fZpfsr x "Everyiridica l^fef^littce of the Melbourne | The \\ork Com" recommtended the City Council recu, J McLean \ s tender of i acceptance £ • ion of a porfcion o f the #J? \eu" Zealand stone is to be • ToHi" »«& made to this material oS ed. DfSgj CO uld be got from P°"ltecl oufc that Uui, iS- (aWell7ealnd avtL would be LI.BOO iKeff Za " the other stone recom ■elieilby the Committee. The report inien< iSd back to give the tenderer | ff as relent- stating- his lowest an °Cv - Victorian stone. .Two of 1 °fier S said they were informed the,rS Zealand stone wa« inferior, that the !ly USO( J for building in > (lffaSi n n-g tk stone required for the :Jis»uilding S bein K got from l^klt half-past nine o'clock this morn -1 Abf Key of Mr William Donald- I^^SSinOiol Road, took fire fi he circumstance was noticed in good i b" li the flames were speedily quenched ■ tim,;' !,m Xrwards the family, being PfiSSJK relative hard-by, Miss • B°'l fhro'cen out again this time ma Sr inc't to the" kitchen, but not bS- any fire-place. _ The room was 'X moke; and the fire was smoul lE on the mattress and. coverings S bed; With the assistance of t nei-bbours the bedding was removed • Shekel, and the application, of a few :? i t?nh of water put an end to all dan bUCklftn 4ile! some of the furniture had lf£ S out of the house and the fire 's l,ad been rung, but these precautions Se rendered quite unnecessary.. Mrs ■ ffldson is wholly at a loss to account for I" cond outbreak. The house and furm !eare insured in the Liverpool, London, hSSfI offices for L2GO, but the damage Soneis very trifling i The annual meeting of the Auckland i strict Council of the Reehabite Benefit S was held on Tuesday evening in aLdv's Coffee Palace, Karangahape Road, Previous to business the delegates and [Son from the various tents in the Ivince were entertained at dinner by the 1 en of the Hope of Auckland Tent. 5' Foxand Mr G. B. Lilly occupied L ceatf, of honour on either side the" DC. Ruler, Brother Foster. Mr L* on behalf of the Council, wel v,med the above named gentleman to the Bechabite gathering, and Sir William Tox and Mr Lilly suitably replied. At'the meeting only one tent m the dis trict \ras unrepresented, there being be tween twenty and thirty representatives and officers present. The discussion on the eqnalisation 6f sick payments scheme occu pied the greater part of the meeting. The Scheme was rejected. The membership |){ the district is 521, and the funds y in an excellent condition, LlO 83 per member. Mr C. S. Wright was appointed valuer to the Society, the valua tion to be made at the end of the present ™r The officers for the ensuing year art-John Stallworthy, D.C.R. ; John fcter, P.D.C.R.; John Nodder, D.D.R. ; JG.'Carr.D. Sec. ; P. Crowe, D. Treas. ; E. J. Carr, D. Guard ; J. B. Mell and R. 11. , Haglies, D. Auditors. '■ The free conversazione in celebration of the opening of the Bevonport Reading ;Room takes place this evening, and is sure ■to prove very enjoyable. At any rate the Committee of Management have spared no pics to ensure isuch a result. I MrC. V. Hough-ton, Auckland Manager iottleNew Zealand Shipping Company, lias |t«n instructed, by wire from the iiead- Ifiu that the ship Rangitikei is to load at fcport for London to follow the ship (jfennione. 1 With the exception of Auckland central, tie city, electoral rolls are about two tlfds completed. Qualifications to vote are still coming to hand in good numbers. A very handsome floral ■ decoration pre sented to Signor and Signora Mnjeroni at their benefit on the Ist of June last is oh Wt to-day at Kick! and Wildmairs : also tn oil painting of the lady.

INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL

.Inplayera chosen by the Selection Com mittee to represent the Auckland' district in the forthcoming interprovincial football match with Canterbury have been going in for steady training during the past week. A practices on Monday and Tuesday We well attended. Last evening a scratch natch wa3 held in the Metropolitan "found, at which only two of the representatives were missing. A gocd j»e wa3 played for about half-an our, the Probable team finally obtaining three tries-to one scored by the Possibles, water freedom of passing was exhibited ™on Saturday last, and the play gene «Py vras better. Tries were obtained for eftobablesbyMadigan, H. Poland and Wall, but Wooller failed to convert any «them into goals, For the other side Davy Mured a try and Lecky took the kick, but. "as at a difficult angle and nothing fnm. After Arneil's brilliant record Mtoturdayit would be wise to entrust him ™> the place-kicking in the forthcoming Wen with Canterbury. The last practice match will take place on SR a, l Epsom, when the following Ss B1 l 7 ftT ™tch:-P ie prescr° S P W J- ,Bnmnd ; threequarter ffi&M Ak f d Madi San ' half-backs, St' f^nd-ahdConway; for fimf S Woollor ' Marelmll/l^cky, H ffi'i V nT' mm* Keefe > and "•Wand. Possibles• Back T Brown inte > lf'backs. McKeown, Jor &•.?»*, Qtway, Mills, G ? .jHSlnel 3 ,U Stewart, Burton and

The Otago Team.

