last night Ser e ThtoUe Hotel, blood on the distance further on he S>S & iSaller pools of blood. He under the W*: S^JSfsiuKnunary encounter had ■ eventually learned the fZfr -■? P n Vconcert were leaving the S Kof the number burst a T>lood itiW'f „= conveyed to the residence P> **Vaiid thence to his home in cl^S'p° nsonby, ■ W • . t qinmilar matter cropped up '"..****?* s^ he Hospital and Chari- yesterday evening. The P• n rt)«ffh Council wrote protesting l^ikaAction of their representative, Suiter, in wishing to expend a ff, f f t£Tcostley bequest for the Erecting new refuges for the old ■Jiff E&£ A reply was also read • W.Qniter objecting to the action of ■ of tbe three boroughs which he '&& »!j also stating that he was in eS accord with the other two r*v in the proposed expenditure. ' rthprs of the Board expressed Sty'strongly as to the right appeal from their represen- Board, and ultimately ibwas 0* J allow the letter to lie on the i^ yet \ f .; ft . off ther alone of all the mem "*" n fc considered that the Newton iW&e quite justified in wishing to • m Jfollvinto the expenditure of public Mr Suiter B ? v?a" the election of new members !>loseat hand, he should withdraw 00 !-f and allow the new Board to MS they thought fit to do so. !i ■Hα Police Court this morning, before ijr -j With embezzlement of several small ; of Thomas Dunn, of . SdSod, was again brought up and re- ; Mto Wellington. Three persons 58 and costs for first offences in : ■fumete 'arid William Gormer was i S to W 10s and Co3fcs or ' take 48 J Simprisoi'Jnent for a second offence. • W vas a narrow escape from a serious ' Xiation at " Ponsonby yesterday. < fiCTseb iire to dry ti-tree on the 1 Seßockproperty, and for sometime residence, adjoining, was in * i-JLL A timely discovery, and prompt < Station of water, fortunately checked ' fS time. We understand that Con- < ■SeGrabain has been informed of the Zwnce, andis now making inquiry con- ■" gmingtheoffenders. 1 nJfegasMitchelsonand Co.'s buildings r 1 -Jay a second extraordinary meeting : "'-lie shareholders in the Kaihu Valley . W«y Company was held, when Mr R. C. ' The business was merely { ■rfjgjrnial nature, to confirm the resolution ' Lirasly arrived at. It was as follows :— } ;«li»tthe articles of association be altered t a the manner following :—-The following ' r H&te sball be inserted after article 19, ' iselr: 19a. In addition to the powers tefeatelesconferred, the director.-' shall ( tepwer to mortgage all calls now made , jnJjiring'to the Company, and all future j si,and the uncalled capital of the Com- t my, and may delegate all ; 'Ms for collecting the same." * fioseventh new programme waa pre rtd;iasEi night at the Agricultural Hall v ipMohawkMinstrels. The attendance j |i^ikal, : very good. The audience cvi- ( IjiilMppreciated; many of the items pro- s |fac,an"dmore than one performer was re- £ t|3ed; : ;'MiS3 iianra Roberta was encored j favourite , song "Pretty White { ■§&";'. Me grand spectacular production, c was loudly applauded. Sakmeprogramnie will be repeated this j te% " /• i tettngof the creditors of A. McMillan c a hold at the office of the Official c Bailee this forenoon. Mr Humphreys 1 ttfedfer the bankrupt,-and Mr Baume a raehted several of the creditors. Mr c mfitep . stated on behalf of the s iteptthat he had inadvertently made c |feSaJiir.previou3 examination with c p|'fe;Wtrangaltion upon a p.ii. with SJ&es; : aiicl desired to amend the same. r 'Wdeal of discussion ensued, and the puittgaye an welter upon his employers a k ill Moneys coming to him over and ]. fee £6 per week, that sum being- t Itosry-for ldm to support his"family y lisipay his travelling expenses in con- r Itos with hie business. Tlie meeting r on the motion of Mr Baume, r pC|ible!Martin left for Wellington this c l«Miia charge of the prisoner Pinkney, c i»»ded; to Wellington on a charge of i BifißJfiitlee appointed by the Diocesan G ■;!)iwi6tiißti me of Bishop Selwyn recom- I; ijWtjat it should be a first charge on v Kjf for the pui-pose, in the v BWflfto Standing Committee, to pro- i : Bfel Bt 'P? D d °f a clergyman to travel ci ■ wbthodiocese, ministeringin districts r resident clergymen, j; ■ wiwlviiion was not acted upon until r H « wife the Rev. J. Haselden wasaap t H ~ T y clergyman. The Home s ■ is a means of increasing t g * !BW3 at. Uie disposal of the Standing t liS^*^ Or ■^ ome Mission work—that o ■33? -*° P rovi(l e the ministrations of v. P»,m country districts. The Rev. t I WSm Secretary of the Home Mis- s H oat this office is quite separate I °? organising clergyman. If the i W»#,i»iißi<ier the Home Mission i ■Bw|"l™(!ient for its purpose, and if g IliHwy should cease to exist, the office '] BjTOjsrag clergyman would not be af- 0 of the "A" Battery in- ' a"shot and shell practice at Jj Xorth Shore, to-morrow. ! the best shooting. t ■&?i?f'• oeen; arranged for a carbine ° HS/ U tate "place. The Battery will 3 Bg|lpe'Drill-ah;ed at 8.30 a in. The s w / !lsij ieut in another column. I m&?§, l? 6 fixtures for the Prince of Klli, • tllis y ear fche Auckland v W&Tu and Past ' ordl Show ' which ( ■Itllii|Sf :^ man y thousands of visitors c Kjj 'iif 5 ' 10 roun ds, is only conspicuous t ■ Association having de- I ■%ri v ge the date fco March. Tlie s Bfe ; ii di a,nUseroen ]ts will, however, t ■*idow«S P rov 'de a variety of I for the pleasure- 1 ■n - ox^n g was gi ven t H'iteiiflL e ?, oon in the presence of a * lX?, rf local "sports" by C. Mit- . ■|i|SW«Wan light-weight, who g re on his way to San " t W*W%^ aDon ovari, the local middle- , Mm^ ' Jr r " were finished, and t ■■S. a nd ecientific boxing was x

