. Harrow and Richard Kelly K'\ XSted as candidates to fill .£***£%» Lake Road Board, the Mr Seaman ' has an " U^ a X t ? poll will be taken at the i'iAJon Tuesday next, 29th i «. obtained at St. Mark's sale flu* ,4,1 „ £70 In addition to the °K!Svmentioned, Lady Chute was iW.'ffieble i» her endeavours She r most actively at the re- ,1 |, n fc a i<!o contributed many »*? iftfof! »i, and added to the tastef "IS" nfco fthe visitors by rendering office selections upon the piano «<Xcod, Stevens, and Whiteford m i re d valuable assistance. ilsoreoo eie i JirtCtors of the Christehurch Waitoa Tb "-w Company arrived here on G* »nd though they have maintained P A t rfJcmsv as to the object of their *■*"£I crenerally understood that they «**? «ren investigation of the facts that «" r fdtoindicate fraudulent practices Vt of some one who had access to C ii the Py ,A ? They have interviewed *i an TMessrsFraserand Sone, and pro- to the Thames yesterday for *** Jy-e of continuing their inquiries. ""■"""Whrmed that if the Company con »"bargain with Mr Smith an $*. i of 8s per share will require $ m i As it is not by any meanslikely hareholders will tamely submit to Lonfc whilenoreasonhasbeon alleged should let them out of their ■if is Quite on tne carc *s tuafc an WPf', n \ he law courts will be the last gttodnwna of Waitoa goldfield. Tfcn Nicholson in another column jgp George Smith to a glove con finish.-

NATIVE LANDS COURT.

IN THE KING COUNTRY,

(jj TEIEGRAPH-OWN COKKKSPOXDEXT.)

Hamilton, this day,

jSatiVß Land Court was opened at ftnohanga on Tuesday to receive iwjjlaonni and others, objectors, are to let the work go on so fcas adjudication is concerned, but Yt quite likely they will not agree to subdivision work until some understand ',is come to regarding the Hurakia j-rne block. The natives are still Tsore over the Rupo adjudication. iucoinplain of tlie wa 7 in wllicn ' I have been treated. Some of the ? have threatened to stop the Uof the surveyors, and arc deter iy to resort to force to assort then ar Others are compelling the Govern attointerfere. It is not certain at pre attofflong the Court wi-11 sit, but it is stable that after the names have been Jgi an adjournment will take place till jjjtfy. At present, there is an amount imarteinty in the whole affair, and n raSdealof dissatisfaction was expressed iSeeszettin 0, of Cambridge as the place alarm" the business connected with the litikenforthe railway, and the result iiW when the case comes on at Carn age jt will be adjourned to this Mi---- '■

WAIKATO NOTES.

(BTIEKGKAPH —OWN REPORTER.)

: Hamilton*, this day. Mam James Keneally, alias Howard, SfaHatf, was brought up for trial yester 1 5| before the Resident Magistrate at jiion on a charge of stealing a horse §a»ffl from Mr Xicol, residing near Hpaitohia, about twelve months Hs The prisoner some short time since Hpmmitted at Auckland for the theft fflßimtch, and on his name appearing in inljipers, Inspector Kiely took steps and llltee present prosecution instituted, with Hbilt of a committal for both offences. Bftwl be brought up for trial at the next I.BjjptftbeSupreme Court, Auckland. HliJaHally was returned unopposed as Hfc» of Cambridge. ■i» special meeting of the Cambridge HfenjiiConneil on Tuesday, MrJas. Hally ■swoioted a delegate to the Hospital B&Joha made a very successful trial of ; Hppteiit hoe on Mrs G Wynne's garden j Meatrainberof Hamiltonians on Wednes ; Mpiiicfi gave great satisfaction. It was i -that a man might with ease hoe

GREGORIAN MUSIC.

