RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamiel,]

Some write, a neighbour's name to lash, Some write—vain thought—for necdtul cash, Some writo to plcaso the country clash, And raise a din. For me an aim I never fash— I write for fun.

What a sordid ago ia this in tvhich we live, and how mean and unhoroic must men and actions of tho prc'ent day appear when judged by the future historian! It is long since the humorist could with truth aay that " Matrimony had become a matter-o'-money;" but now it would seem as if every phase of human ac tivity had sunk to the same level, and the sole standard by which every thing and per son ia judged is that of £.s.d. To go no further in the meantime, let us glance at the field of politics. (No, dear reader; I am not goingto enlarge upon tho mercenary M.H.R., with his keen scent for the honor arium, a chairmanship salary, or a little axe-grinding job ! I might vory justifiably have had a fling at those patriots, and by the way might have remarked upon the tendency towards "payment of members" which ia being shown in New _outh Wales, South Australia, and even in pure England; but I aimat a higher flight). In international aflairs, it is getting quite fashionable to settle disputes not by the " arbitrament of the sword." but by the modiumship of money-bags, and in the words of Tennyson— "The jiogllnß of tho guinea helps the hurt that honour feels, And the nations do but murmur, snarling at each other's heels." Plutus, the blind god whom the ancients represented as seated in the lap of Peace, is nowadays arrayed on the side of Mars, and it is the "almighty dollar," and not the God of Battles, that in these de generate days determines the issue. In this way war will shortly revolve it eelf into a gigantic game at " bluff," and the side that can back its opinion with the largest bank balance will achieve a bloodless victory. For oxample, England lately defeated the Russians in Central Asia.just as effectively as if a stubborn and prolonged war had taken placo, by tho sheer weight of her money-bags. Everybody knows that thebankrupt condition of Russia alone prevented her from playing at hazard for the prize of India, while the big English war vote, and the imaianse expenditure at once ordered on armaments, cruisers, &c, assured ns the conqueror's laurels without a blow being struck. International Courts of Arbitration settle weighty matters of national honour and interests by the pecu inary standards, in the same way as the law courts fix the money value of " blasted hopes" and "blighted affections." So the world is turned into a vast marketplace, where

" Will, Conscience, Honour, Honesty, And things of that description," are barg»!i:oi for, bartered, bought and sold, like the merest chattels.

To come nearer our own affairs, just sao how the pecuniary principle is being ap plied in the case of the dispute between New Zealand and Germany for the posses sion of Samoa. Little did I think, when last week I twitted our Cabinet upon the evaporation of their heroic and adventu rous designs on these islands, that they had condescended to business negotiation and were entertaining an offer by Germany to sell out her interests in Samoa for the sum of £250,000 or thereabouts. Yet to this pass have they come, and should a second Hinemoa expedition be started, the steamer will not be manned by a bellicose Colonial Secretary and a guard of Armed Constabulary, but by a mercenary Colonial Treasurer, armed with ready money. I don't suppose the pro posed payment is meant to buy our. the German business houses, but simply to extinguish the political claims of Germany —Prince Bismarck agreeing to withdraw all the pretensions of the Kaiser, while we, in return, give the commercial houses full protection and clear titles to their large tracts of land. A little bird has whispered that the commercial interests of Germany would not be hard to buy out, as the Teu tonic firms are making nothing but heavy loaaes in their South Sea business, because of expensive management and other causes. If the British flag is ence hoisted in Samoa, the trade will follow it as a matter of course, and New Zealand is bound to exercise commercial as well as political sway over these rich and populous islands. I now begin to see the reason why our Auckland merchants have been slow to form a South Sea Trading Company. In thorough accord with the commercial instincts of the age, they have been waiting for the consummation of this little bargain with Germany, and when that is carried through, I have no doubt they will sail in bald-headed, and secure the large and lucrative trade of Samoa and adjacent island groups ! Qui vivra verra.

Ignoring the prurient details connected with " The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon," lot us turn, dear reader, to the consideration of a question of greater im portance to New Zealand, viz., the supply of domestic'"slaveys." Bridget, Jemima, and Betsy Jane still reign supreme in this downtrodden land, and the oppressed colonial housewife groans under a burden from which she cannot eßcapo. Meanwhile, there are thousands of young and middle aged women in the United Kingdom who ore anxious to find new spheres of activity, and would gladly come to New Zealand but for the heavy passage money. Our Government have voted £30,000 for immigration purposes, and yet it seems that no part of that can be devoted to the carriage hither of the " maiden tribute " which the Old World is so eager to send us. Another pressing want of the color-y'is Cheap agricultural labourers, and of these England has a plethora who would be over joyed to exchange the semi-starvation of the old country for the rough plenty of this new land; yet those £30,000 cannot be employed in fetching out such desirable colonists. It is, forsooth, only for the •'nominated" class of immigrants -that favoured circle who happen to have friends in New Zeandland. Thiß is not as it shouldbe, and I would hope that a more rational method of immigration expenditure will be devised. Mr Ballance.who is Immigration Minister, is a'Rationalist; may we hope to Bee reason ruling his actions ? If so, then the vox populi will coincide with what the wise man assures us is the view of the vox dei— approval of " a just balance !"

I see that in hia recent - -wonderful manifesto, the Right Hon. W. E. Glad stone is reported to have declared himself opposed to the principle of free education. Now, I have in general a profound admira tion for the "grand old man," but stilll am Radical enough to believe it to be the duty of the State to attend to the education of youth, and I am therefore curious to learn what are Mr Gladstone's grounds for decry ing free education. Still, if a reason wero wanted for proceeding with caution in the matter, it would be found in the working of the free education system of this colony ; and the grounds of objection might bluntly be stated thus—That the people were not yet ripe for such a blessing, since here they signally failed to understand what is meant by education, or to secure its advantages on a purely democratic basis. In New Zealand, our educational system has degenerated, so far as the teachers are concerned, into a gigantic system of "cram," and so far as the people are concerned, into the craving for "learning" which is often worse than useless. Added to this is the gigantic evil of endowing secondary schools and univer sity colleges, which, while professing to be availablo to all, aro in reality meant only for the children of the wealthy and leisured classes, who wish to be fitted for entering certain " professions." It is no part of the State's duty to assist people to acquire tech nical knowledge any more than to supply them with bread. The State fulfils its functions when it secures the necessary conditions for every member of the com munity living and enjoying the fruits of his or her labours. It seems to me that elementary education is necessary to people, in order to give them the conditions required for making a fair start in the race for competence and happiness, and it is even more valuable thau repressive laws in maintaining order and diminishing crime. Technical and "college education are on quite a different footing; they deserve every encouragement at the hands of the Government, but they should not be subsi dised by the general community for the benefit of a few.

It has been well remarked (by some acute newspaper man, I suppose) that the man who would take half a column to give him self a " puff " in the local page can be won derfully brief and explicit when it comes to writing advertisements at 6d per lino. This brevity is sometimes the cause of uncon scious humour. For instance, in a recent issue of the Stak I noticed the following :— "To Let, a five-roomed house, &c.; could be turned into a shop; also a strong, active lad." Whether tho house could be turned into a strong, active lad, or

whether the strong lad was to let along with the houee, puzzled Mrs Zamiel, who referred tho enigma to me. As I never was a good hand at conundrums, I pass it on to the reader, who will probably in turn cry Transeat!

Mr T. B. Hannaford has taken to himself tho description I gave last week of a certain vendor of an infallible remedy for doafness, who was deaf as a door-nail. lam sorry indeed that Mr Hannaford should bo so inflicted, moro grieved to learn that his case is hopeless, despite the "infallible" remedy, and moßt pained of all to be accused of " assassination of a reprehensible type," by holding him up as an object of derision. I plead not guilty, and my readers boing the jury, I confidently ask for acquittal on tho grounds that I novor mentioned Mr Hannaford, and therefore neither ridiculed nor assassinated him. How ovor, as ho deems that a slight has boon cast on tho deafness cure of Drs. Pritchard and Harvey, I am happy to explain that old age is the solo reason why itis not effica cious in tho case of T.B.H. I supposo he ia getting "upwards;" it is many years sinco ho described himself as "an elderly individual;" and when a man or woman owns to the soft impoachmont of age it is generally true. My apologies to the great l-ngliah doctors and this free advertisement should purge me of tho crime I have com mitted.

It is well that porsons, and especially widows, haviug rooms to lot for single gentlemen, should know that thore is a man now in this city, of middle age, respectable appearance, fair complexion, and sandy whiskers, representing himsolf as a tradesman seeking apartments. Ho carries no written testimonials in his favour, but speaks in mellow tones of his wealthy friends in Englnnd, from whom he roceivos occasional remittances. A fortnight ago this plausible, professed pietist induced tho occupier of a pleasant side-street house eastward of Ponsonby Road to admit him as a single lodger. The follow had been at tracted to tho houso—liko " Pickwick " — by tho ticket in the window, and thought, porhaps, of small comforts—"chops and tomato sauce." The rent and date of on tranco were" agreed upon, and this " very respectable " lodger was ciuu-m'uuj until pay day camo round, and then ho openly avowed the startling fact that he was out of funds. Tho lady waa naturally irate, but tho gen tleman told her to "be aisy," and in tho most delicate way he proposed marriage, which would, ho considered, be tho most agreeable method of squaring accounts. The lady was shocked at her debtor's proposal, and catching up tho carpet broom, cried out, " You scoundrel, get out of my house," and broke the haudlo of the broom over the suitor's back. She furnished a constable with a description of the impostor, but the officer told her to be- calm and get a new broom, adding insult to injury by tolling her to " grin and bear her loss liko a Chris tian." The gentlemanly lodger has since tried the same game on in Franklin Road, but unsuccessfully, for, in the words of the distinguished Jordan, it "won't wash."

