THE BIBLE AND EDUCATION.

£?send ment of the Education- act. tfftfATED DISCUSSION IN 0 SYNOD.

. f the Diocesan Synod last even- unusually interesting and ani" % ter, and the whole three hours o'clock were occupied in P** nested debate on Archdeacon yKlre Bible-reading in the ifilljs'3 There were present: His SfgS.pSvie (presiding), the Yen. Uip^°jL yen. Archdeacon Dudley, W*"??«fln bovett, Yen. Archdeacon WvS Archdeacon Willis, Rove. t*4 f?" Beatty, Boler, Burrows, L^'jK .Davis, Evans, Could, &/* mil Houchen, Marshall, Nelson, Smallheld, Tebbs, pjrcbCSp Wilson. La:ty: Messrs Carder K,M. &&&C«L Cox, Crispe, Doonin, R ftufcon Hammond, Haseiden, !*. SSffi, Hills, Ireland, Jackson Wjsi, Rawlinga, Pace, Seth !>'£'S. Smith, Speight, Upton, _ W fl minutes of the previous meet- taT read and confirmed, the ■8 Teded to discuss Archdeacon !^ pro n tion introduced at a previous osß0 s8 ?;_.«Tbat, in the opinion of this desirable that the Edu- Wrtnt the colony be amended so as »** ■?« for the daily reading in the •CTnols of selected portions of Scrip r i with time-table conscience I Richards objected to the *Zd character of the resolution, fihev'ould prefer to see something iSforethebynod. If the Bib c was the reading would do l£San good, and he hardly knew Jjs ought to vote for the motion as 'ffov Mr Haseiden supported the ■ He contended that education Cfc religion was certainly worthless. f] maintained for many years that 'gb should be read in the pub hc ll He would have the Bible read in f!Lls without note or comment, and S that if the Bible was read daily ■ Hldren must retain some of the good S JLed It would take a very large ftfDay teachers in denominational JoJand such a system would create a Seal of acrimony. He had no doubb, rrtbat the Bible should be read in Smls and he knew that the parents of iTcbildren were grieved and sorrowful SL the Scriptures were not taught in Ihook Many parents were unable to 1 the necessary instruction tliem £ and others had not time to do so. iCrispe said that many who favoured tadM in schools were strongly op- Wto denominational education. All ij parents asked was that the Bible ifiberecognised in the public schools, ik believed if they did not get it this Sgof Parliament, they would next. IJrlpeieht said he presumed that what BjJreawas to have selected portions of iScripfcures read in the schools. This Jik rock upon which the whole Edu ioßtodi of Ireland split. If they iWlating as Churchmen, he would [-Lefcnshave religious education in the be schools; but they had to look upon siSfotesystem of education, and not in il4 of a Church of England system. Bt«in.j Ihelongerhelivcdthe more con ailiebecametbatno State system of odu iiSooldß called npon to step in and do fsrtoJtheCnurch. (Hear, hear.) If m entitled to State aid for religious iiS-'i&our schools we were equally lsito=Btate aid in our churches. He id- the honesty of the Rev. Arc-h ---ue Willis in stating that what lie pro dra'not all he wanted, but at the like he considered that this method pendingwas calculated to mislead the i, He had this conviction, and many bhl the conviction, that if there was kwj change in the present system of b&nit should be in the direction of mtioisat education. He could not be joy'proposal to keep the secular panii existence and graft on to it a de ntinal system.' It meant simply i certain work which was the ij of the Church was to be «by the State. He was sorry tttemarks had caused a little flutter 'Uferat, but he felt the necessity for tyii the matter, squarely. In this ttiieqtieetion should be the granting n&eattn of the people exactly what !?«entitled to. If they wanted a ajiiey should go straight for it,and not fetotoget it by introducing the thin jpithe wedge as proposed by Arch *» Willis. If not saoisfiel with the B«!]Btem as carried out, let them be Jrable enongh to say they did not be- Rail: The jßoman Catholics had be- which called for esteem, "tyweeonsoienee in the matter and to adhere to their convictions y***' , lt'had been said that the oF"jj| of fie colony were tn*owing up and criminal set, (Hear hear.) Hte, So—Du t they had the IPoltbcolony, which showed that ■*«»wpean portion of the population e*Rcent. were native born, and B, per cent, of the crime. (A Kyjwclever to be caught/) He did W* e ,ow children were either God- he had observed that the children brought before our the public schools. ■Bfc»mV • Arcnd eacon Willis was when he pro- and at the same time told Bn*™ 1 was not all he wanted lK?°. Willi3: "I do not see any in it at all.") He did not u.se term " For fchese and BsC?!l would be compelled to ■ff'tie motion. } [c Marshall supported the :«to?^ nt ended that if the State Wht • '"" over the education of ■iS^: ,v .aa equally fight for it 'ft®" "f lth a ? 00 '- 1 education all K^*|W™» did not require to be ;;e^ Worrier to impart Scriptural liKißd T motl ? ers wei-a not theo- I instr uctioii in the ■■ he believed there '"""Wality amongst the W$ of the colony, and the 4 ffl? taw. 0W P ul)lic Prisons had to this fact, lie felt dr? 0 , 1111 * u P on which the -•■H J !7 cd in. interference and -Jl^ : jv!w? lon was b y havin e fch,3 «'NaL feducation possible. Iγ, W l telii, onl y tho physical and ; -i»of*.Wi» the moral aspect of "ißfc.tast t *' hear -) Our national >X * Dto»i CeSSaril y inculcate some FplfM surely the best ■e%teQ Waß to he ioand in tho : ma " t * rs sho »)d be men of :;; v he saw no difficulty : .' : m % "toWii - g B iveu by those ■^' ? W(L lns truction in our RSJjft epoke of the intro :? E%,S P , of havin g religious Bj.ilSfr lß - Birmingham did j -K'^ijfn 1 ? Privilege, and from ' BNtOiiJ at crime there in ' eventually the "- JR«2? tan % compelled to aa part of the c^ elicved that no I MN P J?S an integral r^W^Ap /aid he was one of %m% e du-

