. ffle etins of the Grocers' ■iffie flnn „ held last evening. There Abidance of members of tlie £*>; Sf U Mr K. Wootton; com- Kclbo, Clarke, S^ Me and French. Votes ot con- P»2 tO -' their affliction were accorded S" O9 'rhSerlain and Tattersal. The of Christmas >ti<"> rf JJ re -nffirmed. It was .J»? ( w Sa grocers' picnic during the *« m ° 3t ""T^ 0 " 3 m^ 61,, i nJpther the most satisfactory i ffaS o ffSyctl-Wi- Auckland ceeW . ,i v to the depressed state is pretty keen in rf boS "He Road- One trad esman fifl P dea of getting Star Extras *"& with his name in large letters, printed. t» h s j, amp ooins, shaving, and like winning horses jjir^ttiDf-j. g n j tural i y attracted atten- last Saturday copies of the * i plentifully distributed through tff Tjter in the evening the pro .Ji* rton ',th P establishment passed along and was astonished to find that Hn the trade had also struck the , nval i" c j osel , examination of the 0 ffever disclosed that his rival had rffl, \»' j,j nl ; lor his own extras SSy appropriated, the name l» 77 n d the two pieces gummed to tZUm on the window, thus getting a r ''ad "at his expense. Tho origin of the idea weut home a sad man. "iMhe various Gospel Temperance meet ,!]d h A last Sunday evening, the *w for united prayer nb the "Con of the Women's Christian "" «m Union was specially referred til suitable addresses were given by Mrs fl who dealt with the work of the ffiS a* d Mr C - , Hemei T- lh iL Wood presided. The service was R£fi The service held in the vlnarkeb Hall had a gooa audience. SSe presided. Mr R French re- JLjto the early history of the Women's Etian Temperance Union, and the great jUheyhad, by God's blessing, effected. Preference was also made to some of relent temperance work done in L Britain by our sisters. Mr Abel lanearnest evangelistic address. Tiedosino- meeting of the second session ih% John's Musical and Literary Utywas held on Monday evening, Rev. ifaßin the chair. A specially interest- Lrogramrae was provided, which was fwlowa:— Piano duet, Mrs Prime and feGoodacre; song, " Napolitan," Mr Wme■ recitation, " selection from Henry m l, ' (encored), Mr Alex. Smith ; Jsong 'SOW Bells," Mw Bottany ; violin j. "The Harp that once thro' Tara's jits' (encored), Mr Davis : recitation, •He Alarm," Mr Hall; song, " The uicr Land," Mrs Johnson ; recitation, Uβßevenge" (from Tennyson), Mr T. LWhite; vocal duet, "The Flower ijaen," Mesdaraes Johnston and atjsong, " The Queen of the Earth," Mr $>; recitation, " The Dying Actress." Jr&nitli; song, " The Snow that Husheth jl'HiasMain; Scotch reading, '"The feidi School Board," Mr Russell. Tho Insirer's report was read, and showed fitter all liabilities were met there re aiieJ a balance of £1 Is, which was lied to the Wesleyan Home Mission ii Daring the interval, a liberal sup bi fruit was handed round. In hie jig' remarks, the President heartily Wall who had helped to make the akjEo enjoyable.

ILLEGED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

'fetiujkirir.—i'REss association. )

Wellington-, this day. toraxe-HOCSE keeper named Hull re- been reported to the faM having attempted to suffocate etch charcoal fumes yesterday. His fensiiaDrod for £900.

INCITING TO ARSON.

faIareBAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchurcii, this day. Christian Sommers was yester_ *F«mmittea for trial on the charge of Parley to set fire to hi s shop and stock at Timaru on j». Farley took over the business JMnroeiS in June, 1886. Sommers ™«y, and the stock was insured JW Farley stated that Sommers rented that he would do well the place, as the business i&* , ul ' He received goods iiS? tinie t0 time fco carr y

DIRT AND DISEASE.

PAP ®TS CENSURED FOR . NEGLECT.;

ASSOCIATION)

i- WeUjIXGTON > this da y- J« was held yesterday on the ■ J Aild Be?en months old, named who died on fo* ekin disease. Dr. Cole, »te? Ce '. Baid that 22 "S i DeVer i Been BUch terrible .•ores mrf M ck be >"g one mass portions of the 2* X sected5 ected - Dr - Collins suited from f of i he Parents in not th e child, andkeep- ence was also called ptS; <7 the dan gerous and , Tlle J l "-yi-eturned n hfrom nafcural causes," h>^ ensuring the parents for

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, AUCKLAND.

