i;"1-"" nY friends of Mr Abraham Mears ' fSfie » death in our itU ■ (rill regret to no made t " I s^XSs in connection with Messrs L /totb- In and Co., in whose employ he (ID. athßnnn his return from his last trip Mienwas- v coW which he wa g un  ihe cangf * "%• This settled on Ins chest, HKfFS* TO and finally sank 1 *fK yesterday morning. He was well uildel'J athletic circles, and was some ' kDOffn ~n iof the leaders of the Urafton yearsaj^o o eoi E £f k was the elder brother of Mr W. v Mears, of Qneen-street. *£ st James's Church, evangelistic ser : A rAl.eld last night, when. there was WScn lanS Rev. R.F. Macnicol " 8 f^e^ After prayer by Rev. Mr Adams pPfSers ReviMr Adams gave a very *t t t a addiess on Matthew, 7th chap. aad it shall be opened ' ' t« you " proving the power and influence ' braver Rev. C- Worboys then engaged Caver. There was an after meeting i if to which most of the people remained. it^erto-nightisßev.C^Yorboy. Consideringthovoryunfavourable: weather that Jevailed on Friday evening, there wrs 3J& -rood attendance at the second meet w for practice of the members of the ££d Liedertafel (held at the Fores i fl' Hall, Karangahape Road). A very Xsant evening was spent by those pre nt who awe that this is the most enjoy- Imp\rav of spending a musical evening. $ Swas installed at the head of the table? The next meeting will be held on Friday, August sth. Tho Temperance Hall was fairly atfcended «n Saturday evening, Mr Tremain presid w A very good address on " The Safety of°Total Abstinence " was given by Mr T. T, Wilcock. The programme included musical selections by the Lee Family (three violins and flute), piano solos by Miss Tre main and Miss Bruce, recitations by Miss ! Hampton and Mr J. C. Robinson, songs by Mas Cavner, Mrs Mills, Mr Lye, junr., jfr W. Tremain and Mr Rowc. Miss A. Allies accompanied on the piano. A hearty vote of thanks to the friends who .con ' tributed to the enjoyment of the audience vas passed with acclamation.

We call attention to the sale of Lake pro perty to be held at B. Tonks and Co.'s to morrow (Wednesday) at 12 o'clock. The lots vary from two and a-half to seven acres each. They command very fine views, with frontage to the Lake and main road. These villa sites being for positive sale, and second to none in the district, should meet with ready purchasers. The beauties of the district are too well known to need comment.

Professor Herbert, the clever prestidigi tator, gave his second entertainment at the Opera House last evening before a thoroughly appreciative audience. The professor is one of the most dexterous illusionists ft has ever been our lot to see, and most of bis feats are quite new. The decapitation feat last evening was per formed with remarkable effectiveness, and it alone is worth the price of admission.

Lodge Eden installation and social takes Dlacu to-night iv the Newton Masonic Hall. I The Rev. Felix Vaggioli, 0.5.8., who leaves for the South per s.s. Australia this evening at C p.m.,- enroute to Italy via Syd ney and Melbourne, in one of the Messa gerie Imperiale steamers, will leave a large circle of friends, both here and at Coromandel (where he lately laboured), who sincerely regret his departure. Father "Vaggioli is a victim to heart disease, aneur ism of the aorta^ we believe, and he goes to his own country to seek medical advice and change of climate and scene. Naturally an energetic man, he worked zealously in the pastoral care and oversight of the Corbinandel district which includes Mariaia, Coromandel, Tike, Kennedy's Bay, Tairua. Port Charles etc. On the occasion of his leaving Coromandel lie was the recipient of two addresses and purses of sovereigns from the Catholics and Protestants of that place.

Dr. McGregor, the Inspector-general of Hospitals and Asylums, is instituting an inquiry into the system of charitable aid. Dr. McGregor believes in personal investigation and in company with Councillor Crowther, a member of the Charitable Aid Board, he has visited the homes of a number of the recipients of charity. There are at present 307 adults and 553 children in receipt of re lief from the Auckland Board.

The regular weekly meeting of the Gospel Temperance Mission, held in the Foresters Hall," Karangahfipe Road, took place last Sunday evening. Addresses were given by Mr Enoch Wood, and the Rev.'James Chew. MrW. Service,"presided. Mr ChewJ who is himself a musician, paid the choir a high compliment for the excellent manner in which they rendered the hymns. •

' The superiority of the New Zealand mail service via San Francisco over the .Austra lian services, is shown by the cable mes sage which we publish tQ.duy, stating that AoQkland mails to June 20th have been de livered in London simultaneously with Melbourne mails to June 14th, a difference of six days in favour of Auckland.

Hugo's Buffa'o Minstrels, which arrived by the 8.8. Wairarapa from Sydney to-day, will open at Abbott's Opera House on Monday evening next. The Company is a very strong one, and includes many first olass artistea who have never before appeared In Auckland, as well as several old favourites.