cation, but at the same time he admitted that denominational schools would not be practicable in small districts where there was only population to support one schooL In such a case, provision could be made for Bible reading as part of the curriculum of the school.

Mv Beatty was strongly of opinion that tho present resolution did not go far enough. He believed that the action of the State undertaking the education of children destroyed the parents' responsibility. Mr Upton said he believed in national education, free, seculai and compulsory, it was the essential duty of the State to educate the people, and it was education •that enabled the workmen of England to rise from the awful state in which they used to live, and enabled them to resist oppres sion. He believed in compulsory educa tion, but religion should be imparted by moral suasion. As to the fitness of the teachers in our public schools to impart re ligious education, he stated that it was the invariable practice of the Board of Educa tion to dismiss all teachers guilty of immoral conduct in the slightest degree. Mr Upton also made reference to Mr Froude's essay on the " Oxford Move ment," which he traced to the " growing up in the Church of a class of people jvho'tell you they have powers which you have not, that they belong to a class of men superior to other men, that the clergy belong to a class having powers not possessed by other men." He feared that there was a great deal of truth in what Mr Froude had writ ten, inasmuch as he saw gentlemen stand ing up now and saying, " We will not have the Bible read, or will not have you teach it unless you teach it in the way I believe it." (Question.)

The Ilev. Mr Nelson commented .very strongly on the remarks made by Mr Upton, and expressed surprise that Mr Froude should bo quoted as an authority with regard to religious instruction. If they were to teacli morality rightly let them teach it in the best way and from the best source possible. What did they want with the morality in Nelson's or Longman's readers when they had a better thing in the pure writings of the Bible, which were in existence long before tho readers were even thought of? Where did the readers get their so-called code of morality ? Where but from the only book which was tabooed in our public schools ?

The Rev. Mr Walpole did not think the morality included in the school readers could take the place of (Scriptural instruc tion.

The President said he desired to point out that it was wrong to talk about science in the manner in which it had been dis cussed. People should not confuse science with theology, and when speaking of science should say which science they mean. He also referred to the unreliability of Mr Froude's writings, not only on religious subjects, but otherwise. The motion was not quite what he would like, but it would be a great pity if it were negatived. He believed that the New Zealand Govern ment was perfectly prepared to make a con siderable concession to those who will ask for a transference of education from the State to religious bodies, and it had been made known in Wellington, he believed, ttikk the Government are perfectly prepared tc do so.

Mr Luke was sorry that he had to oppose the motion. No one had a greater reverence for the Holy Scriptures than himself, but lie believed that the reading of the Bible in schools without, definite teaching , would be worse than useless. Our school teachers were men of high standing and <;ood moral training,but, they would require some train ing before they undertook to expound tho Scriptures. He was sure that the majority of the laity were in favour of the present system, and that the present movement was a step towards denominational educa tion. The Revs. Wilson and Haselden also ppoke in support of the motion, and Mr E. Hcsketh said he did not see how it was possible for the Synod to reject the resolution. No one had stated that the reading of the Bible could do other than good, and he failed to see what had been urged against the motion so far. Mr Seth Smith moved, on behalf of the Rev. Mr Richards, who having previously spoken, was nob at liberty to speak again, the following amendment:—" That in the opinion of the Synod it is highly desira able that the Education Act of the colony should be amended so that schools not connected with the State may receive grants in aid, provided they satisfy the requirements of the Education authorities in the so-called secular instruction given, and in other respects, and that in the State schools provision should bo made for the daily reading of portions of Scripture." The Rev. Mr Richards seconded the amendment, and some further discussion ensued, in which Dr. Purchasspoke against the proposal to tack religious instruction on to the present school duties as being hurtful to the children,, who were at present rather overdone with school

work. Mr Barstow, Arch. Dudley, and others spoke at some length, and some discussion arose as to the proper manner in which the resolution should be submitted. The first question submitted was "That all the words after 'that' be omitted from the motion for the purpose of inserting the amendment." The voices were pretty even, and the President declared in favour of the ayes. Mr Seth Smith asked leave to withdraw the amendment. This was refused, and a division was taken, with the following re sult:—ln favour of the motion: Ayes: Clerny, 13; Laity, 20. Noes: Clergy, 10; Laity, 8. The motion was then submitted and carried. The Rev. Mr Hill desired to move a further amendment, but on the suggestion of tho President agreed to give notice of motion for reconsideration of the question at a future sitting.

