HARBOUR BOARD.

eeting of this Board yesterday iff 8 ; letter of the Lyttelton Har •j[ r ftcrnoon offering to sell fcwo sfceara rB ° a r ; e9 at £5,250, was referred to Wr* ' . .nd Tariff Committee. He * ff °.c reckmation contract, the Board <>o to its previous decision !__ action re the piloting oi Z&***l as approved, and the ques £*•>" llf generally was referred Sof P Ks and Tariff Commit- J MM? Hannaford light, Mr l«* • Jrted that Messrs Henderson, tttian himself had come to the con «' iDk3a f n li an inspection of the models, **?• Sutton was of no practical value that tbe une» of a lig hthouse. The Board frWgSU the Government to take up *•?£ but decided to reply to Mr lie V»K\m it had full confidence the would deal with B"" 36 [I.! on its merits. The application jjjj matter ■« y Company lor office of Al *__£-•'on Victoria wharf ***£& to the Works and Tariff p3 r£ The whole of the corres- Commitwe. 110 t }_ e conduct of the ellCe T he fen'V steamers Eagle and m*il referred to the Works and Victoria M ff.. w _ t i_ power to take evi frSPgfShorts of the Work, and ftVomniittee and Financial and Legal tffttce (publisl-i in our last issue) ,(U adopt"*.. account.—An account SSS'G. Fraser and Son, for ttoDl 'h'n the placing of the caisson, etc., *£&» I to the Finance and Legal "*-L« who were instructed to consult Co f{ Ware, it being stated that the ** «ce3ve. Mr Ware had deducted !S?6d from tho account, but some *w 0 f the Committee thought that it SKfc&we been reduced by this ■"f Stinie discussion took j>lace as to »Etbe officers of the Board were re * Jhle or not for the necessity which had •r f. theteeXras, and it was resolved, ZM +t,Aml.tterb> again referred to the £KScomn;ittee,and that they HlSMtake legalabvice asto-the ZTof the Board with respect to m Fraser and Son's account." Ibis was all the business.

THAMES CHARITABLE AID.

OIS RESPONSIBLE FOR RELIEF ?

_££___ TO SEND AN APPLICANT m TO AUCKLAND.

joins may remember the charge of child brought against a girl named ifcasoa or McComish, at Thames, in _Man named Campbell was involved I gome extent, on account of the ~irl S3 resided at his house The:matter Jefore the Thames Charitable Aid Qat its meeting on Monday night, _.MrsCarapbellwas present to request __• relief' Should be continued to herself I __*child. In reply to questions, she dtfthat four Weeks ago-or about the lithe case of the girl Adamson tor the tfonmenb of her infant was brought m I tte Police Court—her husband left _fflii.es. but he had not since written _„r' |,; 'A man who had arrived here a few .pajofrora Waiuku called at her house, jirjormed her tlwfc her husband was at Unlace, but she did nob know the name i fe'informant, not having inquired. .husband would not be able to send for jbefore Christmas, and she desired that jritable aid should be continued to her _f that time. Itwj ijielitioned by the Secretary that (Board had offered to pay Mrs Camp _i passage to Auckland, so that she ei_jt_nher husband, and give her an iiftnal Ss to assist her. h Campbell: "That's no good. Mat's the use of 5s when I get in Auck-

Gaaderable conversation took place be ds, members regarding the case, and the __n;of her husband was strongly con- ImiL'': It was pointed out that the Ml otb.Br functions to perform be itelooking after people who forced them shta upon" it, and thafc Mrs Campbell irilenmsband had come to the Thames b Auckland, and immediately thrown iwiTes upon the Board, although fimpiellffas himself an able-bodied man, ml tad stated that he was capable darning good wages. They had been promised the assistance of the Board to re- We» Auckland—from whence they came -Wbrethat district would have any claim ip» tie Thames Board for their mainten- Wein the event of their afterwards pro ving thither, but they had refused to go, «M openly defied the Board. There- they now removed to Auckland w Oharitable Aid Board there could »lj uppti the Thames .to pay for their sitbance, as Campbell and his wife W now been over the prescribed .J*'[in,: this district. The conduct «tie husband was denounced, and «tale told by Mrs Campbell charac «jd."M ,a ''cock'and a bull story," it n considered altogether unlikely that »m calledl at her house from Waiuku ™>»: message from her husband, she MBotknowhim, or even take the trouble Nwre what was his name. It was ul *W resolved:." That the Relieving ympply Mrs Campbell and her child ™t«a ration for three weeks, and 2s per J* IS'house rent, and that the Relieving to at once put the •winto the hands of the police, so as to *» tW whereabouts of her husband, ""Wceedagainst him."

