LARRIKINISM.

-^£ L L YOUTHS oneS'toW been rampant I*****/,' c and Constable Hobson :V.ell<> flate ' than full in W tho Police Court this M who* es coD -"r seven y° u tO J eighteen years, tb irteen toj* coml & fctec j women and fitpath in Manukau tfen ° n th ! n ; e r calculated to pro ®jin a man i thp peace. The *? treach , f °ndants%'e I re= Charles -of the defeats * g Si Clf^ s L Hefcrt Needham, & and Thomas Row*. ft* SimP 50n ' J to b8 t he leaders of a £> « ages range from 13 about shop J t*h. * Lveryn£ht. Theymake SiiaK * linage within the Jof»f d 'S ii Sic shops: and passers uringo P P?° f 0 neople often make com- S^ b T t S/Sertoallattemptsto iint^\ oufct ß failed, for as soon as a lU' then Ynanappearance the lads <•£ women and children and fj a oflJ ostlin n V the side walks as they >? theffl ofthe evening of the sth &t <«' « a mob of between fifteen • 4 there **• J these ove rgrown boys d «entt ° foothpath in Manukau V ed O f % , m and when they saw Wrtobion 'coming they ran off C^ b veX and Jostßng women and tf® ft footpath. Constable Hob &en °f| '° I, " nd was enabled t0 J* ff 4s of them. The present I® ss t the defendants was the *f % be"defendants were charged and answered boldly "Not stated that this offence * t under the Justices of the Peace Comolaints had frequently W*?l the police of the conduct of pS who had made themselves 'ffiffiS'in giving evidence, said Wnrp the Court were a very small y3 fa hfge gang of larrikins who Xi ibftof jostling females and I ft -» inducting themselves badly on ■CS Manukau Road. He had !**• ! i frenuent complaints respecting |.fjj2from ladies who had been K'nstablewas questioned by all the iSffiththe object of showing that IfSeU "there. 1. They were round W££ stated that he had been laid up ISwoweeks, and that he had to run W.r ironstable Hobson because whenever ■fltablesaw Mm in the daytime, he WSu <" th a bi * st i ck; (L f Qte r" ; u ■ unstable said he had no doubt of the Kfr'rf 'to y° uth beca " s f ] ! e , had MUs te* and he had no Imis to"the identity of any of them. ■ wvell, baker and confectioner of Hfaabaßoad, deposed that he had been HSanoyedby some of these youths and ■Life than them. He regretted that Huille Hobson had not been able to get HjT some of the bigger boys. These Kis 'were a terrible nuisance, Wmh made it almost impossible ffljiujjjle to pass on the footpath. Hud seen them smoking and spit wLsA 'even throw people clown X footpath. He could not give any I- Mm concerning the offence now be [jEe Court, and only spoke of the [i 9pl behaviour of the boys. I Hjmes Gilbert, draper of Manukau I ißl'atnell, deposed that lie knew r Hof the boys. He knew the •M m to be not bad boys, and .Bioylittle about the others. It Bfe»4at very filthy language had been vHiiienight in question, but he could Hliitify any of the boys before the •Hi (toe of the defendants here inter iHai/'YousayNeeclhams are nice quiet fHsliaiie they are renting one of your jHltoji were then asked if they had jflijtig to say, and they proceeded to IWjßiiay having keen a * 'he P^ ace stated .iifßfelieGeelian said her boy was always Jgji'eit eight o'clock, bub she would not [BHSsjaidhe was "round the corner," who was in attendance, 'BN to son's name was (teorge i Wm r i- George stayed with his grand *BPkiiiFaraell,and was always kept in '■H,^ 9 '^' ,effas a ' 3o " round the corner j , SJl^''3tteot , nei'boys," and not making a Jijlk to Smith said her boy was allowed jßfri Mght to attend the "Rest," and jlffl»ta°!ii that this kept him off the were also "around the JHy Their parents were not present, !fljH* ls Seach drew attention to the cir t 3H/°Sinpson said her boy also went to jH f er W n °t been before JjKßt War two years. He was then up tljff p* fish worth 2d, and said to be not nut of the house nJBHp* Hi?father was not able to come r , eeo S nisecl that the boys be- ' 3een a g rea t nuisance to jjKtf.ytabie P eo P e - Tl ic B e nch tba!l each Should find two re 'Hβ?',?^ 8 of £25 eacn to kee P the ihMK®« months. If they came before ivfflfe^ l^ .they would be dealt with

ntiwi TH.VMES, this clay. oSy John Smitli has been re Hp6Tw v ho3 P ital ' having broken :i3 !Hda Ppln " over a declivity while

Main Trunk Railway.

ucWCW* B * v ' ifch thousands valuable article in ;b^»r'g : ffl;the above subject wibli e 'fifiVim Ji intere3t ; and sincerely ' fe e mafctcr dr °P- L ei MrMioM ? ya P rivat e citizen can do ti( !HK2 ? ond writin g t!l( 3se few It is universally Sf Dd in Xaranaki that M r rr esfc intentions, made ■1 < aß s «tai ffll \ lf ,P rom Pt and energetic o. IBHiuL ■! n]d not be too late i B - ems to P c ii; should 06 -^ s "Sgested by you, eiJMHfcIT Olfche People of the be , ex P en se of getting 5 fee -| y oth er similar agitation itiv|iß^W,S s nre in sending you a Ero t £2 2s in the lio P e BSM»A -P* , un(lep examin ' •B^-•*&ffi?^ ee to-day.deposed ade -- Three y ears ) m % h Sfcreefc ' k £ U Svist, when his lßSfff hißßtock at£3oo. «kkS,7 for damages done, cnl y allowed money on a t Zmmx'^?V £275 ' all iill  -r value Sfil household furniture

SUICIDE AT OHEHUNGA.