GERMAN WAR-SHIP AT RUSSELL.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWX CORKESPONDEXT. )

Russell, this day. The German corvette Adlcr arrived to-day from Brisbane for coal and water. Sh c left Brisbane on Ist November, and passed the English full-rigged ship Onssa. off Three Kings yesterday, from Greenock bound to San Francisco. .All were well on board, but they wished to be reported.

SOLDIER AND SETTLES.

(BY TELEGEAI'H.— PEESS ASSOCIATION)

Taurancja, this day. Mr Michael Downes, one of the oldest settlers, died this morning aged 61. in deceased was an officer in the 68th Light In-

A very enjoyable and ? successful social wete present/and dancing was kep£ up Hll an early hour this morning. Mr J. KUfove acted as M. C. ; Miss Mcllhone and Mr Clough provided the music. In our report of the proceedings of the A Battery of Artillery yesterday it was stated fflon. Surgeon Moore accompanied the c This was a mistake. Dr. o. Ji. Kent is the only surgeon connected wxth fiTServ and he yesterday, though xn a weakftate y of Eealthfattended the big gun S to be in reading in case oi accident.

THE DISASTER AT DONCASTER.

AN EXCURSION TRAIN SMASHED-

TERRIBLE SUFFERING

SIXTY PERSONS INJURED.

SURVIVORS' NARRATIVES,

A RiiLVAY disaster, the most serious that has occurred in this country since the terrible accident at Penistone, in July, 1884, took place at Hexthorpe Siding, near Doncaster, yesterday morning, with a lamontable loss of life and serious injury to scores of unfortunate travellers. Addi tional horror ia imparted to the disaster by the fact that nearly all the victims were pleasure-seeking excursioniste on their way to the Doncaster races. These left Sheffield in a special Midland train at 20 minutas past 11 o'clock for Doncaster. As is usual during the Doncaster week, the train was crowded, Sheffield always sending thou sands of loving townspeople to take part in the famous north country race meeting. All went well until the special train reached the siding at Hexthorpe, a mile or two from Doncaster. The train drew up at the nar row platform for the collection of tickets, and there could have been no thought of danger, as the eiding is specially protected by najj and semaphore signals.

A Dangerous Siding.

These precautions were required by the fact that the main line from Liverpool to Hull takes a considerable curve not far from the Hexthorpe ticket platform, past which the train would rush at a great speed if not stopped by signal before reaching the turn which would bring it within sight of the siding. Ticket collectors were ready at Hexthorpe for the special, which they entered immediately on its arrival, and the guards left their brakes to assist in the work. Suddenly a loud whist ling was heard which rose hifrh above the bustle on the ticket platform, and people turned iv the direction whence the noise came. In another instant there was a horrified shout from the otllcials and others on the platform, followed by cries from the passengers, and a mad rush to get out of the carriages.

Smashed! and Splintered like

n Packing Case

The ordinary passenger train from Liver pool to Hull was seen and heard thundering round the curve and dashing straight down the line towards the Midland special stand ing right in its way. A momentary glimpse was obtained of the driver and stoker of the approaching train, frantically pulling at the levers. But the view was only tran sient, for almost immediately the collision took place. The Liverpool engine struck the end of tho Midland special almost at full speed, and with such a inometum that tho collision was of a torrific character. The woodwork of the carriages was smashed and splintered as if the material was wood of a packing cado; and the massive iron-work tyres and frames and wheeles were twisted into many fantastic forms. The screeching of the escaping steam from tho partially wrecked engine mingled with, and for a moment drowned, the agonising , screams of the wretched beings imprisoned by the wreckage, and the groans of the many who had sustained terrible in juries. For awhile discipline seemed lost and reason suspended amongst officials and escaped passengers alike. But the panic did nob last long, and the work of succour and rescue was com menced, and continued for hours with method and courage.