|Sr" we announcement which recently j ■BWdin pur columns, to the effect that i to hold a Gregorian festival i- Church at an early date, a ; ■"Banypereons have asked the ques -0 Bα , '^" , Gre S°rian music ?" With a ß*inginto technicalities, it is difficult feher than to say that it is ie «F^ tten certa »» u'xed modes, 14 in ;»;BS ~S need exclusively i n the services ImI» tor many centuries—not be- was unknown, but be- was considered sufficiently j ! otional forsuch a purpose. Ted, n °k' as man .V suppose, Gregory the Great was *Rifew BSe i 6 in the service oi tne : 7J»w>m.:his having elaborated a SKm forits use in connection with 'teWL™* , Gradually music of a lighter i jK W ia lnitte(, ' and ' h y degrees,en tHKtm place of fche more an cient fflKku to 7 ears in various quarters se^n > a most successful Bslr^? atie to resfc ore to its proper •K«f « many regard as the le ° !ti " Stt I sanctuary. It is with *My^'.™.foster this effort that the f-BtfS ,8 to beheld at Sb. Thomas's MJ ~f> Andrew's Eve (29th inst.) fwliU* n S ed - The choir of the infflhtistwif cc)nsi( lerably strengthened ? W the other city churches, e»yfS^ lpated that there will be |»sii' n ° lee \ S0 that the effect of the ic!l is a characteristic fflP^W^ii 8,18 ' 0 ' shouW be ye fine  l tton l!l ffll a° onsisiof festal evr;nson K m n Pf;alms and Canticles )^B«^> re gorian tones, and the eWk! ISCn ' The off 'cc liymn, and Mty tE: ea t ndafter the.sermon, will HwES bat tl° ancienfc Gregorian .att hym n P r °cessional and re dUE'fft'of ti n ° fc bein "» strictly speak- JMhlii te . lt l c . office, will be sung to ■R*-Bfoi?; ! j ha ™ony- His Lord - l n sev eral of the clergy r »M% J? Jf, Present, and the Rev. W ' A,l Saints' Church, will "lilN'tJ 6 "?™ , Jt m ay be fi | • bre K° r ian music has 'i^K^ifJ" 1186 afc St. Thomas's iHR'idV!?" , P asfc ' at the week 'ilHLHAf ■ ° ce lebration of the JIKWu,] a ? d the Ancient and flllHS'tthis t llas been recently JBK* l i«id i C ~r ch g iv es alternative lllß^ciiJft ,1 cha »ts for every A considerable num ■KHnv" f v" bfc . avail themselves m$ hi l J lo nrin J? church music ■^ iB A«£ q d, thei ' t0 been almost

AUCKLAND UNEMPLOYED.

EFFOETS OF MR GOLDIE

PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT IN THE

DOMAIN

(from our, parliamentary rkvokter.)

Wellington, this day

Mr Goldie has been in communication with the Minister of Public Works endeavouring to secure to the unemployed in Auckland the same advantages as were granted to Canterbury and Dunedin during the past eighteen months. After repeated efforts he at last obtained a promise from the Government that a Labour Bureau should be established, similar to those now existing in the South, the Government ap pointing fnvo gentlemen to represent them (At present it is suggested Messrs Percy Smith and Mr Hales should act on their behalf) with the two selected by the Mayor, whose selection will be confirmed by the Government. The duty ot these gentlemen will be to determine the class of work upon which the unemployed shall be engaged. It has been suggested that in the meantime some of those deserving work might be employed in the Domain. They will not then be compelled to leave then homes, and will at the same time bo making our Domain one of the most beautiful in the colony. The suggestion does not seem an unreasonable one when it is remembered that out of the £21,325 set apart for the whole colony, £20,121 was expended on Canterbury and Dunedin, and of this £20,121, £12,800 was devoted to the beautifying of Hagley Park. All that can be done here is being done. It wi l ! be for the Mayor to submit the names of two responsible persons will ing to act with the gentlemen nomi nated by the Government. When this is done no doubt the Government will carry out the promise they have made, and will utilise some of the labour that is now seek ing employment.

A telegram received by Mr 1 , . A. Philips, Town Clerk, from Mr D. Goldie, M.H.R., states that "The Government promise to find work for the unemployed al. such work as the Labour Bureau sug gests:. Mr Mitcheleon suggests work in the Domain. Kiudly arrange so that the unemployed can be givcu work without delay." . The City Engineer states in connection with the above that the car riage drives in the Domain will provide work very suitable for the unemployed, the duties required being all level work and tree-felling. There are three drives yet to be made, one at the top of the hill of the Domain and two going out at Stanley-street—one of them running through a grass paddock, and joining the one recently made at tho ponds, the other going through the bush and con necting with the new one below the gardens. The work can be commenced at once on the hitter ''rive, and will find em ployment for a small number of labourers.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

