'VSSS™ «® TKIAL. before the Police remand, charged slain her infant ,it& bavl % c Baddeley, K.M., pre & Jlf

&« J "iTapier. counsel for the de" * attention to the fact that the *#*"* nailed ™ th P? ople * h ° had art *» cr °Tv outof morbid curiosity to C > dDier f It The atmosphere was Court should &■ \ {n said that had the applica- S WOrS St him at the beginning of £*St& tove bee , n gran icn ' heCo>i rtffo iher o f people were then Vatc^eVoeeeded. ** Hrt' Herbert's Evidence. Pet , Herbert, acting detective, de- i I the Sept. 27 last he attended tb fo° a ebo P dy of a female child which the prisoner was charged r also present at Took possession of the exhibited at the in j> f l ZSy at the Thistle Hotel 1* U t to a back bedroom in \m mt y; .Ltion of the hotel. De- Mrs Coyle were ofttß r ° o f bein /the mother of the any objection to being <i ill, b (lt l haye u nofc had , a - f P" i Jo<\ her the brown skirt pro r Kid accused if it was hers. r d that she had never seen it * t ? Swrched several boxes which the were hers, and inspected other 'h in the room and took possession of IS Court. Dr Tennenb was & ordered the removal of accused TflTnital Mrs Coyle stated in the »%. hearing that the accused had s&acertein man as the father of Spier objected to this evidence, as Sent was not made in the pre- L»of the accused. ruled it inadmwsable, and it "tSce"" continued : Witness took Zlo the Hospital and saw Dr. Lind % Lindsay asked her when the •iilwas bom, and accused said "On Lw" The doctor then left witness Cased. The latter asked, "Is the baby ■5? and witness replied " no." She said Lid like to see it before it was buried. Uα aid, " That skirt you showed me Viintiecellar. The baby was born on Ltobefore dark, and I put it where it am-" Accused also said, " I am the Ltfthechild/'or "The child is mine." La admitted to the Refuge, and wit gleft her at that institution. At that accused was not in custody. It Mr Napier: Will not swear that ■gtjyjDoolan had not arrested accused (witness) arrived at the hotel. ■jlioUoidonlytheportions of conversation prejudice the accused. Did not Sijsy questions to the accused at the RWaded the evidence, which was jfcmead by consent. ■ The Defence. fcapier then addressed the Court. He Kited that there was no case whatever HtMolia jury would be likely to con- I He submitted also that it was not jHfotaMp'e position to ait in a jndi fflapacity, and that he had also to ■w evidence. There being a judi- Bpter, it remained to be seen how BiVIM There was no evidence ■giif.WorsMp pointing to the crime ffliritttghto , . The case, as put forward liftwji, , waS a series of presumptions. ngj .first of all, that the child was \m,d which there was no proof, ins no evidence to show that id died from exposure or neg i Therefore, both the exposure and jti tWd be eliminated. The issfen had put forward a number of a,udkd put forward no reason as to iMlddied. It was not for the de- how the child died. There irts tittle of evidence to show that faience had been used towards the $, ffldtiedoctor was driven to the con atiatthe child died from hemorrhage H nature of the umbilical cord. aaedkal evidence in this case pointed Wtojthe.hypothesis that, if the child «i| it died from hem morhage. If a of neglect which caused totejlt he contended that she was not l *addgoflty of manslaughter. There •Beridence that the child was ;IM™j and in the absence of any ■W.niibee it was incumbent on WWertioa to show how the child died. §& 'VJaiso made reference to the ijr ■?'"!«« girl as to her condition in Mrs Coyle, and quoted ;:J^ t 'f' 1Wr iiigthat a large number of ■Kf r k° m natural causes hnme- BW. birth. Under these cir »r TO - SUblDitted that ifc WaS BZJ? p ' B duty to c ° mm:ifc X **M, There was no evidence of on the- Pare of the ac- that the child was Miatiut , Md that the inference ImT"?. EDt irely in favour of the ■Q™ ll f r e»ce could not be drawn. MtoS thev submitted, was that some ordinary natural

I Ranted for Trial. g*pSaid that in his opinion the r»I^ rta ! Dl y Buff 'cient to convict. i»R J" bt in his miad as to his CS r,and he w o"W read the ]4hi way. foSS*, I**"read1 **" read ° yer ' Mr , the sensed reserved ifiWd for a reduction in two sureties of % J^"!^ 110^: The accused i^each. w Bub stantial sureties

THE HORAN TESTIMONIAL.

'1 ASSOCIATION.) D "«iWK, Wednesday, ML « Rom an Catholic Bishop of fc^Jj?" l to - ni g hfc with ad- Timaru, South- % Valley Catholics, IVft °f Australia. With "e^^ftiM/ 48 P r «sented Arith a M?Wj%?Batoken of the es- The Bishop, in and gave a "I ***** visit to Australia.

