■' 7-, j •_},{; i s the last of the performances \ tie London Circus will givp in Auck ""Jfthd as a first-class programme will be - X Lfnre the audience, persons should not S'pl^chance. Here was a large crowd lasb night upon T Oneen-sfcreet Wharf to see the de- Hreof the Alameda for the Golden jjf t ! At five minutes to eight, tho Earl f i Countess of Aberdeen arrived in a i ifu*ae drawn by a pair of greys. Upon t ifatinmiished visitors' appearance upon rS deck, cheers were called for the .Jf ei $0 Countess, and then by a voice <!' -fharich Irish brogue in if for Mr Glad f ne all. being responded to with great «to As the American liner had to wait ■ 10 SO before tho mails from the South, the s.s. Tarawera, arrived safely on {frnrd most of the persons on the wharf-left ■"'.Storethe gangway was finally drawn on iLr&,' There were 84 saloon passengers wjie 'Alameda, mostly tourists from tho C M country. "At the inquest held at the Shamrock ffotel yesterday afternoon on the remains {the late Frank Gomez, who died so sud , \ v in Mr Dawson's chemist's shop on 'qatarday, the jury returned a verdict of J?j)eath from natural causes.-" 'l little book has just been-issued from ■Tv press which will, we feel sure, meet yA a hearty and very widely ex- Wed welcome. Mr G. M. Reed, 8.A., Lj-'republished a solection from the ses of entertaining_ casual sketches on Lgs in general which have appeared in ; T columns of our contemporary the tfiferald" under the heading " Calamo wente." Those who havo read these ler papers will be glad to renew their I Jlftintance once more" and to have them > $■ collected form, while those who have a yefc reat* them have a treat in store. is begun, as befits its world-wide Ibrity.with "TheFitulingofNoah'sArk," .nd a sketch of the famous wreak, as it was licovered in one of the glens of Mount iiarat,'embellishes the title page and cover. '. njfum'inf the Gulf Stream," "Making Iwbergs,^ and tho other flights of Pollex's ■ installation which have specially tickled -^"popular fancy, are, of course, among tiei collection.. There are altogether 70 sketches in the series now published, and vf'caa "confidently predict for the little took a! very extensive sale. It is published a tthe moderate price' of Is.

■ The Earl of Aberdeen yesterday specially that Mr William Duncan, J.P., Chairman .of the Radical Reform League, ehould call and see him before his departure! It appears that Mr Duncan's uncle is Pro uKatpr-Fispal of Aberdeen, and is also Secretary of the Aberdeen Liberal Associa tion. Mr Duncan has an uncle who is Provost of Aberdeen, and other relatives jpho occupy high positions in the Univer sity of that ci.ty, one of them being Pro- JessorMulligan.'and the other Dr. Ogston. His Lordship and the Countess received Mr Duncan with their usual kindness and urbanity, and promised to inform the abqve gentlemen on their reaching Sept- Imd'that • they 'had had the pleasure their-• relative in Aiickland. Jfr Duncan .presented to His Lordship 86Y.eral *?ew /Zealand curios. Mr R. J. Duncan formerly of Wellington, who had sieneel both tie address advocating Home Rule for Ireland and the one from the New Reform League, was pre sent dating the interview; and the Earl to good enough to repeat what he had publicly—tnat one of the first acts on I hij arrival in England would be to wait upon the Eight Hon. Mr Gladstone, and ffith'Hls' own Hands present to that great statesman the two addresses presented to ; ■ himself at the reception in Auckland Free lißfary, each of which referred in such gratifying terms to tho noble efforts Mr Gladstone had rriade, and would continue to tQai^&ilorigas he lived, for the good awi just government of Ireland, and the pjaoi Great Britain. AfejtdaS3:programme attracted a good attendance'at Mr Ppoley's sacred concert &fcßuDda£;afternoon, and each item was given .Tfifch good effect. Special mention mns bemide "of Madame Pooley's artistic .renderkgoftho scona from Elijah, "Hear yelsrael;",every point was given, and the declamatQry second part" was a treat of no ordinary kindj ;:The tenor solo was nicely , sung, and the duet for violin and piano was well rendered. ; The canticles, anthems, ;inUhjiiins s were given with taste and pre cision, and the'concert was such as to sus tain fie reputation which these entertain ments have acquired. The concert next ■Sunday'and hereafter will be at the City

Mr, tidy's motion re the establishment of fte Auckland Dispensary was further ad ppliatt the meeting of tho Hospital ooMdlast'evening. Owing to indisposi tion, Mr IJdy has been unable to .collect all Wdatawhichhewishcdto adduce. MrWil- Mn gave notice of "motion that at the next "Mfaaghewonld move that all. members ibouldrise to their feet when addressing .B»rcliittK'-:He expressed sympathy with fe;Chairman in his futile efforts to keepforder- under the present arrange any member spoke when. be^pleased- without rising to his feet, wrought the veteran, Sir Crowther, to jik feet with the suggestion that if members wojjld only attend "tliey would see how tne kfesCTps. transacted by those who at- Wed'-and did the work: : The Chairman laid thafc;> unfortunately ,at present the tedh'adno.standing orders.