"««oEt r Weightß Of *4 dS r"r vindal Football team, S|S^?P^he 13 stone H that t, 2m ln his stockings, Uti'l* Backs :°D. Frascr, stw Millar' isnnßi <1H 9lb S; w Dwns' Ust' •Tlioinp- Kio! V Hunter' ]Ost 21bs; k fait*. Cr' 1 ySOU> 9sfc Slb?- For-

To-day's Match.

(WISIIGRAPn -^3 ASSOCIATION.)

jk l;s jf;ls sagdsfghdsh

i^toM, ■ I Weluxgto s> this day, b6^^^^ and it will SB*^ « noM? football ™teh, but .he *aaaind rof f^ good condition. S?PB4W^SS»P! team % m th« bettiS tl,I y iro the favour- Ther ROl-the results. c fterno°n^o tt 11"1-?*0-1 » holfdav^ S ber3 °f thefecT 1 P^ion to those WmM.

BANKRUPTCY.

Partington Bros.' Insolvency.

Edward Robert Partington made the fol lowing sworn statement to the Assignee to. day:— "ln conjunction with my brother, Charles Frederick Partington, I took over a Hour mill in Symonds-street, then idle, be longing to my father. The machinery was I incomplete Hefa having q$ available ! catfitaJ we raised some money on the pro i perty, and this with the aid of credit en ! abled us to get this mill into working order. We commenced work in September, 18/7. In the year 1880 we transferred our busi ness to a mill belonging to the Auckland City Council at the Western Springs where we continued with varying success, but al ways paying our way until Nov., ISSb, when owing to a difficulty in negotiating credit for our supplies from the party with whom wo had been in the habit of dealing all through, we were compelled to buy at a disadvan tage, and this caused a very serious disar rangement in our business, so much so that on the 4th March following we called our creditors togcthei% the result of which was that all the principal creditors accepted our otter of 10s in the L, payable at three, .six, nine and twelve months, without guarantee. The first bills matured on the 19th July, but none were met in cash ; two or three, however, Were supplied with, goods to the full amount. On reconsideration, I think only one person was dealt with in this way, but our books will show. Before the first bills matured some of the principal creditors endeavoured to arrange for an assignment of the estate, as they saw we laboured under a great difficulty for the want of credit, The idea was to carry it on under our working man agement, and supply the necessary material through themselves, until all debts Were paid in full. Efl'ect was not given to this, although we were agreeable to it. On the 18th of July the creditors met for the purpose of finally considering the propriety of carrying on the business under trustees. No decision was come to as regards the action to be taken in carrying it on, but Messrs D. H. McKenzie and Robert Garrett were nominated trustees, and I believe they have received money for book debts, but no goods have been received on their order. On^the 4th inst., the Auckland City Council distrained for rent, and we filed a petition of insolvency on the 6th. Our joint assets are as follows : Stock-in trade at mill and Newton shop, L4O ; book debts, LS76 14s 9d, estimated to produce L 250; household furniture, L2O; machinery and tools, LS77 ; horses, cart, buggy and poultry, LlO2 ; leaseholds, LIOO ; surplus fromsecuritiesas enumerated and scheduled, Ll5O. Total, L 1,539. The liabilities are : Unsecured creditors, L 2.025 14s lOd ; con tingent ditto, L333'4s lOd. Total, L 2,358 19s Sd-deficiency, LBl9 19s Bd. Want of capital has been our only difficulty, and as we cannot command this it is impossible for us to entertain the idea of attempting to offer any terms of compromise. To the best of my belief, everything in the nature of assets has been disclosed. My brother and I are bachelors, and we have lived together, and whatever we have is in common. Neither of us have private property apart from the other." Charles Frederick Partington swore as fol lows :— I have had my brother's sworn state ment read over to me, and in all respects confirm what he has said. I have nothing further to add.

John Waddell's Insolvency.

John Waddell, under examination by the Official Assignee to-day,made the following statement :—" I have carried on business as a baker in Auckland uninterruptedly for the last 22 years, and have never previously been in any monetary difficulty. For the last 18 months I have sufFered seriously through bad trade and losses by bad debts. My credit has always been good, and even up to the present time I have had no diffi culty in getting what I wanted on credit. I owe my principal creditor L 70 0; it has been an open account for years, for much of that time my average dealings with that creditor amounted to LIOO a month. Dur ing the last 12 months it may have averaged LBO a month. I gave bills and paid what I could towards them every week. They "were quarterly p;n.'s ; none were ever renewed. 1 cannot say from memory what was the average sum in arrears of late years, but my books will show. The immediate cause of my filing a .petition of insolvency was the inability of the creditor referred to to continue to do business with me on ere dit. No action has been taken against me for the unpaid p.n's. I owe L 903 10s to my unsecmed creditors (all trade ac counts), and I value my assets, consisting of stock in trade, book debts, utensils, fit tings, carts, horses, harness, furniture, and two sections of land, at L' 224 ; deficiency, LG79 10s. I have no other assets whatever, or interest in the nature of assets."

TORPEDOES AND SUBMARINE MINES.

Lecture by lieutenant Tauikncr.

