POLITICAL GOSSIP.

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Wellington, this day,

jforning Sittings,

janoffa strong probability of the sittings. Tho Premier com 01® gt3r day that two hours of each P la - Vere occupied with answers to _J{ero°° n y big was ver y undesirable when <?^ lotS ' s o much public business to be ff I He would try for a day or F° ! If the practice continued he iso SfJfcthe House to sit in the mornings i^ ion3, , „, « W - OJ d Soldiers' Claims. itwa Lands Committee recommend of old soldiers ,-vnd Volun "" d other cognate claims, be referred •*"? rLernment for consideration, with flimendation that they be dealt £req^ b,e^roUndS - Under-manned Steamers. , cJdon intonds to ask the Minister of *7 he is aware of the fact that fo- steamers have for some time to and from New Zealand ports fi without having on board the num- M certificatud en?ineers as required by Mjf on inauiry, it is found i unqualified persons are _ engaged j ..finer in the capacity of engineers on &S said vessels, he will ask the XL to take the necessary steps to i the law complied with and the 'dfcies imposed for the infringement f_f This question is specially in jj'(-/i anolv to tnc German steamer 5 nfiw chartered by the Westport U Company. Taxing Bondholders. m$ premier informs Sir Geo. Grey that tKfldifficulty in the way of taxing foreign Mndholders is that under the Loan Act we I compelled to pay the principal and •tlresfcin England,and therefore the money !fL_ the jurisdiction of the colony and __t'be taxed. If the money were pay- Sjin tie Treasury in New Zealand then it Mbe taxed. Sir George Grey asserted 5 oar practice is wrong and illegal. Aid to Libraries. ft is not intended to continue subsidies bfoblic Libraries this year in view of the that is being adopted. |i 3 considered by the Government that Liv one direction in which the people tV fjjjiy put their hands in their own f* te

Rough on tho Prcsa. (Main Russell declares that the whole jadaicy of elections, hiring halls, etc., j an indirect form of bribery, ■'j'-should not be allowed. This j0 caused Mr W. P. Reeves, who is a naidani • newspaper man, to interject, 'ifbatiabout the press ? " whereupon the BBbetfor Hastings proceeded to say that ft evidences of bribery commend him to fc press, He believed that more money nsextraeted from hon. members' pockets i_sshape of election advertisements than fotrame was really worth, and said that in fern electorate he found that newspapers raeinosfc expensive, almost extortionate, iatt the claims upon his purse. Mr foes defended his friends of tho " fourth aj„"in an exceedingly witty speech. It sjberemarked that if Captain Russell soke his mind, the proprietor of in Hastings paper must ho a very Vmk individual, for in other districts leouthyon advertising on tho part of aita during the recent election was mil indeed. . iaalgamation of Education Boards. flelpnbter of Education is of opinion (iajn'iatake has been made in this colony itetingfcoo many education districts. He ffljifßes to introduce a bill next session to HB&ctgeveral reforms in the education sys- BiitSntioneofthesewill be in the directionof originating Education Boards with the ■§tjp?reducing expenditure. 11 Interchange of Commerce. ■ Sis the intention of the Government in ■section--with the proposed revision of ■k tariff to endeavour to make some with the Governments of the Btoliancolonics by which duties on our ■Jigs' produce may be reduced or a pledge ■ie|iat they shall not be increased, we H»wside making some concession in our jß~fhich will suit the Australian Govern- J| Government Land Bill. I 5m endeavour made to push this bill Hbgghthe Waste Lands Committee yester- Hijhs aroused the hostility of the Oppo ■io party. They assert that one inten ■Mthebill is to sell the land for revenue ■proses, and they assert this is a danger |H«priaciple, and that time should be Hjtatathe country to give an expression on the subject. The progress OT&MJ through the Waste Lands Commit- Hislikely to be obstructed as far as pos- and attempts will be made to alter it |fl|;tijlargely and even prevent its passage i^a BCacamittee of the House. j| Volunteer Regulations. ■B W 20 Volunteer officers attended a ■*eang in'tbe Parliamentary Buildings ■«{?eiiin_ to consider the existing Volun- BffeHegalations. Major Hamlin presided, Captains Fitzhcrbcri and Mfejilirey were appointed; a deputation to Hptapon the General. A committee of B«to was.also formed to bring up ques »B_ at the meeting on Mon- is considered that the new IB 1 *! firing regulations conflict with 'the jßWregalations, and if absolutely put ■?«anfonld bodetrimental to Volunteer- M Marltoto Goldfield. MHjiarden Stratford has supplied the a report on the new gold ■pMaritoto Creek, Hikutaia,Auckland. reef is loose and friable quartz, ■?!, rich in gold and silver. IBfar °y a tin dishful of rich If.' 1 " picked out of the quarts *BX innael - The resulfc ° f the test ■S™ B " Mm, the gold being plainly. ■l* 11 the wash dirt left in the dish. »3 !^ e surrounding country is wild |B£™'?' 1 - He believes when a track has up to the reef so as to |Bg^ n eprogpectors to get quartz to the there will be room for a hundred im !w" lMIal Porm of Government * _§O tllerecent) election Mr Moss made S3 f erences to the desirability of «*aHr i* P rov incial form of govern- tte has, not, however, moved in the c«fcf W ; aJ . the reason being that ques "__*• tariff - nelimenfc and fcne revision oi At" 1 'Me sufficiently complicated H&ttft! raising other issues. As debate is over, how- SWiy ttoßs intends to ask Government desirability of revert- toLr, tter form of govern __.%* move a resolution on the r Ji^Htt_ re ' lfc " Ct thafc he fears ib would _i l *l»S- sa ,P art y question and would W "* B *»d on its merits. *J SrG 6lana for Settlements Bill. has a grievance against '•s£* I s Committee. His Land mS|SS_ BiU was referred to them 6 wff^ 0 ' and was onl y returned :s-'£ gain yesterday afternoon, peorge said, all chance of tHS*l atemei "ber's bill through this P__R»i»to? anend - He complained of [Wii'e by tho detention of the r »_ ! « lttee fo '-" «> long a period. ■ MS &H Tt w Ch airman of the Com *JmH wi tlle bili »ad been passed """""at expedition, and ■ ; lIl^S? 0 att empt to stop the bill, 1 'W Sir?r squired careful atten -1 * wey gajd tbe bi n waa so