SALE OF VESSELS.

:»^ S wl <* at his rooms to ■iJf I^veasel in the estate iKS^' I,irMtl,ro " Kl, - be Da WaS knocked Sri ; tho Sfcanle y> I WNfc dbS for £ 900 i Ml> *ws2*dmT c - The Hiinda HA Mb McKenaie

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A WELL-KK OWN RESIDENT CUTS HIS THROAT-

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES,

Mr Franz Kummkr, a- gentleman well known in business circles here, attempted suicide at the Governor Browne Hotel at an early hour this morning , by cutting hia throat with a razor. Mr Ku.mm.er came to the hotel ten days ago, and took possession of a bedroom upstairs. His lellow lodgers learned from him that he was a widower, and that he had three children, who were in a boarding-house further down Hobson-street. Mr Kurnmer frequently stated to Mr Houlihan, the landlord, that he was pressed for , money, and for a week past he had acted rather strangely at times. He complained that he was constantly troubled about various matters, and the fact that his three children were unprovided for appeared to cause him much uneasiness. Once he told Mr Houlihan that lie heard strange voices over hia head when he was walk ing about, but he never expressed any intention of ending his career in the terrible manner subsequently attempted. Mr Rummer sat in the billiard-room of the hotel for some time last evening. JTe read the newspapers, and, although he was ap parently in low spirits, nothing unusual was observed in his demeanour. He retired to his bedroom about 10 o'clock, when the hotel was closed. Mr Houlihan and Mr Campbell, a lodger, did not leave the sitting-room till about midnight, and Mr Campbell went to his bed in a room adjoining that occupied by Ml" Kuminer. He did not go to sleep till about 1 o'clock, and was then startled by a gurgling noise. He jjot up immediately, entered the room of a fellow-boarder, Mr Kerose, and found him awake. Both of them then went to Mr Kummer, and find ing the door locked, they buret itopen. They found the occupant lying on his bed un dressed, and with his throat cut, blood running from a very dangerous - looking wound. ■ A razor, which had evidently been used, being etained with blood, was on a dressing-table at the head of the bed. Mr Kummer was very weak. He was un able to speak, although he attempted to do so.. In the meantime, Mr Houli han, who had heard the door being burst open, appeared on the scene, and other occupants of the hotel were aroused. Mr Kummer was placed in as comfortable a position as possible, and messengers were despatched for medical assistance and the police. Drs. Evans and Hooper, and De tective Herbert and Constable Martin, were promptly in attendance, and after Mr Kummer's injuries were dressed he was re moved to the Hospital in a cab. This morning the patient was progressing favourably towards recovery, for, al though the razor had penetrated the windpipe, the latter was not severed, and the injuries are not expected to prove fatal. Mr Kummer formerly occupied a prominent position as the senior partner in the firm of Kummer and Co., wino and spirit merchants, of Fort-street.' Having become financially embarrassed, he has for some time past been a commercial traveller in the same line of business, and continued failure has, i 6 is believed, led to the perpetration of the rash act no*Y recorded.

THE ROBBERY AT PONSONBY.

At the Police Court this morning, before Mr H. C. Baddtley, R.M., Thomas. GUI, William Rogers, and Daniel Egan were charged with breaking and entering -the shop of Isaac Whale, Ponsonby, and stealing therefrom 17 packets of crackers, of the value of 2s 10d. Two of the boys were 12 years of age, and the other (Gill) 17 years old. Sergeant Pratt said that although tho charge was one of breaking and entering, the police would reduce it to one of larceny in consequence of the age of the boys. The prisoners pleaded guilty. Sergeant Pratt stated that the eldest of the boys had been committed to the Kohiinarama School for three years. He was taken out by a Pon- Bonby resident, and employed by him. Mr Egan stated that his boy had not committed any offence of the character before, and Mrs Rogers also spoke for her son. Sergeant Pratt said he believed that Rogers and Egan wero generally well behaved boys. Gill had been previously convicted, and was still under control of the School. The employer stated that he had taken Gill out of the School, and found him honest and truthful. Sergeant Pratt thought a fine would be sufficient in the other" cases, and did not advise whipping. Hie Worship said the full value of the crackers missing (9s 2d) would have to be paid by the parents. Ho was not goin? to encourage larrikinism by dismissing , with a caution, and in future cases heavy punish ment would be inflicted. Gill was ordered back to the Industrial School, and the two others were dismissed on payment of the amount of damage.

THE WAITOTARA ELECTION.

ALLEGED BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION.

STEPS TAKEN FOR MR HUTCHISON'S EJECTMENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH — OWN EEPOETER.)