A scientific lecture of a most interesting and instructive-nature was delivered in the Onelmnga Public Hall yesterday even ing by Lieut. Faulkner, Royal Engineers, the subject being " Torpedoes and Sub marine Mines." Through the courtesy Of Captain Hulse, A.N.A., a number of civilians received invitations, which were most gladly accepted, whilst a good sprink ing of the fair sex evinced by their pre sence, the interest taken by them' in the defence of the colony and their appreciation of the volunteer movement. The hall was crowded to c? cess, there being present, in addition to the general public, both com panies of Onehunga Volunteerj, in full uniform. The Naval Band discoursed a selection of popular military airs outside of the hall prior to the opening. Cap tain Hulse in a neat and appropriate speech introduced the lecturer. Lieut. Faulkner, in the uniform of the Royal Engineers, wearing his decorations, on coming- forward was greeted with hearty applause. He informed the audience that he had come more as a pleasure than a duty to explain to the volunteers the work ing and mechanism of torpedoes and sub marine mines. In commencing, he would tell them that torpedoes, although at pre sent through science had arrived to sucli perfection, were first thought of and in vented in a primitive way as far back as the fifteenth century, and how Zambelier, the German engineer, who in 1775 demol ished a bridge on the River Shu It in Ant werp with a torpedo formed of a barrell jammed with sand in a tin casing. He then dealt with each successive inven tion by Captain Bushnell, of the Ameri can Navy, in 1800 :R. Fulton, who attempted to blow up the fleet in 80-, logne Harbour in 1804. The lecturer carefully followed each invention, describ ing clearly and explicitly their I causes of success or failure, until he arrived at the Whitehead torpedo. Thence to the Bren nan, the latest and decidedly the most de structive agent ever invented, this invention being solely due- to the perseverance of a fitter of that name in a Melbourne iron foundry. Lieut-Faulkner then, with his staff of as sistants, gave practical demonstrations of the workings of the different parts of the torpedo, with the result of the several chemicals and gases 'working together, bringing a most satisfactory evening's en tertainment to a' close' by opening a mine that had been secretly prepared at the back of the hall, which fairly shook the mas

sive building, and to the great consternation of the audience. A vote of thanks was then accorded to the lecturer, who in responding promised to come again and further enligh ten us on the subject.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Ehrenfried and Duncan,

J.P.'B.)

Drunkenness.—Three persons were rmn ished for first offences, and Frederick Hay ward was remanded till Monday for medical treatment.

Disorderly.—Richard Irwin was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Albert street, and wilfully damaging Constable Finnerty's uniform,—Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was lined Is and costs, and ordered to pay the damage, amounting to 20s.

Indecent Language.—Patrick Connolly was charged with using bad language in a public thoroughfare. -Accused had already been punished for drunkenness, and the Bench asked Sergeant Pratt if he wished to press this charge, and the sergeant replied in the negative.—The case was therefore dismissed.

Alleged Larceny. — Henare, a native, was charged with the larceny of a blanket, rug and comforter, value 255, from the yacht Strawberry, the property of E. Jell coat.—Sergeant Pratt said the accused was a first offender, and asked for a remand till next Saturday, which was granted.

Alleged Uttering.'-'Jamea Balfour was charged with disposing of a forged cheque on.the National Bank for L 2, purporting to be signed by Frederick Walker.—Sergeant Pratt asked for a remand till to-morrow, as the prisoner was only arrested last night. — Remanded accordingly. The Jewellery Robbery.—Alfred Clune was charged with complicity in the rob bery of jewellery from Mrs Anson, of Fiji.—Sergeant Pratt asked fora remand till Tuesday, when the prisoner would be brought up with the others of his family. — Prisoner protested against any remand, and said he was as innocent as "the man in the grave." There were six brothers in their family, and it was diili eult to distinguish one from the other. He was hot the man who was wanted, and had not seen his father for seven years. —Sergeant Pratt said the prisoner had been identified as one of the persons concerned in the robbery, and he was ac cordingly remanded. Saturday Half-Holiday. — Thomas Blackwell was charged with failing to allow Arthur William Fox, a young person in his employment, to have a holiday last Satur day week.—Defendant pleaded ignorance of the law, but Sergeant Pratt said these cases were of such frequent occurrence that a man could scarcely pretend to be ignorant of the law.—Fined 5s and costs.

By-Laws.—Daniel Geory was fined 5s on each of two charges of leaving his cart un attended in a public street. - Charles Bow den was charged with allowing Walter Chapman, an unlicensed person, to ply for him with his 1 licensed hackney carriage.—Defendant said the man only took the carriage to the stable for him while he went home for breakfast.—Constable Hansen gave evidence, and accused wa3 fined Is and costs.— The charge against Chapman for driving the cab was with drawn, with a caution.—Alfred Duxlield, charged with leaving his horse and cart unattended, was fined 5s and costs. — Margaret Begbie, for allowing a cow to wander on Surrey Hills, was fined Is and costs. No ATpearaxce. — Bella Taylor did not appear to support a complaint against Joseph Winter, of assaulting her, and the case was withdrawn. • r'

R.M. COURT.

(Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, KM.)