-Through the kindness of Mr Hugo, of the cutlalo Minstrels, and his company, a very enjoyabla concert was given in the Wat larapa's social hall on Monday evening. ~ "Onlooker" writes as follows respecting we look-but:-" There can be no doubt the Wffipany made a mistake in giving the men jch short notice of the intended reduction, "ie object evidently being to nrevent them wmtnunicatins with the Union. Instead of A ng i° n them as enemies, the Company ttouki have regarded the men in the same «?&tas they would their masters or mates. ..nemen ha<l no time for reflection or a con ™ 7 P°licy- One effect of the employ- Ef °v een hands" has been the "nco» *wnable detention of carts this morning. msZj> to be h°ped the Company wm

fvt n S c, mf etinS of *c Parnell Borough W ? lasfc { evening, the existence of S^° f, Bcarlcbfever in th^ borough sir^ d>and consid^ablo amount of ssr?e3sofno g<3nerai interesfcwas •fiS-^^lentß of Dr Wright will ikiS n tty> Hemay be heMd of at Mr ™s. Queen-street. fA°e t^ft? l^byterian," writing We mm \^\ Ireland t0 a friend livin^ r that a ;i lth?dmade him umvell to find » Place n a l?Tfro lceof his was residing in hoS te Jt^ name .must be: a jnot-bed of seditious Home Rulers. > Lewis Moses by nuWffn tlßeith of obtaining a loan by?«l-aS l pretences was dismissed SestetL trates at tho Court evideW^™ 00"-. A Potion of tho 011 last i«m o l°®,P rosecution appeared in1 JkBdRT + q-UeStion had been l»t to he beenVatl ??\ m^ system, but S»- Cv Ithe^ 55o^n ? since Janu- Kot»i«rB n f<Sl Pthorae. clerk of the NfytawXkSP^y. Produded tJie J? d S 2:fy^lrs Beith on her piano ¥ £t t Samuel C°hen deposed ich "*a!afS l' SOI? le l money on a piano WpwSo?slt^bniitted that there B4 t a un"^ ntlon t0 defraud, and Was dismissedf g c same view > the case

ELECTION NOTES.

Sir G. M. O'Rorke addresses the Manukau electors at Onehunga Hall this evening.

It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr Shera's first public meet ing with the electors of Auckland West takes place to-morrow night in St. James's Hall, Wellington-street. The candidate had another good meeting last night, and another one will take place on Thursday evening, at half-past seven o'clock.

MrW. Aitken Connell, in response to a requisition has promised to give an address in the Newmarket Hall. The requisition and reply appear in our eighth page. Thames, this day. Mr William Fraser publicly declared yesterday that ho will contest Thames seat. It is more than likely Mr Brodie will contest Thames seat. The address to be delivered hero to-morrow night by Sir R. Stout is looked forward to with great interest. Daeoaville, this day. Mr Thompson on Friday evening last met the electors of Arapohue in the school house, and delivered a vigorous, animated address on the questions of retrenchment and reform of the land laws. He severely condemned the extravagance- of the present Government, and completely carried his audience with him. He was accorded a unanimous vote of confidence. Mr Thompson addressed the gumdiggers, and obtained a vote of confidence, at Muro pui on Saturday.

Electioneering at Public Ex pense.

Wellington, this day,

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORKICSPONDENT.)

The Colonial Secretary is the only mem ber of the Ministry now in Wellington, all others being engaged in attending to their own interests in other parts of the colony. The "Post" pointedly asks the questions — Who pays for all the Ministerial running about which is now going on, and whether, when Mem bers go to their constituencies, they charge travelling expenses and receive the usual allowances. It predicts that some sharp questions will be asked on the subject in the new House of Representatives. Rowdy Election Mcctinff. The proceedings at election meetings in Wellington have hitherto been of a dry as dust character, but last night the electors of Newtown had a night's fun at the ex pense of Mr Wilson, one of the candidates for South \Y ellington. Mr Wilson formerly held a seat in the City Council, and is anything but an oiator. One of his principal grounds for claiming support was that he had not been out of Wellington Heads for 45 years', and amongst his pet schemes was one for competing trunk rail ways, even to connecting them across Cook's Strait, while he also advocated a state bank of issue. When question time arrived, the electors were carried away by the spirit of mischief and propounded all kinds of queries. The candidate's financial scheme was scattered to the wind, and an invita tion to express his views on reciprocity " floored" him completely, and he had to ac knowledge that he did not know the mean ing of the word! The querist expressed his opinion that it was the height of im pudence for one who confessed to such ignorance to seek election. The meeting was the most uproarious held in Wellington for some time.

Mr O'Connor addressed the electors at Denniston last night. He was warmly questioned, and at conclusion a vote of no confidence was passed.

Dunedix, this day.

As Mr Fish is now definitely out for Duuedin South, there will be a warm fight for that seat. Mr Green's chances for Port Chalmers are said to be improving, and he will give Mr Wills a hard run. Mr Gourley will come out for Dunedin West in the protection in terest.

