RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamiel.]

(Stone wrlto, a neighbour's name to In?h, P.intu write—vain ihoujshtl—for now! fill cash, Homo write to plciuso Die country clash. Anil v.iiau a din. Vor ma. Ml aim I never fash— 2 write for tun.

The Hon. Mb Bucklet was pleased to gay, whon in Auckland lately, that tho Old People's Rofugo was " a disgraco to the city." I don't know whether he holds similar pronounced views with regard to that other "charitablo institution," the District Hospital; if he does, ho keeps them to himself; but this I do know—that a good many people would not hesitate to apply to the Hospital, as presently managed, the broadly damnatory phrase of th 0 Colonial Secretary. It does not mako the thing any better to say thnt other hospitals in the colony aro as bad or worso than ours, for that would bo ondcavouring to porform the futilo feat of 'making one white out of two or moro blacks. What with " bad blood" botween tho Houso Surgeon and medical staff, dissensions iv tho internal economy, and general bung ling and mismanagement, things havo reached such a pass that nothing short of sweeping and radical reform n ill moot tho necessities of tho case. To go no furthor back than tho present year, what a shock ing record does not the Hospital show ! Thoro was, first of all, that unfortunate man injured mortally at the races, who had to lio for an hour without tho alloviation of medical aid. Next wo had that shocking scandal—too tenderly trentod by tho press —of tho unhappy man Spargo strickon dead by lightning, presumably for want of lightning conductors for tho building, and the cause of his death most carefully con coaled from the public. Putting those two occurrences together, "Ztuniol" confesses to an "uncanny" feeling as ho calculates the possibilities which may happen to a man in Auckland Hospital. A poor fellow suffering from serious injuries may die bo cause the House Surgeon is away on other business, and because tho porter has strict notions regarding his duty and peculiar ideas as to what constitutes " gentlemanly conduct" ; yet the public would know no thing of it; his death would be rocorded with aome big words attached detailing the ostensible cause, and there would be an end of the matter!

The quiet way in which Spargo's doath wns attributed to "concussion of tho brain" formed not the least remarkable feature in the discreditable business. It suggests the probability of such reports, with after-explanations, as the following:— 11R. U. Mattix.— Died 12th January of congestion of tho lungs; no inquest neces sary." It transpired at a meeting of the Committee that decoasod contracted his fatal illness through lying in a bed next a window, which was left open during a south-westerly storm, bocause tho porter was not asked in a "gentlemanly " manner to close it, ami tho unfortunate Mattix was so holpless that he could not. close it him self.

"D. Tremons—Died 17th January ; cause of death, spinal affection; no inquest." The hospital steward, in answer to a ques tion, explained to the Committee that his reason for placing iron bars across certain windows was to prevent insane pationts from leaping out and sustaining fatal in jury, (ib did the patient D. Tremons. The death of this patient, certified as spinal affection, was duo to his breaking hi* neck by leaping out of a three-story window while in delirium.

"N. 0. Pensive—Died 21st January of violent haemorrhage ; natural cause." The Committee, in discussing tha desirability of haviug separate rooms for the treatment of insane and delirious patients, were casually informed of ft frightful tragedy that recently occurred in the Hospital. A lunatic patient, who hail attempted suicide and was under treatment, had seized a carving knife and cut tho throat of a paralytic patient named N. 0. Fensive. As there was no doubt it was a pure accident, no in quest was deemed necessary on the poor fellow, who died almost immediately from tho frightful wound inflicted, a very "natural" consequence of having his jugular vein severed, says tho doctor. Such examples, I submit, might occur at any time in the Hospital, and are not one whit more unlikely than tho certifying of Spargo's death as due to "concussion of the brain," and the concealment of tho real cause, with suppression of all inquiry and reform. And I humbly submit that such tilings should not be possible, much less " overtake ua like a summer cloud, without oar passing wonder." Of course, lightning rjd3 have been ordered for the Hospital, and we shall probably hear nothing of deaths from "concussion of the brain" for a time. But it geems to me that there should be some other sort of rod provided— «-a rod in pickle," say, for some of the offending officials, or a bit of that rod which S jlomon recommends for " the fool's back."

Of nineteenth century shams and hum • bug, the pretence that public appointments gj by merit alone is about the biggest. In tae nature ci things it isn't possible that a man without influence in the right quarter can succeed against one who has a friend at Court; but the worst of it is that pablicbodies.bykeeprngupthoforin of doing taese things on the square, delude and often -Injure deserving men. Take, for instance, the note appended to Council and other ad vertisements warning applicants that any one of them guilty of canvassing members will be disqualified. Some candidates are simple enough to let their applications go in on their merits, beli«v:ing that all must do the same. They are novices at the busi ness. A very pretty distinction is made hsre: applicants may not canvass, but their friends may and do. The consequence is that instead of being bothered by one canvasser, and he an applicant whose qualifications can thus be brought under review, they are besieged by dozens. In the case of a matron advertisied for the Girls' High School, ladies in high positions con descended to button-hole members of the Board, with whom they had not the most distant acquaintance, on behalf of their several proteyes, XXX Tho appointment of engineer for the pumping works was no better. A very large number of undeniably good men were tempted to place themselves in competi tion, believing they would have a fair chance. Many of these men held good ap pointments that might bo imperilled by it becoming known that they were seeking other employment AVhtit was the result ? The votes of the Council, taken solely upon members' own opinions, fa.voured two candi dates other than the one appointed. His selection was caused by the intervention of the Waterworks Engineer before the final ballot. The naan appointed is admittedly « good engineer, and well fitted for the place, but not more so than the men who were competing with him—in fact, all were certified to by the Waterworks Engineer as thoroughly competent men. Ana yet they did not get fair play. If the final decision waa to rest with the engineer, the fact should have been known, and the farce of ballotting for the men in open Counoil (exposing their namea to employers) ought te have been avoided. I believe that it 18 a proper thing that the engineer who ia held responsible for the works ought trj faavo a voice in the selection of the ■subordinate w ho carries on the working management; but if the Council coincide with this view, why not openly avow it, and not reheard a farce which may soothe the civic vanity, b,ut doea 80 at tne expense of ■deserving men, who approach the corporate body in a thoroughly honourable and con fidential way-a confidence that ought to be respected.

"Zamiel" has no sympathy with Sun day trading, nor ha 3 he any sentiments in common with those who harp on the gross immorality of robbing the poor man of his •heer; but he certainly thinks that the aggressive taotics adopted by some fanati cal teetotallers ia also in questionable taste. Last Sunday a respectable bonifaco who wuns a suburban hostelry was somewhat astonished when ho saw a lugubrious-look ing individual.attired in black, post hiinpolf <on a doorstep opposite the hotel, and pio 'dnce a note-book. The sad-looking man, vhose nose possessed the effulgence of a •annset in one of those .cheap chromos, sat from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. When the publican returned from church the watyhful tee« totaller on the doorßtep made a note of the »ct, and when subsequently his son and *

lodger entered by the side door, another entry was rocorded in his note-book. Bonifaco does not do a big Sunday trade, though ho does not object to ohligo a thirsty friend, and ho folt very much

nettled at the action of the man opposite. At last his Hibernian blood got tho better of his discretion, so girding up his loins, he crossed the road and upbraided the watcher in his choicest manner, cursed him i as an informer, and wound up by suggest ing an appeal to fisticuffs. The sad-looking watcher, aftor listening to tho tirade, scowled and spoke thus: "See here, boss, you'ro barking up the wrong tree. Fact is, you tako me for one of them darned torn poranco spies. I ain't. I'm moroly a pub lican out of harness. I heard as how your pub was for sale, and as I was led to be liovo you did a snug Sunday trade without any risk, I had serious thoughts of making an otl'or to your brewer. But I thought I'd come up lirst and sco what sort of a Sunday trado you did. I'vo dono so, and from what I've scon I reckon it's not good enough for mo. Why, I'vo been hero six or seven hour?, and you haven't had moro than forty across your door! Oh no ! I don't want to buy a pub with a Sunday trado Hko that." So tho publican and tho ox-publican shook hands, liquored up, and tho licons-ce of tho Hotel hus had his eyes opened to tho fact thatovory red-nosed man iv a black suit is not a temperauco spy.

Profossor Hugo has .stirred up tho iro of our Gorman rivals in tho South Pacific by his disparaging roforoncos to tho Gonnnns as colonists, and wo have boon troatod to a little Danish-Gorman war on noutral ground. Wo want nothing moro to assuro us that Schleswig-Holstoin lias not been for gotten. Mr Yon der ileydo's retort was vigorous, and did justico equally to tho in tolligenco, pugnacity, and mitionnl on thusiasin of tho sons of tho Fathorland ; but tho Professor was right, notwithstand ing. If tho Germans aro good colonisers, where aro their colonies ? There aro French colonies, Spanish colonios, Portuguoso colonies, Dutch colonios, all moro or less badly managed, but tho Germans havo not oven reached tho stago of attempting to manago colonies. Tho want of n large sea board and a soafaring population no doubt partly accounts for it; but no continental country has contributed moro to the stream of colonisation than Germany, yot, instead of striking out now paths, tho people havo contentedly swelled tho volumo of Anglo- Saxon oxpansion and boon gradually ab sorbed in it. To make successful colonists something moro than industry, persever ance, and intolligonco is wanted—all these qualities Germans possess in a very high dogreo; thoro is tho faculty of govern ment. That is what made tho Romans inaators of tho world, and tho prince-ridden and military-bound empire has not yot be gun to understand what it moans.

