.■ r^-—" f ',x j s m uch brisker than it The snaem^g t i me . The reduction in has been forf .- Ausfcra lia, and the cer theßan* ..rawtw - ealand Banks foUow-fig tafotyottn-j. in the p r i ce 0 f a ll suit H bein£j_ New Zealand Banks frsfc f te down at Lls 18s, and there are bare been o° nials an d Nationals. In inquiries tor hcn - ever , are feeling the surance s^^ nc fcion most. There are effects ol t«B , „ eyr Zealand Insurance at strong-buys" ° Un ions 20s Gd, Stan -35 Nationals . geU &fc fchese *?*i£ftßS having a decidedly up w-icf'.? lA ncy Gas shares are enquired v' a f_ae very scarce. In mining the run 01.. "' Maris- continues. It is expected _ ?2 dSEft will accept the London *** Ti on 000 It would be an immense iWalt riSwle field. Caledonians at Imperial 3s 6d, are ''•tDe-P Level Cross are asked for at ■ i„- n. Ire In Cor.imanclel mines the rltSa^kedforare Royal Oak, Which I readily saleable at 3s.

The parcel post is fairly on its way now. r Br. Postmaster, is advertising for .dew 'for collectiug and delivering arcels.

T) n . owners are reminded that Friday -enin' up to 9 p.m is the latest for nor n, ions i» *lie Champion St, Leger and jpling Stakes, to be run at Plumpton ark.

The detention of the island mail steamer ichmond-was due to remarkably heavy ther w hich forced her to shelter at Lay Island for nearly a week. Whilst, ■ere she took in a quantity of firewood for • of running short of coal, but subse jimtly received a supply of black diamonds nm the New Zealand Government steamer j[ a The Richmond's Kanaka crew are id to have worked well and given satisfao 3D to the owners. .-

jr r J. Lindsay was elected a member of Council of the Young New Zealand jlitical Association on Wednespay evening. Hugo's Buffalo Minstrels had another cellent house last night, and the pro amnie gave every satisfaction. Another ial icre of programme is announced for to orroff evening. As the season is drawing 9 r a close, those wishing to enjoy a treat fan and frolic should embrace an early ,portunity of attending.

Mr Mcßurney, assisted by Mrs Me arncy, gave last night in the Choral Hall, r the benefit of St. Andrew's Church' and •hool, his entertsinment entitled " Poly ottiana, or Songs of All Nations." There js a moderate attendance. At the close of lentertainment Mr John Reid, who pre- Jed moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr ;J Mrs Mcßurney for their' amusing and itructive entertainment, and the vote was issed by acclamation.,.

The attendance at the lecture delivered pMrl. Hopkins at the; Auckland Indus jalAssociation Rooms last evening on the line of honey as a food and medicine was •rj- small. • The lecture was an interesting idexhaustiveone. MrHopkins went back jthe earliest records of the production of one)', and pointed outthat it had gradually een supplanted by cane sugar. He main lined that honey was superior to all othe- . w&arine - substances as an article of cod,, and held that the demand fc a i fas increasing and would continue i,o, mease until it was found on every tab!©,. Tie constituent properties of honey w ere splaiued at some length, and the lect jrer Jrongly recommended its use medici nally' irifor persons of impaired digestive facul lis, The lecture, which was aye f y able : % lasted for upwards of ah hour. it the usual muster of the A ■'Battery kit evening in the Drill-shed, th(i pleasing? iteration was given that Captain Payne, y during the day received, s. teilegraim ating that 'he had received promo fcion to> (tank of Major. The news Was if j'ceivedi ritk manifest pleasure by his subord mates,, vodatthe conclusion of "drill tl c Bat bryadjourned to a hotel uo wee, i he new ffle t inorder that in futore it should nob ak in their throat?]. A mcci ;ing of > Battery was. . subsequently held, ii?n it was "decided <m» present Bijor_ Payne with a sworr\ and otheii isfia necessary to support hist new jpuk As Major Payne is an old ' Tolun who has -risen to his ) resent position tatherank's, his'well-desf j-ved promotion Ssrfven general satisfacti in.. A- meeting lite 'Company will be held shortly to a i new captain.

iragst the passengers by V. le safcamer *ond were the Rev. X Pc arse, Mrs teand eight native missio. mries, en J* far New Guinea, v ia Sydi ley. The Wcarsehas been for the las- 114 years wsataion behalf ofthe London I [issionary Wj.and ho recent^,- volunteer 3d to pro wtoNew Guinea, f j carry on m Issionary Were. He yitt n his wife an d family aitenative laissic varies will be stationed '"W*lsland, a comparatively n nknown Wn of tte jf reat continent, arid, in PwuaoJmw Nonary work, will c. stablish '•wntaol' there. '• "; »f,\/', f«iuick, managing director of ■™ J and North Shore Ferry' Com- Hi Wis ha 3 returned from England, ?W that he has made arrangesnsents 1, ing the necessary alterations in new steamer in order to r' incrased speed. Mr Bow, of the r>\ Bow and. McLaughlan, built1 ers of .Ftamer, is on his way here in tLe s.s.1 i 'Mue to arrive in the colony about 1 «JJ-henea ■ He" brings with him material for effecting altera-j 'fi including; new paddle wheels with Mfloats.