TO VISIT IT. | eajA nj-OWH REPORTER.) i SjV, ,! this day. J , *** Cklam3se t apart for Uni. f atall event «- Next reßidetherefor (3 m , he ses sions close 6 , " take U P his residence

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[r.Y TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Wkmjxgtox, this day

The Protectionist Movo. Thr protectionist move has caused a great deal of uneasiness on the Ministerial side of the House, and the general opinion is that a trial of strength will take place. There is, however, no doubt that the action of the Premier in treating the matter as a party question will have the effect of carry. ing the Government through successfully. ■Uie substitution of Colonel Eraser's and Mr UacJman's names for those of Messrs Thomp son and Ooldie is easily explained. The latter gentlemen were disappointed that tho question was not taken up this session, but the promise that it should be exhaustively de <«b with by the Government in April next Tii fchem to an extent. With other Auckland protectionists who are also Go vernment supporters, they considered that by refusing to accept this promise they would be merely assisting Sir J. Vogel back to power, and this they were determined not to do. It seems that the protectionists among the Government party are chiefly Aucklanders, and thoy are considered to be true in allegiance to Atkinson. Ministerial Residences. It might appear at first glance that th e pale of the Ministerial residences is a small : item in the retrenchment scheme. Some information gleaned by Mr Goldie, however, places a different complexion on the matter. It appears that the cost of the furniture of Sir J. Vogel's residence for 1884 to 1886 was i.1,000, and repairs and maintenance of building for same period £558. Hon. Mr Richardson's residence for same period was £570 ; Mr Tole's for one year, ended 1386, was £495 ; Sir R. Stout's for same period, £341. This means a total under these heads of £2,408 for furniture, fittings, and repairs, in addition to which there are the services of men from the Public Works Department, Botanical Gardens, &c. Mr Goldie is now moving for a further return to the present year. Tapu Homestead Selectors. Mr Cadman has effected a settlement of the Tapu homestead selectors' difficulty. ■The Minister of Lands has written to him stating that on the Government being in formed by the County Councils of Thames and Coromandel that they agree to titles being granted, they will be at once issued. Coromandel Schools of Mines. I stated last week that application had been made to Government for allotments at Coromandel for the School of Mines. The Minister of Mines has now written to Mr Cadman, stating that the School of Mines can have the use of the land applied for until the land is required by the Go vernment. Protectionists at Worlr, The Protection meeting called for this morning was only moderately attended and it was decided to adjourn till 1.30. Secrecy is being observed as to their intended action but the information which ' sent to you on Saturday (that in view of the Premier's reply to the deputation a hostile amendment might be considered inevitable) may be regarded as correct. Mr Moss will probably be requested to move in that direction. Railway Construction. I have authority for saying that if tho loan proposals of the Government are accepted, the sum of £120,000 will be placed on the Public Works estimates fpr the completion of the Manawatu Gorge line, and £110,000 for the purpose of carrying the Otago Central line to Middle-March. Ministers feel strongly that these works should be bracketed together as of equal and pressing importance. The Policeman's Lot. About a fortnight ago, Mr Taylor interviewed the Minister for Justice, and urged on him the desirableness of grant ing to policemen, when absent on leave, special facilities for travelling on railways, as during holiday times, when cheap fares were granted, these men were engaged in the discharge of their duty. He there fore suggested that when members of the police force got holidays they should be allowed, with their families, to enjoy the same privileges as ordinary citizens have on festive occasions. Mr Fergus has re plied to the member for Sydenham that arrangements will be made with the Public Works Department in favour of the police in the direction indicated by him, provided that it be ascertained on inquiry that police are debarred by their duties from taking advantage of the benefits incident to public holidays. Wl Tako's Funeral. In order that natives from all parts of the colony may be represented, Wi Tako's funeral has been postponed till Sunday next. He will bo accorded military burial owing to his service in the' Maori war. The Midland Railway. The new clause in the Midland Railway contract enables the Company to take land up to £1,250,000 value within the pre scribed area. Tho Hare System. MY Peacock gave notice to-day of his bill on the Hare system of polline-.

FIRE AT DUNEDIN.

(EY TELEGEAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. A riKE broke out yesterday afternoon in the premises of Sainsbury and Ellison, chemists. The fire originated somewhere on the ground iloor, but the cause is a mystery- The was considerably damaged, but the portion in the upper story° only suffered to a minor extent through water. The fire was burning for three-quarters of an hour. Insurance, £2,500 in the Standard, re-insured to £750. .

ILLNESS OF THE HON JAMES WILLIAMSON.