A Gorman military officer, and a gontle man to the core—poor fellow ! ho was lost in tho bush at Coromandel a year or two later —once gave me a most amusing account of his first impressions of colonial public opinion. Frosh from the Fatherland, he had just quartered himself at an hotol in Melbourne, when, taking up tho morning journals ho rend, with amazement, a violont attack upon tho Government. "That writer will be lodged in gaol beforo to-morrow," ho mcntallyobsorved, "and tho newspaper con fiscated." Butlo! on tlio morrow the paper came out wovso than before, and no one seemed disturbed. He was astounded, and it took him weeks to understand how this rough criticism could go on without the Government vindicating its authority by putting its assailants in gaol. Englishmen have no conception of the system of espionage, coercion, and despotism which strll holds liberty in fetters in tho empiro ruled by the apostle of blood and iron. Until Germans are trusted to rule them selves at liomo, they will mako a poor masquerade of self-government abroad.

A historical parallel, by Jingo ! Long years ago thoro was a beauteous maiden who lovedono well "against her father and mother's will;" and her lover was wont to proceed to a little island in the centre of the lake, and breathe.wooing accents from his tlute towards that part of tho mainland whero his love was jealously guarded. And the maiden proved once more that "Love lajghs at locksmiths" and things generally, for she managed to- break loose, and swam across ths lake to the arms of her expsetant swain. And, of course, they got married, and lived happy all their days, as all true lovers always do—in novels I That maiden's name was Hinemoa. And now for the parallel. Just the other day, across the blue waters, thoro came from an island the wooing sound of a Saraoan invitation to fly to tho embrace of love. The strain was hoard, andourHinemoa, slendorand graceful (though some newspaper scribe has called her " rakish "); prepared to Hy to the arms of her Tutanekei. And . But there the parallel ends, for Hinemoa has not swam across tho laka to the little island, and does not seem at all likely to do so either. Fact is, her stern papa—Great britannia—caught her just as she was about taking the decisive plunge, gave her a good " jawing," and ordered her home in a couple of hurries. They say, however, that History is sure to repeat itself; so (always supposing this is a case of true love and affection), I suppose we may rest assured that Hinemcn will yet get away to the youth who sighs for her and cries for her, and the envious step-brother—Germania—will ono morning look into Tutanekei's tent and see " four feet" sticking out where two were wont to be, and we will then know that truo love has got that reward which it always gets in tho bread-and-buttor-miaa novels of the period.

I was walking leisurely the other evening up that gradually rising thoroughfare lying pleasantly between the green slopes of the Domain and dusty Symonds-streot, agreeably accompanied (as reporters say) by a number of artistes, whose attractive names lam unable to give. There was a special charm apart from the minstrelsy of the birds" in this leafy paradiso of Nature, and that charm proceeded from at least a scoro of pianos. I felt cortain that a pianoforte finds a lodgment in every second house in this musical locality. Tho suc cessive repetition of sweet sounds convinced me that, if not o literary people, tho Auckland folk are intensely musical, and prefer the piano to the old-fashioned mangle, and the music stool to the latest, invention in sewing machines. Music has a soothing and beneficent influence in tho quiet evening hour; but it would be very sad if music alone absorbed the entire at tention of young_ ladies to the exclusion of useful home service. Ido not disparage tho cultivation of music, which, as Martin Luther said, "makespeople milder, gentler, more moral, and more reasonable," nor do I disbelieve tho thought of Mazzini, the Italian patriot, who considered "music an echo of the invisible world."

I think the Board of Education was right in having the children at the public ichools taught the rudiments of music, and, by means of teachers, enabling scholars to appreciate harmony, and, as Mr Mc- Kenzie Fraser recently said in a lecture on music, I hope that day is far distant when the singing master's services will be dis pensed with. Some people seem to think that there is a sort tif magic about music which renders it equally delightful to all. An education, however, is needed before a person con enter even partially into the mind of music. A savage could enjoy a rollioking tune like " Pop goes the weasel," but it is only possible for one here and there to perceive the beauty or hear the harmony which is contained in the works of the great masters. In the thoroughfare referred to, one may hear on a still evening every variety of music, from the sublime in Handel to the quick hymnetio airs of Sankey, and the pensively beautiful " Last Rose of Summer." Verily, Grafton Road is a musical locality j Here my musings were abruptly, terminated by the sudden appearance of two huge dogs, which rushed against me and tumbled me over. The "music" which for the next few minute,; resounded in the immediate locality was not of a kind calculated to make listeners gentler or more moral!

Mr Raskin has been instructing and en tertaining the people of England with a series of lectures delivered at Oxford. They appear to be cv things in general, and in one of the most recent he indulges in the following criticism of certain classes of English society :—"lfind now that the ideal in the minds of all young people, how ever amiable and well meaning, is to parry as soon as possible, and then to live in the most fashionable part of the largest town they can afford to compete with the rich inhabitants of, in the largest house they can strain their incomes to the rent of, with the water laid on at the top, the gas at th« bottom, huge plate-glass windows out of which they may look uninterruptedly at a

brick wall, a drawing-room on the scalo of Buckingham Palace with Birmingham fittings, and patent everythinga going of themselves everywhere — with, for all intellectual aids to felicity, a few bad prints, a few dirty and foolish books, and a quantity of photographs of tho people they know, or of any passing celebrities. This is tho present ideal of English lifo, without exception, for the middle classes—and a more miserable, con temptible, or criminal one never was formed by any nation under tho wondering stars. It implies perpetuul anxiety, lazy and cnjustifiaplo pride, innumerable potty vexations, daily more poignant greed for money, and tho tyivn'. •us compulsion of tfco labouring poor into every form of misery ; and it implies, further, total ignoranco of all tho real honour of human lifo and beauty of the visible world."

Theso rather forciblo romarks no doubt hit tho mark truly enough, but whether oven Mr Ruskin's influence will havo much effect in bringing about a reformation does not admit of much discussion. Carlylo was n prophet crying unhoodod in tho wildor ness, and Mr Euskin's fate will probably bo a similar ono. Nay, Carlylo, it would soom, lias met with a worso fato still; ho w nnt merely a solitary prophet, but his very right to the titlo is denied, and some pigmy shakes his puny list and throatons him with a damnatory opitaph ! So low has tho seer of Cholsea fallen.

Is it possible that Mr Ruskin can over corao to auch an ond as that? A counter-, foit David trampling on a prostrate Goliath ? Woll, hardly; unless some exceptionally candid friend docs for him what Mr Froudo has dono for Carlylo. Supposo Mr Allen, of "Sunnysido, Orpington, Kent," the chemist who publishes Mr Ruskin's works, should somo day astonish the world with "Momorials" or "Reminiscences," and far a time bo smirch tho great art critic's domostic reputation. I imagino, I say, that it is prosontly revealed that Mr Kuskin was in tho habit of reading and gloating over "dirty and foolish books" (i.e., such as Ouida's novels), delighted in bad prints and chonp oleographs ; possossod Dr. Johnson's fondness for tho town ; and privately con sidered Turner as tho most iiiß'ino daubor that over spoiled good cauvas. What a fuss thoro would bo ! How tho literary dwarfs would ravo and write, " I told you so !" But whon theso personal squabblos have subsided, whon tho actors in tho little comedies and smaller farcos liavo quitted the stago and all tho dust has subsided, what then ? Could Ruskin bo permanently ontombod, and will Carlyle novor omorgo from tho obloquy now obscuring him?

I have to acknowledge two communica tions in roply to my last weok's random ro marks on tho Now Zealand Timber Com pany's fire. Tho first is an indignant pro test from ono workman against being slumped in with the gonoral crowd of im providents who aro "going round with tho hat." lam very glad indeed to learn that thero aro a numbor of tho Company's employees who have that feoling of manly independence that would scorn to accept extraneous aid, ovon though they have sufferod com plete loss of tools ; and if any of theso aro non-Unionists, they will soon, I foel assured, bo led by their providont instincts to join the Union. "Veritas," writing from Pon sonby, says :—

"Dear Zamiol,—l ngreo with a groat de«l you have said, but I think you are in error on one groat point, and that is, in ad vising tho mill hands to join tho Car ponters' and Joiners' Society. You must know ono of tho objocts of tho Socioty is to keep up tho starJUard rato of wages, which is at present, and has been for years, 10s per day. The mills pay from 7s to 9s per day to joiners. Throw men, If they were to join tho Society, would bo the veriest loafers and deadheads the Socioty could possibly get hold of. Why cannot tho mills pay tho same wages aa tho contractors, and so put their workmon on a level with other men? This is one of tho reasons the Socioty has not so many members as it ought to have. If those who had their tools burnt at tho last two mill fires had been getting full wages, their lossos would have been made up "immediately by subscriptions. As it is, mon who work for a low wage are treated with contempt. They should form a society amongst themselves."