A gentleman of a mechanical turn of mind who resided in the Ponsonby district, but of whom I have heard nothing of late, had a very pleasant dream, and fancied he could realise it in tho form of a bird, by which means heavy bodies could fly through the air. The in vention* waa a flying machine, and it may be (as I have heard nothing since of the clever inventor) that he has taken to him self wings and flown away. Many similar dreams have proved failures, like Cooking's parachute. It needs no mathematician to show that if a man is ever to fly he must not attempt to imitate directly the action of a bird. As artificial appendages —as Mr has shown—are absolutely necessary, it is obviously in man's power so to choose tho arrangement and adaptation of these appen dages that in ÜBing them his limbs will work in the manner which best suits them. In upward and downward action man's arm is weak, as any one will find who tries to beat tho air by such action for only a few minutes. It is clear that the mere flapping of wings attached to tho arm will not possi bly avail to enable man to fly, however ingeniously those wings may be devised. On the other hand, the pulling power af the human arm is considerable, and such an action as that used in rowing can be main tained for hours without exhausting tho frame. If the pulline power of the arms and legs can be so applied to ingeniously arranged mechanism as to work wings more or less resembling those of a bird, there is little reason for doubting man's power of sustaining himself in the air, and singing in a similar strain to that of Pope, "I mount, I fly."

Vote With Safety for Yourself and Your Own Fireside.

The following is a copy of a circular iisued by the vicar of Plumpton, the Rev.- H. M. Kennedy :—

Cumberland Electors, —Tho man who tells you that the ballot is not secret is a deceiver, a rogue, and a mean sneak. It is a Tory cry. The canvasser who telle tho lie does so because he wants by terror to force you to vote against your own interest and in favour of hie.

Thoso who, by direct or indirect taxation, bear more than their proper share of State expense are those who, by hand or brain, have to work for an honest living. This list includes all the working classes, farmers of their own land or another's, and the members of the various professions. Those specially interested in lob-sided laws are the privileged classes. Tbe list in cludes the great landed proprietors, a por tion of the legal profession, clergymen of the Established Churches, and a vast num ber of officials who are placed and advanced in the army, navy, and State service, not because of their fitness, but through family influence.

Let those now foroed to sow, but not al lowed to reap, make good use next Novem ber of the ballot. Place your cross —X— opposite the name of the Liberal candidate, drop the paper into the ballot box, then come away and hold your tongue, and no man living can tell how you have voted. Be not befooled. Sons of toil, do not in politics trust a Tory. No, not if he came to you in an archangel's garb, and on bended knee before God^ high altar swore by the sign of man's redemption that he only meant you well. If you have any cause to fear him, use deception. I advise you in plain terms, of two evils to choose the least. If he must have an answer, tell your master a lie with your tongue, in preference to marking with your pencil a terrible lie against yourself, your family, your class, your country, and your God. The man, who because he is a landlord or an employer, tries to force another and a weaker man's conscience, is a mean fellow, and the pretty littlo ballot box is just the cure for him. Two centuries of gross class legislation have blunted the feelings and perverted the judgment of many of the aristocracy and several of their monied imitators. These pampered beings havo learned to think that England's manhood must for over contribute to their greed, and England's womanhood to their lust. A Cumberland M.P., named Bentinck, is furious because the editor of the " Pall Mall Gazette" ha 3 brought to light the horrid deeds of rich fiends who pollute the bodies and damn the souls brought in for them by London brothel-house-keepers. One incarnate devil boasts that ho haß up to date violated 2,000 maidens, and another spends £3,000 a year in seducing girls, his allowance being three virgins each fortnight. Men of these western islos I by tho love you bear your wives, by your regard for your daughters, by your duty to your sons ; in the name of home, of country, and of God, come forth every one of you, rush to the hustings, and give us next autumn a Parliament of honest, determined men who will not be trifled with, but who, with your mandate in their hands, and your power be hind them, will sweep clean the Houso of Commons, sweep away the House of Tyrants, and give to every citizen of our land, for the first time in its history, fair play and equal laws.

Know and remember, that from the timo of Earl Groy (1883) to tho time of William Gladstone, who would not be an earl, the Tories have tried both tooth and nail, but, thanks to Liberal efforts, tried all in vain, to keep back the tide of necessary reform. No vote, no secret vote, no cheap schools, no cheap papers, no cheap food, no cheap clothes, no protection for sailors' lives, no protection for workmen's limbs, no right to kill field vermin, no right to one's improve ment onthefarm, norighttofeedacowon the common, no right to worship God accord ing to conEcieno.. These, let me tell you, are but some of the black list of the Tory party's credentials. The hireling or Belf interested ' canvasser will deny all this. But when he does, I tell you plainly that the dirtiest devil from the deepest hell could not utter a greater falsehood than is involved in such donial. — I am, your obedient servant, H. M. Kennedy, M.A. Vicar of Plumpton, Cumberland, July, 1885.

SPORTI NG.

RACING FIXTURES.

Pakurnncra Hunt Club Annual Ootober 31. Auckla id li.C Spring Vovemb.rlO. (Jtint.rourj- J.i:. Spring.. ..November 10. 12. 13. Takapuna J.U. Spring Nov. mbar 28 Uunedui J.O. BprinK Novembor 28, 2'J, 3u.

DATES OF PRINCIPAL AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND RACES.

V.R.C. DKUUV.-Oo'ober.Sl. Melbourne Cup.—November 3. Pa_ura.ua Hunt (Jut-—October 31. Prince op Walks Stakes (A.H.i ..— Nov 10. N.Z. Cut-.—November 10. Canterbury Dtsitny.—November 12. Auckland Cup.—December 20.

DATES OF NOMINATIONS AND ACCEPT ANCE.

Acceptances and gonerat ontr.eß Auckland Spring Meeting.—October 30.

General entries C.J.C Meeting, further pay ments Now Zealand Can, D::rby, Welcome Stak s, and Canterbury Cup. October 31. Acceptances Auckland Cup and Steeplo chaao.—Decombor

To Correspondents.

John Murphy (Parm ill).—Welcome Jack and Vanguard are both the sanio aKe.aix.- year-olds. J.D.—The Hon. James White has won iho Marl byrnong Plato three times,viz., with Palmira, Se.rnnhoo anil lolarth-. ilnies hus not yut ridden a winner of th it race, F.—Thero wore 13 rumors for the V.R C. Derby Won by Suwarrow, in 1879, thl» boing the largest number time ovor competed for ihiit event. In Darobin.yea-'l2started. Martini- Henry's timo for tho race,viz., 2mln. S.soc., is the fa.t-Bt on record.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

With tho Caulneld Meeting a thing of tho past, the attention of turfites is now sololy centred on the V.B.C. Derby and Molbonrne Cup. Tho race for tho Blue Riband takes plnco on Saturday next, and with tho pros pect of Nordenfeldt, Thunderbolt, Isonomy, Winchester, Dunlop, Ringmaster, First Chester, Monte Christo, Uralla, Sunny Days, and ono or two of tho outsido division to comprise the field, the contest should prove to bo tho bost that has yot takon placs. Tho Adelaide colt Isonomy (half brothor to Sardiua) has come into tho mar ket with a rush during tho last few days, and his past performances nro such as on-

title him to respect. Out of fivoossays, ho has on threo occasions beon successful

in boing tho first to catch the judgo's oyo, and in each he ,had good woights up and compassed tho distances in respectable timo. In addition it is stated that tho New-

stead party are his chief supporters. Tho intentions of tho Robinson stable with

regard to Thunderbolt and Winchester aro somewhat enshrouded in myatory, but present nppearnnces certainly point that the Auckland-bred one will turn out

to be the Simon Pure on tho day. With regard to the Hon. J. White's team, the statement of their owner that he may scratch Nordenfeldt for tho event puts backers in somewhat of a dilemma, but all

things being equal, for my part I should sooner trust Musket's son thon either

Monte Christo or Uralla, for he has provod

himself to beadownrightgoodcolt. Ifullac counts are true, First Chester will shape more respectably on Saturday next than ho did in the Sydney Dorby, and papors to hand this weok show thot thoso behind him