Appalling Sights and Sounds

The real* guard's van and the three carriages immediately preceding it suffered moat severely from the collision. Of these, the van ami two of the carriages, one a large composite of eight compartments, were completely wrecked, and cries and groans proceeding fro.n the ruins gave painful evidence that many persons were buried beneath. Attention was, therefore, first devoted to these unhappy sufferers. Many uninjured passengers from both trains joined in the work of rescue, and within an hour nearly fifty persons were extricated and placed on the platform and in the nearest available buildings, whero they re ceived prompt and skilful attention at the hands of surgeons and physicians who had hurried to the spot from the neighbouring towns and villages. The sights and sounds encountered by the gallant bands of workers were enough to apjjul even an experienced army surgeon. Many of the poor creatures were horribly mangled. Several had limbe torn off or crushed into shapeless ness. An unusually large proportion of the injured were found to be suffering from Berious wounds, and it was decided to send most of them to the Infirmary, at Don caster. Special carriages wsre accordingly kept running between Doncaster and Hex thorpe, and' most of the more seriously in jured were soon comfortably installed in the Infirmary. By four o'clock twenty-three dead bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, and between fifty and sixty in jured persons. Of the latter, four speedily succumbed to their injuries, and several others are in a critical condition. Miraculous Escapee. All the damage, says another correspond ent, was done to the stationary train, for, though the funnel of the Manchester, Shef field, and Lincolnshire engine was broken off, and the buffers were damaged, the engine kept the metals, and neither driver nor stoker was hurt, while the passengers escaped with a little shaking. But to the Midland train the force of the shock was terrible. In one case a baby about eight months old was taken uninjured from the dead body of the woman who was nursing it. The vio lence of the shock had torn cushions to ribbons, and the springs and horsehair had o-ot loose from their coverings. Several ex traordinary escapes arc reported. People were uninjured within, a, few feet of others whose death must have been instantaneous. The work of extricating the dead was made all the more diffiolb because tho bodies wore in many cases so jammed together that hatchets and saws were needed inorder to "et them out, and this could not be accomplished except after very patient and prolonged labour. At one time eight , bodies rolled upon the bank after the tim ber was sawn away, and the spectacle was ghastly in the extreme as legs and arms were picked up one by one in the train. The head of one poor fellow hung help lessly amon'c some of the broken timber, and on clearing away the woodwork it was found that he was nearly decapitated, and that his body was fearfully lacerated, another man had his body torn open; and another was disembowelled by the buffer of the engine, and his wife was killed by his side. But even more trvintf to the nerves of those who were pre sent at this awful scene were the shrieks and moans of the wounded, several of whom died while they were being got out, while others could not be removed until the sides of the carriages had been sawn away. Mr H A. Hamilton, the Assistant Superin tendent of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway, informed the repre sentative of the Press Association that the block system was suspended between Hex thorpe Junction, and the platform where the accident happened, and that the trains were worked by flags, men being stationed at intervale with red flags to instruct the drivers.

Survivors' Stories?,

Mr Chatterton, 131, Sheffield Moor, who sustained a wound in the head, besides a great shock to the system, states :—" We left Sheffield at 11.20, and had reached Hexthorpe in safety. I was with others in a third-class carriage. There were several carriages behind us. I should think I was one of the first to open a carriage door. I was seated with my face to the engine after the train had pulled up to collect tickets. Looking out of the window opposite me, I saw a signal man waving a red flag very vigorously. I thought by his manner, which was excited, that something was wrong, and I jumped up, saying that there was going to be an accident. He was apparently endeavouring to stop an advancing train. I looked out of the door, and then I saw the Manchester express—if it was the Manchester express— coming along. It was coming at a good speed, and I saw that they would not be able to stop it, and that it was coming into the rear of our train. I opened, the door and was going to jump out, when somebody got hold of me. Then the crash came, and after that we were all sixes and sevens. I was outside the carriage, bub how I got out I don't exactly know. The carriages behind us were smashed up. There was a terrible scene. Some of the passengers were fearfully mutilated. Others who were not injured set to work to help, and the railway servants did everything they could. I was not able to do anything to help, I was too stunned." Mr Peter Stacey, of 21, Pomnoa Street, says:—"l and my friends came down to the station to go by the 11.30 train to Don caster, but being in time we went on by the 11.20, and lam sorry we .did. We reached Hexthorpe siding, and the man had been to take our tickets when wo felt a slight shock. We did not know what it was, and we began laughing. Immediately, however there was a fearful crash, and the end of the carriage camo in upon us. I was thrown on the floor and held fast down by the broken wood work. Some of the other passengers broke the window and gob out, and assisted in re leasing me. I was much shaken and bruised, but nob seriously hurt. When getting oub on bhe line, I found that we had occupied the coraparbmenb nexb to the one that was smashed the most. The passengers, some dead and others dying, were lyiug amongst the woodwork, a most awful sight, such as I never saw before and hope never to see

again."

Mother Taken—Baby left

Mr George Wood, of 178, Bramall Lane, an ex-policeman, was a passenger by the wrecked train. He said:—"The porter had just taken my ticket when my attention was attracted by a man on the platform waving a red flag very furiously. Immedi ately after the collision occurred and I was pitched clean through the window on the line. It was an unceremonius way of leaving the train, but I believe by that means I was the first on the line. Having, as a policeman, learned to render first aid, I at once proceeded to do what I could in the way of helping to set broken limbs and bind up wounds. I took one littlo baby out of the wreck. It did not appear at all injured, bub the mother, from whose arms it was taken, was killed. I as sisted to extricate tho body of a man whose head had bei:n cut clean off. During the excitement of rendering assistance I did not think 1 was much tho worse, but I feel it much more now." Mr James Buchanan, who was a passenger by a Midland train leaving Sheffield at 12.5, has furnished hie impressions of the scene after the accident. The passengers in that train first heard of something having occurred when they were at Conisborough, where they were pulled up. Afterwards they reached the scene of the accident, and were informed that a Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train had come up while the Midland train was doing collecting, and that three carriages at the rear of the Mid land train were completely smashed. The driver of tho M.S. nnd L. train did not appear to have been injured.