much altered that it was entirely a new SSS BUre-c8 Ure -c Mr Moss and ofcher members P° ke - L Sir G. Grey intends to make an attempt to get the provisions of this and ms other bills inserted in the new Govern ment Land Bill when in Committee. Reduction of Members Bill. The Representation Acts Amendment *HU, winch is introduced by the Premier, consists of three operative clauses. On ,™ expiration by effluxion of time or dissolution of the present Parliament cue number of members of the House °t Representatives shall consist of seventy, of whom sixty-seven shall be Europeans. The Southern Maori District is to be included within the Western Maori Ti Stn( r>' oneMaoli member being thus lost. -me Kepresentation Commissioners are authorised to give effect to the necessary alterations.

Gold. Duty Reduction. in asking the Government to take steps tins session to have the export duty on gold reduced below two shillings, the Goldfields Committee further report: "The Commit tee, moreover; are of opinion that inasmuch as the miners' rights fees in the North Island generally go to the native owners of the land on which the mining is carried on it is inexpedient to permit the reduction to apply to the North Island unless by and with the consent of local bodies financially interested." Titles to Native Land. Tho Premier intends to bring clown a bill to get over the difficulty raised by the Court and enable persons who have" legitimate claims to native lands to complete their titles. Mr Lawry has been moving in this matter. Government re cognise that in consequence of the present insecurity of persons whose claims to native lands are believed to be indisputable, settle ment of such lands is retarded, and that those who have large sums of money avail able for the purpose of improving land are afraid to use the money for the purpose indicated. Commital of the measure was fixed for to day. Tho Midland Railway Question. Tho debate was continued in the Council yesterday afternoon, when the Hoiis. Messrs Holmes and Johnson spoke in favour of the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse's amendment that the new contract shall be referred to a select committee. TheAttorney-General consented to the intro duction of certain words so as to make tho meaning of the third clause clearer, and asked the Council nob to refer the contract to a select committee. By leave the amendment was then withdrawn and the debate ad journed till next day. Coroners Amendment Act. The Coroners Amendment Bill, intro duced by Mr Furgus, relieves medical officers of lunatic asylums or prisons whilst holding office as coroners from acting as such on inquests on bodies of such lunatics or prisoners dying in tho institutions in which they have appointments. The amount to be paid to coroners for fees, mileage, etc., is to be decided by Governor-in-Council. Coroners are empowered to order ah analysis. Opposition to Harnour Bills. Strenuous opposition will be raised by the Legislative Council to all the Harbour Board Bills. When the second reading of the Oamaru Harbour Board Bill was pro posed, Mr Waterhouseobjected tothomoney being borrowed to pay interest on loans, and expressed his intention of moving in committee that the amount proposed in tho bill should be reduced from forty thousand to thirty thousand. The Attorney-General also objected to the billon the same ground, while the Hon. R. Campbell could nob sco where the security for tho loan was to come from unless the large landholders wore un duly taxed, and for that reason the proposal for another loan should be rejected. The I bill was supported by Hons-Shriniski. Rich mond, Miller and Bonny, and it pureed its i reading by 28 to 3. j Reports on Petitions. ' The following Auckland petitions hav e been reported on :—Jas. Taylor and others, praying that the boundaries of the Tamuki West and Panmure licensing districts be defined. It seems that at present the hotels at Panmure by some over sight are not in any licensing district. Referred to Government for further consideration. Mrs Symond, widow of the late Captain Symond of Auckland, praying for some consideration in the way of pension or allowance in recognition ol tho services rendered by her late husband. Cannot recommend the prayers of peti tioner. T. W. Porter, Mayor of Gis borne and others in favour of somo assistance being given to W. L. Rees to proceed to England for the purpose of introducing his land settlement scheme. Referred to Government for consideration. Margaret Haplin, relative to case in Auck land R.M. Court brought against her by Dr. Laishley. No recommendation to .make. Martin Krippner, claim for introducing German settlers. That in tho opinion of the Committee petitioner has no claim against the colony. Jame3 and Mary Given, relative to survey of land. In' the opinion of the Committee petitioners are not entitled to any compensation. Forest Treo Planting. The number of claims received by the Government under the Forest Tree Plant ing Encouragement Act is 124, represen ting 5,247 acres planted, the money value of which is £20,903. In addition, land orders representing upwards of £5,000 havo been issued, and when the Land Bill is passed, facilities will be given to holders of these to exercise their scrip. Coroners' Fees. The main provisions in the Coroner's Act Amendment Bill will be the reducing of fees and travelling allowances to coroners. There will also be a provision greatly limiting the fees to magistrates acting as coroners. The Remington-Lee Rifles. There were five hundred Remington-Lee rifles purchased for this colony before the Imperial Government decided on tho future arm of its service, and at the time of their purchase no decision had been arrived at as to the future arm of this colony. The cost of the rifle alone was _?3 9s Bd. Two hundred thousand pounds of ammunition for these rifles were purchased at a cost of seven shillings and threepence per hundred rounds One hundred of the rifles have been given to the Honorary Reserve Corps (Christchurch), 350 have been lent for twelve months to the Volunteers with the option of purchase of an undertaking to return them in good order, and the other 50 are 'n stock and are to be purchased from the Department. At> the^request, of Caotain Somerville an additional 100,000 rounds of this ammunition have been ordered from America for use at the New Zealand Rifle Association meeting at Oamaru. There is no truth m Se rumour that this rifle is quite unlit for the Volunteer or any other service, as it is in use in America besides in several other countries. One rifle had been returned to the store here for repairs, and another was reported to be disabled. Such is the in- Son supplied in answer to a question pSontheSrder paper by Major Jack son. _ ... „ . The Midland Railway. The Council havo their back up respect. in_ the Midland Railway question and the Sfn R. Campbell will this afternoon move of the "°"_% fnft se i ec t Committee of the S*° n and the correspondenco both by Council, and tto cor I cable and letter «ng „ M „ he has a majority in favour of this course.

