THE NORTH SHORE FERRY SERVICE.

INTO VICTORIA AND <GaAF|AIRTOBEMAD E

cefcino , of the Harbour Board yes * sterno°on, the Works and Tariffs tertw naked for directions whether Cooay 0 k e made into the running *• and Eagle, on the 9th to be of a public or private

"iTrhainnan (Mr Waddel), in in • the matter, explained what had trodl f n &endone, and took the opportunity t that hitherto all Committee * '-"S the Board had been held in frticcol said that, as one of the Com- M L had eiven the matter serious con- since the last meeting, and he #*"Jtotho conclusion that they had a mistake in deciding to have rtSry made by Committee at all. t IT their decision might be, it would 1 ■ to be impugned on the ground that •* rpre laymen dealing with matters they f :?.:.,\en He therefore moved, X the inquiry be conducted by the £r-master, assisted by one or more B'T.i assessors, if necessary ; the pro *S« to be open to the public." Having ""j a tlip orivacy of Committee meetings, fS Spirit which should also be •sßsm seconded the motion. ■ St Henderson dissented from MrlSiccol's • abat the matter should not have been u rated to the Committee. The Commit hadonlyto deal with two letters, and Jrefore they were legitimate subjects for •Committee meeting. rficcol maintained that in the matter der notice the Committee were expected ujQ farther. fi.phillipps did not approve of the ter- JL which a section of the press sought Ltiblish over public men and public yL He would nob be browbeaten in mveachwy- He would be sorry to see 1 press excluded from their meetings, tab at the same time he might remind J ffl that there was not a single Anne in the Harbours Act which aMttoteven the ordinary meetings of the Ld letalone Committee meetings, should Zm to the press. He merely mentioned Lto show that the Committee, in exclud jpto press the other day, acted quite ihin their powers. KrNiceol said Mr Button had sugges j to him the insertion of the jflfo "that being of a semi iial nature, the inquiry should be open In the public," so as to safeguard their djjmof privacy for Committee meetings. Hedid nob think these words necessary, kwercfc ■ j|r Devore proposed that Captains Qsjton and Frater should be associated jii the Harbour Master for the purposes etthe inquiry. Mr Niccol accordingly struck out the els "if necessary " from his resolution, lilbotH Mr Niccol's and Mr Devore's -repositions were carried.

ICELAND ROWING ASSOCIATION.

ijj following entries were received last Ktsio^for the annual regatta of the above teociation, to take place on Saturday, De* rater 10th:~ . HjUdekWhaleboats.—Waitemata Club : I, Brannd, J. Heffernan, J. Lemne, A* Baealgah, J. Macky. Ponaonby Club ' SLMsoh, T. iireen, J. McDonald, R" \iiti£-% O'Brien. City Club: G' fenes, :.V. Brophy, J. Evers, W. J; fen;H. W.Diggens. North Shore Club • iejV "''' Johnstone, McDonald, Lynch' laterf St. George's Club: F. W. Moore' Ijtwrart,;?. Johnstone, R. McKenzie> ton, * teoEWHALEBOATS.—Waitemata Club : I. H. ; George, G. Sarrctt, \V. Smith, R. Ipanjlj W. -Nottingham. Ponsonby M>: W. Scott, J. Stichbury, W. flobson, IThorne, J. O'Brien. North Shore Club ; Uqr, Johnson, McDonald, Lynch, Lam let It George's Club : T. S. Carmichael, II Gibbons, F. Moore, T. H. O'Reilly, U Jobnstone. Scion Whaleeoats.—Waitemata Club : iKeefe, R. Moore, J. Collins, H. Slade, fe North Shore Club: T. Sullivan, llcKenzie, P. S. Marks, G. Wynward, iLogan. . ta)teGiC3, Ovtsr 10 Stone.—Ponsonby Ui: A. Finlayson, T. Green, McDonald, J Stichbury. North Shore Club: H. WM. Murphy, A. Sims, J. Harper. «*dClub: R. Masetield, E. Mason, 'McDonnell, G. H. Dixon. 2nd Creiv :H. !«fe,RClutsam, E. Dowden, C. Farqu »• St George's Club : E. H. Clayton, ■Clayton* W. Tizard, J. Hartwell. 2nd S*:J.S. Johnstone, \\. Luyk, Clarkson, tfflfoyle/ Usist Vspm 10 Stoxe.—Ponsonby w-W.Pulterd, ,T. Scott, J. Maxwell, R. ■*■ North Shore Club : J. Spraggon, Lfiamberlain, F. Burgess, A. Tanfield, SEndClnb:' H. Gentles, E. Dowden. atjam, G. Farquhar. 2nd Crew :C. L. «*.H.E. EUiott, J. Clark, J. Speirs. Heorge's Club: E. H. Clayton, W. l fo»W. Tizard, J. Hartwell. tjSjGsa.-PonsonbyClub : W. Scott, tff°» a fy, J. Hewgon, J. Payne. North IL'Mays, M. Murphy, A. West End: H. E. SH W. jfc Lumsden, J. W. Baxter, i s - Baxter. 2nd Crew : J. Fisher, G. ',f%% Jack, A. C. Jones. St. S. Johnston, W. Lusk, CTt 0103 —Ponsonby Club: J. J. W. Dickson, D. ?* North Shore Club: A. Logan, J. . Sul livan, W. Wynyard. JWCi nb . R w Edwards, W. £n ,* BaXter ' J ' E - Cooke - St. JWWiib.: A. X Gibbons, A. H. Lees, JCatnuchaelA.GiAlloii,. tS»-RACE.~Waitemata Club: M. i«i» 0f the different events was q««toe transaction of other business tif?L On wi * the coming regatta hfc tbe noting to a close. S h

THE GREENWOOD FAMILY.