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

:.<■;' :,...... . ♦ •■■ irt_?.%~T Wo persons were fined 5s offences.-Sergeant Pratt a,**. %y Burfcenshaw, remanded 8 > was still very unwell, and tifoS «" c cn arge against her was <*1 ZfT Br i d ? et Wesfc °n was fined 20s ftSp, drunkenness, and sent to e ttonthslorbeingan habitual 15 — Mai 7 Ann Dixon . IDg grossly indecent Btreet > and with bein 2- an Np__ ro S. ue —Both' offences were Ws2,, i ? ISMer w as sentenced to labour for the first and hs for the second, the sen- McbSi e P h c hadwick, on re %> ij;- no , afc . '"'a own request; with 1 6 fteans of support, H*_?W*i till Monday, pending «o3 ™ case b y the Charitable to'Shif""-""alter May was fined i^UtZ leavin fe*his cart unattended %S! Robert Keevish, for N tek. u^ nded in Hobson-street, HC;w. cha , el Head . allowing a il& e V nCo °k" street;, 5s and IJ*«SS,^ c*3e *3? an ' dlivin tf a carfc 5s and mk 7? nfc >, all °wing a horse to be \^iini l ? lhh y> "living a fe.WrW n Pnn ceß-street, 5s and [JSE/^ wi th allow- IlpSS* m Wellington-street, Ktlie,! ome doubfc as to neglect ] i an unfinished house and mart,

IMPORTANT MERCANTILE DECISION.

AN AUCKLAND APPEAL CASE,

The Court of Appeal has just given judg ment allowing an appeal from the decision of Mr Justice Ward, given here on the 17th August last, upon a special case stated by the P.M. afc Whangarei for Mr Justice Ward's opinion. It will be remembered that the Bank of New Zealand some time ago sued Mr Harrison, at Whangarei, as maker of a promissory note for £53 9d, and upon the hearing before Mr Clendon, R.M. afc Whangarei, he gave judgment for the .bank. Mr Harrison then appealed to the Supreme Court here, and upon the argu ment Mr Theo. Cooper appeared lor Harri son to support the appeal and Mr Button for the respondent, Bank. Mr Justice Ward allow c! the appeal with costs, and the bank then carried the case to the Court of Appeal. We now learn that the Bank's appeal has been allowed, and Mr Justice Ward's decision reversed with costs. The circumstances of the case were these : Burt and Harrison made a promissory note in favour of Pritchard and Co. Harri son then endorsed it and delivered it to Pritchard and Co. The note was then in sufficiently stamped. Pritchard and' Co. then endorsed " Pritchard and Co. without recourse " above Harrison's signature, and simply below that signature Pritchard and Co. put a proper stamp on the note, bufc did not cancel it. The note was paid into the bank. The manager then cancelled the stamp, writing the date, August 17. 1886, on it. The question was whether the note was properly stamped. Mr Bell appeared for the appellant. Mr Travers, for the respondent, having ad dressed the Court, His Honor the Chief Justice said: lam of opinion this appeal must be allowed. I have no reason to be dis satisfied with the judgment, McLaren v. Walker (quoted in the case), namely, that; the endorser of a promissory note may affix the stamp. The real question here is whether the holder can swear to this note,. it being admitted that the stamp was affixed but not canselled. ■ I think he can. I think any person who becomes the holder can do so. There is a distinction between stamping and cancella tion. In some cases no doubt cancellation is a component part of the stamping, that is unless you can prove that the stamp was duly affixed, the cancellation is a component part; but if you can prove that the stamp was affixed by the proper person afc the proper time, then cancellation is not neces sary. It is said that the penalty imposed by section 73 prevents that rule applying to a bill of exchange, there being a penalty im posed on a person who-does not affix and cancel a stamp. Section 62 also has a penal clause for not cancelling It is manifest that in some cases it is nob necessary that the stamp be cancelled, otherwise tjhere would not be this provision to section 61. Then section 78 is said to prevent tho application of 61. If I have not erred iv thinking that cancellation is nofc inherent in Stamping, section 78 does not render this note incapable of being used in evidence if it was stamped, though the stamp was nob cancelled. I conclude thafc section 61 en ables the holder to rely on the stamping if the stamp be affixed by the right person at the proper time. lam nofc satisfied thafc a promissory note is within the extending clauses of the Act, 1385. Mr Justice Gillies : I agree with his Honor thafc the provisions of section 61 enable a promissory note to be stamped without cancellation, and to make it avail able any endorser, and not only the first, can affix the stamp. Mr Justice Williams : I am satisfied we are bound by the decision in McLaren v. Walker. It is highly important where the highest tribunal gives a decision on an im portant point of mercantile law that the decision shotild be adhered to by all the Courts of the colony. According to Mc- Laren v. Walker the stamps were affixed by the proper person afc the proper time. The question resolves itself into this, does section 61 apply to promissory notes? No reason has been given to us why it ib should nofc apply to all in struments stamped with adhesive stamps. The main argument — that the first sub-section of section 61 does nob apply—is that by section 73 a penalty is imposed on persons who fix and do nob cancel the stamps. That, does not convince me that; section (il does not apply. There is a simi lar provision iv section 72 affecting other instruments. Looking at the mode in which these Acts ought to be construed, I am satisfied the stamping in this case was suffi cient. The person who affixed the stamps may be liable to a penalty, and yet the stamping be sufficient. Judcrment reversed, with costs in the Court of Appeal aud the Court below.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(BY TELECRAI'II.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Cambria.—There is a slight improvement in the quality of the quartz now being put through the battery. During the past week 115 loads have been crushed for 3330zs amalgam, while there are about 501bs of picked stone on hand, which will be treated with any more that may accu mulate until the fortnightly clearing up on Wednesday nexb. The various leaders upon which stoping operations aie in progress are small, and consequently almost the whole of the quartz has to be sorted and the mullock separated therefrom. Ihe JNo. 1 leader in the stope over the drive at No. 5 level is looking better, and occasional parcels of excellent stone are now obtained, though I fancy the best gold from here will be found beneath the floor of the present •Taxon.—From the appearance of the plates there is every ..prospect of the clean incr up for this company being a good one. There are now 7500z5. of amalgam on hand, and the picked stone has yet to be put; through the stamper. It is confidently SicipatedthatadividendoflsSdpershare will be declared as the result ot the month s or cT t EDONiAN.-The treatment of several trial parcels of quartz from Vah °22JG??S of the mine have resulted unprofitable the maiority being worth even less than 6 oi Tdwfcs. gold per load. The manager, how ever, is sanguine that he will ultimately unearth remunerative dirt, Cambria.-301bs of packed stone were aerain secured to-day when breaking down No 1 leader in the fifth slope over *o. 3 level