In- consequence of a telegram received from Mr Tolhurst, manager of the Bank of New- Zealand, Wellington, Mr Thomas William son left yesterday by the Gairloch in orde* to meet his father, the Hon. James William son, who, it is anticipated, is now on his way to Auckland, having recovered a little from the attack of illness with which he was overtaken. If, when Mr Williamson arrivesatTaranaki, hefinds that his father has started, he will wait there for him. If, how ever he learnsthathis father has been unable to proceed, Mr Williamson will go right, forward to Wellington. It appears that for lime years past the Hon. Mr William son has been subject occasionally to symp toms of affection of the heart. During his visit to the Old Country Mr Williamson consulted Sir Andrew Clarke the celebrated r>hvsician, Dr. Haines, of this city, being also present at the interview. After a care- Siamination.Sir A. Clarke saulthatthose disagreeable symptoms were the result, of functional derangeirent, but that so far there was no immediate cause for nlarm. Sinct his return to this colony Mr TV illiam son has been attended by Dr. Phi son and Dr. Haines MrJamesPhilson,ason-in-lawof Mr wXmson, received a telegram this mornfn" from Wellington, stating that Si Grace reports that the Hon. James Williamson is a little better. It is evident from this that Mr Williamson has not yet left Wellington.

SPORTING NEWS.

The sale of racehorses advertised to be held on Thursday next at Mr E. Kelly's stables has been postponed until next month. The time for receiving nominations for the Auckland Guineas (1889) has been ex tended to Monday next, owing to the post ponement of the second day's racing of the Auckland Racing Club. (BY telegraph.—own correspondent.) C.J.©. Summer Meeting. CiiKiSTCHURCii, Monday. The following nominations have been re ceived for the Canterbury Jockey Club Midsummer Handicap :—Fair Nell, Sultan, Artillery, Titbit, St. Clair, St. Ives, Mo koia, Maxim, Loehiel, Beresford, Enid, Russley, Regina, Hermitage, Torrent, Snap shot, Ruby, Springston, Cruchfield. The Welcome Stakes nominations will not be published until the entries made with the other metropolitan clubs are re ceived. Sale of Blood Stock. Hermitage was sold by auction to-day to Messrs M. and C. Hobbs for 200 guineas, and Bronte, half brother to Nelson, to Mr \v. Y. Dennett for 120 guineas.

The Hon. W. Robinson in Melbourne.

HE APOLOGISES TO A JOCKEY.

On the last day of the V.R.C. Spring Meeting, the Hon. \V. Robinson, the well known Nc%v Zealand sportsman, was called befoie the stewards for an explanation of Ins declining to allow tho well-known horse man, M. O'Brien, to ride Silver Prince in the Melbourne Cup after having engaged him to do so. O'Brien, it may be men tioned, had, witli considerable difficulty, wasted to ride 7st 31b, which is less than he has ever sealed since he rode his first race many years ago. Not only was he very much annoyed at having taken this trouble for nothing, and finding himself at the last moment a spectator of the Cup race, but he naturally felt, that the circumstance might be considered as a reflection upon his integrity, which was not to be com pensated by Mr Robinpon's offer to lay him £500 to nothing against the horse, and therefore O'Brien re quested the stewards to ask Mr Robinson his reason for breaking the engagement. Mr Robinson's explanation before tho stewards was that as Silver Prince ran so badly in Gallagher's hands in the Mel bourne Stakes he came to the conclusion that the horse would do moio for tho boy to whom he was accustomed than for a stranger, and for that reason alone he Had clctcrmiTied upon the course of which O'Brien coin plained. Mr Robinson further stated that lie had perfect confidence in O'Brien, and now that the Cup race was over, only re grettcd that he had not let him ride the horse.

The .ITon. W. Robinson's team of race horses were submitted to auction in Mel bourne at the conclusion of the V.R.C. •Spring .Meeting. Silver Prince, the Auck land-bred son of An torus and Sylvia, was knocked down to the Hon. W. Pearson tor 1,150 guineas, aftera lot of spirited bidding, and Mr f>. Jl. Head became tho owner of Thunderbolt at 500 guineas. Disowned was knocked down to Mr C. L. Macdonald for 315 guineas. Nordenfeldt's brother En filade was passed in.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

The Gold Discovery at Watheke.

With reference to the discovery of gold at Waiheke Island referred to by us last night, we learn that the tests were made at Messrs Fraser and Son's plant. Mr George Fraser, junior, had been down at Waiheke on pleasure a-nd brought up some quantity with him. One piece gave a re turn equal to £9 per ton, but in other tests the result showed merely a trace of gold and a few-pennyweighta of silver per ton. Arrangements have been made for further tests from tho island at the point nearest Coromandcl.

Thames, this day. Cambria.—lftlbs of picked stone were ob tamed to-day from the fifth stope on No. 1 leader.

Heavy Fresh.

DAMAGE TO WATER RACE.

