UNKNOWN

I evening in M Sfcrtha purposeofllisten &&thßev.C.C.Browm e The t 0 i. v the auspices of the chMIG - Ald , ridf?e is£& choir was in attendance Sfe SSwship of Mr Kmg, and Cpffimas. Mr Aidridge f» •"?££ introduced the speaker, had joined .m singing >flsare Hinging." horn 5C g? collection. BSsSSawd tlmb the y were MR. express their sympathy **&* 4bout 12 months ago lie m^> mUm thab f en " Grf* own special in- LfedSEtßrother Brown IWf.nrißhty conflict in the J**9£ BaVst UnionatWel- S&Ef however, borne his part * * ttifc to go forth that Mr fWSdthfir Association, member of the Baptist # c w ith such men as Hugh Murall, Stephenson, of Yarmouth. At Home WSK' allowed to hold ) *?; but here in New Zealand \f w be understood that a man only through Christ However, he was glad ffVn was not to be put out of I*2£do but-that all men were j liberty of opinion. JPfin-abo addressed a few »?t meeting- He was glad to 8 W gathering as it was L#Woald not be stifled. He HWtixN had such a man as Mr Mf|Jin--amanwhohad had out and strike against *\d eternal punishment. Xhe plgananthenv^weeoitisto l n'ords of Jesus. ""I Mr Brown stepped forward Clothe request of the chairman tfSal with applause. He said lac came to Auckland he was mm*M l the cause, but he was ioared for such a meeting as that 7 Be had, however, been aston jL he saw in t> ne advertisement Eteen a student of the £ Mt f™' That was inaccurate. He had L enter it, but his father had j The only connection he had iastora" College was attending the fies, and having the run 01 the llr Spurgeon had baptised him Wage, and had then told him to could have no drones in the Me- Shite. Since then he had been M the Mission, and he might state ffl not go to India unaer ialse He had told them when asked ■j far as possible, he should m portion of the Scripture iKßirk. The natives in India ijjever, questioned him so stayed there long iaiuTehadto preach conditional ini ftrforthe natives would ask, " Why Its change gods? for ours will only 0 time, while yours will torture 0» When told that for ages past B&es had gone to hell, ,j them had said, "Well, we .{beret too, and keep them company.'' id; he was obliged through lailure ato'ielifefrom India. His attention sued: to the question of eternal ami when at the Pastors' College 1 Seal reading up for a paper on the icf futore punishment. Prior to | ac he had no doubts upon the J aTHe had walked about for jIS that nightj afraid to speak his J lopco that question. Up till that ikdno doubts on the question, as i life liltened to Pastor Spurgeon m thexiuittre punishment until Ik'almost stood upon end. pa he enunciated his theory, and j jjt 120rf20 young men left that j ;oa never again believed in the tofcteroal punishment. The next j 1 came, and with it a j usage from the Tabernacle j tkt if anyone upset the | i the people upon the question of pjhmeßt,.the pastor would throw atari, even as Jonah was. The }ifc; 'pretty direct, but still he dsifcplain that he loved Mr Spur jflieoweclagreatdealto him- in tact, iheeh. a second father to him. M he" been in Auckland the if, be should not have joined in Btelepam. It was all very well for \ Ist not absolutely necessary for ;ttnspiritual sons such as himself. (faßge how the wheel revolved. jam Mr Edward . White fcpeHed to leave the Baptist ' weyall knew who forced him to WMffiuhis turn Mr Spurgeon •illcompelled to leave the Union. "WGoa that now they were living Ite country, and it was W tky had free th ought i n ' v ..well., as political matters. Question was whether all men were "Mai Then, if they were, came the Christ torments. There were *7 people who did not believe awtf eternal punishment. The "•athat many ot them were afraid Oh, that they only Why, it was only Jt.My that in the South an J tat. her son. He had died Jm, /and she was almost *»Bhebelieved that her sou was J* Her minister went to comfort 2BBBfed,.'How could she be yher son was in torment ?" To 7* f the minister be it broke through the *":*>; his creed and said, ??W eon rests in the grave." *m trouble was, that Christians IJJheir Bibles enough. Many of Sf'ply wiiat their minister JMd.httle doubt that if Pastor WT t0 P reacQ conditional would carry over' many JM*.; They learned that eter- M?sT*o-in their childhood. R Wattes hymn, "A Charge to k 'r\ t a g° od deal to do WiktF, dox People would *nth them from their Bible, Wed;,them infidels, or some *toZf awnfc name - Ib wa3 rather riaSSpett they were told that i m ortal beings. Yet, as a immortality was 4(V# c first 300 or 400 Church. Christ Him- HW £oul im mortality. No- was it taught that man %jfc7 he y were told in the Bible Crf u ? lnort a'- If a few hun -0?6 1 Were also immortal, B, m ean.when he said mm laterally, if words ttSil hey they r"B. that when it said that ass, it meant gm -heaven in a balloon. »;rnen : -did not like to fcS 1 * nothing more f .wthe flowers of the field. mm excepting through ifed be known on tne in" ", Aoa m had been pretty . ■ /eaven for the last il feel rather S1 ln a body again Wm'. In fact, if they «& need no resur -I.VS '"troduced into the ffffiWtino, and the i»2i urch > with their h m ™ n f 69 > Be »zed upon to have the M H «ho bad the

same keys, he had no doubt that bo also might obtain power and soon be chiving about inhisown phaeton withapai-rotponics. His belief was that at the resurrection day all would rise again, and. those who wore in Christ would be given life, while the wicked would be punished with few stripes or with many, and then return to the dust from whence they came to perish for ever, which would be the second death, and the eternal punishment. Christ had offered life to all, and attheJudgmentDayhccould not help thinking that great would be the dis may of thousands who had died in the Church, and yet found themselves to be mortal.