UNKNOWN

,T* fasejit Wellington vF!! -—PBESS ASSOCIATION.) k j. Wellington, this day. k^.,'*~f inqncst on the bod y of jHE! evidence proved that **i.- j^ Very iadica fcion of irritant ttraces of arseniCj vvhich U&S; Properties of." Rough ?tS?: Bund J »-the stomach. of " Committed i-kSi S^* insane." A rider "wng the conduct of the

THE LATE FIRE AT MOUNT.

Coroner's Inquest

A coroner's inquest into the circumstances under which the dwelling-house of Charles James Aickin, of Mount Eden, was burnt down on September 1, 1887, was opened by Dr. Philson (District Coroner) at ten o'clock this morning in the Junction Hotel, New market. MrClendon (Devore and Cooper) appeared for the North British Insurance Company. Mr William Hogg was chosen foreman of the jury. Detective Doolan and Constable Collis represented the police. Mr Aickin applied for an adjournment, in order to obtain the services of a solicitor. This was refused, but leave given to send for a solicitor, and a message was accord ingly despatched for Mr O'Meagher. Lewis Moses was the first witness called. He deposed that he was a financial agent residing in Mount Eden Road. He knew Charles James Aickin. • He knew nothing as to the origin of the fire which destroyed Mr Aickin's house. On August 19th last he lent Mr Aickin £42 on the security of his furniture. He visited the house and took an inventory of the furniture, which he valued at £250. He had since been repaid by Mr Baume, solicitor. One or two days elapsed from the time he inspected the furniture until he lent the money. He saw some of the furniture on the day of the fire and before it occurred. In addition to the security and the bill of sale, he held a p.n. for £42 payable on demand. He also held a policy of insurance, but did not get it registered, although authority had been given him. Mr Aickin stated that he wanted the money to defray legal expenses, as he was about to be fined for uttering or forgery. Witness gave the policy of in surance to Mr Baume, who was to give it up to Mr Aickin when his claim was satisfied. He was in the house at 9 a.m. on the day of the fire, but he was not in the kitchen. He had no other transactions with Mr Aickin.

As Mr O'Aleagher had not yet arrived, the jury requested that as Mr Aickin occupied the position of an accused person he might be allowed to be present. The Coroner assented, and Mr Aickin,who stood outside in the hideous garb of a convict and in charge of a gaol warder, was ushered into the room of inquiry and accommodated with a seat.

Margaret !ssain, wife of Bernard John Esam, grain and produce merchant, de posed that she lived in Owen's Road, Epsom, contiguous to the late residence of Air Aickin. The witness described how she gaw smoke issuing from Aickin's house and gave the alarm. When she wa3 going to the tele phone she saw Mr Aickin going up the steps of his house, and she also met Mrs Aickin hurrying home. Witness said to her "Your house is on fire." Mrs Aickin seemed utterly bewildered and did not ask any questions. A little way further on she met Mrs Aickin's sister (Miss Clark), wurying the baby. Previous to going to the telephone she looked through the window into Aickin's draw ing-room, bub saw no trace of smoke there. Earlier in the day she had seen the Aickins sitting at their dinner. She knew nothing as to the origin of the fire.

Chas. James Aickin deposed that lie was a prisoner undergoing sentence in Mount Eden Gaol. He lately lived in Owen's Road along with his wife and infant of two months. After the time of the fire his sister-in law (Miss Clark) was stopping with them for a few days. At ten minutes to three o'clock on the afternoon of the Ist Sep tember, witness, his wife and child, and Miss Clark went out for a walk, having had dinner about 1 o'clock. The house was of wood with an iron roof, and contained eight rooms, with a.washhousQ underneath. The kitchen was at the back of the house, and contained a cooking range set in a chimney, while a gas stove stood in the scullery off the kitchen. Their dinner that day —roast mutton and vegetables—was cooked in the kitchen range by his wife.