Injuries to Mr Trimnell

From the list of the injured, we learn that Mr T. Trimnell (son of Mr Trimnell, organist of St Mary's Church) sustained serious injuries to both legs, and one leg had to be amputated immediately after his admission to Doncaster Infirmary. In ad dition to the long list of dead, there is a terrible list of broken limbs.

ROWDYISM AT THE RACES.

CONSTABLE DEWES ASSAULTED,

At the Police Court this morning two young men named James Henry Evans and William Flower were punished for miscon duct at the races, the presiding justices being Messrs W. R. Waddell and H. G. Wade. It appeared that the prisoners had been grossly misconducting themselves on the Ellerslie racecourse yesterday, and the police were called upon to interfere. Flower was arrested for the use of insulting and obscene language, and Evane, who was also behaving in an obscene manner, was also taken into custody. When the ac cused were being escorted to the room where prisoners are usually detained, Evans became very violent, and struck Constable Dewe.s, cutting him on the face. After that both prisoners were conveyed to the lock-up, and this morning they had to answer for their misdeeds. Evidence was given as to their bad behavirur and general bad charac ter. Evans was charged with fighting on the racecourse and with assaulting Con stable Dewes, and was fined £3 and costs, with the alternative of three months' im prisonment. Flowers was found guilty of using obscene language, and was ordered 3 months' imprisonment without the option of a fine.

ACCIDENT TO A JOCKEY.

SUPPOSED FATAL INJURIES,

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

DuKEDiN, this day. A jockey named McKay, while riding in tho hack race, was heavily thrown. He was taken to the Hospital unconscious, and is reported to be dying.

SHARP EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, this day. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at two minutes past two this morning. Doors and windows rattled violently.

Some time ago it was reported in our columns by special cablegram that tho son of Mr Trimnell, organist of St. Marys Church, had- been kiiled in a railway acci dent between Sheffield and Doncaster. A message forwarded by the distressed parents elicited the information that their son was procrressing favourably. By the direct mail to-day we have received full particu lars of this frightful railway disaster. It appears that Mr Trimnell's injuries, although not fatal, were very severe. One leg had to be amputated and the other is seriously injured

The senior classes of the Kingsland Wes leyan Sunday-school had a very pleasant day's outing yesterday at the Three Kings, about 25 being present. Numerous games were indulged in, the Maori students taking part. The party then ascended one of the Kings and there obtained a splendid view of the Manukau. A good supply of tea and cake was liberally partaken of; the party returning to the school about 8 p.ny

RIVAL STEAMERS.

DANGEROUS PROCEEDINGS.

AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE.

Yesterday, owing to the keen competition existing between the two Ferry Companies plying to and from the North Shore, the public received particularly generous treat ment. In the morning the Eagle was announced to sail to St. Helier's, the fare being fixed at Is. Subsequently, however, this sum was reduced to (id owing to that being the fare fixed by the old company, who also ran their steamers almost up to the Watermen's Steps, while the touters from the rival companies travelled nearly to the Waverley Hotel in their eagerness to sell tickets to the public. The genial and well-known visage of Mi- Baker had, however, the effect of securing the largest number of patrons for the old company, the public apparently being some what shy of the Eagle, notwithstanding the excellent accommodation provided. Shortly before 6 o'clock in the evening bhe Eagle and Victoria could be seen racing down to St. Helier'e Bay in order bo gob the end of the wharf, us the tide was so low that the latest boat could nob have taken up any position at the side. The Eagle succeeded in reaching the wharf first, and bhe Captain allowed his rival to make fast alongside in order that bhe people might pass over his boat to the Vic toria. As there was a large crowd the work of embarking occupied some time, and when the Victoria was loaded there must have been 400 or 500 people on board. Of course the Vicboria, being on the outside, left the wharf first. The Eagle, however, cast off almost at tho same minute, having only about 100 passengers on board. Instead of leaving tl.e wharf as speedily as possible so as to allowsufficient space for bheEagle to get away the Victoria edged off towards the land in a manner as to prevent the Eagle from pass ing. Tho result was that tho rival boats got very close together, aiid for a moment a collision appeared imminent. This was, however, averted by the Eagle slacking off and falling behind, which they were necessitated to do, as otherwise the Victoria would have driven them aground owing to the tide being so far out. The Victoria then got a fair lead to town, but the superior speed of the Eagle was quickly manifested, for as soon as the channel had widened she came along at a great rate, evidently bent upon paying off the Victoria for its previous action. After overtaking the Victoria the Eagle again began to get to rather close quarters. Suddenly the intention of the captain be came evident, for the Eagle shot right across the bows of tho Victoria. This time the posi tion of the two vessels was decidedly dangerous, and nothing but the prompt action of the captain of the Victoria averted a collision by causing the engines to be stopped. The steam was also blown oil The two steameiu came so close together that the passengers) became frightened, arid no less than four ladies on the Victoria fainted, while a gentleman on tho Eagle was seen to rush to the back of the deck and begin throwing off his overcoat. Evidently, he thought things were becoming dangerous. The Eagle having thus shown her speed, coaled up, and kept for some time in such a position as to give the passengers on the Victoria the benefit of the smoke.