Although, the Burns, Club had not ''^lly appointed any of then- officers J»; -bid -farewell' to ■'"'' the " Earl and wimtess -of Aberdeen ; on the mail Alameda last night, tho Club was represented among the crowd that as jeobled to see the noble visitors off. Mr BwEVaserj- the Club's piper, was con- and having gone on board he W«l some, choice . Scottish airs on the Nent national instrument. • Mr J. G. f^ T> a prominent member of the ms Club who belongs " Aberdeen awa," •» an interview with his Lordship on J 8 steamer, "with special reference relatives in Abordeen : ■% who are known to the .EarL In 'of conversation, His Lord : %J.-.iepeated.'-'his expressions of plea- at having been present at the %nt Scotch concert, specially mentioning p°f those1 whose performances' pleased Be.also; inquired as to the financial T& :.to: i the- Dunedin Burns Statue,. %hagreeably surprised him. ... ■ j£%y'successful and enjoyable enter f^nt was the result of the. ".social" *?teed by the committee of the Eden grille Assembly to the ladies, in return »recent treat given by the fair sex. Men Hall was .beautifully deco i ?*«, lot" the occasion last night, flags, TM[ "and- ferns adorning the walls, 4«e a iarge inscription ' caught the i £,, 0!1 entering, " Welcome .to Our Social ]T*;" Refreshments were laid put in a AM; specially erected in the adjacent X which was-reached by the side door j.*l and in this department Mr S^oh* gave every satisfaction. Over couples " took the. iloor," and «wellent dancing programme was gone 3#.%F. C. Jassett acting as M.C. C^tep.'ited ability. In the course.of jj™>rtho following songs were w6ll lß^v"Sbign of tlTe Roses,'1 by Miss 'Sour' Grapes," Mrs Bassett; " faail jjt Mr On- ; : and '-Take Back the Heart lS^"Jlr Bassett. The enjoyment until after three o'clock this d.-aiid before breaking up Mr Jon- SiiWfbenalf of the ladies, returned -•s.»of. the .'evening's entertainment. ff>!s Porridge Meal is tho very best of '^'children. It satisfies, it nourishes, lffi«d to -bo a 'favourite food with T? ei >(a« they don't tire of it.—See advt.

ofTtei^- are-ab 1 out 30 cases & typboldtfover at the Hospital just now.- -

„ Z Circassian youth and General Mite ™??t WOlnl* tv? nißed &l theCity'Buffefc last nighu. The former performed upon the SS' tl£ nul r l ( fcary gentleman singing Irish songs. Tho General will perform shortly upon a tight rope.

The final rehearsal of Bands of Hope members^n^ the Choral Hall last: evening was all that could bo desired, and augurs well for the performance this evening. Tho Action Song » and " Finger and Thumb Movement" will no doubt present some cunous sights and cause rare fun. Tram cars leave the Three Lamps, Ponsohby, for Choral Hall at 6.15, 6.30, and 0.45, return ing after the performance.

t *i? c 1r nd Assistant Actuary ia wanted lor tho New* Zealand Government Life In surance Department, as duly announced in another column. It is gratifying to find tne,. Department giving a chance to colonists to secure this appointment, and tiie notice in question should receive atten tion from all qualified to fill the post. The annual Temperance Conference was held at 2.30 to-day, when matters touching upon the work were discussed at some length. This evening the seventh anniver sary of the Auckland""Band of Hope Union will be celebrated in the Choral Hall. As this is the annual gathering of the Bands, of Hope, a largo attendancemay be confidently anticipated. Exercise songs and choruses will bo rendered by a choir of over 400 children, led by Mr Frith.

On Sunday evening last, about 0 o'clock, as Mr J. Ball, a well-known citizen of Newmarket, was on his way home from tho Salvation Army meeting, he- was set upon by a gang of youths, some of whom he recognised. After following Mr Ball some distance along the main thoroughfare of tho suburban borough, making insulting re marks,-they wound up by knocking off his hatand.then running off.like cowardly curs. Mr Ball, who is elderly, was unablo to retaliate or secure the youths; but ho went yesterday morning to one whom he had recognised, but the " hood lum " refused to disclose the names of tho ringleaders in the affair. '.

The question of obtaining a House Sur geon for the Auckland Hospital was dis cussed at some length in Committee yesterd ay, at the meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aids Board. Owing to the discussion being in committee of course' the business cannot be reported. It is known, however, that there are matters at the Hospital in which urgent re forms are required, and some of the members of the Board are,.in favour of paying a high salary for a first-class man instead of as at present dividing the respon sibility between two House Surgeons at low salai'ies and the hpnorary medical staff. Four applications -were received' yesterday and referred to the House Committee to examine credentials, obtain. information as to character and report to a full meeting of the Board next week. Meanwhile Dr. Lindsay has been temporarily placed in charge of the institution under the direc tions of the Medical Staff.

The Salvation Army Brigade Captain's report on the Prison Brigude Home in Scotia Place for the week ending Monday, May 23rd, is as follows : —Number of meals given, 178 ; beds supplied, 50 ; persons ad mitted, 9 ; discharged, 11 ; still in the Home, 6. Articles received - Meat: Messrs Hulme, Tyndall, Garrett,-sen., Hellaby, E. Wood and Co., Knight, H. Garrett, and Badley. Bread : Mesdamea Robley and Howie, Messrs Phillips, Crowe, Tyndal, Buchanan and Lester, Brown and Stillwell. Marrows: Mr Robinson. Potatoos : A Friend. Requisites : Potatoes and fire wood. The Home is in good discipline. I have taken charge of the three little chil dren whose father dropped dead on Satur day night until someone else calls for them. This is another instance of the necessity of a home to look after the destitute ; but we are in want of the rent.'—(Signed) Captai.n* R. Little. . •■>, ; \X -

Letters for Auckland by the direct mail steam Rimutaka were delivered to-day.

W. H. Hoskins and Co., boot, manufac turers, Union and •Nelson-streets, Auckland. Quality and cheapness com bined. Storekeepers and settlers please note.—[Advl].

Wilson's Portland Cement is sold in bags. Two bags equal one cask. Any quantity con be had. - lii proof of quality, the Government authorise its usp on .their. works ~ Wilsou's Hydraulic Lime is^nequalled. Concrete foun dations, tanks, .floors, paths, etc., are cheap Information free ~J.» Wilson and Company, Customs-street West, Auckland, manufacturers of Wilson's Portland Cement aud Hydraulic Ldme.—[Advt.l *•'■','.• . *•>,

DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of this body took place last night. Present :—The Mayor (Mr Nicoll) and Crs. Burgess, Pitts, Duder, Cameron, Bartley, Alison, and Brown.