At this stage Mr .Napier arrived, and an nounced that he appeared for Mr Aickin. Examination continued :—A fender was also attached to the range. The house be longed to Mr Charles Williamson, likewise the cooking range and the stove. While witness's household were at dinner two men came from the Gas Company to re place the old meter with a new one. They removed the old meter in the stable. He did not know whether or not they used a candle or matches. There was no matting on the scullery floor. After dinner the tire in the kitchen was not put out, but neither ■was it renewed; it was left to co out. There was oil-cloth on the kitchen floor. There were four windows on the side of his house next to Mr Esam's, but one of them was boarded up. The window above, from which Mrs Ksam said she saw smoke issuing, opened into a small room oft" the dining-room. It contained books and newspapers, and clothing was occasionally put in it to air. It was a kind of general room. He had not smoked in that room on the day in question; in fact it was very seldom used. There had been a fire in the dining-room in the 'early part of the morning, but it must have quite burnt out by 10 or 11 o'clock. Kerosene was not used." After the fire we learnt that the house was insured by the owner. He, him self, had the furniture insured in the North British and Mercantile for £130. He valued it at between £200 and £300. He first insured it soon after he went to the house, some eleven months prior to the tire. There waa an additional £50 of insurance on watches, jewellery, trinkets, etc. At 2.50 p.m. they all left together for a walk, leaving the house lock6d up. He believed the windows were all fastened. They went towards the old windmill at Epsom, and sat down iv the neighbourhood of the windmill. After they had been there some time, Miss Clark remarked that she saw someone go through the gate of wit ness's premises. Witness asked if it was a lady or a gentleman. Miss Clark said it was a lady, and she was coming out: again. Witness went up to where Miss Clark stood, which commanded a view of his house. He saw a lady come out. through his gate and hurry towards Mrs Fox's "house. Ai; the same time lie noticed smoke coming over the top of his house and thought it must be from weeds in Mr Mahony's garden. His house was about half-a-mile distant by the road. Just after seeing the smoke he perceived several people beginning to run,and he then noticed that the smoke was issuing from beneath the eaves of his house. He said to his wife, "Why, the house is on fire," and at once started off to his home., When he got there a number of people were on the verandah and someone was getting through the drawing-room window. There was no flame at this time, but much smoke. He opened the front door with the latch key and went in, but the smoke was so dense, that he could not see foiva minute or two. He heard thefire crack ling in the direction of the kitchen so he "proceeded thither, and the door being aiar he looked in and saw the flames running up the wall, but not. adjacent to the stove. It was the lining boards I of the partition between the kitchen.and the little room off the dining-room that were burning. He shut the door without looking at the mnge or stove, and went back to the front room and assisted to get out some of the furniture from the drawing-room. All the furniture outof the two front rooms was saved He went round to the back of the house to see if he could do anything there, and he fouud four ar five men there. Mr Renshaw was mounted on a tank with a small wooden pail m his hand, which he handed full of water to wit n™ savins "A few bucketsful will put it He himself thought that if water ha,d been available tbe building could

have been saved. The tank was full* Witness went in at the back door, which he found unlocked—although he had left it locked—and dashed the pailful of water on the blazing partition. When he openedthe door to enter the men outside could see right in, and they said, " Oh, it is no use now: come out." .They accordingly de voted their efforts to the saving of furniture. He could not account for the origin of the fire. There was nothing combustible where he saw the fire blazing, and\vhen he left the house for the walk he did not smell any fire. He had no reason to believe that the house had been entered during his absence. He sent in a proof of loss to the Insurance Company. His wife and he made out the list, and it showed a loss of over £200. He was not aware that the insurance money had been received.

By Jurors :—About half an hour elapsed from the time lie left the house until he perceived the smoke. He locked the scullery door before leaving the house, and walked back through the kitchen in order to reach the front door. £25 he believed was claimed for the jewellery lost at the fire.

By Mr Clendon :—At the time of the fire he was waiting his trial and was out on bail. No conversation took place between himself and his wife about leaving the baby at home. The wit ness immediately afterwards said there might have been a conversation, but that it was not true that his wife wished to leave the baby at home, and that he insisted upon its being taken out. At this time he owed about £60, which in cluded the balance owing to Moses. Moses sued him on the P.N. before the date on which the loan was made payable. His brother-in-law found part of the money to pay the claim. About £60 worth of furniture was saved from his house. He proved for the full insurable amount and for about half the jewellery. By a Juror :—Moses's bill of sale for £32 was the only lien upon the furniture. ,

(Left sitting.)

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAriI—OUR SPECIAL REPORTER).

Wellington, this day.

Non Political Railway Board.

The bill to create the non-political Rail way Board is not finally' framed, but the intention is to appoint two members who aro resident within th e colony to act in conjunction with a chair man who will be a thoroughly qualified manager and will be imported from England or America. The measure will be drafted on the Victorian Bill, but the Commissioner will be granted extended powers, and will have authority to alter and regulate salaries. ■.*,*>» Major-General Schaw. *',-*^ Major-Cieneral Schaw was only invested with his com mission on .Saturday, so he will not bo in a position to report on tho harbour defences for some days. Anonymous Blackguardism. '% By tho Southern mail on Saturday, every member of the House received an anony mous handbill without any imprint making a coarse and blackguardly attack on the member for Dunedin South. Sympathy is expressed with Mr Fish at tnis continued persecution, and tho effect of tho handbill has been tho very reverse of the intentions on the part of those causing its circulation; Tho Works Statement. The Minister of Public .Works wULconi metice the preparation of the Works State ment this week. It is expected to be ready for delivery about a'fortnight hence. Protectionist Movob. Notwithstanding the decision of the Go vernment not to interfere with the tariff this session, copies of a revised tariff prepared in the interests of the manufacturing in dustries are being sent here by tho Christ church Protection Society. • Equalising Salaries. - < The intentions of the Government with regard to reductions in the salaries of public officials have not yet been decided upon, but 1 have author ity for saying that they do not propose to make a general reduction on the percentage principle. They: re" cognise that many officers aro paid at a much higher rate for services than they should be, and that other deserving officials are underpaid. They therefore in tend to go into the whole question of merit, and equalise salaries by making reductions where they think they should be made, and giving increases where desirable. Relative to Mr Hannaford's petition th e Public Petitions Committee report they have no recommendation to make. Reductions In Wages. Mr Moss gave notice to-day to ask the Colonial Treasurer whether, among the various large sums which he proposed to carry in globo as reductions in the public expenditure, there are included any re ductions in the wages at present paid to skilled and unskilled workmen em ployed in the public service. If so, will he inform the House of the ex tent and character of such proposed reduc tion, as the initiative in that direction on the part of the Government must gravely affect the position of the JArge masses of our people dependent on manual labour throughout the colony.

