b _| _aVt€d '-Sow °n her way-to inlh S^ a' a o feniements in America^ fnaniber erf «„ » She« expecteti«»i her fa fc feff^^colony at Abbott's appearance » Opera K°u„ wr ites sugge-'ting that ,< potomac gap plem"ent his lecture Major J>*iS£JSE«hi" of the Ameri- S«ft2S by delivering a discourse can &**£* Military Battles" of the on "^ The suggestion is. a good ** 9 ffieel assured that Major Dane *)!*? vrylargeaudience with such

lecture. w . gheß us to state; that }Iril- to the Monday evening political inaddition U"e dvel . tise d he purples on lect nre3 -fl^L one entitled " Home fm ts? v^ °f which Bnle • „,7; n a future issue. ffill appeal in A w]]o wag The day with uttering a charged «je case broke down through cheque, and.jWgg Mr 0 - M her . slega lob|ectionja... £ c W; . lkei . .^.arrested again oy g _ at h. and S off, well knOT." S the -^llSorged, an order for the pay me t Tnnev to wit, a cheque on the ■J"6".* -\w Zealand for the sum of L 65, f^^i Mr Brookfield fflth • j lilt this was a fresh information, the case was re ided till Monday next. 7.,. Wellington Correspondent telegraphs _°^_ Sfy from Dundee, possessing . ti at a gj^ed by the s.s. Kaikoura, Srthfsrnallfarm regulations with the SSonof settling in the Auckland di* visit of the Scottish dancer and Jer to Auckland has aroused the spirit 3-rfnlrv Mr Munro's claim to the cham i nlh oof New Zealand will not be estab- S[until he has met and vanquished one SSm Auckland Scots who claim to be ex- Lut tbe national dances. Tha installation of the officers of the S l of Auckland Lodge, 1.0.0. F., New gjmd, was conducted on Thursday last WDGM. Keesing, jun., assisted by PC. 7 iZe aa GW..P.G. Harvey as G.S., o M The brethren installed were ; SmixM C. S. Wr^ht as V.G., Tn^DhMorey as P.S., and L. H. Nenmegen ,T Bro Keesing addressed the brethren, Lressirio- satisfaction at the choice of nfficei-s and congratulating the lodge upon L financial position, besides referring with satisfaction to the amount of good the Benevolent Fund was doing. He felt that the Grand Lodge had taken a wise step in giring the subordinate lodges power to fower their entrance fees, thus placing within easy reach the opportunities of making provision against the vicissitudes of life" The following officers were ap n.inted by the N.G. : -Brother W. McKee üB.B. to N.G. Brother W. Pitt as L.S. to N.G., P-G- Brother Harvey as con ductor, Brother J. Burchell as warden, Brother'"v.. Armiger as R.S.S., Brother R.Ai_iiser (jun.) as L.S.S., Brother P. G. Ealconer. as 1.G., Brother D.D.G. M. geesing as chaplain. The V.G. also ap pointed Brother B. M. Murray as R.S. toTv.G., Brother George Myers as L.S. toY.G. -

The Saturday evening entertainment at tk Sailors' Rest was of an interesting diameter. Mr Geo. Aldridge occupied fie chair, and gave a brief address. Reci tations were given by Misses King, Fanny Retard, Mattie Munro, Rose Jarvis, E. Heron, Fanny French, and Master A. Carr. jMrJas. French, junr., gave " A Boy's Ad jres-'," and songs were rendered by Miss Heron and Mr Yearbury. Mr and Miss g^!2 contributed a vocal duet, Mr Aldridge a concertina solo, and Geo. Stow and Marion and Albert Hughes gave " Blowing a Cissd." Several choruses were also given, and the entertainment closed with the benediction.

The skating rink in the City Hall was .cry strongly patronised on Saturday even ing, a large number paying admission to witness the entertainment givon for the benefit of the non-skaters. A most enjoy able evening was experienced. The same icogramme will be repeated this evening.

.3-j-morrow (Tuesday), at 11 a.m., will be continued the sale of ironmongery stock on the premises of the late R. Jessop, Karanga hape Road, who had been in business for a few months only. The goods had been purchased in the best English markets, so that buyers may rely upon their quality, and the instructions from the Public :Ttrustee are to sell.

A meeting of the Auckland Football l_.ocia.ion will be held this evening in the Young Men's room at 7.30.

We would draw, the attention of the mem bers of the Metropolitan Club to an ad vertisement in this issue calling an annual general meeting for this evening, to be iollowed by a smoke concert.

Major Dane will lecture to-night at the .Opera House on "The Heroic in Woman huOcL" This lecture will be instructive and ■ interesting, and has been highly spoken of : whereyer delivered. The lecturer will refer 'tothe discussion during the last quarter of a century on the woman question, and under the three heads—the mechanical, the professional, the domestic woman, will mow how woman has. struggled against «very opposing circumstance until she has readied the highest pinnacle of success in every employment. No doubt the public of Auckland will appreciate this effort of the Major's as much as their American friends.

Attention is directed to Messrs Smith and taughey's advertisement re clearance sale. At tne end of each season this firm makes a 'point of clearing out all surplus stock rem mtt and oddments at greatly reduced rates. Economists will do well to take a note of Jnis.-Advt.

LATEST SPORTING.