I hear that the Protection League intend; inviting Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Ballanee to address meetings. Mr Barnes, ex-Mayor, has no intention of contesting Dunedin Central. (BY TELEGRAPH.- PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington-, Saturday. Mr W. Maclean, a candidate for Thorn ton, addressed the electors last night. He declared himself a protectionist, and a sup porter of the present Government. He re ceived a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr Garrick addressed the electors of St. Albans last night, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. An amendment of thanks only was negatived, about 30 votino for it and over 50 against it. The meeting was somewhat disorderly. Mr Rollesfcon, who so far is the only can didate for Pvangitata, in addressing the electors strongly condemned the policy of' the Government as before, the country. He received a vote of thanks at Ashburton. At Rakaia Mr Ivess delivered a speed) danouncing Mr Rolleston and the Govern ment, of which he had been a member.- A motion was proposed by Mr Ivess and carried, "That the meeting thanks Mr liolleston for his address, but assures him it has no sympathy with his views, and con demns the administration of the Government of which Mr Rolleston was a member."

ALLEGED ROBBERY.

Three notorious characters, named John Russell, Patrick Carroll, and Walter Eggih. ton, were brought up at the Police Court to-day, before Messrs Moody and McCul. lough, on a charge of stealing a silver watch value L 5. from Alexander Donaldson. Two of theaccused were yesterday sentenced to three months' imprisonment on another charge. The evidence was of a very direct character! Donaldson is a bushman from Dargaville and on the afternoon of the 22nd wenfc into the public bar of the Clarendon Hotel, where he met the prisoners, who shouted for him. Prosecutor had occasion to adjust his watch chain, and took his watch out of his pocket for that purpose. Carroll asked to be allowed to isee the watch, and inquired if Donaldson was willing to sell it Donaldson replied in the affirmative, and expressed his willingness to accept L 3 in payment. Carroll took the match out of his hand, and saying " Wait a moment and I will see," left the bar-room. He did not come back, and Donaldson being unable to lind him, reported the matter to the police. Subsequently, the prosecutor met Carroll at the Clarendon, and asked him for the watch, when the accused denied all know ledge of it and offered to fight. Donaldson declined, and Carroll then offered to shout for him. It was proved that Egointon pawned the watch at Bloom's for 18s,°and a woman.naroed Edmunds gaveevidencetothe effect that the 3 men were in her house last night and discussed the occurrence. Part of "the 18s was handed over to Carroll, and some was also given to Russell, the others being afraid that he would " let out" about the affair if they did not do so. The prisoners were committed for trial.

ChKLdrbn STAfcvfNG to death on account of their Inability to digest food, will find a most marvellm, food and remedy m Scott s Emulsion of Pure Ton Live* On/with HvroPHosPHiTBS.' Very pa]a ,Vr,° and easily digested. K-M the following tW^onia ! " 1 have prescribed' SCOUT'S EMULsfoN' in££« of children suffering from wasting and mal-nutrition andean report most favorably of its good effect • it hai been in each case taken most readily. '" \V. Perkins, M R r <! Medical Supt., Burleigti frospiul iw Large and small bottles M all Chemists. «i6dand!as6d»

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.)

THE AFGHAN TROUBLE.

THE REBELLION SPREADING.

ENGLAND SELLING THE AMEER.

[REUTEE.]

London, July 24

The latest reports from Northern Afghanistan stale that the rebels are generally gaining ground. The fidelity of the Ameer's troops at Herat is doubtful.

(SPECIAL.)

The understanding arrived at by the English and Russian Commissioners as to the delimitation of the Afghan frontier is not approved. The Ameer is entirely opposed to the concessions made to Russia.

THE COLONIES AND HOME RULE.

[reuter's telegram. ]

London, July 25.

The " Pall Mall Gazette" to-day publishes a report of an interview be tween one of its representatives Sir P- Jennings, ex-Premier of New South Wales). In the course of the interview, the latter declared that the Australian colonies in bulkare in favour of; Home Rule for Ireland, on Imperial grounds.

SIR H. D. WOLFFE AT LONDON

London, July 25. Sir H. D. Wolfib arrived here from Constantinople.

DELIVERY OF MAILS.

The Australian mails per s.s. Bengal (from Melbourne, June 14th) and the Australia's New Zealand mails (from Auckland, Juno 20th) were delivered to-day.

A NEW BARONET.

Sir Charles Clifford has been created a baronet.

EXPLOSION ON A GUNBOAT.

DISASTROUS RESULTS.

[special.]

London, Juiy 25

During the naval review off Ports tnouth a distressing accident occurred ou board ELM. gunboat Kite. A gun cartridge exploded, killing one man and injuring several others.

COERCION IN IRELAND.

NEARLY THE WHOLE COUNTRY

PROCLAIMED,

(REUTEII'S TELEGRAM.)

London, July 25,

ffen Irish cities, including Dublin. Deny, Belfast, and Cork, and fourteen additional counties, have been pro claimed to bo under the full operation of the provisions of the Irish Crimes Act. Twelve counties have been par tially proclaimed, thus comprising the whole of Ireland, except certain poi' tions of the County Antrim. (Special). London, July 24. The *\ Daily News " characterises the proclamation of several counties in Ireland under the Crimes Act as a gross outrage, and maintains that the Min isters must be brought to strict and im mediate account.

A SERIOUS CHARGE.