are always willing to take an outside price when offered. Dunlop's performance in tho Caulfield Guineas can hardly bo taken as his true form, for ho was acknowledged on all hands to be short of work, and the heavy ground was against him. However, he is not my fancy, and I am inclined to think at the present time that when the result is flashed along the wires, tho victor will turn out to be either Thunderbolt or NORDENKBLDT. The final payment for tho Melbourno Cup is due on Tuesday next, at four o'clock. A lot of horses are now out in tho morn ings nt Ellerslio, and good useful work is being done. E. Kelly has all of hi. power ful team looking in excellont health, and by the time Foul Shot is wanted, he promises to be at his bost. Libeller and Totfotd also prosont a good appearance, whilo .Mitrailleuse's two-yoarold sister is doing woll, and should bo worth watching when sho starts. Tho two-year-old colt Petro leum, underM. Carmody's charge, continues to find favour with the onlookors, and the juveniles in charge of tho various other trainers aro all progressing satisfactorily. The horses loft behind by Air J. Marshall, are being looked after by tho head stable lad, F. McMinninim, who is treating them to serviceable work. Tho unexpected turn-up of Grace Darling in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday last proved a nice littlo throw-in for tho local knights of tho pencil, noarly nil of whom did not write tho winner's name for a single shilling. Ono of their numbor, howovor, had the Bad fortune to lay ono hundred, but ho had tho consolation of knowing that ho was " taken down " by a brothor pen ciller. The woll-known turf contributor "Sir Launcelot," was married nt Christchurch on Tuesday last. He left for Wellington in tho evening for tlio purpose of spending the honeymoon. His Auckland frionds will join with mo in wishing him success in his now sphere of life. Tho snfo arrival of Turquoise and Nock lace at Christchurch has caused them both to shorten in prico for tho Now Zealand Cup. Tho former is a firm favourite at. 100 to 14 taken, and Necklace has beon nibblod at in small sums at lfO to 8, whilo Fusillndo has again come into tho markot. and has had several hundreds pencilled ogainßt his name at 10 to 1. It is stated that after Fusillade's win on the first day at Goraldino, £1,000 was offered for him and refused. From Wanganui I loam that Black Rose's dam has dropped a colt foal to Natator. and has visited St. Leger, the stillion re cently leased to Mr J. Walker by the N.Z. Stud Company. Leonesea, by Leolinus— Potrolouse (full sister to Leos), has pro duced a colt to Somnus, and sho has also visited St. Leger's harem. The Hon. W. Robinson's Liverpool is in great favour with all of the Australian turf scribes, and they seem to be pretty unanimous in the opinion that he must take a power of beating in the Melbourne Cup, The Committee of the Thames Jockey Club have decided to hold their Summer

Meeting this year on Monday and Tuesday, tho 28th and 29th of December, bo as not to

1 dash with the Auckland Meeting. This is i a Btep in the right direction, and we will now ) doubtless hear of the Club securing a success ' with their next gathering instead of the > partial failure it nas been for some years i past. IMr W. Somerville's mare Yattasy, by i Yattendon—Ecstasy, dropped a filly to i Anteros during the week, and Miss Gladia , tor, by Gladiatoi, a colt to the samo siro. Mr M. Loughlin's Sheet Anchor, who i now occupies such a prominent position in i the Melbourne Cup quotations, is said to , havo shown his owner some real good i gallops at Dowling Forest. Ho is a son of St. Albans and Queen Mary, and it will bo . remembered ho ran third for the last New i market Handicap, and second in the Aus tralian Cup. In last week's Referee " Sir Launcdob " has some interesting notes on the horses in training at Riccarton. Referring to tho Auckland-owned contingent, he says:— Strolling ovor to Chokobore Lodge, I had a look at Turquoise and Necklaco. Tho former seems to me a triflo above himself, but it must bo remembered that ho has just como off shipboard, and when that fact is taken into consideration, both ho and tho littlo sister to Thunderbolt must be regarded as in wonderfully good condition. Chaafo has worked wonders with Turquoise, whose legs are beautifully clean, and up above he has not altered in tho least from the same round shapely horsohe was when in training at Yaldhurst. Necklaco has grown upward a bit, I fancy. Sho is not a mare that, owing to her peculiar marking, strikes your eye as a beauty, but sho has sovoral good points, and certainly appeared to mo a bit more forward than Turquoise. I next had a look at tho othor two North Islanders, Nelson and Wapiti, who were to be treated to a sweat after breakfast. I thought Wapiti moro forward than his companion, but both have beon suffering slightly from influenza, contracted on tho passage down from Auckland. Tho writer further says: —Cutt's other charges look very woll - Stonyhurst, if anything, a bit big, though his size always gives one that impression, but he is doing as good work as anything at Riccarton, and, if ho can only stay, whatever beats him will win the Derby. Fusilade is improving daily, and Leon is also doing good work. At a meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club last week, the following resolution was carried:—"Any owner wishing to change the name of a horse running for any hack race must give the Secretary fully one month's notice of his intention prior to the horso taking part in any race meeting run ning under the W.'J.O. rules,and such owner must pay to the Secretary of such race meeting the sum of two guineas, who will ' notify the alteration to the Secretary of tho * W. J.C." I would be glad to see tho Auck land Racing Club adopt the samo rule, as it . would greatly prevent the " readying-up " < that takes place in hack races at some of 11 our outside meetings, '

The Chris-.church Middle Park Stud Com. pany hold their annual sale of yearlingß on Saturday, 1 .th November, the d_y after the Canterbury Jockey Club Spring Moetinr. The young-tors to bo disposed of coui-^'f seven fillies by Apremont, out of t_S__., En Avant, Hammock, Watorsprite, Charm, Becky Sharp, and Miss Flat; four colts by Apremont, out of Martyr, Maria Theresa, Fleurange, and llupee, a filly by Albany, out of Tell Tale, and a filly by St. George out of Rod Hose. It has beon decided by the stewards of tho Cambridge Jockey Club to hold their Spring Meeting on tho 19th November. Mr A. Kidd has boon nppointed to act for tho Club aa their Auckland agent, without', remuneration, and Mr 0. C. McGeo will act j as starter this season. . Mr F. F. Dakin, the trainor of Commo- ,j tion, thinks he will nover bo able to race . again; An effort, however, will bo mado I; to prepare him for tho autumn, and with \ this object tho horso will bo subjected to a i spell for a month or so. Welcome Jack, Trenton, Thunderbolt, Liverpool, and Nordenfeldt nro among those nominated for tlio Melbourne Stakes, w.f.a , run on tho first day of tho V.R.C. Spring Meeting, but the narao of Win chester is missing. Papers to hand this weok chronicle tho fact that Ceriso and Bluo was recently bnckod for the Melbourne Cup to win £-20,000 at 100's to 3, and Brown and Koee £15,000 at tho same prico For the Dorby a big wager of £4,000 to £1,000 was taken about Nordenfeldt, despito tho Hon. J. White's throat, and then £3,000 to £100 was offered. First Chester was Also backed to win £6,000 at 6 to Land £8,000 to£l,ooo was wanted about Isonomy. Thunder bolt waa heavily supported nt G's to 1. Matchlock, who bruised his heels so tiadly bofore the Hawkesbury Meeting, is in work again, and may join MrFonnollv's string at Flemington beforo the closo of the season. At tho rocent Lowor Heathcote Racing Club Meeting the totalisater paid a divi dond of £52 17s on Darkio, tho winner of the Hack Race. Tho Hawke's Bay Jockey Club have received (i 7 nominations for thoir Guineas of 1887, of which tho Now Zealand Stud Company contribute 35 ontrios. Mr W. Sommerville ia the only othor Auckland nominator, ho having four nominations

opposito hia namo. Tho Du-icdin correspondent ef the " Can

torbury Times " writes as follows in Inst week's issuo :—On Saturduj last all aorta of wild rumours woro floating about as to Cap tain Wcbstor. Ho had not been out of his

box for four days ; hia feet bad given way ; ho was dead lamo ; ho was to bo straight

way knocked out of tho botting. Such wero tho yarns told at the stroot corners. It turns out to be another case of " tho throe black cows." The facts aro, so far as

I can mnko out, that tho Captain rather disappointed his party in a gallop ho did on Saturday morning, and that in tho ovening one of tho bookmakers, anxious to do a lino in a sluggish mnrkot, laid to 100 to 10

once after 100 to 12 had been rofusod Your readers may mako their own deduc

tions from theso circumstances, but I have

tho best possible authority for stating that Captain Webster never looked bettor or galloped bettor in hie training than at prosont. At tho Sydney Turf Club Mooting, tho

Auckland-bred colt Kingfiah, by Piecatorious —Yatterina, ran second to Blairgowrio for tho Sapling Stakos.