?____s to hand by the mail steamer state to. in Melbourne the V.R.C. Derby has daimed attention. Abercorn has been nocked at 5 to 1, which price was offered ■^t Niagara, with a point more wanted. "eHon. E. Mitchelson "has (says the _._,r. ÜBJ Bustained a serious loss through \xt I \? 1 ,his Promising colt Garter *»& by Musket (imp.)-Kosette (imp.). :«e youngster was exercising at Flem :SS' T"^ W- E- Daki"- "^ Z establishment he had been "T some time, noticed him to falter, vn making a n examination it was SSL hat the colb had completely "g*ed a pastern, one of the ligaments %__m sev^ed. After consulting a dEfft Surf eon ifc ™s decided^ to JSft°4. Mr Dakin entertained w__7___TiT T mon of Garfcer King, who _W }• r°ther t0 Escutcheon, monevtvf \ the "Australasian" the BbouSr ab u out, Sil^r Prince for the

ri . Westport, this day. irCd d? Wra Napier Bell, the i? '«>ns gui T-T' T^ 8 resienin* o*C.ner I ™___v ~ antagonism of Mr a member of the Board.

Ut . Blenheim^ this day. H"18 on the T._! i _ •--, e Wa,rau seat- He derson. 8 H> Godson and G. Hen-

ELECTION NOTES.

Mr James Mackay wishes it to be dis tinctly understood that he is still in the field for City North against all comers. He has not yet received any requisition from Coromandel electors, but has been assured that if he contests the seat one of the candi dates will retire in his favour. On receipt of the requisition from the Coromandel electors, Mr Mackay will consult with his friends in Auckland North before coming to any decision. _,_,__ We are given to understand that a movement is afoot to induce Mr Withy to contest Eden. It has not yet, however, taken definite shape. A meeting of electors of Newton who have been interesting themselves in pro moting a requisition to Mr J. Brame will be held this evening. Mr E. Withy will address the Newton electors at St. Sepulchre's school-room to morrow evening. _ . ■ Sir G. M. O'Rorke s meetings, which had been fixed, for this week, have been post poned, dates to be fixed shortly. Mr E. Mitchelson will address the Eden electors next week. Monday, at Waite's Hall Mount Eden ; Wednesday, at Mount Albert Hall; and Friday, at Avondale. The address to women by Mr J. A. Connell will doubtless draw a crowded attendance to the Choral Hall to-night.

Mr Jenkins and Franklin South.

Mr John Jenkins met .the electors of Franklin South at Maketu, on Tuesday. There was a very large attendance in the Public School. Mr William Kerr was voted to the chair, and with a" few remarks, called upon Mr Jenkins, who -on rising was re ceived with applause. The speaker stated his reasons for coining forward, and then dealt at length with reform and retrenchment, and with much force appealed to the electors to rise in their manhood and insist upon retrench ment, which could only be done by electing men who were independent of all existing political parties, but pledged to resist every party that would not carry out the reforms that he had indicated. Mr Jenkins gave a lengthy address, which was listened^ to throughout with the utmost attention. Several questions having been asked and an swered, votes of thanks were passed to the speaker and Chairman. _ _ In other parts of the district Mr Jenkins has also had very successful meetings. At Ararimu, on Wednesday, Mr Shaw was in the -Mir and the school was full. At Bombay, on Thursday, the meeting.took place in the public hall which was crowded, and Mr Reynolds was in the chair. A vote of confidence was proposed and seconded, but at Mr Jenkins's request was made into a vote of thanks. At Paparata, on" Friday, the so_ioolroolil • was Ml Mr William Baltimore being in the chair, and there was another large meeting in the schoolroom at Pokeno Hill on Saturday, Mr Alexander Douglas in the chair. Mr Ewen.J.P., of Whangarata proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Jenkins for his able ad dress, which was carried.

Coromandel.

Mr Cadman had a numerously-attended meeting of his supporters on Friday night. A committee was chosen, and active measures started in order to secure his re turn. Mr Humphries,* solicitor, practising at the Thames and Ohinemuri, also a Coun cillor of the County of Ohinemuri, ad dressed the electors in the Lower Town ship schoolroom on Friday night. The Mercury Bay people are certain to nominate Mr Woolcock, who at one time held a seat in the House for a Southern con stituency, but is now a resident of Mercury Bay. ' A numerously-signed requisition is being circulated throughout the district in viting Mr James Mackay to come and try again for the seat. Mr Mackay's friends here think he id oUt of his proper element in trying to teach the electors of City North the art of goldmining and quartz-smelting. — (Correspondent].

Dargaville, this day.

Mr Dargaville met the electors here on Saturday evening last, when there were over 200 present. Bis speech chietiy con sisted of a defence of the policy of the pre sent Government and the Kaihu Valley Railway, with occasional hits at his oppo nents. At the conclusion of his speech, a vote of confidence was carried by a majority of the electors. present. A great number abstained from voting. The meeting was a most orderly one throughout.

(BY telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Waverley, this day. Waitotara and Wanganui.

Handley, one of the candidates for Wai totara, has withdrawn in favour of Hut chinson (Ministerialist). This leaves three in the field, Hutchinson, Bryce and Morgan. The last two are Opposition candidates. Air Morgan's candidature is looked on as an undisturbing e.eihent iii the contest, and the struggle is re.-.llv between Messrs Bryce and Hutchinson, lo is likely to be a severe contest.

It is stated that Sir George Grey has been asked to deliver an address at Wanga nui, and has consented to do so three days before the election.

Mr Ballance addresses the electors in the new portion of the constituency on Tues day.

Hawera, this day.