AN OLD MAN'S DETERMTMSD

ACT.

WINDPIPE AND GULLET

SEVERED.

This morning the quiefc borough of One hunga was startled by the alarming report that an old and respected resident had com mitted self-destruction in a most determined and effectual fashion. The rumour, on in vestigation, proved to be only too well founded—the victim being Mr John Kelsall, baker, Queen-street, a settler of many years' standing, who was between 60 and 70 years of age ; and his manner of accom plishing the fatal purpose was ascertained to have been by cutting his throat and opening an artery in his left arm. It is not known whether the act had been premedi tated or was the result of a sudden insane impulse, but it was carried out with a cunning and determination scarcely to have been expected in such an aged man. Mr Kelsall got out of bed about six o'clock this morning and appeared to be in his usual health and spirits, but when other members of the family got up and began to move about it was observed that the old man had gone out of the house. Abel Kelsall, the youngest son, who is about twenty years o:' age, at once went to inquire for his father ab Ternahan's Hotel, for the old man had been, more or less,

Prinking Since Election Day> and he expected to find that he had gone out to try and obtain some drink. Disap pointed in the search for his father, the young man returned, and in passing the stable door, noticed the belt which the old man usually, wore lying on the ground at the door of the stable, which was situated to the of the dwelling-house. As he stopped to pick this up he fancied that he heard a groan proceeding from the loft of the stable, and he ran into tho house and gave the alarm. An elder brother, Moses Kelsall, went up to the loft and found his father

Lying in a Pool of Blood

with a deep and horrible gash on his throat, and blood also flowing from a wound on his left arm. Dr. Scott was immediately summoned, and old Mr Kelsall, who was apparently dying, was carried into the house; but before the doctor had time to dress the wounds, the injured man expired. Examination showed that the wound on the throat had been inflicted with such force that both windpipe and gullet were com pletely severed, and death had resulted from the consequent loss of blood. It is supposed that about two hours had elapsed from tUc time that Kelsall;inflicted * tho wounds on his throat and arm up till his death. Sergeant Greene and Constable Haslett were early at the scene of the tragedy, and searching among the straw in the loft where Kelsall was found, they dis covered

A Blood-smeared Knife, with which the rash deed had evidently been consummated. The weapon was an old-fashioned clasp knife with two blades, one of which had apparently been used to inflict the wounds. An inquest will of course be held, when all the facts will be elucidated. Beyond the fact of his un fortunate indulgence in drink, there has been no reason assigned forKelsall'a suicide.

•Sergeant Green, of Onehunga, reported to Inspector Sherman this afternoon that John Bamford Kelsall, aged about 63, was found about 9 a.m. this morning in a hay loft at the rear of his residence in Queen-street, Onehunga, with his throat cut, his wind pipe and gullet being severed. He got up, and left the premises about 6 a.m. to-day, and wa3 discovered as described by his son. He was promptly attended by Dr. Scott, but no hope is entertained for his recovery, life being nearly extinct when Sergeant Greene left. Kelsall leaves a wife and grown-up family in respectable circumstances. The excitement of the elections is said to have caused him to drink for some days after, and led to his not getting good rest at night, although he had not drank lately, and this is the only way the rash act can be ac counted for. Sergeant Greene found a pocket knife on a truss of hay near to the body, one blade open, and covered with blood.

SPORTING NEWS.

Melbourne Training Notes.

(Special Message.)

Melbourne, this day. This morning was dull and threatening, and a large number of horses were out working. Trident and Abercorn strode along for a mile and a half in company, the pair moving in taking style, and finishing strongly. Their stable companion, Volcano, the favourite for the Caulfield Cup, wa3 next to appear, and he was sent the same journey; his gallop was best of the day. Volcano is in first class condition. Silver Prince and Enfilade worked together and put in a good gallop. Enfilade has much improved in his going. Dunlop \yas exercised alone, and negotiated a couple of miles, going freely and finishing strong. Thunderbolt has been doing good work Lara had a spin over the Caulfield Cup distance, and finished in grand style. Escutcheon was exercised over a mile and a half at half pace. The Levite did a serviceable gallop. Phaon was out and went a strong gallop of over two miles, moving freely. P.asha and Spade Guinea worked together over a mile and half, the pair going in taking style and winding up the spin with a spurt. Rocket Teddy, Yuille, and Mirella did good work. Silvermine strode along for two miles at a moderate pace.

The Betting.