In addition to Ringmaster, Dunlop, and Eaglo Grange (tho placed horses in tho

Caulfield Guineas), Parwan, Monte Christo

Melodious, Lady Claudia, and Juanna also ran. Dunlop, who was riddon by Mooro, won comfortably by two longthe and a half. Tho Groat Foal Stakes (for two-year-olds)

:was won by tho Ho

J. White's Acme,

Munwyrtina and Tho .Nun running a dead heat for second p!aco. Tho Cliiistchurchouned two-year-old filly by Apremont -Nautilus, that recently won tho Two-yoar-old Flutter at I'lumpton Park, has beon christened Galatea. Tho South Australian filly lleleno died from a rupture of an internal arteiy. Welcome Jack, with tho top weight of 9-t 21b, is among tho acceptors for tho Wngga Wngga Cup. Kit Nubbles, who is thought to havo a good show of winning tho Melbourne ("up, got homo first in tlio Elsteruwick lark Handicap on tho loth inst. Ho carried Sat 121b, and ran tho ono milo ami a furlong and a half in 2min. ll^sco. Mr John Field, of Tasmania, has lost his brood mare Queen Mary, tho dam of Sheet Anchor, Anchorite, and Mozart. She was only 10 years old, and wns but two years old when sho wont to tho stud, hor first foal being Sheet Anchor, whom sho pro duced to St. Albans in 1878. In 1879 she had Clnudino to tho s.-uno horso, and in ISBO Anchorite, ul-o to St. Albans. Sho was thon sent to Napoleon, and Mozart was tho result. Queen Mary was by Castlo Hill from Black Boss, who was closely related to tho dam of Malua. Monte Christo ran in plates in tho Caul field Guineas, owing to tho heavy stato of tho ground. Many good judges think that had thoy been dispensod with ho would havo been closer to kin^master.tho winnor. Tho Fawn, dam of Richmond, Bosworth, Paluiyrn, Segonhoo, and Warwick has this ioason beon put to Epigram. Sho missed to Maribyrnong last season. "Augur," in ■ an account of a visit ho paid to her homo at the Richmond Stud, says that Mr Town's establishment assumes moro colossal pro portions every year, and now contaius about 140 thoroughbred mares and no less than 13 stallions, tho latter consisting of Maribyrnong, Grand Flanour, Epigram (imp), Moorthorpo (imp), Cheviot (imp), Sar donyx, Boauclerc, Somnus (imp), Glouces ter, Monmouth, Fergus tho Firat, Sogonhoo, and Julian Avonel. The Hon. G. McLean's mare Malice (dam of Mischief) dropped a foal to Apremont a . few days back, but it died the same night through exposure. In consequence of Mr L. Watson having determined to retire from racing, he has placed Sardius, Newstead, and Maddelina in Messrs Yuillo and Co.'s hands for private sale. Writes " Warwick:"—Two nicer-looking youngsters than tho Tasmaninnbred colts Kitawa and Wymeric are not to bo seen in Flemington, and so thinks one of our Now Zealand visitors, who, I believe, has made an offer for them, and I shall not be tho least surprised to hear of theso two sons of Manuka being destined for Maori land, where their siro first saw the light of day. The fact of the Hon. J. White threaten ing to withdraw Nordenfeldt from the Vic torian Derby has brought him in for a good deal of abuse at the hands of the Australian writers, and ono of the staff of tho " Sports man" interviewed the hon.gentleman on th« subject. Tho following is a detailed report of the interview, which is sufficiently am biguous to puzzle Father Peter, and would do credit to Machiavelli. The Hon. J. White, in answer to inquiries, stated that he had three horses engaged in the V. R.C. Derby—Nordenfeldt, Monte Christo, and Uralla. Tho latter two wore bred by him self, but Nordenfeldt was bred by the New Zealand Stud Company, and purchased by him as o yearling. He did not run it as a two-yoar-old. Ho desires to win with Monte Christo or Uralla, horses of his own breeding, in preference to Nordenfeldt, tho New Zealand horse. Reporter : I suppose you know, Mr White, that there is a great deal of public money on Nordenfeldt ? The Hon. J. White : I see by the papers that the horso is first favourite for tho Derby, but I do not think thero is much public money on it. 1 think tho monoy has been taken up by speculators with a view of doling it out to tho public (at a profit of course) as tho dato of running tho Dorby appronchos nearer. Reporter : Thoso who backed tho horse evidently thought, in view of the fact that no contradiction oamo from you that Nordenfeldt was a certain starter. The Hon. J. White: I havo never concealed the fact that if- I thought Uralla or Monte Christo in good fettle, I would start cit'ior in preference to Nor denfeldt. I said so at Sydney a month ago, whon Nordenfeldt won the A.J.C. Derby. The horse was thought nothing of beforo that timo. I told every person that asked mo that I did not intend to bnok Nordenfeldt, and at the present moment I have not got a shilling on the

horso. If the public havo backed it, they have done so at their own risk. Reporter: And which animal do you consider the fastest of the three? The Hon. J. White: I thought Uralla was the best of my lot, but it wns beaten in Sydney the other day. Roporter: At tho present time, Mr White, do you think that Uralla or Monte Cbristo is as "fit" bb Nordenfeldt? Tho Hon J. White: I do not wish to express an opinion on that

point. Reporter : Would yop care to pay which horse you have backed, so that the public may get an idea which you will start ? Tho Hon. J. White : That is scarcely a fair question. Roporter : Supposing you consider that Uralla or Monte Christo is in good onough form to win tho Deroy, whon will you scratch Nordenfoldt ? The Hun. J. White: As soon as I havo arrived at that opinion. Reporter : Can you say for cer tain that you will scratch Nordenfeldt! The Hon, J, White: No ; I cannot.

The various Now Zoaland journals to band thie week teem with notices of the death of Musket. "Vigilant," of the " Wel lington Post," has penned tho following tribute to the memory of the dofunct son of Toxopholite:—

IN MEMORIAM.

Musket, Ou. Oot. 15, 1885. jEtat. IS. Tho peerless steed is dead, lIIb two-fold victories o'er; Low is th .t gallant, shapely head, That groat he.rt bents no more.

Type of thinn early lord, (1) Honest and true as steel, Exempla' champion of tho sward, As he 'mong men was leal.

Still are the laurels prrcon Gained in thy youth's bright days, In Mein'ry's vista still thou rt seen Crowned with thy conquering bays.

By York's high minster's fane, On Ascot's regal heath, Toiled In thy wake the br-st in vain, Eyos bloodshot, panting breath.

Warwick and Worcester, too, ~ And Shrewsbury's " tented Hold — Saw " doed. of d .ring" thou could at do, When none could make thee yield.

Aeili-y, Blue Gown, Faviuioua (Zephyr's son)— , . Three classic victors all went down-C. From such thy wreaths were won.

Whon Rosi. gallant steed, A. brother's veiurcanco wrought, (.1) E'en then a victors was thy meed, So hard tho light was fought. But if when life was young Far fleeter than the wind, Still louder shall thy praise be sung Por sous thou leav'st behind. Martini's deeds still ring Around the echoing sphere, And Nordenfeldt anil Trenton bring A halo to thy bier. Necklace and Thunderbolt, Wniliri, Fusileer, And Fusilade, a gallant colt; Fit scions hast thou here. On these thy fanio shall lean, In these thou'lt live again; By theso thy mom'ry be kept green. As plants revived by rain. Now Zealand hoped to twine Fresh honours on thy crest, Australia's sires sco once moro pine, And thee, with Onyx (1), bleat. But now thy widowed mate With Sylvia (5) solace seeks. And jealousy turned love by fate, A common grief bespeaks. Farewell, and if the nows Should come of vict'ries won, We'll raise a shout for Musket stout, And cheer his worthy _on. Notes.—(l) Lord Glasgow. (3) Agility won the Oaks, and Bluo Gown and Favonious Uio Derby. The Oalcn and Derby aro the principal of tho "classic races" of tho year in England. (3) Roaicrucian. in his day familiarly called Hosi, was a half-brother to Blue Gowu on the sire's side, both being by Beadsman. Rosicru cian defeated Musket, after a stubborn raco, in the Alexandra Plato at Ascot in 1871. (1 The dam ot Nordenfeldt. (a) The dam of Martini-Hoary.

THE GARDEN.

[By Hortus.]

Calendar of Operations, October 24

[HOHTUfI Is willing to answer any quorloa. Cor respondents must givn their full names and addreaaoß. though not for publication.)

TO CORRESPONDENTS,

PRrsKRViNQ Feus Fkonds (Botanist!.—Tho proper timo to Bet torn fronda is whon fio from! 9 are at tholr bolt or uerfoot In form and properly colourod, tho seed nearly rlpo. The Blmploit and moit effective way of preserving ia to place tho specimens between the leaves of a thick pad of blottlnu papar, or between tho leaves of. a thick book, whero they should romain till qulto dry. In no caao should they bo exposed to the air till perfectly dry, or thoy lose eelour; and a hoavy weight shoulo b. placod on th _ pad or book to keep the f ornß uir tight. CoNSTANTltEAnKit(RoadSorapingß),—You coi - tinue u?ing thym ; they are invaluable lluy not only assist in kwping the uround open but po BJBO a large Iquautlty of manurlhl m gredieais ll.voyou »verfound thorootsof pldtra doi'ioyodby suohai-pllciiiona'! until yon do, goo . using It.