CRICKET

The Cnp Committee of the Cricket Associa tion have decided that, in order to make up the two days lost from their programme owing to the wet weather and the Cricket Ground being occupied , last Saturday, th e senior and second junior matches will extend over one day only until the lost time has been recovered, while the junior matches will omit one match, and play their fixture for last Saturday. If one innings each isnotcompletedontheoneSatur day, the match must be finished at any time the clubs may arrange. The follow ing are the matches for to-morrow : — SENIOR Ctrp.—Auckland A v. Parnell, Auckland B v. United, Gordon v. Hol land. Junior Crr. — Onehunga v. National, Holland v. Alpha, Gordon v. United, Auckland v. Waifcemafca. Second Jcniqii Cur.—Grammar School v. Standard, Gordon v. Hollands, Wan derers v. Onehunga. The following players have been selected to represent the various clubs:— Senior Cnp. AirCKIiAKD A v. ParNKLL.—Auckland : J. Arneil, A. Atkinson, W. E. Barton, A. M. Beale, A. Howard, A. Morrison, R. Neill, A. O'Brien, C. F. Reid, Rev. I. Richards and A. C. Stewart. United v. Auckland B. —United: Y.ites, Testro, Mumiord, Lynch, AlacCormick, Harvie (2), Bowden, Stemson, Clayton, Hawkins. Auckland: E. C. Boale, W. 1 , . Buckland, F. Bush, W. A. E. Clendinnen, F, Earl, J. Gill, H. F. Harrison, M.. H. Laird, l>. M. Martin, H. A. Morey, and J. J. Roach. Junior Cup. United v. Gordon'. —United : Swanson, Cotton, Greenway, Fripp, MacCormick, Braund, Lankham, Spreckley, Hafcton, Gleeson and Naylor. Waite.mata v. Auckland. —Waitemata : Mackio, Pritchard, Tattersall, Potter, Ross, Andrev/s, W. Johnson, Sheddon, Stitch bury, VV. H. Johnson, and Service. Emer gencies : Leatham and Peet. Alpha v. Holland. —Alpha : McDer mott, Done, Kilpatrick, Goodacre, Collins, Angus, Grinrod, Roberts, Morrow, Stephen son? Taylor ; emergency : Spencer. National v. Onehunoa. — National: Ambui-y, Coulbournc, Drumraond, Gilmour, Kelly, Nicholson, Spence, Wilkinson, Waters, Pilcher. Second Junior Cup. Standard v. Grammar School. —Stan- dard : Perman. Lynch, Clarke, Walton, Way, Pillingcr.Corbett, Wilson, Stevens (2), White, N. Murray. Wanderers v. Onfjiunga United (No. 12 wicket.)— Wanderers: J. Whelan (Cap tain), E. Fricker, W. Whelan, E. Johnson, P White, J. Staunton, E. White, I. Clarke, M. Chappell, W. Farrell, and T: Edmonds. Emergencies: R. Blakley and L. Sander son.

Macky, Log ax, Steen axd Co. v. St. Mary's Cricket Club.— The following will represent M.L.S. and Co. in the above match, to be played on the St. Mary's Club ground, St. Mary's Road, Ponsonby :— Armstrong, Black, Buckworth. Bunby, Farquhar, Gondie, Hibbs, Reid, Rogerson, Sneddon, Vickery. Wickets pitched at 2.30 sharp.

At a committee meeting of the Amateur Athletic Club held last night, W. Donovan was disqualified, as a professional, from taking the prizes won by him lust Saturday, at the A.A.A.C.'s sports, in the Hurdle Race and 200 yajds It ap pears from the evidence given that Dmovan ran in two races at the Dragoon Sports held' at Onehunga la*t March. Professionals competed ?p the race with Donovan for money, but ho ran for a trophy—arrangements having been made by the Committee that he might do so and as the sports were only open to Volunteers, Donovan was under the impres sion that he still retained his amateur status, but the A.A.A.C. decided against him The prizes won last Saturday are to distributed at the Club-room Imperial Hotel, to-morrow (Saturday) night.

We desire to give secretaries of nil cricket clubs notice that unices they send in their teams by Thursday night we can not insert them in Friday's paper so n future it will bo their own fault if they do not £° i')«

SPORTING NEWS.