Late last night a move was made in favour of The Levite for the Caulfield Cup, and he was backed to win £5,000 at 100 to 10 He is now much fancied, and the best price to be obtained about him is 100 to 12.

Auckland Racing Club Spring Meeting.

THE WAITOA VALLEY.

MR POND'S ASSAY COMPLETED.

ADVERSE RESULT,

A meeting of the members of the Waitoa Prospecting Association will be held at four o'clock this afternoon, when it is expected Mr J. A. Pond will submit his report upon the assay tests procured by him from vari ous shafts during the trip to Waitoa las t week. The full details of the report are kept private, but it ia freely stated on the Exchange that the report will disclose the fact that the assays, with one exception, resulted in showing that the sands were barren of gold. It is also stated that a copy of Mr Pond's report has been forwarded to Sir Frederick Whitaker, as chairman of the Prospecting Association, and that the con tents will not be disclosed until a reply has been received from that gentleman.

Mr Pond Again Interviewed

This morning one of our staff again visited Mr Pond in order to obtain authoritative information as to the result of the tost. Mr Pond said he regretted that he was un able to furnish the information required, as he had been employed by the Waitoa Prospecting Association, and was theiefore compelled to withhold the information until_ after it had been presented to the meeting. Upon being informed that the general tenour of the report was known, Mt Pond acted on the strictly non - committal principle, merely re peating that the Association had had the first right to the report. He ad mitted that there was no doubt about there being traces of gold at Waitoa and in any part of the Waikato country, but the real question was would it pay for working. ?

Was Nature Assisted?

The idea prevalent regarding the deposit is that it may prove payable, but that some unknown person has been assisting nature with gold filings. Whether or not such is the case it is of course hard to say. No doubt the fact of the returns from Mr Smith's property being so uniformly rich has aroused grave doubts in the ' minds of practical men. This is the more noticeable because every thing discovered outside Mr Smith's boun dary shows inferior bullion, and a smaller quantity per ton. This being the case, read ers will form their own conclusion as to probable returns when tho deposit is worked on a larger scale.

It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that Mr Smith's land is richer than any adjoining property, as goldfield ex perience teaches that one mine out of many is rich, the adjoining mines are poor, and the majority barely pay working expenses on the best field. Nevertheless there are some who are satis iied that the returns from Smitli as pub lished in Christenurch are genuine, and will be borne out by future treatment of tho stuff on the largo scale indicated by the erection of a £4,000 plant.

Waitoa Prospecting Association.

It was to set these doubts at rest and thoroughly te*t matters that the Waitoa Prospecting Association was started. Sir Frederick Whitaker and 21 leading citizens combined together, each contributing £5 towards the cost of testing tho Waitoa de posits. A memo .of agreement was drawn out which set forth tho objects of tho Association in the following terms:—"To examine the alleged auriferous deposits at Waitoa and tho surrounding country. To obtain all knowledge in regard to the same, and it' possible to estimate the extent to which the gold is present in the alluvial de posits." At first meeting Messrs Pond and Whit aker were appointed assayers to tho Associa-' tion, and it was arranged that Messrs PondJ Brown and. Witheford should visit Waitoa to obtain samples. This was done, and the results of tho assay will be placed before the Association this afternoon. So far Aucklanders are not in any way identified with tho Waitoa G. M. Co. Mr Smith is himself a Canterbury man, and the promoters of the Com pany all belong to Canterbury. Had not the recent enquiry been made, there would shortly have been several com panies promoted to work the deposits, and in that way the community would have become to a certain extent iden tified with the proceedings and fail ure, if such it should turn out.

Mr (Campbell's Prospect A test of stuff from Mr Campbell's property is being made at Messrs Fraser and Son's, but the result is not yet known.

Sir F. Whitaker's Suggestion.

It is understood that in reply to the report on Waitoa which was wired to Sir Frederick Whitaker, Sir Frederick has ad vised that a further test of 20 or 30 tons should be made. There is nodoubtfrom tests made of stuff concerning which there can be nosuspicionof"salting thatauriferousstuff producing bullion worth from £1 to £1 10s per ton exists at Waitoa, but as a complex process would be necessary for its retraction there is scarcely any chance of it proving remunerative to him.

MR GEORGE FRASER, JUNIOR, INTERVIEWED.

Fraser and Sons' Connection with the

Discovery.

A reporter of the Stab called at Messrs Fraser and Sons' foundry' this morning for tho purpose of eliciting information regard ing the Waitoa tests. The head of the firm wad absent, having gone over to Calliope Dock, but our representative was courteously received by Mr George Fraser junior. The business having been introduced, Mr Fraser said that lie would give what information ho could, but in view of the stories that had been in circulation during yesterday re garding underhand dealings, he was chary of expressing any opinion. Reporter: Well Mr Fraser, toll mo when you first heard of the find at Waitoa. Mr Fraser: Oh it was in March last. Mr Smith called here and said he wanted some stuff tested. He asked how much he should send. I told him about half-a-ton would do. The half-ton of stuff reached me shortly afterwards and on March 18th I had completed the test which gave a return of £1 14s to the ton. I only tested for gold as the silver was not free to amalgamate. Reporter : Well, what steps did Mr Smith take? »'■,■., Mr Fraser: He appeared satisfied with the result, and went South for the purpose of consulting some friends of his in Canter bury regarding the find. Mr Leonard Harper, solicitor, was one of those inter ested.