Axtirbhikums-Watering Plants ("R.A /. I}., Kir.lrrbiiiums, cutilil not giro *"*u any reason, ax a similar experience has never cuuie u.ul-r my notice. Wulcrlng plan's: When ri furring to tins question oa l-.io :lrd ia.st, I wiia tie ding witn piui.ta under gluts, to Ki.e 'It.A."a hotter ido* of what >»uleiiiig i_ Last wo.i_.lol s.d my glass-house atthr -c o'clock on a dull, cloudy day, the glasa nt th.i tubo ri-gl-jl. riug 71uog. I<H the Bume time watored my p an to with tho water usually kept for thu purp.Bj. Then I drew a can Oi watorf'om tlio '.auk and iiiimersod thu „l-is_ in th* water. It immediately fel. to__deg, juat lOdug. losa than the auno.phf.- In me house. To have watored the plants with this waier would at once have given the roouj a severe check. As tho season advanoes, the atmosphere in the house will got hotter—some Units will bo over IMdog. When Buch Is thu ca.e, yon ou*lu to also iaoroa^o tho t-mptti-* ---lure ef the wa:cr towli.ttho -.tiuoephere is, or even a few degree, higher would be hotter. Practical horticulturists, when building houses, always provldo a tank inaido tho house, so that tlio water used la always at the satno temperature aa ihu house. Whon tho plants In tho opon a:r receive water by rain, tlio rain Is aliv_y nbout tbo saino heat aa the air. Duai-i.o Okciukds ("Fruit")—From what \ou state o( your -Oil, I think you ousrht to drain it; that will take away Ihe suporlluo-ia water. It is a cupltal tim. to drum no.-, before the soil gota ioj dry and hard, lour treoa being planted in rows 20ft, apart, t.i»t would ho a good distanco apart for ymir drains, and if th- lay ot the ground suit", try nnd placo a drain botwetin oaeh row of trera. The depth to put tho drains should be a»out 3(t; 3ln. tilos aro beat. If the work ia done now, tako out tho soil, placo tho tltcs in tho drains, and do not cover thorn up fot .0,110 timo. Th. longer they are loft opon tho bettor, aa tho dry weather will cauf 0 the aides to opon out In ilsu-o. or cracks, which will never .n tiroly close up, and will give freer access of the water to tho tlio* in heavy wot w.ath r. All Boila such aa you dea.ribo should bo drained, no matter what purpose tho ground ia allotted for.

Ukink (" Manure").—You could not n.e abutter thing for liquid manure only do not v c it at full strength Mix with Boapsuda or olc*n water ono part of urino to (our parts of the other. It Is capital for all manner of vege table crops ; also (or the flower bordor. Whin using, b_ vory careful that none of it touches tho plant., as it is apt to so-lil thorn. I would not use It fcr pgt plants Soapsuds by them selves mako a eplondld liquid manuro for both kitohon and flower-garden produce Never throw them a»ay ; always appiy .hum to tho ground in tho ovoaiug. Colbus ("Amateur").—You will not bo able to make good plants of tho old ooleua plants kept from last your. Yonr boat pan w >uld bo to tako a few of the loading ahoota off and atrike anew from the cuttings. Thoy will Btriko onsily now ploeod in an ordinary window. Got a littlo good sjll and sand, pl.ee in a fonr lnchpot; in this put about li cutti us; keop them moist, and thoy will strike in about a fortnight or throe weeks; thon pot off into single four-inch pata; as they gro . ropot Into larger. In tho Bummorcoleua will grow outln Hie open border.but the colour of the foliage ia not bo fine; it la what I would call waahy. If y, _ grown them in a window turn yimr plant every two daya, to aa to present a different part of it to tho light.

The Sparrow Post.

The following is takon from the American press. Some of those who are troubled with the peat might adopt the suggestion it contains :— Now that tho English sparrow is doomed to be annihilated in the United States, if the thing be possible,the question of utilising this peat comes up for consi deration. It is well known that their flesh is as good as many a larger bird now highly prized ; but tho sparrow ia _o small that few persons will consider it worth the trouble «f preparing for the tablo. But the aamo objection may be urged in regard to frogs' legs; the latter, nevertheless, have been long in demand, and the epicure thinks thoy are among tho dainties not to be neglected, even if they do cost more than the coarser kinds of moat, and for this reason we think it only necessary to make sparrow fricassee or pot-pie fashion able to create a demand for these birds. Something of tho kind will bo necessary fn order to give zest to the sport of killing them by youthful sportemon. Tho slaughter of these birds has already com menced in several States, and will,no doubt, soon extend to all.

Adapt Crops to the Soil,

In ordor for the farmer to be most suc cessful in his calling it is of tho utmost im portance that ha should'know to what crops nia land is best adapted. The soil of some farms is best for grass and stock, others for grain and hoed crops. Somo farms are best adapted to particular kinds of stock - stock for special purposes,- somo for particular specialties in farming, others for mixed husbandry, etc. Where the farmer knows his farm, and acts according to that know ledge, he will bo much more likely .to suc ceed than he who pays little attention to the capacities of his soil, although in all other respects tho capabilities of the pro prietors and their farms may be equal Farmers who have struggled hard for years, and succeeded only in making a bare living, should stop and consider well the nature and capabilities of their soil, to see if they have not been cultivating and producing crops and products for which their farms are not adapted, and whether they have produced the best quality of the crop they have succeeded best with. The Aotlon of a Mul«h. It is said that the term mulch comes from _ Hebrsw word meaning partly rotten straw. Bo this as it may, wo use tho word now to cover all those substances employed as a litter around trees and upon ground, to aid I the soil in retaining its native moisture. The word mulch might be defined as anything used to prevent the natural evaporation of

moisture from a soil. The substances gen erally used as a mulch are straw, litter from tho stables, leaves, recently cut lawn grass, sawdust, tan bark, chips and Bmall stones. Other materials are sometimes used, aB coal ashes, large flat Btones, etc. The forn scrub and forests furnish their own mulch in the form of leaves and deoaying stems, which soon accumulate in a mass that very effec tually prevents tho surface soil from losing rauchof its moisture. The leaf mould in tho forest and the thick layer of vegetable mat ter on tho surface soil of tho opon country aro the protecting coverings furnished by nature. Man, in his planting ot trees and vegetables, needs to imitate tho nativo forest mulch. In this way he not only socures a more uniform temper ature and moisture to tho surface foil, but may add a source of plant food. Somo sub stances usod as a mulch can yield only a mechanical benefit, whilo others contain un abundant supply of plant food when it is reduced to a soluble and available form. Flat stories around trees may add greatly to their prospority whilo giving only shade and preventing the evaporation of moisture. Sawdust is but littlo better in this respect, as it contains only n small per cent of plant food. Tho influonco of shade upon a soil may bo seen by placing boards upon portions of land. It is not. to be supposed that any meaßurablo quantity of nourishment can bo worked down from a new board, but the sol beneath is changod by being thus covered and enriched for a time. Perhaps the pro tection has induced certain chemical change, which have liberatod plant food. On this samo principlo stones in a soil enrich it. The importance of covoring the soil is more fully appreciated in France, where tiles havo long been employed on straw borry beds. Tho tiles have holes through them for tho hills, all other parta of the earth's surface being covered. Flowor gardens have been successfully mado, in which all tho earth was covorod with a cement as hard and smooth as a walk, except tho small holes through which tho stems of tho shrubs grew Parchment paper-that is, tough water-proof paper, mido by dipping unsized paper in sulphuric acid - is now employed for covering garden soil. In short, this prepared paper is a mulch. A Frenchman who has experi mented with this method sums up the ad vantages as follows : First, a greater rapid ity of growth ; second, lessening of the great cost of water; third, saving of hard work in weeding ; and fourth, the crop is doubled. Whore wo aoraetimes here experi ence vory hot, dry weather, mulching would greatly enhance the production of our fruit trees, flowora, and vegotables. Now is the propor timo to collect and apply such as it may come to hand before the soil gets too dry. V. bore ground is mulchod it will grow plants bettor, and less water will be required during tho season.

THE AMERICAN CHAMPION YACHTS.

Remarkable Results of the First Two

Trial Contests.

In connectiou with the recent victory of the Amorican yaoht over the English cutter Gencßta on November 7th, tho following accounts o. tho preparatory trials, to seleot tho former vessel, should provo of. general interest; — New York, Aug. 22. - Yesterday's yacht race occupies a large epaco in the morning papers. All accounts agree that it was a magnificent contest—a twenty milo boat dead to windward, and a run homo before tbo wind, Tho wind was strong, and tho sea exceedingly rough. Tho Puritan sho,tod tbo same superiority ovor tho Priscilla for windward work that she first manifested in tho race for tho Goolet cup. Both boats cro _ed tho lino at tho same timo, but the Priscilla took tho lead at once and thrice winded tho Puritan iv crossing tacks. The Puritan rounded the float at 2 2S, freed her shoots, lot hor mainsail swing to the larboard and scampered homeward Tho topmast was up at 2.31, and in nine teen minute, hor immense spinnaker wai broken out of tho stops and bulged liko a white balloon bot'oro the wind. Tho Priscilla wont round the flag at 2.40.M7, not so prettily as the white sloop. Tho tug Luckonbach, with tho Regatta Committeo on board, staited for the lightship just after the Priscilla turned the flag. The ongineor crowded on all stoam anil racod after tho white sloop, which, under the balloon jib, club top-sail and spinnakor, glided through crested sous likely a lovely skater in snowy attire The Priscilla'a spinnaker fluttered out at tho stops, and was caught by a puff of wind that hit it so hard as to snap the boom. Evory inch of tho Puritan's spotless duck was drawing finely. Tho tug going nt twolvo knots was unable to gain on hor. Tho flood tido helped the wind to propel tho wonderfnl Yankee. Interest in the finish of the Priscilla was becoming secondary to tlio contest between tho tug Luckenbdoh and the Puritan. Tho Luckenbach was ovor ono milo a.tern of tho white sloop whon, at 4.12,07, sho passed the lightship. Tho tug gained only half a milo on her in a 20 milo run from tho red flag. The big, i-hinitig, blacK-hullod boat finished at 4.22 03, just 9 f>S bohind the Puritan. Tho " Herald " says : Tho Puritan will unquestionably provo a competitor worthy of tho crack English cutter. The result of tho match is most encouraging. It shows that both the Puritan and the Priscilla are probably tho fa-test boats in our yachting Meet. The signal defeat of the Grade, which divided nith the Mischief tho honour of being tho clippor craft of the New York Yatch Club, indicates vast improvement in both model and sail plans.