The lecturer concluded his remarks with a vivid picture of the resurrection morn, and ended by an exhortation to all to grasp the faith that was offered to them.

After the usual devotional exercises the meeting terminated.

WAITOTARA ELECTION PETITION.

THE CHABGES AGAINST MR

HUTCHISON, M.H.R

(BY tTELEGRAFH—SI'KCIAL CORRKSPONDENT.)

Wancanui, this day. TiTe'following appeared in the "Herald' last night:—" To-day Mr Hutchison was served with the full details of the offences he is charged with by Mr Bryce in connec tion with the Waitotara election. We give below the gist of each charge clear of lega' phraseology :1. Persons alleged to have been bribed—(l), Murdo McLean (Eltham), £1 on October 3rd for expenses incurred in attending to record his vote ; (2) J. W. Watson (Kerioi), station-hand, £1 alleged to have been paid on 13th August for ex penses said to be incurred in attending to vote ; (3) a promise alleged to have been made by Mr Ballance, us agent for Mr Hutchison, to certain voters engaged on survey and road work on the Maunga karetu block that said voters would be allowed reasonable time to go to the poll ing places in which they might have quali fications to record their votes without losing their places on the party, and that one day's pay would be abowed from the time of their leaving work to the time of returning. This promise is alleged to have been conveyed to the men by Mr A. 1). Wilson and Mr G. Harrison, officers in charge of the respective parties, and Mr Bryce further says that the voters named below were paid by the Minister for the time they were absent from work : G. Harrison, J. P. Sweeney, William Pote, A. H. Murray, A. J. Thorburn, C. li. Thorburn, W. J. Jones, and J. Keid.

(a) That Mr Hutchison, on or about the 21st September, promised Robert Bright, labourer, Waverley, who had been pre viously dismissed by him as a farm servant, that lie should be reinstated in his service, and (4), (b) further, that Mr Hutchison promised to let the said Bright a certain section in the township of Waverley. This promise, it is alleged, was made on the 25th September. (5) A promise alleged to have been made to Reuben Baldwin, Patea, that Mr Hutchi son would endeavour to procure his rein statement as custodian of Patca Hospital. l 6) A promise is alleged to have been made to John Edwards Lloyd and vVilliam Smith, Waverley bushmen, by an alleged agent (Henry Thomas 'Mann) about the 7th July and on the 13th of August, and by Mr Hutchison and his agents, S. F. Mason and U. Muldrock, on or about the • '26th September, that a certain claim by Lloyd and Smith against him for bush felling, which had been pie viously settled should be reopened for their benefit. (7) It is alleged that Muldrock, as Hutchison's agent, delivered one cow to H. F. Mason about the 9th September. (8) A promise is said to have been made by Mr Hutchison to William Ross, of Kerioi, to obtain him employment as clerk on the exe cution by Hutchison on the 15th of Sep tember of a guarantee in favour of E. L. G. Jacob, hotelkeeper, Waverley, to secure advances to Jacob of £250. (This, we may explain, was registered in the " Mercantile Gazette " as an ordinary transaction of bill of sale class.) Treating on polling day :—(1) By A. B. Pyemont to the following at Max welltown :—-J. C. R. Lee, F. Robinson, H. P. Mills, J. Riordan, jun., P. Hester and C. W. Hawkens. (2) By P. D. Hogg, at Turakina to Charles Cameron, A. Simpson, G. Franklyn, F. Howies, R. J. Knox, F. J. Knox, W. Buch, B. P. Lethbridge, D. Morton (electors), and Angus Cameron, J. A. Cameron, and John Morgan (non electors). (Mr Hogg seems to have "shouted" for the whole Bryce sec tion in token of victory.) Three and four are general charges of treating at Waverley and Upokongaro, especially of road hands at latter booth, but 110 namesare p-iven of treating on other days than polling days. (1) By Mr Hutchison at Waverley 011 the 2nd 'July and 24th September ; (2) by Mr Hutchison at Patea on the sth July ; 23rd September (3) by Mr Hutchison at Upokongaro. The names of those treated were Captain Montgomerie, A. Mont gomerie jun., W. D. Anderson and J. Piercy. (4) by Mr Hutchison at Waitotara on or about 3rd August. (5) by Mr Hutchison, J. M. Hogg and A B. Pyemont at MaxweJltown about 9th July ; to J. Morrison and J. Riordan, jun., and by Mr Hutchison, at Maxwelltown on the 22nd September. (6) By Mr Hutchison at Turakina on the 29th August and 10th September. (7) By Mr Hutchison and Mr Piercy at Kerioi on or about the 13th August. (8) By Mr Hutchison at Waverlev, after certain committer meetings, to J. C. R Lee, H. Baity, J. Morton, L. J. Jones and T. Ellis. (9) ByH. F. Mason as agent at Waverley on 9th August to J. C. X, Lee. (10) By Mr Hutchison and his agents after divers committee meetings. (II) By P D Hogg on the 24th or 2Mb September, on which occasion D. Collins was treated. (12) By E. L. E. Jacobs, as agent lor Mr Hutchison, 01 the supply of meat, drink, and provisions gratis on the 21st ot beptem ber to John Piercy and Charles Lomax. (1) Thepersonsengaged asagents—Messrs A B. Pyemont (Waitotara), H. T. Mann .Waverley), H. F. Mason (Waverley), Wm. Ross (Kerioi), and B. Hogg (Wanganui). Persons employed to convey voters to -ancl from the poll—Messrs A. Smith and L. Nixon (in his employ), William Whelan, Thomas Glover, Fred Williams, J. &• Smiley (Wanganui), and C Dempsey (Waverley). # ~ ,fn The ne.mes of various persons alleged to have been convicted are also given, ant persons provided with money lor illegal purposes and 11 prohibited persons who were int uced to vote. The following are S to have been disqualified from voting by reason of being paid scrutineers '-<*£ Gabion and A. J. Barlow, ana 111 pemona * Two names <*» alleged to have been written by Owen McKittrick as agent for Mi Hutc4on to claims to vote without written authority ; 'and one name is alleged to nave been written by John Rlack as agent for 1. it. l>ea\ei. These comprise the whole of the charges and Mr Hutchison assures us that so far, at any rate a, the charges against himself peLnally are concerned, they can be satis factorily answered.