INURED (tß)a °^,OWK'COBRESPONDENT.)

Ellington, this day. and her daughters have o . toa drawing-room at Govern L^* on Saturday next. The family since arrival, one NteS Mother having been pros- W Cfriling epidemic of severe N. » now seriously indis- LVh^°u ntl y all fcl »eir concerts bub h. Wto be postponed. They leave 1 ur cn next week. ,

Imi tliJ l^6 acting as coroner at iS, *T l n the manslaughter case Vj , £• totally oblivious to the ]tlrorß that they had j^v er When 2.Z0 ar %t e 7 ]«ror asked if the Queen ? i ißW c dinner - The Doctor h » We hacl better wait for E&&% be P° il both meals." Ac ptoif y sat untj l 3.30 without

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs S. Y. Collins and H

Wilding, J. P.'s.) Drunkenness.—Two persons were punished tor urst offences by tines of 5s and costs. Begging. — Thomas Kerr was charged with beggmg in Karangahape Road, and also with being a rogue and a vagabond. ~ -He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to nine months' hard labour. Old Ikon.—Michael Brown and Thomas -League pleaded guilty to stealing a truck wheel, valued at 30s, the property of Allan Alacguire on the 29th insb.— Sergeant Pratfc stated that prisoners had beencaughtin the act of breaking up truck wheels on the Railway Reclamation. They were smash ing the wheels and putting the pieces into ™S S - - Teague had been previously before the Court for breaking water; pipes. There was a third boy concerned in the present case, but he was still at large.—Prisoners were sentenced to three months' imprison ment.

Failing to Support.—Richard Morrow was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his wife, and was ordered to pay 10s per week.—This latter case was dealt with by Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M., evidence having been taken at a previous sitting of the Court.

"ROB ROY MACGREGOR."

The Auckland Burns Club, which of late has become quite a popular institution, and has attracted a good deal of public atten tion, cainetothe foreoncoagain last evening, when the ever-popular national play "Rob Roy Macgregor " was pfoduced at> Abbott' Opera House. The " auld countree " wa well represented both amongst audienc o and performers, and, what was more important, the takings at.the doors were of a substantial character, and will prove a welcome donation to the building fund of the Burns Club Hall. " Rob Roy " had been in rehearsal for months previously under the able direction of Mr Laehlan McGowan, whilst Mr W. Baxter was responsfble for the vocal music, and Mr W. Eady was leader of the orchestra. The piece was placed on the ! stage in complete style, and reflected the greatest credit on all concerned. As an amateur performance it was far above the •Verage, and the Scotchmen amongst the audience gob a greater treat than they had experienced for many a long day. The cast of characters was as follows : — Rob Roy Maegregor Campbell, Mr John Robertson ; Francis Osbaldison, Mr George Reid ; Rashleigh Osbaldiston, Mr J. J. Boak , Sir Frederick Vernon, Mr George Carter ; Cap tain Thornton, Mr W. L. Armstrong; Bailie Nicoel Jarvie, Mr Lachlan McOmvan ; Mr Owen, Mr William Pitkethley ; Saunders Wylie, Mr Duncan Simpson ; Major Gal braith, Mr James Stewart; Sergeant Mac- Stewart, Mr 0. Donald Watson ; Dougal, Mr George Johnston ; Willie, Mr James Stewart, jnn. ; Heamish and Robert (sons of Maegregor), Mr H. Phillips and Mr James Stewart, jun. ; Serjeant, Air Barron; Helen Macgregor, Miss Kate Peace ; Diana Vernon, Mrs Wright; Jean McAlpine, Mrs Leslie; Hostess, Mrs Campbell; Mattic, Miss Leslie: Martha, Mrs Leers. Mr McGowana Bailie was undoubtedly the feature of the performance, and he kept the audience in continual merriment. Mr Pith kethley had a g*od conception of the character of " Owen," and played con sistently throughout. Mr Boak's "Rash leigh " was also good, and Mr .John Robert son, as " Rob Roy,' , is deserving of special mention. Mr RobePtsou did not appear quite at ease in the first act, but improved greatly later on, and did justice to his part. "Dougal" was ably represented, and amongst the ladies "Helen MacGvcgor" and "Diana" called forth marks of approval from the audience on various occasions. The vocal selections were for the greater part very well rendered. Mr George Reed contributed several items in first class style and the duet bebween Mr Reed and Mrs Wright, "Tho' I Leave you Now in Sorrow," won loud applause. The choruses were well rendered and gave evi dence of careful rehearsal, the great finale, "Pardon Now the Bold Outlaw," being especiaUy imposing. " Rob Roy " will bo repeated this evening.