UNDEFENDED CASES. Judgment went by default in the following cases :— Hayr and Co. v. G. Killian.—Claim, LS us : costs LI 16s. Hunt v. G. S. John son, claim, Ll 5s ; costs LI Is Od. Sperrey v. Reid and Davidson, claim, Ll lb's 5d ; costs 15s. Same v. J. James, claim, L 2 Is Id; costs 10s. Same v. Samuel Jack son, claim, L9ss Sd ; costs ss. Same v. William Freeny, claim, Ll 2s 9d ; costs 63. G. Mcßride v. Bevan, claim L 5 10s Gd; costs Ll lGs. Auckland Woollen Co. v. G. H. Box. claim L 6 4s, for calls ; costs Ll 17s. Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. v. Charles Serrell, claim Lll 13s sd; costs Ll 17s 6d. W. Farrell v. J. Turner, claim L 3 19s 7d ; costs Ll Is 6d. W. S. Whitieyv. John Walliffl claim L2G Ss 2d ; costs L 5 12s. J. Buckland v. W. S. Walsh, claim L' 22 9a 3d ; costs L 5 Is. M. Foley v. W. Nelson, claim Ll; costs lls. J. Sperrey v. 6. Frazer, claim L 3 5s lid ; costs 3s. Same v. Henry Flewel lyn, claim Gs 2d; costs 6s. Same v. W. Farrell, claim Ll 7s 7d ; costs 3s. Same v. Ambury and English, claim 12s lOd ; costs Bs. DEFENDED CASES. ' S. Jackson* v. E. J. Bailey. —Claim, L 22 los. —Mr Theo. Cooper for the plain tiff and Mr Burton for the defendant.—His Worship reserved judgment last Court day, and this morning gave judgment for the plaintiff with costs 1A 15s.—Mr Burton ob jected to solicitor's costs being allowed. — Mr Cooper contended that as Mr Burton had already mulcted Mr Jackson to the extent of LG Gs solicitor's fees he ought not to object to L 3 3s being allowed.r—His Worship held that the plaintiff was entitled to his costs.

Messko Branston and Forster v. Hayr and Company. — Claim, Lls 2s lOd, for goods supplied.—Mr Whitaker appeared for the plaintiff; aha Mr Walter Dignan for the defence.—ln this case the claim was? for Lls 2s 10d, against which the defendant filed a set-off of LJ.4 16s Bd. LI Cs 3d had been paid into Court.—Mr F. Cook, mana ger for Messrs Hayr and Co., gave evidence in support of the set-oil. Mr Culpan gave evidence for the defence. — His Worship gfeve judgment for defendant with cost's L'2.—Mr Whitaker obtained permission to appeal.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Prince Imperial.— The crushing of 38 loads quartz and 501b. picked stone pro duced the good return of 70oz. 15dwt. melted gold, which is equal to expecta tions. •

Saxon.—Colours of gold are seen in the various stopes at No. 4 level, and the quartz is shaping payably. The precious metal is also seen occasionally in the drive on the stringers, >■- O.i

THE BANKRUPT WATERS.

Charge of Misappropriation

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Weluno«oit, this clay. Mr Jas. G/VTTLEj a director of the City Ad vance and Deposit Company, laid an infor mation this morning against W. E. Waters charging him with the embezzlement ot LIOO belonging to that Corporation. The offence is alleged to have been committed in October,' 1885. It is rumoured that Waters left for Hong Kong by the steamer Woo song yesterday.

NEWS FROM TONGA.

Wesleyan Deputation Ilnsuc

cessful

(Via Fiji.)

Levuka, August 5- The Southern Cross is in from Tonga to dfcy. The news is to the effect that every thing is quiet. The King refused to see the Rev. Mr Stephcnson, who came on de putation from Sydney, and he went back by the steamer Lubeck, which brought him. The Rev. G. Brown and Mr Fletcher re main, but there is no hope of their doing any good. Mr Baker intends to collect the taxes in produce.

NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITS AT ADELAIDE JUBILEE EXHI BITION.