Walter Bowdodge, a young man, was before the Police Court to-day on a charge of stealing a silver watch, two suits of clothes, carpet bag, and other articles, value Ll4, the property of F. C.! Faulk, ner. The evidence of the prosecution was to the effect that he was living at Edward's boarding-house, in Hobson street, where he was recommended by the accused. He took his clothes there on the 13th of July, and on the following day left on a trip. to the Barrier.. Before he went away, he told the prisoner to keep an eye on his things, and he promised to do so. When he returned four days later, ho found that the things were missing, and Mrs Edwards told him that prisoner had taken them away, saying that prosecutor had sent for them. The casa was placed in the hands of Detective Hughes, who traced the stolen property very cleverly. He found that the watch had been pawned by the accused at Olsen's, and subsequently discovered the ticket in the possession of the prisoner when, he arrested him. Some of the other missing articles were also found in his pockets. Bowdodge said the real offender was a man, who has since gonejjto Aratapu, and who is now being enquired for by the police. The evidence of several witnesses was taken, and the accused was committed for trial.

Thames, this day. Saxon.—2olbs of picked stone were ob tained yesterday from Tsob. 3 and 5 stopes from No. 4 level. Christchukch, this day. John Marshall, who was injured by a fall from his horse in the hunting field a week ago, died in the Hospital yesterday. Timaru, this day. Mr Webb, senior member of the firm of Webb and Radcliffe, upholsterers, dropped down -dead to-day. Heart disease is sup posed/to be the cause. DtrsEDiN, this day. Eoslyn Tram Company pay 5 per cent dividend, besides paying L 285 off the accident account.

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PRE MIER.

Seamen's Grievances

A deputation from the Seamen's Union consisting of Messrs £■ Hannigan (Presi dent), and E. Ellison (Secretary), waited upon the Premier this afteruoon to repre. sent to him various grievances of which the New Zealand seamen complained. The Hon. J. A. Tole introduced the de putation. _ Mr Hannigan first of all drew the atten tion of_ the Premier to the importance of allowing foreign-owned vessels to engage in local trade, and for the purpose of pre venting this ho suggested the imposition of a tonnage tax on foreign vessels. The Premier thought; there was some re striction of the sort in force.

Mr Hannigan assured him there was not.

The Premier was not aware of any foreign vessels being engaged in the local trade. There was, it was true, a German vessel in the south, but it was chartered by N.Z. merchants.

Mr Hannigan rejoined that the object was rather to prevent the possibility of that sort of thing. The Premier remarked that in that case there was no use in jumping before we came to the fence.

Mr Hannigan asked the Premier direct if he would favour the suggested tonnage tax. The Premier said he could only promise that the Government would carefully con sider the suggestions. Mr Hannigan then drew attention to the employment of Kanaka crews in local shipping. The Premier replied that it was of enor mous importance to keep this colony for whito labour, and he thought our shipping should not be manned by coloured labour. Mr Tole understood that there was only one vessel manned by Kanakas, and she was engaged for special purposes. Mr Ellison asserted that for these pur poses whito labour would be more advan tageous. The vessel referred too was the Richmond.

Mr Hannigan then urged the desirability of passing a Seamen's Representation Bill so as to give them a member.

Tho Premier expressed himself favourably inclined to such a measure.

Mr Hanmgan then handed tho Premier tho following document, and requested his favourable consideration of it. To the Hon. Sir R. Stout, K.C.M.G., etc., otc.—Wo have the honor to call your attention^ to the following questions which, in our opinion, require consideration at the hands of the Legislature.

Protection to Coasting Trades

At the present time it is the custom of foreign-owned vessels to carry cargo from port to port in New Zealand at rates which quito proclude the possibility of successful competion by locally-owned vessels. This is so for the reason that their vessel generally arrive from foreign countries with cargoes for two ports. The practice is to discharge their cargo for the first port and fill up again with local cai'go for the second. As the vessel must complete her voyage she can manifestly afford to carry cargo at a rate much lower than could be possibly quoted by a vessel making a special trip. She has presumedly secured sufficient enumeration for the whole voyage under the original charter, any thing additional is practically a premium. It is contemplated to run more than one additional line of steamers to Aus tralasia. The evil we complain of is therefore likely to become much more poignant within an appreciable date. American and German-owned vessels are the principal sinners, and we may point out that, by tho laws of both these countries, no foreign vessels can carry freight between any two of their ports without paying ad ditional duos of such a magnitude as to be prohibitory.

Employment of lianalta Crews?

The Richmond s.s. is an undersized boat, and ia manned by a Kanaka crew. This, to us, appears to be an injustice to the seaman belonging to New Zealand, who contributed to tho revenue of the colony, inoro particulary as largo numbers are ashore and unablo to procure employment at sea. It has been thought necessary to protect shoro labour against Chinese com petition, and as the Richmond is sub' sidised by the Government, to allow her to carry a coloured crew is contrary to the tho principles sanctioned by Parliament. We quite recognise the fact that in the present state of the land ib is impossible to prevent New Zealand owned vessels carry ing any crews their owners please, so long as they are deemed sufficient in number and. capacity to navigate the vessels with safety, but we are clearlygof opinion that no such vessels should be run even par tially at the expense of the colony.