That may all bo very true, friond " Veritas," but I confess I do not admire the spirit in which it is ovidontly enid. There is an animus, I fear, against the mill owners, together with a feeling of " con tempt" for the underpaid workmen. The question of rate of wagas has nothing to do with the point under discussion, which is the making of provision against loss of tools by firo. "A'eritas" must see that if all the mill hands were to join tho Carpenters' and Joiners' Society thoy comW easily abrogate the standard of wages rule. Ido not believe at all, however, in the dedd level of wages_ which some trade societies try to maintain, unless they a-e also careful to secure a uniform degree of skill in tho workmen, whioh is impossible of complete attainment.

Warfare in the Soudan.

Zuisii ! fly a coupie of rockets, followed by tho sharp bang of a section of howitzers. Eagerly wo watched tho efl'oct, but tho rockot3 burst upon our own men, and though tho bhclls had been nicely timed, thoy seemed to make but little impression. Breaking from cover, tho enemy sweeps with an inward curve right and left, his oxtromo Hanks converging towards tho opposing angles of our square. Now file-firing com mences from tho front diroctly assailed, the m«n having been cautioned to aim. Nearer thoy swept, horse and foot closing on either flank, but as they came within our zone of fire thoy butted forward, hit to death. The Nordonfeldts have now got to work, and within a few minutes the leading mob, for it was but that, fell in piles. But fanaticism knows no check. The chosen chiefs of tho Mahdi woro them, followed by thoir own chosen henchmon

And what gallant men worq they ! Right up to the cannon's mouth, right up to the rifle muzzle, dauntless they rode, encourag ing their followers with the promise of paradise to break our square .Sheikh after sheikh went down with his banner, although the Mahdi had assured oach that ho was invulnerable, and thoir faithful but misguided followers fell in circles around the chiefs thoy blindly fol owed They never wait to be attacked. Thoir onslaught is furious. Thoy sweep down on thoir foe in one sudden rush, and their plan of battle is invariably to throw their enemy into confusion by the rapidity of their attack, which always takes place in the open. We had to traverse dense woods and jungles on our march. The chances in their favour would have been immense had they attacked us while we were making our way through these obstacles, but their instincts and traditions taught them that such a mode of warfaro would not be chivalrous.—(" With Hicks Pasha in the Soudan," by Col. J. Colborne.)

A Railway Romance.

A youno lady entered a railway carriage at Brighton several weeks ago. Her aristrocra tic manner and rich elaborate toilet seemed somewhat out of place in the plebeian sur roundings of the third-class railway carriage which she entered. Drawing her skirts about her, she retired as far as possi ble into a corner, and gazed persistently out of the window. On the opposite side Bat a neatly-attired young man, with very white hands and an air generally suggestive of the clergy. He glanced at the fair vision in the corner frora time to time in a reproachful manner. She looked furtively at him from beneath her lashes, and with a pretty puck ering of her brow, seemed trying to recall where Bhe had met him. That his face was familiar was evident, and finally deciding that he rightfully belonged to the army of captives that had laid their hearts at her feet at Scarborough last August, she con eluded to end his misery by recognising him. He was well dressed and apparently well bred. Ho, turning with a little stare of recognition, their eyes met; and she bowed stiffly. He seemed delighted, and changing his seat to her side, he said, " You are very kind to remember me." "Ohno ;" she replied, with an air of polite reserve, " I re call perfectly the occasion on which we met.'' A few commonplaces followed, and, emboldened at his success, the gentleman said gravely, as he produced a card, "I hope you wUI permit me to call upon ypu again. a She glanced .at the .card, a wave of colour swept over her face, and the train stopping, she drew down her veil and bouncecLout of p he carriage wjth the swift ness of a tennis bail. The address upon the card read t—H. Bulfinch, (Bbjroppd/st. Corns and bunions extracted without pain."

SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zoalaud,

HelonßVille Turf Club Mectiui: .Tau. 20 Takapuna .I.C. Summer Jan. SI Wellington J.C. Sumiuor Fob. I and fi Wellington U.C. Summer Feb. (i and 7 Dunedin J.C. Autumn Feb. W, 27, and ->8 WatiKanui J.C. Autumn March 5 and (i North Auckland (Dargavillc) Races..March G. 7 Oanmru J.C. Autumn March 17 and 18 Hnwkc'B Jinv J.C. Autumn ....March 17 and lil T.J.C. Anniversary Moulint;... .Muroh T, and 28 Auckland IC.C. Autumn April 4 and (i C.J.C. Autumn Mettinß April (iand 7 Auckland H.C. Stooplochaso Meeting .,.. J uno (i Australia. Sydnoy Turf Club Mooting January 2(i V.X.C Autumn Fobruury 28, March 5,7 A. J.C. Autumn April C, 8,10,11

To Correspondents.

W.M.— Tho Poot carried 7at lib whon ho won

tho Wollington Cup lust year. Auckland.—Talobcurar wa» Rol by Albany from Toll Tulo; Fusilior, by Muskot from Yuttorina. Both aro ownod by Mr I. Butlor. Ihquiukb.—Aooorcllnß to racing rule, if a horso ran rourth, and was placed by tlio Jiulkc ho would bo considorcd (he winner, In the evont of the throo horses flrat iiiißt tho poat being uiaiiuiililied.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Thk acceptances and general entries for tlio two mootinga to bo hold nt Wellington during tlio first wook of Fobrunry camo to hand this week, and judging by tho very largo nurabor rocoivod, it would acorn tlmt tho sports of tho Empiro City ■will witness tho boat raco gathorings that have yot taken place thoro. All of tho prominent stablca in tho South Island aro roprosonted, wliilo tho North also lias sovornl ontored to do battlo on hor bohalf. Xlio following arc tho names of thoso ongaged in tho two Cups :—

Wellington Gold Cup. 1? mllo, run nt Islund Bay on Wfidnpsdav. Ith Fnliriiarv.

Tho injuries sustained by Tho Lad in tho Auckland Stooplcchaae turn out to bo worso than was at lirat anticipated. Mr T. Shoonan tolls mo that ho will not bo ablo to raco him again this Hcancxi, tho lioiho having gprainod a tendon under tlio knoo. Ho was blistered this week.

A friond »f mino who roturncd this wook from a trip South, tolls uio that ho had a look at Trenton whilo in Christchurch. Tho unbeaten son of Musket has grown and furnished wonderfully winco ho saw him hero as a two-year-old, and is now ono mass of (anility. His " log;" is almost right again, and it is quito oai tho cards ws may sco him sport silk at tho back cud of tho season.

By somo moans or other, Auckland weoms to bo a favourite trvsting ground for lnush room books, who of tor getting into tho good gracos of tlio sport*, slip suddenly away and loavo thoir confiding friends mourning beliind them. Tho latest to depart hi this way is tho party who gained .so much colebrity through hacking the widrters of sovoral big racos, and it all is fcruo con cerning him, sporting cireloa are well rid oi his company. I may montiou that tho namo of tho party in question has boon postod among tho list of defaulters at Tattorsall's Club.

I have to acknowledge a copy of tho pro gramme for tho North Auckland District races to be hold at Dargavillo on tho Gtb and 7th March. Thero are six ovonfce to bo oontestud on ouch day, tho bost being tho Cup of lOOsovs, 2 miles, and Kaipara 1 laudi cap of Sosovs, IJ mile. Tho programme altogether is a most 'ihoral and attractive one, ami should secure largo ontriea.

Alick Sutherland leaves for Wellington in tho courso of a few days, and in nil likelihood will have tho mount on Black Hose. In tho Dunodin Cup, Sutherland has boon engaged to rido Major GeorgoV selected.

I hear that Fishwoman strained herself whilo running in tho Kensington I'nrk Handicap at the recent Whangarei Mooting, and this week was running about the Fapakura paddocks. Undor thoso circum stances, sho is hardly likoly to aeo tho post, at tho Takapuna gathering. Weights for tlio Australian Cvp1 and Nowmarket Handicap are duo on Monday next.and tho second forfeit must bo doclarod. on Thursday.

Mr J, Enkq notifies in our advertising columns that ho leaves for his usual. Southern trip next week. During his absence, Mr K. May will transact businoss on his behalf. Mr J. Gallagher also intends visiting the Wellington Summer Moetings, and Mr J. K. Poole will pay and roceivo for him.