Abolition of Land Boards.

Strong opposition is being shown to the abolition of Land Boards, and in the event of their retention being decided on it will only be necessary for them to act as boards of Appeal and to meet every two or three months when summoned by the Commiss ioner. All administrative work in connect ion with the Act is now taken out of the hands of the Land Boards and left to the Department. Gaol and Asylum Warders. Mr Fergus is bringing in a bill to modify the Civil Service Reform Act as to warders of asylums, bailiffs, and police constables. Warders of asylums and prison officials are not to undergo any competitive examina tions. Jottings. Government have determined that they can't send any Minister to the Postal Con gress in Melbourne. The Administration Act Amendment Bill passed its second reading yesterday. A Bill is to be introduced next session to consolidate and simplify the Chattels Securites Act. Mr O'Callaghan has been appointed Chairman of the Stock Importation Com mittee.

_ The Minister of Lnnds says there are con siderable survey difficulties in the way of bringing all land under tlfe Land Transfer Act by compulsory legislation. The report of Commissioner Mackay upon tho South Island native land pur chases is to be laid before the House.

A hill to provide for the erection of the GirlV High School in Auckland has been introduced and read a first time.

Clutha McKenzie has wiven notice of a bill to prevent the spread of the California thistle.

Captain Russell stated last evening that if Kumara was represented for the next thousand years it would never again find such a representative as Mr Seddon. Mr Tumbull is asking the Government to make provision in the Property Tax Bill to provide that absentees shall contribute a proportionate share of tho burdens of the colony.

Sydney Taiwhanga says members' mouths talk retrenchment, but their hearts want £300.

Mr McKenzie wants the Government to provide carriages for ladies only on long distance railway lines. W. P. Reeves is to ask tho Premier whether Sir James Ferguson was acting as Governor of the colony when he purchased certain native lands in the Waikato district on a written understanding between the Native Department and himself that the law relating to tho tenure of such lands should bo altered.

The Hon. Mr Mantell wants the produc tion of the balance of the papers re tho Owhaoko-Kaimanawa blocks.

Government do not intend to provide work for the Auckland unemployed in making carriage drives in tho Domain. Tho " Lords " have carried a motion that a bill for affording relief to Crown tenants and tenants of public bodies should be passed immediately.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHTING OF THE CITY.

There is at length somo possibility oj Queen-street being lighted by electricity about Christmas time. As appeared in our last report of the last meeting of the City Council, the Corporation decided to with draw the ofler previously made to Messrs Ashcroft and Co., on account of the unreasonable dolays which had taken place with regard to the carrying out of the proposals of the electricians. The Town Clerk, Mr P. A. Philips, then wrote asking Mr J. C. Firth, who had previously offered to take up tho contract for lighting tho city, to meet the Streets Committee and discuss the matter. The meeting takes place this evening at 6.30 o'clock. Mr Firth forwarded the following reply :—

"To P. A Philips, Esq., Town Clerk. Dear Sir,—ln reply to > >our favour of the 29th inst. I shall be glad to accept the in vitation of tho Streets Committee to meet them onT iursdayeveningatG.3o o'clock to discusselectriclighting. I propose, for a trial, to place lights in Queen-street at the corners of the cross streets, one light at each of the

following corners : —Customs, Fort, Short land, Wyndham, Victoria, YVellesley, and Grey-streets, as shown on accompanying sketch. As you are doubtless aware, it will be necessary to erect poles with arms to suspend tho lamps from, and also for the w'_> 8. As regards the cost of the experiment to the Council, I will run the lights free for one week and charge nothing for putting in the plant. I believe that we can have all ready to light up by Christmas, but don't care to make a promise to that effect.—Yours truly, 3. C. Firth."