Coromandel, this day. Tokvtea. -During the past week_Halpin and oartv on No. 7 block, have obtained fiFbs of Jood picked stone and some very .oodUncral stuff. They have now on Katout 121b of picked stone and two tons of general stuff. The> have sunk a Sze on g the junction of two branches for 2? felt carrying payable prospects all the wi down Abfchhs clepth they have driven _ T o y n it 20 feet having payable goldupto and hope tomeet with success. —Jojin Benney.

The members of A Battery are warned in mother column that a special daylight narade wTll be held, by order of the Major Spandmg First Brigade to-morrow, at Jialf-pasb o p.m., in the Prill-shed.

LEGISLATIVE AMENITIES.

EXTRAORDINARY SCENE

VOGEL ACCUSES R. THOMPSON OF

UNG ENTLEMANLY CON DUCT,

MEMBERS CHARGED WITH

DRUNKENNESS.

(FROM OUH OWN KKPOIITER.)

Wellington, this day

One of the most extraordinary scenes that have occurred in the House for some con-

siderable time took place yesterday after noon, and is now the all-absorbing subject of conversation. Sir Julius Vogel pro ceeded to extreme lengths in making a per sonal explanation, and made accusations reflecting seriously upon a certain mem ber of the House. He was repeatedly culled to order, but persisted in his action, and ultimately the Speaker adopted the extreme course of naming the hon. gentle man.

The troublearo.se out of a question asked by Mr R. Thompson, of Whangarei, who wanted to know what truth there was in the statement that Sir Julius Vogel still re tained the services of two public servants. The Premier replied to the effect that the services of the Armed Constabulary men were paid for by Sir Julius Vogel, while that gentleman had informed the Govern ment that the services of the messenger were at their disposal when they required him.

Sir Julius Vogel then asked permission to say a few words by way of personal expla nation, and explained the position of the servants referred to. At greater length he complained of attacks that were being made upon him, and said that now ho had left the Government Benches he had determined to take a stand, and would not permit members to attack him in this way. Sir Julius then proceeded as follows :•—I have a few words to say with regard to the mem ber for Marsden, and I am willing to make every allowance for his want of know ledge of the world, of men, and of man ners.

The Speaker (Sir G. M. O'Rorke) said he could not allow this expression, and called upon Sir Julius to withdraw it.

Sir J. Vogel : I am going to speak very plainly.

The Speaker: Do you persist in using those words ? You must withdraw them. As I have before said, nothing is more essen tial to the proper conduce of business than that there should be proper and gentle manly conduct and language used between members. (Hear, hear.)

Sir J. Vogel: Will you be so good, Sir, as to tell me which are the words you ob ject to ?

The Speaker : Charging an hon. member of this House with a want of manners.

Sir J. Vogel: Then I will withdraw the words and say "with an obvious want of knowledge of the usages and customs among persons who arc accustomed to good society." Tho Speaker : I must say now thafc you are trespassing on tho indulgence of the House and the chair in the language you are using. (Mr Seddon : "No.") Sir J. vogel: I shall be very much worse before I am dono.

Tho Speaker : If the hon. gentleman will persist in the language it will bo my duty for the first time to exercise tho authority I have by naming that gentleman. I do nob wish to do it, but it will be my duty, and I shall not flinch from it. I again trust the hon. gentleman will perceive that he is proceeding to a course which tho House will not tolerate.