New York, August 21—The second of a series of three ocean races between tho yachts Puritan of Boston and > the Priscilla ot Now York, to decide which should be put forward as the representative of America to compote with the English yacht Gonosta for the Quoen's cap, won some some years ago from tho British yacht fleet by the yacht America and since known as the America's cup, waa sailed to-day. The first trial race botween the Puritan and Priscilla was sailed yesterday, 20 miles dead to windward and return, and the Puritan boat her rival by 10 minutes. Tho race to-day was a distance of 40 miles ovor a triangular course, one third to windward, one third with the wind, and one-third with the wind abeam. The result was rather surprising, as the Priscilla reversed yesterday's verdict, winning by 6J minutes actual timo. ihe breeze was light and fairly steady, and the water comparatively smooth.

New York, Aug. 24.—1n tho third trial contest to-day between the Puritan and Priscilla, the Puritan won by il seconds actual time. The corrected time gives the Puritan the race by 1 minute and 52 Beconds. Of the three trial races the Puritan won the first in a strong breeze in 10 minutes, tho Priscilla won the second in oxtremoly light weather by 6i minutes, and the Puritan won the deciding ono to day in a moderate breeze and smooth water. While it is not actually decided that she is the yacht that will be selected to de fend the America cup, it is almost certain that sho will be chosen at the meeting of the New Yacht Club, to be held during the week.

The " Sun " said if the condition of the wind and sea were the same it would be rea sonable to choose tbe yacht making the bost two out of three races, but any kind of weather may bo had outside of Sandy Hook, and in tho lower bay. Tho record of the Genoeta showed that she had been the winnor only in a strongbrce.o. The record of tho Puritan not only showed this, but also that alio is a remarkably fast boat in light, variable winds.

Queen Victoria's Chum.

The conventional loaders on the royal wed ding which nppeared in all the papers lasi week woro full of lugubrious sympathy with the Queen on the losa which she is supposed to bo sustaining by the marriage of Princes. Beatrice. Aa tho Princess and her husband are to live with Her Majesty, there will bo littlo or no diminution in the intercourso between mother and daughter ; but, as a .natter of fact, the relations be tween the two havo never been of the close and confidential nature which people appear to think. They have always got on together as well as possible, although the Princess bai occasionally "kicked "at the preposterous restrictions which have been placed upon her as far as her going into society and attending theatres were con cearned ; and the Queen has allowed her to exercise a certain amount of power iv small matters about the court; but, for people living under the same roof, the Queen and her daughter have seen wonder fully little of each other, seldom mooting, indeed, except for drives and at lunch and at dinner. The people with whom the Queen really lives, in whom she thoroughly contideß, who understand her, and to some extent influence her, are her four favourite ladies, especially the Dowager Marchioness j of Ely (who comes first), Dowager Duchess of Rox'._r 0 . -"London Truth/ I

REMINISCENCES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Escape of the Chatham Island Prisoners.

[By the Sergeant of this Guard.]

Some timo ago a Maori love romance, pro fessedly founded on the escape of th° Chatham Islands prisoners, nnd purporting to be written by tho mate of tho Rifleman, was copied into the Star Although from the nature of the incidents it was manifest that the story was in the main fictional, it was thought by some connected with the names calculated to place in an uufair light an event which is really one of tho highest historical interest. A letter from Captain Christian (master of tho schooner Killemun, in which tl*.o prisoners escaped) appearing in our issue of Septem ber 24th, showed conclusively that the writer could not havo been tho mate of this vessol, and that whenever ho passed from romance, and professed to describo tho facts of the case, it appears that ho mado such ridiculous blunders that any ono having a knowledge of the circumstancos of tho oscapo, or being acquainted with the parties concerned, could see at onco_ it was a mere sailor's yarn We think that so many years having elapsed since tho occurrence of the event, a reliable narrative of its stirring incidents will be read with great interest throughout the colony. With this view wo havo obtained from the Sergeant of tho Guard the following graphic statement of tho occurrence, which has beon substantiated by others present :-- The smart schooner Rifleman, Captain Christian, sailed from Wollington tho latter end of Juno, 1868, with several Maori passengers, besides Europeans. Onarriving at the Chathams, tho only vessel at anchor was tho cutter Florence, subsequently des troyed by tho natives to prevent any danger of thoir being chased and recaptured.

The Guard,

When the Rifleman arrived at Chatham Islands thoro wero in charge of the natives the small force of 9 rank and file, and the captain commanding, Captain Thomas, who I can only describe as thomost conscientious, gentlemanly officer ever engaged in Her Majesty's service There wero between throe und four hundred Maoris, many of whom woro notoriously fierco and blood thirsty characters, and with such a cunning leader as Te Kooti, it may easily beimagined that the greatest precaution hud to bo taken by men of the guard, who would bo the first to suffer if an outbreak took place. Having described the number of the guard and of the prisonors, it will be readily un derstood that the guard felt the necessity of extreme vigilance at all times. Captain Thomas evidently felt tho great responsi bility of his position. He was over on the alert, and his uncoasiog watchfulness and attention to duty had its corresponding influence upon tho mon, If any other stimulus was wanting boyond the presence of several hundred turbulent natives, whoso recognised ferocity had influenced the New Zealand Government in removing them.as far as possible, and whoso treacherous natures had beon so well illustrated by various diabolical outrages during tho time of the war. When any one refkrts on tho position of this small band of ten men, surrounded by hundreds of desperate savages, the only matter for surprise iB that they bad the courago to remain a single day. What made tho situation more critical was the fact that tho Government had given strict orders for the natives to be allowed perfect freedom, and to be permitted to go wherevor thoy liked, contrary to the wish of the command ing officer, who hoddistinctly warned the Go vernment of tho weakness of their position. From tho first day of their landing on tho islands, the natives had an irrepressible longing to return to New Zealand, and it afterwards transpired that To Kooti, in predicting their escape, told them that if no vessol came in July, to givo them tho opportunity of departing, ho would go to an adjacent height to a place called Tiki- Tiki, from which eminence he would com mand tho waters to divide, and they should all walk on dry land from the Chatham Islands to tho Now Zealand Coast, as tho Israelites of old hud crossed the Ked Sea in ; escaping from tho Egyptians. Whether To I Kooti had personally been advised that tho Rilloman was to put in an appearance iv July or not, may bo a matter for specula tion, but having made the prophecy that such would be the case, it will bo ca .ily imagined that tho appearance of this fine-looking schooner sailing up tho bay on July 3rd causo. intense excitemont, which, however, was not apparent to observers. Te Kooti's plan of escape, as it was afterwards under stood,exhibited consummate tact nnd ability. At about noon was tho time appointed for them to tako action, and they assembled, to outward appearance, as if nothing un usual was about to happon, being in ordinary attire as far as external dress, but underneath tho orthodox blankets each warrior had a tomahawk stuck in a waistbelt, sharpened liko razors, with flax bands, beautifully prepared, ready for use. At this early atago I (tho Sergeant of tho Guard) passed the remark to Tama hene that the cutter Florence, thon beating up could not sail very close to the wind, and the Maori laughingly replied, " Knpai tho Rifleman." I then went into tho lte doubt, where some natives wero standing, wailing, apparently, for orders. I said to the men of the guard thoy were to relievo one another in turns, and come two at a time to the Court-house for their money where Captain Thomas was at the time.