•» Chambers this morning Mr Justice J*4 granted probate in re Ernebi Ponui gwa,Geo. Elijah Rollerson, and Henry rwpn (deceased); while it was ordered TP*te in re G. W. Bishop (deceased) by action trial, to take BOctoberi, In re Auckland Agricul • aid Mercantile Company v. Perry, j'r sra3|lVentoservewrit upon defendant! &, Wales, defence to be filed ul *• isa ft(* service of writ, and the m-5 m ta take Place at the December nmm the Court. ■ In re the Auck- CvT rati ye Dwwa-v and Clothing iS| M was given to pay a dividend fej,p nertia;y a strange man was passing HhH5 Pc Road whom we at firsfc fed ! f a.V old colonial liand" as he in- Vyj $ " th at was the road to Eden. :iLJ™;to.keep straight on that * iUu^ m iust "ght for Eden he Vw- the Whau- He smiled, t«e price of that nice WJSff Then we^saw that we had was n°t a lunatic at all '%oM7!r c man so we apologised ?»tel U . .? tlfc was not an apology he ltWt flSr fo, r lfc> and ™s satisfied. V J?SP?°P,e to come this way to se- P-S.: behave I^i?Ti fresh t0 hand this week tt T^ day To-morrow, rW»Ch« ~d c Auckland Provision NW? P Tjßac°n Shops ifyA* Side, A- Bettany y'«do?B a donkey prefer k ,Jr Uww': Because he's an i tSm* ft1, prices'when they 4s*Ct ft 1 qualifcyafc aboufc tWVwS font C sellin? P«me corned Rc^fr fil ! dL fresn bufcter, 8d; 3lß^ ; te6^^ the P^st I Wl^-SMl^ Is 4d per lb ; K. B. Wt; I*fll) p- tln ' lioneyinsec- O Stores r? g >'om' kifcs to Co-

PROBATE OF G. W. BISHOP'S WILL TO BE THE SUBJECT OF TRIAL.

What it Costs to Bury a Man in San Francisco.

\ The matter of obtaining probate of the will 1 of Geo. Wesley Bishop (recently shot by Mrs Yon in San Francisco) came before Mr Justice Ward in Chambers this morn ing', Mr W. J. Napier appearing for James Rae, the pawnbroker (executor under the will made by Bishop in February last prior to his departure for 'Frisco), and Mr O. £. Buddie appearing in support of the caveat lodged by Faith Bishop(widow of deceased). It may be remembered that the will in ques tion bequeathes the bulk of the property to deoobsed's daughters and altogether ex cludes his wife from participation, Messrs Wh&aker; Russell and Buddie, acting for the widow, iseek to have the -will proved by action. On Tuesday last this matter was before His Hon or when he decried against tho contention of the counsel for the execu tors of the will., and upheld the contention of the widow of the deceased that she was entitled, as a .natter, of right, to have the will proved :oy action. The motion was then adjourn.- id till to-day in order that an affidavit might be filed giving, particulars of the family of the deceased. It has been stated that* the will will be con tested on ' the' grounds of insanity and undue ii ifluenoe, but there is no ground, we understand, for this statement. Ihe next of ■k in merely seek to put the executor fjo the proof of the will in solemn fcrm. In case, however,, the will were upset and none other existed, the prope rtj wxwld be divided in accordance with the Statute of Distributions, viz., one third to the widow and two-thirds to be equally divided amongst the testators children. Upon the matter being called this moi-Ei" ng, Mr Napier intimated that lie had no obi ection to probate being sought by formal act ion at law. At the same time he took oppc rtunity to draw attention to the undertal. ers' bill which Mr Rae had just received' from San Francisco. The learned gentlems n then read out some of the items which se smed to be very extortionate, and at His B onor's desire the account and ac compan; ing letter were handed up to him for.pern sal. They are as follows:— Me. Ivoy and Gallagher, undertakers, ." in Estate of George Wesley Bishop. July 12.—T0 funeral expenses of himself: 1 bur_ 3 netallic, 1 name plate, engraved, and 6 cas_a it handles, 200dols. : 1 suit of under clo-Mr g, 2dols. 50 cents. ; 1 gent's black rohfe, I 20dols. ; cash paid for embalming body, ISOdols. ; telegram to Mr Greenaway, _\ T ew Zealand, 45d015. 30 cents. ; use of w aggc ia. iii placing body in vault, odols. : T otali, -122d015. SO cents. No. 20, Firth-street, Sam Francisco, Cal., July 21st, 1887. Mr Rae. Dear Sir, -We suppose that you are aware of the fact that Mr G. W. Bishop was shot by a Mrs Yon as he was about to take the steamer" for Auckland, July 2nd. From that gunshot wound he died July 4th, and we as undertakers were" called in to prepare the body for burial or shipment as the case might be.- We wired Mr Greenaway, of 1 y__ir city, at an expense of 45 dollars 30 cents, who we were informed was deceased's rather-in-law. To that cablegram -we re c seived no answer. After waiting a reason able time we placed the remains in Laurel 3 Jill Cemetery receiving vault in this city. ]_nclosed please find our bill as far as we bttve gone, which we send to you as Mr Bishop's agent. Should you desire the re mains shipped to Auckland you can add on the cost of transportation,, which may bo prepaid—lOdols for removal permit, 20dols for shipping box and packing, and lGdols for vault hire. This latter charge will have to be paid in any event. Should you desire to bury here a grave will cost 15 dols. As you will see by account rendered, we are out some little cash in the case, and an early remittance would please us very much. Mt J. S. Sullivan,1 who had been Mr B. attorney while here had the Public Administrator, take charge, of his effects shortly after his death. We presume Mr Sullivan has written you or the relatives of deceased an account of his death, and the causes that led to it. For fear he has not clone so, we will state that the murder here is looked on as a cold blooded and unprovoked murder. Tho accused has been held for trial without bail. We would advise that the friends of the deceased employ some at torney to assist the prosecution, as your experience will tell you how oases for the Crown and State are conducted when left entirely to the State to prosecute. Any information we can furnish you or the relatives of the deceased in relation to this sad affair we will gladly furnish on re quest. There was a man named Nyland • with Mr B. a great deal. He claimed to be a friend. His reputation here is not good. If you know him to be a friend let us know _o that we may not treat him so cavalierly in the future.—Await-. ing your early reply we.remain, Yours etc., McAvoy and Gallagher."