CONCERT AT TAKAPUNA.

A most successful concert took place at Takapuna on Tuesday evening last, under the auspices of the Takapuna Mutual Im provement Society. The evening being fine, the schoolroom (where the concert was held) was well filled. Mr W. H. Shake spear, President of the Society, presided, and directed in an able manner and after a short address from that gentleman the following programme was proceeded with :—lnstru mental duet, " Canary Quadrilles," Misses Tye • sonf, "Four-leaved Shamrock, feelingly rendered by Mr \V. H. Shake spear] Christy's " Poor Old Jeff," Miss Sea man and choir; Miss Mackay recited "Lady Clara Vere do Vere " in a hnished manner; song, "Fading Away," sweetly sunc by Master H. Houchen (encored); Christy's " Under the Willows," Miss Patrick and choir; Mr Chas. Williamson sank " Shoulder to Shoulder " in first class style, and was vociferously encored ; instru mental duet, "Victoria Waltz," tastefully played by the Misses Williamson; song, » Launch the Lifeboat," well rendered by MrW Blyth; song, "The New Kingdom, Miss Seaman. Mr W; Thome read that favourite humorous reading, "The Bush ul Mpiu" Christy's "Toll the Bell," titm M Tye and choir. Mr M. McCallum was heard to advantage in » The Better Land. Christy's " Hen Convention Mr W. H. Shakespear and choir, Miss F.V, illiamson ably presided ab the pianoforte. Ihe National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

THE WAITOA LANDS.

WHAT THE CHRISTCHURCH DIRECTORS ARE DOING.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT. )

Te Aroha, this clay. Messrs Maude, Barnes and Cox, three gentlemen who are interested in the gold mining Co. formed recently in Christchurch to work the alleged auriferous deposit o Mr Smith's farm at Waitoa, have been her for several days, and left for Auckland yes terday. It is eaid that they hay taken with them samples of the supposed !Shc which were all broken out in their Svipre enoel from a number of old shafts laVr Smith's property, and future opera- Sons will doubtless depend upon the results obtained from the testing of these samples.

THE THREE CARD TRICK.

(BY TELEGRAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day.

At the R.M. Court the charge against Patrick Furgerson of playing the three card trick on board the b.s. Seawead although the? a", under the Gaming and lotteries Aot

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(FROM OUR OWN COBRr.SPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Caledonian. — The treatment of trial parcels of quartz from various parts of the mine in which prospecting works have been in progress for the past few weeks has re sulted in the return of 51ozs. 15dwts. gold. Almost the whole of the trials were unpay able, the best being that from the flab winze in the Otago section, which went about lOdwts. to the load.

Moaxataiaiu.— The air in the drive is very bad. The reef, however, is a large body of kindly-looking quartz. Cambria.—There is no change to report in this mine. The reef in No. 4 drive at i'lo. 3 level has again been broken down, and colours of gold observed. The band of splendid mineral six inches wide is still visible in the face.

Trenton.-—The drive at No. 4 level of the Saxon is now only a few feet from tho Trenton boundary—probably 8 or 10 feet. The country is good, and colours of gold are sometimes seen in the reef.

Special Report on tho Cambria Mine.