Reporter: Did not some representatives of Canterbury capitalists come up to inspect the find ? Mr Fraser: Yes, three gentlemen came up, and I understood that if they were satisfied as to the bona fidos of the find that capital was to be invested. These gentlemen were a Mr Maude, from Harper and Company's, Mr Barnes, re presenting ft firm of brokers, and Mr Hill who I took to be a gentleman of means. They went on to Mr Smith's farm and took several parcels of the deposit for the purpose of having it tested. There were about seven tons in all. The tests were pofc in sacks and senb to us to be tested. Reporter : Were the sacks sealed ? Mr Fraser: No

Reporter: Now Mr Fraser, supposing thut you had the collecting and trans mission of the efcuff for these tests, ho\v would you have gone about it ? Mr Fraser : I should have taken the stun out Qt the ground myself, placed it in new

bags that could not have been tampered with, and sealed the bags. Reporter : Well, were the results satis factory ?

Mr Fraser : The results were very vari able in respect to the actual result per ton, and the value of the gold. One parcel of 11 cwt. was worth at the value of £6 17s 6d per ton. That was the highest. One parcel went as low as £1 4s per ton. The process was pan amalgamation. Reporter: It is currently stated that there was a wide discrepancy between the bullion! results and the assay from the " pulps." Mr Fraser : Yes thas is so and it struck me as being very peculiar. I accounted for it by the fact that the heavy gold kept to the bettom and only the fine gold was distributed through the pulp. Reporter: During the process of treat ment did you try dish washing. Sir Fraser: Yes, once or twice, but 'we barely saw the colour. It did occur to me that it was strange that there should bo so much gold in some of the assays, and that I should see so little gold in tho stuff. Why, one test recently made from a small parcel gave £100 per ton A'alue from one part, £60 from another, and about £1 16s from a third—all from the same parcel. Reporter : Are you interested in the find. Mr Fraser : We had 500 shares allotted, but wo subsequently withdrew.

Reporter : Now it is said if this stuff be " salted" it would probably have been through gold being placed in the bags prior to the stuff being placed therein.

Sir Frazer : As to the salting you must excuse me from expressing- an opinion. We have lately shaken out several of the bags and obtained rich dish prospects. However you can see for yourself. Our representative, accompanied by Mr F t raser, then proceeded to a small labora tory on the premises.

A sack marked 14 x, and which had con tained a portion of the Waitoa. stuff was brought and shaken out in an ordinary miner's pan. The dust placed in the pan probably weighed 1 to This was panned off and the result was a wonderful '"prospect" of copper coloured gold. Sir Fraser then provided a miscro scope and several coarse grains wero placed on the slide. The gold thus examined reeembled the colour of standard or coin gold, the particles were neither water-worn nor " shotty" being on the contrary rough edged. Our reporter having thanked Sir Fraser, withdrew.

GOLD IN WAIKATO.

ANOTHER DISCOVERY REPORTED,

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. Slessrp Cussens and party, who have been engaged in surveying a road in the Maunga kawa County for some time past, returned to Hamilton yesterday, Two of the party havo brought down specimens of quartz with them, in which gold is plainly visible, which they state they got in close proximity to where they were surveying. Their names are Messrs Odlam and Davy. It will be remembered that some time ago tho natives pulled up the pegs of this party and tried to prevent the survey. However, the natives thought better afterwards, and allowed the survey to be completed.

TRAGIC OCCURRENCE.

TEACHER SHOT DEAD.

(BY TELEQRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Cakterton , , this day.

Arthur Moore, a pupil teacher in the Cnrterton School, was found shot dead in the school this morning. He went to tho head-master for the keys to open the school and ring the bell. Mr Bethune, tho assis tant, not hearing the bell ring,went for the key, but ascertained that Mr Moore had previously obtained it. Mr Bethune forced the school door open,but the inside door was locked and the key inside. Upon getting through the window lie smelt powder, and looking round ho saw Moore lying dead, his head terribly shattered. One of the school carbines was lying alongside of him.

Mr Moore was studying with Bethune till 9 last nieht.

No reasonis assigned for the fearful act. Much sympathy is expressed for his family, who have resided hero since the formation of the settlement.

IMPORTANT JUDGMENT.

APPLE FARM COMPANY V. CAIRNS.