Wellington, this day. The day before Parliament was formally opened by Commission (the sth inst.) I in formed you that it was Mr Bryce's inten tion to move to have his opponent in the Waitotara election unseated, on the orounds of personation and bribery. Ifc was further stated that strong evidence was likely to be forthcoming in the petitioners favour. The report some days later received an emphatic and apparently authoritative contradiction from WanganuL It tran spires that Mr Bryce has now moved m the direction indicated. My information was disclosed prematurely, and the matter has been merely hung up till the late member was satisfied that his evidence was sufficient to enable him to have the election declared void.

(BY TELEGKAPII—FRE&S ASSOCIATION.)

Wa'SOASTJI, Wednesday. Mb Bryce, it ia said, has satisfied himself that he has a strong case against Mr Hutchison for corrupt and illegal practices at the late election, and has determined to present a petition to have the election declared void. The petition will be pre sented on Friday morning. If fresh election will be necessary, as Mr Bryce will not claim the seat. Mr Fitz gerald Crown Prosecutor-here, and Mr H. Bell, of Wellington, have been retained in Mr Bryce's interest.

TARANAKI HOSPITAL.

(BY TELEGRAriI.— PRESS ASSOCIATION)

New Plymouth, this day. The new Hospital was opened yesterday afternoon by Mr Samuel, M.fl.R. There is an exhibition being held in the build ing, and gaiotxea will be kepfc up for three days.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

HALF-YEAELY MEETING.

PROFIT OF £26,511 16s 110 CARRIED

TO RESERVE FUND.

NO DIVIDEND DECLARED.

The 52nd half-yearly meeting of the pro. prietora of the above institution was opened at noon to-day in the chief banking-house, Queen street. Dr. Campbell (President) occupied the chair, and about 30 share holders were present. The general manager (Mr D. L. Mur doch) preiented the following report and bal lance-sheet: In submitting the following report of the operations of the half-year, the directors regret that the result does not admit of declara tion of a dividend. The net profit for the half-year ended 30th September, after ap propriation for bad debts, amounts to £26,511 16s lid, to which has to be added balance from half-year ended 31st March, 1887, £14,594 11s 3d, giving an available total of £41,106 B.s 2d, which it is proposed to appropriate as follows :—to Bad and Doubtful Debts Contingency Account, ±'05,000 ; to balance carried to I'rolit arid Loss New Account, £6,106 8s 2d; total, £41,106 8s 2d.

Dr. : Liabilities. — Capital paid - up, £1,000,000 ; Reserve Fund, £500,000 ; notes in circulation, £514,740 ; bills payable iv circulation, £1.230,765 6s 2d; deposits and other liabilities, £11,976,643 18s 5d ; balance of profit and loss, £41,106 8s 2d ; total, £15,263,255 12s 9d.

Cγ. : Assets—Coin and cash balances at bankers, £2.529,879 19s 4d ; money on short call in London, £783,400 ; bullion on hand and in transit, £113,282 12s 6d : Govern ment securiiien, £24,645 2s 6d ; bills receiv able and securities in London, £902,552 8s Id ; bills discounted, and other debts due to the Bank, £10,562,322 17*5 Id ; landed property, bank premises, &c., £347,172 13s od : Total, £15,263,255 12e 9d.

Profit and Loss Account.—To Bad and Doubtful Debt Contingency Account, £35,000; to balance carried to Profit and Loss New Account, £6,106 8s 2d : Total, £41,106 8s 2d. By balance from half-year ended 31st March, 1887, £14,594 lla 3d ; by net profit for half-year ended 30th September, 1887, £26,511 His lid : Total, £41,106 8s 2d.

Reservk Fuse—To balance, £500,000. By Balance from last half-year, less amount then written off, £500,000.