His Honor, after perusing the account, re marked in great surprise : Gracious ! if a dead man costs so much in San Francisco it must be very expensive to live there. These costs are some thing awful. - .

Mr Napier: I fancy, Your Honor, they concluded they had got hold of a milllion aire His Honor recommended Mr Napier in the interests of the public to have the letter and bill of costs published, and he added grimly " If anyone wants to go and die in San Francisco, that bill ought to act as a deterrent." , -

" It was then arranged that probate of the will should be attained by action, the trial was fixed to take place in October next.

THE SAMOAN LAND CASE.

lii Her Majesty* Privy Council

MANAEMA V. SIR WILLIAM MC

ARTHUR AND CO.

The appeal of the defendants from the re fusal of the Chief Justice of Fiji to grant them leave to appeal against his decision after the expiration of the time limited came on for hearing before Lord Hobhause, Lord Macnaughten, and Sir Bam«# Pea cock on Saturday, June 25th.

Messrs McArthur and Co. were repre sented by the Hon. Mark Francis Napier, a gentleman who shared with Mr Broadley the duty of defending Arabi Pasha after his capture in the late Egyptian War, and Mr Archibald appeared as counsel for Mana ema. „..«■-''■-«■.. The practice of the Privy Council In ap plications for leave to appeal, is to hear the case fully upon the merits ; so far as this can be done without transmission o! the record and proceedings in the Court below ; and if it appears to their Lordships pro bable that the decision has been wrong in law, the leave applied for is usually gI"lu the present case Mr Napier, whose ar gument lasted from half-past ten until after !' o'clock, stated the facts from the appli cant's point of view. These facts had al ready been corrected and supplemented by the respondents in the form of a oounter netition. He relied in his argument upon X principal points (1) That the Chief Justice of Fiji had no jurisdiction over land in the island of Samoa, or over the defen dants, as not being physically within the Western Pacific. (2) That certain grants and proclamations of the King and Govern ment of. the Islands had; been offered in evidence and wrongly rejected, (o) That

the decision was erroneous upon the facts,

As to the first point, their Lordships held that the terms of the Provisional Order and the treaty with the King of Samoa gave the necessary jurisdiction, and they intimated their opinion that it did not lie in the mouth of persons whose only claim to seize the plantations was based upon an action brought by themselves in the same Court, to deny its jurisdiction. They also held that tho defendants, although not physic ally within the Western Pacific, were sufficiently within it for the purpose of being sued, by having a p__ce of business and carrying on trade by their agents in Samoa. Their Lordships pointed out the injustice which would result if English firms were not responsible in the High Commissioner's Courts for acts committed by them through agents in the Western Pacific. Upon the second point Mr Napier re ferred to the existing treaty with the King of Samoa, but the learned judges thought that the fifth section of the treaty amoun ted to a surrender by the king of any right he might have, ancl even Mr Cornwall's land, if the treaty had not existed; and they further held that even if the king's grants ancl proclamation had been of any value they would not justify a previous wrongful act. Upon the third point, Sir Napier frankly admitted that he had carefully considered the Provisional Order and Treaty and the lav/ bearing upon the case, but that he was unable to find anything which could justify the seizure of the piantatious under the judgment obtained by Messrs McArthur and Co. against Mr Cornwall. He con tended, however, that the Chief Justice should have treated the claim as made by Mr Cornwall, and should have made it a condition of his judg ment that the case of McArthur and Co. should be paid before the lands were given up, citing in support of his proposition the case of Cranston v. Johnson in Vesoy's reports. But their lordships were of opinion that the case did not affect the present case, the circumstances being entirely different, and the application there being for discretionary equitable relief and nob to enforce a legal right. The Privy Council therefore, without call ing upon tho respondents, gave judgment, saying that as they saw "no reason to think that they would differ from tho Court below, either in respect of the jurisdiction which the Court below has held it had over the parties, or from its decision to reject the proclamations that were tendered, which are the two important points of law to be made in favour of your petition. They thought that the case upon its merits is not one in which they cculd advise Her Majesty to ex tend the special indulgence that is asked for," and dismissed the application upon the merits with costs.

It will be remembered that this case was argued in Fiji by Mr Napier aud Shera, Auckland.

ELECTION NOTES.

A meeting of Mr J. __. Connell's com mittee and supporters takes place to-night at Waite's Hall.Mt. Eden.

Mr Henry Thompson, Opposition candi date for Christchurch South, spoke last night, receiving a vote of thanks. He will neither support Major Atkinson.nor the Stout-Vogel combination.

A meeting of Mr Peacock's Committee will be held in tho Baptist Schoolroom, off Jervois Road, this (Friday) evening at 7.30 o'clock. A full attendance of members is respectfully invited.

Mr J. A. Connell addressed the electors at Mount Eden last night. Our report is held over.

Mr Samuel Yaile is to give the Electors of City North a good chance of ventilating their political views and asking questions at the Temperance Hall at 8 p.m. to-night.

A meeting of Mr S. S. Osborne's support ers was held last night in the Lodgo Room, Onehunga Public Hall. Mr Osborne and about 30 electors were present. The names of about 25 electors were taken clown ancl formed into a committee to canvas the district.

Thames, this day

Mr Fraser addressed a large meeting of Block 27 electors last night. Fe received a vote of thanks and confidence, but about two thirds of those present refrained from voting.

Paeroa, this day

Mr James Mackay addressed crowded meeting electors here last evening, and re ceived a unanimous vote of thanks and con fidence.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(BY TELEGBAPH - OWN CORRESPOXDENT.)

Thames, this day.