As this entails no cost to the city, and also gives a fair test of Mr Firth's plant, there can be little doubt but that the Council will accept; the generous offer of Mr Firth. Should the results prove satis factory, there will bo nothing to prevent the permanent lighting of the city by Mr Firth.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs H. M. Jervis and A. E.

Isaacs, J.P.'s.)

Sarah Taiwhanga, James Gaffhey, and George Turner were fined in small amounts for drunkenness. — Richard Lambert was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and was fined 10s and costs with an alternative of 48 hours' imprisonment.— John Conway was charged with assaulting John Olsen by striking him on the face with his clenched fist on the 26th inst. In this case it was alleged that the complainant had given provocation by committing a nuisance to the annoyance of the defendant, but the evidence was not strong enough to secure a conviction, and the case was dismissed. .

ALLEGED FRAUDS.

THREE GIRLS BEFORE THE COURT.

A third arrest in connection with alleged frauds perpetrated on trades people was effected by Detective Herbert last evening, and at the Police Court this morning three young girls were placed in the dock and charged with the offences mentioned in our last issue. Mary Fenton was charged with having on the 15th inst. obtained from one Jennie Letham by false pretences one pair of corsets and one jersey of the value of 18s 6d, with intent to defraud. Kitty Munro and Cany Best were charged with attempting to obtain by false pretences from Jennie Letham a hat and pair of corsets with intent to defraud. The two last-named prisoners were also charged with that they did attempt to obtain from one John Budge, by certain false pretences, one pair of boots, with in tent to defraud. Sergeant Pratt stated that the arrests were made late yesterday afternoon, and he asked for a remand till Monday next in each case, in order that certain witnesses might be in attendance. The remand was granted accordingly.

Members of tho Waitemata Naval Artil lery are warned to attend drill to-morrow. Absentees will be fined, as it is absolutely necessary to arrange for finishing class firing at once. --- - .

FIJI NEWS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Suva, November 25. At a meeting of the Legislative Council on the Ist inst., estimates were passed for the year ending December, 1888. The esti mated revenue was £63,750, expendi ture £61,083, exclusive of immigration. The non-official members of the Legis lative Council have expressed their opinion "That, while fully recognising and appreciating what has already been effected by the Government in the Avay of retrenchment, they consider that a less elaborate and expensive form of Govern ment is desirable in the present and pros pective circumstances of the colony." Private advices from the United States say that disallowed land claims will be attended to, and a demand made on the British Imperial Government for compensa tion for the wrong-doings of the local rulers of the Fiji Government relative to American citizens' interests in Fiji. The Sh.ute will case will also be looked into, and the Henry and Coupland land claim at Suva. ©Iscovevy of Gold. More rumonrs of gold arc afloat, and two or three good " specimens "are in the posses sion of a townsman, though there is a doubt as to whence they originally came. A report was rife in town last week that gold had been struck by the prospectors, not merely in a rich patch or pocket, but on a reef extending for a mile-and-a half, and that it was clearly traceable on the face of the stone for the whole of the distance. Naturally enough, this caused some degree of excitement. The simple facts are, that about a week or ten days ago a letter was received from the prospectors that specks of gold which had been found in black sand for the distance indicated ; and that, whatever it was washed, the colour was there. Hence the glittering vision. The in dications presented are very encouraging, although the story about the reef proved an exaggeration. Black sand is regarded among experts as a sure proof that gold ex ists in the locality. Tonga and Samoa.

The s.s. Southern Cross has arrived from Tonga. Business there is dull, and things with the Wesleyan natives are not what was expected from the High Commissioner's visits. Copra is coming in but slowly, but the trees look very well, and if there is no hurricane this year they expect a great in crease in the yield next season. Prices are still low. There is no news of importance from Samoa,

LATEST SPORTING.

Nominations close for Otahuhu Summer Races at W. Adams and Co.'s office to morrow night in the Handicap Hurdles' Suburban Plato Handicap, Handicap Pony, Handicap Steeplechase, and Flying Stakes.

R.M. COURT.