The President, in moving' the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said: — " Gentlemen, —Your directors regret that for the first time in the history ot the Bank they do not feel warranted in recommend ing the declaration of a dividend. The novelty of this circumstance will certainly not make the fact less disappointing aud unpalatable to the shareholders. I need not tell you that for some years past, owing mainly to the persistent fall in values of nearly all our colonial products, we have had to contend with a state of commercial and industrial depression of general pre valence, and intensified in this colony as being the sequel to a period which wo now are forced to look bach upon as iuiiated. That we have suffered horn tins depression is the inevitable result of our extended business and commitments, which were in fact the basis of our previous prosperity. But we can now see that it would have been better if we had not carried so great a breadth of canvas. Wo have all along hoped that in tho ordinary cycle of com mercial changes, a reaction would before now have set in ; but we can no longer con ceal from ourselves that there are indica tions leading to the conclusion that a per manently lower range of values is a condi tion which- mutt be faced and provided for. And, although it would be absurd to sup pose that the colony will not again, and probably at an early date enjoy, renewed prosperity, from which our institutions must inevitably benefit, wo nevertheless feel bound to recognise losses from deprecia tion in securities which hitherto we had hoped to avoid. With these generally un favourable conditions, a variety > of untoward circumstances have combined in the past half _ year to narrow our profits in an exceptional manner. This is an experience in which we are not singular as evidenced by the reports and diminished dividends of some of our compeers of the oldest and highest standing. Having re gard to the question, whether the losses due largely due to an exceptional state of things should not be charged to the Reserve Fund and the profits of the half-year be left for tho payment of a dividend, we have given it our most serious and anxious consideration, and most unwillingly have been compelled to come to the conclusion that it would be unwise in the general interests of shareholders to adopt for the second time a couree tanta mount to paying a dividend out of the Reserve Fund. We consider that such a proceeding might tend to vf eaken confidence in the Bank. We feel assured that, however unpleasant and inconvenient to many the deprivation of a dividend may prove, there is hardly a shareholder who will not prefer to make the sacrifice in order to secure the conservation of the Bank's position and standing, and, the Bank being your property, you have the primary interest in whatever affects its stability. You will naturally desire some information as to our views of the future and to receive such assurance as we feel free to give. Our most appropriate re sponse to this desiro will be, I think, to direct your attention to the figures in the balance sheet, from which you will see that the earning power of tho Bank as there shown can hardly fail to make itself felt in the recovery of lost ground. All that we require is a return of progress and pros perity to the colony,' which cannot be far distant, and with it our future is bound up. There is, I believe, hardly one of the oldest established and now leading banks _ in the colonies which has not at some period of its history had to pass through an adverse experience such as we have now to face. You \yill observe that under every import ant heading our business shows expansion. The iuiiow of deposits we have found it necessary to check by reducing the rate of interest. Our advances show as great an increase as under existing circumstances we care to see. Our coin balances and money at shore call in London aggregate the largo sum of £3,300,000. This is an amount somewhat in excess of what is required, and is due partly to the policy of caution and financial strength which we have thought itprudenttoadopt, end partly to the lessened employment of capital in exchange business in the off season. I hope it is needless to assure you that it is and will be the anxious endeavour of your directors to profit by the wholesome lessons of adversity. Much has already been done to amend some of the conditions out of which undue losses have arisen, and such further reforms and economies consistent with efficiency as may be practicable will be vigorously enforced. It would of course be aboard to claim that your Board's administration has been free from mistakes, but we must look back upon the record of five and twenty years and what has been achieved, and taking into consideration the notoriously adverse conditions, quite beyond our control, with which we have of late had to contend, we do not. doubt of your forbearance and con tinued confidence. With these remarks I now move the adoption of the report and balance sheet." The Hon. James Williamson : Gentlemen, In rising to second the adoption of the report and balance-sheot, as just read, it is unnecessary for me to trouble you with any remarks after the very lengthened speech which you haveheard from our President. As to myself, Ihave been connected with this m stibubioa, from its foundation, I should think I

that shareholders will recognise that I feel as much aggrieved as anyone at the neces sity that has arisen for'such an unfavourable statement to be laid before the shareholders. Still, I agree with the President that it is in the interests of the bank that such should be the case at tho present time. I am old enough to have seen many upe and downs both in this and in other countries, and I believe you will agree with me that we should be untrue to our selves here were we to be unduly depressed by passing adversity or to lose faith in the magnificent colony which wo have adopted ac our home With these remarks, gentlemen, I beg to second the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. The President having invited diicussion, Mr F. Cherry made some remarks. He considered that the balance-sheet ought to have set out that £125,000 of the Reserve Fund, as announced at their laso meeting, had been taken away, instead of merely giving £500,000 as the present amount of the Reserve Fund. He had intended to ask some questions as to the amount of the ' losses sustained in Sydney, as it was owing to those losses that they were placed in such a bad position last half-year, but he felt that it was very little use crying over epilt milk. All that he would say was that the shareholders had been misled, for they had been assured again and again that the bank Mas doing a safe business, and that it was not going into any speculative busi ness entailing extra risk. He believed that the assets of tho bank had been over valued, or the bank could not have sus tained such great losses. He also con sidered that the bank ought to have been cautious in granting overdrafts without adequate security.

Mr D. L. Murdoch said thut with the Chairman's permission he would answer Mr Cherry. He thought that Mr Cherry had omitted to read the terms of the paragraph treating of the Reserve Fund, viz., "By balance from last half-year, less amount then written off, £500,000." It was no concealment surely to put down the amount ol Reserve Fund as reduced when the shareholders should known per fectly well that last half year it stood at £625,000. Where was the concealment? The figures spoke for themselves. As for the other remarks of Mr Cherry he would like to ask him—for he believed he had a pretty accurate knowledge of the condition of the colony during the past three years—could he name a property, or he might almost say could he point to a man who to day was as well off as he was three years ago? And if not, could it be expected that the bank, with resources such as it had, amounting to some 14 millions of money, carry on the business during such years as we have had without loss ? He hoped that the good sense of the shareholders would suggest a sufficient answer. -Mr R. McDonald Scott felt that he must entirely agree with Mr Murdoch's remarks and disagree with Mr Cherry's as regarded the balance-sheet being absolutely correct as he understood it and as the Chairman had put it.