The Woven Wire Mattresses xnanufac tared by Messrs T. and H. Cooke, of Grey- are equal to the best English, and street, are eqm* begt SXTS sS quality , other sizes in SoSion. They also supply the trade.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELEOKA I'll—OWN REVOKTEK.j

Wellington, this day, Con erous Diseases la Cattle.

Mr Marchant has pointed out to Govern ment the danger to the public health in the existence of cancerous diseases in cattle, -tie declares that deaths from this disease among residents of this colony, have in creased4o percent, since 1879. Government promise to take steps to inquire whether the existence of such diseases is danaetous to health. & Judge Williams's Petition. The Petitions Committee was engaged yesterday with the petition of Mr Williams, late Juuge of. tho JSativo Land Court, pray ing that his services as judge be taken into account as continuous service, and that his service be computed with a view to increase of pension. Mr Williams appeared in person and was also represented by Mr Bell, solici tor. Evidence was taken and eventually further consideration adjourned till to-day. Old Soldiers' Claims. Government cannot see their way to adopt the suggestion tliac all old soldiers and sailors who arrived in the colony prior to 1872 for the purpose of settling here, and all men who have from time to time become entitled to land grants for service in die colonial forces under any of the Acts and warrants relating to naval and military settlers who from ignorance or other causes failed to avail themselves of their privileges, should be allowed to take up land simi lar in area to that they were entitled to under the regulations for the occupation of land under the provision of the Land Act, 1885. The Premier, however, expresses himself dissatisfied with the results of the commission on this subject, and hopes to bring in an Act to deal with old soldiers' claims. Tenants of School Commissioners. The Minister of Lajids yesterday in formed Mr Valentine thai it is the inten tion of Government in thjir bill amending the Land Act to introduce a clause abolish ing the Land Boards, but would not inter fere in any way with the existence of School Commissioners. They, however, recognised the hardship to which tenants of School Commissioners were subjected, and would endeavour to give commissioners the powers desired. Punishment ot Fruit Stoalers. Mr Moss received a strong telegram yesterday in reference to two boys from JSewmarket School sentenced recently in Auckland to a week's imprisonment and two floggings for stealing loquats.in common with many other boys, from a garden at Kcmuera. He at once saw Ministers, who had already been interviewed on the subject by Sir George Grey, to whom a telegram was sent on Tuesday. The Minister ot Jus tice is inquiring into the matter,and has sus pended the operation oi the sentence in the meantime. Mr Moss considers it a shock ing thing that Justices, often ignorant and cruel, should have the power to stain a boy's whole future life in this way, and thinks occurrences such as this give force to the principle of elective justices and tend to tu;ij)# discredit on dogging as a practice. Jottings. This afternoon is to be devoted to con sideration of the Midland Railway Com mittee's report, and private business will therefore have preference on Friday. Mr Ward is moving to have a committee appointed to consider the wool, grain, mineral, and firewood rates levied in the colony. Railsvay employees are only required to give a week's notice when leaving tlie ser vice voluntarily, and may be dismissed on a week's notice. There were no less than thirty-nine ques tions on the order paper yesterday. Mr Fish feels very much aggrieved that his three hours' infliction on the House last week was received with perfect inditl'eronce, and yesterday boldly declared that he defied criticism of the budget, proposals in a speech of less than two hours' duration.