This Day

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

UNDEFENDED CASES. Judgment was given for the plaintiffs in the following undefended cases : —A. Wright v. R. T. Blake, claim £19 16s, judgment for £18 10s 3d ; costs £2 7s. Sumo v. G. Hescott, claim £13 3s ; costs £2 7s. The Co-operative Association v. W. Hiekey, claim £1; costs £1 2s 6d. Langsford and Another v. T. Rowe, claim £2 6s 6d ; costs £18s6d. K. B. Scott v. R. M. Munro, claim £5 4s 6d ; costs £12s 6d. A. E. Braithwaite v. W. Wylie, claim £2 : costs £1 2s 6d. A. G. Oldfield v. R. M. Munro, claim £2 9s ; costs £1 2s 6d. E. Porter and Co. v. W. R. Doylo, claim £1 19s lOd : costs £1 63 6d. T. Cooke and Another v. F. Brown, claim £3 17s; . costs lis. J. Howdcn v. C. Sawers, claim £1 7s 8d : costs £1 Is 6d. G. Huhno v. J. yon Broklo, claim £38 ls 9d ; costs £4 18s. R. Row v. P. C. Miller, claim £5 9s 5d ; costs £1 16s. F. Earl v. F. Inglis, claim £2 4s 6d ; costs £1 6a 6d. T. Barron v. T. Inglis, claim£4Bs; costs 16s 6d. A. S. Broard v. McCarthy, claim £2 12s 4d ; costs lis. McClymont v. 11. Williams, claim £3 7s 3d;'costs lis. R. and W. Hellaby v. T. McCarthy, claim £2 ; costs £1 ls 6d. D. Young v. J. P. Sinclair, claim £4. The plaintiff was nonsuited. Costs, 16s, were allowed defendant. DEFENDED CASE. Mrs Z. Lilly v. C. Worth.—Claim, £2 7s 3d, for maintenance, &c., of a child in the Kindergarten and Creche. —Mr Clendon appeared for the plaintiff.— Mrs Zoe Lilly deposed that she was the Hon. Secretary of the Kindergarten and Creche. The child of a woman named Maude Fisher was admitted to the Institution, where it died on the 12th of September. She stated that the defendant had visited tho institution in company with the mother of the child, and some maintenance had already been paid. She visited the mother in Cox's Dining-rooms, and informed her that tho child was dead. Tho defend ant was present, and agreed to pay all expenses in connection with the death and burial of the child. While the child was ill 2s 3d expenses were incurred for medicine. The coffin cost 255. It was ordered at the request of the defendant.— By the defendant: The child's mother told her that he would pay the child's board. He told to witness in Cox's Dining Rooms that he had paid expenses, and would have done so had the child lived.—Mrs Charlotte Chase, matron of the Kindergarten, de posed to the defendant coming with the mother to see the child. He also told wit ness that he was going to take the child to America in six months. She heard defend ant tell Mrs Lilly that he would bear all expenses in connection with the baby. He told them to spare no expense.—The defendant deposed that he became acquain ted with the mother of the child at Cox's Dining-rooms, and he accompanied her to the school to visit the child. When it was sick he told Mrs Chase to spare no expen ses. He had furnished a cab and paid for it, but was under no obligation to the mother. It was merely because the mother was only earning 6s per week that made him give her money. He gave the mother 30s at various times. He did not order the coffin. — His Worship held that the plaintiff was entitled to receive £1 7s 3d, with costs £1 6s 6d. —Mr Clendon asked for a speedy execution, as the defendant was an able seaman, and he was informed was going away this week.—The defen dant admitted that he was going away this week, and said that he was a master mariner. He added, "I am going away, and I'll not pay it."—His Worship:" I strongly advise you to pay it at once."— Defendant: "No, I'll not pay it. The girl had no claim on me." Mr Stoney, (Clerk of the Court): "I think that is sufficient evidence, sir, that he will not pay."— His Worship : " Well, we will allow you till 2 o'clock to pay."—Defen dant, leaving the Court: "I'll not pay it."- Mr Clendon, following him: "Then I'll get out the warrant at once."

The meeting in connection with the Cale donian Assembly which is convened at the Burns Club Hall for to-morrow (Friday) evening has been postponed till Friday evening next on account of the beneflb per formance for Mr Lachlan McGowan at the Opera House to-morrow night,

"ROB ROY" AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

Another large audience assembled las night, on the occasion of the second pre sentation of the national and operatic drama of "Rob Roy Macgregor or Auld Lang Syne" by Burns Club amateurs. The whole of the performers acquitted themselves admirably and the incidental music was well rendered —Mr Baxter wield ing the baton, while Mr A. Eady led the orchestra and Mr Fotheringham played the bagpipes for the reel dancing. The whole was under the stage management of Mr Lachlan McGowan. Between the second and third acts Mr Fotheringham came to the front of the drop scene and was received with loud applause when he announced Mr MciSowau's Benefit- We are pleased to learn that in recogni tion of the success attending the production of " Bob Roy " on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and as a mark of appreciation for the care and untiring exertions of Mr Lachlan McGowan in bringing the perform ance to so successful an issue, the Burns Dramatic Club have tendered that gentle man a complimentary benefit to take place to-morrow evening at tho Opera House, when "Rob Roy" will be repeated for the last time. The whole of the ladies and gentlemen performers, vocalists, chorus, and all concerned, have kindly volun teered their services for the occasion. Mr McGowan is well-known to the resid ents of Auckland and suburbs, and has been connected at intervals with the Auck land stage for the past eighteen years. His benefit calls upon the public have been but few, and at no time more than the pre sent will the support of his friends and ad mirer* be more highly appreciated, and we heartily trust therefore to see him rewarded to-morrow night with a full house. He cer tainly has well earned the reward of a bumper house at the hands of the public. We have received the following letter on the subject: — "Sir, —Kindly permit me through the medium of your valuable paper to ofler a word of praise to the several ladies and gentlemen who took part in the grand Highland reel at the Opera House last night. The dancing on the whole was excellent, and the applause with which it was received, is sufficient proof that tho audience appre ciated it thoroughly. Worthy of special mention is " the Dougal," who showod by his performance last night that he is capable of going through the reel in proper style. The ladies also danced well, and one in par ticular, who I must say danced in a manner that I have not seen a lady dance since I left Scotland. Those who have not wit nessed " Rob Roy " by the Auckland Burns Club, I would strongly advise to go to morrow evening, if it were for nothing else but to see the grand Highland reel.—Yours, etc., J. G. Harper,