• Corkespo>t de> tee.—Letters were received and disposed of as follows :—From Messrs. R. and R. Duder, asking for the con sent of the Council to the transfer to applicants of the rights and privileges of the Devonport Tramway Company. Re ferred to the Legal and Finance Com mittee. From Fraser and Hedley, char acterising as disgraceful the manner in which the rate collector's book was kept, and referring also to the matter of remun eration of the borough auditors-Considera tion deferred until to-morrow (Wednesday) evening when a special meeting of Council will be held to deal with accounts, etc. From Mr W. McCullough, secretary of com mittee appointed to arrange for the fitting celebration in Auckland of the Queen's Jubilee, forwarding a list for subscriptions in aid of the funds for the celebration. Applicant to be informed that it is intended to locally celebrate the Jubilee by establish in o- a free reading-room in the borough. I C)wen's Road. —A petition from a num ber of ratepayers with respect,to, repairs, in "this "-thoroughfare was referred to the Finance and Legal. Committee, , together With ,a; letter . bearing upon • tho same subject. . , 1 Municipal Association.—Letters were received from the Newton and Parnell Borough Councils, asking whether tbe Devonport Borough was willing, to ; , join with Auckland, Newton, and Parnell in the appointment of a delegate to the Municipal Association. After some discussion, on Cr Alison'a motion-it ,was resolved, as the member for the'district was virtually the-borough's delegate at Wellington, to decline ■ co-operation' with other bodies In the matter. ; The Borough Cemetery. — The innance and Legal Committee recommended that a site for a cemetery be procured outside the limits of the borough ; and'; the Mayor moved the adoption of this recommendation, as he considered the. site 'at Narrow Neck too good for the purposes of a-cemetery — Mr Bartlcy moved an amendment, " ihat the Council .take immediate steps to use the cemetery reserve for burial purposes." Ihe amendment was carried. The Mayor stated that he felt very strongly on the subject, and he thought that before the' cemetery was opened, the opinion of the burgesses should bo taken with : reference •to the matter. Ho therefore moved-." That -a public meeting of the ratepayers be held to consider the question." Carried. » iMiscellaneous.—The striking of a rate for the borough was deferred till next meet ing -"it was resolved' to erect a street'lamp near the public school; and application' by Mr Burgess (collector) for the purchase oi apparatus for drowning unlicensed dogs was referred to the Works Committee.. A motion by Cr. Burgess that in the opinion of the Council all rates three months overdue should be subject to an increase of ten per cent, waa dispussed and negatived,,' 1 jL X

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(B7 TELEaRAPn—OWK -EEPOBTBa.)

. j '' ; Wellington, this day. I THE MINISftMIAL CRISIS. :' The -c Evening Post" considers that Major Atkinson, and members; of the Opposition must1 be father hard- put when they have to ask Mr Ormond to load thorn in an assault on the Ministerial position, as he is no friend of theirs, having boon instrumental in getting the Continuous Ministry ejected from office. >.The " Post" goes on to say that the situation is a very curious one. Major Atkinson, the author and constant advocate of the property tax, will be called on to declare his want of confidence in the finance of a Ministry which has made his own pet tax their sheet anchor, and to follow into ; the f lobby a i rival: politician whose main object is to abolish that tas- and substitute what he has always most stoutly condemned and opposed an income and land tax. The Treasurer, on the other hand, .will havo to risk his position in defonco of a tax which he has admitted he would, if starting \ afresh again, > deem it loss desirable than the very taxes on income and land which his assailant re-^ commends to .the colony. ~ Sir George Grey, the' constant advocate of'the land tax, will have to follow into the lobby the member :whom of . all.; others; he most, dislikes in the House, : and most of the smaller fry will be entirely at a loss hpw to recon cile the conflicting claims to th'oir votes. ■■ .Birthday ' SSaIL, '' :'."' . _A . ball will bo given at Government House- to-day in honour of tho Qu'ebn's Birthday. 1,200 invitations havo been issued. ■. . .•: ~ : V! ! Who will ipad the Opposition?; Ihe " Times " this mprning, referring to an article in tho " Post," extract from which I have wired you.says :—'-Grave uneasiness appears to have been excited in soino quarters-by the report that Mr Ormond is to move the coming want of conn-' dence 'motion,, arid the monstrous evils' that. must ensue from such | a proceed ing aroSuixiously dwelt on. It may pos sibly tend to allay that uneasiness if we offer' our j decidod opinion that Mr Ormond will not be tho mover, but that tho motion will-bo, placed in quite different .hands. 'Although no de tinite decision as to the course to be adopted will be arrived at until to-morrow morning, when a meeting is to be held, there is, we believe, no doubt that a motion adv.erse to the Government will bo moved, and it' is freely stated that a majority against Ministers is cortain. That may or may not be the case, meanwhile both sides are assiduously engaged in lobby ing and canvassing, as it is unlikely that there will be many votes to be spared on either side." Sir .Julias Disposed Of. Rumour says that Ministers havo decided to bring down revised financial proposals, embodying large concessions as to tariff, but that members generally are disinclined to entertain a second Budget before tho first one has been disposed of. All sorts of lobby rumours are, of courso, flying about, as is always tho case on the eve of a political crisis. One is that should tho Government be beaten, Sir Juliua Vogol will succeed Mr Seed as Commissioner of Customs on the retirement of the latter next month. An old report ia also revived that Sir Julius Vogel will become the chief of tho Covorn meiit Insurance Department. In either case a Stout-Atkinson coalition is taken for granted. Hr Rarffavillc's Vote, Mr Dorgaville has been vindicated. While-the motion for the recommittal of the Representation Bill was under discus sion, Mr. Dargaville complimented tho Premier on $\ej pinner in which the bill had been. engineered through tho House. He said he.had a great respect for tho newspagers (especially bo on the eve of a general election)/ and he hoped that tho papers., in •..Auckland . would be just enough to ' exonerato 'him from the blame hastily put on him for his vote. The member for Motuekfl.' lugubriously ejaculated* "Poor fellow." ' The, Premier took the; opportunity to whitewash Mr Dargaville, and declared that if, the.Auck land papers said that the member' for City West had opposod ( the bill, they btated what was untrue. Tho Premier then proceeded to'give-other Auckland members, including, Messrs Buckland, Pea cock, and Thompsson,,,Credit for assisting him to get the bill' through, and these gentlemen appeared to be anything but pleased with the association of their names with Mr Dargaville's in this matter. Their efforts were not in the samedirection as those Of the/iaember for Auckland City West. ■'Mr/Dargaville claims that his vote saved the Representation Bill. In justice to the other Auckland members it is but right that the real Tacts of the case should be stated., The division on Mr Bryce's motion gave the Premier the first intimation of the fact that there was a party in the House strong enough to compel him to carry the bill through. That division forced him to a compromise which he had previ ously refused to consider. It was indis putably a fact that if the Premier had dropped the bill, it would have been earned through by his opponents with a reduced i number of members and a very slight in crease in the percentage. Had it not been for the Premier's threat to drop the bill, the number of members would have been retained at 71 by a majority of at least five, and a saving of fully £5,000 annually made to the country. Many who would have supported the reduced number of members were afraid to do so for fear that the Premier would keep his threat and abandon the measure, and if they had re signed when the Opposition took up tho bill members would have gone to the coun try on the old bill. " ■"Bi'eWcrs" and " PratM«f Mouses.