Competition between companies is always good for the public, but rivalry .should most certainly not be carried to such an extent as to jeopardise the lives of several hundreds of people who are out for a pleasure excur sion. Such a scene as occurred yesterday will undoubtedly work against both com panies, as more than one-passenger ex pressed their determination riever again to patronise a water excursion on either boat. It is hoped that such action will be taken by the harbour authorities as will prevent a repetition of dangerous racing. It is not sufficient that an inquiry should be held after a number of lives have been lost; the public safety demands that preventive measures sliould be adopted at once.

DEVONPORT SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

SOCIAL GATHERING,

The members of the Devonport Shakespeare Club and their frienda celebrated the close of the first session last night by a socia 1 gathering which was held in Holy Trinity schoolroom. Admission was by invitation card only. Amongst those present were a number of the members of the Parnell Shakespeare Club. In the unavoidable absence of the President (Mr Malcolm Niccol) the Secretary (Mr Benge) pre sided. A well-diversified and highly at tractive programme was presented and very successfully gone through. Songs were contributed in first-class style by Mrs Comyns (operatic), Miss Bartley, " Embar rassment," Mrs Geddis " Kathleen Mavour neen," Mr E. Hosking ♦'Alice, Where art Thou," Mr P. J. Whittaker (operatic), and MrG. M. Reid "Yes, if you Like," while the vocal quartette "Where art Thou, Beam of Light" was pleasingly sung by Mrs Geddis, Miss Bartley, and Messrs A. and F. Bartley. The pianoforte accom paniments were nicely played by Mr Alfred Bartley. The programme also comprised four dramatic recitals, of which the tiret and longest was that from " The Midsummer's Night's Dream," viz., Act I, scene 2; Act 111, scene 1 and quarrel portion of scene 2; Act V., play scene. The leading parts were allotted as follows: Bottom, Mr Benge; Quince, Mr R. W. Comyns; Flute, Mr Spicer; Puck and Helena, Miss Allely ; Titania and Herraia, Mrs Benge; Lysander, Miss Simpson; Demetrius, Miss Caldwell. Of the minor characters Mr Dunn's Snout and Wall were the best. The next drama tic scene wae the well-known dia logue between Brutus and Cassius in ""Julius Gesar," Act IV, Scene 111, Mr Logan taking the part of Brutus and Mr J. M. Geddis that of Cassiue. After this at an interval came the celebrated trial scene froiii "The Merchant of Venice," in which the principal characters were sustained as follows : — Shylock, Mi- Gerald F. Peacocke ; Portia, Miss Jackson ; Antonio, Mr Frank Mason ; Bassanio, Miss Simpson ; and Gratiano, Mr R. W. Comyns. The concluding dramatic con tribution was the Quarrel Scene from Sheridan's " School for Scandal," Mrs Geddis filling the role of Lady Teazle, and Mr Benge that of Sir Peter Teazle. All the dramatic scenes were very creditably pre sented. After an intermission to admit of refreshments being dispensed, dancing was commenced and engaged in up till two this morning Mr Comyns very efficiently discharging the duties of Master of Cere monies.

Mr Alex. Harvie, corner of Albert and Durham-streets, Bent home per Doric a shipment of 5 tons of cheese which had been specially selected for the Manchester market as regards size, colour and flavour. His return of account sales by last mail shows a, net result of per lb after payment of all expenses. This proves that at the present time the .offer to farmers of 2id per gallon by the Frozen Meat Com pany leaves farmers a better margin of proiit than the export of cheese to England, as the difference, gd per gallon, does not represent the lowest cost of cheese-making. Butter shipped in the new patent tins was much appreciated, the pre sent output nearly 20,000 per month.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(from our own reporter.)

Wellington, this day. Discharging Their Duty. Despite the fact that the weather was all that could be desired yesterday, fully one half of the members denied themselves a holiday, and attended to public business. A quantity of private members' business was disposed of, and the order paper was largely reduced.

Fire Brigade Demonstration,

It has been a custom for some years past to place an annual grant of £250 on the Estimates towards holding the Fire Brigades' Demonstration.and Mr Jones.fear ing that in the retrenchment proposals the vote would be sacrificed this session, in quired yosterday the intentions of the Go vernment on the matter. Major Atkin son said that Ministers would not feel justified in suddenly discontinuing the rote, but he could not promise that it would be continued for any definite time. He re cognised,bowever,that firemen did excellent work, and having a strong sympathy with them should ask the House to continue the subsidy if possible.

Reductions of Wages.

The member for Parnell asked tbo Colonial Treasurer whether in carrying out the reductions in- the public" expenditure he intended making reductions in the wages at present paid to skilled and unskilled workmen employed in the public service. He heard there were some men not in the public service who were paid weekly or daily wages, and it would be placing an enormous power in the hands of any Govern ment to allow them to regulate the rate of wages. If the Government reduced the rate of wages, a general reduction might be expected to follow throughout the colony, as thousands of employers would be ready to follow theexampleset them. The Premier said that Governmentrecognised thatsudden reductions should be made with the con currence of the House, and they had no in tention of making reductions which Mr Moss seemed inclined to impute to them.