Major Atkinson obtained a vote of thanks at Manaia on Saturday evening. The meeting lasted till about midnight. A vote of no confidence was also proposed. The first of the series of political lectures by Mr J. Aitken Connell takes place this evening, at the Choral Hall, and is specially addressed to the women of Auckland. No gentleman will be admitted unless accom panied by a la.dy.

Christchurch. this day. A requisition, containing 450 sio*natures, has been presented to the Mayor of°Kaiapoi, Mr Moore, who has consented to oppose Mr Richardson. Sir Julius Vogel speaks to-morrow (Tuesday) night at the Theatre Royal.

Christchurch, Friday, The Campaign In Canterbury.

Excitement is beginning to wake up in connection with the general election. The two Associations here are exceedingly busy in all directions. The Political Reform Association, however, led by Chamber of Commerce men, appears to devote attention more especially to country districts—not always with*uccess, however, for a decided reverse has just been experienced among Cust farmers in Mr Pearson's district, where cut and dried resolutions for the formation of a branch were rejected. In some Canter bury constituencies there is a good deal of uncertainty as yet. The following is a

summary : —

Christchurch North. — A requisition was trotted round in favour of Mr Peter Cunningham, of Grain Agency fame, against Sir Julius Vogel, but it has been withdrawn.

Christchurch South—No names are definitely announced as yet, but various rumours are afloat. Mr Peter Cunningham, Air Ayres (Mayor of Christchurch), und Mr Hulbert (ex-Mayor) have been mentioned. Besides these, there is a dark horse who would get support. Mr Holmes's retire ment is a certainty.

Sydenham. Mr Taylor is so far un opposed. St. Albans. - Mr Garrick is almost certain to be strongly opposed by a Ministerial sup porter, but lam not at liberty to divulge tbe name.

•jlnwood (late Stanmore) will be swamped with candidates, including our old friend Mr Rees. An influential requisition is being prepared in favour of Mr A. Loughry, who would be a strong Government man. Rangitata.—lt is anticipated that Mr J. M. Twomey, an mdependent, will run Mr Rolleston hard.

Gladstone.—The only definite candidate is Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, an Oppositionist. Waimate.—Several names are' loosely mentioned, but nobody is definitely out against Mr Steward.

Timaru.—Mr Turnbull is opposed by Mr E. G. Kerr, an independent. It is on the cards that Mr Ormond will have strong opponents shortly. Kaiapoi.—lt is considered highly prob able that Mr Richardson will be opposed by Mr R. Moore (the Mayor), but the suc cess of the latter is more than doubtful.

Avon.—Mr Blake is being opposed by Mr E. G. Wright, who is regarded as be longing to the Opposition. Heathcote.—Mr Jones is so far unop posed. Lyttelton.—Mr Allwright is being unop posed.

TWO FIRES.

Fire in Customs-street

At about 9.15 on Sunday morning a fire j broke out in the Albion Boarding-house, in Customs-street West, lately occupied by Mrs Lambert, but now vacant. The firo was confined to an upstairs room, the walls of which were slightly charred and the fur niture destroyed. Beyond this there was no other damage done to the building. Francis William Niddrie, a man in the em ploy of Mi* J. Heron, builder, Customs street, states that on looking out of the gate of his employer's stableyard, situate a short distance from the scene of the fire, he ob served smoke issuing from tho window of an upstairs room in the boarding-house. He gave the alarm, and the Fire Brigade were speedily on the spot and extinguished the fire. Niddrie states that on Saturday evening he noticed the front door of the boarding-house open. The house is the property of Mr P. Gleeson, who has been in the habit of letting it furnished. It was occupied until Monday last by Mrs Lambert, who gave Mr Gleeson possession on that date. Mr Gleeson is at Coro mandel. The last person in the house so far as is known is Nicholson, a glazier, who was there on Friday. The building was insured for £400 in the United Office, and the insurance policy expired yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Filre at Ponsonby. A fire broke out at 7.30 last evening in a small four-roomed cottage iii Oliphant scfeec; PotiSohby, owned by Mr Adams, and occupied by Mrs O'Regan, and before the flames were subdued the house in which the fire originated and a four-roomed cottage ad joining, owned by Mrs Gravett, and occu pied by Mrs Noone, were destroyed, and two other four-roomed cottages, owned re spectively by Mr Stewart and Mr Minnetti, were partially destroyed. Mrs O'Regan states that she left her residence at 6.40, for the purpose of posting some letters. She left a kerosene lamp burning on the table in the sitting-room, and there was a lire, in the hearth guarded by some bricks to prevent the embers falling out. She locked the front door and closed the back door. She heard the bell ring while in Vermont-street, and seeing the glare in the vicinity of her house, returned and found her house on tire. The fire was observed first by Mr Henry Henn, who oc cupied one of the cottages partially des troyed. He states that when he first saw the lire the flames were bursting through the back portion of Mra O'Regan's house. Mrs O'Regan's furniture was insured for LBO in the New Zealand oifice.and the house was insured by the owner for L 125. Mrs Noone's furniture was uninsured, and Mr Henn suffered some loss through breakage and removal.

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent. )

Thames, this day.

Trenton.—Work in the southern cross cut from No. 4 level of the Cambria mine has been discontinued, and negotiations are now proceeding with the directors of tbe Saxon G.M. Company with a view to driving hillward, and carrying on opera tions from this mine. Considering that the country which has been passed through in the south crosscut has been of an un favourable nature, there is a general con sensus of opinion here in mining circles that it would be much more preferable to drive hillward from the Saxon.

New Manukau. -The usual works are in progress, and quartz of grade continues to come to hand.