THE WAQGA GOLD CUP-

(BY TELEOEAPH—I-BESS ASSOCIATION.)

Sydney, November 19. At the second day's racing in connection with the Murrumbridgeo Turf Club's meet ing, the following was the result of

T a E mmvn? A ?° LT> Cur of 300sovs . ™* OS m 'I at , £100 ' and 103OVS each. Une mile and a half. M JpF" P T xonha, »'s bli Pasha, 6yrs by Ihe Mute-R OS e d'Amour, Lil eluding 71b penalty (White) 1 Si -, C, rr," 1 : , 40scc - The other P^andSS4. T1 ' akambaU ' Ge " Oa ' lin -

It will be remembered that a short time back a cable informed us.that Mr Drake had disposed of his horses to Mr H Oxen ham, but a private message to a sport in the JS * tni retainS an infce *"

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT GOAT ISLAND.

Two young men named Vcrran ana Hubert went from Coromandel to Goat Island on Monday last for the purpose of catching or shooting some of the animals there. Ye"ran succeeded in catching a goat, and in trying to secure it he was pulled over a cliff some fifty feet high, and fell amongst the rocks on the beach. Hβ was missed '->} his comrade., who went in search and found Veiran lying amongst the rocks in a pool of blood. Verratrt face was very much cut and bruised, and lie had also sustained some injuries on the body He complained of great pain in the stomach, and it i 3 feared he has received internal injury. Ho was removed to Coro mandel as speedily as possible, and is now under medical care in the Hospital there

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

[l-ROM OtTH OWN CORRESPONDENT],

Cokomandel, this day. Tokatfa. — Hal pin and party have ob tained about 51bs of fairly good picked stone this week, and some general stuff. The leader is still carrying payable gold in the drive, but they have only extended the level 2 feet since I wrote you last, owing to the surface water coming into the winze, caused by the late rain. Duncan and party, on No. 3 block, have for the last month been repairing: an old drive and doing other necessary dead work for tho purpose of getting a lower level on the All Nations roof, and to be under the point where their last crushing came from. Tlii.-s work is now completed, and they obtained libs of fair picked stone during the week. Roberts and party ore still seeing dabs of gold at every breaking down of the reef, but so far the stone can only be classed as good general quart/..—.150. Bknnev. Royal Oak.—ln breaking down the reef to-day there is a change for tho better in the appearance of the reef where the cross-lead comes in contact, which is not so largo and well-defined, but likely looking, and show ing indications for making specimens at any moment. There is also a change in tho ground, it being different from what it has been for the last 15 feet, better working and more mineral veins striking into the reef. The top of the rise is on a level with the intermediate on No. 2 reef. They are getting , a little gold, which shows tho con tinuation of the same run following No. 2 cross-lead.—Petkr Reid.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(f.Y TELEGRAPH —OWN REPORTER.)

Wi'llixhtov, this day. Tlie Tariff Question.

The Otago Protection League, whil thanking Mr Moss and other members fo" their past actions for the cause, calls on the Protectionist members not to allow the House to separate without the tariff revi aion being dealt with. Saturday Sitting:. Finding the feeling of the House strongly against Saturday's sitting to-morrow, the Premier lias determined to abandon his announced intention in that direction. Public Works Statement. Tho delivery of the Public Works State ment has been deferred till next Friday. The Statement is still in course of prepara tion. To-day's New Zealand " Times" strongly advocates the construction of the Otago Central Railway by the land Grant System. The Colonial Secretary will to-day give notice of the introduction of an Order-in- Council Validation Bill, the object of which is to validate the mayoral elections, at Dunedin and Tauranga being held on De cember Ist instead of Novemder 30th.

MEETINGS OF CREDITORS.