Capture of the Rodouht. A few minutes after this wo were having a chat, when one of the guard rushed into the Court-house and called out, "Have you heard the news! The Maoris have taken possession of the Redoubt." Captain Thomas said : "Marshall, run up to the Redoubt and fall in the men." I put on my tup coat, for it was raining, and ran along tho beach about 200 yards. Mr Shand, tho Native Interpreter, came out of tho Court *' house and asked me to be cautious, as they could see bayonets gleaming on the parapet, which wos now tho possession of the natives Tho three of us arrived at the drawbridge together, and I thon said: "Captain Thomas, you give the orders yourself," The Redoubt gates were open, and we could see a tremendous crowd of natives inside. They had brokon into the magazine, and were filling pockets, pouches, and various articles with ammunition. Captain Thomas called out, " What does all this mean ?" A number of Maoris fixed bayonets and rushed at him. Several others provided with flax siezod him, threw him down, and dragged him violently into the Redoubt j tied his wrists so tight it cut the skin, and hia legs in a eimiliar manner. I said to Mr Shand: " *V'o had better retreat." A big Maori was interrupting our path, and wo knocked him down. Fivo Maorioa rushed out of the Redoubt and fired at us. One of the bullets struck my hat, and entered the hods of a Maori's boot. I fell down tho steps, and was afterwards in tho act of picking up my hat, when To Kooti appeared on the bank and called to the Maoris to stop firing. I then rushed down tho steps and forced my way through a party of natives oa the beach. 1 got through in safety to tho Court-house, and asked tho policeman where Captain Thomas's carbine was. He said: "Tho. Maoris have got it " A fowling pioco was hanging up. I took it down and hud londod it, just as tho natives camo up. The policeman said : " For God's sako put it down !" Ho know tho Maori language, and had heard them say that any ono who showed fight, was to bo killod. Ono.of tho Hau Hau chiefs camo up, and I a.kod : "Have you killed my wife or children?" He replied, "No! nor shan't you, unless you show light." Thrco of them seized me, and flung me violently headfirst into a cell, into which in a few minutes, they brought Mr Shand and two others of the guard. Thoro was a cell on the othor side of the building.into which Captain Thomas was placed. They put handcuffs on him in place of the bauds. After that somo others were incarcerated in a similar manner. Any person .flowing fight was roughly handled and securely tied. Ou the first rush into the Rudoubt a young man named Hartnell (son I think of Mr Hartnell, of Onehunga) thought the Maoris were sky larking, as tboy often had a bit of fun with the guards. Ho went at tho front Moari, named Tamahene, and knocked him down. The Maori rose in a fury, threw off his blanket, and drew bis toma hawk, making a desperate cut at Hartneil, who put; up his hands to ward the blow, and had several fingers cut clean off. The enraged native then aimed a tremendous blow, cleaving tho young man's hold right open, and killing him instantaneously, the body falling on the poor fellow's own bunk. Hie comrade, happening to be in the guard room, made an attempt to escape, but fell over a box down between the bunks, and tho blood from tho murdered man ran in streams over him, so that he afterwards presented a sickening spectacle, though fortunately not injured. During thi. dreadful scene Doctor Watson had left his quartet _, and puzzled, to know what the

proceedings were, camo toward tho Redoubt. As soon as he arrived he was seized by the natives, lashed securely by the arms and legs, and pitched on to ono of the bunks. I should here say that on the Maoris secur ing tho weapons there were not sufficient rifles for all .o have one, but the younger Hau Hans had prepared wooden stocks for fixing odd bayonets, and probably desired to tost the same, for on fixing them to tho stocks they proceeded to prick the doctor in various parts with their bayonets, making him bleed freely. Te Kooti interfered, and he was backed up by other leading nati /es, or tho young fellows would havo killed us all, as they wero becoming mad with excite ment, dancing and gesticulating in the wildest manner. At the time of my escape from tho drawbridge,'ono of the guard, named Homington, was very roughly handled, boing dragged by tho hair along rough ground into tho Redoubt, his flesh being much lacerated. Capture of tho Rifleman.

Whilo those incidents wore transpiring near the Redoubt, a party of ten natives had, in accordance with To Kooti's plan of operation, gone in tho Custom House boat to seize tho Rifleman, though to outward appearance thoy had the most pacific inten tions. Their riilea were hidden in the bottom of the boat, and tho crow (five only), suspecting no harm, and thinking the Maoris had merely come for cargo, as was customary, Nine of the Maoris jumped on deck, tho tenth handed up tho rifles, and the next instant the crew found themselves and the vessel in the hands of the natives One of the Maoris ascended tno rigging, and triumphantly fired off his ride as a signal to Te Kooti that tho vessel was captured. Tho crow were ordered below, tbe mate only being allowed ' < remain on deck. Tho captain at thi? time was ashore at the pah of a friendly tribe buying onions. The mate was asked if ho could navigate the vessel to Black Hills, between Napier and Poverty Bay, and he said he could, so they said they did not want tho captain. The Maoris put two of their number on sentry, fully armed, awaiting the arrival of the main body from the land. When Te Kooti learned the vessel was captured and in the hands of the natives, ho took Captain Thomas out uf the cell and marched him to the Court-house, where ho was forced to unlock tbe safe and hand over the money. There was between £400 and £500 in cash, .is settlers and also men of tho guard had entrusted their savings to Captain Thotpas, and each amount waa in a littlo bag. There being no bank, people were glad to avail themselves of so secure a place for their superfluous cash. To Kooti offered to take Captain Thomas awny with him and land him at New Zealan.l, but the gallant captain refuse J to desert hi* bravo little band, and stuck to his poet like a man. Considerable excitement vv,i_ caused at this time by Captain Beamirh, hotelkeeper, who had been in the army, making a tremendous resistance on the Maoris attempting to capture him He was a powerful man, six feet high, and he knocked the Maoris down with his fist One after the other as they came up, keeping a clear circle round him. Tho natives, with flax-bands in thoir hands, were conse quently unable to secure him, and they bo came quite infuriated and a cry was raised to tomahawk him. One of the guards, heaving this.called to Captain Beamish todesist fight ing, or he would bo killed. Heaccordingly re mained pasßivo,and wasimmediatesly Bei/.ed and roughly treated. He got so excited that, had he had hia revolver, ho would have shot the Maoris, and that would have led to all the guard being killed. Te Kooti's foraging party had meanwhile brokon into all tho house's adjacent, and carried away every article of value Mis Aloxander bhowed great presence of mind by taking a bag containing 100 sovereigns and dropping it into tho boiling tea-kettle. The people in tho next houso refused to open the doors, and the muzzles of the rifles were at o: co dashed through the windows with threats to fire on the inmates it they did not at once accede to tho requost to open the doors

Terrible Struggle for Life. Tho flax party had decided to hang Mr Chudleigh,who came into tho vessel, as they suspected him of poisoning the flour, nnd they proceeded to carry out their throat, a fearful struggle ensuing. He puthis fingers into his mouth to help him to keep his hands up so as to prevent them getting tho noose round his throat. He fastened his teeth so firmly into the finpers, and embedded then so tight, that tho fingers wero almost cut off. Fortunately hia persecutors observed that the reßt of the Maoris had left, the shore, and they suddenly left Mr Chudleigh and hastened to the beach. On their way down thoy caught Mr Hood, who had chartered the Rifleman. They tied him securely, and throw him helplesely on the beach,, leaving him secured in such a man ner that he would drown as tho tide rose. Tho tide had risen until the water splashed over his faco, when a man, observing his perilous position, rushod to the rescue, pulled him v pon shore, and cut his hands ft 00. The Maoris had now swarmed on. boa id j-ontries wero subsequently placed roi.nd the Court-house, and in a short time alter all tho natives re-assembled on the be.ioh and held a big korero to decide what wa. to be done with us. Some fiery spirits wanted to set fire to the Court-house and have a shot at anyono trying to escape, but the better-disposed natives counselled leaving the pakehaa to escape, as all they (the Maoris) wanted was their own liberty. At 5 o'clock at night they commenced to go aboard the Rifleman, after breaking to pieces al tho boats in the b-iy. The prin cipal veesel destroyed was the cutier Florence, which was accomplished by the crew of ten in tho Customs boat, tho sailors being first landed She nas thon set fire to and cut adrift all ablaze. The Customs boat referred to was taken on board tho Rifleman. The latter had a lmgo hatchway for cittle, and they put the b at bolow in ordor to hide from us that they wero still in possession of such, their inten tion being to retaliate on those on shore lij murdering everybody if any attempt waa made to recapture the vessel or interfere with thorn. Next morning, as we looked at them, it was thought they had no boat, nnd it was not until afterwards we were in formed they had so secreted it, to be ready in case of an attack from the shore, whon they would have returned and massacred us. A man named White was the first to come down to our rescue, and whon he found the Maoris had finally left the shore, he burst open the Court-house door. He was doubtful as to finding anyono alive, as it was repoited that I nnl others had been killed, Mr White libera'©* myself, Mr Shand, and three others. We then broke the lock of tho captain's cell and proceeded to leave, but had barely got clear of the building and wero going up the terrace, when one of the Chatham Island-natives shouted, "Here they come ashore again I" and euro enough we sau- a boat put off from the Rifleman, and we thought they had been getting at the grog and were coming back to kill us, bo we ran away with as much speed as possible, but could not go fast. Our captain, with his bands handcuffed behind him, had the greatest difficulty in ascending the cliff Mr Sband very kindly pushing him up the most difficult places. Fortunately the boat was only sent to put the crow ol the Florence ashore. I then proceeded to the Chatham Islands Maori pah, and there found to my great joy that our families were all safo Captain Thomas had all the guns collected from various puts of the Island, and every possible precaution taken to bo prepared for any attack, as the Rifleman was still lying at anchor, and it was fully expected that after touching fhe grog tli9y might yet return tilth diabolical intent. I took a child under each arm and crossed a big swamp,sleeping in tho bush all that night. Kext morning wo found tlio Rifleman had made a start to get out, list failed. All the settlers wero got together, and manned the Kedoubt, having got all the woman and children therein, and were fire pared to fight to the last. Sentries v ere parted along tho coast in anticipation of a return of the Rifleman, which, however, got off with the next tide, and,to our intense relief, was seen no more.