Tbe Loan Proposals.

In connection with the loan proposals, Government are meeting with considerable opposition, and Otago members are likely to oppose the borrowing of any sum beyond what is necessary to meet the deficiency bills now in circulation—that in to say, they object to the borrowing of a second million as proposed. They think that both the Otago Central and Main Trunk lines should be constructed by land grants, and will give their cordial support to that system of railway construction.

Protecting Native Coal,

The question of Protection was raised in a mild way yesterday afternoon. Mr Reeves (Inangahua) moved, " That in the opinion of this House it is desirable and necessary that an import duty of not less than 2e 6d per ton be imposed on all coal imported into the colony." He claimed that New South Wales had protected itself against the importation of New Zealand produce and cement, and said that it behoved New Zealand to look after her coal mines. He declared that the only persons who would be injuriously affected by the duty he proposed were the Union Steam Shipping Company. Mr Feld-. wick having seconded the motion, Mr Ward rose to oppose it. He declared himself a protectionist, but did not believe in drag ging the question through the fire. Far mers were the backbone of the colony, and as they exported their produce to New South Wales they must be hampered by in creasing the duty on coal by half-a-crown. Mr Mills said that having been directly challenged by the member for Inangahua, he denied that the coal trade was carried on in the interests of the company with which he was engaged. On the contrary, there were a large number of sailing vessels in tbetrade,andtheeffectoftheduty proposed would be to drive them away and place the monopoly entirely in the hands of the Union Steamship Company. Mr Seddon supported the motion, and said he regretted to have to announce that one of the Weet port Coal Company's mines (Coal-pit Heath) would have to be closed owing to the want of consumption. Dr. Fitchett said that the effect of the increased duty would be to give employment on the West Coast in the direction of native product, and Mr O'Con nor added that the proposals should be made the basis of a reciprocal duty with New South Wales. The Minister of Education said that the proposal placed protection in its most objectionable light. Carrying the motion would affect every householder, and it sought to benefit one industry by seeking to direct a blovr at every other in the colony. He might mention that the Wellington Woollen Company, which was a strong protection Company had, in order to keep going, to use Newcastle coal because it was the cheapest. After this expression of opinion, Mr Joyce moved the adjourn ment of the debate for a fortnight, which waa accepted by Mr Reeves, and which practically shelved the motion.

A Step Towards Local Government.

Those members of the House who think thattheGovernmentin their Financial State ment did not strike the key of the position in neglecting to make provision for more complete local government have been agreeably surprised by a reply made by the Minister for Public Wprks to a question by Mr Seddon yesterday afternoon. The mem ber for Kumara had asked whether Govern ment will, so far as practicable and with the view of reducing the public works depart mental expenditure, place in the hands of Harbour Boards, County Councils, and Borough Councils that have competent engineering staffs, the expenditure of the vote for railways, harbour works, roads, and minor works situate within such harbour districts, boroughs and counties. Mr Mitchelson replied that the intention of the Government would be disclosed in the Public Works Statement. He might, how ever, say that the intentions of Government tended somewhat in the direction suggested except in regard to railways and harbours.

Raising the School Age.

It is alleged that if the echool age is raised on the West Coast, and the capita tion allowance lowered, the Westland Edu cation Board will lose £1,500, and thus be unable to perform its functions. Mr Seddon therefore wants the exceptional difficulties under which Education Boards in mining districts labour taken into consideration, with a view to seeing whether schools in mining districts can be placed on the same footing as country schools.

The Fenny Postal System.

The disadvantages under which country settlers labour in regard to the postal system was brought before the House, by Mr Valentine, who wanted an extension of the penny postal system made by creating country postal districts, or the system ex tended generally throughout the colony. The Postmaster-General replied that he had taken the matter into consideration, and had found it impossible to grant the conces sion asked. Such a concession had not been found practicable in any other colonies and he was advised it would result in great loss of revenue. To make the penny postal system general throughout the colony would result in a loss of £25,000.

Land Tenure.

Mr Smith has moved for a return showing the number ot persons who have been settled on lands of the colony under the different systems for the period 30th of last March to 30th September, including the number of persons who during that period have ballotted under the special settlement system. ;•

Jottings.

The Legislative Councillors were more loyal than the elective chamber, and observed the. Prince ef Wales' Birthday,

Mr Carroll's motion dealing with equality of the races has been further adjout aed foi a week.

Mr Samuels is moving to have the New Plymouth harbour question referred to a select committee.

The protectionists meet on Friday to de cide how best to obtain an expression of opinion on the question. Ministers expect to close the session within five weeks.

Mr Guinness is again introducing a bill, to abolish coroners' juries. The Midland Railway Committee held their first meeting yesterday. Government intend in the Public Works Statement to explain their local govern ment proposals. Mr Ballance's Municipal Amendment Act, which provides for a poll tax of £100 on Chinese, has been postponed till December Ist. It will be opposed by the Govern ment, and is certain to be rejected by the House.