A. meeting of credi6ors in the bankrupt estate of Henry James Sutcliffe was held at the Official Assignee's office to-day. Si x creditors were present, also the debtor and his solicitor, Mr Buchanan. On the motion of Mr Rew, seconded by Mr Sfcroeter, it wa resolved that, as this was evidently a case of misfortune, the Official Assignee be in structed to facilitate the discharge of the debtor. Warbrick's Estate. A meeting of creditors in Alf. Warbrick's estate was held at 11 o'clock. The debtor, his solicitor (Mr Campbell), and six credi tors were in attendance. The debtor, being sworn, stated that he commenced transac tions with Mr'McDonald on January, 1887, and paid him so much a trip, but owed him £50 at time of bankruptcy. McDonald had at present no interest in any boat at Rotorua. Witness had no house at date of bankruptcy beyond the two which wei;e lost. Witness was paid out of the profits from tourists through Hayr and. Co. He had earned about £5 or £6 as a guide since his bankruptcy. Witness got £60 for a boat in September, out of which lie paid Mc- Donald £53. He did not get a receipt. He still owed McDonald £15 for trips of boat on Taupo Lake prior to bankruptcy. When he paid over the £53 he owed about £200 odd.' By Mr Campbell: McDonald assisted to build the boat, and they agreed to divide the profits. Witness's earnings since the eruption were barely sufficient to support him. It was through Mr Cunningham's action he was compelled to file. By Mr Clendon (who appeared for Mr Cunnino-ham): Witness had half interest in two°boats with Hayr and Co., worth from £12 to £15, and a full interest in a boat in Auckland, over which there was a lien of £7. The boat was worth £20. On the motion of Mr Clendon, seconded by Mr Lillewall, it was resolved, " That this meeting be adjourned until this day two months to allow time for the bankrupt to offer for bis whole estate,"

THE SCULLING CHAM PIONSHIP.

BEACH V. HANLAN

MATCH ON THE NEPEAN TO-

MORIiOW

NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS

[beoter's telegram.]

Sydney, November 19. Referring to the Boach-Hanlan match, the " Sydney Morning Herald" gives the following:—At an informal gather ing, held in Beach's sitting-room the other evening, conversation turned upon the race, flan lan, who was present in the champion's cosy quarters, expressed the opinion that the contest ought to prove the most exciting of its kind ever seen in or out of the colonies. Said he, "It will be a fair and honest struggle, and I hope the best man will win." These sentiments -were heartily endorsed by all present, including Messrs Kemp, Perkins, Brett, and T. B. Smith. Beach also coincided with what had been said by his rival, and stated that he thought " it would be a downright hard battle for supremacy." If all'goes well, and the scullers are as fit for the contest as they are at present, the race should be a grand one. and exciting in the ex treme. It will be a contest between two of the greatest rowing men of the century, and the struggle will bo more than ordinarly interest ing, owing to the fact, that the competitors are straining every nerve and preparing every muscle for the great race. Hanlan says he never trained for a race in which the move ments of the scullers were so accur ately and successfully chronicled by the Press as they have been on this oc casion. On being questioned with regard to his chances of winning, Beach said quietly :— "I feel more con fident that I can win the race than 1 did about any race in my life." The champion also stated that ho believed he could row over the Nepean course as fast, or faster, than Hanlan. He ex presses the opinion that he can row the championship course in 21 minutes. Beach, who has won laurels on the Parramatta and on the bosom of Old Father Thames, thinks the Nepean course is the finest he has ever seen, and Hanlan, the Toronto sculler, who is no mean authority upon such matters, considers that "the Nepean championship course is the finest and fairest in the world;" and yet very few of the residents in this colony have regarded it as much. The Nepean is tideless or nearly so, and as a rule its waters are clear and calm, in fact in this latter re spect it closely resembles a landlocked lake. The course itself is a magnificent one. From the starting point it runs in a north-easterly direction, about two miles and a half of the entire distance. The exact length of the course is three miles and a quarter, being perfectly straight when there is plenty of water in the river. No better place could be found in any part of the world on which to row a race in wager boats. At the starting point the Nepean is about 300 yards wide, but lower down, towards the railway bridge, it is more than 350 yards in width.