The " South Australian Register," in noticing the Jubilee Exhibition now open in the capital city of that colony, says :— " A number of exhibits, which attract less attention through being scattered in the Exhibition, are the contributions from New Zealand. The colony is not officially repre sented, but Sir Robert Stout's Government favoured the idea of the manufacturing and other interests being nominally repre sented, and supplied a quantity of pamphlets and printed matter to Mr J. Powers Smith for gratuitous distribution in the building. Perhaps tho most in teresting exhibit from the island colony is the case of natural and Maori curiosities and ornaments shown in the western gallery of the main building, near the Seychelles Court. The attention of visitors is here tixed on the magnificent specimens of kauri gum, shown in the natural state as it occurs in the soil where forests of the kauri pine at one time stood. Gum digging is an important industry in New Zealand, and finds employment for several hundred hands, tho annual export exceeding L 300.000 worth. The mercantile purpose to which it is applied is the manufacture of tho finer varnishes and mouthpieces for pipes in imita tion of amber, which substance it closely resembles both in its properties and appearance. Mr S. Danneford, the ex hibitor, shows a number of beautiful orna ments made of this substance. Some pretty brooches are constructed by letting shells, pearls, dried ferns, and other articles into a piece of finely-polished and transparent gum. There are also somo finely-carved heads of Maoris cut out of solid blocks of sugar-gum. This gum is opaque, and all the lighter coloured and transparent pieces are valued by the sorter as specimens for collectors and lapidaries, in the same caso aro some exceptionally fine blocks of nephrite, or New Zealand greenstone, and ornaments cut from tho same. Owing to the great hardness of this mineral, the difficulty of cutting, and the rarity of pure pieces occurring of any size, some of the carved ornaments are very expensive. In the Colonial and Indian Exhibition as much as 50 guineas was given for a Maori mere out out of this substance. Before the introduction of metals the Maori race ap preciated the hardness of this material, and used it v/henevor available to make their implements and weapons of war. Some of the old stone axes and a finely polished mere—an insignia of chieftain ship-are shown, together with numerous smaller ornaments cut in Mr Danneford's factory at Auckland. Among the other Maori curios are some fishhooks, clubs, and whalebone implements, whilst on the wall at the back arc hung a good collec tion of, South Sea Island mats and clubs. On a table at the Hide there are some beautiful examples of dried ferns, one collection consisting of 120 different varieties, all from the North Islan.l. The flora of New Zealand is very rich in ferns, and probably if both islands were searched more than double the above number of varieties would be found growing in the bush. Another of the valuable vegetable productions is tho native Wax, the fibre of the Phormium tenax. Some very pretty Maori kits or bags arc hanging on the wall. The natives are well acquainted with many vegetable dyes,and colour the cloth made from tho flax very artistically. At one time the export of this material reached an annual value of L 56.000, but it has since declined to about L 25.000."

After noticing ab length the exhibits from the South Island, the "Register" proceeds : —" Returning the main building, and close to the north-western entrance is a very handsome lady's escritoire or writing cabinet. It is shown by Mr Walter Bayne, of Auckland, and constructed out of some very choice pieces of the mottled kauri pine, inlaid with a variety of beautiful and ornamental native woods. What few ex hibits there are from New Zealand make it a matter of regret that more of the in dustries of that colony are not repre sented, or even that those manufacturers and others who applied for space did not afterwards occupy it, especially when the services of an able representative to look after their interests was available. Watercolour pictures, from Invercargill, paintings in oil, photographs and cabinet work from Dunedin, a fancy woolworking and patent rag machine from Wellington, ready-made clothing- from Dunedin and Wellington, and medicines and cements from Auckland were placed in the official catalogue to be exhibited, but they have not yet come to hand."

ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

(by teleguapii—own corkespondent.)

Wellington, this day. The general manager of the Government Insurance Department and the district agent of the Mutual Life Association of Australia write to the " Times " this morn ing with reference to the case of a man whose insurance was invalidated by reason of his death occurring while under a operation for an accident which would in any case have resulted fatally. They ex plain that the man who was insured in an Australian Office, was simply insured against accident in a company whose policy conditions freed from liability under the circumstances above mentioned.

Water consumers are reminded of the penalty for supplying water to persons who are not supplied, viz,, a fine of L2O. The Corparation have reason to believe that persons are using and taking from others supplies which are not paid for!.

It lias been stated that the detectives neglected to supply the pawnshops and dealers with lists of the. jewellery stolen from Mrs Anson when the robbery took place. This is incprrect. Upwards of 120 lists were distributed amongst pawnbrokers, second-hand dealers, and suburban and country police-stations.

' Mr D. F. Evans sold by auction to-day allotment 7 of section 7, situated in East street, Karangahape" Ward, together with the comfortable veraudah cottage erected thereon. The price was LI 10, Mr W. B. Nicholson being the purchaser.

We believe that if every one would use American Co.'s Hop Bitters freely there would be much les3 sickness and misery in the world, and pcoplo are fast finding this out, whole1 families keeping well at a trifling cost by its use. We advise all to try it, Kead.

FIJI NEWS.

Suva, August 5.

Annexation to Victoria

For some time past the feeling has been growing in the public mind that the Go vernor contemplates making no such radical changes in the form of administration and in the native policy as will give any hope of future improvement. From time to time many colonists have waited upon him, and he has heard them most courteously as to past, pvesenfc and future. He lias been very sympathetic in manner, but very discouraging in matter, and hns sent them all away with the impression that if ruin must come it is much to be deplored, but be really does not see how it is to be averted. Therefore the alternatives pre sented have been to fold arms decorously and go down in deep water, or to strike out vigorously and see if it be possible to reach some hospitable shore. The latter course has been adopted, and at present the colony is in a state of enthusiastic agitation for annexation to Victoria.