Mr Boardman considered that Mr Cherry had without due thought made so grave a charge against the directors as that they had attempted deception. Such a charge could only arise from want of caro l'ul reading ot the balance-sheet of the last half years. Hia recollection of the last statement was that a certain amount was to be written off. Aβ the General Manager had stated here on the face of it there was no deception but an ex plicit statement. All they had to do in order to correct the figures was to refer to the amount written off and the facts were as plain as possible. He regretted quite as much aa Mr Cherry or anyone else the fact that there was no dividend. It was a regret not co much for himself as ho had a umall income, but for those who had invested their savings in order to have au assured income, unci not for merely speculative purposes. But they should look also to the fact that the bank had been in existence for 25 years (Mr Mur doch : "26 years '), and although he had only been a shareholder for 14 years he could recollect that for 23 years he had been in the colony this bank had never before failed to pay a dividend. (To Mr Murdoch) Is not that correct ? (Mr Mur doch : " Y"ctf.") Not only that, but it had amassed profits to the amount of £500,000 during that 25 yeare, in addition to pay ing thiß very large amount of dividends. He could not quite hear all that was said, by their venerable Chairman—for he was venerable in more senses than one—in his speech but he did understand him to say that a dividend might have been paid out of this £5000,000 and so much less would have been left to tho Reverve Fund, But a Reserve Fund had been aptly des cribed as the fly-wheel of the machine to keep everything in order. The question was would it be wise to lower the Reserve Fund in order to pay tho dividend ? Looking to the fact that all great banking and insurance institu tions in the Old World always aspired to have very large Reserve Funds, he con sidered it would bo unwise at the present time to reduce this Bank's Reserve Fund by paying a dividend, al though he should be exceedingly glad to get a dividend. They had however, to look to the permanent stolidity of the bank, and he felt assured that the payment of a dividend under the circumstances would be to weaken confidence in the Bank in England. Far better was it to forego the dividend, place confi dence in the directors, and without carping of any kind for it could do no good, look forward to better results" at the end of tho next half-year.

Mr 11.I 1 . G. Ewington thought it a great mistake to take too much notice of what " the man in the street" said about any institution especially as in this case where so many might out of malice feel disposed to injure the institution. What was said at their meetings went to the newspapers and might do the Bank harm. It would be far better for Mr Cherry or any other shareholder instead of hearkening to " the man in the street," to get definite information from the general manager. The shareholders ought to applaud the directors for their moral courage in not declaring a dividend when they were not in a position to wan-ant them doing so. It seemed to him that it would be a hardship to some poor widows '. and he knew a case in point—but the shareholders would be far more, seriously injured ultimately by insisting upon the dividend, than by its temporary depriva tion.

The motion was then passed, Mr Cherry alone dissenting.

Mr Samuel Browning was re-elected to the directorate, and Messrs G. P. Pierce and J. L Wilson were elected auditors for tho en suing year. A vote of thanks was passed to the direc tors, officers and agents of the bank and the Chairman and General Manager duly ac knowledged the compliment.

Constable Sisem arrived from Opotiki to day in the Chelmsford, bringing with him the young man named Polleyy who recently tried to commit suicide by cutting his throat.

Mr J. Flenring and Miss S. Hunter, o* Ohaupo, were united in the bonds of matii* mony by the Rev. 0. H Garland, at St* John's Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby, yes" terday afternoon. The church was crowded- The bridesmaids were Miss Fleming, Miss Burton, Missßroadfoot, and Miss A. Fleming and the groomsmen, Messrs Bedford, Gave, Wallace, and Hunter.

Free beer is a conceal ion that should be prized in these hard A Queen-street restaurateur announced "s£» beer, tea, or coffee U included Lα his luaaheou.

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY KLBOTRIO TELEQKAFH —COPTBIGHT.)

WRETCHED BULGARIA.

PLOT TO ASSASSINATE,

(special to press association.)

London, October 26. A Slav plot to murder Prince Ferdi nand and M. Stambouloff, the leader of the national party in the Bulgarian Assembly, has been discovered at Sofia.

THE LONDON RIOTS.

THE AGITATION SUBSIDING,

[reuter.]

London, October 26. The unemployed agitation throughout the metropolis is dying out. De monstrations are of less frequent occurrence, and they are, as a rule, poorly attended.

PEACE OR WAR?

SPEACH BY THE ITALIAN

PREMIER

[reuter.]

Rome, October 25.

Signor Crispi, Premier and Minis ter of the Interior delivered an im portant speech at Turin to-day. In tho course of his remarks he de clared that Prince Bismarck had firmly resolved to maintain peace in Europe, and to that end to dwell in friendship with France. It was ne cessary, Signor Crispi added (for Italy to avenge her honour in Abyssinia, and be was therefoie not ready to open negotiations for the settlement of the difficult v.