Trenton.—lt is stated that there is every likelihood of work being resumed shortly, and carried on from the Saxon mine. So far as is known here, however, nothing definite has yet been decided.

Cambria.—The usual works are in pro gress, but there is no change to report. The quartz coming to hand is shaping pay abiy at the battery, although very little picked stone is being obtained. The fortnightly return to last Saturday is as follows :—15.8 loads of quartz crushed for 102oz gold ; 201b picked stone, 260z ; 6 loads of tailings, 4oz lOdwt; 7£ loads of tailings (trial lot), 3oz lOdwt : total re torted, 1360z ; melted gold, 1330z lUdwt. Coromaxdel, this day. . Koyal Oak. — The manager reports having widened the rise and put in timber to enable him to continue to rise higher on the gold-bearing run, and during the pre sent week it is expected he wiil be. on auriferous stone. The tributers have an other parcel of 201b good picked stone.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs King and La R,oche, J.P.s) Drunkenness.—Two persons were punished for this offence, and Edward Burns, for habitual drunkenness, was sent to prison for one month. '

Disorderly.—Richard Bell was charged with drunkeness and disorderly conduct in the bar of the Waverley Hotel, and with breaking a pane of glass, value 30s, the property of George Panter. — Prisoner denied the charge, but it was proved by Constable Abrams and other witnesses, who said the prisoner and others were sheperding a drunken individual.—Fined L 5 and costs, or in default one month's imprisonment with hard labour. Alleged Larceny as a Bailee.—Wil liam T. Staines was charged with disposing of a quantity of timber and bricks of which he was bailee. —Mr Williamson asked for a remand till Friday next, which was granted. By-Laws.—The following fines were im posed : George Crabbe, allowing horse to stray at Devonport, 5s and costs. William Baker, allowing horse to stray, 5s and costs.

Constable Foreman has secured at Helensville this morning, a man answering to the description of Duncan the escaped lunatic. The man gives his name as Jones, but it is believed that this is Duncan one of lunatics who recently escaped from Avon dale Asylum.

The New Zealand Sugar Company have decided to reduce the prices of their JSTos. l and 2 sugars by LI and 10s per ton respec tively.

SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL MATCHES.

The main feature of to-morrow's play will be the contest between the Representatives ancl Possibles, in view Of the approaching matqh with the Otago representatives. The only change in the team will be that Lind say has dropped out. This is no doubt in consequence of his being an Otago man, and has probably scruples about playing against his old comrades. His place will be ably filled by Stone. The following matches will also eventu ate as indicated : Itugby. Ponsonby II v. Auckland ll.—Auckland II: Full back, Pilkingtcn ; three-quarter backs, Downey (2), G. Mayes ; half backs, J. McDermott, Murphy, Wilstead ; wing men, Parker, Bailey; forwards, Parker, Moore, Reeves, Solomon, Philpot, Payne, Clark. Ponsonby 11 : Dignan, McConncll, Harris,T.Whitcside,McHale,Cieaver, Bruce (2), Beamish, Fagnn, Austin, Heffernan, Samways, Chaplin, Healy, Moore, Maine. United v. Gohdon 11. (at Epsom). — United: Goodacre, Roche, Fentoh, Done, Gash, Bell (2), Cammell, Bates, Murphy, Ryan, Welsh, Kerr, Tait, Spinley. A brake leaves Newton Fire Brigade Station at 2.15 sharp. Grafton 11. v. Waitemata 11. (at Potter's paddock). —Grafton : Ferguson (2), Mathieson, o'Mearn(2), Binns, Mackic, Cowan, Holder, McDonald, Higgins, Conley, Barton, and Speight. Waitemata : Bailey (captain), Major (2), Bell, Stone, Brown, Druminond, Atkinson, Downs, Stevens (2), McKenzie, Kirby, Courtayne, V. rhite, Wheatley.

University' v. Waitemata.— 'Varsity : Adams, Bagnall, Brabant, Bruce, Colqu houn, Cox, Down, Farrell, Gillies, Macgill, Murphy, Myers, Parr, Walker, Wilson. Emergencies: Aubin, Macgill. Waite mata : Smith (2), Jackson, Moore, Preston (2), McKenzie (2), McLeod (2), Service, Nesbitt, Green, Burnett, Newton, Mills and McQuott.

Clarexoe v. Whiti? Star (at Onehunga). —Clarence : McCarthy, Farquhar, Connor, Flynn, Kelly, Miller, Ramsay, Katterns, Griflin, Molloy, Bowden, Lysaght, Mc- Kibbin, Worms,. Gray, Eilley, Tarry, Waddel, and Woods. The Clarence are requested to catch the brake for Onehunga at the Union Bank at 2 p.m. sharp.

Selwyn v. Wavehley (at Onehunga).— Selwyn: Bennett, Cooke, Diaz, Geard, Hammond, Hill, Keetley, Murray (2), Morris, McDonald, Pierce", Smart (2), and Tizard. Emergencies: C. Clark and Speight; A brake will leave the United Service Hotel at 2 o'clock sharp. Waver ley : Otway, Harris, Barnes, Jeffery (2), Watkis, London, Mays, Leahy, Robb, Tid marsh, Johnny, Ellimus, Felix, Charlie.

Remuera v. Gordon 111. (in the Domain),

--Remuera: Andrews, Brabazon, Buckland, Boord, Cranwell, Fountain, Hunter, Jervis, Moresby, McCausland, Margetts, Pritt, Rich, Stevens and Seccombo ; emergency : McCormick. Gordon : Blomfiold, Burton, Cooper (2), Cruickshank, Gledhill, Gold water, Hammond (2), Leighton, Koncler dine, Martin, McCallum, McCausland, Reed, Stewart; emergency : Purchas.

