies of animals in wntor colours, by R Hills ; one water colour sketch, land scape, old style, by an unknown artist; three lithographs of pen and ink sketches of South Australian life and scenery, by G. Hamilton. . , The mercantile community of Auckland is not satisfied with tho time - tables arranged for the direct mail service with England. At tho Chamber of Com mcrco on January 15th, Mr Thomas Henderson, junr., drew attention to tho necessity of moving in the direction of assimilating tho time table of the direct steamers and the 'Frisco mail so that letters received via -Vinerica might be replied to by direct steamer. The following resolution was adopted, on Mr Henderson's motion :— "That with a view to affording Auckland an opportunity of answering letters via San Francisco by direct steamers, the Post master-General be requested to arrange that the departure of the direct steamers be fixed to connect with tho boat leaving Auck land on Thursdays."

Auckland's continued prosperity, despite the occasional growls of the discontented and tho detractions of her rivals, is reflected in the tabular statements which have been prepared at Wellington, showing tho Customs revenue collected at the differ ent ports of the colony, &c. During the quarter ending 31st December last, the Customs revonuo of this port amounted to £71,092, which is nearly one-fourth of tho ontiro amount collected in tho colony, tho gold exported from Auckland during the past year was 36,087 ounces," valued at, £143,564, which is nearly one-sixth of the total colonial production of the precious metal. In the returns of emigra tion and immigration for the year, Auck land also stands remarkably well. During ISB4 20,021 persons arrived in the colony, while 10,700 took their depar ture nonce. Of tho arrivals, Auckland got about one-third, or 0,041, while the depar tures from this port were only 3,153, leaving a net gain of about 3,000. It is matter of question if this represents the total number absorbed by Auckland, as in theso returns immigrants to tho colony are all counted at the first port of arrival, and emigrants at the final port of doparture. Now, many immigrants for Auckland arrived by direct steamer at Southern ports, while the Southern immigrants who were landed at Auckland were very few in number. Tho business transacted in the Monoy Order Department of Auckland Post-office during tho past year was very large. There were 33,482 money orders issued, of a total value of £109,228 2s Cd, while there were 30,126 orders paid, amounting to £101,261 18s 7d. Equally gratifying is the record of Post-office Savings Bank business trans acted during tho past year. There_ were 19,258 separate deposits made, reaching an aggregate of £199,070 12s 6d, while there were 12,665 withdrawals of a total sum of £195,701 15s lid. The interest allowed to depositors -\yns £8,442 16s lid, while at 31st December last there remained a sum of £217,692 17s lid to the credit of depositors, as against £205,281 13s 3d on 31st December, 18S3.

These figures only represent a portion of tho accumulations of the industrial classes in this district. The report of the Auckland Savings Bank shows that though there were complaints of lack of employment during last year, tho increase in the number of depositors in the Savings Bank during that time was greater than in any previous yoar. The total number was 9,751, being an increaso of 2,104 during the year—the largest previous increase being 1,029. The total amount at credit of depositors at 31st December last was £313,1GS 12s 2d, which is an increase of nearly £50,000 over last year's amount. Adding in tho amount deposited with the Post office Bank, we have a total of over half a million sterling accumulated by the working classes of the city and neighbourhood. Two-thirds of the depositors, it may be pointed out, have only £20 or under to their credit. Of the remaining depositors, there are 1,475 whose deposits are under £50, 1,027 have less than £100, and 1.053 have over that amount. When it is added that tho 1,083 last-named hold just about one half of the money in the Bank, it will be seen that the great bulk of the depositors over 8,000— belong to the class whose sav ings are small, their average deposit boing about £20 each.

MINING SUMMARY.