Seamen's Representation. It will be within your momory that a Bill to givo one member of the House of Repre sentatives of those employed on New Zea land owned vessels was thrown out by a narrow majority. Wo have the honour to represent to you that the passing of such a bill would only be a common act of justice to a class of men who do so much to contribute to the prosperity of a country. At the present timo capital invested in shipping is more than amply represented, In our opinion, there fore, it is not asking too much that those who face the dangers and toil of prosecuting the shipping trade should have a representa tive. The presence of a member in the House well informed on all matters con nected with shipping could not fail to be of benefit to thecolony. Therearomaiiyamend ments • required to the present Shipping yet, and we feel that unless a member well nformed on shipping matters and capable of explaining the reason for their being made, that they will not take place.—C. Hanni can, President; E. Ellison, Secretary; Seamens' Union.

The Premier promised his earnest atten tion to the views set forth in the document, and the deputation then withdrew.

Protection of Local Industries. A deputation consisting of Messrs Geo. Fraser, A. Bell, Chas. Atkin, W. Lodder, Wilson, and other members of the Indus trial Association waited upon the Premier at noon to-day and represented to him the desirability of further protecting local in dustries. They trusted that the Govern ment would take up the subject and give ib their earnest support. The Premier, in reply, said that ( the Go vernment had always had this matter at heart, and had brought in tariffs fdr the purpose. If they had not altogether suc ceeded it was solely because they had not received sufficient support from the House. The matter was in the people's own hands, and if they wished to have local industries protection they should strengthen the hands of the Government by returning members pledged to support them. A conversa tional discussion ensued; and the deputa tion in withdrawing thanked the Premier for his courtesy.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per s.s. 'Wairarapa.)

Charge of Slander Against a Convent.

In the Supreme Court in Banco, at Hobart, Mr Collins, on behalf of the Rev. Mr Price, of Launceston, appeared to show the cause why a rule nisi—calling upon Mr Price to show cause why a criminal information should not be filed against him—should not be made absolute An affidavit by Mr Price was read, in which that gentleman specifically disclaimed any intention of irreverence toward the Nuns of the Presentation Con vent, Launceston, its inmates or anyone associated with it or any kindred institution in Tasmania. Mr Miller, counsel for the convent, accepted this explicit retraction, and consented to a withdrawal. Tho Chief Justice said that, without expressing an opinion in this as to the practice or law, he was glad to see the matter settled without the further inter vention of the Court. He was pleased with Mr Price's frank disavowal, he said, and hoped that the present proceedings would act in future as a check to those disposed to pen productions similar to that which had led to these proceedings. Christian bodies, said his Honor, should act with Christian forbearance. The rule was discharged.

Victorian Unemployed.

A mass meeting of unemployed was hold in the Trades-hall, Melbourne, when be tween 400 and 500 men put in an appear ance. A deputation had previously been sent to the Minister for Public Works, and while waiting for itto return, various menad dres.sed the meeting, two of them evidently professional agitators, who did not belong to the colony. One named Clements came from Adelaide, and the, other, Edwards, came from Sydney, and had been promi nent in the unemployed agitation there. These two men spoke in very extravagant style, and by their suggestion a deputation, consisting of one member of every trade present, was appointed to wait on the Chief .Secretary. A start was made for the Treasury, crowds walking in straggling order, but the Chief Secretary refused to receive the deputation, as lie stated the Government weredoing all they could for the men. An attempt was then made to hold an open - air meeting %in the Treasury Gardens, but the police put a stop to it and the crowd quietly dispersed. The deputation which waited on the Minister for Public Works was informed that the Government was giving more work at pre sent than it had ever done previously. The Minister had written to the Railway Com missioners and contractors with a view to finding out if any more men could be put on. Later in the afternoon the Minister received a telegram from Mr Spreight to the effect that no limit would bo put on the work at stone-breaking, and that as long as the stone lasted as many men as applied at the Railway Department would be given work.

Unemployed in Sydney.

Matters in connection with tho labour market in Sydney appear to be in a much more satisfactory state than has been apparent for some time past. The operations of the Casual Labour Board, which was appointed by the Government to make provision for the unemployed, have, according to a re port furnished to the Premier within the past few days, been very successful. The report states that the board has received in formation from various parts of the country to the effect that tho demand for labour is increasing, and that numbers of those for whom the board had procured employment were leaving their casual work for perman ent engagements. It is anticipated that this improved state of things wilt continue.

A Big Failure.

On Tuesday an order was made in the In solvent Court, Melbourne, for the sequestra tion of the estate of Lister Henry,warehouse man, Flinders-lane. An approximate schedule shows: Liabilities, L15'2,772, of which L 69,232 is due to secured creditors ; assets, LM2.196, deficiency, L 10,570. The application was made on behalf of George Stogdale, a member of the firm of Lister Henry, and of Mann and Stogdale, Lon don, who put in an affidavit that he, William Mann, and Lister Henry carried on bu&iness in London as Mann and Stogdale, and in Melbourne as Lister Henry. Lister Henry had recently departed from Victoria, and without any warrant or authority from his co-partners handed over the whole of his partnership estates and effects to Charles Andrews, who had since been realising on such estates and efiects.

Attempted Elopement.