At the R.M, Courb this morninjr H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., the presiding Judges gave judgment in the case Apple Farm Company v. Cairns,heardataprevioussitting of the Court. His Worship said that the only question in dispute was as to the de fendant's right to a set-off. The action was brought by the liquidators of the com pany, which is being woundup voluntarily, to recover calls made payable, and for goods sold and delivered before the commencement of the winding-up. The defendant admitted his liability, but Bought to set-off against the plaintiffs a claim to remuneration to which he held he was entitled for acting as director under clause 58 of the Articles of Association. It was admitted that the defendant actually attended 42 directors' meetings, and if his contention were right he would be entitled to receive the sum of £22 Is in remuneration. His Worship then quoted authorities at great length to show that they were very conflicting as to whether the defendant could set off his claim made against a claim made for calls. He also quoted several cases, and concluded by saying that whatever the rule micht be, in equity the defendant could not setToffhis claim for remuneration against the claim of calls. The claim in res pect of the goods stood on a somewhat different footing, bufc on this point also the authorities were very conplicated. He came, however, to the conclusion that no part of this set-off could be allowed:—(1) As against the calls, on the ground that no debt can be a set off; and (2) as against the claim for goods, on the ground that the set-off, if a debt at all, is a sum due to a member in his character as a member, within the meaning of section 71, subject the Companies Act, 1882. The judgment must therefore be for the plaintiff for the full amount claimed, £84 10s 10d. Costs £5 Bs.

SEALS AT AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

(from our ows correspondent.)

Invekcakgill, this day, Quite a stir has been caused here by the news from Melbourne, that sealskins were on board the schooner Awaroa, whichlately rescued the shipwrecked sailors from the Auckland Islands. People formerly en gaged in the fisheries, are greatly excited and are wondering what further action will be taken.

CHORAL HALL.-FANCY DRESS RINK.

The first Fancy Dress Rink ever publicly held in Auckland took place in the Choral Hall last night, and proved a triumphant success, thanks to the careful and elaborate preparations made by Mr C. M. Borthwick (Secretary) and the members of the Commit tee. There must have been fully 500 persons present. The chorus scats were crowded with spectators, and the floor of the hall was covered with a gay throng of rinkers, who presented a highly picturesque ap pearance by the manner in which fancy dress was blent and commingled with matter-of fact costume in the fact-moving spectacle. The gallery was occupied by the Engineer Band under Mr Impey, who discoursed in first-class style choice selections of music. We append their programme : — Grand march, Rockbarton ; valse, Boccaccio ; valse, Millstream ; selection, lolanthe (en cored) ; valse, Skipping; valse (local), "Sylvia," Mr Hartwell; march, Serajero Lager; valse (local), " Ethel," Mr A. Pooley; valse, See-Saw ; valse, Starlight; valse, La Bearuaise; selection, II Guiva mento ; " God Save the Queen." The local valses were highly appreciated. A full list of the rinkers present it was im possible to obtain, but the following will be found to be pretty accurate. At any rato it gives all the fancy characters :— Miss G. Hill, Monte Carlo ; Miss J. Craig and Miss M. Craig, Les Cloches ; Mrs Allen, Bluebell; Miss Holland, evening dress; Miss A. Holland, evening dress; Miss E. Holland, Nancy Lee ; Miss Anderson, even ing dress ; Miss M. Slater, evening dreas ; Miss McDonald, evening dress; Miss M. McDonald, evening dress; Miss Peachey, evening dress ; Miss Maxwell, Navy; Miss Blandford, Peasant ; Miss Ring, Peasant; Miss Gordon, Navy; Miss Tye, evening dress; Miss A. Tye, evening dress; Miss Harloy, evening dress ; Miss William son, evening dress ; Miss Maxwell, evening dress; Miss Maxwell, evening dress ; Miss Maxwell, evening dress ; Miss K-yrie, even ing dress ; Miss Ryrie, evening dress ; Miss Thomas, evening dress; Miss Topham, Peasant; Miss Beale, Lawn Tennis ; Miss Cossock, evening dress ; Miss Williams, eveningdress; MissCampbell, evening dress; Mr A. H. White, Marutea crews ; Mr F. Cramond, Maratea crews; Mr Worrall, French Marquis ; Mr Holland, Volunteer ; Mr W. Dickey, Chinaman ; Mr Leedham, Yachtsman ; Mr Beale, Cricketer ; Mr F. E. Shorn, Sailor; Mr W. Shera, East Indian Planter ; Mr Murphy, Jockey ; Mr W. Stubbing, Don Coesar ; Mr Geo. Scott, Negro Doctor ; Mr Atkinson, Louis XIV ; Mr Atkinson, ' "11 Barbiere"; Mr Shiels, Football Representative; Mr James, Cricketer; Sir A. G. Busby, Cavalry Officer; Mr H. G. Holland, Negro Masher; Sir Brown, Negro Minstrel; Master Alfred Bretfc, " Rip Van Winkle ;" Sir Laird, Cricketer; Mr Haliday, evening dress; Mr A. Walker, Queen's Own Rifles ; Mr H. Bruce, evening dress ; Mr A. Ansenne, Fisherman ; Sir J. Ansenno, Patchwork ; Mr Jackson Palmer, Ponsonby Rifles ; Mr Murray, 4th Estate ; Mr Kissling, " Pokeno Brown " ; Sir J. Jordan, Grattan Biggs ; Mr T. SI. Jackson, What's the Offer ; Mi- Harrison, evening dress ; Sir H. Holland, Artist; Sir E. Binney, Rakino; Sir L. Dawson, Ally Slopor ; Mr A. A. Gled hill, Racine Cyclist; Mr H. N. Bell, Bicyclist; Mr Jno. Reid, Skater; Mr Swales, Rubens ; Sir Kohn, Planter; Mr J. C. Beale, Yankee Skater; Sir Hermann Brown, evening dress; Sir Cato, evening dress ; Mr C Holland, Demon Dustman ; Sir McCormack, Waltzer ; MrC. Chapman, Masher; Sir S. Goodman, evening dress; Sir Robertson, Aboriginal; Sir Moiey, evening dress ; Sir E. R. Cameron, Foot baller ; Slaster Phillips, Volunteer (30in. high) ; Master Phillips, Footballer (24in. high); Master J. Craig, Jockey (Ssfc 61b) ; Sir H. Holland, Minstrel; Mr J. Dickey, Footballer; Sir Woodward, evening dres3. Refreshments were provided and rinking was kept up till 11.30.