Paeroa, this day. The heavy rain which fell here on Satur day night caused a fresh in the Waitewheta River, which made a breach through the dam from whence the water supply is ob tained for driving Railey's mill at Piaranga hake. Tre break is about 20ft in length, and it is estimated that the cost of repairing the damage will amount to about i'so.

RADICAL REFORM LEAGUE.

A SPKCIAL meeting of the nbove League took place last night, Dr. Beale presiding. Resolutions were passed as follows: —(1) Sincerely trusting that every Liberal in our Parliament would heartily support Mr Joyce's Shop Hours Bill; (2) regretting that notice has been given to introduce a Bill t 0 repeal the Triennial Parliaments Act of 1870 (3) instructing the Secretary that neithe notices of motion nor business of the En fit gency Committee be furnished to the p; ftss for publication ; (4) that a manifesto o, published explaining the Leagues views on land tax, also clearly setting iorth the justice and desirability of such a tax being enforced : (5) appointing Dr. Beale, Messrs Dufl'us, J nelson, Williams, Farnall, Hollo way, and Greenwood a committee to considerandreportuponabove resolution: ((j) endorsing the action of Sir George Grey in bringing forward the motion for an elective Governor for the colony The most important resolution was as follows :— " That as it is the evident intention of the Government to limit the work of the session to carrying out their retrenchment policy only, thie League is of opinion that such a course of action under the existing circumstances of the colony is extremely unsatisfactory. That it behoves the House to at once take the disastrous state of this colony into its moat serious consideration, and to devise means whereby the great dis tress now prevailing in all branches of labour and industry may be alleviated. That re trenchment alone,witho.ut other measures of reform, is calculated to intensify rather than relieve the present trade depression, and that the House should continue in ses sion until the following measures, to which so many members are pledged, have become law, viz.:—The substitution of land and income taxes for _ the pro perty tax, and a re - adjustment of the tariff", whereby Customs duties should be removed altogether from those neces saries of life which cannot be profitably pro duced in the colony, and should be imposed only on actual luxuries and on those articles of commerce which can with profit to the community be locally manufactured."

Mr W. Redgata bega to acknow ledge the receipt through Mr G. K. Brassey of tho sum of £1C 10s 6d donated as assistance to him and his family in their late illness, together with a list of subscribers, and begs furthor to thank the donors for their great kindness for such assistance.

CABLEGRAMS.

(£Y KLEOTRIO TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.)

THE LONDON RIOTS.

MONSTER MEETING DISPERSED.

DESPERATE ENCOUNTERS.

FOUR HUNDRED PERSONS

ARRESTED

TWO CONSTABLES STABBED.

(REUTER.)

London, November 13.

Four hundred persons have been ar. rested for participating in the disturb ances to-day, among them being Mr Robert Graham, M.P. for North-west Lanarkshire. A great number of rioters were seriously injured, no less than 75 being admitted to the hos pitals. Various processions were in terrupted by the police before reach ing Trafalgar Square, and were only dispersed after extreme measures had been resorted to. The chief conflict occurred close to the Houses of Parlia ment, where the police encountered a mob of some thousand South Lon doneis, in dispersing which two con stables were stabbed. The police every where were victorious in the collisions with the rioters, though the contests were of a most stubborn character.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Londox, November 14.

At tho meeting in Trafalgar Square yesterdaj', there were present some thirty thousand persons, mostly re spectable spectators. The Square was encircled by several thousand police, and a strong force of the Horse and Foot Guards, who appeared with fixed bayonets. A magistrate, who was iv attendance, addressed the crowd and read the Riot Act.

A collision occurred at Shaftesbury Avenue with ten thousand Clerkenwell roughs, headed by Mrs Besant and Mr W. Morris. A severe fight resulted, the mob making severe onslaughts with sticks, but finally they were dis persed. A second collision took place with another procession iv tho Strand, and sticks and stones were freoly used. There were incessant skirmishes in the vicinity of the Square, but the mounted police insisted on tho crowd moving Batons were freely used; but the polico acted with admirable modera tion.

Mi- R. Cunningham Graham, M.P. Lanarkshire, and Burns, the Socialist, wero arrested for inciting tho crowd. Mrs Besant invited arrest, but tho police refused to take her. The worst conflict was near the Houses of Parliament, with the Lambeth pro cession.

London, November 14.

Desperate conflicts occurred in the Haymarket and Strand between the mob and the j>olice, wherein a consider able number of the latter were injured, but after a severe struggle they triumphed and the rioters were dis persed. The Radical leaders and newspapers declare that the demon strations -will be repeated next Sunday.

THE LONDON RIOTS.

LATER

A RIOTER BAYONETTED.