The attempt at elopement from Sand hurst by a married musician with a wealthy young lady has been nipped in the bud. The runaways were overtaken by the young lady's irate brother, and he so worked on his sister's feelings that she decided to return home. The brother was only just in time, as the runaways were on board the Zealandia, and on the point of starting for America. The whole party returned to Sandhurst in the same train. The gay Lothario, who was not on speaking terms with his own wife before he departed from Sandhurst, left in structions behind him that.his furniture should be sold. The auction was to have taken place yesterday. The wife, however, managed to effect an entrance into the house, and, by the assistance of relations, barricaded the house so effectually thai, despite the escort of nine guardians of the peace, the auctioneer could not gain en trance. Tho large party of spectators which intended to be present at the sale was amused at the auctioneer's discomfi ture.

Attempted Murder by a Son.

Thomas Finny was charged on remand in the Redfem Police Court with having shot at his father, John Finny, with intent to murder him. Mr Wallace appeared for the accused.

Constable Harrison stated that about 6.45 a.m. on the Gth instant he proceeded with Constable Shaw to the Eveleigh Rail-' way Station. The prisoner said, "Is it me you're looking for ?" He said, " Yes. Are you the man that shot his father this morn ing ?" He replied, " Yes; alone I did it, and he deserved all he got. I mean to give myself up." He cautioned him, and he replied, " I did it, and I suppose I must suffer for it." Constable Shaw then took the revolver in his presence; it contained six cartridge cases from the accused's breast pocket. On the way to the station prisoner said," No one knows what we've had to put up with from that old rascal." He said that it was not a proper way to speak of a father, and said," Suppose you had hit him in a vital part, what an awkward position you'd be placed in." Prisoner replied "He could not get a proper slant at him. This is what a fellow gets for taking his mother's part. He was drinking all yesterday, and this morning he wanted mother to give him a gold chain, and she would not. He re plied that he'd smash her and throw her out of the window if she did not give it to him when he came back again. ' He then left the house, and he (the prisoner) fol lowed him and shot him."

Dr. Hughes stated that he examined John Finney at the hospital. He found a wound on the outside of the right leg below the knee joint. He had another wound going in a slanting direction upwards on the inside of the left leg, just above the joint, going through the muscles. There

was another wound on the back of his right arm, half an inch [in length, just beneath the skin. The wounds were very slight. After taking evidence, the accused, who has reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

A Sensational Arrest.

A sensational arrest was made yestei'day afternoon. Walter Wm. Neale, thought to be an absconding solicitor from Coventry, England, was apprehended in the Oriental Hotel, Collins-street, where he had engaged rooms under the name of Wm. Neville. He arrived in Adelaide by the steamship Sydney on Thursday, and travelled overland to Mel b,ourne. Fraud, forgeries, and embezzle ments to the tune of L 30,000 in the aggre gate are charged against him. He acknow ledged that he is the man wanted ; L 165 was found on him. He was bound for Queens land when arrested.

SPORTING NEWS.

Papers to hand by the s.s. Wairarapa to day state that Abercorn and Niagara are still the favourites for the V.R.C. Derby at sto 1 each. For the Melbourne Cup, Silver Prince has received further support, and 1000 to 60 has been taken to some money, and the same price is now wanted. The othe* candidates for the two mile race have no been mentioned in connection with the straight out betting, but the usual business is doing over the doubles, the two Cups and Derby, and Melbourne Cup. There has been no straight out betting on the Caul field Cup. At the Melbourne Grand National Steeple chase Meeting at Flemington there was a very large concourse of spectators pre sent, including Lord Carrington, and Sir Henry and Lady Loch. With the exception of the fiat race, all the events produced somewhat poor fields. Only three started for the Maiden Steeplechase. The Grand National Hurdle Race produced a pretty spectacle, the horses being close together throughout, and jumping splendidly. Kil dare, the favourite, came to grief at the stone wall at the back of the course. The race was won by the Hon. W. Pearson's Royal Oak, who was not heavily backed. Corrigan, the rider of Kildare, suffered to some extent on the head and side by a fall. Malone, who rode Marmion, was also stunned by being thrown. Mr J. Crozier's Lara, by Conrad, won the Flat Race, Divi dend being second, and Jocular third.

Cartage Monopoly.

(To the Editor).

Sir,—ln your issue of last Saturday I notice that at the Harbour Board's meeting to be held this day Mr McKenzie is to move : — " That the Board invite tenders for receiving and carting of goods on all the Auckland wharves for a term of 3 years, with tho ex ception of timber and coals. Surely some of our members of the Harbour Board are losing their senses. What are our small carters to do if we are going to create such a monstrous monopoly t Just fancy one large carting firm having a 3 years' contract in all goods landed on our wharves. What anum ber of carters will have to give up. Our mer chants will have to discharge their carters and sell their teams. It was an iniquitous rule when the railway authorities tendered and accepted an offer for all goods arriving at Auckland, for it has simply put Is Sd per ton on the rate in carrying on country produce. Our carts daily go to the station, and though having goods there we cannot touch them, but must return empty. We 'content ourselves by simply saying " rail way mismanagement." But when our Harbour Board attempt to interfere with the liberty of the people .by trying to pass a law to compel us to have oux goods carted by anyone carter or firm of carriers, and when they seek to prohibit importers from carry ing their own goods off the wharves, I think it is time that we should rise up as one man and resist such an atteroipt to create a monster monopoly—in other words, an Auckland Pickford and Co., to the ruin of numbers of our carters who for years have been carting on and off the wharves. One of the greatest causes of depression in this colony has been the establishing of large joint stock companies, and now we are threatened with the establishment of one or two large carrying companies.—G. S. Jakins.