Select Committees have been appointed re the Financial position of tho New Ply mouth Harbour Board, and as to the ad visablenesa of New Zealand ports being opened for the importation of foreign live stock.

The Otago Presbyterian Synod, through Mr Fulton, have petitioned against Mr Samuel's Divorce Amendment Bill.

There are 2SB private schools in the colony with 12,497 scholars. Of these 8,203 attend Roman Catholic schools. During the past two years the Property Tax Commissioner has received £140 as travelling allowance, and £100 by way of bonus ; while the Deputy Commissioner got £100 and £76.

Government cannot see tho way to incur the expense of altering locomotives so that tliey may burn firewood as well as coal. The cost to the country of eradicating scab is to be shown in a return ordered yesterday on Mr Allen's motion. It having been represented that the Rotorua natives are on the verge of starva tion, the Government have arranged to start a small section of the Rotorua rail way from the Rotorua end, with a view of giving them temporary employment. Mr Pyke deelaies that the work of colonisation will continue at snail-like pace unless the North Island Trunk and Otago Central lines are constructed on the land grant principle. It is only proposed to place £500 on the estimates this year in support of the Koro mako Maori newspaper. The Premier recognises that further facilities should be given for the considera tion of local bills than at present exists. It is found impracticable to f allow de layed telegrams to be sent as collect mes sages, as they have to be delivered through the Post-office. Sir George Grey will bitterly resist the proposal to give the lands of the colony to distant landlords, as he describes the Mid-, land Railway Company. He regards mem bers favourable to the syndicate as irrecon cilable enemies of the colonists. Tne Goldiields Committee have been in structed to report on the working of the Schools of Mines throughout the colony, and also the best means of promoting gold and silver mining industries. ~,.'* , The Premier is rather favourably disposed towards the proposal that the duties on native lands should be payable yearly in stead of in a lump sum, and the matter will have further consideration. Mr Monk is to be supplied with a return of all bonuses paid to Civil servants and others during the last three years. Government say they have no intention of abolishing either education boards or school committees. .-,,,« As a means of "raising the wind, Go vernment propose to let the right of adver tising in railway carriages for a term. Tho idea was tried some years ago, and proved

a failure. Many of the small telegraph offices in" the country districts will not be opened in future between 7 and 8 p.m. The Minister of Education stated yester day he would, whenever possible, prevent country schools being closed as a result of increase of school age. The details of expenditure on harbour defences from April to September last are to be furnished at the request of Mr Bal lance. ■..,'■„ ~ , ... 7 Sir John Hall is to be lurnished with de tails of public debt, interest payable, and securities in which sinking funds of several loans are invested. # Mr Moss supported his Cemeteries Amend ment Bill last night by a statement that it is becoming so expensive to get buried in Auckland that people are. afraid to die, and this is important for <&& Government, as there are more pensioners in Auckland than elsewhere.

A return has been ordered on Mr Golclie's motion of work clone at railway workshops at Hillside, Addington, Petone and New market during two years for districts other than those for which the work was re quired. • New Zealand coal is now being exclu sively used on the public railways of the colony. Mr Peacock is still urging the Govern ment to take steps to encourage the dis covery of a better method of treating gold and silver ores.

JUBILEE STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

CHARTER OF THE STORMBIRD.

After some considerable delay the Jubilee S teams]) ip Company arc now in a position. to oiler the public increased facilities both in the passenger and freight lines. For some time past the s.s. Bellinger has been running in the interests of the Company between Auckland and Whangarei, and the result has been a general reduction in the passenger fares and freight charges between these ports, to the great, advantage of the general public, who as long as they effect a saving in their pockets do not give a rap who caters for them. Negotiations have now been com pleted by the Seamen's Union, represent ing the J übilec Company, for the charter of the s.s. Stormbird, an iron screw steamer that has been trading for some time past between Wellington and various Southern ports, and whien was once in the .Northern coastal trade with Wellington. The Stormbiid leaves Wellington fortius port on Saturday, and may be expected here on Monday. iSJie will at once be put on the passenger trade between Whangarei and Auckland, taking the place of the liellinger, which will bo transferred to another branch of the coastal service not as yet decided on. Tlie s.s Stormbhd is an iron screw steamer of 40 registered horse power, with a gross tonnage of 217 tons, neb 137. She was built in 1854 at W'hitearcb, Lanark shire, and from the satisfaction she has given in the past should prove, a Vessel eminently fitted for the requirements of the Jubilee Uonipaiiy.

INQUIRY INTO ALLEGED FERRY BOAT RACING.

The Works and Tariff Committee of the Harbour Board will to-morrow hold an inquiry into the alleged racing between th steamers Victoria and Eagle on tho 9th inst when running to St Reliefs. Tlie inquiry is to be held at the Barbour Board offices at 2. 30 p.m. and tho captains and engineers of tho rival steamers will be ex amined tegetber with two witnesses from each side.

THE FRUIT-STEALING CASE.