The daily newspapers commend the police for their moderation in dealing with the crowds of people, many o* whom were armed with bars of iron'

knives, pokers and gas pipes. The wounds received by numbers of the mob are stated to be less severe than those sustained by the constables. One rioter was, however, bayonetfced. The soldiers were cheered by the crowd. Th'vra were 5,000 police con s ables engtge in preserving order and disperse . t . the crowd. Only fifty ©f the rioters now remain in gaol, the i-'.-:t having; been set at liberty.

ALARM IN AUSTRIA.

RUSSIAN ARMY ON THE

FRONTIER.

[special to tekss association.]

London, November 14. The arrival of a division of Russian cavalry at Lublin has caused consider able alarm on the Austrian frontier.

AYOUB KHAN'S SURRENDER.

(SPECIAL.)

London, November 14.

It has transpired that Ayoub Khan's reason for surrendering to the British was that he was angry with Russia be cause the latter Power had not sup plied him with troops and army to carry on the rebellion in Afghanistan.

THE SHEARERS' DISPUTE.

[reuter.]

Melbourne, this day.

No fresh development of the dispute between the shearers and squatters has occurred lately. At some stations non - Unionist shearers are working without molestation.

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

The Bank of France has refused to sell gold for export to Germany afc any price.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

TWO MEN CRUSHED TO DEATH.

(reuter's telegram.)

Sydney, November 14. A tunnel collapsed on the Cairns Railway. Two men at work were killed on the spot, and two others sus" tamed serious injuries.

FERRY STEAMBOAT RACING.

THE VICTORIA. AND EAGLE

EPISODE.

COMPLAINTS TO HARBOUR BOARD,

CAPTAIN BURGESS THINKS MATTERS TOO SERIOUS TO BE PASSED OVER.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board this afternoon the following correspondence re ferry steamer matters and especially with respect to the sensational escape from collision on the 9th inst. was submitted :— Devonport Steam Ferry Company, Queen street Wharf. November 15th, 1887. To the Chairman and members of the Auck' land Harbour Board.

Gentlemen, —I am directed to thank your Board for their decision respecting my letter of November Ist re the Eagle not being run according to the timetable adver tised and appoved by your Board, and also to draw your attention to the fact that on the 9th of November last the Eagle missed several trips altogether, running to St. Holier s Bay. Taking for granted that the decision of your Board would be en forced, I advertised that one of my Com pany's steamers would run throughout the day to St. Helier's, the last trip to be from there at six o'clock, although the Eagle was adver tised to leave the same place at the same time. But to my surprise 1 found that though your Board had neither granted permission so to do, nor permitted a suspension of their ferry tinie table the Eagle was taken off the ferry service and run to St. Helier's. The outcome of this was that the two steamers—the Victoria and Eagle— ! left fSt. Holler's wharf close upon one ' another, and through the fault of one of the captains a collision nearly occuiTed which has caused a very great deal of unfavourable comment, and has a tendency to causo the public to bo fearful of travelling on such excursions, and which also causes the directors and myself to feel a responsibility and want of confidence which has not previously existed. As it has been notified by the press that an inquiry in respect to tho above is to take place, J refrain from making any reference as to which boat was in fault. Tho direc tors urge an inquiry into this matter, who ever is to blame, for, as far as our Com pany is concerned, eacli of the captains lias had written and verbla instructions to take every precaution to avoid collision with the Eagle, and if our captain has been to blame ho must tako the consequences of his actions. It is utterly impossible for me to satisfactorily manage my Company's traffic if the opposition ferry boats run where and when they please, without the sanction, and in fact, in direct opposition to your Board's instructions and decisions. The Uevonport Ferry Company have carried hundreds of thousands of people during tho past six years on the ferry and excursion traffic,and, during the whole of that time there has been no casualty of any kind; while, since tho opposition has started, there seems to be no safety because they seem to do as they please. The timetable of my Company was strictly adhered to on the 9th of November, as it always is. 1 trust, therefore, your Board will cause an inquiry to be held in respect to the matter of the Eagle and Victoria on the 9th inst.,antl that your Board will carry out the decision you were pleased to arrive at at your last meeting as per your favour of November 2nd, Nd. B 8 322.—1 remain, etc., Alex. Alison, Jlanager D.S.F. Co.

Auckland, November 10th, 1887. To the Secretary of the Harbour Board, Auckland.