DISTRICT COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before a special jury of four.) Ciaiin for £ioo Damages

Miss Elizabeth Caroline Carpenter v. James C. Cairns.—Claim LIOO fox- damages sustained by the plaintiff through the negligence of the defendant driving into her, with his buggy near the Three Kings on the sth March, 1837 Mr Napier appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Edward Copper for the defence. —The evidence for the plaintiff showed that Miss Carpenter was a farmer's daughter, and on the day in question was riding a heavy drcaight horse along a common near the Tliree Kings. While so doing the defendant came along in a buggy, and, by his negligent driving, ran into her and caused considerable damage, the wheel of the buggy breaking hor .collar-bone. The defence was simply a total denial of negligence, and an allegation that the lady was unskilfully riding her horse, which threw her into the buggy, and thereby caused her to receive the dumages complained of. —The evidence lasted until the Court adjourned.—The defence was that the plaintiff had been riding in the centre of the road, and though the defen dant and his children called out to her she did not appear to hear. The defendant then pulled the buggy to one side, and, as he approached the plaintiff, her horse kicked out at the buggy and she fell off. — The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for L 55, with costs Ll6 4s 6d. (Before H. G. Seth Smith Esq., District Judge.) Damage for False Imprisonment J. W. Thompson v.. E. Thomas.—Claim LIOO for damages for false imprisonment for alleged larceny of lOlbs of tea. The evidence had been previously heard. His Honor gave a verdict for plaintiff of L 25, and costs L 5 11s. Vhe epiphany S&spute. T. Holder v. Rev. Dk. O'Callaghak.— Claim, L 62 15s. Mr Mahoney for plaintiff and Mr Gover for clefendanfc. This case was continued to-day. The witnesses ex amined to-day were Messrs Tibs aaid Bart ley. The case is proceeding this afternoon.

POLICE COURT-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Moody and McCullough,

J.P.'s)j Drunkenness.—One person was punished for this offence.

Marriage Act.—The charge against George Johnston under this Act "was ad journed till Saturday. Weights.—Eliza Bailey, lessee ctf a stall in the Market, was fined Is ai*l costs for having unstamped weights in her possession.

No Means. —Henry Lange was dWged with having no lawful visible means -of sup port at Helensville, and the case was ad journed till Monday next. No Ticket.—George Taylor was cjharged with travelling between Sydney and Auck land without first having paid the -proper fare.—The charge was admitted, and'a tine of 20s and costs imposed.

THE FIRE AT THE OWL PRINTING OFFICE.

•;S--.-. '• ■ -rt^ The Inquest

At 11 o'clock this morning an inquiry was held at the Imperial Hotel into the origin of the fire which occurred on July 7th at the Owl Printing Office, Fort-street. Dr. Philson officiated as Coronor. Detective Tuohy conducted the examination of the witnesses on behalf of the police. Mr James Russell appeared on behalf of the South British Insurance Company, and Mr A. Devore on behalf of Mr Farrington. A jury of six was empannelled, of whom Mr Jonathan Winks was chosen foreman.