Mr G. Elliot, tho compilor of tho "Now Zealand Stud Book," has issued circulars to those interested informing them that Vol. viii. of tho " Now Zealand Stud Book" will bo published in tho courso of tho noxt couple of months, and requesting that the return?, of thoroughbred stock may bo sent to him. The book will bo published nt £1 Is to sub scribers, and pedigroos will bo tabulated and insorted at £1 10s for a full page and £1 for a half page. Tho Sydney Turf Club Ann ivoraary Moot ing takes placo at Randwick on Monday next. Wing (full brother to Sting) woightcd at 6st 81b, is much fancied for tho Annivor sary Handicap. Uira and Cascado, two maros belonging to tho Napier sportsman Mr W. Douglas, havo each produced colts to Muskot this season. Cascado was got by Sledmere from Watcrwitch.

Mr l'onfold. tho Socrctary of tho Canter bury Jockey Club, has forwarded mo a copy of the Autumn Meeting progammo. Nom inations for the Groat Autumn Handicap and Easter Handicap are duo on tho 7th February.

By a Sydnoy paper I notice that Mr E. E. Jonos (tho Sydnoy Loviathan) engaged loose boxes at Wavorloy for Welcome Jack and Clarence.

Betting on tho Champion Raco lias com menced in Melbourne a consistent visitor to the Flemington, training ground having accepted 300 to 100 about Commotion. Malua has also boon supported at 3 to 1.

Mr L. Barnard, tho auctioneer in Coilin.i streot, Melbourne, who was expelled from tho Victorian Club, for refusing to pay tho fine of £50, in tho lato Hurricane caso, re pented of his conduct, and has now tondercd the money, accompanied with an apology, for not having bowed to the first decision of tho Club. Tho Committee hat: doclined to accept either, and tho sontence of expulsion from the Club has been upheld.

The Australian Jockey Club havo intro duced a two-year-old race in their Spring programme, to be called the Richmond Stakes, and endowed it with tho large sum of 500sovs. The big meeting of the Sydneyitea has nevor before contained a race for juveniles. Following this example, the members of the Hawkesbury Racing Club have also determined to establish a two-year-old race, and with that object in view have set apart the nice little sum of 250a0v. 'Jo this Mr Andrew Town, the well-known Richmond etudmaster, has in timated his intention to add a valuable piece of plate. The programme of tho Westport Jockey Club races ends a a follows:—" Horses walk ing over will only receive half the stake. Diseased nature oftentimes breakg forth in strange eruptionß. Act iii., scene 1." I notice by late English files that 100's to 6 are taken and wanted about Mr W. A. Long's Dame Agnes for the Epsom Derby, run the first week in June.

For the eleventh year in succession, F. Archer holds the premier position in the list of English winning riders, and but for hia absence from the saddle through do meßtio affliction during the last two weeks of the seasoD,it is fair to assume he would have placed over 250 wins to his credit. As it is, with a top score of 241 successful rides oat of 577 attempts, he has far distanced all his rivals. Last year Wood and Archor kept close together until well on into the seseon, when a run of bad luck for Wood gave Archer a decided lead. This season, however, Archer kept well away from Wood after a few weeks had passed, and beat his own record of 232 made last year even under the unfortunate circumstances alrealy re ferred to. Wood stands well away frpm the next on the list with 158 winning mounts, a falling off of 28 from last year. The three most successful sires in France this season have been Trooadero, the sire of Fra Uiayolo, Satory, and many other horses, whose progeny have won nearly £15 ; 000; See saw, who owing to the four victories of ; Little Duck, is credited with £12,000; and Conßul, whose off-spring have won over £11,000. The later is the sire of Arohiduc. Tom Brown, the winner ,of Sydney Tat terpajPs Cup, jras purchased at tip Caulfield Hill Saleyards, West Maitlaud, for 31 fuineas.: Nflw 850 guineas would not buy im.

At the late V.R.C. ' New Year's Day Mooting, Commotion walked over for the Bagot Plato Stakes. Tho owner, Hon. W. Pearson, refuses to acoopt tho half of tho a takes ollbrod by thoV. U. Club, at.d demands half the whole of tlio stakes and

swoup sUkos. Mr i'earson has taken counsel* opinion on tho matter, and, it is reported, intends to tnko legal proceedings against tho V r. K. Club to provo his claim is both just and logal. Mr McGeorgo, tho English startor, has missed but two weeks' racing during tho past twentjr-thrco years. Mr W. I'oiTostor will still havo tho caro of Archie, I'rivateor, and Warwick at Warwick Farm.

It is exceedingly doubtful, tho English papers nay,, whether Archer will _ visit Australia.afborall. Of courso, immediately on arrival in America, ho was interviewed, and judging by what took place, ho will possibly conlino his travels to America, though thcro is no cortainity about it. Mr Lorillard has just put Iroq«ois to tho stud, and intends next season to sond him somo of his fino3t maros.

By v mistako in sonding tho entries from Sydnoy, Archio was given as nominated instead of Brawn and lloso for tho Austra lian Cup. Mr Hammond headsthelist of English win ning owners, but his total,£l2,s'2S, isnoarly JCI 1,000 loss than M. Lefovro won last year. Tho owner of St. Oat ion only Keeps a small studd, howovor, his successes being duo to oight horses, which won twenty races bo twoon thorn. Mr R, Peck ia socond, with 37 wins, amounting to JL11,9t5 ; and thon comes tho Duko of Westminster, £11,769; Mr Manton,£ll )> fioi;Mr L, Deßothachild, C 10.551 ; M. Lofovro, £0,789 ; Sir G. Cliot wynd, .09,215; and tlio Duko of Portland, £8,802, Mr W. A. Long.of Sydnoy,fiKurcs in tho lift with Cl,2,'i:>!igainsthiH namo. All this was won by Damo Agnes. St. Simon and St. dabien are tho only two horses which havo gone through the season without been boaten. Altogether tho winnings havo boon fairly distributed this year.

In tho Stcopleclmso run at tho V.11.C. Suminor Meeting (writes "Augur") the only horso placed was Denmark, and con sequently tho whole of tho stakes wont to tho winner. This was ratlior hard linos for Mr Talbot, as his horso was remounted by a bystander, and ridden in, but as Mr Johnston did not notico anything in sight when Denmark passed tlio post, ho put up his number and loft tho box. I boliovo Mr Talbot claimed thoSOsovs for socond money, but under tho circumstances, tho stowards had no other alternative but to givo it to tlio winner. Tho following skotch from Admiral Rouso on how to rido a long-distanco raco will bo read with interest:—" I will try to explain how many Cosarowitchos aro lost. At starting, tho ridor who sits craning over I his horso's nook, not having colloctod him on his haunches, loses about lOlongths, and thon, recollecting hi« ordors to got woll oil', ho rams tho spurs in and regains his placo. At tlio ond of half a milo ho has run tho gauntlot through tlio crowd, mid is just behind tho first lot, a littlotho worso for his premature exertions ; tho pace vory strong, owing to tho light-weights racing for tho lead, doing through tho Ditch ho is third;

at tho Bushes ho is lighting for tho load with a foathor-woight; in tho half-mile bottom tlio young ono declines, and his placo is immediately taken by a socond and a third horso. Tho jockey racos with every horse that shows in front; ho droams of no enemy but tho one ahoad ; 00 yards from homo lie is still a neck in advunco, but feels his horse sinking. Ho spurs, but there is no responso ;ho momentarily slackens his roms : tlio horso changes his leg, and tlio lead is lost. As tho last resource, up goes tho whip, and with a circular motion of his arms ho rolls about in tho saddle" Contrast with a ,raco lost in this way, tho performance ot a Join Robinson upon the ennio animal. "At starting, an artist collects, his horso, sitting back in tho saddle, and nhoota him oil" in tho lirst flight, then steadies him till ho settles down gradually into deep run ning. Tlio light-weights aro rattling away, with somo speedy old gentloman in front making do:iporato play. Our jockey is not to bo tempted to rido that pace, which cannot last, and at tho end of tho lirst milo ho i§ 70 yards from the lead ing horso, and shows no disposition to im prove his position. At tho Kowloy Milo

starting-post, tho great .play maker has tired oil' his gun, and t!io paco slackens. Our artist gradually creeps up; at tho Bushes ho is within throe lengths of the first flight, and, having cal culated tho amount of dangor in his front, ho looks anxiously bohind to soo what is alive. If thoro is nothing to fear in that quarter, ho feels his horse, holding him fast by tho head, and ascertaining that he ran go up whon ho likes. Tho young joekoys aru still racing for tlio load ; thoy are rising tho lust hill; therein a petto in front; spurs are hitting, whips aro strik ing, and our jockey having declined tho lirst struggle, again looks for a rival be hind, and seeing nothing to foar,collcots his horso for tho final ofl'ort, makes ono run, and clears his antagonist on tho post."

The Revelations of Caroline Bauer.