Sir, —We wish to bring under the notice of your Board the reckless and disgraceful conduct of the persons in charge of the ferry steamers Victoria and Eagle on the 6 p.m. trip of these steamers returning from St. Helier's Bay yesterday. Both steamers left the wharf about the same time. The Victoria, on which we were passengers, having the start, was crowded—in fact packed with passengers. When once fairly started it was evident that we were to be treated to a steamboat, race and through the racing tactics of one or both of the captains a collision was barely avoided. The danger appeared so imminent that a number of the ladies on board the Victoria fainted, and in fact we all thought it was bound to be a case of smash. This kind of sport was kept up for a considerable time, and the strain was so intense on numbers of the more nervous passengers that it will be long before they get the' better of their excur sion. We now most respectfully ask that the Harbour Board will cause an inquiry to be made in respect to our complaint, and a salutary lesson given to the offending party or parties, for unless an immediate stop is put to this disgraceful and danger ous practice a big wail will be heard in Auckland one of these days.—We are, etc., P. Austin. John Thompson.

Appended to this letter was the following memo, from the Secretary : "Keferred to Harbour-master for inquiry and report. I understand the Deputy Harbour-master was on board the Eagle when the matters complained of took place. — J. M. Brigham."

This was followed by another memo, as follows: —"I have already made inquiry and think the matter too serious to be passed over. Captain Fisher, who was a passenger on board the Eagle, fully corro borates what is stated in this letter. — I. J. Burgess. November 10th, 1887."

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. The first section of the Midland Railway from Brunnerton to Kokiri station, near Lake Brunner, eight miles in length, i s ready for traffic, and the manager has applied to have it formally inspected by the Government.

The first meeting of Henry William Francis's creditors lapsed to-day for want of a quorum.

Captain Edwin advises : — Wellington, 1.15 p.m. —West to south and south-east gale and rain. Glass rise soon, and much colder weather.

Remedy foe Hard Times.—Stop spend ing so much on fine clothes, rich food, and style. But good food, cheaper and better clothing, ana stop the habit of using expensive or quack doctors, or humbug medicine that does you only harm, but put your trust in the greatest of all simple, pure remedies, American Co.'s Hop Bit ters, that cure always at a trifling cost, and you will see better times and good health. Bead,

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(Per s.s. Wairaeafa.)

Beach and Hanlan

William Bjeacii is still in active training on the Nepean, rowing over the whole

course once or twice every day. The weather has been intensely hot at Penrith during the past week, but this circumstance has nob affected the champion's health in theslightest degree. Beach is being trained by Peter Kemp, who is regarded as the coming champion of Australia, if not of the. world. Edward Hanlan, who is doing steady work on the Parramatta River, will take up his quarters on the banks of the Nepean on Saturday next. The Canadian is in fairly good health, and by many of his admirers it is thought that he will row a sjplendid race on the 26th instant.

The anniversary regatta, which is held on the 26th of January in each year, will next year be an event of more than usual im portance, the Government of the colony having offered a large sum of money in order to provide attractive prizes for yacht ing and rowing contests. The meeting will be called the Centennial Regatta. An in fluential committee has been formed in order to make suitable arrangements for carrying out this great aquatic festival with success.

Roman Catholic Celebration.

The authorities of the Roman Catholic Church in Sydney, we understand, intend marking the celebration of the centenary of the colony by a number of ceremonies and commemorations, the principal of which will be a general assembly, with imposing service, of all Roman Catholic prelates of the Australian colonies. It is proposed to have a series of public services similar in character to those of the Triduum, which was held at the opening of St. Mary's a few years ago, and in which all the " pomp and pageantry " of the Church's ritual will be employed to produce the most brilliant effect possible. In connection with these services addresses reviewing the progress of religion in Australia since the days of the first missionaries are to be delivered by Cardinal Moran, Archbishop Carr, of Melbourne; Archbishop Redwood, of Wellington, New Zealand ; and Arch bishop Reynolds, of Adelaide. Five archbishops arid 17 bishops will probably assist at the celebration ; and while the prelates are in Sydney it is proposed to nave several public gatherings—one in con nection with the commencement of the contract for the completion of St. Mary's Cathedral, which is intended as a centennial memorial; another in connection with the completion of St. Patrick's Ecclesiastical Seminary at Manly.

Welcome to "Major" Barrett.

A hearty reception was accorded by the officers and members of the Salvation Army to " Major" Barrett, on his arrival from New Zealand to establish his head-quarters in Sydney. After a torchlight procession, which attracted a large following, in spite of the wet weather, a large meeting as sembled in the barracks in Gonlburn-street. " Colonel " Pollard having opened the meeting, Mrs Barrett addressed the meet ing at considerable length, and her husband followed with an address which was at tentively listened to by a large and orderly audience.

Centennial Celebration in New South Wales.