Uambiua. —ln consequence of the import ance attached to the'discovery of gold in the main reef in the No. 4 drive at No. 3 level, aa evidenced by the rise which has taken place in the Cambria Company's shaiesM-ithin the last few days, I visited the mine to-day, and inspected the various workings, particularly those on the reef in question. After descending the shaft and alighting from the cage at No. 3 level, the main drive is followed and the well known turn rounded until the leaders which have been designated Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 arc reached. It would not be of any inte rest to detail the operations in progress on these leaders, excepting that of No. 4. The whole of them are very small, with almost innumerable stringers abutting on to them, in all of which colours of the precious metal are invariably seen, while gold is also ob served in the mvi" bodies of stone when breaking down. Work, however, has been suspended on these leaders, excepting Nos. 1, 4, 5, and 6, upon winch stoping is in pro gress ; bub owing to their smallncss, the quartz has to be carefully selected from the mullock before being sent to the battery, and consequently progress is slow, and a large staff must necessarily be employed to keep the battery going. Driving is. also proceeding on the No. 1 leader, and if any thing, an improvement is noticeable here, some nice colours of gold being taken out at the time of my visit. To further detail the works on these leaders, however, would prove wearisome; suffice it to say that the quartz shapes payably at the battery, although, unfortunately, not much picked stone has come to hand lately. And now for the workings in the drive on No. 4, or what is now known to your readers as the main reef. In order to correctly grasp the position of affairs, it is necessary for the reader to carry his memory back to a few months ago, when it will be re collected a Avinze was sunk from No. 2 to No. 3 level on this lode, and colours of gold observed occasionally when breaking down, although taken altogether the pros pects were not so satisfactory as could be desired. The next .step was the putting in of an intermediate drive from the winze, but work hero resulted disappointingly. Alter carrying in the drive for some dis tance, however, the reef greatly improved, and really good mineral was di.scornablc in the quartz, but the quartz not proving re munerative, and the gfencral outlook of the mine not being at this period by any means eatisfactoiy, it was decided to re move the men to another part of the mine. Then it will bo remembered that during the progress of the crosscut at No. 3 level, several very promising leaders were inter fnectcd, one of them being No. 4, so called because it was the fourth in order met with. In due course driving was started upon it, and after proceeding about 60 feet, the point has reached where itjunctured with the main reef. The drive was continued, and thus it is that the manager has desig nated it the "No. 4 drive on the main reef at No. 3 level." It is now in a little over 90 feet and about 4 feet back from the present face it can be plainly seen where the band of splendid mineral previously reported mado its ap pearance. The mineral seam or vein varies in thickness from 6 to 9 inches, and would certainly gratify tho eyo of., anyone who looks upon mineral as a guide to the existence of gold. The vein is simply one mass of mineral, and it would almost re quire the aid of a microscope to discover tho quartz, so dark and heavy is the mineral deposit. Copper predominates and antimony is also present, while stratamata and other minerals of a similarly favour able description may also be plainly detected. No gold was visible at the time of my visit in the quartz which occupies the face of the drive, though the manager informed me that nice colours and dabs "had "been seen while last breaking down. The drive is now just about under neath where tho mineral before referred to was found, but upon a careful comparison of that which now occupies the face and several pieces which came to hand from the intermediate at the time work was proceed ing, it can easily be seen that the mineral now in tho drive is heavier than in the level above, andifanythingeven more favourable. A comparison with two or three pieces of the mineral which accompanied the rich patch of gold in the Cambria section of the mine was also made, and the charac teristics wore so similar that the piece from tho present face could not be distin guished except by its difference in shape, the minerals being of precisely the same nature. Without desiring to be too sanguine, or saying anything which would cause any undue importance to be attached to the discovery, it must be admitted that the mineral characteristics are exceedingly encouraging, and it would not be at all sur prising to hear of a patch of gold being un earthed, ab no distant date. Crushing is proceeding at the battery as usual, and the quartz is shaping for a payable return.

THAMES JOCKEY CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT )

Thames, this day. The following entries have been received for the Thames Jockey Club's Summer Meeting, which takes place at Parawai on the 26th and 27th insfc. :— First Day. Trial Stakes : Tennyson, Green Mount, Brown Rose. Lioness, Capella, Rewi.Boome ran"-, Haricot, Aste'ope, and Pretender. Handicap Hurdles : Argyle, Haricot, Quilp, Black Joe, Fairplay, Pipi, Tawhiao, Wide Awake, Falcon, Shotover, Recruit, and Volunteer. Thames Plate :—Pikau, Green Mount, Lioness, Catesby, Capella, Britannia, Hari cot, Victoria, Pretender, Lady Norah, and Clogs. Stewards' Handicap : Tennyson, Green Mount, Brown Rose, Lioness, Catesby, Capella, Haricot, Rewi, Britannia, Malriri, Pretender and Clogs. Second Day. For the second day's racing the follow ing are the nominations :— Steeplechase : Argyle, Quilp, Black Joe, Tawhiao, Falcon, Shotover, Wide awake, Fairplay, Pipi, and Recruit. Goldfields Handicap : Pikau, Green Mount, Lioness, Victoria, Antelope, Fre tender. Lady Norah, and Clogs,