BURGLARY AT PONSONBY.

TWO PERSONS UNDER ARREST.

Detective Tuohy has had the burglary at Tripp's store, situated on the Richmond Road, in hand, and has succeeded in effect ing two arrests, for which considerable credit is owe to that officer. The burg lary took place on the night of the 25th instant, when the store was broken open and a very large quantity of property stolen. It was suspected that the theft had been done by gumdiggers.and the detective cleverly traced tho missing articles. One man named Brown was ar rested last evening, and this morning another man named Barfield was taken into custody on the same charge.

William Henry Barfield and Charles Brown were charged at the Police Court this morning with that he did on the night of the 26th November last feloniously break and enter tho store of Henry Charles Tripp at Richmond Road, Ponsonby, and steal therefrom 71bs tobacco, 8 half-pound tins cocoa, 21 lbs sugar, 3 tins preserved milk, 2 tins preserved beef, 121bs bacon, 4 tins herrings, 3dozen eggs, 2 tins baking powder, 9 tins jam, 10 sticks liquorice, 3 boxes matches, 3packetscurrie, and 2d in coppers. The total value of these items was set down at £4 7s 3d. Sergeant Pratt stated the par ticulars of the burglary aspreviously related by us, and he also exhibited a mask made of black cloth, found in possession of one of the prisoners. Detective Tuohy stated that in pursuance of his investigations into this case he was in Lome-street last evening with Constable Finnerty. He saw the accused Brown coming from a house kept by a man named Grapple with. a parcel under his arm. Witness took the parcel from him, and compelled him to go to the Police Station to be searched. The mask produced was found in the prisoner's pocket and the parcel contained a large quantity of tobacco of four different brands. The tobacco corresponded with the tobacco Btolen from Mr Tripp on the 25th November last. The prisoner stated that he brought the tobacco from the country. He said he had been advertised for in the papers of November 2nd and 3rd last, and came to town in consequence, and also stated that he had received a cablegram from home that a lot of money had been left to him. After this witness went with Constable Finnerty to a house occupied by the ac cused. Barfield, a neighbour, pointed out Brown's residence, and also showed him Brown's bedroom. Several cakes of tobacco were found there, and also some cocoa tins. On entering the kitchen witness found two preserved beef tins (produced) answering the description of tins taken from Mr Tripp. He also found other property, which corres ponded with the description of missing articles. At 2 o'clock this morning, wit ness searched the house of William Bar field, the other prisoner, and found there three tins of cocoa and one tin of spice. Barfield, who was present, stated that he purchased the articles at Wallace's store, Karangahape Road. In answer to the pri soner Brown, Detective Tuohy stated that he arrested the former to sco whether he had any skeleton keys about him, andfound none; and in answer to Barfield, he said that the latter had given him facility for searching his premises. Henry Charles Tripp, storekeeper, stated in evidence that his store was situated at the corner of Richmond Road and Lincoln street. On the night of the 25th he locked the shop about 9 p.m. and left the windows secure. About 1.30 a.m. on the following morning he heard dogs barking at his residence close by, and went to the shop. He found the back door open, and that a side window was open with the. fastening wrenched off. There were marks on the lower sash showing that something resem bling a screw driver had been used. He ex amined the contents of the shop and missed a large quantity. of goods valued at about £5. He recognised the articles produced as similar, to these stolen. A man that he be lieved was Barfield came into his shop shortly ■ before the robbery and purchased a fig of tobacco. Charles Daley, commercial traveller, in the employ of John Buchanan, Customs street, deposed that the tinned meat, pro duced,, arrived in the colony about a month ago, and a quantity was supplied to Mr Tripp. John Grappell, sailor, living crombie-street, deposed that the prisoner, Brown, brought tobacco to him on the 29th inst., and offered it for sale, and that Brown called next day, and took it away. The tobacco was wrapped in brown paper similar to that produced. Edward Badree, sailor, living in Aber orombie-street with the previous witness, gave oorroborative testimony, The evidence was here read over to the prisoners, both of whom reserved, their defence, and they were committed to take their trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court, r ■

MAYORAL ELECTIONS.

Onelmnga.