AUCKLAND BURNS CLUB

Thk weekly entertainment of the Burns Club was largely attended last evening, the chief feature ot the programme being a lecture by Mr Blackmail on the life, travels, and poetry of Robert Loighton, the Dundee poet. The lecture was full and interesting, the fact of Leighton's life and the thought, ful character of his "Records " and lyrical musings being new to the audience. His early days in Dundee, and his career as a merchant's clerk and commercial traveller, were happily sketched, and his twin pictures of England and Scotland, with other extracts given with the opinion of Emerson, Longfellow, and the late Rev. Paxton Hood on his character as a Scottish poet. A criticism on his drama " Reuben" and his satire on the " Fox Famine in Ayr shire," with which Sir James Ferguson was connected, were received in a gratifying manner. His London poems were also noted, and those of his last days while sailing up the Firth a short time before his death. Robert Leighton was well-known to the lecturer, and not the least interest ing portion of the lecture were his personal recollections of the Dundee poet, and visits to remarkable places in London and its clas sical suburbs, especially to the home of the late Jenny Lind, in Nightingale Nook, Wimbledon Park. Leighton was, said Mr Blackman, " a modest, exact, and very honourable man. He was fond of his country, and well informed on her history, struggles, and literature ; he was ever self-possessed, and his man ners were kindly and unaffected. In company he was unassuming but observ ant, mentally takin' notes of all that was worthy of notice. Even among his literary friends, lie was careful of his talk, and always spoke from conviction; but when you got him by himself, as I have done, under the elms in St. James's Park, or among the flower-beds of Kensington Gardens, he was free and com municative, apd you soon discovered the structure of his mind, and his quiet, humor ous proclivities. At such times, golden thoughts, so to speak, would sparkle from his tongue like moonlit scintillations on the wondreus deep. His thoughts were essen tially poetical, poised on a basis of shrewd common sense, as will be observed in his writings. His life was a life of en joyment in the , benign presence of nature, and, withal, he ever, evinced a sensible interest in matters commercial, social and political. When the writings of this man shall be fairly recognised as a part of the voluminous literature of Great Britain, the name of Robert Leighton will be held in loving remembrance by his countrymen and men of literary culture as the name of one of bonnie Scotland's gifted sons." (Applause.) In the course of the evening Mr Edmiston recited in a masterly manner the " Bapteesemcnt o' theßairn,"Mr Carter sang the "Auld Scotch Sangs," and Mr Lankham sang Scott's " Bonnie Dundee," in honour of Leighton'a birth-town. Miss Gribbin and Master McGill gave pianoforte selections and the following songs were given :—" Jocko' Hazeldean," Mrs Goldie ; "Ehren on the Rhine,' Mrs McGill; "Grannie's Advice," Miss Bayne. Mips Lyle presided at the pianoforte. At the close Mr James Stewart, the chairman, re viewed the special merits of the lecturej and

on the motion of Mr D. B. McDonald a unanimous vote of thanks was given to the lecturer. The whole terminated with " Auld Lang Syne."

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUE'S SPRING MEETING.

[By Sauxtkrei;.]

Tin: races at Takapuna invariably attract the public, owing to the course being situated so convenient to the city and the means of transit so easy and comfortable. With reduced charges there is bound to be a great crowd there to-morrow, when the local club holds its spring meeting with eight races on the programme. The Devon port Ferry Company have made arrange ments with the racing authorities and will issue tickets on to the course for a shilling, that including the passage across in their boat.

Owing to a difficulty about the " krect cards," the Club have not as yet pub lished the entries for the four minor events in the programme, but it is satisfactory to know that they are lartre and good races are promised. Owing to the fact of their not being made public I cannot as is my usual wont essay an attempt afc picking the winners in these four races, but will confine my attention to the others.

In the Hurdle Race, 2 miles, Silvio (lOst), Wideawake (9st 131b), Sirloin (9st) seem the best and I expect them to finish in that order, though Peter Osbcck, carrying 51b more than he did last week at Ellerslie, may come home first.

There is a large field of thirteen promised for St. Andrew's Handicap (1£ miles), and from all appearances it is a very open race. Antelope won very easy over 14- miles last week in good company and should go near it. Clogs was a particular fancy to the course, and I feel inclined to stand her even with 7sb 91b against anything in the race. The Cat, if he could be de pended on would come near winning. Jessie is tho public fancy, but I hear from a reliable source that she is nob quite herself, so I will go for Clogs 1, Antelope 2, The Cat 3.

The Steeplechase promises to bo a good race,but the course is a very tricky one,and horses that run well out at Ellerslie may be right off on it. Quilp is one that seems to like ib and ib is high time he did something, Silvio and Torpedo are both very dangerous, while Magnesia arid Sirloin will not be out of ib. My picks will be Silvio Ist, Torpedo 2nd, Quilp 3rd.

The Spring Handicap, seven furlongs, should show some close racing, and I anti cipate the throe horses in the finish will be Antelope (9st 61!)) or Lady Alice (7at 101b) first, with Tennyson (Bst 81b) close up for a place.