THE SENTENCE REMITTED

Mr J. M. Shera has received the following telegram to-day with reference to the con viction of the two boys Adcock and Eade for robbing an orchard : —" Wellington, November 24th, 1877. To Sir George Grey,—Have much pleasure in informing you that Governor has been pleased to remit tho sentence passed on tho two boys, etc.—(Signed) T. Fekgus. Congratulate you on success of your exertions. —G. Grey." The boys, who were on Mon day sentenced to be whipped by a constable and imprisoned for seven days, were liberated from Mount Eden Gaol to-day, after being incarcerated for three days, and undergoing the flagella tion ordered. We hope that their release will not be misunderstood either by these cr other boys as signifying that tho com munity or tho authorities regard their oiienee as a trivial one. It was the nature of the punishment more than its severity that \va? questioned. Theft in any shape is a contemptible and disgraceful act, and the police must nob relax their ellbrts to put down orchard - robbing because of what has happened in this case. No form of robbery causes more annoyance to the sufferers from it, and if the example that has been made in the present case is not sufficient to put a stop to the practice, the Re ddent Magistrate will find plenty of support in imposing penalties that will carry home to parents and children a full sense of their responsibility ; and from what we have seen of Mr Baddeley, we judge that he is not the man to shirk from the responsibility of doing his duty through fear of criticism.

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

REPRESENTATIVES OF ONEHUNGA

BOROUGH.

The representatives of the E,oad Boards Of the County of Manakau and of the One hunga Borough Council met yesterday forenoon at the Onehunga Borough

Council chambeis—Mr J. G.

Hutchin-

son, Returning Officer, presiding—when Mr W. F. Buckland and Mr Alfred Sturges were appointed members for the said districts on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. Mr W. Finlay Wilson, theOne hunga representative for the past year, had left a communication with the Return ing Officer stating that as his duties for the ensuing year as Mayor of the Borough would fully occupy bis spare time, he did not see his way clear to stand again, as he feared he would not be able to devote as much of his time as he would wish to the execution of both duties in such a manner as would further the interests of the residents of Onehunga to such an extent as he desired.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Thames, this day. Cambria. —The fortnightly crushing-up yesterday, produced 3'2Bozs. of gold from 223 loads of quartz and 801 bs of picked stone. Tkentox, —The drive at N r o. 4 .level of the Saxon is now close to the Tren ton boundary. In the fall there is a fine class of sandstone. Paeroa, this da3 r . At the first statutory meeting of the newly elected Council held yesterday, Mr W. G. Nicholls was unanimously voted to the office of Chairman for the ensuing year. Messrs Thomas Morrill and Adam Porter passed through here to-day en route for Karangahake, where they will inspect several of the principal mines and will visit Bailey's Mill, which was purchased some tim« since by the first-mentioned gentleman. Prospecting operations in the Mammoth mine, Karangahake, are now fairly under way on behalf of an English syndicate of capitalists, who have furnished the needful to carry out the work.

James Kelly, coachdriver of Tauranga, ha* beenadjudicateda bankrupt,

ROBBING THE MAIL.

£56 EXTRACTED FROM THE

TE KOPURU BAG.

When the Te Kopuru mail arrived at the Auckland Post Office on the Bth November, it was discovered that the bag had been cut open and a large sum of money extracted from a remittance letter. The bug was tied up at the mouth and sealed in the usual mannei - . The seal was not broken, but just below, in the folds of the gathered parts of the bag, there was a slit, evidently caused by some sharp in strument. When the bag was opened and its contents inspected, an envelope was found which had evidently been tampered with, and further inquiries revealed the fact that a sum of £56 in notes had been extracted from it. It appears that the mail bag in question was deposited as usual on the Te Kopuru Wharf by Mr Stott, the district postmaster. He left the bag in a locked box, of which he holds one key, and which is opened by anyone sent from the steamer which connects with the Helensville train. Tlie mail bag when on the steamer was put into another box in view of the man at the wheel, and on the train it was carried in the guard's van. At which stage the money was stolen is a mystery which Detective Walker has been attempting to find out, and it is to be hoped his efforts will be rewarded with suc cess.

GOLD PROSPECTING AT TE PUKE.

Mr Ford writes to the "Bay of Plenty Times" on this subject as follows:—Mr Copland some time ago started a subscrip tion list to obtain funds to help the pro s[>ectors at To Puke. It amounted to I think £23 or £25. All Mr Proud has re ceived from Mr Copland has been six pounds. Would you kindly remind those who have not paid upinyourpapcr ': Itisnow over five months since I started prospect ing, receiving no payment, and I am sorry to say that the supply of tucker has been stopped, there being no funds. The reef I sank on has proved so far payable, but to make sure we have one ton out for Eraser and Son, Auckland, which will settle the matter. We intend to at once form a Com pany in Auckland to «york the mine. Wo go on to Crown lands to prospect for new reefs. The Company will buy part of our interest, so it will get us in funds to go on prospecting. Is there no hope of the Go vernment helping us ? They get it else where.

R.M. COURT.

This Oay.