Thames, Monday. The goldfields have not readily recovered from tho interruption of tho holiday season., Tho genus digger, after twelve months of diligent toil, habitually seizes a briof and descrvod respite at tho opening of the new year, and when his operations aro resumed a few weeksmustnucessarilyolapse before thoir results are visible. The gold returns for the current month are therefore small, though thoy show a slight improvement as com pared with those of the corresponding period of lastyoal'. Thomonth has boen eventful, and is chielly remarkable for the progress made with important prospecting works. For in stance, the Queen of Beauty shaft has been sunk to the required depth, to wit, 747 feet, aud the manager is now preparing to prospect for tho lode SO feet below previous workings. The cirumstances are hopeful, the sandstone met with in the bottom of the shaft being manifestly more favourable for auriferous lodos than that in which the main reef was last found productive, and Mr Rad ford is vory sanguino as to the future pros perity of tho Company. The newly-formed Saxon Company has made an auspicious start upon tho reefs at its bottom lovol, the first crushing of ten loads quartz* from No. 3 roof having yielded at the rate of four ounces per load. Thodiivehns been extended to the Deep Level Cross Company (which has now taken it up), and a block will shortly bo opened for sloping. The favourite project of the promoters, viz., the sinking of the shaft, is now well in hand, nnd favourable country is being penetrated, The Cambria mine still occupies the premier position in the estimation of the speculating public, its prospects being of no mean order. Crush ing stuff collected from all parts of the workings is shaping towards a payable yield, the' manager having on hand last Saturday ],128ozs. amalgam from three weeks' battery operations with twenty stampers. Besides this there aro about 4cwt. of specimens on hand, which will be treated prior to the monthly retorting, which takes place either on Saturday or Monday next. Thereof at the intermediate level, whence the specimens were obtained, is still carry ing gold, accompanied by excellent mineral indications. The sinking of the shaft has been completed, and a crosscut is about to be started towards the lode, which is some 240 feet distant. The Darwin mine is well opened for working, and is yielding quartz ot payabh quality, upon which ten stampers are regularly employed. The new shaft of the Golden Crown Company, in the Mary Ann section, has been commenced, and machinery will shortly be erected. Good progress is being made with the prospecting works of the Caledo nian's low level and Caledonian companies, but in neither case, nor with reference to any other mines, are there any important re sults to chronicle. At Te Aroha the tail ings reducing plant was kept in motion during the holidays, and a substantial return was obtained by . the New Find Company,

Summary op Gold Returns,

From January Ist to January 27th. inclusive. D'/5 dwfeft Bright. Smile. IS loads 47 18 Oity of Manchester „ ~ ~ 12 is Uart , ~ ~ 23 8 Dart tributes .. ~ ' ~ j fl Hope Claim, 4 torts ~ ~ ~ 15 it Ldeg Hand tribute 7 in Moanatalari tribute .. , 12 (J Oriental (Otanui) tribute ,', ','. U H Rooky Point, 50 loads ~ ~ 89 7 Saxon, 30 loads .... 47 8 Simmies 600 „ Small parcels 39 0 Waiptahi, 1«0 tons ~ .. !. 239 0 Total JfiS. i WA.IORONGOMAI DISTRICT. Newmd (tailings, m , m m m „ J8S83"":. :; » » »jnj j Total TV}*!* I Total for qoldfields .. M 1,359 16

UNKNOWN

At the opening meeting o t t gM the New Zealand Id&gfl whicli was hold on Jan, 6*l memberd were present :—Jitr'wP ington, President; Mr 1) Hi Otago, Secretary; P ro f eß^l versity Co lege Auckland.^ Bailey, Auckland ; Murray Wi B. Thomson, Bawko'sßav • Pi 1 nui; Roy. T. Flavell, Chrifi °^ J. Grant, M.A., South CanSS Fitegerald, Otago iW,MuSf W. Hielop, 8.A.; Otago- £& Southland ; Messrs J tffSß College, Wellington ; M. jSSt Nelson College, Nelson S Hogben, M.A., Noith *$ The morning sitting 'TMS fciken up with the elaboSl Constitution. A generally Ba i-|~S was drawn up, the chief result! bo to abolisli the annual moVel! once, substituting in ita atsSl meeting of the Council I the District Institutes of £M Thames, Hawke's Bay, Wane! lington, Nelson, North Cantertl Canterbury, Otago and South! titled to send one representaSl 20 bona fide members they mI Institute to pay annually to (m £2 for each of its representatii whole Council to bear the tril of officers when beyond their owl At a further meeting 0 f fil morning tho accounts wenrcotl settled. A debit balance of £8B was shown had been madeuphyf the various districts. The folks lution, proposed by the Rey¥? (Cluistchurch), seconded by PKjj (Auckland), was passed :-J?s* Council recognises with &{ss efforts of the teachers througlS to inculcate habits of thougbii and considerationtowardstheloffi and trust that they wil; increajffl relax their exertions in this dire* The first sitting ol the (ffl opened at 11 o'clock onJanM Wellesley-street School, the'S H. Worthington) being in thelS were also present :—Professor^ versity College, Auckland) Jl Bailey (Ponsohby), Murray|£M B. Thomson (Hawke's Bay);>« ganui), J. Mackay, M.A. ((jjf lington), M. Fearnley, M.Aal lege, kelson), GeorgeHogben Jktf Canterbury), Rev. T, FlaS church), Messrs J. Grant,,. "M Canterbury), W. S. Fitzgeralduf Milne, M.A. (Otago), WM (Otago), and A. S.-.WSH land) [all members ofj-Sgfl Kidd (Registrar University (jj{ S. Luke (Chairman of BoaiS tion), Rev. J. Bates, .Mesata B.A. (Head-master Tuakau SM C Harrison (Head-master BM school), J. Leonard (Head-till School), A. McArthur (PrincS College), J. Anderson (Gramma Gradwell, R. C. Dyer, H. Mason Rev. Thomas Thistle (Gra3 Messrs C. F. Bourne (Headfil mar School), Ralph StowartfS Hosking, Rev. R. Coates (Kjffl Messrs G. W. and John Murm (Newmarket), Scott (Avonffl and Watson (Willis-street Scffl ton), Misses Sinclair, McLeoi Lumsden, Burton, Davis, and nisi both male and female, whim were unable to obtain. The Pt^ delivered his inaugural addresi! sequent sittings of the Conferwo resolutions on educational tit carriecL a - i ' "i gjH