TE KOOTI.

HE ABANDONS HTS VISIT TO

POVERTY BAY

(BY TELKC.KAPH—OWN CORRESPOXDEXT.)

WeMiISOTOK, this day. Tiik Native Minister has received a tele gram from Te Koofci, in which that chief states that in deference to the Native Minister's wishes he will nob visit Poverty Bay at the present time or at any other against the wishes of the Government. He asserts' that his reason for desiring to visit Poverty Bay was with a view of mak ing his ])eace with the Europeans and Maoris in that district.

MAJOR ATKINSON'S CHALLENGE.

THE OPPOSITION TO WALK OUT.

(r.Y TELEGRAPH. —PARLIAACEXTABY

KKFORTEK.)

Welmnctox, this day. At a meeting of the Opposition just over, nt which Sir Julius Vogel presided, it was decided not to debate Major Atkinson' H resolutions re the tariff'alterations, but that Sir Julius should explain the position of the party on tho question, after which the Op position will walk out of the Chamber in a body. Ifc was also decided to offer the Government eveiy assistance with a view of bringing the session to a close before Christmas.

THAMES NOTES.

(by tbiiEgraph,—own co-respondent).

T i tames, this day. The application of Messrs Wright and Bedford for a prospecting claim at Purir has been adjourned until the Bth Decem ber. At the Warden's Court yesterday the following applications were granted :— J. H. Witheford, Consuls licenedholding ; Charles Curtis, permission to contract a water race and occupy a machine site at Peel's Creek, Maritoto. Maritoto Township. Mr Percy Smith has been instructed to proceed with the work of surveying the site for a townshifj at Maritoto, near the junction of Major Peel's and the Maritoto creeks.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

" The Old ConroßAL " was repeated last night with renewed manifestations of un bounded satisfaction. The applause wa 8 very cordial, and at the close of the fourth act all the principals were called before the curtain. In addition to the roles which were mentioned yesterday Mr Musgrave's Pierre Frochard, Miss Maude Appleton's Genevievc, Mrs Gordon's delineation of Genevieve's mother, and Mr Jewett's General Roquebert merit favourable notice. They were all very creditably sustained. "Camille" To-night. This dramatisation of Dumas's celebrated novel should certainly draw a crowded house to-night, more especially as it will not be repeated. It is one of the Majer onis' strongest pieces, and of their appear ance in it in Melbourne the " Age ,, said : — " From the opening to the close of the per formance of 'Camille' the attention of the audience was encliained, the interest never flagging. This well-sustained at traction is almost entirely due .to the fascinating powers exercused by the two stars. . . • It is almost impossible to find words to convey the impression produced by the acting of the two leading characters, Signor and Signora Majel'oni; Perhaps the best definition -would be to say that they do not act. . . Just as tlie dreamer never suspects he is dreaming, so the auditor in the moment of spellbound attraction never suspects that he is looking at two peoj)le who are only playing their respective parts." The dresses, too, worn by Signora Majeroni are reported to be exceptionally beautiful,

WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

The Auckland district meeting commenced its sessions in the lower school-room, Pitt streetchurch, this morning. Present: Rev.H. Bull (chairman of the district); Rev. C. H. Garland, Ponsonby; Rev. A. Reid, Principal Wesley College, Three Kings; Rev. Henry R. Dews bury, secretary of the Conference, Devon port; Rev. James A. Taylor, Grafton Road ; Rev. T. G. Carr, Parnell; Revs. James Wallis, Henry H. Lawry, William Worker, supernumeraries, Auckland ; Rev. William Gittos, superin tendent Maori work ; Rev. C. E. Barley, Mahurangi; Rev. Edward Best, Thames ; Rev. Samuel Lawry, 'x'o Aroha; Rev. It. Bavin, Onehunga ; Rev. John Law, Frank lin ; Rev. John S. Rishworth, Cam bridge ; Rev. John Dellow, Hamilton; Rev. J. J. Mather, Te Awamutu ; Rev. Hauraki Paul, Waitetuna; Rev. Thomas F. Tones, Paparoa; Rev. GeorgeT. Marshall, Northern Wairoa; Rev. T. A. Joughin, Hokianga; Rev. Hori Te Kurei, Taheke; Rev. Piripi Raketia, Mangamuka ;. Rev. W. L. Salter, Bay of Islands; Rev. John Dukes, Whangarei; Rev. Samuel Griffith, Tauranga; and Rev. W. Warena, Kaeo. Home missionaries : Mr J. W. Griffin, Wade ; Mr S. Buchanan, Coromandel; Mr W. E. Birks, Helensville; Mr H. Price, Whangaroa.