THE RUSSIAN ADVANCE.

MOVEMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA

EXPECTED

Cape Town, October 26

A portion of the Royal Artillery stationed in Natal bus been ordered to Zululand in consequence of tho dis" turbed state of affairs there.

[special.]

London, October 26.

An advance of the Russian forces in Central Asia is considered to be imminent.

A FRONTIER OUTRAGE-

RUSSO-GERMAN DIFFICULTY.

A FARMER MURDERED,

(special association. ) London", October, 26.

A Russian ranger has shot and bayonetted a German farmer for cross ing the Russo-German frontier at Aug. sgerrin, in search of some cattle that had strayed.

THE SUGAR TRADE.

(SPECIAL ASSOCIATION.)

London , , October 26. The planters of Demerara are avand'

oning the manufacture of sugar crystals, and will coufine themselvee in future to dark sugaas.

STANLEY IN AFRICA.

H. M. Stanley, the explorer, was re. ported well at the end of August.

THE FRENCH SCANDAL.

An immediate inquiry into the scandal connected with the sale of de corations by the War Office is deman ded by the French Chamber of Deputies.

FRANCE TO HAVE RAIATEA.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, October 25. It is stated that France will have the Island, of Raiatea as compensation for the New Hebrides, and not the Lee ward Islands, as previously reported.

TERRIBLE SHIPWRECK.

FOUR HUNDRED CHINESE

DROWNED,

[reuter's telegram.]

Sydney, October 26. The s.s. Catherine, which has arrived at Thursday Island, reports the loss of a Chinese transport at Pescadow, on September 15th, whereby over 400 lives were lost.

(special to press association.)

RUSSIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY.

London, October 25,

A survey of a line of railway to Vladivostock, the Russian Pacific naval station, will be commenced im mediately.

ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN MAILS.

Tho Agents-General intend interviewing Mr Goschen shortly on the subject of the mail arrangements. It is probable that Mr Raikes, Postmaster - General, will submit fresh proposals on fcjae subject.

SPORTING NEWS.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE STAKES.

London, October 25. The Cambridgeshire Stakes, 1 mile 240 yards. Mr Vyner's Gloriation, by Specu lum—Gloria, 3yrs 1 Mr H. T. Barclay's Bendigo ... 2 Mr H. T. Barclay's Quicksand ... 3

MELBOURNE CUP.

Melbourne, October 26. There was little doing in the betting market to-day. The latest quotations are :—

Derby.—Abercorn, fielders take 11 to 10; Tranter has been backed for £2,000 at 100's to 20.

Cup.—£l,ooo has been accepted about Trident ab 100 to 7; and £8,000 about Remus at 100 to 5; 100 to 6 (off). Algerian is at sto 1 (tk). Silver Prince has been backed for £1,000 at 100's to 20 ; and Aber corn for £2,000 at 100's to 4. Oakleigh has shortened to 8 to 1, and Meteor to 11 to 1.

The case against Mr H. Oxenham and his trainer in connection with the alleged pulling of Toronto at the Moonee Valloy races has been dismissed by the stewards for want of evidence.

The following are the names of the horses that remain in the Melbourne Cup up to the present time :—

LOCAL ODDS.

Tnttersall's Club had a meeting last night for the purpose of calling over the odds for the V.'R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup. There was a fairly representative meeting of betting men, but little real business was done. Mr M. Gallagher presided, and the following quotations were given : —

V.R.C. Dekby.—Abercorn, even on; Tranter, 4 to 1 ; Australian Peer, 7 to 1 ; Cranbrook, 8 to 1 ; Niagara, 8 to 1 ; En filade, Bto 1 ; Pakeha, 100 to 8 ; Escut-, cheon, 100 to G ; Jebusite, 100 to 10.

Melbourne Cup.—Algerian, 100 to 25 (tk) ; Silver Prince, 100 to 20 ; Oakleigh, 100 to 14 : Abercorn, 100 to 10 ; Thunderbolt, 100 to 8 ; Lord William, 100 to 8 ; Meteor, 100 to 8 ; Cranbrook, 100 to 8 ; Australian Peer, 100 to 6; Silvermine, 100 ---to 7 ; Diuilcp, 100 to 7 ; Remus, 100 to 6 ; Tranter, 100 to 6 ; Jebusite, 100 to 6 ; Re call, 100 to 5 ; Niagara, 100 to 5 ; Enfilade, 100 to 5; Sardius, 100 to 4; Frisco, 100 to 4 ; Affluence, 100 to 4 ; Escutcheon, 100 to 3 ; Pakeha, 100 to 3; Charmer, 100 to 2.

Doubles: Dekby and Cup. — Abercorn and anything, 100 to 15 (oft); Australian Peer, 100 to 6 ; Tranter, 100 to 5.