• ■; Amongst'privdt0 > members' bills 'there.ls, ■pei'bapa, none exciting more attention here than.Mr ifisher'B bill to prevent brewers from1 owning public housee. Strenuous efforts have been successfully resorted to co far to prevent it coming on for the 6econd : reading. • ( It 3 had* a a chance of coming up on Wednesday night, when Sir Julius Yogel interposed a speech on Mr Pyke's Otago Central Railway Bill. Just'as th'emotion ifor the second"reading of that bill was going to the vote.'on the following.evening ,(Thursday,), Sir JuhW Vogel's Female Franchise Bill came up, and as Sir Julius pereifltod jngoingonwith thedis cussion in committee,the eveningwas wasted in etonewalling, and the Brewers Bill was prevented fromepming on., MrFiehercom plained bitterly of a member of the Govern ! uient' taking' up two private members' evenings, and as the private members' days ■ of next week' are taken for the financial debate^ ifc cannot be stated with any certainty when the Brewers Bill will come up again. Mr Fisher proposes to give the Brewers three years 5 during which to divest themselves of any proprietary rights. ;' " " .'.' .','. •, : ■. , '"-'... '.Sheep Statistics. The total number'of. cheep in the colony is 15,174,2C3, as against 14,546,801 for the pres'ious year, or an increase of 627,462, viz. : Auckland, 13,158; Napier, 174,602 j Taranaki, 1,274 ; Wanganui, 1,127 j-Rangi tikei, 83,285; \tfelHng&n, ; 87,148;. Nel son;: \ 10,975 ; ,J, Marlborough.K i12,9G8 ; Canterbury, 93,8(57 ; Otago, 148,998". The returns this year show a very considerable increase' in long-wools and cvoss-breds ; whilst merinos have decreased nearly 300,000. The total increase in the North - Island is ' 360,654; and' in the Middle Island 260i8QS; JA^largoUnccwge

has t&ken place Sn the export of frozen meat. During tho year ended 31st March last 706,967 carcases of mutton have been ship ped, or an increase of 132,775 over the year 1885. Of these, Auckland furnished 19,913 j Napier, 157,800; Wellington, 140,302; Canterbury, 235,631; and Otago, 153,321. The number of sheep boiled down amounted to 325,480, and the number used at preserving works was 86,871. The in crease in number of sheep boiled down ia verymarked, being 200,266 more than last year. The imports consist of 1,680 sheep from the Australian colonies, and the exports to 2,824, viz., 19 to Australia, 110 to New Caledonia, and 2,695 to the South Sea Islands. Joitingg. Mr Hobbs has been urging the establish ment of a_ post-office at Herekino. A peti tion ia on its way from Auckland, and with it a memo, from the postmaster at Auck land.' Sir Juliua promises to give a definite answer when this is received. The cablegram from Melbourne stating that the New Zealand Government pro posed to vote £1,000 a year for ten years to the support of the Imperial Institute has received practical: confirmation. The Go vernor has sent down a message asking for this.vote for the period named, and the bill was read a first time. -The fines inflicted on the employees of the Government throughout the country are paid into a fund vested in tho public trustee for making the nucleus of a super annuation fund. This information was elicited by a question in tho House. The "PPos h says it is believed that tho Opposition whips do not calculate oh a majority on a direct vote of wantof-con fidenco, but foel confident that if tho amendment is properly worked and judi ciously moved it will command a majority. Tho Wellington members had to en counter determined opposition from Mr Hursthouso and others before they suc ceeded in getting the bill endowing their proposed university through the House. There is reason to believe that another at tempt will be made this year to strike the vote for Auckland University out of the estimates. The Auckland members are alive to the danger. .There is very little probability of a rein troduetion of the system of return tickets on the public railways. The Minister of Public Works says it would mean an annual loss of £40;000 to the revenue.and refuses to con sider it.