Richmond v. Bereseord (at Surrey Hills) —Richmond :A. Elder (capt.), Lewis, Ed wards, Harkins, .Johnson, Dowany, J French, A. French, Scott, Macnamara, Wade, Hansen, H. Golding, Logic, and H. Black.

Rosebery v. BritomartL —Britomait: Fernandez, Luke, Gyde (2), Onyon (2), Allen, Winks, Hill, McFarlane, Barton, Mooney, Donovan, Pelham, Gillespie. Emergencies : Sliortt, Craig. Ranoebs v. Carlton.—Rangers team: Rowe (capt.), Spcer. Mercer, F. Rotheram, Forsyth, McMurtie, Bell, Miller, Dewar, S. White, Thomas. Emergency, Stewart.

Black Rose 11. v. Orient ll.—Black Rose: F. Potter (captain), F. Hitchcock, T. Todd, T. Hicks, W. Walker, W. Price, P.* Eearden, N. Harkins, J. Smerden, D. Colnin, T. Wirmford, J. Shelden, G. Hays, A. Harrison, H. Simens. Emergencies: F. Blewden, C. Shelden, U. Bird, J. Bassett. A ssociation. Ellep.rt.tt: v. Saracens. -Goodliof, Ken ward (2), Somerfield (2), 0. Peek, W. Hill, T. Clark, Ferguson (2), Brimmer. .Substi tutes :T. Ferguson, A. Lang, G. Peek. Saracens: Owen, Gould, Shepherd (2), Hull, Harington, Howard, Shakespeare, Binney, Norton, Greenway. A drag will leave the National Bank at 2 o'clock.

' Links v. Hornets. — Links : Heather, Douglas, Newcomb, Harvey. Mercer, Mc- Donald, Matthie, I .leciey, Naylor, Mcll wraith, Somerville. Emergency: Massey.

Pevonport v. BERESFORD (at Devonnort), —Beresford : Gash, Baker, Haslam, Ewen, Skinner, Cousins (2), Duthie, Head, Legge and Marsh. Emergency : F. Blotb. Members leave by the 2.30 boat. Wanderers v. Ellerslie 11. — The following will represent the Wanderers : M. Chappoll (captain), E. Fricker, J. Mills, J. Carr, G. Courtney, J. Whelan, J. Clark, P. White, S. Sheldon, W. Whelan, and R. Bleakley. Emergencies: C. Clark, C Collings, and J.- Allen. A brake will be at the Naval and Family Hotel, Karangahape Road, at 2 o'clock sharp. Ellerslie : K'ean, Hope, Burton, Charles, Hatfield, Wood, Reynell, Lawrence (2), Somerfield, and Loomb. Emergencies : Thorpe and Jack son.

Beresford 11. v. 'Links ll.—Canham, Bowring, Tring, Head, Ellyett, Sanderson, Ball, Baird, Cousins, Beale, and Jones.

Rangers IT. v. Hornets ll.—Rangers 11. : W. Thcmas (captain), Heron, Mc- Cormish (2), Crawford, Hutchinson, Bloom field, Wiseman, Lewis, Carter, Ewington, Little. Hornets 11. : Crawford, Johnson, Gash, Wiseman, Howden, Airey, Mc- Naughton, Hatswell, Smith, Blaikie, Camp bell, Wrigley, Palmer.

ANNEXATION OF THE KERMADICS.

When the steamer Richmond was shelter ing at Sunday Islands prior to the 16th instant the New Zealand Government s.s. Stella put in an appearance, intent upon the annexation of the group. She had visited McAuley and Curtis Islands, but had been unable to land thei*e owing to the very heavy weather prevailing. Captain Fairehild therefore deemed it advisable to make for Sunday Island, and arrived there as already stated. When the Richmond left Captain Fairehild and party were about to go ashore to formally annex the islands and the survivors Messrs Percy Smith and Cheesemen were prepared to survey the island. The Stella was expected to return to McAuley and Curti3 Islands, and after having the survey completed, come on to Auckland, arriving here about the 28th instant.

WATERS DISCHARGED.

(by telegraph—press association.)

Wellington, this day. At the R.M. Court to-day no evidence was offered in the case against W. R. Waters, and the accused was discharged.

ENGLISH MAIL NEWS.

(VIA SAN FRANCISCO.)

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(For the 'Frisco Mail of July 13th.)

Our London correspondent, writing via 'Frisco, on July the 31st, says:--" The ceremonies in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of the Imperial In stitute came at the fag end of a long course of Jubilee rejoicings, and just when every, one from Her Majesty downwards felt sick of state and pageantry. Probably this was why there was hardly any en thusiasm, either along the line of the Queen's route from Paddington to South Kensington or within the Institute pavilion itself, and why the whole affair struck most of us as flat, dull, and unimpressive to a degree. The pavilion contained about 11,000 people, and was far from crowded. Tickets,in point of fact, though nominally difficult to obtain, were being offered right and left to people on Saturday and Sunday. Tho usual mob of royalties, ambassadors, ancl members of the Government of course put in an appearance, but tho company as a whole were not half so smart as on the occasion of the opening of the Colindies. The Queen looked (as she doubtless felt) hot and tired. Her face was very rod, and something seemed to have strained the royal temper. Mr Lewis Morris's ode reads well, but Sir Arthur Sullivan has scarcely been so successful with the selling as he was with Tennyson's exhibition stanzas. Nevertheless the musi cal portion of the ceremony was far the most exhilarating. We cheered Her Majesty, of course, but decorously, and without, any of the ecstatic fervour that marked the popular greetings on Jubilee Day. The Late Conference. The published report of the proceedings of the Colonial Conference was laid before Parliament last week, but will not be on sale to the general public for somo time to come. It is not a verbatim note, but rather a free and easy resume of what occurred.