The Club will meet to-night and to-mor row night to call over prices.

One of our well-known sportsmen re ceived a cablegram from Melbourne this morning giving Thunderbolt's price as 100 to 8, and tipping Abercorn and Oakleigh for the double.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Chhistchurch, Wednesday. Fusilade and Lady Norah have been scratched for the New Zealand Cup.

The acceptances for the Prince of Wales' Handicap and the Handicap Hurdles, at the Spring Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, are due to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. The Secretary will also receive the nominations for the other events set down for that meeting.

FLETCHER AND ROY.

With regard to the remark reported at the meeting of creditors in the estate of Mesdemes Fletcher and Roy, we have re ceived thp following communications in ex planation of the matter : —

Sib, —As I was the auctioneer appointed by Messrs Andrews and Cooper to sell the furniture and effects of Mesdames Fletcher and Roy, in Shortland-street, the costs and charges ot such _ being questioned at a meeting of creditors, I might state for the information of the CTeditors and the public, that I only re ceived £4 4s for the two days, and no auctioneer in Auckland could sell the number of items, scatterad all over the promises the same as they were there, all in one day. As my instructions did not extend beyond selling, I have no right to interfere with any other charges. Trusting you will give publicity to the above, —I am, etc., John Leycon, Auctioneer.

(To the Editor.)

Sib,—ln respect of this eale we can only express our great surprise that the credi tors should act so unfairly as to prejudge without calling upon us for any explanation. Had such explanation been asked for, we should have promptly shown same. Of course, we are equally willing now to show receipts of all disbursements, and not only so, but that the debtors are largely indebted to us.

We may also point out that we made no charge for our three days' services. We en close a copy of the statement of all trans actions, and remain, sir, yours faithfully, Andrews and Coopek. Temple Chambers, Queen-street. October 26th, 1887.

To amount realised first sale, £65 Is lid ; amount realieed second sale, £15 3s 2d; cash collected for board, £11 9s ; to balance due Andrews and Cooper, £29 12s 10d : £121 6s lid.

Advertising, £23 103 ; auctioneer's fees, £4 4s ; man, two days, 10s; clerk, two days, £1; by carting furniture, 6s; com mission on goods sold at auction, 4s 6dj cash lent to Mrs Fletcher, £5 ; Dr. Laish ley, £10 12s ; three weeks' rent, £2 8s; J. Lawrence, 14s ; stove, set off part rent, £7 ; Bradford, £7 11s 3d ; luncheon, £3 10s; furniture for new house, £28 10s 6d; balance rent, £26 6s Bd. Total; £121 6s lid.

Messrs Andrews and Cooper have also made an explanation showing that the whole of the costs alluded to in the bill sub mitted to the Official Assignee were not simply on account of the sales. They had been acting for Mesdames Fletcher and Roy for about a month prior to the sale, collecting debts under which they in curred expenses as they were empowered to sue one debtor. The ladies also in structed the firm to get a bill o.t sale drawn up by Dr. Laishley, which cost with the summonsing previously referred to, £10 12s. "A'lio firm also lenb £5 to Airs

Fletcher, paid rent and other expenses. The firm still claim £30 from the estate of Mesdames Fletcher and Roy, for whioli they proved to the Official Assignee to-day. Mv Andrews states that they were -occupied three days with the sale and ono day in the Court over the summoning case for which they have not charged at all, neither have they charged interest for money lent. ;

OUR GOLDFIELDS

THE THAMES DEEP .LEVELS-

SALE OF THE CALEDONIAN AND ADJOINING MINES IN ENGLAND.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE,

Some two months ago Mv J. H. Witheford mining agent of this city, made the direc tors of the Old Caledonian G.M.C. an offer, on behalf of an English client-, to purchase that Company's mine. As, how ever, at that time, an extensive crush ing was being carried on to test the value of the low grade stuff, the directors desired delay. The offer, however, could not be kept open and the negotiations fell through. The directors, however, ab that time informed Mr Witheford that if an offer of £10,000 was received for their ground they would consider it. In the meantime Mr Witheford secured Corner's and Turtle s claim which have the under lay of the Caledonian reef, below the 360 feet level, and communicated with another English client who had pre viously asked him to recommend to him a reliable mining property. The upshot of this is that a meeting of the directors of the Caledonian was held to-day, to consider the following letter from Mr Whiteford :— Auckland, October 24th, 1887.

Secretary to the Caledonian Gold* mining Company.

Sir, —In accordance with the intimation I received from you in August that the directors of the Caledonian G.M. Company had resolved to entertain an offer of £10,000 for their mine. ■ I have the honour to state that negotiations I at once opened have been so far successful, that I am now in receipt of a cable message, from London, requesting me to cable through a bank that the title is correct, and power of Attorney posted. If your Board of Directors approve I should be glad if the Power of the Attorney could be prepared without delay, that the required reply may be dispatched, assisting thereby iv bringing the transaction to a speedy and satisfactory issue.—l am, etc. J. H. WITHRFOED.