New Fearnought.—The drive is being pushed ahead through a kindly channel of sandstone, and it is thought that the reef will prove gold-bearing when intersected. It should be cut shortly.

Karangahake, Saturday.

The manager of the Adeline mine is now bagging a parcel of quartz comprising about .18 tons, which will be sent to the Thames for treatment as soon as the roads will admit of its transport, and a highly remunerative return is expected. Stoping out on the branch leader, which is some what pinched up at present, is still being continued in this mine with very favourable results, and the work of extending the surface level along the lode channel is also in progress, without any change worthy of note. White and party, who have got a section of the Roso mine on tribute, have already succeeded in opening up a block of ground on the No. 1 lode, and from which they expect to get sufficient good stone to give them a margin of profit after paying* all charges in con nection with the breaking and treatment thereof. Owing to the very bad state of the roads, the manager of the Diamond mine has not been able to despatch any quartz—of which there is now fully 35 tons ready for transport—and judging from the amount of gold showing in. the stone, this should yield a handsome return. In this mine, stoping out on the No. 1 reef above the' lower and intermediate levels is now being vigorously prose cuted, and stone yielding good pros pects of gold is being grassed daily from both places. Work in the Sutro mine is now confined to driving on the No. 1 reef near to the Diamond boundary. This work is being carried on by the manager, who is en deavouring to determine its value before re suming more active operations. Since pass ing through the " slide," the intermediate level in the Crown mine has been advanced along the course of the No. 2 reef for a dis tance of 20ft., and as this work is being done on the hanging wall side without any appear ance of the other wall, the size of the lode is at present an unknown quantity. Some of the stone broken out is of very good quality, and the manager hopes to meet with a heavy deposit of the precious metal as work advances further southwards, in which direction there are excellent sur face indications. Heiteman and party, tributes in the Woodstock mine, are now breaking out. stone in which gold is freely visible, and they are quite confident that the block which they have in hand will amply reward them for all the dead work they have done during the past six months. Haslitt and party, tributers, in the same mine, have started to crush a ten ton parcel of low-grade, dirt on the Ivanhoe battery on terms, and it is ex pected that the results will remunerate "--th parties,

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per E.M.S. Zealandia.)

Strange Disappearance of Two Traders.

The schooner George Noble, which arrived at Sydney from the Gilbert Group, reports the strange disappearance of two European traders, named respectively James Gar stang and Frederick Thomas, from Drum mend Island. It appears that on the after noon of January 28th last the two traders went on board the Fiji training-schooner Midge, then lying at the anchorage off the island about half a mile from tho shore. Their visit to the Midge was to settle up some trading matters, and this having been satisfactorily arranged, at 9 o'clock the two men set out for the village in their own boat, a small but apparently safe craft. They were seen safely from the ship's side, and those on board the schooner then retired and heard nothing more of the men until next morning, when a report reached the ship that they had not reached the shore. Fearing foul play, a search was instituted, but no trace of the missing men could be obtained, and the inhabitants of the island have come to the conclusion that they were carried out to sea by the strong current that sweeps past the island and were drowned.

The natives of Tarawa are notoriously hostile, and their lighting proclivities are well known to those visiting the Gilbert Group. The schooner George Noble had occasion to call at Tarawa, and Captain Evers states that the natives were then making active preparations for war with one of the tribes of an adjacent island. A meet ing of the high chiefs of Tarawa had been called, aud judging from the number of war canoes to be seen about the islands a terrible battle was about to be fought.

The Brisbane Labour Dispute.

The conciliation board appointed to settle the dispute between the contractors and bricklayers in regard to the circumstances of the proposed reduction of wages met again last night. Replies were read from various contractors, concerning the current rate of wages, and the majority stated that 12s per diem was the ruling wage, but the largest employers were pay ing only lis. Finally questions were drawn out which the Board recom mend bo determined by arbitration, namely,—" That certain leading employers pay only lis, and those who pay 12s are heavily handicapped and have no chance of work. Work is being kept back, and if a lower rate of wa_res was paid more Work wouid Coble'"out*;* " ThaT'tlieH__.G_.lay€_-^ are paid higher proportionate rates of wages than other workmen in the building trade."

Four men Poisoned.

Four men wero poisoned at Strathkellar station, Hamilton, by making tea from water out of a boiler which had contained arsenic. Two of them, John Kane and Samuel Taylor, died to-day, but the other two are in a fair way to recovery.

Mysterious Loss of Money.

Several LIOO notes, which wero mys teriously stolen from a farmer of Dandenong named William Sykes, have reached Mel bourne from India, where they have been in circulation. Sykes missed the money, amounting to nearly LI,OOO, , shortly after he had received it from the bank, and no trace of it was found till now. The police received information that three men had arrived at Bombay last month from Melbourne, and immedi ately on their arrival negotiated five LIOO notes of Australian banks. Their names were John and Frederick Williams and Edward Bower. They afterwards left Bombay for China. It seems now as if Sykes had his pockets picked of the money and the thieves made off at once. A mysterious advertisement which appeared in the Melbourne "Age" the other day gives the detectives some sort of a clue to work on.

A Singular Shooting Case.