The election for tho Onehunga mayoralty took place at the Council Chambers yester day, Captain Galbraith, Returning Officer, presiding. The candidates for office were Dr. William Robert Erson, J.P., and Mr William Finlay Wilson, Councillor- Great interest was evinced during the day by the supporters of the respective candi dates. Numerous carriages and traps of various descriptions were brought into re quisition. The ratepayers rolled up in stronger numbers than heretofore on any similar occasion. The utmost good feeling existing throughout the day, interspersed with witticisms and jocu larities that created amusement -with out giving offence to either side. The poll was declared at about 6.30 p.m., as follows : —For Dr. W. R Erson, 168 ; for Mr W. F. Wilson, 90; majority for Dr. Erson, 78. The result was received without much de monstration on either side. The successful candidate in a neat and well delivered speech thanked the burgesses of Onehunga for the honour they had done him by returning him with such a large majority. It was true that he had but a youthful and unpolitical experience, but he trusted that at the expiration of his term of office the burgesses would be able to say that he had done his duty to their interest and to that of the town at large. Mr W. F. Wilson then came forward, and in an able and good-humoured address ac cepted his defeat, stating that he was dis appointed but not surprised. At the beginning of the contest he thought that he would have won, but latterly from what he had heard sub rosa he was not sur prised. He had that day learned that he had a great number of truthful and staunch friends. He had also been made aware of the fact that there were a great many faces before him that could look in two different directions at the same time. He would acquaint them at a near date with what his future tactics would be. He would thank most heartily all those who voted for him — those who voted against him he could not thank. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer was called for by Dr. Erson, which was acknowledged by that gentleman, thus terminating a day of great interest to the residents of Onehunga. Newmarket Major Pirie conducted the polling yester day at Newmarket for the election of a Mayor. Very general interest was evinced in the contest, and the chances of Messrs William Morgan and F. G. Clayton were eagerly canvassed during the day. The total number of votes on the roll is 164, and of these 115 polled, the result being 73 for Mr Wm. Morgan and 42 for Mr i . G. Clayton. At the declaration of the poll Mr Morgan thanked the burgesses heartily for having placed him at the head of the poll, and said that it was all the more gratifying to him to find that after 23 years' residence amongst them he had not sunk in their estimation. Dur ing his term he would endeavour to perform the duties of his office faithfully, and in a manner satisfactory to the burgesses, and would endeavour to the best of his ability to forward and promote the interests of Newmarket. Mr Clayton also thanked the burgesses who had voted for him.

Thames, this day. The return of Mayor resulted as follows :— Brodie, 190 ; Carpenter, 145.

Wellington, this day.

The Mayoral election resulted in the re election of Mr S. Brown by a majority of 340.

Christchurch, Wednesday. The Mayoral elections resulted as fol lows : Sydenham : W. Langdown, 369 ; W. K. Bowden, 154. St. Albans : E. Salter,l72; W. J. Neal, 171. Lyttelton : S. R. Webb, 181; J. Milton, 130.

Dunedin, Wednesday. Mr H. Gourley was elected Mayor of St. Kilda, Mr M. Sullivan of South Dunedin, and Mr Meyers of North-east Valley.

THE ENTERPRISING BURGLAR.

Several serious cases of burglary are at present occupying the attention of the police. About a week ago a store occupied by Mr and Miss Eaton, of Kyber Pass Road, was broken open and goods to the value of £6 or £7 stolen. An unsuccessful attempt was also made recently- to pick the lock of a safe in the shop of Mr Brown, draper, and other attempts at breaking and entering are also reported.

THREE KINGS' INSTITUTION.

Wesley College, as it is now designated, held it annual examination of Maori students to-day. The old but honoured building presented a rather gay ap pearance, being adorned and festooned by the hands of students for the event of the year. None were happier than the Maori boys themselves, their faces shone with evident delight at the day's prospect; indeed, It would almost seem from their bright looks, that they had come in contact with "rivers of oil." It is evident that their manners and deportment are made a special feature in their education by the principal and his staff. The Rev. A. Reid was just in his element as he scanned the faces of his pupils and friends, and bade a welcome to all. He does not seem to have lost his ancient fire of heart and eye, but his voice seems to have failed him recently, and years of ardent labour have have not left him unscathed ; but it is to be hoped that alittleenforced rest will soon fully restore him to his loved work. Several omnibuses of visitors from the city and suburbs arrived to be witnesses of the festive occasion and to show their sympathy with the college work.

The day was all that could be desired for making it a holiday, and various were the troops of picnickers which scattered all over the grounds enjoying themselves. There is a great change about the College grounds since Mr Reid again took charge. For merly, but little work was done in the shape of gardening, planting, &c, but now the Maori boys have to work as well as study and play. • The potato crops and other produce of the place testify to the industry of some leading authority. The fences are in excellent condition, and ap pear now as in early years of the Institu tion.