The friends of Mr Napier Bell have suc ceeded in getting a select committee ap pointed to inquire into the management of West-port Harbour Board. Mr Fulton has been re-appointed chairman of the Waste Lands Committee, a position from which he was ousted by the late Go vernment.

DEATH OF MR HENRY NICCOL SENIOR.

The fast-decreasing band of the earliest pioneers of settlement in Auckland has just sustained a loss in the death of Mr Henry Niccol, senior, who passed quietly away at ten o'clock last night, and thus a well remembered figure recedes for ever from that scene of action with which it has been closely identified for upwards of forty years. Mr Niccol came to Auckland from Greenock by the ship Jane Gifford in 1842, and at once started business as a shipbuilder on the island of Waiheke. He came of a ship building family, and was so complete a master of his trade that his reputation very speedily became noised abroad and his services were in great demand. In 1844 he removed to Mechanics' Bay, and there he built the majority of the larger vessels which hailed from Auckland in the early days. The first to be launched was the brig Maukin, which up till 1849 was the regular mail packet between this port and Sydney. She was succeeded by the brig Moa and the barque Novelty, both of which were built by Mr Niccol, as well as quite a fleet of smaller vessels. In the year 1866 he quitted Mechanics' Bay for the North Shore, where he resided right up to the time of his death. There, too, he undertook that unfortunate enterprise of building a patent slip whicli swamped £10,000 of bis capital. The slip never paid even interest upon the outlay, and in consequence Mr Niccol was obliged to sell his freehold property, of which he owned about ten acres at the Shore. The principal vessels which were built after the Novelty was launched were the topsail schooners Pacific, Atlantic, Eclipse and Jessie Kelly, all of which were constructed to the order of one merchant in Sydney. These craft by their splendid sailing qualities spread the reputation of Auckland throughout the Australasian colonies. Alter removing to the North Shore Mr Niccol built a number of steamers for the Northern Steamship Company, such as the Eowena, lona and Fingal, and he also turned out numerous Island schooners as well as the clipper yachts Taniwha and Secret, which are now owned in Australia. During the last ten years the business has been mainly carried on by deceased's sons Thomas and George, the former up till three years ago and the latter ever since. With the recent decline of the ship-building trade consequent upon com mercial depression the "deceased seemed to lose heart and to get into ill health. The immediate,, cause of death was a urinary complaint resulting from a fall which he sustained three years ago from one of the ferry boats. The deceased gentleman, besides being about the most popular and successful of our early ship builders, took an active part in local affairs. He was one of the first members of the Harbour Board, to' which the family still furnishes a member in the person of Mr Malcolm Niccol, and he also served as Chairman of the Devonporb Highway Board. He was likewise a member of the Masonic order. The deceased is survived by hia wife and a family of eight sons and five daughters, Mr Thos. Niecol, con tractor, of Sydney, being the eldest son and Mr Malcolm Niccol (present Mayor of Devonport) the second son. All the vessels in harbour are carrying their flags at half-mast to day out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The funeral takes place at three o'clock to-morrow afternoon.

RODNEY COUNTY ELECTIONS.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Port Albert, this day. At the Rodney Council election yesterday, the following were returned :—Warkworth Riding: Nathaniel Wilson and Matthew Arigove. Port Albert Riding: Thbs. A« Gubb. Hoteo Riding : Edward Brown.

The Gold Discovery at Pariri.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Some time since I mentioned that small flakes of gold had been frequently found by settlers at Puiri in the gizzards of geese and ducks killed for the table,, and it is this fact that induced Messrs Bedford and Wright to prospect the ranges behind the village of Puiri. The reef discovered by the prospectors is three miles from the vil lage. It is very rich. Shows gold freely and the assay value is 40, ounces per ton. Messrs Bedford and Wright have registered the claim, and posted the necessary notices. Several claims have been pegged out ad joining the prospectors. Mr John Leydon, auctioneer, of Auckland, is said to have worked a rich gold leader in the vicinity of Puriri nearly 20 years ago. There is plenty of timber and good water power, and if the discovery turns out " all right," it can be worked very cheaply. .

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &o, Tcwaig&s.

Abbott's Opera House—Pantomime. 8. Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. V.M.C.A Rooms-Conversazione and Sale of Work, 3 to 10 p.m. Mt. Hobson Hall. Remuera—Musical and Dra matic Entertainment, 8. : _' ■_,-. City Hall—Pugilistic Display by Jack Burke, 8 Auckland Tabernacle—Service at 7.20. Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road—Burna Club Meeting, 8.

Beta of Justices at Police Court. November 11—Messrs C. D. Whitcombe and H. Wading.

Auotion Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Biiddle— Weekly Poultry and Pro-

duce Sale, *11 • Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards—Property,

W.J^powdon-Weekly Poultry and Produce

S. S and Son-Household Furniture, Pagcti&d.' Ealston - Poultry, Produce, Furhi and Co\-Merchandise, Fruit, etc.,

illiiTi^^^^^^

<-HE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 1887.

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