A romance in real life, the money seek ing life of the nineteenth century, has been partially told in tho Central Police Court, Sydney. In Brisbane-street, Surrey Hills, in an old-fashioned, spacious and ram bling house for many years past there has °lived an old gentleman—Mr Greg ory Board—who has the reputation of being exceedingly wealthy, his pro perty being estimated as worth upwards of L-100,000. For tho past six years he has lived a secluded life with his housekeeper, Mrs Jessie Stringer, and has shut himself out from all companionship, his own sons and daughters being denied admission, save on rare occasions, to the paternal roof. On Sunday last, according to the story told in the Police Court, a tragedy was enacted within the _x.__bre walls of Mr Board's house. His son, Allied G. Board, went to visit his father and was refused admittance by the housekeeper, whereupon he climbed the gate, as he had done before, and let himself into the courtyard. According to his statement, when he got there, whilst talk ing to his father, the housekeeper, who seems to have entertained no kindly feel ings toward- him, without provocation fired three shots at him from a revolver. The shots were heard by two persons who lived near, and the evidence went to show that afterwards the young man ran to the front gate and procured the assistance of the police. A revolver, evidently a new one, was found in an old well in the yard, and there were marks in the wall be hind where the prosecutor stood. No one witnessed the firing, as the father, who is a feeble old man, was, it is alleged, in the garden at the time, from whioh place.he could not see what was going on. The do fence set up was that the shots were merely fired in the air to frighten the son; that there was no intent to wound, and that the revolver was only loaded with blank cart ridges. There are several side issues to this affair which will perhaps be brought to light. As the matter stands at present Mrs Jessie Stringer is committed to take her trial at the next Court of Quarter Sessions.

Gold in New Guinea.

In the narrative of tho Victory expedition it was stated that the party had brought back with them some small prospects show ing the colourof gold, which had been ob tained on the flats of one of the new rivers discovered by Mr Bevan. These prospects were forwarded to Mr Wilkinson, the Go vernment Geologist of New South Wales, who has written an elaborate report upon them.in the course of which he makes the fol lowing important remarks:—" The pebbles of slate and quartz found on the island in the Philip River are indicative of formations which sometimes contain auriferous reefs, as well as copper and other metalliferous lodes. These pebbles, though originally derived from palceozoic rocks, may have been washed out of conglomerate beds Buch.as occur in the cretacious formation on the Strickland River ; but from the occurrence of gold in the black sand which, is found with them, it is more probable that both they and the gold have been brought down by tbe river from the primary formation forming the mountains, which may not be more than 20 or 30 miles distant. Wo may, therefore, anticipate mineral discoveries being made in these mountains, though not necessarily richer than are found in similar formations form ing the ranges in the mining districts of Australia."

The Suspected French Escapees.

TERRIBLE TALE OF SUFFERING.

The statements made by Philip Goondie and Leon Andriott, the suspected escapees from New Caledonia, disclose a tale of most terrible suffering. They say they shipped as carpenter and cook respectively on the Italian barque Croesyard, at Mar seilles for a. voyage to New Guinea and back. . They reached the New Guinea coast on the evening of May 10 or 12, and anchored there and lowered two boats for the purpose of obtaining firewood and water. Owing to the illtreatment received from Captain Crorant, or Colodblen, they stole a small gig and put to sea with a small store of biscuits, flour and rice, but in the hurry of departure a small keg of water was left be hind. Andriottstatesthat the vessel anchored closo to a deep inlet, in which several small merchantmen were anchored, but Goondie denies this. Three days after leav ing the boat suddenly struck a reef and was capsized, but they succeeded in righting her and floated off into high water. On the 19th day they struck the Queensland coast, when the boat was smashed on a reef, and thoy reached the land aided by some of her planking. During the whole voyage the men had not ono drop of water to drink, and were reduced to the lowest horrible necessity to alleviate the pangs of thirst. They camped three days and then com menced a 22 days' march along the coast. Some natives gave them food, while others shunted them or followed them for days. Andriott was speared through the left arm, buteventually a friendly tribe met them and showed them Claremont Island lightship, and took them off to it in canoes. They never have been to New Caledonia or im prisoned for crime. The vessel Croesyard was 210 ft. long, and carried a complement of 25 men, with a general cargo. The story is not believed, as no vessel has been heard of on the coast, and Mr Hely left only lately. It is believed that the men, after escaping, were caught in heavy south-east gales, and driven northwest. They seem much concerned on having to go to Bris bane to face the French and Italian Con suls.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs S. Y. Collins and J. P

King, J.P.'s.)

Drunkenness. — Seven persons were punished for this offence.—Maria Lysaght, for habitual drunkenness, was sent to gaol for three months.—Alfred Dinlan, charged with being drunk in charge of a horse and cart, was remanded for a week.

Camellias. — Thomas Brown, a lad, was charged with the larceny of twelve camellia flowers, value 2s Od, the property of Sir Frederick Whitaker.—Mr A. E. Whitaker said that this was another case ■S_milar_-__tg that dealt with on Saturday, when a bby^fia!_-^_LTuiw."anga was sen tenced to seven days' imp_•isGi_ll!en•"• That sentence did not appear to tTave~-_-.ad a deterrent effect, because the accused was caught on Sunday. These depredations were of daily occurrence, and Sir Frederick Whitaker was determined to put a stop to them.—Mr Brown appeared and stated that his son was not inside the fence, and that the tree hung over the fence.—Mr Whitaker said that was a statement contrary to fact, and the only reason that he could see tor it was that Mr Brown was not thero and know nothing about it.—Detective Hughes was called, and deposed that the boy was inside the garden. —The father asked that the boy be let off with a fine, but the Bench ejjjid they could not impose a lighter sentence than in the previous case.—Seven days' imprisonment with hard labour.