(Before H. G. Scth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

UNDEFENDED CASES. Judgment went by default in the follbw' ing eases : —The Co-operative Association v. Daly and Perrett, claim £12 10s ; costs £3 ss. Same v. R. Burke, claim £1 5s ; costs £1 4s 6d. Hancock and Co. v. G. Herbert, claim £1 12s ; costs £1 Is 6d. E. Porter and Co. v. G. J. W. Burton, claim £10 2s 9d ; costs £2 7s. Welly and Miller v. R. W. Hugh, claim £29 ; costs £4 19s. J. Lamb v. R. W. Doyle, claim £3 4s 2d ; costs £1 Is 6d. E. Mitchclson and Co. v. A. T. Matthews, claim £12 : costs £2 6s. G. Aitkins v. E. Anderberg, claim £5 12s 6(1 ; costs £1 16s. C. Seegner and Co. v. F. Houlihan, claim £4 13s 6d ; costs £1 Is 6d. DEFENDED CASES. E. Butcher v. S. Young.—Claim, £4 9s Bd.—Mr Mahony appeared for the plain tiff, and Mr E. Cooper for the defence.—This was a claim for an account due for goods delivered. As their was some discrepancy in the statement of account and the set off, His Worship gave judgment for the plain tiff for £2 6s 7d with costs £1 6s 6d.

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

A special meeting of tho creditors of John Hughes, farmer, was held at 2.30 o'clojk yesterday afternoon in the office of the Official Assignee. Four creditors were in attendance, Mr Buddie appearing on behalf of the petitioning, creditor, Mr Akers. Toe Assignee read a letter received from the debtor stating that he withdrew his previous offer of £50 within six months and substituted one of £20 in six months, or £40 in 12 months. He also drew attention to the fact that £20 was due for rates and rent, and about £5 for rates uoon the farm. Mr Akers mention that the debtor had about 90 acres of his farm down in wheat, which should return somewhere about 30 bushels to the acre. That should realise between £300 and £400 if the crop was successfully gathered and sold. Mr Buddie thought that they should be able to get some of the money from Mr Cohen which he obtained from the sale of debtor's goods under a bill of sale held by him. After some further discussion it was resolved on the motion of Mr Akers, seconded by Mr Burton, " That the Assignee make inquiriesasto tho crops now on debtor's farm, and take such steps as be may think proper to realise the same, subject to any claims by landlord for rent and taxes. That no steps be taken as to shares with the Woollen Company. That the Assignee take such proceedings with regard to bill-of-sale as he may be advised." The Woollen Company shares above referred to are not connected with any New Zealand Company.

TELEGRAMS.

Thames, this day.

The County Council has appointed Crs. Coutts, Towbsend, and Walton as its representatives on the District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board.

The Bank of New Zealand shipped 3,700 ounces of gold to Auckland yesterday. Tlie Flower Show was again well patronised last night, the Academy of Music being ended.

Napier, this day.

Mr G. H. Swan has been re-elected for the third time to the Mayoralty without op position. Mr J. Bennett has been re-elected chairman of the Hawke's Bay County.

There has been some discussion concern ing the quality of the ammunition now bemg used by the Volunteers, complaints having been made that the bullets rebound from the target to a distance of over 100 jards. The story was not believed, but two Volunteers have been struck, and yesterday there were left at the office of the "Daily Telegraph" three splintered bullets. The statement is that on striking the target the lead portion of the bullet ilattens and falls to the ground, but a hard composite metal forming a por tion of the bullet rebounds, and it is feared ii serious accident may happen. The splinters are spiral in form, and quite big enough to kill. They rebound with such force as to " ping " through the air.

Mr Samuel Graham, of Tamahere, whilst endeavouring to catch a horse in one of his paddooke to-day got % severe kick on the iaco.

OUR TREATMENT OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS.

IS IT SUSCEPTIBLE OP IM-

PROVEMENT?

REV. J. S. HILL'S REASON FOR

THINKING IT IS.

THE REFORMATIVE METHOD AS OPPOSED TO THE VINDICTIVE.

As our strictures upon the severity of the sentence passed this week upon a couple of lads for pilfering five shillings' worth of fruit have bad the effect of drawing attention to the broad question of the treatment of juvenile offenders, and the wisdom or otherwise of our .present method, we have taken the opportunity to obtain the views of the Bey. J. S. Hill, who, from his long connection. with work of a reformatory character among the lower classes of society, may be presumed to oc cupy somewhat the position of an expert in such matters. A reporter of our staff was accordingly detailed to interview the rev. gentleman and finding him about to embark with some friends upon the Northcote steamer at once resolved to proceed to the same destination. Mr Hill made no demur to the request for an interview, and having led tho way to the cabin intimated his readiness to answer any questions. Reporter : You have had considerable experience, have you not, Mr Hill, with the working of gaols and reformatories and with their inmates ?

Mr Hill: Yes, for the past five years 1 have been regularly visiting the Mount Eden Gaol, and before coming to New Zea land I had been accustomed to visit some of the prisons and reformatories of the old country. For instance, I was connected with Clerkenwell prison and with a ragged school in London.

Reporter: Then without further pre amble I shall ask you what you think of the method in vogue here for dealing with juvenile offenders against the law. Mr Hill: I think our present method of dealing with youtl)3 of tho criminal or larrikin class a very bad one. The Sydney system is very much superior. Reporter : Before explaining the Sydney system would you kindly indicate the chief blemishes of our own ?