THE LEGAL SENSATION.

DEPARTURE OF MR RIGBY,

Amoxost the passengers per R.M.S. Alameda for San Francisco last "evening was Mr William Rigby, solicitor, who is en route for England with the avowed pur pose of settling his affairs in Bolton. This step, we understand, was taken on the advice his friends in the legal profession. Before his departure the partnership exist ing between himself and Mr William Thorne was dissolved. A representative of the Star saw Mr Thorne on the matter this morning, and that gentleman, in reply to our re porter's queries, said: "There is really nothing to toll. I was willing that Mr Rigby should remain here and face the thing out, but he decided to go. The dis solution of partnership, which is adver tised, was by mutual consent. Ido not know how long Mr Rigby will be at Home." "We have received the following letter from Mr Rigby :—•" To the Editor : Sir,— Kindly permit me through your columns to announce to the many friends and others to whom I am indebted for much kindness and sympathy, and to thepu-blicgeneially, the course which under the best advice I have been able to obtain' I have determined to take. I intend at once to withdraw from practice, and not to resume until 1 have arranged my affairs at Home. Though urged by numerous clients and others to remain, I feel that in the trying position in which I am placed I could not do justice to the interests committed to my Charge, so long as my mind was full of anxiety as to my own affairs. As lam convinced that it is best to face the matter at once, I have determined for that purpose to take the earliest opportunity of leaving, and it is therefore my intention to depart by the outgoing mail. It only remains for me to ask for the kind forbearance of all and a continuance of the sympathy which has been so largely extended to me hitherto until I am able to report the result o! my efforts to adjust matters.—l am, etc., W. RiGBY. Auckland, November 7tiu 1^7. ,, .

SPORTING NEWS.

SALE OF RACEHORSES. \ j (KEUTER"s TELEGRAM.) \

Melbouiine, Nov. 7,

The jfion. W. Robinson's racehorsea were submitted to auction to-day. The Hon. W. Pearson purchased Silver Prince for 1,150 guineas ; Thunderbolt was secured by Mr G. H. Read for 500 guineas ; and Dis owned was bought by Mr C. L. McDonald for 300 guineas.

The New Zealand Cup.

The New Zealand Cup.

Christchurch, Monday.

The following is the latest betting on the New Zealand Cup :—IOO to 40 agsfc Lochiel, 100 to 33 Nelson, 100 to 25 Gipsy King, 100 15 Maxim, 100 to 10 Artillery, Hermitage, Sextant, and Beresford ; 100 to 8 Moana, to 100 to 7 Regina, 100 to 6 Torrent and St. Clair, 100 to 3 Cruchneld.

TO-MORROWS RACING.

Auckland Racing Clubs Spring "! Meeting.

• . . [BY SAr.XTKKER.] '■ / The first day's racing of the Auckland Club's Spring Meeting will take place to-morrow at Ellerslie, when a splen did bill of fare is promised to race goers. Impey's band will be in at" tendance to discourse sweet strains between the races, and all the arrangements on tlie course are as complete as is usual. The first race the Trial Stakes, is to start ac 12.30 sharp, and to meet the requirements of the public, trains will Auckland station for the racecourse at 10, 11, 11.40 a.m., and after that time every twenty minutes up to 2 p.m. Owing to the depressed times both the railway authorities and the Racing Club have retrenched a point, and the public will have the benefit of cheap fares and low admission to the course. The admission to the course is one shilling , and sixpence, and the train iare one shilling , , so half-a-erown will suffice for the afternoon's amusement.

The first race is the Trial Stakes (weight for-age) for which seven starters aro pro mised, viz., Cinderella, Tennyson, Lady Alice, Sir Walter, Balista, Fusee and Gipsy. As the distance is only a mile Cinderella should hold all the others safe.

Great interest will be taken in the Wel come Stakes, five furlongs, for two-year olds. Thirteen youngsters are down for this and no doubt the majority of them will start. As they have nob appeared in public before it is impossible to say what their respectivo merits are. Hilda if we are to believe all that is said about her great trial should win, but I prefer to stand Taktak (Musket-Steppe) or Pkajil Sueicl (Musket- Pearl Ash,)

Four only will starb for tho Handicap Hurdles viz., Peter Osbeck (list 111b)," Magnesia (lOst 71b), Ma Petite Fille (9at4lb) and Coral (9st 31b). This will bo a very epen race but Petkii Osbkbk should win.

'Prince of Wales' Handicap. The following are the horses in the race with their probable riders :-— Mr I). TwohiU's b nx Cinderella (Carey)

6yrs Bst 121b. Mr G. Wright's b m Friendship (Taylor) aged, Bst Ilib.' . Mr J. Chatife ns blk h Turquoise, (Suther land) agod, Bst 71b. Mr W. f ßobbetfc's;b m Lady Norah (Kidd) 4yrs-88fc6lbY • < — Mr J. Lennard's brra Cloggs (Kean) 6yrs, .. Bst... v I. : ., ■■ ■V^ Mr Thos. Hedger'a b h Wapiti (Morrigan) aged, 7r?t 131b. Mr J. Allwell's eh m Victoria (Peai'3on)

6 or 7yrs aged, 7st 111b. Mr J. Jones'" blk h British Lion (Hiekton)

4yrs 7st 101b. Mr G. Wright's b, m Tamora 4yrs, 7sb 91b. Hon. E. Mitchelson's eh f Forino, (Myers),