Representative Sleeting in Suva

The great drawback in most move ments of a public character in Fiji has been the little local jealousies they have evoked. These have prevented that harmonious concert of the whole which in such matters it is so desirable to secure. For instance, in the movement for annexation to New Zealand which was initiated in Levuka, Suva joined but coldly, because it was not consulted beforehand.. Rewa stood aloof altogether, because the proposition was not considered favourable to the sugar interest, and the petition which should have been signed by all was only signed by about one-half. Still, I think even that number proves the falsity of Sir J. B. Thurston's remark in Auckland, that ,it. was not representative of any public feeling. However, in organising the present move ment, steps have been taken to guard against this division among ourselves. To this end a meeting of representative men from Rewa, Levuka, and Suva met in Suvi last week to adopt a plan of action in which all could concur. This was only done after considerable deliberation, and in naming the colony due weight bad to bo given to the Victorian Interests in Fiji. By the recent amalgamation of the Vic toria Sugar Refinery Company with the Co lonial Sugar Refining Company, the Nausori, Viria, and Rarawai Mills and estates have been partially brought under this head. In addition, the Koronivia, Deuba, and Mago Mills and estates aie purely Victorian. The very extensive-commercial and pas toral interests of Jas. McEwan and Co. have also to bo taken into the calculation, and thus five-sixths of the capital and enterprise in Fiji is accounted for. The representa tives of these firms favour the Victorian proposition because of its extensive market, because of the marked difference in the products of the two colonies which would prevent any rivalry among the growers, and more particularly because of the active and oneitroticco-operation which can bedepended upon in Melbourne and London through the representatives of the powerful com panies named, and others associated with them in business. Therefore, it was de cided to recommend that the effort be made for annexation to Victoria, that petitions asking for approval and co-operation be presented to the Victorian Parliament, and that a petition praying for consent go forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Meetings at Rewa and Levuka.

With these proposals the representatives left for their several districts. The pro gramme was presented to a number of the residents of Ilewa at a meeting of the Agri cultural Society held on Saturday afternoon last, and met with their full acquiescence. It is therefore certain to be adopted by the public meeting to be neld at an early date. Levuka has been still more prompt. A numerously-signed requisition wan presented to the Warden on Saturday, and a meeting, at which the whole town attended, was held on Monday. Among the speakers were the Warden, the Hon. M. Wilson, M.L.C., the Hon. G. Morgan, M.L.C., the Hon. William Wilson, M.L.C. (Victoria), Messrs Cave, Kevr, Lcdingham and Henn ings. The meeting was most enthusiastic and most unanimous, not one hand going up against any one of the propositions. meeting in Suva. About a hundred signed the requisition to the Warden of Suva, and the meeting was held on Wednesday night. It was re markably well attended, the Warden being in the chair. The speakers were Mr P. S. Solomon, Mr A. McGregor, Mr W. Murne, Manager for the Rewa Sugar Company, Mr A. Duncan, manager for James McEwan and Co., Mr T. H. Prichard, editor of the Fiji "Times," Mr Scott, and a number of others. The suggestions of the representa tive Committee were unanimously adopted, and its proceedings formally approved. A subscription list was opened at the close of the meeting, and over LGO was subscribed. This is the best proof that the people are in earnest, and that they mean to make a vigorous effort for success. Death of Dr. Ecstcin. The German gun-boat Adler arrived here on Sunday, July 24th, from Samoa, bring ing on her medical officer, Dr. Ecstein, ill. He was left at the Hospital, and the vessel sailed the next day for Sydney, intending to call for him in a few weeks. Ho was suffering from diabetes, but his case ' was not considered critical. In fact, he ab first made rapid progress to wards recovery, but bad symptoms set in, and he died on Tuesday last at 11.30 a.m. He was buried on Wednesday with naval honours, as in the meantime H. M. S. Nelson had arrived. The coffin, covered with the Imperial German Ensign, and bearing a beautiful cross composed of white flowers, arranged by Mrs Kopsen, wife of the Consular oliicer for Sweden and Norway, was borne on a gun carriage drawn by blue jackets. In front, marched a detachment of marines in open order with arms re versed. Next came the Nelson's band play ing funeral marches. Behind the coffin first followed the Hon. Rupert Carrington, P.S. (representing the Governor), Captain Hammel (H. M. S. Nelson), and Mr W. Kopsen (Consular Officer for Sweden and Norway). Among the many others who followed were the Warden, the Hon. Colonial Secretary, Hon. Receiver-General, Hon. Commissioner for Works, the Chief Medical Officer, and a number of the civil servants and towns folk. The service at the grave was read by the Rev. Mr Nicholls, chaplain of the Nel son, assisted by the Eev F. J. Jone3, Suva, and at its conclusion the marines iired the usual mortuary salute. Late Arrivals. The barque William Turner aii^ the three masted Thistle arrived from, Newcastle on the 20th ult., coal laden. The former is loading sugar at Laucala and the latter at Deuba. The brigantine Gazelle, 158 days out from London, arrived on July 24th with the Solo lighthouse .on board. The Florence Treajb, barque, and the schooner-yacht Sybil arrived on Satur day last; the former coal-laden from New castle, and the latfcev from Auckland. She ran down in six days. H.M.S. Nelson came in on Tuesday* and H.M.S. Swinger yesterday morning. The Wainui was not quarantined this trip.

New Zealand Sugar Company.

The New Zealand Sugar Company's Ba mill is turning out 200 tons of Vi'i'vu- per week, and the prospect is most tf&urug ing.

Departures.

Among the departures are the Dr. Metzler, barque for Sydney, and the Nep tune, three master, from Levuka, copra laden, for Lisbon (f.o). The yacht Sybil left yesterday for Tonga, and the Nelson and Swinger are to leave on. Wednesday next.

ELECTION NOTES.