Weights and Measures Act.—E. J. Bailey was charged with having unstamped weights in his possession.—Accused said the business premises where the goods were found were not bis.—Sergeant Gamble proved to finding the weights produced in Mr Bailey's shop in the Market.—Frank Bailey, son of defendant, deposed that the shop in the Market belonged to his mother. He had never said his father was the owner of the shop. His mother bought the business from his father about a month before tho sergeant's visit.—Defendant, who wanted his expenses fer the day, was put in the box, and said the business was not his,as he had sold it to-his wife two months ago.— Tho case was dismissed, and Mr Collins said the horse' would be brought on again against Mrs Bailey. Defendant:—How about my expenses ? Tho Bench : We can't allow you any expenses.—Bazett Young was charged with having un stamped weights in his possession, and pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Pratt said these weights were found correct, although they were not stamped.—Fined Is, and the weights were ordered to be forfeited.— Arthur Alfred Partridge pleaded guilty to a similar chai*ge, and it having been stated that the weights were correct, a line of Is and costs was imposed. Employment of* Females. — John H. Dalton was charged with two breaches of this Act by neglecting to'allow a half holi day to Louisa Copeland and Annie Taylor on Saturday afternoon, 9th July. —Mr Theo. Cooper pleaded guilty, and said Mr Dalton was absent from the shop at the time in question, and the girls stayed of their own accord. He asked that a nominal penalty be imposed under the circumstances.—Ser geant Pratt said a nominal penalty would not meet the case. No less than nine girls were at work at the time of the sergeant's visit. If nominal fines were imposed, em ployers would find it profitable to keep the girls at work after hours. - Mr- Cooper said if he had known that his plea of guilty would be met in this way, he would havo pleaded not guilty in one case, and the police could not have got a conviction in it. He urged the fact that Mr Dalton had not been before the Court on this charge pre viously.—The Bench inflicted the nominal penalty of 5s and costs in each case.— James Williams pleaded guilty to a charge of neglecting to allow Jessie Ross a holiday on the afternoon of Saturday, July 9th.— Fined 5s and costs.

AUCKLAND AS A NAVAL STATION.

(by telegraph.— own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. The recent article in your journal on the subject of Auokland as a naval station has attracted some attention here, and as might have been expected all the old Wellington jealousy has been aroused. The "Post" voices the popular feeling in a somewhat hot tempered article,in which it says :—"Auck land will certainly never lose anything for the want of asking it, but all the elaborate special pleading in which the Star in dulges 'in support of its present pre posterous demand will not produce much effect Auckland's geographical position renders it absolutely impossible that, vessels intended for the defence of the whole colony should be stationed there. New Zealand will contribute to the maintenance of these vessels for its own protection, not for that of the Pacific Islands so that their situation in relation to Auckland is not a factor in the case. The war vessels will1, we suppose, naturally make the seat of Go vernment and the central port of the colony their head-quarters. The asser tion that there are larger shipping and commercial interests to conserve at Auckland than at any other place in the colony, is quite unfounded, and inconsist ent with facts. The only real ground for the claim advanced is that Auckland pos sesses docking accommodation. Until this is supplied in Wellington, the warships will probably have to go to Auckland when they require, dgeking,"-

FOOTBALL.

North Shore v. Ponsonby.—This match was played on Saturday, and was won by Ponsonby by ten points to nil. Within three minutes of the start, the ball was heeled out to A. Braund, who potted a beautiful goal from the field. Ponsonby was soon afterwards forced down. Whiteside placed a try to his credit, but the kick was a failure. Whiteside again scored, touching down behind the posts, and Davy performed the same feat subsequently. Both these kicks were entrusted to Wooller, but he did not succeed on either occasion in sending the ball over the bar. The game was a good one throughout. Gordon v. Grafton. —This match, which took place at Epsom on Saturday, proved one of the best contests of the season, and, contrary to expectation, resulted in a vic tory for Gordon. About midway through the first spell after some fine passing by Lindsay and Binney, Poland secured the ball and crossed the line. The kick was taken by Lusk,who landed a beautiful goal. Near the end of the game H. Poland ob tained another try for Gordon. It was, how ever, protested against by the Grafton " skipper " on the ground that the referee did not see it. The point will be decided by the Union.

Junior Football.

Ponsonby 11. v. North Shore IL—This was a good match, and ended in a win for the former by 9 points to nil. McConnell kicked a goal from the field. The scores were all gained in the last few minutes' play.

United v. Grafton ll.—This match was played at Epsom, and resulted in a win for the United by 14 points to nil. ~

Auckland 11. v. Gordon IL—The former won by 5 points to nil. Victoria v. Britomart.—This resulted in a victory for the " Vies " by 10 to nil.

Allcomers v. Arawa.—The Allcomers won by four points to nil. Gordon 111. v. Waverley.—This was a close match, the Gordons only winning by a try.

Clarence 11. v. North Shore lII.— This match was played at North Shore. It resulted in a win for the latter by 6 points to 2.

Eden v. Imperial lll.—This match re suited in a draw.

Richmond v. Black Rose.—This match resulted in a draw, each side scoring two points.

Clifton v. True Blues.—Tho former won by 7 points to nil. Trie.s were ob tained by Meldrum and McKinlay, one of which was converted into a goal by Brighton.

Home Bay v. Eden.—The former claim the match as, the latter did not pub. in an appearance. Britomart beat Victory by 10 points to nil.

Association Football.