The Minister of Defence says It is not true that long-service medals are given to Volun teer officers in England, and has refused Mr Thompson's request to grant such medals here. Ho says, however, that the question of promotion is again under the considera tion of tho Department.

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AIDS BOARD.

Tite usnal meeting of the above body was held at 4 p.m. yesterday. Present: Messrs Waddel (Chakman), Crowther.Goldio, Udy, Niccol, Kidd, Lamb, Isaacs, Suiter, Wilson, and Mayß.,

Minutes.—The minutes of tho last meot ing wore read and confirmed, and tho usual Refuge and Hospital reports adopted. CoKUZsroiJDZKCE,—The letters -received wero read and dealt with as follows: ■ From tho North Auckland Hospital and Chari table Aids Board, drawing attention to what appeared to bo an ovorchargo for patients in the Hospital: Resolvod that the Whangarei County be informed that that thoy would only bo charged with the actualcos'tof patients forwarded, and that all Buch patients must be accompanied with a guarantee of payment. — From the Premier's office, Wellington, ox pressing sorrow that the valuation of the countyliod been reduced by the constitu tion of Otatnatea County, and stating that the constitution of the new county was ap parently overlooked by the Property Tax Department^ by which the list was fur nished. — Resolved that the letter bo re ceived, and that tho Colonial Treasurer bo informed of tho result of the late appeal case, with a request that in such cases tho amountduebedeductedfromtheir subsidies. From the chairman of the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Board,askingwhat had been done with regard to having tho statement of assets and liabilities •of tho late United' Districts apportioned in accordance with the Act: Resolved that tho writer be informed that the auditor was at present going through the statement of accounts of the United Board.—From the Bay of Plenty Board, claiming expenses of the burial of the lato R. J. solby.: Consideration of the letter was deferred until • next week.— From Dr. Cobbett, suggesting that a patient named Georgo Skeen, who was ad mitted to the Hospital suffering from rheumatic fever, .should be sent to Te Aroha for a few weeks, pending receiving, that being the cheaper process : Resolved that the Board authorise the expenditure'of tho money necessary to carry-the patient to Te Aroha, and support him there for three weeks. * '' • •

Ellkrslie Road.—A report of the sub committee was read, recommending that the above road going through the Board's property be not objected to, provided that it be fenced. The report was adopted. L Tkndhks. —Thei..following tenders were recoivedfor laying the new drain from the Hoepital :-B. Berry and Co., £84 12s ; WA Coulson, £60"10s" ; H." Thornton, £41 9s (informal, cheque not being marked); Ben nett and McScheffery, £52 ,2s 6d ; John Marr and Co., £40 ; F. Houlehan, £59 3s ; R.. Archibald, £89 14s ; J. J. Holland, £79 ; J. Evans, £43; Kettern and Co., £84; Sheldon and Co., f69;F.Blewden,£32 3s 8d; Nain and 'Co., 137 ; McGeo and Co., £05 ; J. Leydon, £110 ; -Mr-Wade's estimate, £80. Tho lowest tender, that of Mr Blewden, was accepted., It was decided to appoint a foreman of works. ~ •

House- SujUjeok. —Tho report of the House .Committee stated that Dr. liindsay had been temporarily appointed as House Surgeonj Dr. Franklin having resigned : The report was adopted.—The Secretary stated that three i applications had been received ' for the' position.-Mr Mays mpved that the appointment be deferred to! this j.day ,montn,vand insert advertise ments calling for further applications. —Mr Suiter considered tliat reform was needed. He believed in appointing'a first-class man. —Mr Wilson thought,they should consider the applications they had in hand. There might be a ; good ' "man* - amongst them. —Mr Crowther believed in Mr Miys'B idea. —Mr Kidd ''thought that the applications should be referred to the honorary medical staff, as they knew more about medical gentlemen than the members of- the Board did. Choosing by the Board hod not hitherto proved a suc cess. At,this stage of theproeeedings the Bdai-d went, into committee, and remained there for about an hour and a half. Tho Board, upon resuming^ reported that four applications had,been received, and referred to the House Committee, with rjower to inquire and report at1 next meeting of the Bpai-d.—Mr Udy.'p motion re, dispensary was further deferred for one month.

FIRE AT WELLINGTON.

(BY,TKI?«BI^Hj-'PBKSS ASSOCIATION,)'

WELLiNaTON, this day.

A JPiEE brofce oui at 52.30 this morning la a room in th»residence of Mr W. H. Levin, merchant. The outbreak was suppressed after considerable damage had been done to the' foof. ■'Tie furniture was also-much (toftge&by'Wfttes,■ ■"■ i3Si ''' ■■■■'■■ <

SERIOUS ASSAULT CASE.

(BY TEiBGRAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

i ... Hamilton, this day. A jutiieb serious affair occurred yesterday. Two boys, named respectively James Roach and Fred Cockhead, aged about 16 years, had a quarrel, and fought. Roach was getting the beet of it, when Cockhead called to hi 6 little brother to cut Roach's head off. The little fellow who is eight years old attacked Roach with a hay knife, and in flicted a severe wound on his leg. ■ Dr. Kenny was called in and stitched up the wound. Young Coekhead has disappeared, but the police are after him.

"UNCLE TOM'S CABIN" TO NIGHT.

The Opera House will bo re-opened to-night for tho presentation of a grand holiday bill consisting of the emotional and picturesque drama, "Uncle Tom's C.7.bin," from Mrs Stowe's world-renowned novel. It will bo staged in a manner that is said to eclipse all previous productions of the work in this city. Tho scenery is strikingly appropriate, and no lees than 35 performers are engaged for the occasion. There will be numorous songs, negro melodies, jigs, and breakdowns in the course of tho performance, and the low tariff of prices of admission, viz., Is, 2s and 3s, should draw an overflowing house.