It- appears that when the news of the affair reached Government, it was repor-ed that tho whole of the settlers were mas sacred, and4o Hauhaus had been murde'od. The Government did not take very prompt steps to send assistance, a fortnight elapsing before relief camo, which wis, under the circumstances, very trying. The steamor Kilda t.eu arrived with Mr Cooper and a detachment of Armed Constabul try and a big gun. Meanwhile, we ha i re paired a boat, which was about to bo launched by Captain Christian and by the captain of the Florence, who were deter mined to sail for tho New Zealand cea_! in her if no vessel arrived. Mr Cooper ititer viewed Captain Thomas, and said that if any of the guard wished their discharge they could have it, so I caused the meo to fall in, and acquainted them with the . (for made. I decided to sell my station und cattle and implements, a.d settle down in New Zealand, in order that my family might benefit by tho educational and other advantages offering in older estab lished and more advanced communities. In looking back at the true position of matters, ono cannot but think that the New Zealand Government were greatly to blame

in hav k ng so insufficient a f„Zv^ such a multitude of eavagea £> N Tuke and Enrign Danvers '»«** **-*-» fere I joined, I had Rome HaukJ her *' fe at my station, and I felt con .&% 8 meant to escape. After I Z _.hattb. neeted with the guard afeout _ _.. ? -on reported to Captain 'IhomanhS'^.l chief brewing among the n _tiZ ■*** •alt tain Thomas communicatedi -hi.? % vernmenton the subject. Gapt l S? G-' ''Pr>;ared to be made aeeap_ g Xf -*» t. .held the Government f£l**A had it n-. .pen for stroiJ TJ. 1m **'«. on the subject he mi B btt .^^ It i. en almost incrediblef aofc t. f>% Thomas wn« at one time left wi_ . Ui» ccrpora! and three men, and h_! -T' y *• very positive application befo. l ol*9 granted an increased force m *"* coming to the conclusion that ffiiF^ ment wanted the natives to escape "^

THEATRICAL AND LITERARY NOTES.

(FROM OUR LONDON COEEE:IPOS te ,

LoND°-.-Septe m fc 8 j 10 Mary Anderson is making » m ' triumphal tour through the English vinces with the Company .he has M L^ for the States and Australia. Theyare it seems, generally thought a very btlu lot. After playing turn and turn about with all the good-looking jeuws p mk _ available, Miss " Mimi" has at laat.dec-dej in favour of Forbes Roberts,'.whoso M is rather modern comedy than Bfeat sperian drama. The " Pall Mall Gazette,: says it hopes Mr Abbey does not mean to foist Miss ..ndc-.-o.i'- present troupe 0D tl Americans and Australians aa a "represent-" tive London Company." |. (1 mustbet-■ aware it would hardly pi M s _ Urn '; scratch matinee . ' -

Liko "P.v,- Gl.wdum" "Stage:Dota,* and "Cur.lean Bros, titid-Co.;','. .__ ny-' of Wid.;iv..k_liold " has worked up hitoa temporall.y popular success, and fo Gaiety Theatre is once morecrowdediiiglit.- Your old acquaintance, Lyttou Bother." opens this evening with " Brother Sam but few p.opleoare to come early,enoothic see much of him. The burlesque!. (___\, traction Arthur Robert?, {li.raoect'ulls travestying Irving'* mo"t famoua -'poipt.' keeps the house in shouts of langfatcr Some of his " gags" are capita; __A Leigh, asking for a "tip"- fur genii; rendered, reeeive-i, instead, "two di«< ■lircles for the Dogs' Home," and in inforajj that he needn't wear evening drees then though a collar ia considered indispehsable! A topical eong detailing what the wick&i vie;ir "heard from tho postman's. Bister" makes a "hit"—one verse, whichsnggecti that "Chiei Commissioner.'! Stead, of tin " Small Gal Gazette," shall be raisedtotls House of Lords as "Duke of Holjwell street," being received with . raptuians applauee llio promenade concerts at Covi.it Garden are once again in full swing, a very catchy and melodious vocal waltz, "J^ Voices," taking the place of "See Ban," Miss Amy Shei win has been engaged moa of the leading vocalists for the season.

The health of Mr G. K. Birns has,! regret to hear, broken down, audhti.goiag abroad to take complete rest. Hi! ns? play for the Adelphi, ," Hathour lights,* will be produced on Boxing Eight, .., "Dark Days" is underlined for profa tion at the Hayinnrket Theatre on the 26. inst. The ca.t includes Miss Liogar., Mi Besrbohm Tree, Mr Maurice Barrymoie, Mr Robert Patemap, and Miss Lydia Fort They say, sit ihe Savage Club, the piece! suretosucceed. " Alive or l)ead,"_et_t!« voiume novel written by flug_ Conwi; for the Sheffield "Telegraph," and a top syndicate of provincial weekly papere, cotr mences serial publication in October, It short tales and fragments left by the it ceased author are now appearing in ihi Liverpool "Echo" and Yorkshire "Post," Forthcoming premieres include a revira of "Falka" at the Avenue Theatre "Mc-phisto" (Mr Willis's veMOD o "Faust") at the Lyccuto, with living t tho title role, Terris as! Faust, and Mil Terry as Marguerite; "Human Nature,' by Harris and Petti., at Drury Lane;; burlesqueiy Paulton,entitled'"TheYaps, at the Novelty; a ballet, " Nana," at ft Alhambra ; and a new comic opera at ft Comedy. ■ .-,.! •'-.'; During tho short recess o! little hi than a month, the Lyceum has been in verted into the handsomest and most cat fortable theatre in London. .Its magi ments were always tolerably perfect, \i tho ceiling or gridiron required lift slightly, tho spaces between the row: stalls enlarging, and the entire auditorit: renovating with less gloomy hanging.,* These alterations have now been mi and the change in the appearance of it houso in consequence is remarka-i "Olivia " still fills the programme; New Books.

The volume oi the " English llltifc Magazine" for 1835, which a josl i* cannot be called a dear book. Iterate: Hugh Conway's " F_j_ilyA_air r "_mjj_'.' and a vast miscellany of articles, '.tone-ii verse, not to mention 300 wood-cnt lilt! trationsby mauycf Kiigland'.greiitettli*, artists. Altogether, eight -hilling- « not seem much for such literary "t»K trovo." The serial for the *86volume,» commences with the October number,.-IB be by D.\vid Christie Muir.y, and torn"* rather commonplace title "Aunt .acta- If, however, it proves only hall Mjorti- tbe samo author's powetfu.' tdJ '&" Gold," now running in the'''WW* readers of the "English Illustrated w have little to complain of. ~„:._.;. Two average good novels, wra™ Law," by Lady Margaret M«jo»V« » Whn'.'_ His Offence ?"' byw WW* author, appeared in the Mfrl'vW" lust week " Sieter_-i.-_U W ;'fe*g«ft written and perfectly harnta W*g with the small family troubles of W*> of position" The herois.au* ; heroine an earl's daughter, andtw*. of the story of the trivial char*eter M to befal aristocratic •d"f**S tuted personages. NoveHhete ggg not without, interest; r-orwr.^* be introduced into Ihe Urietert M£» "What's His Offence rde ßi er.bj«fte«B ing out of an elaborate fraud Being**. concealed that even the reader J nothing till it is disclosed. >m™? m evidently been well t'.oughtj n*«** fully written. On-M**^ powerful tele, but it is <* * «■W « - and readable. A cheap ecu IJgj Mft Davitt. "Pri'on Dtay.^Jfift week, at eighteenpence wMS jj, widely bought M«g?SS&. Lynn Linton; .^Mfc*** to tho "shilling rlro-dfu c , "At Bay," by the forme . «*i together little story l%T,m paratively unhackneyed _abj.ct. 4 , Mail," by Mr Mountrey *jg*ft, •the. hand, deserves therein What Messrs Warne can h»J^ to publish this rot, and to esu» tho title ot •'£40,000- »*s> stuniditv hitherto so Id as "Vjfcii Rungapore," I can't think. W» # Dark," Mrs Linn Linton's «gggflo issued to-morrow, when .B"»^ ( the County," by Miss raT^of!. promised. A clever IfjSjrf philosophical, sem^astronom^*^ Lmourous gossip, "Memo.rsrfaß fc! which sold woll at ss, is »°" . for a shilling. Co „ tf , m ber w"- B*?' " Temple Bar'for Septemf^B most interesting article on » presses in ISS.," which 3U ]U fe M know what real railway tn '^ p read. A paper on the ■f^rf Player," in "C-ornbiU, «vii perusal. Otherwise, the Septet" zincs aro dull. _^

The Bad and Worthless.

M 6 never imitated or •"■ggiil*' especially true of a '^"Ktf.tf1; positive proof that the remedyw^^ highest value. *"£!!&_._■£! and proved by the whole was the purest,bent,and rf^gsfr. medicine on earth, and began to steal thoaOtioMi^^.l. and the people of **£%s*s merits of H. 8., «nd to «« J &* lnduoe Buffering invalid* » , y* instead, expecting »^ffj*& and good name of » B^^tt**V > noßti-ums.put up la **&&#* *£ variously devised -JgMsrtß " Hop or "Hops" were mm» « people to believe Bitters. All-mohfe-ended'^Mf"*.; no matter what their ltf» W especially those ■MjS&ftim' "Hon. "ia their nam«. or in «£ $&>*. counterfeits. Bewarei of Wfr yg p them Use nothing hutiflgg&f rf<®« Bitt_™, $*>»_r^i*A'w_ on the white label, ana m Zo< to the glass, tW »nd Chemist!i are vff , lmit»tl9JJ» or oo'n,tttlW

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, *BSS.

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