The banquet to Sir H. Holland and Mr Stanhope, in recognition of their services with regard to the late Conference, came off at Willis's Rooms on Wednesday even ing and was a great success. Sir William Fitzherbert was put up with Mr Osborne Morgan to respond to the toast of "The Unity of the Empire," and made the best speech of the evening next to Lord Rose bery. The Projected! Two-Million Loan. City folks are almost unanimous in pro phesying disaster if your projected two million "loan is persisted in. Already New Zealand stocks nave suffered by the rumour and the financial papers are full of letters remonstrating and drawing attention to the colony's already excessive indebtedness. Lord and Lady Aberdeen arrived home from their Australian tour to-day. Both are in capital health. The " World " says Lord Porchoster .rill accompany his father and mother on their tour of the Australias. After much prompting on the part of the Prince of Wales, the Queen ha 3 contributed Ll,-G0 to the funds of the Imperial Insti tute. An immense sum is still required to complete the building. Tho first stone has (as " Truth " observes) been laid, but from all appearances a long time must elapse before the fast one is laid. Personal and Goneral. The most important visitors to your part of the world this autumn will be Lord and Lady Carnarvon, who leave England for Australia early in August. As an ex- Colonial Secretary, and as a statesman who has always taken the keenest interest in Antipodean questions, the noble master of Highclere should meet with a warm wel come.

Mr James Mason, C.M.G., who repre sented Fiji at the " Colindies " and is well known in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand, has succeeded Mr Egmont Hake as General-vSuperintendent of the Liverpool Jubilee Exhibition. It is a poor show, and has from the first been a ghastly failure, but that is not Mr Mason's fault, In his capacity of Colonial Commissioner he did what ho could to inspire the moribund enterprise with life and vigour, and the fact-of his being chosen to snpersedo Mr Hake at least shows that his efforts have been appreciated. The Imperial Federation League appears to be in a bad way. At the annual banquet last Wednesday, Lord Rosebery announced that if LI,OOO per annum could not be raised to defray working expenses, the League would have to go to the wall. No doubt this would be a misfortune, bub I cannot quite agree with His Lordship that the dissolution of the League would do more to throw back the work of Imperial federation than all its previous action had done to hasten it. Unquestionably, though, the coin will bo easily raised. Mr C. H. M. Haughton, of Dunedin, sailed for New York last Saturday by the Etruria, en route for New Zealand. As he will be with you as soon as this letter, I need say no more. The late Mayor of Dunedin (Lieutenant- Colonel Reeves) is in London, sight-seeing and visiting. ' He was at the primatis garden party at Lambeth Palace, on the 25th ulto.,and also at Lady Burdett-Coutts's reception. Sir George Bowen is not after all going out again to Hongkong. He means instead to enter English political life. A society paper remarks that if mere talk qualifies a man for the House of Commons your ex- Viceroy should prove a huge success. It adds that an irreverent Australian struck by his never ending speech christened him " Sir Jaw Bone."

Lord and Lady Stafford are home again. The Marquis was delighted with his Aus tralian experiences, and has formed strong opinions on more than one colonial question.

AN AUCKLAND HEROINE.

two Damages for Breach of Promise of Marriage.

(FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.)

The numerous friends in Auckland and elsewhere in NeAV Zealand of Mrs Emily Childs will read with considerable interest the reports of the breach of promise of mar riage case in which she has been con cerned. The late Mr Childs died at Auckland in October, 1886, leaving his wife nine small pledges of his affection and but scanty means to support them with. Early in the present year the bereaved widow embarked for England on board the Ruapehu, taking with her one child only. Amongst the passengers was Mr Hector Arden, a mature bachelor, pos sessed of some private means and con siderable expectations. He admired the buxom widow, and did his best to console her, succeeding so well that after a time her tender heart began to flutter once more. In the tropics Mr Arden proposed to Mrs Childs and was ac cepted, and before the Ruapehu reached Gravesend their engagement was made public. Subsequently, however, Arden's heart hardened,' and lie declined to carry out the engagement. Thereupon Mrs Childs promptly brought an action for breach of promise of marriage, claiming L6OO damages. The case was tried at the Middlesex Sheriff's Court last

Wednesday, and caused considerable amusement.

The Trial

Mr Digby Seymour conducted the case for the plaintiff, and Mr Home Payne for the defendant, who was described as a gentleman residing afc Elvedon Lodge, St. John 8 Wood.

In opening the case, Mr Seymour said the parties met in the earlier part of this year on board one of the Royal mail steamers—the Ruapehu—plying between Auckland, New Zealand, and London, being introduced by the captain, a friend of the plaintiff. During the voyage a friendship sprang- up, which ultimately ripened into a warm affection, and a pro mise of marriage. The plaintiff, Mrs ■ Linily Childs, was a widow with nine children, one of whom travelled with her to England, the others being left behind. Her age was forty, but the learned counsel thought that when the jury saw her they would say that she had borne the cares of married life without in any way detracting from her personal ap pearance. Defendant, Mr Hector Henry Frederick Arden, was of the same age, and he stated that he had means of his own, while he was also the son of a wealthy farmer, who was residing at St. John's Wood, and had personal prospects of an appointment in some part of Burmah. The vessel arrived in the Thames in April, and a formal promise of marriage was made. This was made known to those on board the ship, to many of whom the plain tiff was known. Before this the plain tiff explained the responsibility he (defendant) was undertaking in the matter of family, but he expained that he fully understood the position, and eventually he took off a ring from his finger and put it on hers. Defendant wrote to plaintiff from St. John's Wood, to the effect that he was much teased about the " pretty widow." That his sister thought her " very pretty," adding, " Ellen thinks we should make a nice couple if you had not a baby. What will she say when we have eight more?" (laughter) Other letters followed in May, in which, defendant addressed plaintiffas"Elly, dear," said he believed in predestination, and that if it were so pre-orderedthey might have towait.adding, "how jolly it will be when we are one." He stated further, " I will work hard for you and yours." On the 4th of May, in writing, he signed him self. "Yours alone, God bless you, Hector," and later on, " Yours only, Hector." On the 13th of May, however, said the learned counsel, there was a rapid " fall in the mercury," for the defendant signed himself. 'Yours sincerely." (Laugh ter). Later on he addressed her as " Dear Mrs Childs," and subsequently intimated to her, that owing to his father's objec tions, he was compelled to break off the engagement, and as his relative had threatened to cast him off, and as he would then be penniless, he would not be in a position to keep the plaintiff and her family.