Sir Julius Vogol: Well, I will say, Sir, " the usages of society." The Speaker : I shall want to know by what righb you claim to proceed with an attack on the hon. member. I am quite willing, if any abtack is made on you, to give you full liberty to vindicate yourself, but having vindicated yourself, there* must be moderation of views towards other hon. members.

Sir J. Vogel: I shall not withdraw. I ask why my infirmity, which is the acfcof God, should bo brought before the House when the messengers have to give me at tention, when tiiey time after time have to give attention to others for the uct of tho devil—the lust of liquor. Tho Speaker then proceeded to name Sir Julius Vogel in the following terms:—Sir Julius Vogel, the language you are using towards this House is so disrespectful that I cannot address you as a member for a district, but I now name you as violating the good taste duo from one member to another. You will now make such ex planation as you think proper and then withdraw while the House deals with the case. , " Sir Julius Vogel: I do not believe the House will ask mo to withdraw what I have said. I do not believe you could have understood me when I said it. The Speaker: I wish you to withdraw from the House. 1 have named you as offending the rights of the House/ Sir J. Vogel: But before I withdraw I have the right to make an explanation. The Speaker : Yes ; I have already inti mated that you may make such explana tion of the language used as you think proper, and then withdraw while the House decides what ib will do in the matter. , Sir Julius remarked that it was known that he required more' than ordinary assis tance, and then proceeded : It is notorious bhab for years pasb there are members so given to drink, and occasionally drunkards, who required a great deal more bance from the messenger than I do, and that is never brought before the House. My infirmity, as I said, i 3 the act of God, and is that a matter to be brought before the House in this manner, when we do not inquire, what is bhe exbra assistance rendered bo members or to the danger which this great building runs in being occupied by members who are notoriously from time to time given to ex cesses, and become habitual drunkards for the time being? I do not know whab I am a3ked bo explain, bub I say I have bhe right to make bhab statement, if questions of this kind are allowed ; and I say this—that one of the high officers of this House was elected to his office upon being forced to take the pledge, and that he gave his resignation into the hands of one of the Ministers. Mr Fergus rose co a point of order. The Speaker: I cannot allow this to go any further, and as you persist in attack ing other members in this way it will be my duty to suspend you. I cannot hear you any more, and must request you to withdraw. Mr Fergus : I desire to call your atten tion to the fact; that there are strangers in the galleries. , The Speaker thereupon ordered the galleries to be cleared, and the press re presentatives, as well as the general public were compelled to leave the chamber. After the galleries had been cleared of strangers it was fcund that several of the members of the Upper House were in their gallery. Instructions were given that they also should leave. Sir J. Vogel was then called upon for an explanation. He began by re ferring to the generous treatment he had received afc the hands of the House in times that were past. Hon. members anticipated his every wish even to the open ing of dpqrs for him and other acts of at tention wbicb hP should never forget, and now for him to be subjected to mstjlts such as were intended by the question submitted by the hon. member for Marsdep was simply unbearable. When he knew of members who, by the act of the devil and their drunkenness, required the attend ance of 'special messengers to wait upon

them, and when he remembered also the fact that one high official was required to take the pledge and to place his resignation in the hands of a Minister to be used if the necessity arose, he felt insulted that such a question should have been upon the order paper, and he thought the Govern ment would havo been acting within their rights if they had refused it being placed there. Before retiring he would like to know upon which rule he was now asked to retire.

The Speaker reminded him that it was his (Sir Julius's) duty to know the Standing Orders, but referred him to Rule 138.

After the retirement of Sir Julius the Speaker called upon the head of the Go vernment to move a motion on the subject before the House.

The Premier, on rising, said he thought it; would have been impossible for one with the parliamentary experience of Sir Juluis to have so far forgotten himself as to make use of the language complained - of. The hon. member for Marsden, who pub the question, had a perfect right to know how the public ser vants were employed, whether they were members of the A.C. or messengers of the House, and for a member in the exercise of his duty to have hurled against himself and the other members of the House without any justification, words such as those used by Sir Julius Vogel seemed to him altogether unreasonable. If it were true that members got so drunk that they re quired special assistance of the messengers, lefc it be sheeted home to the offendors, and not place the whole House under a stigma of this kind, but instead of apologising for such conduct, when called upon, to insult the House, still further by the use of lan guage of a grosser nature, was to him exceedingly reprehensible. He would there fore move "That the hon. member for Christchurch North—Sir J. Vogel—be called upon to apologise, and be admon ished by the speaker for the language used."

_ Sir G. Groy reminded the House that a similar scene had taken place during the time when Sir P. D. Bell occupied the chair, and it was then agreed thafc there should be obtained from the "Hansard" reporter the exact words he used. He sug gested that a similar course should bo adop ted in this case.

The Speaker said thafc the statment was quite correct, but that Sir P. D. Bell had been blamed for tho weakness then exhibi ted.

Mr Seddon finished a long speech by moving "That the ' Hansard ' reports of the words used by the Hon. Member for Christchurch North, and for which he was named by the Speaker, be procured so that the House may deal fairly with the Hon. gentleman named, and that the debate bo adjourned until the words used are be fore the House."