THE BLENHEIM FLOODS.

More Damage Feared.

(BY TELEdRAPII— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Bi.KNHF.Tar, this day. Only the lowlying portions of the town were flooded on Tuesday night. There was a considerable depth of water in some of the streets, and, in a few instances, it found it way through the houses.

The business people in the centre of the town lifted their goods from the ground floors and very littlo damage was done in shops. The streets and footpaths in some portions of the borough have suffered con siderably by the current. There was an immense quantity of water running down the Omaka and the telegraph poles on the middle road crossing were washed down. No damage worth speaking about has been done either to the river embankments or to the property of settlers. The ilood water has entirely disappeared from the town. It is now raining heavily, and the Wairau and Opara Rivers are rising. The flood yesterday was caused by the over flow of the Taylor and Owaka Rivers. Mr Galvin, Editor of the Marlborough "Express," who received injuries last Saturday morning, is slowly recovering.

ENGLAND AND TONGA.

VIRTUAL ANNEXATION,

EXCLUSIVE TREATY CONCLUDED,

Realising the commercial value of the Tonga, or Friendly, Islands, the United States Department last year entered into negotiations with King George, and con cluded a treaty by which diplomatic and consular relations were to be established be tween the Islands and the United States. Congress, however, refused to make any appropriation for the service, and the treaty lapsed, and cannot now be revived in the face of England's dominant influence. The papers are avowing that although at the present time the bulk of the Tonga Islands trade is with the Australasian Colonies, some of it going direct to England, there is no earthly reason why New York and San Francisco should not be export and import markets.

According to a dispatch from Berlin, pub lished in the American papers of September 10th, Great Britain has concluded a treaty with the King of the Tonga Islands, under which that monarch will cede nothing to a foreign power without the assent of Eng land.

This treaty is an unpleasant surprise to Germany, as the Tongan Islands have been considered a promising field for German enterprise. It has also deeply chagrined the officials of the State Department of the United States.

A man named John Sheehy, 50 years of age, was arrested this afternoon and lodged in the lock-np on a charge of having in decently assaulted a child named Margaret Lynch, 3 years of age.

Food fob Consumptives, Scott's Emulsion of Purb Cod Liver Oil with Hypophosphitus of Limb and Soda, is a most wonderful food for the Consumptive, It not only gives strength and increa.en the flesh, but heals the irritation of the throat and lungs. It is very palatable ; children take it like milk, and in all wasting diseases both for adults and children it is a marvellous food and medicine, and small bottles of all Chemists, 4$ 6d ami a* (id,

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[PER S.S. ALAMEDA.]

TERRIBLE DISASTER.

DESTRUCTION OF AN EXETER THEATRE.

The Theatre Royal, Exeter, England, was totally destroyed by fire on the evening of September sth during the performance of "Romany Rye." The structure was new, built after the latest designs, and considered one of the prettiest in the Kingdom.

There was a full house on the fatal night, and everything was all right till the end of the third act, at 10.30. when the drop scene fell, and in a moment the whole stage was a mass of fire.

The occupants of the stalls, pit and dress circle escaped, after some crushing and bad bruises. The occupants of the upper circle and gallery rushed to the win dows, screaming frantically; some jumped and were injured, while others were rescued by the aid of ladders from the verandahs.

The fire originated in the flics, and the scene inside the auditorium was an awful one. Cool-headed persons implored the audience to be calm ; but it was impossible to stop the frantic rush.

The flames overtook people who were wedged in an immovable mass, and roasted them to death. Many who wei'e rescued alive died soon after they were brought out of the building. The actors and actresses were in their dressing-rooms when the fire began, but all escaped. They were taken from the windows by means of ladders. They lost everything but what they wore at the time.

When the fire started, 'the dropscene was lowered to prevent draughts, but some of the actors opened a door to escape, causing the fire to burst through the scene and to ignite the gallery. The theatre hose was brought into use in a few minutes; but the water had little effect on the fierce flames.

Some 140 bodies had been recovered, but they were unrecognisable in many cases ; every shred of clothing was burned off, and the flesh looked black and raw. About thirty women perished ; but the majority of the victims were men and boys, mostly work ing people. The stairway leading to the gallery was literally packed with bodies, while at the head of the stairs there were scores of others piled on top of one another. The unfor tunate victims had rushed to the door when the alarm was given, but found the stairway blocked and escape cut off, and they suffered a horrible death.