The plaintiff, a lady of prepossessing ap pearance, on being placed in the witness box, and being examined by Mr George Cohen, stated that when the engagement was entered into she made an entry in her pocket book and they both initialed it, stating that they would not forget one another. When she spoke to the defen dant about the responsibility he was under taking, he said that if his father disap proved of the engagement he could go back to Burmah, where he had beeh earn ing from LI ,000 to L 1.200 a year. She stated that she was introduced to the father, mother, and two sisters of the defendant at St. John's Wood. She spoke of having received a large number of letters from the defendant, which were couched in the most affectionate terms. On one occasion, when he was going to a Con servative fete, he stated that at about half past ten he might have his arm round some body's waist, and he should then think of plaintiff, with whom he should like to have a spoon on the stairs. (Laughter.) He also wrote, " God's best blessing be yours, my own darling Elly."

In cross-examination by Mr Home Payne, plaintiff said defendant sat next her at table on board the vessel, and paid her marked attention. They came home by way of Cape Horn, and it was after this that the friendship ripened. Defendant told her that he was a master mariner, and that he had been engaged in that capacity on the River Irrawaddy, between Rangoon and Mandalay. Plaintiff said she understood from the defendant that he made money out of something that he had to do with the stores. Defendant made an appoint ment to meet her at Liverpool-street Rail way Station, on the ground that he could not " face" her friends, and he then renewed the engagement, on the understanding that it was to be kept secret. Her husband died in October, 1886, and the new engagement was entered into on the 4th of April, 1887.

By the Under-sheriff. —She understood from the defendant that if his father did not do something for him in England he would either make himself money in Burmah or upon the Stock Exchange. She told defen dant on the day of the engagement at the railway station that she was quite willing to wait for him until he was in a position to marry. Her late husband left her without means, but ■ she was being assisted by friends, who were maintaining her children in New Zealand.

Before retiring, • the jury were informed that the youngest child of the plaintiff was aged two and a half years and the eldest twelve years.

After a brief deliberation, the jury re turned into Court and gave a verdict for L2OO.

A SEA PAGEANT.

A Splendid Spectacle at Spithead.

The Queen Passes between Lines of

Formidable War Vessels.

The Queen reviewed the home section of the English navy at Spithead on July 23 between the Isle of Wight and the Hamp shire coast. One hundred and thirty-four pen nants were flown in the fleet of the vessels reviewed.' There were twenty-six armoured ships, nine unarmoured ships, three tor pedo crusiers, one torpedo gunboat, one gun torpedo vessel, thirty-eight first-class torpedo boats, thirty-eight gunboats.twelve troopships, one paddle frigate, and six training brigs. There were 20,200 officers and men in the crews of the vessels on' ex hibition. There were also a number of special vessels for the accommodation of officials and invited guests. The vessels to be reviewed wero placed in line early in the morning. One of them ! lay along the Isle of Wight, while the others were in a parallel line just off Hamp shire. The vessels reviewed were about a quarter of a mile apart. The day was absolutely perfect. Al though it was warm, there was a fresh breeze blowing all day. There-was every form of modern naval architecture, placed in contrast with hulks and ancient vessels of the past, which were moored in Portsmouth harbour.

Two vessels which attracted more atten tion, perhaps, than all of the new vessels, were the gigantic four-deckers, Duke of Wellington and Victory, the two remain ing ships of Nelson's old fleet. The Vic tory, which was his flagship, is still in good condition. It was thought best at one time to have these historical vessels in the parade. There was a marked contrast between these two high-storied wooden vessels and the low-built iron .monsters of torpedo boats which dashed about the harbour, running at the. speed of eighteen and twenty miles an hour. These boats ran about the har bour looking for all the world like am phibious creatures, so low did they lie in the water. Any of these vicious, swift running crafts, small as they are, would be

Sufficient to destroy in a few moments any vessel of the character of the Victory. The vessels reviewed were covered with flags from stem to stern. Back of them, along the Isle of Wight, were innumerable pleasure crafts. Along the Hampshire coast were excursion steamers and the great vessels of the Peninsular and Oriental line, which brought the people down from London for the sum of £7, and gave them a dinner and a night's lodging, remaining for the illuminations.

The Queen did not leave Isle of Wight until about three o'clock. There were three royal yachts. There was a little pilot vessel leading the way. Then came the Queen's yacht, that of the Prince of Wales, and then the yacht assigned to the German Crown Prince. The royal yachts had two smoke-stacks, painted yellow, and three masts, all white. Each were side-wheel steamers. The Queen sat aft under a white awning, with only two or three ladies near her. She was in black, with a black bonnet trimmed with white lace. She wore black gloves, and held in her hand a green sun umbrella. The Prince of Wales on his yacht wore for the first time the uniform of his new office of Admiral. The royal yachts were followed by the Euphrates, carrying members of the House of Lords and their families, and the Croco dile, carrying members of the House of Commons. At her heels came two others carrying the Indian Princes and the High Admiralty officers. The yards of all of the fleet in review were manned with sailors half an hour before the royal yachts were started. These men stood so still that at the immense height at which chey were perched they looked like toy sailors. It was a splendid spectacle when the royal yachts turned and passed down the line of these magnificent warships. All of the ports of the war vessels were open, and steel-mouthed cannon showed from every opening. The flying flags and the colours of the graceful ships made a naval pictufa to gladden the heart of a sailor, but of ths long line reviewed, only one-half are now up to modern requirements. Change is ths order of the day. The great Agincourt, with her displacement of 10,000 tons,costing over L 400.000, is now considered second class in rank. Interest upon the part of naval men is now concentrated on the tor pedo boats and swift steel cruisers.