Mr Hutchinson contended that tho Speaker had not dealt with the matter according to Parliamentary usage, as laid down by May, and dosired to know what would be the result of Sir Julius refusing! to obey the. mandate of the Speaker when ordered to retire.

The Speaker said that it would have been his duty to have asked the House to pass a resolution upon the subject, and then if the person named refused to leave, it would have been his duty to call upon tho Sergeant-at-Arms to remove tho offender.

The Colonial Secretary followed, and urged members to uphold the Speaker in his ruling, and tho dignity of the House.

Tho Houso adjourned at 5.30, and on re suming Mr Hutchinson rose to a point of order as to whether tho Speaker was justi fied when clearing the galleries of strangers that ho should have at the time insisted upon the departure of the "Hansard" reporters. He contended thafc they were officials of the House, and should therefore have been allowed to remain. In support of his contention he submitted a caso in the English House of Commons (Vol. 105, 3rd scries of 18th May, 1849) when a debate on the Parliamentary Oaths Bill was under discussion. The whole de bate, after the strangers had been called upon to leave, was still reported. Mr Seddon suggested that nofc only should tho "Hansard" reporters be allowed to re-enter but all the reporters, because there were members in the House taking notes of proceedings, and he thought it unfair that all tho newspapers should not have the same privileges as that aboub to be con ferred upon bhose who had special reporters amongsb the members. The Premier said that as the feeling still ran rather high it would be better to ad journ the question till to-morrow. He thought that if Sir Julius Vogel had the op portunity of reading what he had said that he would no doubfc make a further explana tion which mighfc bo acceptable to the House. It would be better, therefore, to cease debating the subject because further talk would only lead to further complica tions.

Mr Fitzherberb quesbioned the ruling of the Speaker upon the subject. When Sir J. Vogel had asked under what rule he was being dealt with the Speaker had said 138. Now 138 dealt with a member who was making a noise or for disorderly oonducb. The Speaker here inberjecbed 138 and 136.

Mr Fibzherberfc continued : If un4er 136 then no provision there for taking down the words used, that being provided for in clause 133. He believed that a mistake had been made by the Speaker in the manner in which he had dealt with the question and by Sir J. Vogel in nob wibhdrawing objectionable words after having made ÜBe of them.

Mr Scobie McKenzie said that the whole business was of a very unpleasant character. He thought that when we looked at all the circumstances we should be prepared to take a different position to thafc now as sumed. In the first place he thought; the question was certainly one in bad taste; in the second place, he contended that the question ought never to have been put. May upon "Parliamentary Practice" had laid it down that when a question was submitted that would affect the personr.l character of a member it must not be put, but must be submitted to the House by a notice of motion so thafc the person affected might have the right to defend himself. If, therefore, the question was ill-advised and unparliamentary, he thought this should weigh wifch the House and palliate the offence for which Sir Julius was charged,- and he would now suggest; thafc the member Christchurch North should be called in, and he thought he would make an explanation satisfactory to the House.

Mr Turnbull desired to know what posi tion Sir Julius would be in if the debate was adjourned. Would he be allowed to return to the House pending the de cision, or would he be debarred from representing his constituents iv the im portant question thafc might come before fche House that evening ? Sir G. Grey submitted that to exclude Sir Julius before he had been judged guilty of an offence would be committing a serious wrong. He thought it better to clear the House of the whole matter and start afresh to-morrow.

Mr Downie Stewart feared thafc there had been a want of forbearance on the part of the Speaker and Sir Julius, bufc he did nob for one moment believe that the latber intended to insult the House, bufc became exasperated at what he thought was sailing too close to the wind on the part of the Speaker. The language might; b§ objec tionable, bub was far within'the'limits allowed in, ttie House of Commons (vide Home Rule Debate). Sir J. Hall expressed his sorrow that the, motion of the Premier to adjourn the debate had nofc been accepted, The object was not to exclude Sir Julius, Mr Levestam said thoy should nofc ad journ until the motion of Mr Seddpn had been carried aid the words complained ef

had been reported. He felt sure that if any one deserved censure it; was nofc Sir J. Vogel, bufc the member for Marsden. He thought thafc taking into account Sir efulius Vogel's illness the House instead of object ing to his using the servants, should be only boo pleased to allow him the privilege. Mr Monk : By private subscription, bufc not at the public expense. Mr R. Thompson expressed regret thabhe was the cause of such a waste of time. In putting bhe question he did nofc mean any offence, but hearing so much about these servants being retained, he felfc he would not be doing his duty if he did nofc raise the matter in tiie House. As for his being made a catspaw of by other mem bers he thought when they knew him better they would learn that ifc was nob an easy matter to do so. No member of the House knew what; he pro posed to do until they saw the order paper. Hearing of these extravagances he thought he was justified in taking the course he did, and therefore did not regret what he had done, and should nofc be prepared to withdraw one word.