After consideration the directors decided to accept the ofler, subject to the approval of the shareholders, a meeting of •whom will be convened without delay. Wβ understand that it is the intention of the purchaser of the property, who has also Comer and Turtle's under offer to thoroughly prospect the deep levels of this part of the goldiield. Complete and accurate plans of Turtle's and Comer's drawn by Mr D. H. Bayldon, mining sur veyor, Thames, reached London on October 17th, and the decision in cable just received by Mr Witheford was no doubt brought about by a perusal of the plans. Test From Mr Gould's Property. Messrs Eraser and son have concluded the test of five tons of stuff from Mr Gould's property, Waitoa but the result will not be made known until to-morrow. Reported Purchase of the Hoauataiari. The reported purchase of the Moanataiari mine in England is we understand a canard* The directors of the company have received a cablegram but it is of an unfavourable character. Jtiifect of the Waitoa " Salting" on Mining Investments- An English gentleman, who is at present in Auckland, is of opinion that when the news of the salting of the Waitoa gold fields reach England, it is sure to attract great attention, and will act prejudicially on colonial mining investments generally.

Extensive Sale of Properties and Shipping.

A:n extensive sale of well-known vesselSi city, suburban, and country properties is to be held by B. Tonks and Co. at theip auction mart to-morrow, at 12 o'clock. The shipping comprises the trading vessels Devonport; barquentine of 291 tons, brigantine Stanley, of 345 tons : barquen tine Yolande, of 395 tons. These vessels have been engaged in the coastal and intercolonial trade andarestauuch and faith fully built. The properties include the large two-storey brick warehouse, having front ages to Queen and Little Queen Streets, which has been the business premises of the Auckland Agricultural and Mercantile Company for some years past; also an allotment having frontages to Little Queen and Albert Streets. Both these propertiesare splendid business sites. The other properties are : —Freehold allotment corner of York street, Parnell, with two storied shop and dwelling; Tawhara Block, consisting of 243 acres land; Wharepapa Block, of 460 acres; and Wharepapa Block* No. 2of 420 acres, all situated within a few miles of Helensville; also a nice property of IJJE acres, with seven-roomed dwelling, good orchard and vinery, and a never tailing stream of water running past it, situated about half a mile out of Whan garei ; freehold property known as the Epsom Store and Post Office, the leasehold having about 17 years to run, and those premises and shops situated at the corner of Symonds street and Kyber Pass Road.

The Auckland College and Grammar School hold their annual athletic sports in the Cricket Ground to-morrow (Friday) com mencing at 10 a.m. The programme con sists of 28 events including the School Gup for three distances and two races open to old boys.

The well-known racehorse, Woodpecker, is to be sold to-morrow. This should be a good investment for running at country meetings. '

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera Bouse—" Uncle Tom's Cabin,"B Aericultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. Art Gallery—Auckland Society of Art 3 Exhibi-

tion, 7.30. Imperial Hotel—Auckland Rowing Club, 8. Parnell Hall—"Vocal and Istrumental Concert, 8 All Saints' Schoolroom—Gymnastic Display, 8. St. Sepulchres Schoolroom — Rehearsal of " Pirates of f enzanco," 8, V.M.C.A. Rooms-Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Auckland Tabernacle—Service at 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

October 28 —Messrs J. Macfarlane and W, McCullough.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro* duccSale.ll Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horses, etc., 11 * W. J. Dowden—Weekly Poultry and Produce Sa]:e, 11 S. Cochrane and Son—Housi hold Furniture, etc.; ll Paget and Ralston — Poultry, Produce, Furni ture, 10.30 Hi. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, etc., 11 J. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture,etc., 11 A. Aitken-Poultry, Produce, etc., 12 T. M. Jackson—Furniture, Books, etc 11 B. Tonks and Co.—Merchandise, etc., 1L Pro perty. 12. ' '.", ■ D. F. Kvans—Furniture, etc., 12. ,EC >" BioMiy-Oata, WncsseSeb, 11

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1887,

5



st 1b stlb Trident ,.. 9 8 Meteor ... 7 2 Sardius ... 8 5 Enfilade ... 6 12 Silvermine ... 8 3 Australian Peer 6 12 Duhlop ... 7 12 Cranbrook ... 6 12 Thunderbolt 7 8 Algerian ... tO 12 Lord William 7 7 Afliuonce ... 6 11 Abercorn ... 7 7 Remus ... 6 1J Recall ... 7 5 Escutcheon... 6 9 Oakleigh ... *7 4 Pakeha ... G 6 Silver Prince 7 3 Tranter ... 6 5 'Frisco ... 7 3 Jebusite ... 6 3 Niagara ... 7 3 The Charmer 6 2 * Including 101b penalty. + Including 51b penalty.