Ample evidence is to hand that roll stufling has been going on to a consider able extent. Persons have qualified to vote for freehold sections which do nob exist. It would appear that the principal stuffing has gone on in Newton and City West. Probably further scrutiny will disclose more cases in other electorates. It is only to be regretted that the perpetrators of these false qualifications cannot be brought to justice. There is, however, the satisfaction of knowing that some of them may be caught on the polling day, if they are un wise enough to attempt to vote on such bogus qualifications.

We are informed by the Registrar of Electors, Mr Seaman, that copies of the Waitemata roll have been despatched to every post - office in the electorate, to be there open for inspection as well as on sale.

Contrary to all expectations, Mr Lundon met with a good reception at Kawakawa last evening, and having addressed an assemblage of about. 150 persons for several hours, a vote of thanks and confidence was all but unanimously accorded. The meet ing was most orderly, and in unison with the speaker's views on all questions of im portance.

An important meeting of Mr Morrison's general committee will be held to-morrow (Friday) at 7.30 p.m. in the Burns Club Room, Karangahape Road.

A meeting of Mr Mitchelson's Mount Eden committee was held last evening at Waite's Hall. There were about thirty gentlemen present, and the reports showed that nearly the whole district had been gone over. Another meeting will be held this evening.

Mr E. B. Cargill, a candidate for Dunedin Central, addressed the electors there last night. He was opposed to the present Government, and thought there was no need for the colony to oscillate be tween Vogel and Atkinson, as young men srould be found to guide its destinies. He received a vote of confidence.

There are now 1,6C0 electors on the Tau ranga roll.

Wattemata

This afternoon a deputation waited upon Mr Reader Wood to ascertain if he was willing to become a candidate for the repre sentation of Waitemata. The gentlemen who composed the deputation showed that they had got nearly 100 signatures to a requisi tion in favour of Mr Wood's candidature, and stated that these were obtained ex clusively from among Devonport electors as the result of a few hours' canvass. Mr Reader Wood expressed his willingness to contest the seat, provided that a general desire was shown in that direction. He further stated that he had lately received communications from differ ent parts of the electoral district asking him to become a candidate ; but as he knew nothing of any general movement to bring him out as a candidate he had just to-day posted replies stating so. He now asked for some time to satisfy himself as to the wishes of the electors, and promised to give a definite reply by Monday next. It is considered certain that he will contest the seat, but a further canvass for signatures will be constituted.

Thames, this day. Mr James McGowan addresses the elec tors of Block 27 nexb week.

Mr James Mackay, who is opposing Mr Cadman for Coroniandel, purposes deliver ing an address to the Parawai oilers on Saturday.

AN ENTERPRISING BUTCHER.

(by telegraph own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day.

Mr Edward Barber, the leading butcher here, has made arrangements for opening a retail shop in London for the sale of frozen meat and dairy produce from New Zealand, and is sending home an experienced man to manage the branch. The first shipment leaves by the s.s. Doric. This venture is, I believe, the first of the kind entered into by any New Zealand tradesman.

LOCAL OPTION.

Sir J. Vogel and Mr Larnach

Interviewed.

(BY TELEGRAPH--OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. A deputation of the New Zealand Alliance waited on Ministers yesterday, for the pur pose of ascertaining their views on pro hibition. Sir Julius Vogel sympathised with the object, but reminded the deputa tion that the revenue had suffered to a great extent, and temperance advocates should tell their people not to object to a little extra taxation. As to compensa tion, ho felt it might be necessary in some cases to give it. Mr Larnach said if an Act authorising prohibition became law no compensation should be allowed; if existing licenses were cancelled under the present law they must give compensation. People at the ballot box ought to have the right to declare whether or not the liquor traffic in their districts should cease.

TELEGRAMS.

Hamilton, this day.

Horse Accident.

• On Tuesday afternoon James Thomas, son of Mr Thomas, Hukuranui, whilst on horseback driving some cattle, was thrown through his horse stumbling, and broke his right leg in two places. Under medical treatment, the patient is progressing favourably.

Blenheim, this day.

A young man named William Turnbull was brought up at the R.M. Court this morning on a charge of assault with intent to commit rape on a young girl, who iden tified him. Accused was remanded till Saturday.

Dunedin, this day.

The Irrepressible Agncw.

William Agnew, who has been per sistently interfering with members of Par liament, was to-day bound over to keep the X>eace for twelve months, for using pro voking language to Mr Denniston, solicitor. Wile Desertion. "William Counsel has been arrested at Sydney under the Destitute Persons' Amendment Act and Desertion, for desert ing his wife and family. Constable Cruick shank has been sent to bring him over.

THE LANGWORTHY CASE.

Mr LANGWORTHY BROUGHT \ TO BOOK.

HE PAYS ALL DAMAGES AED

APOLOGISES.