-^Jornets v. Devonport. — This match was played GS Saturday, at North Shore. The Hornets winiUSg the toss, chose the far goal, and Goudie kickeu .° ff fo1* Devon port, when for a short time- tne _?l*y was confined to the territory^*iit, bne i visitors. The Hornats warming up, EoS. _J ever, kept the ball well in the centre, of the field, where some give and take play ensued; but the right wing of the Hornets' securing the ball ran it up the side by a good dribble and passing to. centre, a piece of combined play on the; part of Hay and Salmon, enabled the, latter to put tho leather between the posts, this being the only score made during the game. • Nothing of note oc curred in the second half of tbe game, tho Hornets having a decided advantage over their opponents throughout. For Devonport Goudie and Dacre played a good forward game, while Chamberlain, Slat thews and West were prominent in the back play for the Hornets, the forwards playing a good passing game throughout.

Links v. Beresford.—This matcth was played on Saturday afternoon in Dilv. orth's paddock, Remuera. The day was time, but the ground was rather too heavy feu* fast play. Very soon after three, Massey started the ball for the Links, and td fast piece of passing by Mcllwraith and Naylor brought the ball within a few yards of tlie Beresfords' goal. Marsh kicked the "ball out, and the throw in was taken by Mc llwraith, who placed it well, and one ot the forwards being close up headed for goal, but nothing resulted, the ciircle going outside. After being kicked off by Cash it was again arrested by the Links forwards Massey, Douglas, and Jdc Donald and dribbled down at a tremendfcms pace, when Duthie, playing at half back, checked their onward movement by return ing the ball into the centre of the ground. Marsh now shone by a most " dodgey " nun' right into the Links' territory and Ne«w comb's service was required to an* est his further progress, which he did by assign ing the possession of the sphere to Naylor. The latter player, very eminently assisted by Mcllwraith, brought it in the reverse direction all the backs invaded and Naylor had a splendid opportunity to score when Sigson recklessly charged his own man, he* liaving on. a different uniform. The ball! went outside and was again set in motion^ by Baker at full back. Head appropriated, the " periphery." and by the best run of the! afternoon tlie ball was " rushed " into thehH opponents' half. The passing of the Beres ford forwards, Marsh, F. Cousins and Leggei was now really good, and the Links half- \ backs appeared to be busily employed in| repelling tlieir encroachments. . Jieather,! by a long kick, gave the possession of the leather again to Douglas, the latter player now earning a mark of approval by a fast dribble down the centre. Tbe forwards were now all well up, and a fierce bombard ment of the Beresford goal ensued, and shots being sent in rapid succession by Mc- Donald, Massey, Pheney, Taylor, and Douglas. The goalkeeper saved splendidly, and coolly kicked out shot after shot, al though fiercely assailed by six forwards. The ball was kicked out by Cousins, and a corner fell to the Links. The half-back, Harvey was deputed to take the free kick, and centring with accuracy, the ball fell in the midst of the players right in front of the goal. A determined scrimmage now eventuated, the result being a splendid " screw ,r at goal by Douglas, which the goalkeeper* failed to intercept. This success thoroughly aroused the Links' forwards, and another sally was made into the op ponents' retreat. This time McDonald and Pheney were conspicuous for a nice run, and, although Barker, Duthie and Ewen worked desperately to frustrate their tourney, it was futile, as the ball was again centred to Douglas, and he was again re sponsible for another goal, the ball being shot through by him by a remarkably good kick, the ball being at a very acute angle with the goal. Half - time was now called, the game being in favour of the Links, by two goals to nil. The resumptian of the game was continued after the usual interval and the " leather " was set rolling by Marsh. The brothers Cousins now raced the ball down the left wing, and a goal ensued from a piece of loose play on the part of Sisson at half back who missed his kick. Head who was now playing with great dash got past, and although he fell near to the goal he re covered in time to give the leather its cowj. de gvace, and Matthie allowed it to roll slowly between the posts, thus awarding them their first goal. The ball had not been restarted more than half a minute when it was again brought down by Skinner and Head, and the latter player was ene abled to place the second goal to tht Beresford's credit by an easy slow shos which Matthie again allowed to pase between his legs. Marsh and Legge wer, now working brilliantly on the right wing

and caused Newcomb and Sisson at half-; back some slight discomforture by their persistent breaks. The Links being a little: chagrined at the unexpected success of the Beresfords retaliated violently and brought: the leather down by a terific rush, and! Massey, by the best shot of the day waa; enabled to register goal No 3 for the Links.: Only a few minutes remained and the game! ended in a win for the Links by 3 goals' to 2. "* S