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PAELIAMKNTARY

REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. Petition by Sir James Fergusson. A cuiuous petition was presented to the House by Major Jackson on behalf of the Right Hon. Sir James Fergusson, Barb. The petition sets forth that in the yea r 1879 Sir James Fergusson purchased from the Hon. Every Maclean, some part of Howiok, noar Auckland, a property called Maungatautari in the Waikato District, the area being 5,500 acres. In the negotia tions for tho purchase of the property ibwas represented to the petitioner that the Governor would be advised to remove the restriction againsb alienation in the case of that property, and the property was pur chased on the strength of such representa tion. Also, that a considerable sum of money was expended in improving ib, the total outlay toing fully £7,000. The peti tioner is now informed of repeabed applications for the grant, bub ib will only be issued with a restriction againsb alienation, the effect of which will be that the pebitioner will lose the money he has expended. He therefore prays that the matter may be referred to a Select Committee and that bhe House will recommend that the Crown granb shall be issued free from all restrictions, or that such relief shall be granbed as shall seem fitting. Village Settlers. As a counterblast to petitions recently presented to the House by tho special settle ment selectors complaining of Mr Bal lance's pet scheme, Mr Smith yesterday presented a petition signed by 60 holdors of sections under the village settlement system at Pahiatua praying thab bhe House would, when considering bhe merits of the Village Homestead .System, bo pleased to preserve intact the tenure of the present holdings as tljey sincerely believe bhab the very best interests of themselves and families were therein conserved. Annexing Fiji. With a view to resuscitating the languish ing trade in Fiji, Dr Newman thinks that tho New Zealand Government should enter into negotiations with thab colony, with the object of obtaining a political union and as a result of such union anticipates that great benefits would accrue to us. The Premier has replied that he Cftfmot hold out am , hopes of entering into negotiations, an'ci points out that somo time ago negotiations to that end wefre entered into and failed. The difficulties in the way of o union wero now almost in superable, and if successful, he doubted whether it would provo so profitable as Dr. Newman anticijwtted. Village Settlors' Troubles. The hardship entailed upon village settlers by having to wait a long time for the visit of the Village Steward was urged on bho attention of the Government by Mr Hobbs, who read an article on the subject from the Auckland Evening Star. The Minister of Lands asserted that Mr Hobbs had exaggerated the position, and that no complaints on the subject had been received by the Department. The Stark Purchase. Mr asked the Government whether the portion of the land purchased from Mr Stark which is not required for defence will be given to the borough of Dcvonport as an endowment. The Minister of Lands, however, pointed out that the lands ac quired under the Public Works Act must also be disposed of under its provision. Ml' Bruce raised a laugh by suggest ing that as a -way out of the difficulty the Government might sell the unused portion of the land at its cost price. • The Rabbit Pest. At the instance of the Rabbit Committee, the Government has commaiiicated with Professor Watson, of Australia, relative to the lately discovered method of introducing a contagious disease among them. Mr Anderson has been informed that experi ments are now being carried on in Adelaide by professor Watson and the Government hope soon to receive a report from him. Salaries of Judges. Mr Taylor urged the Government yester day that when carrying their scheme of retrenchment into elfecb bhey should pro vide for • the reduction of the salaries of judges. He also trusted they would deal with all salaries fixed by statute. The Premier said he would bo happy to have the matter considered during the recess when other reductions were under consideration. The Owhaoko Evidence. Mr Carroll asked the Government by whose instructions the extracts of evidence in the Owhaoko case were selected. He said they had the effect of casting imputations on persons outside the House and should not have been published. If they had not been published to serve the public, ib was all very good, but if to gratify personal hostility then their publication was very much to be re gretted. The Native Minister said extracts were printed by instructions of late Government. Mr Carrol added that all evidence was not printed but a portion in favour of tho person accused was omitted. Dr. Newman also spoke on the subject The Otago Dock Trust.

The proceedings connected with raising the Dock Trust Loan and which were des cribed by the late Coloniel Treasurer as " frightfully irregular " are likely to occupy the attention of a Select Committee. The petitions Commiefcee to whom a petition on the subject from the Chamber of Commerce was referred having recommended that the course. The Committee will probably con sist of the Hon. E. Mitchelson, Hon. E. Richardson, Messrs Peacock, Withy, Russell, Buxton, Joyce, Mills, Loughrey, and the mover. The Midland Hallway. The Lords have set up their backs against the Midland Railway business, and threated to kill the contract. The op ponents of tho measure, claim to have a majority, and say that they will accomplish their object by talk ino- the matter out, till the time under which the Company have agreed to await an answer has expired, unless an amendment similar to that proposed by Mr Dowaie Stewart in the Lower House, indemnifying the colony against guarantee is inserted. Mr Seddon is continuing his anti-Chinese investigations. He wants to know whether young girls are in the habit of frequenting for immoral purposes Chinese quarters in the centres of the colony, and whether Government will cause a strict enquiry to be made into the sanitory condition of Chinese quarters in centres in the colony. Dr. Newman wants the Government to amalgamate the Education Boards with the object of reducing the cost of education. Public Libraries. Mr Smith is urging the Government to place a sum on the estimates for subsidie to public lib» aries. Tiie New Land Bill. Practically the whole of yesterday's sit ting was devoted to the consideration of the New Land Bill, the second reading of which was moved at the afternoon sitting by Mr G. F. Richardson. He explained that tUe desire of the Government was to give facilities for settlement on such tenure as the selectors' choose. A long discussion ensued, the bill finally passing its second reading by 34 to 4, and the bill referred to the Waste Lands Com mittee.

The bill was considered by the Waste Lands Committee this morning, and an endeavour was made to force it through. Messrs Ballance, O'Callaghan, and other