3yrs76t2lbn. MrThofc Hedger'sbrm Antelope, (Kattmis) 4yrs 6st 121bs. .' : Mr W. Somerville's br f Balista, (O'Meara),

3yrs, 6st lOlbs. Mr D. McKinnon's br g Sir Walter, (Lett), 3yrs,[6st 71 bs. Mr J. AHwell'a eh f Britannia, 4yrs, 6sfc

71bs. Hon. E. Mitchelson's br f Fusee, (Me

Millan), 3yrs, 6st slbs. Mr \V. Robertson's eh m Leorina, 4yrs 6st. Mr J. Chaafe ns gr h Cannon, (Brummer), 4yrs, 6st

British Lion and Antelope are at present favourites, while Clogs and Balista arc also well up in public tavour. Antelope has been running well lately, and is in good condition, while Wapiti is also reported to be something very good this j time; if the ground is wet then he may pop up< .Victoria and Lady Noeah are my fancies, and they should fights out the finish, while Clogs is such a sterling good mare that I cannot overlook her, and if anything upsets my calculations it will be she, While Antelope should be well up. Torpedo. (9sfc. lib.), Whalebone (9st. lib.) and Guy Fawkes (lOst. 81b.) should be the placed horses in the Selling Steeple chase, three miles, the first.named to win. For the Selling Race, one mile, I like Woodpecker for first place, while of the other seyeu. in the race The. Cat and Bangalore look best. . > , _ The day's sport will conclude with the Epsom Plate, five furlongs, for two and three-year-olds. There is another large iield " here, seventeen being down. The result of this . race will greatly depend on the result of the "Welcome Stakes, but to make a selection almost in the dark I will place them Bangle 1, Rag lan 2, Bnemar 3, while I consider Cushla dangerous.

TE KOOTI'S EXPEDITION TO THE EAST COAST.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN COBBESrONDENT.)

WelmngtoNj Thursday. Inspector Keilly hus telegraped to head quarters that Constable Jones had been in formea on good authority at Kihikihi chat Te Kooti with a majority of his followers would leave for the East Coast on Decem ber Bth.

A STRANGE SUICIDE.

A YoiiDft Man Hangs Himself-

Fielding, this day. A young man named David Browning, son of a settler at Campbelltown, committed suicide by hanging himself yesterday. De ceased was working with his father felling bush for Mr McDonald. He left his father saying he would return, in a, few minutes. Some time having elapsed his father went to look for him and found the lifeless body,of his son suspended, to a tree by a piece of flax. >;. ~

SCHOOL COMMITTEES CONFERENCE.

The adjourned conference of chairmen iTom thecityandsuburbanEchool committees took place last evening in the Mayor's room, City Council Chambers. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair.

Chkistmas Holidays.—Discussion was resumed on Mr La Roche's motion, viz., " That the Christmas holidays be reduced to four weeks, and that school duties be resumed on January 23rd, 1888."—Mr Clark moved as an amendment, " That the schools shall break up on Wednesday, 21st December, and the holidays end four weeks from that date. "—The amendment was seconded, but on being put to the meeting was lost. The original motion was then submitted and carried. The representatives of Par nell,' Avondale, and Tamaki West voted against the motion, and the Ellerslie repre sentative remained neutral.

Reading Books. —Mr Shera moved, " That it is desirable for the committees to introduce the books recommended by the Board as soon as possible," and Mr Bollard seconded the motion, which was carried.

School Requisites. —Mr Cozens pro posed, " That the Board supply books, and school requisites to the headmasters of each school at cost price, and teachers be allowed to add 10 per-cent, to cost to cover ex penses, etc." The motion did not find much favour, and on being submitted was lost, leaving the matter an before. Truant Children.—On the motion of Mr Gorrie, seconded by Mr Shera, it was agreed, " That in the opinion of this meet ing it is desirable that tlie school com mittees should briig into operation the compulsory clauses ot the Act, and appoint tho City Schools' officer for the purpose of enforcing the compulsory clauses of the Act."

Saixts' Holklays. — Mr Shera moved, " That there be a holiday on St. Patrick's Day, St. George's Day, and St. Andrew's Day, and that the various committees be recommended to co-operate in keeping them."—After considerable discussion, this motion Was put to the meeting and lost. — Mr Gorrie pointed out that this motion being lost meant that these days were not to bo observed as holidays.

Rkmoval of Tkachkrs.—Some discussion took place on this subject, and on the motion of Mr Coigns, seconded by Mr Gorrie, it was agreed, " That tho Board of Education be requested to apply the same rule as to consultation in the caso of removal as in the.appointment of or dismissal of teachers, and that the Board be asked to have the Act altered to meet this request." Special Holidays.—The Chairmen of the City, Grafton, Ponsonby and Newton Com mittees were appointed a sub-committee to arrange any special holidays. A vote of thanks to the Mayor terminated the proceedings. „ .

DISPUTED TITLE.