At the close of the review the Queen re ceived on her yacht all of the commanders of the vessels of the fleet. This evening Portsmouth is ablaze with illuminations.and gleaming electric lights illuminate every stick and spar of the fleet. The day arid evening has made the brightest and most interesting picture of the Jubilee cere monies.

PRESENTATION TO MR W. R. WADDEL.

A number of the friends and well-wishers of Mr W. R. Waddel assembled at the Indus trial Exhibition Rooms at 3.30 yesterday afternoon for the purpose of presenting, thafc gentleman with a handsome portrait of him self. Amongst those present were Mr Geo. Fraser, Supt. Hughes, Messrs M. Gal lagher, P. Lanigan, J. Howden, and W. Errington. Mr Fraser, in making the pre sentation, said that they were animated by a desire to manifest the kindly feelings and the esteem which they had entertained in regard to Mr Waddel for many years. Man y of them had been acquainted with that gentleman for 30 years, and had seen him growing up with the place,ever ready to help where help was needed. They had seen him take a prominent position in the guidance of the city's affairs; and the most casual observer could not help noticing how Mr Waddel had worked for the good of the city. (Hear, Jhear.) He had occupied the most prominent position a citizen could occupy, and, he believed, for the longest term, and during that term of office as Mayor he had conducted himself with dignity, and with credit to the city. Mr Waddel ' had also filled many other honourable positions, and had evidenced his ability and his will to carry out to a successful issue any work which he undertook. He was not now in a perfect state of health, and he hoped that his indisposition would be of short duration. Mr Fraser expressed the hope that Mr Waddel would seek Parliamentary honours at the ensuing election. (Hear, hear.) They wanted men like him in the House: they wanted practical men, of sound judgment. The great majority of those now before them as candidates were I mere theorists. In conclusion, he hoped Mr Waddel would be long spared to look at his own picture. ("Hear, hear" and laughter.) The portrait had been executed by Mr R. H. Bartlett,and measured 4 feet 9 inches by 4 feet, enclosed in a massive gilt frame. Mr Waddel, in reply, said he felt a peculiar pleasure in receivingthe testimonial from their hands in that building, and in the existing circumstances. As Mr Fraser had said, he had grown up in Auck land, and the services he had referred to, given during the many years he had had the honour of occupying public positions, were given with singleness of heart, and with the best feelings. A remark which to him had been a source of much pride had been made on his retiring from the Mayoralty, that he had never once endeavoured to work a personal inter est. The feeling which had prompted that remark had not, he found from that' day's presentation, been allowed to die out. During his term as Mayor, Mr Bartlett had expressed his intention of establishing a collection of the portraits of public men. and had stated that the portrait of the Mayor of Auckland would form one of the collection. He (Mr Waddel) had replied that this would be perhaps rather expensive, as he could not anticipate becom ing the purchaser. The gentlemen who had presented the gift that day had, however, purchased the, portrait referred to. Mr Hughes had busied himself in regard to the presentation, and he had only to ask that gentleman that he would furnish him with a list of the subscribers to the testimonial; for though he had many friends, he would like to know those who weremoreimmediately his friends. He would feel for ever indebted to them, and he hoped to be long spared, as they had said, to "lookupon his own picture," which he hoped would long grace the walls of a Waddel. He thanked them sincerely for their handsome gift.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c„ To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Hugo's Buffalo Min strels, B. Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 7.35 to 10. Olympia Hall, Grey-street—Skating Rink, 7iSO

to 10. St David's Church—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Choral Hall—Cantata, " Rose Maiden," 8. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Entertainment, 7.30. Otahuhu Baptist Church—Address by Miss Newcombe, 7.30. Choral Hall—Presentation of Diplomas to

two Auckland Graduates, 3.15. Temperance Hall—Address by Mr S. Vaile to Electors of Auckland North, 8. Christians Meeting House, New North Road— Mr H. T. Garratt and Electors of Newton, 8. Ponsonby Baptist Church—Lecture, " Scenes from the Highways and Byways of Ireland," 7.30. Robson's Rooms—Auckland Leidertanfel Re* hearsal, 8. Waite's Hall, Mt Eden—Committee and Sup. porters of Mr J. A. Connell, 8.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

A. B. Griffiths. Parnell—Trees, Shrubs, etc.,l. Paget and Ralston, Ponson by—Household Fur niture and Effects, 11. •• ~„ it , T. M. Jackson, Otahuhu- Household Furniture. Poultry, Cart, Harness, etc., 11.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

August 20—Messrs D. H. Lusk and W. C. Lyon,

"■ flE~__UC_a__-_D EVENING STAR, PKIDAT, AUGCfST 19, 1887,

5



Prosecute the Swindlers!! ' If when you call for American Hop Bitters (see green tioig of Hops on the white label and Dr. ISovle's name blown iv the boltle) the vendor hands out anything but American Hop Bittors. refuse it and shun that vendor as .you would a viper; and if he has taken your money for awy ihmgelse indict him for the fraud and sue him for damages for the swindle, and wo will pay I you liberally for the conviction.