YACHT RACE.

Tide handicap yacht raco arranged to take placo to-day was unavoidably postponed owing to the absence of wind. At 10 o'clock, the hour announced for starting, there was a dead calm, and water like glass, with every indication of a continuance of very fine woather, so . Captain Porsson, starter and umpire, decided that the event should be sailed on Saturday noxt. The handicaps, which have been decided by Mr H. Parker, of H M. Customs, will not bo mado known until after the race is over, being now enclosed in a sealed envelope, so that there cannot possibly be any dissatisfaction expressed with them before tho event takes place at all events. Mr Featherstone's steam launch Nautilus had steam up, and was ready to follow-the race with the Yacht (Jlub Committeo and friends, and when it was definitely decided that there would be no race, she wont for a cruise around tho harbour.

A REMARKABLE ILLUSION.

The Thauma Illusion now on exhibition at a shop in Victoria-street East—a few doors abovo tho Aushralain Mutual Provident Offices—is ono of tho best things of tho kind wo havo ever seen. The illusion is the invention of Dr. Lynn, who sold tho right to show it In Australia for L3OO Entering the room, tho spectator sees before him the upper portion of a woman's body on a swing. "It's done by mirror," says tho smart one. Wrong again, sonny, for tho showman passes a sword immedi ately under the swing, and then invites the young lady to further demonstrate her apparent nether-limblessnessi. This she does by passing a fan immodiatoly beneath the swing and showing- tbat slio has no legs where her legs ought to be; Noxfc she seizes the ropes of the swing, raises herself, and the'showman removed the board, and tho spectacle is presented of the legless woman suspended by her arms, distant not three feet from you. Aa an illusion it is perfect, and will cause an immense amount of speculation as to <( how it is done."

FANCY DRESS BALL AND PRESENTATION.

A fS combination social gathering and fancy dress ball " in connection with Mr H. AVaito's quadrille assembly and Keed and Davidson's string band took place last night in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahapo Road, and passed offvory pleasantly. Mr W. Southwell proved himself to be an effi cient Master of Ceremonies, Mr G. Johnston carried out tho entering in first-class style, and.capital dance music was discoursed by Messrs Jas. Davidson and J. Keesing (violins), J. Morris (cornet), C. M. Borth wick; (double boss), and F. Reed (piano). In the course of the evening Mr W. R. Waddel (ex- Mayor), on behalf of numerous friends and admirers, presented Professor Herbert, tho prestidigatitcur, with a silver mounted ebony wizard's wand and compli mentary address. The address, which is to be engrossed and illuminated, was couched in gthe following terms; —To Professor Her bert, Illusionist: Dear Sir, —Hearing you are about to depart from Auckland and enter on a professional tour, wo cannot allow the opportunity to pass by without an expression ofappreciation of your rare talents as an illusionist. Sir, we not only rocognise those talents, but wo aro fully alive to the fact of your willingness at all times and seasons to exercise thoso talents iv as sisting any philanthropic undertaking, and declining 'payment for so doing —considering yourself amply rewai-dea in , tho good- that you could do. We beg your acceptance of the accompany ing wand, not on account of its intrinsic value, but ac a proof of the goodwill and re spect we entertain towards you. Wo be lieve not only in handing you this wand it will be gifted with all the magic powers with which !y°u have electrified largo audiences at the Royal Aquarium, Lon don, and throughout Europe, but ■ will at times bring.to• your remembrance those you have leftbehind^in Auckland, who hold you in such .high respect and esteem, not only as an illusionist of the'highest order, but as. a gentleman .in the truest accepta tion of the term. , We regret exceedingly that through our Opera House being en gaged a larger number of Auckland resi dents-have not had the privilege of witness ing your talent, second to none that haveevor yet,put in an appearance within these Southern seas. ' That you will have bumper. houses whorever you go we firmly believe. Wishing you every success in your career, wesubscribo ourselves, yours very truly,— ~.,,.;, •„.;;; ~... Edward Bahtlhy, R. Cameron. . « Fredk. G. Quick, 'J. Bates, . .' ■i , ■<;.".■• c .■•'-1 W. H. Fentcn, ' ~ , . , ] \ Henry Waitjg, ■•;■--. • ''„■'" ;.;.-, . F- J. Fartaell, \ Jonx Stone,. ."..■' Wm. McCullough; .'.•'■•' 'i 'J. J. S'iVINNEKTON,": ' '■ ...srfAfTi >,':,'■; Av.BKETT. ■, ■ ■:.'■/:.:,-■

Professor' Herbert made a suitable ac knowledgment of, the presentation, and then delighted the compq,ny with a number of sleiglit-of-hand tricks which wore very cleverly and -dexterouslyperfornied. ' He is an able conjurer, and is sure to command public.. appreciation. Dancing; was then resumed and kept up ■with zeal and vigour until early this morning. -Messrs Waite and Southwell exerting themselves to the utmost;to promote the"pleasure of the guests. At midnight the musicians ushered in the Queen's Birthday by playing , the' National Authenv eJ ■' te •■ ' ' ' ■■■ - > • •

THE WRECKS IN POVERTY BAY.

LOSS OF THE SIR DOXALD

Fears for the Spitfire.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWK CORRESPONDENT.)