Bkn.tamix Lindsay was charged at the Police Court this morning, before Mr R. Stophenson, J. P., with that he did un lawfully and maliciously cut part of a fenc c on part of allotment 18, section 5, suburbs of Auckland, the property of Thorna a Wilson, situated in Commercial Road, caus ing injury to the extent of 10s. Mr Buddie appeared for the plantittjand Mr S. Hesketb, for the defendant, pleaded not guilty. Mr Buddie stated the prosecutor had for some years been owner of the land, aiid on the olst October laab ho was on the land with a friend^.r» wjiea ,he saw , the .defendant Lindsay on tlie land cutting down the fence with an axe. He understood that the defence would raise a queetion of title, 1 atfd"fchat the defendant's brother, a third person, had a claim on the land. The plaintiff admitted that the defendant's brother had a right-of-way, from the street over the land, but only a reasonable width was admitted. To take away the jurisdic tion of the Court he contended that the defence must prove v bo/ia file. title to the land held by some per son other than the prosecutor. — Thomas Wilson produced a deed of the property in question, the execution of which was admitted by the defence, but not its contents. On the 31st he was on his land, when the defendant came and chopped through two rails. Defendant seemed threatening, and witness said nothing to him just then. After a little defendant spoke and said it was all right; he knew what he was doing. He said "Pull me up," but made no claim to the land. A short time ago he found the ground planted in potatoes. About three weeks ago James Lindsay offered to bet witness that his land went up to Seabrook's fence. He agreed to take his ground from a certain fence, but when the surveyor came up defendant re fused to give any assistance. Witness then proceeded with his fence and the de fendant cut it down. By Mr Hesketh : Never heard that there was any question as to the title of the land until about three weeks ago. The fence was on the boundary of witness's ground and defendant's right of way of 20 feet. Mr Heelteth now asked if it was worth while going on, it being evident that a bona fide question of title was involved. He proposed that the question should be left to two surveyors or to Mr.Seth Smith, R.M., and that the parties should be bound by the decision then arrived at. '] His Worship took this view of the case. Mr Buddie asked that Mr Cherry's evidence should be taken. His Worship ruled that the question of ownership having arisen, tlie Court had no jurisdiction. Mr Hesketh applied for costs, and Hie Worship decided that he had no jurisdiction in this matter.

CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION.

AN EX-SCHOOLMASTER IN

TROUBLE,

John O'Bbien, formerly schoolmaster at Kaitoke, was brought before Mr Wardell, R.M., at \Vellington on the forenoon of Thursday last, charged with intending to desert his wife. Accused made, several offensive statements and insinuations re garding the magistrate. The case was ad journed till the afternoon,when O'Brien was again brought up, and Mr J. GTay,solicitor, gave evidence that his t firm were holding a sum of money amounting to over £400 be longing to and for O'Brien. At this O'Brien loudly asserted that they had no money of his. Every penny of it belonged to his sister. His Worship ordered the prisoner to find two sureties of £100 eauh that he would pay 30s weekly for his family's support. O'Brien, who up to this had been in a yery turbulent state of mind, seemed desirous of making an arrangement, and ultimately it was settled that he should pay his wife £200 in settlement of all claims. He was therefore discharged, all other charges against him being withdrawn. Previous to leaving the Court O'Brien apolo gised to Mr Wardell for the way in which he had spoken to him. His Worship ac cepted the apology, saying that he excused him because he thought him partly bereft of his reason on account of his troubles, real or imaginary,

A CAUTION TO WIFE-BEATERS.

(BTf TELEGSUPH.-"-PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

" ;' • Dunedix, this day,' - Aα? the city Police C?cwt, Edward Burton, wife beatjng, waa seat to gaoj far, 12 moofchs,

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

y: (FROM OUR OWX CORRESPONDENT.)

~-.:: p AE roa, Saturday. Mb, George Wilsos, Mining Inspector, has just completed an all-round tour of the different mining centres in this district, and, from what I can learn as to the pro bable results of his visit, the owners of all the unworked holdings will hear from him very shortly.

The Warden's Decision Regarding the New Goldfields.

Thames, this day;

I understand that Warden Stratford has decided not to grant licenses for new ground near the Prospector's claim, oi at new finds, and in case of the reopening of old aban doned ground of some years' abandonment he will not grant a greater area than five acres to each party, except under special circumstances. This has given rise to some comment amongst speculators, and it is pro bable something more will be heard about the matter.

Cambkia.—No gold has yet been seen in the body of quart/ which came in at the side ot the winze on No. 7 leader a day or two ago, but the stone looks promising-

WHANGAMATA GOLD DISCOVERY. Alleged Grave Departmental Blunder.

A gentleman of considerable experience in mining matters writes to me as follows re the mines at Whangamata :—" There has been a stupid blunder in connection with this place, as the Whangamata Nos. 2 and 4 blocks were never ceded to the Crown by sale, nor were they even the subject of any agreement for allowing Europeans to mine for gold in them. The notice boards for bidding mining on these two blocks, erected by order of Mr James Mackay many years ago, are, in several instances, still stand ing. One near our camp is still legible. It is as follows :— ' Native Reserve. No mining allowed on the other side of the dividing line !' The boards were put up on this land when the Hikutaia and Whanga mata blocks wero bought and proclaimed as goldrields. These two were not included. The Government proclamation of December, 1886, includes them in the goldfield, which seems altogether wrong." Judging by the foregoing information which I have .ob tained, the miners have pegged out a num ber of claims, and I believe the reef runs through No. 2. The nativee could be in duced to give up No. 4 for mining, but there would be most likely trouble over No. 2.

Sale of Caledonian and Other Mines.

The necessary powers of, attorney to gether with titles of each of the three mines were posted to the Bank of New Zealand London yesterday, which was very smart work, considering that after the Caledonian meeting washeld, |theppwei'sof attorney had cacli to be signedand compotet I. Mr W ithe ford left Thames about midnighton Saturday with Turtle's and Comer's papers all com plete, and thanks to the attention devoted to the matter by Messrs Whitaker and Russell, who acted for the Caledonian Com pany, all the required documents were des patched by the Alameda. Mr Witheford's agent in London will thus be enabled to complete negotiations for the sale of the mirxes if the somewhat unfavourable re ports from New Zealand do not un popularise New Zealand stocks.