After some further discussion the motion for adjournmenb was carried.

On resuming Mr Valentine moved the ad journment of the House till the following day.

Mr Seddon charges bhe Premier wibh taking advantage of his position of a tyran nical majority to force the question, when the leader of the Opposition was debarred from taking his seat. The motion for ad journment was agreed to.

Lobby Talk.

SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S INTENTIONS,

Opinions of Members,

The only matter discussed to-day is last night's scene in the House. In the lobbies it is freely reported that Sir Julius Vogel will nofc apologise bub will go before his constituents and denounce the Speaker's partiality. This lacks confirmation afc pre sent.

On searching the records of the House I find thafc the only occasion upon which the galleries had been pre viously cleared was in November, 1871, when this caurse was resorted for the purpose of allowing the Speaker to ad minister a severe rebuke to the Member for Mount Ida in connection with his contu macious conduct. Mr Mervyn then apolo gised to the Speaker personalty, expressing reject that that gentleman should have thought any conduct of his calculated to lower the dignity of tho occupier of the chair.

Sir J. Vogel's supporters are very wioth at the whole affair, and assert that the Speaker was arbitrary in his action, and behaved unfairly in allowing Mr Sedden to accuse Mr Monk of being a talebearer and immediately afterwards calling Sir Julius to order. It is also asserted that the Speaker was wrong in naming the member before any motion that his word be taken down. The majority of the House, however, appear to concur in the action of the Speaker, and will support him. A lively debate is expected to-day.

A DISORDERLY HOUSE

THE FEMALE OCCUPANTS SENT

TO PRISON,

Last evening the police made a raid on a disorderly house kept by a woman named Sophie Pearson in Pitt-street, otherwise a very respectable locality, and arrested three of the inmates, namely, Emily Been, alia 3 Hawkes, Dorothy Harkins, and Sophie Pearson. They woro lodged in the Police Station and brought before Mr H. C. Baddeley, R. M., at the Police Court this morning. Sophie Pearson wascharged Avibh being the occupier of a house frequented by persons who had no lawful visible means of suppoi'j,and Been and Harkins were charged with having no lawful visible means of support. The prisoners pleaded s;uilty. Sergeant Pratt stated that 'carson was the occupier of a house of disorderly character in Pitt - sfcreeb, and she was the cause of a disgusting row which took place there yesterday. Last night Detective Hughes and several others of bhe police force wenb inbo the house and arrested this woman and two other girls. Detective Hughes stated that yesterday the three girls occupying the house had a row, and Pearson pitched Been and Har kins off the premises. Been and Harkins came to the Police Station bleeding from bites and cuts on their hands and arms, and stated that they had been wounded in a fight wibh Sophie Pearson, who bib bhem and put them out of the house. The prisoners were disorderly characters, and the house was frequented by larrikins and other persons of' bad character. His Worship fined Been 20s and costs, or 48 hours,'for drunkenness, and ordered three months' imprisonment with hard labour for having no visible means, this prisoner having been twice previously convicted of drunken ness. Harkins and Pearson were also sentenced to three months' hard labour, His Worship remarking that ib was a pity the latter could not have a longer sentence, as she was tho principal offender, and the cause of the disturbance that took place yesterday.

DRUIDS' BALL.

The anniversary of the Auckland and Ponsonby Lodges, U.A.0.D., was celebrated last evening, in the Masonic Hall, Princes-street. There were about 60 couples present, and the proceeding, throughout were most enjoyable. The music was supplied by Messrs Reed and Davis's band, and was appreciated to such an extent that encores were demanded. During the evening several lady and gentleman amateurs favoured with songs and extra dance music, the Reel o' Tulloch being a feature in the proceedings. The hall was tastefully de corated with flags and emblems of the Order, one of which (a representation of a Druid, done by Brother W. Blomfield) attracted much attention. The ball opened with- the Druids' March, in which the brethren appeared in Druidical costume. Mr G. Powley, as M.C., surpassed himself in promoting the comfort of those present. The committee consisted of Messrs A. Kidd, D.P., W. Jennings, J. Strathearn, J. Levy, P.A.s; S. Woods and E. Mace, A.D.'s ; and Brothers Beale and Paul. Mr H. D. Pike acted as hon. secretary to the committee. Mr Johnson catered in his usual careful manner. Representatives from the Rechabites, Foresters, Loyal United Friends, and Hibernian Society were present. In New Zealand there are 51 lodges, with a membership of 3,740, and the Funeral Fund of the Grand Lodge amounts fco the handsome sum of £15,000, which is so judiciously invested that it yields interest to the amount of £1,008 a year, At the last Grand Lodge meeting iv was stated that the annual charge of 6s paid by the lodges would very soon be abolished ; and the Druid friendly Benefit Society will then, claim that ib will give more benefits, at a cheaper quarterage, thaw Qvher kin dred societies.

Wellington, this day.

At the R.M. Court Thomas Pinkeney, on a charge of embezzlement, was sentenced to six months' hard labour.