The Premier has submitted his Centennial proposals, and they have been favourably received by members of both sides of the House and passed. They are as follows : — " 1. That a grand intercolonial banquet be given, to which State invitations shall be issued in the name of the colony— (a) From his Excellency the Governor to the Governors of the other .Aus tralasian colonies ; (b) from the advisers of the Crown in this colony to the Ministers of the other colonies ; (c) from the President of the Council and the Speaker of the Assembly, on behalf of the two Houses of Parliament of this colony, to the Parlia ments of the other colonies. Such other persons of distinction residing in the colonies; or who may be visiting the colonies, to be also specially invited. 2. That the Agricultural Society of New South Wales be aided to the amount of £7,000 to enable them to hold a grand Inter colonial Exhibition of live stock, pastoral, agricultural and horticultural produce, in cluding botanical and floral productions, and of manufactures in metals, timbers, fibres, stone and clay, confined to the pro ducts of Australasia. 3. That steps be taken to render the usual Regatta more of an intercolonial character, and that a Challenge Cup, of the value of 500 guineas, to be called ' The Hundred Years Cup,' together with £300 in prizes, be given in the name of Parliament. 4. That new postage stamps be issued, commemorative of the centennial of the colony." These proposals, however, ac cording to the Premier, do not by any means exhaust the Government programme, and it is probable that the Ministers have not yet settled in their own minds all the details of their centennial plans. It has been suggested that the aborigines should not be forgotten ; that a military display of some sort should take place; and that literary and musical talent should be stimulated by the offer of prizes for a ceVitennial ode. These and other things, the Premier says, have been thought of, but he does nob express any liking for the ode. He prefers to offer a prize for an historical essay on the colony. The vote of £7,000 to the Agricultural Society on ac count of the intercolonial exhibition stands by itself, and the Premier confidently de clares that the cost of all the other proposals will not exceed £12,000.

Improvements in Circular Quay.

The Government have decided to carry out some important alterations at the Cir» cular Quay, with the view of providing in creased facilities and better accommodation for shipping. It is proposed to lengthen the wharf occupied by the Messageries Maritimes, which at present is 490 ft. long, by about 40ft., and to construct an entirely new wharf for the use of the P. and O. steamers. This wharf will be 540 ft. in length.

The Government have decided to erect new Law Courts on the site opposite St. Mary's Cathedral, at present occupied by the offices of the Colonial Architect.

Attempted Burglary and Murder.

A case of attempted burglary and murder occurred at 5 o'clock at Messrs Robinson's boot shop, 204, Bourke-street, Melbourne. The attention of Mr Robinson was at tracted by a man attempting to force an entrance into the shop, Mr Robinson and his son crept down and suddenly con fronted the burglar, who ran, pursued by the two men. The chase being hot, the burglar threw away his overcoat, which the elder Robinson stopped to pick up. Meanwhile the younger man was gain ing on the runaway. Finding young Robinson within a few paces of him, the burglar suddenly turned, and presented a revolver and fired, saying, "You don't come any further." Robinson, seeing the gleam of the weapon, jumped aside, and the burglar continued his flight down a lane close to Dods's bakehouse. Mr Dods and a workman hearing the shot ran out, but the burglar suddenly disappeared.

Baring , Robbery from a Melbourne Bank.

j A daring robbery took place from the 1 counter oftheE.,S., and A. C. Bank, in Collins-street West. A clerk of the Australian Mortgage, Land and Finance Company went to the bank at 11 o'clock to' cash a cheque for £435. A number of persona , were in the bank at the time. The young man received payment in notes, placing themin aleatherbag. Someone in thecrowd said something about a £l-note being on the floor. Everybody looked down, and the young man for a moment relaxing his hold of the bag, the thief quickly changed it for one exactly similar. No one saw the ex chance, which was so smartly effected thab the robber disappeared before the theft was discovered. The numbers of the notes are not known. The detectives are investi gating the matter, but no clue has yet been obtained. The clerk for years has been in the habit of drawing money on Saturday mornings, and he must have been carefully watched.

FATAL KEROSENE EXPLOSION.

A Woman and Child Burned

to Death

A frightful accident occurred at Newcastle at theresidence ofaman named Malcolm, ia Railway-street, shortly before 8 o'clock this morning , , resulting in a woman named. Katherine Malcolm, 44 years of age, and her infant child, aged four years being burned to death. At the time stated those residing in the vicinity were startled by hearing sounds of a vioient explosion proceeding from' Malcolm's residence, immediately followed by pitiful cries for hel[j. Volumes of smoke were also seen issuing from the rafters., Shortly after the interior of the build-: ing was observed to be in flames. | The front door of the house was forced 1 open, and a shocking sight presented itself l to the gaze of the spectators. Lying almost) in front of the door was Mrs Malcolm, in, j apparently, an unconscious condition, the front room and that adjoining being, full of smoke. The woman was quickly removed to the street, where she was found to be quite dead. Sounds as of a child crying being heard, search was m stituted, and, amidst the smoke, lying on, the floor, near where its mother had. fallen in her endeavours to escape, was a little child moaning piteously. The remains of the unfortunate woman were conveyed to the morgue, and the child was removed to the .Newcastle Hospital. Two othes children of the deceased, a little girl and boy, had a narrow escape. With the assistance of the neighbours and the members of the various lire brigades the fire was ex tinguished, but not before considerable damage had been done to the house and : contents. The little child lingered in', agony for four hours and then expired this afternoon.