"HKSBY" writes in "Truth":—l should think that ovorybody who roads anything will read tho momoirs of Carolino Bauer, which, in thoir revelations of Court pcandal, and in tho light thoy throw upon tho real chanctors of many notablo personages, surpass in interest ovon tho works of Hervoy, Walpolo, VVraxall, and Orovillo, Carolino Bauer draws a most shocking picture of Court Hfo in Germany during tho early partofthoprosontcontury, and her reminis cences onablo ono to form some idea of what brutal wretches most of tho Gorman Princes really wero. Sho givosastartling account of tho Into Duke Ernest of Saxo-Coburg, tho fathor of tho Princo Consort, whose procood ings in rcspoct to his mistress, Paulino Pa naw, provo him to havo boon aconsummuto scoundrel, and his mother, tho Dowager Duchess, appears to havo boon oven moro villainous. Tho Princo Consort does not seoiu to havo been fortunate in either of his paronts, for his ciro was a perfect D6n Juan, and in 1822—"Tho Duchoss liad now like wise bogun to wpin lovo throads on her own account, and in Coburg tho vory sparrows on tho roof twitterod stories of the amours both of Duko and Duchosa."

As to tho late King Loopold, wo at last sco him in his truo colours ; and a more thoroughly contemptible boing could scarcely bo imagined, Evorybody remom bera tho eulogios which wero so frequently lavished on Loopold for giving up (very ro luetantly) his allowance of £50,000 a your to tho Treasury, when ho loft England for Belgium, tho arrangement boing that Claremont was to bo kopt up, and certain " salaries, pensions, and allowances " wero to bo defrayed, and " tho British exchequer " was to got thp balance. Hero is Caroline Bailor's version U this transaction :—" Princo Leopold and Stock mar understood how to make out a pretty littlo account against the English, so that of the £50,000 no very groat sum ever returned to the English exchequer till the death of the King of the Belgians. Naturally, also, the ' pension' which I drew from King Leopold ,was, under some heading or other, among the allowances "which (as Leopold wrote to Lord Grey) will appear to me suitable awards for those persons who have claims on me for their faithful service* during mysojourn in this country." Also, Christian (Baron) Stoekmar's ponsion "was put down to this account."

There can be nothing moro horrible and Inferno-like than the description of Baron Stoekmar's last days at Coburg :—" Tho man who once had ruled princes and peoples was now powerless, face to face with the tyranny and sordid avarice of his wife, During his illness, which lasted several years, he could not always, either by prayers or commands, procure in his own house even a bowl of broth. , . . His last hours were terrible. When he lay at the point of death, his hard wife took off his back his shirt and flannel jacket, so that, after his death, according to Coburg custom, the undertaker might not claim these objects."

How ghastly, after these disclosures, must be the Bight of the sumptuous monument which was erected to Stockmar at Coburg in 1865 by his Royal friends, and how dis mally ludicrous the recollection of the teler grams of condolence which his exemplary spouse received from the Queen and other Royal personages!

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

CRICKET FIXTURES.

CLUB MATCHES.

January 31-West End v. Auckland, Alpha v. Nowton, JT. Zingarl v. Gordon 2nd, Gordon r. United, Nowton v. Alpha, Warohousomon v. West End 2nd.

February 7—Nowton v. Otahuhu, Our Boys v Warohousomon, Aueklaud v. West Kml, New ton v. Otahuhu (contimiod), Unltod v. Gordon, 1. Zingari v. National, Alpha v. Parnell.

INTERPROVINCIAL MATCHES.

Shaw's English Eleven. January, 23,24,20,27, V. New South Wales, al Sydnoy.

AQUATIC FIXTURES.

January 20—Auckland Annual KOKatta. Fobruary 7—Hanlun v. Clifford, iBSOO nnide. Fobruary 28—Clifford v. Boaoh, £500a-sido March 28-Hanlan v. Boaoh, £500 a-sldo and championship of tho world, on tho Paramatta Kivor April 18—Clifford v. Hanlan (If the former ia Victorious iv hia mutch with Boach). Clifford v.Teenier,£sooaside. February 14—Auckland Kowinu Association Regatta.

SnAKLAND has left tho ranks of amateur Bcullora, having started and won a raco at Norfolk Regatta, Tasmania, for a money prize of £0.

The Rivorton Star aayß it is probable that Harrington will take his doparturo for Sydnoy shortly, with a viow to undergoing a c«urso of training foi sculling contests.

Herbert Slado, the Maori pugilist, is_ in San Francisco, taking part in boxing matches, and allowing himself to bo " kuockod out " for coin.

Raynor, the long-distance champion of Australia, arrived in Dunedin last week to tako part in tho 48 hours' walk. O'Connor, of Tiuiaru, was expected to arrive by the following Bteamor.

Mitchell, tho English pugilist, has been arrested at Now York on a charge of mur der. Ho inflicted such severe injuries on a slogger named Muldoon a year ago in a tight that tho latter died of his injuries.

Tho Triumph will, no doubt, mako a good flagship, but yet tho Regatta Committoo mado a groat mistake in not securing the Vanduara instead, which was possible, and thus havo secured a much more suitable vessel.

Tho crew which was got together frpm North Shore to pull in the Champion Whaloboat Race will bo entered by the district Rowing Club, an understanding^ that effect having been arrived at during the last week.

Although tho prizes offered for somo of tho sailing racos at the Auckland Regatta aro not handsome, I expect to sea almost every cvont amongst the smaller craft numerously contested, and great prepara tions aro being mado by owners.

It is probable that tho North Shore Re gatta, which fell through last year owing to insufficient interest, is likely to bo carried to a successful issue by a well-arranged sories of aquatic competitions on next Prince of Walcg's Birthday.

" Lloyd's Yacht Registrar " for 1884 con tains tho names of 3,790 yachts, of which over 700 belong to American owners, whilo many others aro registered at Continental ports, leaving 1,030 of English registry. Three of these yachts aro propelled by electricity.

Raynor came off best in the recent six days' Brutality in Melbourne, with 475 miles 1 lap. Tho poor devil had to cover 470 miles to entitle him to the prize, and for tho last hour or so ho was staggering all ovor tho track. A canine controversy is small bones for brutality alongside a six doya' go-as-you-please.

I havo received a long letter in explana tion of efforts to arrange walking matches between Hendry and Stephenson, and Hondry and McKuno, the substance of which appears to be that McKuno having challenged Hendry and having rocoived no answer, it is considered that tho latter should forfeit the championship.

Tho renowned retired champion of the world, Jem Mace, and his cousin, Pooloy, have been giving their scientific boxing displays in tlio Varieties, Briggate, Leeds, to crowded houses. Tho champion's many valuablo trophies were exhibited by Mr Harry Montague, among which aro the Wyndham Gold Cup, the Leeds Cup, the Champion Middlo-weight Bolt, tho Cham pion Bolts of America and Australia, and the only and original Champion of England Bolt, tho ono fought for \>y Sayers and lleenan.

Intelligence was received in Birmingham on Nov. 20 of tho result of tho glove fight in Madison-squaro Garden, New York, t>e tweon J. L. Sullivan (the American cham pion) and Alfred Greenfield, of Birmingham. T-.vo dosporate roundß are said to have been fought, and to have resulted in Greenfield's favour, when the police stopped into the ring and stopped the fight. Tho conditions of the match were for the men to box four roundß (Queonsbury rules), winner to tako 05 per cent and the loser 35 per cent of tho receipts. Admission money was Idol, with 2dol,for reserved seats, and 25d0l for boxes seating five. Patrick T. Sheedy and W. E. Harding acted as managers of tho con test.!

A goneral meeting of the Canterbury Rowing Club was hold last week at War nor's Hotel. It was resolved that any porson may bo elected a member with out payment of entrance fee if he is tho bearer of a letter from any rowing club in New Zealand to tho effect that ho has been an active member of such Club during tho last eighteen months, and has paid all fines and foes duo by him. The number of members was shown to bo 150— a largo increaso on last yoar, which was thought to bo due to tho exten sion of time for payment of entrance fee over two seasons. The receipts wore £121 Hs, and expenditure £129 lls 4d. Oars, sculls, and sweaters have been ordered from London, and will arrive in tho present month. Crows will bo entered for tho forthcoming Kaiapoi and Christchurch Regattas,