Mr Hill: Well, in the first place there is no possibility of keeping the juveniles separate from the very worst characters in the prison. The consequence of the as sociation of the juvenile offenders with hardened characters must be of a strongly demoralising character. They are laughed out of their dread of prison life, and in the conversations which take place between prisoners they are almost bound to become acquainted with the ordinary methods and tricks of the veteran hands. Besides, their moral stnse gets blunted, they imagine that having been sent to prison their character is hopelessly gone, and feeling themselves abandoned by society they are content to drift on.

Reporter: What are the reforms that you deem desirable in order to prevent these juvenile offenders from sinking into the recognised criminal class ? Mr Hill: What seems to be necessary is that these young offenders, instead of dragged into a court of justice and placed in the same dock as other criminals, as is now done, should be dealt with privately and at a separate time and place, and that instead of being sent to gaol they should be committed to some institution specially designed for their reception and reforma tion. They should be entirely disconnected from the hardened criminal class.

Reporter: I presuu c that this is the Sydney system to which you have referred ? Mr Hill: Yes ; there the lads are com ; mitted to the Vernon Trainingship. where they are under constant supervision, whether working or playing. , Reporter:, Can you explain,that system? Mr Hill: No, I should hardly like to do so offhand, but I know that it answers re markably well. Colonel Haultain when over in Sydney visited the Vernon, and was so greatly impressed with tho value of the institution that he want 3to see it imitated here.

Reporter: You have no doubt, then, that our present system of dealing with young offenders hardens,degrades, and, so to speak, criminalises them ?

Mr Hill: Not the slightest. Only yester day, I was speaking to a young man of 21 years of age who is undergoing a sentence of six months in Mount Eden, and who has served nine sentences for previous offences. He attributes his criminal career to early association with convicts through being sent to gaol for some venial offence when he was a mere boy. Through this association he lost his dread of incarceration, and found it hard to shake off the companionship so contracted. He has again and again tried to reform himself, and. others have tried to help him, but without success. The Salvation Army got hold of him at Napier, but he has proved to be lost to moral in fluence.

Reporter : Then if your views are cor rect our system must be manufacturing young criminals 1 Mr Hill: It is, and statistics disclose the fact. If you refer to the Inspector of Prisons' report which was submitted to Parliament not long since you will find that while last year the number of adult offenders against the criminal law de creased by 22 per cent., there was for the same period an increase of 58 juvenile offenders.

Reporter: Is the system alone respon sible for this increase ?

Mr Hill: Well, of course parental home i training may also be responsible. It . cannot be want of education, for I find that i these boys are as well educated as others. ( I think that a want of parental control is also responsible for it, besides the fact ( that through the smallness of their homes many lads are driven out on to the streets, and are obliged to spend there a consider able portion of their time. Reporter: How would you remedy this evil, then? Mr Hill: Well, I think it a regrettable thing that in Auckland there are so few facilities for the recreation of these lads. In Christchurch they have their public squares and greens where the lads may and do congregate for such healthy recreation as cricket and similar forms of legitimate amusement. Hero you have little or no conveniences of the kind. I think there fore it would be a wise thing after school hours to throw open, your school play grounds for the use of these lads. It would be a corrective to the.evils I speak of. , Other Gaol Abuses and ©angers. Reporter: Are there any other points of our criminal or gaol system which you con sider to stand in need of reform V Mr Hill: Yes ; there are two of which I would like to make mention. In the first place I think the imprisonment of accused persons in default of bail to be most unfair and unwise. A man who may be found in nocent of the charge imputed to him will have to go to gaol if he should be a stranger in this city and, therefore, un able to find any friends to provide him with bail, and in gaol he is obliged to as sociate with all sorts of criminals. The officials are not to blame, for they do the best with the means at their command. Then again the defective arrangements of Mount Eden Goal are a source of serious danger to life in case of fire. Upon either side of two narrow corridors one above the other, some 60 prisoners are incarcerated, andin the event of anoutbreakof fireit would be almostimpossiblefor tho warder tounlock each cell in turn and liberate its oooupant, Besides, they would all have to troop through the one doorway of either cor

ridor, which might itself be the seat of the fire. Under such oiroumstance3 Ib^ lieve that 45 Prisoners Would Be Burnt Alive in their cells. Of course a new gaol is being built, but until it is ready for" occu pation this great danger to human life stares us in the face. Then, too, as the wooden material of the gaol renders im prudent the uso of lights in the cells, although the regulations provide for them, the prisoners are kept confined from sun down to sunrise without light, and therefore without the means of whiling away the time by reading. Consequently they converse together ,and although many of she conversations are of the most filthy character to which all cannot help bub listen, the warder is powerless tc interfere, for as the place is in darkness he cannot single out the offenders. The whole thing is demoralising. • The steamer's whistle at the Northcote Wharf gave the signal for parting, and the interview terminated.

BOUNDARY ROAD DISPUTE.