The construction of this stairway accounts for the great loss of life. Half-way down the flight there was a sharp angle. The first person who left the gallery got past safely, but some of those who followed were thrown and jammed into the angle and were unable to extricate themselves, owing to the pressure from behind. The staircase, at this place, was effectually blocked, and there was no other way of escape. There were about 200 persons in the gallery, and of these 100 perished. The audience altogether numbered 800. It is very probable the total deaths will never bo ascertained, owing to the fact that many bodies were completely calcined.

Two stalls in the stables belonging to the hotel adjoining the theatre were tilled with remains, identification of which was impossible. The charred remains of 20 persons were discovered in one heap. From many of the bodies limbs were missing, and the stumps showed that they had been wrenched oil; Clothing was gone in nearly every case.

There were pitiful scenes in the vicinity of the ruins, among friends and relatives awaiting the recovery of the bodies. Father and mother had both, perished, in many in stances, leaving numerous children without means of support. A mother, father, and child were found clasped in one embrace. Statements of the origin of the fire differ. The scene-shifter says it started among some gauze, and the flames spread to the scenery, of which the stage was unusually full, owing to preparations for the produc tion of a pantomime. The disaster has given a perceptible check to theatrical business all over the country, and the press, as usual, is clamour ing for the interference of the authorities to reduce the risks of such calamities in future.

The fact that the theatre was not over one-third filled is the one saving circum stance in the horrible story. Deeds of heroism were done which lighten the black ness of this calamity, which I believe in all the annals of the burned theaters of many countries_ i 3 only exceeded in the number of the victims by that of the Ring Theatre in Vienna. Bewildered by the terrible outcry which arose immediately after the names were discovered, the audience were paralysed mentally and physically by the terrible creaking, hissing sound of the flames as they fed on the painted canvas of the scenes.

DONCASTER RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

TWENTY-FOUR PERSONS

KILLED.

A dreadful collision occurred on Sept. 16, on the Midland Railway. The train, filled with excursionists, who were going to Doncaster to see the races at that place, collided with another train and was

wrecked,

The totalinjnred is seventy. The Mid land train was standing on the crossing a mile from Doncaster, while the tickets were being collected, when the Liverpool express dashed into it. The guard box was smashed to atoms and the first carriage of the Liver pool train was telescoped by the next. It was a long time before the injured and dying, who were wedged in the ruins, could be rescued. Twenty-four persons were killed, and many of tho injured cannot re cover. The disaster was caused by defec tive signalling. The scene at the wreck was horrible. Scores of people lay, bleeding or dead, wedged amid the splintered woodwork and debris. Their shrieks and moans were heartrending, but it was impos sible to help them until mechanical ap pliances arrived. Many were taken out shockingly mangled, some decapitated and disembowelld. Some of the dead were only recognizable by their clothing. The curVe in the line hid the express until it was within a short distance of the excursion train. The driver has not explained how he ran past the danger signals. The latest returns this morning from the horrible disaster show that twenty-eight passengers were killed, while of the many wounded several are expected to die. On the occasion of the terrible accident in Illinois, the papers here were loud in their praise of the English railway sys tem, ■ on which it was claimed simi lar accidents could not oceur y and the evidence in sad rebuttal comes very quickly. Besides, the Board of Trade return of accidents during tho past six months appearing to-day, does not furnish

the English railway with such an excellent record, as even here it was supposed they were entitled to eighteen collisions of passenger trains, by which seventy one passengers were killed or injured seriously, and twelve collisions of freight trains, by which eighty-four were injured.

The Strange Case of Archibald Forbes.

On August 23rd last ifc was announced that the career of this famous war corres pondent was near an end. Major J. B. Pond, of New York, to whom he was under engagement for a course of lectures in the United States, received a telegram from London on that date to the following effect: "My health is wrecked. Cancel everything. —Archibald Forbes." And it was under stood that the sender was in the last stages of consumption, and had not much longer to live. Is ow comes the news that Forbes is rapidly recovering, and, to use his own words, will soon be "quite ready to go to the wars again" in the lecture fields of America. The public do not readily catch on to the situation. A London paper, mentioning the peculiarities of the corres pondent, says—" Mr Forbes is in his 50th year ! He is not a widower now, but he still retains some of his bad campaigning habifcs. For example,he often sleeps on the couch in his library, trying perhaps the 30 pipea which decorate his mantel. He was. in bed on jubilee day,but that did not prevent him writing a spirited description of the service in the Abbey for the Daily News !

The Social Scandal.

The "Pall Mall Gazette," of September 20th, revealed in detail one of the latest society scandals. It boldly stated, in accusation against Colonel Hughes Hallef/t, M.P., that ho had morally ruined his step-daughter, the child of the late Lord Justice Selwyn, and ab sorbed her fortune. After the death of his first wife, Lady Selwyn and Hughes Hallett were married. She ia the daughter of CoL Schaumberg, of Philadelphia, Pa.