UNKNOWN

At the meeting of the Hospital]! on January 56, a report'S Mr Mackechnie, in response to li Secretary's request for a scbii disposal of the Costley bequfti above institutions, was roal|| sidered. The re port set out by ij» the money left was not sufficient ft maintain establishments sepsb those existing at present, the1! would be to expend the moneyS and otherwise aiding the piss lishments, for the money eosi be expended without either din directly relieving the general o; vernmont from some expeM^Jfl no training institutions >heril trained nurses for the Hospital,; the demand of the general,:; trained nurses lor private lags this want, thero should b<B separate training department St pital to maintain a regular auppl) not only to meet its own necesett respect, but the requiremontaf| There should also be added to tb a fever ward for tbe reception ii of such cases. The ward shoali structed as to make up froioa twenty beds, the aecommod»l equally divided beta con miltfl patients, and so arranged tlijj kinds of fevers could be treated,! should that be deemed neces^ medical staff. He also MM a ward for convalescents j|J|[9 be expended (£12,003) wouO being built.'. He CB'Amatedthe;^ ing this institution for nurses afll convalescent wards, at noS £12,000. The GovernmentsMj to provido one-half of the',(» other half taken from the Cast The balance of the legacy jsHij Tested, and the income denjfffl devoted to rendering the WJffl mentefficient, andtomeetdoafe could not fairly bo p'>M out it raised for hospital purpose.'. '4 building to sorve as refuged.1*! built at an expense not exceeoto theGenoral Government and (xm contributing in equal pwffli balanco of the legacy being ji||M work required to be done |(w| for the building known lajl Refugo was in a very dilapifflj

CRIMES AND SUICIDE.

Hugh BregnXk, employe^;SH come Battery, Reefton, coomfflH by hanging himself In his housKjj! Jacob Vandyke, for BhobtiDgWS worth near Dunedin, wa» 'fmt tencedto 10 years' imprisoaiaW Jas. Isbistor, an Otago|||l hanged himself on Jan..;:-^§B horses displeased him. ' P'^'^H A box was discovered*'.lpi«H River, Napier, on Janu^,J|lj the remains of an infant, safflß been' dead twelve months. 'mßm John Gilmore, a ChristchMMjJ who concealed some of l"sriffi the Official Assignee, wflß,°Mß tenced to six months' hard i*og|: On January 15 ttnsssH| Savage deliberately jam'pwjßll kato River at Cambridge,, anaffll —his body never rising m^f%3 current. ■'! .ilffl| At Cromwell, Dunedin, ongffl Riston, a miner and an'Majfflß district, committedsuisidobjw| self through the head, :g|ggj "Edward Oberey has cMwaWmj South.Dunedin by hanglng^^M said to have committed the mm to his wife's infidelity. De^H years of age. mJs9 A man named Hall; froffl VMM good circumstances, Tasfoupa*™ It Goddard's Hotel, Kuroj«W«B| Jan. 22 with his throat c™!2JH| some time in the district,- siOTH ently on a holiday tour. . «■ Joseph Davis, a BlenhoimJßg| been committed for trwl-r£j|§ cheque given by a customf' rSffl Accused, who is a man oi proffl on bail. , Jfflfi In the Nenthorn murder ?SMB on Jan. 9 the, jury M prisoners guilty of n M^SHM Williams said he agreed fWm and sentenced Whiti »?'^KjJH years eaoh, and Fitzgerald!» "SB Intelligence was receiwdJßSHJ 20 lrom Tauranga of ap'^JBHH that occurred at Te fj'M, **UM on Jan. 19. The victim «*■#£ ton, wife of a blaoksmlm. £3&* a quantity of strychnine ■£3|Mj| though every cttort JSHMB sav-o her life by the /^-tfflffl emetics, she died f^jSM noon. Dr.Moir.ofTwrwMfflE her death. No cause « m » rash act.. .liuwttm Mr Banks, eliiof °^L^3fflß which arrived at Wellinp^.jffljjmjj Jan. 8, reports that on aonuvfgtjgM Mathers, who bad been «.AjjH night, jumped overboard «» $ A boat was lowered, and W"g*tfg in less than 10 minute"; - s(W sffJ applied, but withoot WB^frtfe held on the body of »QAI evidence showed that >- , ailing for some ten fif^W, ~| jumping overboard. » | ~;* poroty insanity>-i«io'" i j|j

THE AUCKLAND BYENINa STAK. SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 1885.

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