Mrs Wardell, wife of the R.M. here/died suddenly at Masterton this morning;- it is gwjmosed from heart disease.

THE NEWMARKET RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

PROCEEDINGS AT THE POLICE COURT.

It will be remembered that on Thursday evening last there was a narrow escape from a fatal accident ab the New markeb railwety crossing. Two carts belonging to Mr W. Cruickshank were crossing the line when they were over taken by the Helensville train. One cart escaped, bub the other came into collision with the train and was smashed to pieces, the horses escaping uninjured and the driver with a few bruises. Ab the Police Court this morning, the driver of this vehicle, William Cuthbert, was charged that on the 10th November, 1887, at Newmarket, he did unlawfully, knowingly and wilfully drive a vehicle, to wit, a spring cart, drawn by his horse, across a level crossing upon the railway, within the meaning of the Public Works Act, 1882, when an engine of the said railway was approaching, and within a quarter of a mile ot the said crossing.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the prosecution, instructed by the Government. He said this was a case arising out of the recent railway accident afc bhe Newmarket crossing, where the Kaipara train ran into a couple of Mr Cruick shank's carts, and smashed one of them. Representations had been made by the Borough of Newmarket and other persons to the Government in the matter, and pend ing the decision of the Minister of Public Works upon these representations, he was instructed to ask that the hearing of the case should be postponed for four weeks. The application was granted accordingly.

SCHOOL QUARTER FEES.

HOW THE MONEY GOES,

GARDENING, SPORTS, ETC.

Mr E, M. C. Harrison, Head-masber of the Beresford-street Public School, has written to the City Schools Committee as follow. : —" In reply to your inquiry I beg to state that the preparatory classes Nos. 1 to 4 are charged 3d per quarter, and Standards 1 to 6 are charged Is per quarter. Supplied to the preparatory classes : Slates, pencils, pencil-holders, chalk, ink, acid or other material. Standards 1 to 5 are supplied with slates, copy books, pencils, pencil holders, pen-holders, nibs, red ink, black ink, chalk, muriatic acid, sand paper, lead pencils, and in'addition supplied to the Pirst Standard. Appara tus and chemicals to the value of £12 have been gradually provided from this source, and prizes contributed to annual sports, etc., have also been aided from these con tribution's. Our "garden" is kept in order, and many small expenses too trivial to trouble the Committee about are also defrayed by this means. Teachers' copies of all class books in use in tho various classes, foolscap for weekly and annual examinations (our consumption last year was over 8 reams), exercise books, memo books for class use (records and lists) are also a charge upon this fund. These ore the chief items, but there are other small matters, insignificant in detail, but neces sary, and amounting in the aggregate to a considerable amount. I have not experi enced any friction in the collection of the quarter-money, which, so far as I know, the parents consider a reasonable and con venient means of providing necessary material. Of course, there are occasionally cases where persons are willing to get everything and unwilling to pay anything. There are also cases where parents ore really unable to pay, and these have been other wise provided for. The total number of children under six years old is 34; of these 10 are 53. or slightly under, the remaining 24wi1l have completed the sixth year by the end of 1887. Owing to the crowded state of the class-rooms, I always dissuade parents where I can from sending their children under six. Most of them are reasonable, but, as you see, some of them send the children to school immediately on arriving at the age of 5. "

ROWING.

The following are the crews picked to re present the West End Rowing Club at the forthcoming Association Ragatta. Maiden Whaleboat.—Messrs Masefield' McDonald, G. Dixon, Mason, D. Dickson » Sustins, steer-oar). Maidens Under 10 Stone.—No. 1: Messrs C. Farquhar, Genfcles, E." Dowden. Clutsam. No. 2: Spiers, Clark, Martelli. Elliott Maiden Gig.—No. 1: Messrs Masefield, McDonald, G. Dixon, Mason. No. 2: Messrs C. Farquhar, Gentles, E. Dowden, Clutsam. Junior Gig.—No. 1: Messrs Griffiths, Lumsden, J. W. Baxter, J. N. Baxter. No. 2 : Messrs R. Jack, Fisher, Chapman, A.' Jones. Senior Bona Fide Amateurs.—Messrs F. W. Edwards, W. Jones, J. N. Baxter, and J. E. Cooke. Champion Gig. — Messrs F. W. Edwards, W. Jones, J. N. Baxter, and J. E. Cooke.

WHANGAREI AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Whangarei, this day. The annual agricultural show in connection with the Whangarei Farmers' Club is being held to-day at Kensington Park. The weather is very stormy, rain falling in tor rents. The exhibits are not; nearlysonumer ous as'at previous shows, owing bo the bad weather during the winter, and the show of springstock of all descriptions is poor. The entries for horses are good. The attendance of the public is meagre, owing to the bad weather.

THE ADMIRAL'S VISIT.

His Stay in Auckland

[by telegraph.—special reporter.]