■members were not present, bub sufficient resistance was made by Mr McKenzie and others to cause an adjournment v iil to morrow. The Midland Railway, The revised contract with the Midland Railway Company was discussed at length by the Legislative Council yesterday after noon. A proposal was made by Mr Water house to refer it to a Select Committee with the special object of ascertaining whether the colony is sufficiently protected from claims for compensation the debate was adjourned after two hours discussion until to-day. In the course of bhe debate the Hon. H. J. Miller said bhab, speaking from personal knowledge of the land to be traversed by the Midland Railway he must say that it would be a very courageous company that would undertake to constrict the line. One tunnel alone woald require to be three miles in length and ab another part of the lino there must be 5£ miles of tunnel. Tho Unemployed. The Hon. Mr Shrimski intends to ask the Government whether it is true that they intend to provide work for tho unemployed in Auckland, and if so whether they will extend the same privilege to oth.er towns in the colony. Severe Sentences. "The "Post" last night has an article commenting on the severe sentence re cently passed by Mr Baddeley R.M. on two girls charged recently at Auckland with having no lawful visible means of support. The Minister of Justice informed me last nighb bhat his attention had been drawn to the matber and that he intends to enquire into it at once. The Young New Zealand Party. The determination of the young New Zealand party bo do something to save bheir bleeding country has taken a most pecu liar form. They are stone-walling all harbour bills. It matters nothing to them whether the bills are brought for ward by bhe anxious desire of a whole district or community, whether they have received the sanction and concurrence of local authorities of the plaGes interested, or whethei they are essential for the welfare of the districts on whose behalf they are pro moted. These considerations do nob weigh wibh bho Young New Zealand parby. If bhe bills are harbour bills, they are nob to receive consideration and young New Zealanders will consistently oppose them. These obstructive tactics are scarcely consistent with the motto "Pro gress and reform " adopted by the party and have already aroused bhe indignation of the older members of the House. Jottings. It is the intention of the Government to bring in a Naval and Military Settlers and Volunteer Land Bill this session. The delivery v Jio Public Works state ment has been fu: t iior deferred for a week. Government have promised that one of their engineer shall visit the banks of the Raugitikei where the damage was recently done by floods, and report on the best pro tective works. The Colonial Secretary's Public Proclama tions Validation Bill passed all its stages without amendment at last evening's sitting. It validates the alteration of dates of his mayoral elections. Government informed Mr Marehmant yesterday that their intentions receive to bhe North Island Railway will be set forth in Public Works statement. Of the_ £7,500 specially voted loet session for subsides for erecbing wire netting fence, £5,287 has been claimed by the three rabbit boards in tho colony. Officers in Civil Service whose salaries are reduced by retrenchment proposals will have their rights to pensions preserved. There is no power to tax foreign holders of New Zealand Government securities as they are beyond our jurisdiction. T*he Premier has consented to consider the procedure of business in the House with a view to facilitating it. The claim of £21,191 brought by the Manawatu Company againsb the colony has been "hung up" till afber Mr Travers , return from Wanganui. Government have promised to assimilate the wages of workmen on the Waimea Plains Railway to rates paid on other Go vernment lines.

A' marked feature of the debate on the Land Bill was the encomiums passed on the Minister in charge of it by members on both sides of the House.

Sir George Whitinore returns to England about the middle of next year, and will then publish a book he has written regard ing the Maori wars and his connection therewith.

The statement wired out by the Press Association that Wellington had been selected as the rendezvous for concentrating the Torpedo Corps of colony for a military display has received an official contradic tion.

The bill empowering the borrowing of £5,000 for the Wellington Girls' High School has been dropped," also the Welling ton College Act Amendment Bill. Mr Seddon is asking the Government to compel the Union (Waihi) and other Auck land mining companies to furnish half yearly statements. Mr Peacock is asking when the Cuvier Lighthouse will be finished. Mr McGregor proposed to ask the Minis ter of Justice whether his attention has been drawn to the manner in which Mr Baddeley, the R.M. at Auckland, conducts the business of the Court.

.Mr Hobbs presented a petition from Motukere village settlers with rfefdfence to regulations undeV which tb,ey are located. Hon. Mr Fisher introduced the Auckland Girls' High School Amendment Bill pro viding for the borrowing of money for erec tion of the school buildings.

Dr. Neill has been allowed to withdraw his resignation as superintendent of the Seacliff Asylum, and an inquiry will be now held ab Seacliffe.

SUICIDE BY POISON.

(BY TELEGKAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Ijtvercargill, this day. As old resident, named John Vint, en gaged as a hawker, committed suicide yes terday by taking " Rough on Rats."

DRIFTED TO SEA.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Westport, this day. George Craddock, a boatman, who has been plying on the Buller River for 20 years past, drifted acros3 the bar yesterday afternoon, and has not been picked up.

TELEGRAMS.

Christchurch, this day. Shop lifting

Thii morning , John Manders, his son William Manders and Frank O'Neill were committed for trial, on a charge of stealing four pairs of trousers from the shop of Peter Cairns. John Manders was also committed on the charge of Btealing 351bs of tobacco from the shop of Taylor and Papps.

Wellington, this day.

Charles Waston has been arrested on a charge of crimminal assult on a girl under 12 years o.f age and remanded till Satur day.

WAIKATO NOTES.

(by telegeaph.—own correspondent.)

Hamilton, Tuesday. Albert Thomas, a native, alias Hopeta, who stole a horse, valued £9, from Andrew Granger, of Waitete, on the 16th, and dis posed of it at Te Kuifci to a native named Hori for £4, was arrested yesterday by Con stable Berriman at the latter place. Ac cused was brought up at Tβ Awamutu this morning , , and remanded for 8 days. Mr James Coomb's tender of £14 for the removal of the Cambridge Grand Stand to Claudelands has been accepted. The first instalment of the material arrived in Hamil ton this afternoon.

Mr J. Smith has opened up negotiations for the sale of his hotel (the Phoenix) at Morrinsville.

A Native Land Court opened at Cambridge yesterday, to further adjudicate on the Puahoe case and other matters.

Daniel Ryan was brought before the Cambridge Bench yesterday, charged with stealing a pony, saddle and bridle from Mr L. B. Harris, Huntley, on the 25th, and remanded to Hamilton for the Ist Decem ber.