According to the exposure that has been made by. means of the Gaudaur and Toemer swindle, says the London "Refevee" professional rowing is morally in as bad a condition in America an it is hero. They do things on a bigger scale "over the way, and the class of scullers themselves is im measurably superior to the ragged show now to be found on these shores; but there tho dissimilarity censes. In the raco at St. Louis on Sunday, the 2nd inst.,Toomer, who was hot public favourite, was put out of tho hunt beforo half-way was completed by his boat becoming waterlogged. Two seams in the forward compartment had beon slightly opened, and b)io gradnally got more and more head-down, until at the turn Teenier could scarcely keep her going. Gallaghor, the roferoo, took a strange course, but one in which he insists he was quite justified. He decided that Gaudaur was the winner, but declared all bets and pools off. Ido not myself know what a referee has to do with pools and bets; still as Mr Gallagher's action was taken into the interests of honesty, it will not do-to be too critical. It is currently reported that Teemor's chief backer, a man named Saulson, backed Gaudaur heavily, and that Eph, Morris, as a rule one of Teemer's strongest partisans, never missed a chance of getting money on the other side. This is why the boat was " Courtneyed." Teemer has himself exposed the iniquity of Saulson and Morris. He says " He has been betrayed by his friends, who put him in a craft they knew would be waterlogged, and told him to win. He did not see the split until he found his boat filling." Another account says, " Teemer almost burst into tears, so great was his feeling After the finish, and said, "My friends bive undone me." It is ;ho opinion that a big fraud was put up, and that he was not aware of it." On Sunday morning, says the Sydney " Bulletin " of January 17, we journeyed up the Parramatta River for the purpose of having a look at the big gun scullers, and we had the luck to see the three of them doing their spin within the hour. Beach has altered very little for the better in the matter of style, and appears very cramped in his rowing, in great contrast to his neighbour, Clifford, who rows straight as an arrow, and swings clean from the hips, much in the style of Ned Trickett of old, only with more dash and power. To see Clifford rowing towards you he is a perfect picture, but when he comes abeam ho is not so taking, as he clips the water rathpr too much—at all events, for our fancy. Like the nphool children, we leave the tit bit, Hanlan, to the last. The Canadian looks a bit thin about tho face, but in body he does not appear to be at all fine drawn, and seems in first-claes fettle. Hanlan's style is peculiarly his own, and different from eyery other sculler we have seen. Hanlan's bit of rowing on Sunday last, in our eyes, was as near per fection as we believe any sculler will ever

approach. With a thoroughly rowed-out twenty-nine or thirty strokes, pulled like a piece of machinery, the boat continued the oven tenor of her way"; and when, on ono occasion, sho dashed into rather hoary Bteamor's wash, the ex-Champion showed us how good ho ia in rough water. llio acullor novcr faltered, but forced his shell through it without losing his form for ono instant, notwithstanding that his craft shipped water enough to thoroughly drench him. Our summer is, no doubt, a heavy handicap, but Hanlan has much at stake, and it is not likely ho will, this time, throw a chanco a way. Wo understand, in place of. going for a walk bot'oro breakfast, ho now doos a quiet spin on tho water, but wo cannot say wo view tho change as one for tho better. Tho prosont rowing of the men has not caused us to alter our opinion, and, fit and well, wo shall bo much surprised if Hanlan does not carry all before him.

SPORTS AND PASTIMES.

(BY OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.)

London, Dec. 4. CBOSi-COUNTHY clubs are having a splendid timo now, and many interesting races'arc docided ovory Saturday. On the 22»d of November tho Tliamos Haro and Hounds hold thoir 41ststeoplochasoat Rockampton. No loss than thirty-six runners turned out to compete, and of thoso the grcator part were woll-known athletes. The race does not noed much description, as the two limit men, Wilson and Ryo, both of WhitKiit Grammar School, the formor with llmins. 30secs, and the latter with 12rnins, went away from the others and wero never caught, Wilson ultimately beating his schoolfellow by 2(!secs. Tho feature of the raie was the splendid running of W. H. Coad, tho scratch man, who, though ho only finished 13th, completed tho distance in 2(imins 3250e.», the fastest timo ever accomplished over this course. On the same afternoon many other clubs hold competitions, tho chief of which was that for tho Blackheath Harriers Challenge Cup, which W. G. George has just resigned. Four men compoted, M. Hill, J. T. Terry, (4. Clabburn, and C. A. Morgan. Hill took the load about a mile from home, and won with easo by 50 yards from Terry, Clabbum and Morgan close up. While this race was being contested, twenty-one members of the club had an enjoyable run of about eight miles, tho mile race in resulting in favour of A, Spain. Tho annual cross-country contest be tween Oxford and Cambridge was docided at Oxford on Friday, 21st November. The distance was nine and a half miles, and five men ran from each 'Varsity. Tho race was very woll contested, and resulted in a win for Cambridge by 23 points to 32. Reed, of Cambridgo.camo in first, closely followed by Whatoly, also of Cambridge, andCollinson, of Oxford. This makes the fourth consecu tive victory for Cambridge out of five races run.

At the end of tho last cricket season a good deal of discussion was held as to the best means of deciding who should have first innings, and many ideas were sug gested, but none found practicable. _ Lord Harris has, I see, given notico of his inten tion to move the following resolution at the meeting of county societaries next month : —" That in all cases whero home and home matches are arranged between counties, the sido that loses tho toss in tho first match shall have the choice of innings in the return match." This resolution, it carried, will entirely do away with the unfair ness which leaving tho choice of innings to the toss of a coin causes. "Truth" still sticks up for tho absurd suggestion it made somo months ago, that a player from each sido should throw at tho wicket from a certain distance, the first to miss losing tho choice. With good throwers this process would be almost interminable. Rugby footballers are now beginning to take an interest in tho doingH of the Oxford and Cambridge teams, who meet at Black heath on December 10th. We have now seen a good many trial matches of each fifteen,and on present form Oxford ought to win easily. On November 19th a picked team from the two Universities played London, and ■were defeated by two goals and threo tries

to nil. The famous Bradford team have just paid a visit to the South, and have given the Londoners a taste of thoir quality. Their first match was igainst the Marlborough Nomads, whom they easily defeated by seven goals and four tries to nil. The Nomads were entirely outclassed,and never got any whero noar tho opponents' goal lino. On tho following day tho Yorkshire mon met the Oxford team,and a grand mutch resulted in a, draw, each sido scoring a goal. Haw cridgo gained a try for Bradford,from which Robortshaw placed a goa). Almost directly after this Lindsay, the crack Oxford J, got the ball out of a sorimmago and dropped a fine goal, thus making matters equal. After this both sides strove hard, but neither succeded in scoring. On the Saturday before Oxford had .beaten Blaokheath by three goals to a try. Oxford are fortunate in having the two best half-backs in England, viz , Kotherham and Ashor, the former of whom plays a simply perfect game. On Novombor 2i)th tho apparently in vincible Oxford University played Rich mond. Tho teams wore woll matched, and the play wonderfully fast and even. Oxford ultimately won by two tries to one. Tho singular thing in this mutch was the bad place-kicking; all three tries wero obtained close to tho goal, but not ono was kicked ovor the bar. On the samo afternoon the Cambridge fifteen played tho Manchester team. Tho game was fairly well contested, tho Cantabs winning by a goal and three tries to ono try. Blackhoath played Somerset County on the same day. After a splendidly oyou game, tho "Heathens " won by a goal and a try to a try. The most interesting Assooiation match of the week took placo at Proston on Saturday, whon Preston North End mot tho famous Vale of Lovon Club. A very brilliant ganio resulted in a win for tho North End by ono goal to nothing. In tho London district intoroet centred in the match between Sheffield and London, which took place at Konnington Oval, At half time neither sido had scored; but soon after tho ball was started again, Mitchell passed to Evelyn, who scored a goal for London. Nothing further was gained by oither sido, until, just boforo timo was called, Wintorbottom kicked a goal for Shotliold, and thus made matters even.

F. J. Pitman, the Cambridge stroke, has just done a lino performance on tho rivor, winning tho Colquhoun sculls in soveral seconds leas time than it has o a ver been done before Twelve scullers entered, and in tho final heat, Pitman met ]?. E. Churchill, President of tho C. U.8.C., whom he defeated by about forty yards. The American papers just to hand

contain accounts of a sculling match in America, which do not give us a very high opinion of the morality of sports across the

Atlantic. Tho race in question wus be tween Teenier and Gaudaur, and was rowed at St. Louis on November 2nd. Teemer was a hot favourite, but before he had gone half way his boat became^ water logged by the opening of two of the seams, and, of course, he could not finish. The re feree said that Gaudaur won, but decided that all pools and bets should be off. Teemer assertß that his boat was tampered with by his backers, who had put large sums of money on Gaudaur. The famous American trotting mare Maud S., formerly owned by W. H. Van derbilt, but now the property of Robert Bonner, has just accomplished a wonderful mile record. She was matohed against her previous best time, and the trial came off at Lexington on November 11th. The mare was in grand oondition, but nobody expected her to beat her record. This, however, she did, trotting the mile in 2mins Oisec, beating her previous time by half a second. , During the'past week two vyell-known athletes have paid a visit to Cambridge, to say farewell to their friends at the Univer sity. These well-known gentlemen were Messrs C. T. Studd and H. B. Smith, who will shortly start for a missionary campaign in China. Studd is known all over the world as a cricketer, and his many successes, both for his 'Varsity and his county,will bo fr.esh in the memory of all athletes. Smith is not so well-known ; but he is a fine oars man.and stroked tho Cambridge crew in the Varsity boat-race three years ago. In a billiard match between J. Roberts and G. Collins for 750 up (spot stroke bar red) the latter receiving 200. Roberts won easily by 282 points, and his last break was 2SO (üßfinished). Roberts waa asked to continue his break and try and beat the ecord (309), but he refused. English boxers still continue to flock to America, to see if thore is any gold and silver still to bo picked up in that Tom Tidlpr s ground. I heard the other day of a third-rate bruiser, who could hardly pick up a living over here, asking 1,000 dollars for an exhibition spar in Montreal. If men

can get sums like this on the other side of the ftlantic, it is hardly to bo wondered at if half-starved professionals are tempted to cross tho herring pond. Aatlev'B The six days' laco for Sir John Antley 8 belt took place at the Koyal Aquarium last week. Tho race did not turn out at all a success 'V good contest was looited lor- ZTto between Littlewood, of Sheffield, and Kouoll, of Cambrid-o; but or. the fourth day the latter retired, on account ol having a blistered foot V-f 1?"'™ r l he then left to win as ho liked, and he ultimately completed 405 miles 4 taps, being 21 miles 1 lap in front of Mason, who finished second. Kouell's retirement took away every bit of interest; and, ex cept during tho last hour of the race, the audience was dull and apathetictc.a degree As Littlewood has now won tho belt thieo times, it becomes his absolute property, and, in consequence, there wiU be no more 72 hours competitions for tho Sir John Aetloy Belt. _

AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE.