Gisborne, this day.: There is now little doubt that the wreckage on the beach is that of the Sir Donald. A piece of thin board, four inches square, has been picked up bearing tho address, " Mr Hans Rausniusaea, chief cook and steward on board Six-Donald," written on both sides in pencil, evidently tho address of some parcel belonging to.the cook. Tho beach is strewn for miles with wreck age, including the timber part of the vessel, combings of the hatch, with " 28, 88 tons " on it, and also the registered number, 37,108. The ship's clock has also been picked up, stopped at ten minutes to 7. A complete search ia being made along the beach for ten miles, but no trace of clothing or bodies has been found. Tho beach is'sandy, with outlying rock. About a quarter of a mile from the beach is the vessel's mast, projecting 4 feet above the water. Search for the bodies is still being kept up. There are no hopes entertained that any of those on the Sir Donald have been saved, though no bodies have yet come ashore. The name, of those on board wero as follows: John Quinlan, captain ; William Knight, mate ; Walter Simmond, engineer ; James Major, Fred Knight (brother of tho mate), seamen ; and Hans Rausmussen, cook.

Fears arc entertained for the safety of the cutter Spitfire, which left Napier on Tuesday, and has not yet arrived here. The Spitfire is a cutter of 32 tons, owned by Mr J. W. Oxley, of Auckland. She was built at Mangawai in 1875. The cutter Spitfire is in charge of Peter Millet, formerly mate of the schooner Fleet wing, and she has a crew of two men, who, we understand, belong to Auckland.

SUDDEN DEATH.

Mr Richard Jkssop, ironmonger, Karanga hape Road, died suddenly about 5.30 o'clock yesterday evening, under circumstances that appear to point to apoplexy as the cause of death. Owing to business cares Mr Jessop has been in a depressed state of mind lately,, and probably this may have accelerated his decease. He was down town on business yester day afternoon, and upon his return appeared more depressed than usuaL Ho remained in the shop until about 4 o'clock, when his mother-in-law, Mr 3 Ann Watson, states that he came into the sitting-room and shortly afterwards went upstairs to the bedroom. In a little while she heard him call out " Mary," his wife's name. Almost immediately sho heard a heavy fall. Mrs Watson and Mrs Jossop ran upstairs, whoro they found deceased lying on the floor. He was at onco placed on a bed, and a messonger was despatched for medical aid. Dr. Girdler goon arrived, and stayed with Mr Jessop until death supervened. Prior to hia decease ho had a second attack. Dr. Girdler is of opinion that Mr Jessop died from apoplexy, but he could not give a certificate to that effect unless ho had previously mado &post mortem ex amination of the body.' If this is permitted by the frionda of deceased it will most pro bably be unnecessary to hold an in quest. Mr JeasoD was for many years in tho employ of Messrs Gittos, leather and grindery merchants, but about a year ago he purchased Mr Knott's branch ironmongery establishment in Karangahape Road. Tho deceased took an active interest in religious matters, and was esteemed as a local preacher in connection with tho Wesleyan Methodists. Ho leaves a widow and five children to mourn their IoSS. .. ■:.■■. "•

GENERAL POST OFFICE FIRE INQUIRY.

(BY TELEO.BAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day, An Inquiry Into the post office fire occupied Dr. Johnston, Coroner, and a jury of six all yesterday. After deliberating twenty minutes, the jury returned a verdict that the fire originated in the Press reporters' room attached to the Telegraph Department, and added a rider that smoking should bo pro hibited among the officers after eight o'clock at night. ■ Hart, the telephone clerk, was tho only officer on duty whon tho alarm was given, and deposed that immediately he was informed of a fire in tho building he visited the Press reporters' room, and there was no sign of fire there. The evidence given by tho post office and telegraph officers was of a conflicting nature. The captain of the Fire Brigade gave it as his opinion that tho firo originated at the top of the building. ' The cost of removing the telephone ei chango to the new building, replacing the apparatus, and sotting up the necessary poles and wires, is estimated at £1,000. It is expected that communication will bo re stored in a fortnight. Plans are being pre pared in order to restore the post office, and in tho now building brick walls and parti tions will be provided for. •

JUDGE WARD AND THE AUCK LAND CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

(by telegkaph—own correspondent. )

: Wellington, this day. It is probable that the Court of Appeal will not conclude its business before the end of next week. If so, the Auckland Criminal Sessions will have to be postponed. Judge Ward has boon unwell with a severe cold, but has now recovered.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(By TELKGIUPH-OWN' CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, Monday.

Saxok.—The leader cut in the hanging wall of the reef at No. 4 levol is two inches thick and carries favourable minerals, while colours of gold are seen pretty freely. 15 lbs of pickod stono were secured to-day when breaking down. Crushing was started to-day and the managor- hopes to keep the battery goin^ for sorde time. It is probable that 50 or 00 loads will be put through befox'e cleaning up takes-plaoQ. : Cambria.—Operations are one© moro in full swing, and crushing has been resumed. ' Trenton.—Extension , of' south crosscut from tho Cambria boundary has been com menced on behalf of this; company. The country is favourable sandstone, through which few quartz veins are striking.

Poverty axd Suffering. — "I was dragged down wJjth dobt, poverty, and auffiw intrfor years, caused by a aick family and large bills for doctorinir, which did them no good. I was completely discouraged, uutil- one year asm by the advice of my pastor, I procured Hop Bitters and commenced tuoir use, and in on^ month, we were all woU, and none of us nave seen a sick day since; and I want to say to all poor,men, you can .keep your families well a year with American Co.'s Hop Bitters for less han one doctor's visit will cost. ■ I know it"—A Working Man, Read,

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

COURT-MARTIAL ON BOARD H.M.S. RAPID.

In accordance with instructions received from the Commander-in-Chief of the station,' a Court is being held at Sydney on board H.M.S. Rapid, for the purpose of "inquir ing into tho causes of the collision between H.M. troopship Tyne and H.M. surveying vessel Myrmidon, and to try Commander Hoskyn and Lieut., Williams, officer of tha watch, of the latter vessel, for hazarding their ship, and neglecting to observe the regulations" for avoiding collisions at sea." The collision occurred on the 25th ultimo, and was attended with serious consequences to both vessels, though fortunately no one was killed or hurt. The Court was composed of Captain Archer J. W. Musgravo, (H.M.S. Rapid), president, Captain Atwell P. M, Lake (H.M.S. Nelson), Captain Day H. Bosanquet (H.M.S. Opal), Commander W. des V. Hamilton .(H.M.S. Nelson), Lieu tenant J. G. M. Field (H.M.S. Opal), and Mr Charles J. Pawsey, secretary. Staff Commander Quinn, of the Nelson, prose cuted, and Lieutenant Thierens acted a? officer of the Court,

THE SYDNEY ASYLUM SCANDAL.