Carleton v. Saracens.—The centre of1 attraction at Mr Dilworth's paddock, Re- \ muera, on Saturday, was the match between! the above clubs. Notwithstanding that the | sky was overcast, there were a goodly num- • ber of spectators. Saracens won the toss, i and elected to play downhill. For about! twenty minutes, the ball was kept well! within bounds, the forwards of both; sides doing good work, but being; very effectively stopped by the respective j backs. After some dodging, Gould got the! ball away, and passing it to Owen, the! latter, after very fast and neat dribbling, j carried it down the field and kicked No. 1! goal for. Saracens. The ball being centred,! Carleton kicked off, and the forwards! following well up brought the ball close! to Saracens' goal. . Beale, however, pre- j vented them from scoring by a good kick j into field. Ten minutes of very good fash' play was now indulged in. Barton playing 1 splendidly for Carlton, got the ball through' the Saracen forwards, but was stopped by! Shakespeare, and the ball being returned ] well in front of the forwards, they carried \ it down, and goal No. 2 was kicked by j Owen. This, however, was disputed by; Carleton on account of Owen being off-side, j The umpires disagreed, and the referee not j having seen.it withheld his judgment. The j ball being once more centred, some: very exciting and fast play was thai result, Barton, Shannon, Cinders, and' Gould deserving special mention. Be- j fore many minutes had elapsed the ball was once more brought in front i of Carleton's goal, when the ball being; handled a free kick was given Saracens.! This occurred within a couple of yards of i the goal line, and the Saracens bringing j them wight together, rushed No. 3 goal, j Shortly afterwards half time was called. At j 4 p.m. play was resumed, and not withstand-. ing the lead the Saracens had, theCarleton'a played with vigour, but if anything too in-; dividually.The Saracen backs had now more to do, and again Shakespeare's long kicks gave his forwards time to pull themselves together, and following up, carried the ball with them, when, after judicious pass ing, they got behind the Carleton backs. Goal No. 4 was swiftly kicked by Har- j rington. The ball being once more placed in the centre of the field, the Carletons: kick off, and, taking a leaf out of S.s book,. the forwards passed to one another anft gob the ball well down the field when they were i stopped by Cinders, whose play at this j point was exceedingly good. Carleton's; goal was once more threatened, but Shan- i non, coming to the front, gave his for- j wards time to rally by kicking it out of bounds, and giving a corner kick i to Saracens. The ball being kicked out, tJie Carleton forwards secured it j and carried ib with them, Barton and j Henry Wright passing well to one another, and when within a few yards of goal, the j latter swiftly kicked it under the tape, thus securing No. 1 goal for Carleton. -Play now got very fast indeed, both tearh-r*. playing with a determination to win *•" c Carletons playing better together now "'m2s* the Saracens, who were leading, play , a .defensive game, ■ and their goal being threatened two or three times made them pull themsel7S? together, and the forwards getting away cli-I.e.- _£ c ball well up the field until stopped J-jy Robins. Ryburn and Shannon getting the Heather carried it down their right wing and passed to Barlow,who made an unsuccessful attempt at goal. The ball being now kicked from Saracen goal, the forwards rushed it well up the field, and Howard signalling it out, dribbled well until stopped by Shannon, who passed to Carleton forwards,, and some exciting play eventuated. About ten minutes before time was called, the Saracen forwards, a°*ain getting the ball, took it with them through the Carleton, and Gould, passing to Shepherd, he kicked No. 5 goal for Saracens. During the re- ; mainder of the time some exceedingly fast play took place, neither side having the ad vantage, and when time was called the Sararens had won by four clear (and one disputed) goals to one. Rangers v. Ellerslie.—This match was played at Ellerslie on Saturday last, and after a most enjoyable and friendly game resulted in an easy victory for the Rangers by 3 goals to nil. The fast and good pass ing play shown by the Rangers cqpipletely nonplussed the Ellerslie men, their lack of combination being most noticeable. The forward play of the Rangers was all that could be desired, with one exception, namely, that of playing all together, instead of each man occupying his proper place and i following up the ball. The Rangers' goal was never assailed, whilst the ball was con tinually kicked behind the Ellerslie goal line, and on several occasions the coolnesa of the goalkeeper alone prevented tha ' Rangers' score being much larger. Hornets v. Beresford.—This game waa played at the North Shore, and was well contested. It resulted in favour of the ; Hornets by one goal to nil. Good play waa j exhibited on either side.

Hornets v. Wanderers. — A scratch match was played on Saturday between the Wanderers and Hornets 11., which resulted in a win for the Wanderers by 3 goals. E. Fricker played well for the winners, and goals were secured by Carr, Courtenay, arid Clarke. For the losers Howden and Molloy played a good game.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Football Accidents at Thames.

The football match Thames Club v.. 'United was won by the latter by 4 points to. (nil. During the progress of the game j Tregoning sustained a nasty gash on the.: (•forehead, and was unconscious for a time, i |JEe was taken to the Hospital, where the j Wound was dressed, requiring four stiches.. jlSteadman and Steward also got scalp; [•wounds, while Buchanan nad his leg '[slightly twisted.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings. &.s.. To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Lecture, "The Heroic in Womanhood," by Major H. C. Dane, 8. Choral Hall—Address to Women of Auckland by Mr J. A. Connell, 8. Hall—Royal Jubilee Burlesque and Pantomime Company, 8 .Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7to lO^m ' (City Hall—Skating Rink, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7.30 to 10 D.m. uVlercer Courthouse—Addres* by Mr J. Jenkins to Electors of South Fr_.ni.iln, 7.30 Awitu School-house—Address by Major Harris to Electors of South Franklin, 7.30 Parnell Wesleyan Schoolroom—Entertainment, Catholic Institute-Quadrille Assembly, 8. Museum-Members of Auckland Institute, 8. Temperance Hall—. .uckland Operative Boot makers' Union, 7.30. Drill-shed—Hobson Rifle Corps, 7.30. Club-room, Victoria-st* eet East —Annual Meeting of Metropolitan Club, 8.

Rota of Justices at Police Court. July 19—Messrs E. Isaacs and H. M. Jervis.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

J. Leydon, Onehunga — Household Furniture and Effects, 12. G. Lewis -2_ Cases General Hardware, JI, A. Buckland, Pukekohe Cattle, etc., 11, E. Leydon—Household Furniture and Effects, Arthur and Buddie, Newton—Stook of Iron mongeiy. Plated ware, etc., 11; at Mart, Household Furniture and Effects, JI,

THE AUCKLAND EVENIJN.. STAR, MONDAY, JULY 18, 188T„