TKIS LOW) CHIEF JUSTICE'S HOUSE HOLD.- PAINFUL DISCLOSURES.

(From Our Lokdox Correspondent.)

London, Decembor 4,

For some timo past it has been vaguely whispered in society that a law case affecting the private affairs of the Lord Chief Justice of England, and disclosing a story of a painful and not altogether creditable character, would, ero long, sur prise folks in general and convulse tho world of fashion. Beyond the facts that this action was a civil ono to recover damages for libel, that the plaintift was a Mr Adams and tho defendant tho Hon. Bornard Coleridge, tho Lord Chief Justices eldest son and confidential private secretary, tho nature of the case was kept tolerably private till tho morning of Friday week. Then a very unusual and improper scene occurred, for when the trial came on, the Judge (Mr Justice Manisty) appealed almost passionately to Mr Adams to have it arbitrated in private. _ Con sidering there was absolutely nothing in the action per se to call tor such a course, this proceedinc smacked rather of friend ship for a brother Judgo than a desire for justice, and has been sevorely commented upon. The plaintiff, however, held his ground. He conducted his own case brilliantly, and, although severely handi capped by the frequent interruptions and too obvious bias of the Judge, and the enormous influence and prestige of the Coleridge family, managed to impress an independent jury with the righteousness of his cause.

The circumstances of the case, very briefly summarised, run a3 follows :— Tho plaintiff, Mr Charles Warren Adams, is an educated gentleman, an Oxford man, acknowledged by the defendent himself to be a person of "undoubted ability"—as was obvious from the manner in which he conducted his own case. He had occupied a position latterly as secretary to one of the associations for opposing vivisectors, and Lord Coleridge is well known to have been a recent convert to the same opinions. On the committee of this Society was Miss Mildred Coleridge, daughter of tho Lord Chief Justice, a lady thirty-six years of age, and between her.and Mr Adams a friendship sprang up, owing to their being thrown together in the literary work carried onin connection]with the Society. Although tho plaintiff' was a widower and fifty years of age, the relations between him and Miss Coleridge appear to1 have become tho theme for outside talk, and in consequence, they were, in his words, "forced "into an engage ment which, for some reason or other, was distasteful to Lord Coleridge and his son. It was stated by Mr Adams, and not in any way denied, that the lady had felt obliged, owing to domestic trouble consequent on the engagement, to leave her father's houso, and that Lord Coleridge had altered his will so as to cut her off with even less than tho proverbial shilling. This course of con duct, although common with angry par ents, had in tho present case the undesired effect of still furthor cementing the friend ship and affection between tho disendowed daughter and the man of her choice. Then followed a letter, apparently intended to bo one of warning, from Mr Bernard Coleridge to his sister. For a letter written by a lawyer, it certainly contains the most surprising allegations, considering that its writer was either not in a position or did not offer to back up his statements with any evidence, and that, moreove •, a great num ber of the assertions in it were proved by Mr Adams's witnesses to be entirely false. Sir Henry James, indeed, who appeared for tho defendant, did not attempt to deny that many of the charges which his client had made against Mr Adams were mistaken. The letter in which these statements oc curred was marked "Private," but the recipient thought she had a right to demand from her brother the source whonco he had gathered tho scandalous charges against Mr Adams ; and as no information on this point was vouchsafed, tho lady did what a great number of ladies would do—she showed tho letter to her betrothed lover. It is only fair to Mr Adams to say that he offered to prove before Mr Barnard Cole ridge in private the falsity of the accusations contained in his letter, but this offer was not accepted, and the libel action was brought as a last resource.

A letter from a brother to a sister in such a case as the above is, of course,'' privileged" unloss it can bo shown that it was written with deliberately malicious intent. This Mr Adams set himself to prove to the jury. His speech lasted one whole day, bristled with biting sarcasms, and, if it did nothing olse, gave a picture of Lord Coleridge's do mestic menage which has set all England smiling. We learn, par (xemple, that when this great Judge, with his soft speech and gentle manners, was away feasting and being courted in the States, his children wero living with his servants on " scanty board wages "in London. A younger son, it appears, sells cheap wines on commission, whilst tho older saves his father the expense of a private secretary. The food consumed at the Lord Chief Justice's splendid mansion is of the simplest. Calling there once, Adams found Miss Mildred dining off bread and butter and a "slip" (tho cheapest sort of fiat-fish). He took a crust to keep her company, and that, heabservod,wasthosole occasion on which he ever partook of the Lord Chief Justice's hospitality. The Honourable Bernard Coleridge (Mr Adams avers) hatched a Satanic plot to secure his sister's share of tho immense savings of the avaricious old father. Bernard it was who started the evil gossip about Adams's harmless and platonic friendship for Miss Coleridge, and drove him into proposing. Then, when the engagement was announced, the good brother began discovering all sorts of strange stories about Adams, and re tailing them to the infuriated father. The very libellous letter, on which the action was brought, was written, Adams declares, not as a legitimate warning from brother to sister, but as a goad to drive her at once into Adams's arms.

Without accepting this extreme view of Mr Coleridge's conduct, the jury evidently opined that he was actuated by other than proper motives, for, in face of the Judge's advice and summing, they gave Adams a verdict of £3,000 damages. The Judgo hastily over-ruled this decision, and de livered judgment for the defendant (Mr Coleridge) with costs. Tho ease will now go to the Appeal Court.

Breaches of Promise of Marriage.

"Loss of market" is the prosaic, if un gallant, phrase by which lawyers express the heart damage known as breach of promise of marriaee. Now, In very many instances, a life-long wrong is done, as when a suitor dangles after a girl, and after a protracted engagement, often of many years changes his mind. This cruelty, for oruelty it is, can hardly be met by any damages, no matter how heavy. But what shall we say when a lady who has consoled herself with a husband brings an action against the swam who first set her young heart go pit-a-pat? The lady was Miss Ellen Clark; she is now Mrs Simpson Reach. Whence the breach of promise ? it may be said Well, it is not Reach who has been the delinquent, but a certain Robert Ray It may be said, What damage has been done to the lady, since she is mated ? Well that is tho very thing Mr Sheriff Elgin has had to decide. It must have been a diffi cult question that of damages, and unless" one were to put a valuation on the husband that was to be and the husband that is how are they to bo assessed ? But put if tho other way: supposing that the arbitrator ya ued Reach at a higher rate than Ray What then? Would the lady have to p £ over the difference to Robert? AH round it seems a difficult question to solve ' In any case Mr Simpson Reach cannot feel flattered, for this reason; If his snnnZ 2W h6 iT °S g f °°d a »»n «sßay?why° seek the solatium of damages as value 7fZ slighted affection?—" Society,"