Wellington, this day. The Governor has been advised that Ad miral Fairfax will arrive in the colony about the middle of December in H.M.S. Nelson, and will remain in Auckland two or three months, occupying the Government House.

A general.meeting of the members of the City Rowing Club" will be held in the V.M.C. A. Rooms this evening, afc 8 o'clock, when the election of captain, vice-captain, and other business will be dealt with.

Air Brassey desires us to publish the amounts of subscriptions received and paid by him to Mr Wm. Redgate, and the names of subscribers, as follows :—McArthur and Co., £2 2s; Mr Clarridee, £1; Mr Whitaker, £1; Mr Short, £f. Mr Arthur, £1 Is; Mr Alexander, 10s ; Mr Porter, £1; Sargood, Ewen and Co., £1 Is ; T. and S. Morrin, £1 Is ; E. Waters, ss; S. Coombes, 10s 6d: Total, £10 10s 6d. Mr Brassey urfcher desires us to state that if there is any subscriber whose name has nofc been re corded upon the list he will be happy to hand the amount to Mr Redgate upon proof of any payment,

CABLEGRAMS.

(B? t&ECTKIC TEUSaEAPH^-CCDPTKIGHSi)

THE LONDON RIOTS

PRISONERS ON TRIAL

MR GLADSTONE'S OPINION,

(reuter's telegram.)

London, November' 14.- A telegram received from Mr Glad stone has been published, wherein he urges that the legality of the prohibit* fcion of the meetings in Trafalgar Square ought to be properly verified.- Meanwhile he declared it to be thef duty of every citizen to abstain from resisting the action of the Executive,

The persons arrested for taking a prominent part in the riotous pro ceedings of yesterday were brought be- 1 fore the Magistrates to-day. A nuif ber of prisoners were fined, and others sentenced to various terms of imprison-' ment. Robert Cunningham Graham* M.P., and Burns, the Sociahet leader* were remanded, bail being accepted.

London, November 15,

The Tory newspapers accuse Mir Gladstone of inciting the populace to resist the police. Some of the rioters* who were unable to pay the fines im posed, have gone to prison—one for a period of six months.

ENGLAND AND AFGHAN ISTAN.

PISHEEN VALLEY ANNEXED.

THE RAILWAY TO CANDAHAR,

[special.]

London, November 15< The Pisheen Valley and the town of Sibi have- been formally annexed to India. Sibi is the point at which the

proposed Candahar Railway will con' nect with the Indian lines.

THE PANAMA CANAL

DATE OF ITS OPENING.

(special.)

London, November 15. The Agents of the Panama Canal Com pany state that a further sum of

130,000 francs will be required to com plete the canal. It will be impossible to open the canal for traffic before

1892, the year in which the concession to-the Company expires; but they are sanguine that the opening will ulti" mately be accomplished successfully.

THE FRENCH SCANDALS.

CHARGE OE BRIBERY.

(special.)

London, November 15. Mr Daniel Wilson has been further accused of accepting bribes for using his influence in judicial matters. His prosecution is regarded as inevitable, and will probablyforce President Grew to resign.

(special.)

CHOLERA IN EUROPE.

London, November 15. The outbreak of cholera at Malta has subsided.

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

Copper is quoted at .£47 10s, and the market is firm. Sugar is 14s per cwt.

A meeting of the representatives of the following mines situated afc Karangahake will be held to-day at the office of Mr Mc- Donald Scofct :—Crown, Rose, Diamond, Sutro, Josephine, Adeline and Dubbo. The business to be considered is the advisability of consolidating the various mines named into one strong company for the purpes j of working the mines more satisfactorily. It is thought thafc if some such plan is adopted the Company might secure Railey's plant, and also the tramway, which should greatly facilitate the working of the various reefs opened up in the respective claims-

Tho Christmas Tree and sate of work in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, is a peculiarly interesting exhibition. The ladies of the congregation, bave exhibited great taste and judgment in the prepara tion of their work. Many of the articles are of the most useful character, while cushions, tea cosies and fancy tables, and useful articles of clothing innumerable have been beautifully decorated with the needle, a fcable in this exhibition contains some of the rarer greenhouse plants, comprising species of c.aefci and kolen with strange plants from the South Seas and elsewhere. The exhibition will again be open to-nio-ht, and towards the close Mr Evens will clear off the remainder of the goods by auction.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. Foresters' Hall, Nowton—Christmas Tree and Sale of Fancy Work. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Meeting of Cityßowing Club, 8. Opera House—Rohearsol of "Rob Rob," 7.15. Carlton Club —Meeting Newmarket Bowling and Tennis Club;'B.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

November 17 —Messrs A. Boardman and, H. Brett. •

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Paget and Ralston, Mt. Eden—Household Fur« liiVtro and Effects*, IL B. Teaks and Co. Dressing Glasses, IL Arthur and Buddie, Mt. Edea—Household Fmw niture and Effects, 12. ■ - *»- bw«v*«a_t. d. Lewias* RoQm Paper, ll_, ,< f

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16. 1887.

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