The accused has been a prominent figure in high society, and is an ex ceedingly promising and capable mem ber of the House. His career has not been unromantic, for ho was once offered the ci-own of Greece. " The World " recently included him in its " Celebrities at Home." Physically he is known as the thinnest man in the Commons. The Colonel, who is at the sea-side, pro nounces the charges of the " Gazette," al though made with damaging circumstan tiality of detail, wholly and unqualifiedly false. The paper demands that he be dis missed from the army and his seat in the Commons declared vacant.

THE MITCHELSTOWN FIGHT.

A serious conflict occurred at the open-air meeting held in the Market Square, Sep tember 9, to protest against the prosecution of editor William O'Brien. The police attempted to protect the Government steno grapher, and the fight followed, The crowd repulsed the officers, sixty in number, several of whom were struck with sticks and stones and severely injured. The police obtained re inforcements, re turned to the scene and fired six shots, when two of the crowd were instantly killed and several others wounded. The rioters then dispersed. Condon previously cried to pacify the crowd, and Dillon ad vised them to treat the' police with silent contempt, because Home Rule was nearly won, and then the Irish police forces would be under the control of their people instead of in the hands of their enemies. Allwasquiet throughout the night of the 10th. Persona who attended the meeting on the previous day had returned to their homes. Fifty four constables were injured to such an extent that physicians' services were re quired. One hundred and fifty civilians were also injured. ThY police assert that the trouble was due to the Nationalist leaders shoutinsr for the mob to hold tbgether. The Nationalists exulted over the good fight they made. A Tipperary boy broke through a square composed of twelve policemen, and fought them single-handed; the police finally overpowered him, but the mob made a rush arid a rescue was effected. At the police parade on the 10th, a majority of the men wore bandages over their wounds. Fourteen police officers were so badly injured in the melee that they had to be carried to the hospital. There were about 5000 people present, including a large body of farmers from out lying districts. The crowd was marshalled by priests and local Inaders on horseback. The three English members of Parlia ment who attended were Thomas Ellis, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Party; Brunner, the newly-elected member from Northwich ; and Henry Labouchere. They all made speeches denouncing the Govern ment for its course in regard to Ireland.

The London " Daily News'" describes everything as passing off peaceably till the Government reporter tried to get within hearing distance of Dillon. The " Times " and the " Standard" hold O'Brien, Davitt, and Labouchere responsible. The "Post" says the affair shows the necessity for the full application of the Crimes Act to pre vent such meetings in future. In the House of Commons on the 10th, Sexton appealed to the Government to justify, if they could, the " murderous affair" at Michelstown, and asked "who ordered the firing?" Balfour said that Sexton's account of the affair was not con sistent with the Government's information. He asserted that Condon shouted to the people to close up against the police, and that was the signal for a wanton and brutal attack on the officers, utterly unprovoked. The responsibility, he said, rested with the band of politicians calling themselves leaders of the Irish people, who spoke of Government reporters as " spies." If these persons, instead of talking about constitu tional agitation, had exercised their in fluence to keep the people within the law, the country would not have to deplore these scenes. Sir Edwaid Reed warned the Government that English elec tors would resent any interference with a public meeting. The people of Great Britain would not allow their fellow-subjects in Great Britain to be treated in this manner.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c,, To-night. Abbott's Opera House—" Rory O'More," 8. St. Matthew's Church—Recital of Sacred Music, 8. Freemasons' Hall—Fancy Dress Ball, 8. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Scarborough-street Schoolroom — Entertain* ment. 8. Newtcn Congregational Sunday Schoolroom- Concert, 7.50, Council Chambers, Devonport—Meeting re Fire Brigade, 8,

It ota of Justices at Police Court.

October 14—Messrs J. Gilmour and J. Gordon.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11. Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards—Horses, &c.

W. J. Dowden—Weekly Poultry and Produce Sale, 11. S. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture and Effects, 11. Paget and Ralston—Poultry, Produce, Furni ture, 10.30. K. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, &c, 11. J. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture, &c, 11, A. Aitken—Poultry, Produce, &c, 12. T. M. Jackson—Furniture. Books, &c, 11. G, W. Binney Produce, &c, 11, B. Tonks and Co,—Merchandise, Fruit, &c, 111 Pakuranga Hunt Club Privileges, Land, 12. F. J, Jonea— Wrapery, Clothing Boots, &c, 11,

Continued on Page Eight.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1887,

5



The following weights were issued last night for the A.R.C. Spring Meeting :— Prince of Wales' Handicap, 1J mile. st.lb. st. lb Necklace ... 9 6 Snake ... 7 0 Fusillade ... 8 13 Antelope ... 6 12 Cinderella ... 8 12 Bulista ... 6 10 Friendship ... 8 11 Buzzard ... 6 8 Turquoise ... 8 7, Bntarmia ... 6 7 Lady Norah... 8 6 Sir Walter ... 6 7 Clogs 8 0 Paddy ... 6 7 Wamti . . 7 13 Fusee ... 6 5 vS$L - 7 11 Mte Alice ... 6 5 British Lion... 7 10 Gipsy ... 6 5 Tamora ... 7 9 Cannon ... 6 0 Carbineer ... 7 5 Toron ... 6 0 Formo ... 7 2 Leorma ... 6 0

Hurdle Rack, 2 milee.

st lb. sfc - lb Revenge ,.. 9 M