GOSSIP FROM STAGE STUDIO

(By Euterpe.) itl

Dunninu's Opera Company areliif^ at the Royal. ; lli^fl< Massenethas finished his newo* " : '-m t' Tho Polish composer, LadislawsUL w ■*-■< lias completed an opera entitlM n^fflffi^ of Wallenrod." Misa Flora Anstcad seceded ''raßsK^ Gonevievo Ward Company at to!h? Wmi and is no.v in Auckland with hmfiflMil A 1 r Dodgo. vsSß^ Tho comic opera ''PoaaWu. 11l Sydney Grundy and E. Solomoi^jHl produced shortly at the Empiro'ilElHl London. ' iai^B Moszkowskis symphonic poem. W B' " Joan of Arc," will bo ono of theiSml of the London Philharmonic 86a&?°mH Dvorak's symphony will also beMmWH' Dickon's novels, with the illusttsH" » ■ Phiz, may now be bought in £onjl|gj!jj| about the streets in wheelbatitfc'flH truckfuls by the coster-journaleßiHßl Johann Strauss received ,& !< present on the occasion of tiSglßfli anniversary of his debut, TheMmMsHfr of Vienna declared him free froSjllt rates for the rest of hie life, mM An opera bouffe by OffenbariJJJß' " VVhittington and his Cat," wilj'^Hj formed for the fir»t time in ParisthigS^^m It was written for the Alhambra I»Sk 1576, and was a great success, ' j^ " Beatrice di Tenda," one of BbMjHII operas, is to be revived at Regriuflßj part of the hcroino w ■■ one of tBM|K| favourite parts. Tho rotoanza ffyH " Come t'adore," is world-rannmiMMß Paiaiello'a lovely opera, "JRnS3|B Pazza per Amore," is to be reviv§ji|^K It should belong to every operajftSMp and the music is not rococo, as maSsl It is full of delicate melodies andaaßl concerted pieces. " *^S "And what part are you to BinoKH opera, Miss Pearl?" "I'm ooe of'Dtlß pranos." " I'm sorry to heat ifeWuH so ?" " Why, I can't help thinkfogyK your voice were as low as your diwlß would make a wonderful contralfc.^Tgri " From a literary point of vie\f JtjJH most vulgar, tho most debas^LwH most deplorable piece of stage-wotl twm has been presented to the BrinWSHJ a very long time." Thia is inoliKpß^Bi B. Farnie with a vengence, [ t WJ& The Academy of Music to bon^Jn on Jan. 3rd. Most of the perfcSfH the pantomime, the "Babes inthe-tfiflßj which was then running, were mdretWJ sufferers through dresses and otta'WnH ings being destroyed, li] There are three great tenors Jijf9| to-day, and three only. Their'M Gayarre, Masini, and Tamag^H eight or nine tenors taking 'ami the above mentioned an^ffi Aramburo, Fagotti, Brunetti, iffl Lucignani, Do Angelis, Puerari, aadji| It is not unlikely that Miss KateEi a very charming young actrosßJt|| the chief 'support' of Mrs Langt|ffl first Ameican tour, and. MiaJ|| Drummond (better known to plaS Mies Dolly Green), may visit Austtj|| next year. ■'[ In the final scene of "Romeoaraji at the London Lyceum, where'Jnliet| awakena while Romeo drinb/iffl draught, some little amusementi; recently caused by an excited felMj pit, who called aloud, " Don't,Bji|| drink ! she's alive, Ehe's alive!" 'fm High-cIaES concerts have lateljim at Christchurch by Madame Sutiloifi and Herr Beuno Scheiek ram The latter, who was here with CamM introduced Herr Felix SctanelUW violinist, who come 3 with the reooffla tion that ho is a pupil of WilhelmSl It is said that the overtun'JraH Sorcerer," as at performed at the.taffl almost substantially the work of M|H| ton Clark, who, during the tiMjiH conducting the oper^ at Stock^HH posed the overture and sent it AJll to Sir Arthur. It is only fair |§HH Sir Arthur has altered the last paflgH score, working up to a different.fflj^B With the last grasp of manageiwßH Royal Exhibiton, Melbourne, Jfijjjii; Hanlon Knipo announces BPe^H| ments with Mr and Mrs'Mfflß Fairclough (Misa Elsa May);|TJJMp] was put; forward to give SbakHHl readings, and the latter to diwajHi abilities as " ono of Australia'jM^H yrihia donnas." «jjj The national hymn of Engiai^H Save the Queen," was written byffl^R (Lulli) for a French king, LouisXlflß pos of this, an American paper sa^^Wj in England stand up when "G^g^B Queen " is played, but we t¥°|lH|H American anthem will be eo'fSMM wonderfully made that the ffl|H not have tho strength to riMJIM The Loviathan of cornelists, Jol*Mp| who has always had an eye (thaaWM the monocle glued to it) to thefjucHlH again entered the bonds ofouHH This time it is the fair soprano of hl^H| company, Miss Stella Costa (CorbSMM whom he was united at the fyt&SBM Erie, Pa., on the sth December §R9 Costa is an accomplished anjaH Mr Robort Buchanan's now !O*»r:i drama, " Constance," has] been^fflß.^ with considerable success Theatre, New York. OfAudm«Hp^ Mogul " a musical critic aaffflHK* difficult to bo enthusiastic oTfr|^M as a whole, though some Pre^'|HH| arothe solo for Sjemmain Aofs|^B^ Two Mice," the trio, " Silence-Mjj^M (doubly encored); the Bong npdlwffl? " India Ale ;" and the lullaby, >!l^mj; On " — all three in Act 11. ■>, In Sydney " La Fille de Mftdap)SK{£ with Miss Gracie Plaistedin the.fflM and Mr M. C. Harding aa " running " at the Opera Houßfl. Jjj^Hj Pinafore " is being played by Turner Company at the Gaiety tf]M while "Red Riding Hood" as evor at the Royal. At the Music crowded houses I"B'l^j£s§iß» Federal Minstrels. D'Arcy '."lljSjp;] giving exhibitions of his' sHl||l||§i The following letter, signed,^sg| members of Miss Crawford's...ff,,^^ appears in a recent number of ~J^%' River Artrus ":— <: Noticing l<fi:J]Bm graph in this morning's ' m™-tWtt^Kt the sudden departure of ™f?fjj]ffffi Company, we, the. uuMp!|9p state that we have been1 victimKWiW^^ much as the tradesmen of .'Hl^Bwl Only four of the Company leftwillMß|^ the rest being kept in ignorance ;^aH| movements, and left without boing paid. As to the reports. 'JaHwff been circulated that the *°mPsi&|Kj a state of intoxication, .we be 6 *f|wl§| only one member was in B''jpoH^ ethers have to suffer for his fat^'^Hb^ The Reme'nyi concerts have <¥^Bt| houses in Dunedin. One of . :Sb^B| formanpes was to include an patriotic march and hymn, ??^Sj|B|fi Australasian," which M. "et?:ij^K composed during his V^^jß^K Dunedin. "Reme'nyi" (6ay3tße,<OT» Daily Times ") "has the reputaooti^Hpj one of those excitable, erratic 6??j!Sjffl|S do everything on tho apurof I^M as fancy dictates, and the wmlMjMB the new march is a proof in PSj'sHpS Sunday M. Reme'nyi was "i'pShß gentloman to visit Raveneboume. £jmM the short drive from Dunedin ifjgg[ bourne, RemtSnyi was unuBUWIX|IMBJ! and, being frequently (»Bked W&mm his silence, he pimply stated an inspiration." On arriving«s|MJ houso, he asked for papetj «™ JgS minutes the iiynm-warch (W^/ta Rem^nyi gave the name of :,|3Bjf jj3 lasian ') was written." i Ssj ** Tho Melbourne pantomimes "?|§B| I sonted on a very costly scale WljHtfK! well with the public. " Ciod^%Ml% Theatre Royal is declared to I» .!»! away the best work of ita kuto the Melbourne stage, and deservedly reaping a ?^'<!ffiSffl|H?i Aliss Maggie Moore, MisaU^^Mjp and Miss Nelly Stewart sw*un r";,JB|R parte. At tho Opera Hrnf?iifflSßf^ the Sailor " seems to be as 6J^S|t^»^i it Amy Hoiton is "the obflfrt«'y^fflss observers." She is the pet°'.XJi'Si mime. Her great hit is the cJfwfflß* "I s'ant play win you an. y, m9S "?^^ she gives with m«pn fiP"rWA ,jrijT.:TdW{ play. Mr Harry Emmet's l^H an ancient gusher, with spngf^HnfH nightly elicits worm ttPpl«;lSM!Sii)ii4H Blanche Lewis makes a aIM/I Miss Emma Brouton (Mrs J«lues lv (11 appears with the Company. .

THE AUCKLAND EVENING JSTAK. SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1885

4



ar, Hi st lb Vanguard .. .. !) 7 TiRrodin, .. ..7 1! Salvage .. .8 11 Armourer .. .. 7 :s Sou 1-wester .. 8 5 ljiulyKvelyn ..7 3 Black Rose ..8 2 Mouha .. ..7 10 Administrator „ 7 1» Gaiters . .. G 7 Fusilier .. .. 7 0 Wanderer (Into UglyBuok.. _7 8 Carltou) .. .. (i 0 VVeli.inoton On 1 2 miles, run at tho Ilntt. Couibc on Friday, Cth Kolirutiry. Tiisman .. .. !) 0 Normanby.. ..7 3 Salvugo .. ..8 7 liftdy Kvelyn ..7 '.' Sou'wefitor.. ..8 5 Minerva .. ..7 2 Black Kuau ..8 S Tiilubcaror.. -.7 0 Tiiti'odia .. .. 7 10 Armourer .. .. 0 12 Fusilior .. .. 7 S Mocha .. .. li 7 The Pout .. ..7 8



Miss Emily Faithf ull, in a lecture which she delivered in Edinburgh, called atten tion to the fact that out of 27,000 of the latest recruits to Mormonism 20,000 came from Great Britain. The English bead quarters of Morinonism is, she says, at Liverpool, and there js an immigration fund deposited at the Bank of England, from which the expenses of converts are paid.



"BOUGH ON RATS."-Ckars w# ruts, mice, rachea, fIIOT, silts, bc<M>uea, ijoeUes; inserts, ficmiks, Jftuk-rabljits, guphen At DnitclKts. •" >.«Mik«i Pmuei * CO., AiwiU Auckland.