The following statements appear in a letter from tho Newington Ladies' Board, published in tho "Sydney Telegraph:"— < "In the summer time I have seen tho eyes, noso and mouth of tho dying full of fiiea, no soreen or not being near. I have seen a wardswoman beat a blind girl (since dead) in her bath tho day before tho latter died. Sho told me that one wardswoman had beaten her with a stick. I have always seen the whole of the meat provided for the in mates put into a large copper, the liquid off this givon for soup, and the meat—the. only meat I ever saw partaken of in hos pital, except on one occasion, some months' ago, when improperly cooked roast beef was supplied. I have seen this meat brought into hospital in a large tin dish, and put on a patient's bed and cutiip by,a patient and put into tin dishes for the hos pital patients, no chair or table being in the ward, and only. one or two rusty-looking knives and forks between them all. I have seen Mrs Crowther—a young consumptive) woman— dying, and sinco dead, who told' me that the first night she was at Newing ton a woman died in the next bed, and was loft there until noon the next day. In the ward in which this young woman died there are about 35 beds, and the wardswoman has the charge of all, night and day. I have not seen this woman very harsh, but I have seen th© women in charge of the other words cruel to the sick and dying. I have seen tho women dying with the sheets over their faces to protect them from the fliea. I have often heard the groans and cries of poor women with some inflammatory disease, and I think it was almostimpofraible for the doctor to havehis orders earned out with tho system of nursing which is exorcised. I have seen sago taken in a bucket (after Mr Dibba had ordered more medical comforts) to thg sick and p.ut into tin pannikins and pw> taken of with black-looking iron spoons; the bucket may have been clean, but ty looked, dirty. On Thursday last every pillow in one of tho wards of the cancer hospital was made of coarao holland, about a quarter filled with chaff and no pillow cases. The drink ing water for one ward of the latter hospital on tho occasion of my last three visits was kept in a galvanised slop pail. Everything is much better now than some months ago—there is crockery now and tables and chairs, and on .Thursday last in our presence the warm dresses wore issued to the inmates, which were admired bo much ■ Sir Henry Parkes. But still the old people present a strong contrast to a similar institution in Melbourne, where day and night nurses are provided, and where mince or boiled, or boiled or roasted meats, coffee, tea and' cocoa, butter or treacle are administered according to medical recommendation, and where the cost is only 5s 11 Ad a week per head." . .

TUAKAU.

The annual meeting of householders for the election of a School Committee eventuated in due course on the 25th April, when a thoroughly Intelligent seven were chosen, •with Mr G. Ewing, J.P., aa Chairman j bub somehow there is always a dissatisfaction in every community, and whether the out-, going Chairman was inconsolable at the loss of the erstwhile "little brief author ity" that the seat of. honour supplied, or whether some unsatisfied ' denomi national want was experienced, the Board was importuned on some pretext to declare the election invalid. This resulted, and some scores of depressed and semi-frozen heads of families assembled at the school room, on the evening of Saturday last to enrol another committee, when Messrs Ewlng, with G4 votes ; Bovill, 53; Jones, 52; Abbot, 40; Brown, 39; Smith, 37 ; and Poland, 36, were duly elected, with Mr Ewirig, J.P., as before, chair man. It is, matter of no small misfortune in these days of enlightenment that so much repressed intolerance should be a marked feature in ■ a small village like this. Our village community is blessed with the presence arcong us as Pedagogue in-Chief of a gentleman whoSe religious ten dencies happen to be Catholic (Boman), and for thig reason considerable bias ie, if not openly manifested against him, veiled with a covering somewhat tho HLm &iest, though one would think that no such specialities are extant as either Presby terian prosody, Methodist mathematics, Church of England equations, or Catholio classics, and if not, since our educational system is, happily, secular, what matters it whether a diaeiple of Confueiua, a Calla thumpian, or a bush Protestant it is that shows us the way across thepons asiaorum? Some meed of kudos is the very least dis play of gratitude that should be meted oufa to Mr O Donoghue,:B.A., for his success in the past, and strenuous endeavour of the present. Fiat justitia.—A Cobuespondenjs-

Ask youb Grocer or milkman for Freea ing Company's •'. Shell" brand butter in half-pound pats. '■■"..-

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &o, To-night. , :-

Abbott's Opera House—" Uncle Tom's Cabin,"

Agricultural Hall—London Circus Company, & City Buffet, Queen-street-American Mideetand , Circassian Youth, lv a.m. to 10 p.m. Yictoria-stfeet East—" Thaiima," 8.

Masonic Hall, Newton—Eden Lodge, No. 1,530 Choral Hall—Annual Gathering of Bands of

Anotlon Sales To-morrow.

Paget & Ralston-Household furniture, &o. 11 Arthur 8z Buddie—Produce, Poultry, Fruit &c noon. '. '* G. Sibbln, Quay-street-Pilot Schooner VindoT Boats, &c, 11. • '' G. Lewis- Drapery, clothing, etc., 11,80, GTimber n'lf °'™I®rk®t ~ Second-class Kauri

'Rota, of Justices at Pali™ nnnrt

May 25-Meßßrs P. A. Philips and G. P..pierce.

ftE^^j^^^lSlllfe^^a^pjfi^g: gj,tSS7,

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