Edmund Augustus Farrington deposed that he was the proprietor of the Owl Printing Works, in Sheriff's Buildings, Fort-street. He had been in business since December, 1886. On the night of the 6th of July he was at the office at 8 o'clock. For an hour he was alone, but at 9 o'clock he was joined by Mr W. H. Cooper, land agent. Mr Cooper had been in wit ness's employ from December to the middle of May last. He received 15s per week and 10s per week interest on money advanced. The total amount advanced by Mr Cooper was L7O. Witness now cwed. Mr Cooper about LBS. Witness was not pressed by anybody to pay money,: though he was himself anxious to do so.: Mr Cooper had not demanded pay.' ment about the 14th of July. Wit-: ness left the office at 10 o'clock on the! night preceding the fire. He was accom-i panied by Mr Cooper. The lights used1 were two lamps. Witness extinguished the: lamps and locked the street door, and lefb the key with the messenger at the Post office, as usual. They then went to the. Waverley Hotel till about 11 o'clock, after which they visited the Albert Hotel, where they stayed till 12 o'clock. They next visited the Victoria Hotel, which they were }ust leaving when Mrs Luks, the pro-, prietess, said, "There are the fire-bells." Witness and Mr Cooper went towards the; Fire Brigade Station to find out where the fire was. That was about a quarter past 1 ■ o'clock. They met a man, who said that the fire was in Fort-street. When witness arrived the flames were bursting through.' Mr Cooper was smoking a pipe part of ■ the time he was in the office. The floor of the office was invariably kepb tidy. He took the plant over from the Official Assignee about 27th November,; 1886. The plant was perfectly new in 1884. ■ Type should last at least 12 years in such an : office as his. The plant cost about LB3. j Witness paid the creditors in his brother's estate 7s 6d in the f, and took over the. plant. He acted under power of attorney: for his father, who had a claim for L 397 7s 3d. His brother's liabilities were L 486. • That would make a total payment of L 32 ss: Cd to the ordinary creditors. He also paid; Mr J. R. -Randerson L 25 for rent, Ab the time of the fire, he had over' LI 5 worth of stationery in the office, j There were about seven reams of surface \ paper. He could only tell the London; price. He had not disposed of any of hia i plant prior to the fire. He was inaured for ; LIOO on the machine,Ll4o on type,material' and paper, and LlO on fixtures and fittings. ■ It was insured in the South British Com- ■ pany. He was under agreement to Mr ■ Green, of Onehunga, to deliver over the; plant at 12o'clock on the 7th of July, the ■ price being Ll4O, of which amount Mr Boynton was to receive LlO as commission. About a fortnight before the fire witness advertised the plant for sale in the Southern' papers, and also gave Mr Boynton per mission to sell if he could. The price then was L 175 for the plant alone, without any' paper. Witness only agreed to sell the plant)' and appliances to Mr Green, but Mr Boynton put in goods and materials so as to include: everything in the office. That was not : his intention; he only meant the agree-' ment to cover the plant, and not the fixtures, etc., as inserted in the agree-' ment. He could nob in any way \ recount for the origin of the fire. ! For all practical purposes the plant was destroyed. The "Herald" bought the; salvage for L 33. At the time of the fire he : had an order for 10,000 bill-heads for a firm ; in Hobson-street. As he was going to hand' over the plant he had refused orders. The ; last order which he executed was relief. tickets for Mr Prime, in Karangahape Road. 1 On the night previous to the fire he was i merely packing up the type, etc., ready for 1 Mr Green the next day. There was also other stock upon the premises. Amongsb them were 100 Customs ready reckoners worth about Ls,three reams of ruled foolscap for billheads value 37s Gd, and the completes edition of a book published by his brother, also 5 dozen large cards, 5 dozen sniall' cards, and 3 dozen small cards. At this stage witness proof of loss was put in. as evidence. The total claim was L 375 12s 7d. The total amount he had paid for plant, and getting it fitted up for business, was about LIOO. Besides theplant.helost his books, and four years' samples, which were of value in printing trade. By Mr James Russel: He had no capital at all when he started in business, beyond the L7Q advanced by Mr Cooper. He considered that he still owed his father 7s 6d in the L on the L 377 12s 6d due to him. He owed 10 weeks for board and lodgings to one of his landladies. That was covered by his book debts. Exclusive of the amount due to Mr Cooper, his entire liabilities were L 22 and his book debts were L 32. As he had lost his account books;' he now feared that some of the. debts could not be recovered.

Francis William Boynton,printers'broker, deposed to selling Mr Farringbon's plant to Mr Green. Mr Farrington told him that he owed LBS, which he wished to pay, as it worried him. Mr Farrington had not complained to witness regarding '' the terms of the agreement. Jle believed that he had done so to a young man in wit ness's employ. Mr Farrington called 'at witness's office after signing the agreement, and said "of course it will be all right if I'm not burned out, but if there's a fire I will not be able to deliver up the plant." The coroner: " Well as there's a fire almost every night now, the remark is nob much to be wondered at."

(Left Sitting.)

The jury found that there was no evi dence to show the origin of the fire at the " Owl" Printing Office.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — Professor Herbert, Preatidlgitateur and Illusionist, 8. Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-streot — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7 tc lOp.m i ■ City Hall-Address by Sir R. Stout, 8. Flat Bush Schoolroon—Address by Mr \V. F. Buckland to Electors of Franklin North, 7.30 Onehunga Public Hall ■ Address by Sir 6. M. O'Rorke to Electors of Manukaif, 8 St. James's Church—Evangelistic Service, 7.30 Drill-shed—Gordon Rifles, 7.30

Masonic Hall, Newton—Eden Lodge, No. 1,53). E.C.,7.30 Torpedo-shed, Devonport — Dcvonport Navil Artillery. 7.30 Auckland Band of Hope Choir—Practice, 7.30

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

July 27—Messrs L. D. Nathan and J. Newman

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Household Furniture and Effects, 11; Photopraphic Materials, 12 G. W. Binncy and Sons-Butter, Cheese, etc., 11 E. Bluck and Co.-Poultry, Produce, etc., l S. Cochrane and Son—Property, Shares, etc.,l2 VV. J. Dovvden—Household Furniture and Ef-

fects, 11. Paget and Ralston — Plants, Shrubs, etc., 11; Furniture, etc., 12 . ■■■ B. Tonks and Co.—Fruit, 11 G. Lewis—Knglise Furniture eta, H

THE AUCKLAND EVENING LfTAR, TUESDAY,"'JULY' 26, 1887,

5



b^m ft fl Ebuttf y™ Purchase is S cn£ma r l° rdß "*«**»* Com- § around the shell. Re-



A meeting of the Amateur Opera Club was held last night in the ante-room of the Choral Hall. The accounts were submitted, and after considerable discus sion it was resolved to have them printed, and to consider them at the second meeting. It was shown that there is a balance of £120 in hand. The three retiring members of Committee were elected and it was de termined to produce the comic opera of " Madame Favart" at the next concert. Attention is directed to Messrs Smith and Caughey's advex'tisement re clearance sale. At the end of each season this firm makes a point of clearing out all surplva stock rem nants and oddments at greatly reduced rates. Economists will do well to take a note of this.—Advfc,