Coroner Martin held an inquest this after- i noon on the remains of Mrs Malcolm. The j evidencejshowed that at the tiracof the occur- [ rence, Mrs Malcolm was putting a kettle on the fire, a tin of kerosene, half-full, with two small apertures at the top, standing 2ft away. By some means the flames from the fire reached the tin and an explosion followed. Almost immediately the woman and her infant child, who was playing under the table, were enveloped in ilames. The eldest daughter of the deceased, aged 11, who was coming down the stairs at the time observed her mother hastily pick up the, child and run to the front door. Seeing the. room on fire the girl rushed upstairs, and was ! rescued by a man named Hardy. Meanwhile her brother Sammy, who was playing in j the yard, hearing his mother's screams! opened the back door and rushed inside, j The draught caused by the opening of the . door gave impetus to the flames, which' spread rapidly, Seeing his mother and j little sister on fire the little fellow succeeded; in opening the front door, but as soon as he got outside it slammed to and' he heard a noise as of that of a fall. He endeavoured to push the door open from the outside, but being badly burnt and almost exhausted by the effects of smoke, he was unable to do so. His cries soon brought the neighbours to his

assistance, and two men; named Malone and Alderton, burst open • the door and afi the risk of their lives snatched the body of the unfortunate woman and her little one from the flames.

After hearing the medical evidence, the jury returned a verdict of death from burns accidentally received.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs H. Wilding and F. Battley,

. J.P.'s.) . Drunkenness.— One person was fined 5a and costs for a first offence.—Alo Berg was fined 10s or 48 hours for a second offence, and Andrew Williamson was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for habitual drunkenness.

Larceny.—William Elder was charged with drunkenness and with the larceny of a coat valued at 10s, the property of James Williams, on the 7th inst.—Prisoner pleaded guilty. He had recorded against him 18 previous convictions for durnkenness, 12 for larceny, and one for indecent exposure, and for the present offence he was ordered six months' imprisonment.

Larceny as a Bailee.—James Fowler was charged with larceny as a bailee of a handcarfc, valued at £4'los, the property of James Bevege, on the 20th inst.—James Bevege, storekeeper, of Cook-street, deposed that on the 7th October last he let the pri soner have a handcart on hire, at 3s 6d per week, and to be returned at the end of any week when required. Prisoner paid for one week, and subse quently both he and the truck disap peared. On October 22nd prisoner wrote stating that he would pay the amount due. Prisoner had no authority to dispose of the handcart. — Bernard Goldwater, pawn broker, Newton, deposed that on the 20th October last that prisoner pawned a hand cart for 13s.—Detective Hughes gave evi dence as to the recovery of the handcart, and arrest of the prisonei*, who was com mitted to stand his trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court.—Bail was allowed —self in £50 and two others of £25 each.

D. F. Evans will sell at his auction mart to-morrow, Wednesday, at noon, an un finished house and freehold allotment) 40 x 132, situated in Surrey-street. The house is built on brick foundation, and could i be finished for a small sum. This is a good [ chance for a working man, as the place will, be sold without reserve.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. Foresters' Hall, Newton-Christmas Tree and Sale of Fancy Work. Parnell Congregational Chruch — Kecognition Soiree, 6.15. Drill-shed—Auckland City Guards 6 30 Freemason's HaII—TJ.A.O.D. Ball, 8.

Rota, of Justices at Police Court.

November 16—The R.M. sits.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

T. M. Jackson—Household Furniture and • Effects, 11 ; S. Cochrane and Son—Wines, Spirits, &c, 11;,' . Property, &c, 12. D. F. Evans - Unfinished House, 12. G. W.Binney—Fruit, etc., 10.30. B. Tonka and Co.—Fruit, eta.. 11; Property, 12. T. M. Jackson—Household Furniture and Ef fects, 11. F. J. Jones—lronmongery, Cutlery, &c, 11,

EVENING NOVEMBER 15/188?,

5



jith and Caughey have received, ex [optic, a large shipinenfc of boys', iif and Wens clothing direct from prgest clothing factory in England, ptaen's strong tweed trouser? at 5s juir. A wonderful line of men's littweed stilts at 21s, stylishly made ii?llfinished. Their Geelong clothing ttileonly from them is, unsurpassed Wit, finish and durability. [Amu , .]