A Reuters cable despatch received to-day announces that Mr E. M. Lang worthy, who has so long defied tho English Courts, has at last been brought to book. The telegram is as follows:—• *.*>/.** London, August 10;$3

In the Langworthy case damages have been awarded to Mrs Langworthy by consent. Mr Langworthy apolo-j gises to the Court, and pays damages forthwith. <i

We assume that the damages referred to in this case are those for breach' of promise of marriage. Mrs Lang-,; worthy, after the marriage at Antwerp' had been declared illegal, was advised by her solicitors to enter an action for. breach of promise of maraiage as the only, way provided by law for punishing Lang-, worthy for the fraud he had perpetrated' upon her. The writ was served upon Mr Langworthy in the Argentine Re public, but he treated ib with tlio contempt he had shown to all the other orders of the Court. Judgment went against him, the amount of damages to be assessed in August before Baron Huddleston. Meanwhile the grip of tho law, backed by a powerful public opinion, has been closing more firmly round the defiant Nabob. To protecb himself against the judgments for alimony and costs, amounting to aboufa L 4,500 standing against him, Mr Lang worthy had got rid of L 50.000 worth of property in England, and had suf ffered himself to be made bankrupt.; But his troubles were not over. Mis sister, and his mother to whom the, property had .been transfered, were1 within reach of the Court and they, were placed on the rack of examina tion, Mrs Langworthy senior is a very old lady as well as very wealthy and she cannot talce her property with her, and her beloved son would grieve above all things if it were left away from him. Tho suit commenced in the Argentine Courts had carried the war into his retreat. He was thus driven into a corner, and has collapsed. He has now humbly apoligised to the Court, and under takes to pay all costs and damages forthwith. Justice is thus vindicated, and let us hope that a healthy public opinion in society will express itself unmistakably, and will show the man bysendinghimtoCoventry thatsuch offences as his cannot be atoned for by money wrung from him when resistance was of no further avail.

The full story of this extraordinary case, in book form, with illustrations, will be sent to any address, post free, from the Stab Office, on receipt of a postal note for Is. •

THE PARIHAKA PRISONERS.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) y

Wellington, this day. Te Whetu and the two other natives fined and sentenced to various terms of imprison ment for sly grog selling and obstructing the police on the West Coast, were brought down to Wellington this morning by the s.s. Penguin, and lodged in the Terrace gaol. The other Maori prisoner was left at Nelson, where he will undergo his sen tence.

NEW RIFLES FOR THE ASSO CIATION SHOOTING.

(by telegraph.—press association.) I

Wanganui, this day. The Hon. Mr Ballance has arranged with Captain Somerville that the New Zealand Rifle Association are to have 350 of the , new Remington-Lee rifles, now on their. way from England via San Francisco. The weapons will be issued to members only, and Captain Somerville wishes all those members intending to take part in the Oamaru meeting to apply at once. The Defence Minister is not making any charge for the use of rifles during the meeting but conditions are attached to the application which will have to be complied with. Two hundred ! rounds of ammunition per rifle will be ; issued, and will have to be paid for. Those wishing to join the Association must do so at once and give a guarantee that they will i enter for the Oamaru meeting. The guarantees are to come through the officers ' commanding" the districts. .;.;- ]

11 Helps for Inquirers " will be the subject of the Rev. J. S. Hill's address this evening at the evangelistic service in the V.M.C.A. Rooms. Strangers are cordially invited. The service begins at 7.30.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, Tonight.

Abbott's Opera House—Hugo's Buffalo Mm

strels, 8. Bell's Buildings. Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 p m Olympia Hall, Grey-street—Skating Rink, open daily. Pukel:ohe East School—Mr E. Hamlin and

Electors of Franklin South,-7.30. St. Peter's Church, Surrey Hills—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Seventh-day Adventist Church, Surrey Hills- Lecture by Pastor A. G. Daniells, 7.3 U. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Foresters' Hall, Newton—Mr D. Goldie and the

Ratepayers of South Ward, 8. Drill-shed—A Battery, New Zealand Regiment Artillery, 7.30. Auckland Tabernacle —Evangelistic Service. 7.30. Ponsonby Hall—Address by Mr E. Cooper to Electors of Ponsonby, 8.

Woitc's. Hall, Mount »den—MrE. Mitchelson and his Committee, 7.30.

Back of St. James's Hall^Supporters of Mr J. M. Shera, 7.30.

Industrial Association's Rooms—Lecture. " The Prune of Commerce ; its economic value and production," by liov. A'. M. McCallum, 8. DevoDport Reading-room—Conversazione, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

August 12—Messrs F. G. Ewington and G f Fraser.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—F*uit, 10; Weekly Poultry

and Produce Sale, 11 Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horses,

etc., 11 W. J. Dowden—Weekly Poultry and Produce

Sale, 11 S. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture and

Effects, U Paget and Ralston — Poultry, Produce, Furni ture, 10.30 /, A. Buckland, Haymarket—Horses, etc., 12 / f '-Vl J. Leydon—Produce, Groceries, etc., 11 tfß'y H. Tonks and Co.—Merchandise, etc., 11. ■■•...•vC D. F. Evans-Trees, Plants, etc., 2. '' '' '• j E. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture, etc..

11 ' Hesketh, Aitken, and Co. — Poultry, Produce, etc.. 12 r/- ■ i T. JV. Jackson—Property, etc., 12 l • - ■'. A. Morton—Shrubs, Fruit Trees, ets., 11. & Vaile and Douglas—Property, etc., 2. , , V J G. W. Binney—Produce, etc., 11. - ..■>* ■?£ '3*

xMJHi-AUCBXiSrD EVENING STAR; TI^SDAY; 11; 1887,

5