The proceedings opened at 11 o'clock by all singing :t What shall we offer our good Lord," after which the Rev. E Best in prayer, three principals and of course the central figure being the worthy doctor him self. The presentation was made on behalf of the seudonts by Rev. S. Lawry who spoke in glowing terms of the appreciation they all bad for their esteemed friend Dr, Kidd, whose labours wero so well-known, In very feeling terms tho doctor roplied and spoke in the highest. terms of all she students who had been under his charge in thi3 college. He also paid a high tribute to the abilities and self-denial of the present principal Rev A, Reid, The Rev. H, Bull presided, and after gome congratulatory remarks called upon the various EngHab, students and some of the ministers, to examine the Maori students, all of whom acpltted themselves with marked satisfaction, At. intervals they sang several pieces, Messrs Oranwell and. Burrowe conducting them, alternately, The proceedings eloped by the presenter tion of a Very valuable, framed group of por trait 9f tfos preset an.4 J ft t§ students,

CABLEGRAMS.

(__' __©_»!_ _st __„__—etanraiGHft)

UNIONIST DEMONSTRATION

ANTI-HOME RULE MEETING

AT DUBLIN",

(reulee.)

London, November 30th* A GREAT Unionist Demonstration too~ place in Dublin to-day.

The gathering comprised the leading representatives of the commercial and industrial interests, tne professions; being also well represented. j

The principal speakers were tha Marquis of Hartington and Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer both of whom declared that the meeting ,then assembled proved thafc although numerically in the minor ity they were the power whereon the greatness and prosperity of Ireland depended.

Both gentlemen in vigorous terms opposed the granting of Home Rule. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed throughout the meeting.

THE COLONY OF "AUSTRALIA."

London, November 29.

The Colonial Office have informally ia» formed Mr Berry that they will not support) Sir H. Parkes's proposal that the name of New South Wales shall be charged to Aus tralia if the other colonies unitedly protest. He hopes the matter will be settled locally.

OUTRAGE BY SHEARERS.

MANY MEN POISONED.

DISGRACEFUL "STRIKE" TACTICS.

(REUTER.)

Sydney, November 30. A case of supposed wholesale poisoning ia reported from Albany district, where a dispute has arisen at the Mann's Station, Tumberumba, between the Union and non union shearers. A number of the latter were seized with sudden illness. Over a dozen are now lying in a very critical state, though expected to recover. It is believed, arsensic has been placed in the water to poison the men.

(REtTTER.)

WOOL SALES.

Melbourne, November 30,

Messrs Goldsbrough and Co. (Limited) held their usual weekly wool sales to-day, The attendance was good, and competition spirited, especially for light-conditioned merino and cross-breds. Inferior wool was a shade lower in value. Inferior to good merinos realised from sid to 10d ; snperior lifd, cross-breds from 8d to Is. Superior! lambs' wool 13|d, scoured ls Id.

LoNDf.x, November 29.

At the wool auctions to-day the catalogue comprised 10,700 bales, for which there was a good demand. . ,

A GALLANT RESCUE.

(BY; TELEGRAPH.—OWN" REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. ' Young New Zealand is making a name for'; itself not only in the political world, butr also in deeds of daring. Yesterday after noon, W. P. Reeves and Thos. Mackenzie (Clutha) while walking down tho wharfj observed a boat capsize from which four] young men were precipitated into thewa-fcerv Jumping aboard a dingy which was close, to the wharf, Messrs Reeves and Mac-i kenzie pulled to the scene of the disaster, j and rescued the struggling men bringing' them safely ashore. The incident was witnessed by several spectators,who loudly cheered the two plucky members of the' young New Zealand party. *

The present out-break of scarlet fever* is somewhat remarkable, inasmuch, as] it has made its appearance at a much earlier period than usual and because' there are no other zymotic diseases' to. speak of just now amongst ourl citizens. Scarlet fever is generally at its' worst here in the heat of January, and it is generally accompanied by ty phoid. During the last month 19 cases of scarlet fever were reported to the, City Sanitary Inspector, and this month has started with two cases reported to-day. The disease is not confined to, any particular locality, but is distributed throughout the city. Wellesley-street, Nelson-street, Oliphant-atreeb, Curran-streeo j Karangahape Road, Albert - street, and] Douglas - street have" each contributed! cases.

We understand that the electric lighting of the city will be under the supervision of Mr W. Firth, who has recently visited America for the purpose of coaching him self up in latest notions regarding electricity and cognate matters.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &a. To-night.

Agricultural Hall -Mohawk MlnstroX 8. Council Chambers, Coburg-streat—Mating of •' Property Owners of Upper Queen and aOr ; jaoont, streets, 7. V.M.C.A. Booms—Evangelistic Service, ?,30 Auokland Tabornaole - Service, ?,3Q Near Drill-shea —A Battery N',2, Regiment. Artillery, 6.30 Grafton Road Wesleyan School --. Entertain ment, 7.30 Pitt-street Wealeyan Churob,--Cantata, "A Daughter of Moab,''B "™?&fi *\ Sailors Home—Opening by Bishop eowie,?.3o

Rota, of Justices at Police, Court.

Dumber S-Jvlessrs T, B, Kpßderai^ead^P^

Auction Sales To-morrow.

H eto te U ftn< * lan ' Du^ham *»_»*=Sarses^ i ii wflen " w ° eb ' y ?*$ **#m S 'eto ll rant? an * SG! "~^ 0fl ? l^tture^i Pa |re a io!|q ßa,stQn ~*° WfcWt fym J. JPfOom IruruHur.?, &t«£j k etc.. l_ , A

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1. 1887,

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