The Hamilton Baths, which have been closed for the past week, are again open. Great preparations are being made by tho committee of St. Andrew's Christmas fete, Cambridge, for the three-days' carni val. It is to be hoped that it will prove as successful as the one held at Hamilton last year, when over £150 was netted clear of all expenses for the benefit of St. Peter's Church.

The show of meat at the Hamilton auc tion mart last Saturday was the finest that has been held there.

The concert given last evening in the Public Hall, Cambridge, by the members of the Hamilton Choral Society, under the patronage of the District Hospital Board, and in aid of the funds of the Hospital, was a grand success. The hall was packed. The solo of Miss Wild was the gem of the evening. Great praise is due to Mr F. H. Templer for bringing the concert to such a successful issue.

THE EDEN TERRACE FIRE.

At 11 o'clock to-day an inquiry was opened at the Eden Vine Hotel into the circum stances surrounding the recent fire in Eden Terrace, when HazelPs Riding School and so many other buildings were destroyed. Mr H. C. Baddeley, R.M., officiated a s coroner and Detoctive Tuohy and Constable Dewes represented the police. A jury of six were emparinelled, of whom Mr Harry Garrett was chosen foreman.

Mr Garrett asked the coroner if there was any chance of the jury being paid. He said that in cases of accidents resulting in death he was quite willing to serve his country, but where it was merely a dispute between a private company and others he thought that some pay ought to be forth coming.

Mr Baddeley said that at present there was no chance of pay being obtained, but he hoped that soon these preliminary in quiries by juries would be done away with. Mr Tole, when Minister of Justice, had moved in that direction, but had only succeeded in so far that the number of jurors was reduced from 12 to 6. Had he remained in office, no doubt he would have gone further with it. He observed, how erer, that another member of the House had taken the matter in hand. Perhaps he might prove more successful.

Mr John Benjamin Russell was the first witness called. Hβ deposed to knowing the premises, which' were formerly known as Hazell's Riding School, lately occupied by Mr Flewellyn. He. held a mortgage from Hazell on the premises. He died leaving it unpaid. Witness sold thepremises by public auction. They were purchased then by Mr F, G. Ewington, about six months before the fire, for about £300. Flewellyn had agreed with witness to take the building for £500 if the claim was not realsied, and it was in pursuance of that that Ewington bought by arrangement with himself. Ewington granted a lease to Flewellyn, and insured the premises for £400 in his own name as owner, and the insurance money was paid to witness for him. The amount of the mortgage was either £400 or £450. Flewellyn took immediate accupation after the sale ; the father alone was interested. The purchase money was being paid by weekly instalments. £1 per week rent was also paid. The amount was to be re paid within five years. It was understood that time was of no consequence so long as the amotint was reduced. The principle was £.500, and the 20s per week rental was really interest on that sum. It was part of the contract that Fleweliyn was to keep it insured. had paid nothing from time of sale until the date of the fire. Witness did not press him, as he was aware that he had a con tract. At the time of the fire he should consider the buildings were worth about £700 or £800. They cost about £900. In his opinion there could be no reason why the fire should benefit Flewellyn ; on the contrary, he should look upon it as a serious loss, as they had just got their machinery ready for operations.

By Mr Bain, a juror: He did not pet his claim fully repaid by the purchase money. The insurance was £400. The only way in which Flewellyn would gain by the fire would be that £400 of his debt to Mr Ewington would be wiped off. The fire did not extinguish Flewellyn's liability. He still owed £150 which had been cancelled. It was looked upon that the fire had ruined him, and the lease was cancelled by special arrangement. Witness was not aware that Flewellyn ever had anything, and he cer tainly never paid anything.

Mr H. C. Hanchard claimed expenses. His Worship expressed sorrow that he was unable to order any payment.

Mr Hanchard said that he was not a finan cial agent buta retired importer living on his means. He knew James Flewellyn. Earlyin this year witness leased Flewellyn certain machinery, for which he was to pay £218 at the rate of £6 per month. Flewellyn did not pay as agreed by monthly instal ments but he erected a building for witness. Witness held a lien upon the machinery for the full amount. The £218 included in terest. It was insured for £170 in favour of witness in the Norwich Union. Witness had not received any of this from the Flewellyns. The machinery originally cost £480. He could not state its value prior to the fire, as he was not an expert. Wit ness took it under mortgage for about £215. It then belonged to a man named Cotterill. He had never said that the machinery was not worth £70 or £80. The engines and boiler alone vrere worth £68 or £70. At present he still claimed £48 from Flewellyn on account of the machinery. Witness re ceived the insurance on the machinery and the £48 was the balance. Flewellyn had to pay 10s for the value of the machinery and the premium on the insurance, but he had not done so. At the time of the fire Flewellyn was in difficulties. Witness also held a bill of sale for £32 10s over Flewellyn's furniture, which unfor tunatley was not insured, and consequently he lost that. At the time of the fire Flewellyn's credit was not good. He had a contract which he could not finish. He should think that the fire was disastrous to Flewellyn, as he lost all his personal effects. The fire did not relieve Flewellyn of his liability for the machinery. They could have walked out any day and told witness to take over his machinery. The machinery was leased to Mr Flewellyn, sen., and the bill of sale vraa a joint affair,

He had discounted bills for the Flewellyne before

By a juror: He considered Flewellyn's furniture good security for the bill of sale for £32 108. Witness could not enforce tho bill of sale, as there was nothing todestrain upon. He could not see any interest Mewellyn would have in the fire. Henry Flewellyn deposed: On 25th August last he was staying at his father's residence in Eden Terrace. He occu pied the fruiterer's shop next the Riding school. He arrived at his fathers about 7 o'clock the previous evening. After tea he assisted his father with some work in the workshop at 8.30. o'clock.