Export of Ores.

Some days ago we threw out the sugges tion that a lucrative business might be es tablished by the export of ores to England and Germauy for treatment, pointing out that, as at Silverton, this means of, deal ing with our quartz would no doubt soon be followed by the ' introduction of modern processes of gold and silver extraction to the colony. Mr Withc ford with his usual enterprise has grasped the idea we sought to convey, and has arranged to forward to England samples not exceeding half a hundred weight each of auriferous or argentiferous ores for thorough testing at Swansea or Frie berg, as may be arranged. No charge will be made for freight to London. Mr Withe ford points out that samples should be from reefs of sufficient magnitude and character to ensure the prospect of a permanent supply of a similar grade of ore to that in the first sample. The test being made is for com mercial purposes and if carried out properly will enable supplies to be bought in Auck land and money advanced here on large shipments as ie the case with wool, kauri gum and other produce of ascertained value x\lr Witheford has arranged for the shipping of ore to London in quantity at 10a per ton. -

AUCKLAND YACHT CLUB.

Opening Cruise f?'^

The members of the Auckland Yacht Club intend opening the yachting season to morrow by a cruise to Home Bay and Motu. tapu. , The yachts will muster off the Railway wharf, at 9 a.m., the signal for getting underway being given from Commodore C. B. Stone r s yacht, the Matangi, on the masthead of which vessel the Club's burgee will fly. - The Cloud, with Vice-Commodore Buchanan on board, will lead the smaller yachts. The follow ing vessels will take part, in the cruise:— Matangi, Tawera, Maritana, Maratea, Wenona, Albatross, Rita, Jessie Logan, Isca, Pixie, Dixie, Cloud, Irene, Sylvia, Alice, Wanda, Manola, Mayflower, Robin, and others. Mr Featherstone's line steam yatch Nautilus will accompany the fleet in the capacity of flagship and will take on passenger friends of members of, the Yacht Club. Tickets for admission to the Nautilus may be obtained on application to the Commodore or Vice-Commodore.

MAORI LAND DISPUTE.

Tlie White Chief &n& His Brown

Brothers.

[BY TELEGRAriI.— PKESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Monday. The case of Te'Ara Te Kana and others v. Alexander and Annie McDonald commenced to-day. The plaintiffs sought to obtain from the defendant, Alexander McDonald, a statement of accounts in reference to a large block of land near Fielding, in his dealings with which the plaintiffs alleged he was working on their behalf. It was urged that McDonaldj while acting as agent for the plaintiffs, had,unknow« to them, secured their land for Himself by re lieving the mortgages. .The statement for defence denied that the agency existed as stated, and the statute of limitations was relied upon in respect of the moneys claimed, it being urg?d that the plsiin tiffs had forfeited their right to recover. Tho case is one ofthe most important actions dealing with native lands ever heard in ; the colony. .The defendant has "been connected •with native affairs in the Welling ton Provincial 'District for more than thirty years, and so far gained the confidence of the Ngatifcawhata hapu as :to have been appointed one of their chiefs, assuming the title of Kawhatai the name of Ihe ancestral head of the tribe> and in 1874 was im prisoned for having shot the leader of Andrew Young's mail coach at its passage through the Awahuri block, regarding which the present action arises. The case is likely to occupy gome little time,

AUCKLAND AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB SPORTS.

The following entries for th@ A.AiA.O» Sports to be held on Saturday week> the 19th inst., were received last night by the Secretary, Mr H. H. Hayr. The entries for the bicycle races of the Waitemata 8.0. to be run at the same meeting are also given below :—

150 yds Maiden.—P. Mackie, G. Cole* bourne, vVm. Clayton, T. F. Upfill, W. Ralph, R. Chappell, A. Seccoinbe, O. ; Stevens, J. M. Cumming, L. Meldrum, W. Hayr. ~ *■ i 100 yds Handicap.—F. Martin, W. Dono van, P. Mackie, W. C. Speight, G. Cole bourne, D. A. C. Brown, T. F. Upfill, W. Ralph, A. Seccombe, R. Owen, Q. Stevens, S. Major, H. H. Davy, R. B. Lusk, H. F. Harrison, J. M. Cumming, W. Wynyard, P. C. Maude, B. Lusk, L. Meldrum. 1 Mile Handicap Walk. —E. G. Did dams, J. McFarlane. G. Makgill, E. W. Burton, H. H. Davy, H. P. Norton, E. Mc- Causland, D. Fountain. 440 yds Handicap. — F. Martin, W. Speight, H. Stephensou, J. W. Winks, D. : A. C. Brown, H. Norton, J. A. Ansenne* H. C. Poulsen, W. Ralph, B. Owen, Si' Major, Pt. JB. Lusk, J. A. Stewart, W.'-jjL Stone, H. F. Harrison, P. Lynch, P. B. Lnsk, W. Wynyard, C. Maude, J. Wynn, J. H. Murphy. 200 yds Handicap.—F. Martin, W. Dono van, P. Mackie, W. Speight, D. A. C. Brown, T. F. Upfill, W. Ralph, B. Owen, S. Major, H. H. Davy, R. B. Lusk, H. F. .Harrison, J. M. Cumming, W. T. Wynyard./ ■•: , 600 yds Handicap.— H. Stephenson, J. Baxter, J. W. Winks, J. Tizard*, D. A. C. Brown, J. A. Ansenne, H. O. Poulsen, B. Owen, S. Major, J. A. Stewart, Vγ. R. Stone, P. Lynch, 1\ B. Lusk, J. H. Murphy. 1000 yds Handicap.—E. G/Diddams, C. E. Ifwerson, H. Stephenson, /J. Baxter, J. W. Winks, J. Tizard, H. Norton, W. Clay ton, J. A. Ansenne, fl. C. E. W. Burton, J. A. Stewart, W. X Stone, P. Lynch, J. Winn, T. Hayr , , W. Hayr. 120 yds Handicap Huddles. —W. Dono van, W. J. Ralph, A. Seccombe, B. Owen, fl. H. Davy, R. B. Luak, P. B. Lusk, W. Wynyard, C. Maude, L. Meldrum ,

Bicycle Races.