The question between the Onehunga Borough Council and Mt. Roskill High J way Board has been the subject of a voluminous correspondence between each. The law was, this day, called at the Auckland R.M. Court, when it was found that the matter had been settled outside. The claim was set forth by the Onehunga Borough Council for the amount of £18 for repairs to boundary road between that Borough and Mount Roskill. The latter local body agreed to pay a triple over what they had ottered to the Onehunga Borough, ana the offer was accepted

MR MCARTHUR. M.P., ON HOME RULE.

It is hardly nScessary to remind our readers again of the address to be delivered to" morrow night by Mr McArthur, member of the Houso of Commons for Cornwall, on the subject of Home Rule. The place chosen is St James's Hall, and Dr. Erson takes the chair at eight o'clock. There are still a few platform seats to allot, and application should be made at once to Mr J. J. Crofts, the hon. secretary, or to any member of committee.

CALLIOPE DOCK.

MrW. Ehkington, C.E., yesterday made an official test of the pumping plant erec ted at the Calliope Doak. At his in. vitation, a number of the members of the Harbour Board and several gentlemen interested in the progress of the work were present, including :— Mr W. R. Waddel (chairman), and Messrs J. Winks, M. Niccoi, H. Phiilipps, and T. Henderson (members of the Harbour Board), Mr J. M. Brigham (secretary), and Mr Mc- Gregor (engineer of the Board), Mr C. B. Stone, Mr Stoddart (engineer), Mr A. H. Nathan, Mr Alfred Nathan, Mr Jickell, and Mr J. Fernandez.

The erection of the machinery, which was made by contract by J. Watt and Co., of London and Birminguam, was done by Mr G. Eraser, who was present yesterday and superintended the working of the machinery by his employees. Tlie pumps were started at ten o'clock, and in a. short time their action soon told on the water in the dock, and when at length the bottom was laid bare Mr Errington ex pressed himself , pta-fextly,,. satisfied with the machinery which had acted admirably. The plant consists of a pair of horizontal engines fitted with surface condensers. The cylinders have a stroke of four feet with a diameter of 34 inches. The pumps are four feet in diameter, vertical double acting, with five feet stroke, the maximum speed being 20 strokes per minute, minimum 12 strokes, and are capable at a mean between these two of empty ing the dock in 4£ hours provided there is no vessel in it, and in a much less time if there is one. In addition to the main pumping plant there is an engine with a 14 inch cylinder with 12-inch stroke work ing three pumps which keeps the dock dry when emptied. The testing of the machinery was a com plete success, and general satisfaction was expressed by those gentlemen present in the work done by the various contractors. Watt & Co.,as we said above,were the contractors for the building of the pumping plant, and Mr Pierce Lanigan for its erection, J?ut he sublet his contract to Mr Geo. Fraser. The big dredger, which has been at work in front of the dock during the week, has now almost cleared away the cofferdam, md the dock will in a very short time be ready to receive any vessel into it.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

ROWING.

The following crews have been chosen for the Ponsonby Rowing Club's trial fives to be rowed on Saturday, November 26th, to. commence at 2.30 p.m.:—No. I—W. Davey, P. Scott, C. Stichbury, J. Mc- Donald, J. McKay (stroke). No. 2 —W* Creamer, J. McDermott, J. Reid, W. Wil son, D. Miller (stroke). No. 3—H. Swales, G. Scott, J. Maxwell, W. Scott, J. O'Brien (stroke). No. 4—F. Parsons, W. Harris, W. Hobson. J. Stichbury, J. Payne (stroke). No. 5—W. Scott, W. Pulford, A. Pinlayson, R. Thome, J. Hewson (stroke). No. 6—W. Edwards, W. Bloom field, J. E. Dickson, T. Green, J. W. Dick son (stroke).

Mr T. M. Jackson will sell by auction to morrow afternoon, on the premises next the Greyhound Hotel, the balance of a stock-of drapery goods.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Opera House-Majeroni Company, in "The Old Corporal," 8. Agricultural Hall Mohawk Minstrels. 8, Mount Hobson Hall, Remuera—Concert and

Sale of Work, 2.30 to 10 p.m. V.M.C.A. Rooms-Evangelistic Service, 7.30 Auckland Tabernacle—Service, 7.30 Grafton Road Wesleyan Church. — Annual Home Missionary Meeting, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

November 26—Messrs J. Gordon and R. W. Hammond

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11 Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horses, etc., 11 W. J. Dowdcn—Weekly Poultry and Produce Sale,U S. Cochrane and Son- r Household Furniture, etc*, 11 Paget and Ralston — Poultry* Produce, Furni ture. 10.80 T. M. Jackson, noxt Greyhound Hotel—Drapery. Clothing, etc., 11; at Mars—Furniture, Fro duoo, eto, 11 B. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, etc, U J, Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture, etc, also Photographic Camera, 11, A. Aitken—.Poultry, Produce, etc, 12 13. 'i'ouk.a and Co,-Merolnuidise, eto., 11 ;• Car r.ngea, Buggies, 12, D. F, Kvanß—Furniiure, etc,, }0,36, F. J, Jones-Drapery, Boots, Shoes, eta, 11 Vaileand Douglas—property, & ,\. Morton and Co.—Plants, etc ■•

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY. NOVEMBER Si 1887.

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