(Left sitting.)

THE TORPEDO DISPLAY.

THE MINISTER TO INQUIRE.

A WELLINGTON MOVE EUCHRED.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. The Minister of Defence informs me that the extract from the Star article, telegraphed to one of the local papers, was the first in" timation he had of the proposed gathering of Torpedo Corps at Wellington for a general display. He is at a loss to under stand by whose authority the display was arranged, and will inquire into the matter to-day.

Later.

The Display Put a Stop to.

Inquiries made by the Minister of Dβ* fence to-day proved the story of the concentration of the torpedo force at Wel lington, and display here, had its origin in a report that General Schaw desired such a test to be made.

Mr Fergus saw Major-General Whitmore this moinrng, and told him he did nob want any tests of this character made in the present position of the country.

A FRIEND AT COURT.

CANTERBURY THE PET OP THE LATE GOVERNMENT.

(BY TELEQRAPH. —PARLIAMENTARY

REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. Astonishing disclosures were made the other day respecting the partiality dis played towards Canterbury in the distribu* tion of money in the relief to the unera ployed. Mr Goldie has again been.instru mental in throwing light on a similar partiality in another direction. On his motion there has been submitted to the House a return showing the value of works performed in the Government railway; workshops of Hillside (Otago); Addington. (Christchurch); Petone (Wellington); and Newmarket (Auckland), for the two years ending March, 1887, for district 2 other than those in which the aforesaid workshops are> situate: — Name of Worshops. Total value of work done for other districts. £ s. d. Hillside 4,950 0 0 Addington 44,823 0 0 Petone 423 15 2 Newmarket. 1,534 2 9 Mr Goldie is now following the matter up by asking for details of the nature of the work in question, -and—where- it was senfc to.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE FROM TITIRANGI.

Last Saturday week a young girl named Jane Smith left her home at Titirangi for Avondale, in order to procure some pro" cure some provisions for her father. She has neither been seen or heard of since* The following is a description of her :— Brown hair, sunburnt complexion, dressed in light grey dress, red stockings and shoes, and black hat. Aged thirteen years. Any information will be thankfully received by Mrs Smith, Gladstone-street, off Symonds street.

ALLEGED ILLEGAL SEALING.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION),

this day. Louis Frederick Drew and Dennis Foob master and mate respectively of the schooner Awarua, belonging to Mr J* Hatch, ex-M.H.R., were charged afc the Police Court yesterday with having on the 15th August, at Auckland Islands killed ten seals during the close season, and further with having in their possession at Auckland Islands the skins of 176 seals. The offence alleged was com mitted on the occasion of the rescue of the survivors ef the ship Derry Castle by the schooner which was formerly engaged for some months by the Government in protecting the sealeries at the Auckland. Islands. The case was conducted by the Crown Prosecutor, who applied for an ad journment till Thursday in the absence of a. material witness. Counsel for the defence objected, but the application was granted.

We have received two letters relating to the cause of landlord and tenant which came before the R.M. at the Police Court on Monday. It appears that, as the house leto was a fully furnished one, the owner con cluded that the occupier was virtually a> lodger and that he could legally regain possession at any time. There is no doubfc great need of reform in the law with regard to the recovery of possession by landlords, when the rent remains unpaid. To lose his rent, and get fined £5 for taking posses sion of property which belongs to him was certainly rather rough upon the land lord in this instance,

The Mohawk Minstrels repeated their popular entertainment at the Agricultural Hall last night to a good andience. There should be a large attendance this evening, when a complete change of programme is promised.

Smith and Caughey can turn out in 12 hours, a stylishly-made suit of Qnehunga tweed for 59s 6d ; trowsers for 2ie. Perfect cut and finish guaranteed. Splendid array of new samples. Boys' s?>d cloth ing made to measure. in»oiehse stock of ready-made clothing and gerffcs' mercery ab S. and C's well known '10w , ., cash prices. —[Advt] . ;*:

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera Houpe—" Rob Roy "8. Agricultural Hall Mohawk Minstrels, 8. Foresters' Hall—Address by Rev. C. C. Brown,, 7.30

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

December I—M3ssrs E. Isaacs and H. M. Jervis

Auction Sales To-morrow.

d. Lewis- Wines, Spirits, etc., 12 Paget and Ralston, Newton-H.Q%eb.old Fumfc ture and Effects. 11 w^*umh.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30. 1887,

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