1 Mile Novice.—/S. Hunter, E. A. Gled hill, A. F. Handyside, H. Hammond, W. H. Johnstone,/T. J. Grange. 2 Miles Ladies 1 Bracelet.—S. Hunter, A. G.Buchanan, A* Howard, E» A. Gled hill, A. F. Handyside, F. W. Hunt, H. Hammond, A. A.. Gledhill, M. M. McCallum, J. A. Stewart, A. Stewart, W. H. Johnston, J. G. Lecky. / ; ;u

3 M ileChallexgeClt. —A. G. Buchanan, A. Howard, E. A. Gledhill, A. P. Handy side, J. A. Stewart, A. Stewart, 1\ W. Hunt, W. H. Johnston, J.fG. Lecky., 1 MileiSafety.—A. G. Buchanan, J. A. Stewart, E. A. Gledhill, W. M. Service. .;,

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN COKBESPOITDENT.)

Thames, this day*/

Alleged Sly Grog-Selling. J The police yesterday afternoon seized a quantity of spirits on j:he premises of Mr John Teddy, Kirikiri, and. information will be laid charging him with sly. grog selling. Constable llinton, recently from Auckland, made tha seizure, having passed himself off for the past few days in this locality as a gjam-digger.

The Baptist Conference.

Rev. W. R. Mr J. Kerishaw leave' for Wellington this week to attend the Baptist Conference. . i

'She Rifle Association j JBepresentatives. The following will represent■: the Rifle Rangers at its next meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association :-i-Lueas, A. and J. Thomas, Paterson, Downie and Clark. >

AUCKLAND BOWLING CLUB.

OPENING MEETING.

A MEETING of members of the Auckland Bowling Club was held in ohe Club-house on Saturday last, Mr Kirkwood presiding.

Match Committee.—On the motion of Mr Winks, seconded by Mr Miller, Messrs Bellington, Frater and Oliphant were ap pointed a match committee for the ensuing season. , - .>■■ ■ : ; ■ . > ..: .v; -'. ■.

Champion Bowls.—Mr Taunt moved, Mr Mirfin seconded, and it was carried, that the words "The winner of champion bowls shall be ineligible to compete for two suc cessive years/ be struck out of by-law. B. ; Matches.—lt was resolved that a friendly in vitation be sent to play a match against WanganuirepresentatiyesatNewPlyinouth, if possible, this season;— The timated that at the annual-meeting of tie New Zealand Bowling Asso9iation, it was announced that Auckland had. been drawn to play against New Plymouth at New Pl ymouth for the Association medal, and also that a match between the North and South Island would be played, if possible, during the proposed tournament week at, Christ church. . . . ; ,"";

Improvements.—Mr Cameron proposed fehat the floor of the Club house be.con creted, whereupon Mr Craig volunteered to provide the lime, Mr Humphreys the labour, and Mr Cameron the scoria, and Mr Pater ison promised to paint the two entrance gates. The donors were accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The question of-fencing the north side of the Glub grounds was allowed to stand over. . ... -

P&izes.— Messrs Kirkwood and Mirfin stated that they would each present a gold medal for competition this season. : , New Members.—The following were elected:—Bowling: His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. E. Devore),. Messrs A. Brockj B. C, Roberts, W, C. Walker, H. ]S[ashelaki, ,0. W. Basley, A; H. Taylor, Thomson, New combe, junior, W. B; Payne, M. McDer mott, F. J. Jones, Major Isaacs, a

Ten jus.—Misses Briton (2), Mr Bagnall, Miss Blandford. ... .

TELEGRAMS.

Wellikctoit, this day. ! The dispute between the Council and the Harbour Board re the width of the street on reclaimed land has been settled: by the former making the street the full width. In regard to the relations between the Council and the Tramway Company the latter : have named £28,000 as ,the capital value of the concern, and.; on ; which their profits would in future be repkonedj bu<> de clined to make any offer to the Council for a renewal or the concession for five, seven, and ten years. 1

COMING EVENTS.

A.bbott'3 Opera The Female Petfco* Agrldnlturai Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, & << j Ohoril Hall—Choral Society's RelxeawtaV 8* Otahuhu Publio UaU-rifintertainmßnt, 8. > -,% Devonport Hall—Concert and, Operetta, 9i. 4q\ foresters , Hall-Seloct £al)>9. , ~>•;■ 7 . Panraura Public SchdolroDzn. B»<ili Dan<w, 8. ' ' . i n ,,.:. ■' „; J^rne^twetSall'-N^nivereaiTGtOaaceUeTwskS

THiEAITGKEASD EVENING' STAR; 'TtJESmr, SUVEMBER 8. MM

5



In order to meet the times, which necessi-. tate all families exercising etrlot economy, the Devonport Terry Company B<>P oa , c running excureion ateamera t<? pt» Belwi'B Boy oil day tp-morrow at the ebeap rate of sixpence return. The 'time-table of the steamers for the day wiU be j?<"«4 m another eoluinn, :: .' ; ._-,.;