A dispensation of absence was granted to Mr George Stephenson,. home missionary, Raglan, until Saturday, 26tb. After devotional exercise, led by Revs. H. H. Lawry and E. Best, the meeting proceeded to the election of Secretary by ballot. The voting resulted in the election of Rev. Rainsford Bavin. The Secretary nominated the Rev. C. E. Barley as Assis tidt-Secretaiy and the Rev. G. T. Marshall as Journal Secretary. The Rev. W. L. Salter was appointed reporter to the "New Zealand Methodist," and the Rev. John Dukes reporter to the daily papers. The Chairman then delivered the follow ing address: —

Fathers and Brethren,—By the blessing of Almighty God we are favoured once more to assemble in our annual district- meeting. The places of two members, occupied last year, are vacant to-day. The Rev. John Wbewell has died since the last district meeting, but. previous to the Conference of 1887. Several members of the Conference have already expressed themselves fully respecting our departed brother's worth, and an obituary notice appears in the printed minutes. Although but a young man, the death of the Rev. Martin Luther White was not an altogether unexpected event. The fatal marks of that insidious disease — consumption — were only too plainly stamped upon him, giving indica tions of a premature end. His father, the Rev. John White, was one of our early and valued native ministers, and he whose loss we now lament gave ample proof of his Divine call to the work. After spending some years at Wesley College, Three Kings, he was received on probation for the ministry by the Conference of 1880, and having passed the requisite examinations was admitted by ordination to the sacred office and work of a Christian minister by the Auckland Con ference of 1887. His disposition was natur ally amiable, gentle and child-like, while his manners gave evidence of Christian culture and refinement. He was dili gent in his ministrations to the Maoris under his care, and his memory is justly held in universal esteem in the circuit over which his labours extended. Our obituary records this year include another valued native minister, the Rev. Hamiora Ngaropi. He was a well-tried veteran, and stood iii-in and true during the critical period of the Waikato War, and when the loyalty of many failed. His ministerial life extended over thirty-one years of faithful labour, and although, owing to the increas ing infirmities of old age, his place in our annual meetings has nob for some years been filled, his kindly interest in the spiritual welfare of his countrymen was maintained to that end, and that end was peace. I am thankful to be able to report the almost complete recovery of the Rev. Hauraki Paul from his recent indisposition, and also to inform the meeting that he has been filling the A'acancy caused by the death of Mr White. The Rev. W. Gittos has visited, during the year, the Maori cir cuits and settlements in this districts, and will in due time present his report upon the general aspects of the native branch of the Church's work.

There have been during the greater part of the year six students for the ministry at Wesley College, Three Kings. In Septem ber, one of them, Mr C. H. Laws, was called out by the President to supply the pulpit of the Rev. William Morley, the state of Mr Morley's health being such that rest from public duties was deemed indispensable, in addition to the labours of the Principal, tho Rev. A. Reid, who instructs chiefly in theology and Biblical exegesis, and the classical and mathematical tuition of Mr Sliera, the Rev. R. Bavin, H. R. Dewsbury, and 0. H. Garland have rendered excellent service by the delivery of fortnightly lec tures upon Ecclesiastical History, English Literature, and Church Polity. These lectures have been highly appreciated by the students and will ,1 doubt not prove helpful to them as a preparation for their future labours. The pulpit services'of the students in the city and suburban churches have been received with marked ac ceptance by the congregations. In addition to the European students, there have been thirteen Maori students in residence during the past year. These will undergo the annual public ex amination on Thursday next at the College, when an opportunity will be afforded to members of the meeting and others to judge of the progress in learning made by these native youths. A full report of the college work will be presented to the meet ing. I much regret to say that the esteemed Principal of the institution has suffered from ill-health during the past five months ; and although he has continued to supervise and direct the studies of the English and native sstudent, his work has been rendered toilsome and laborious by reason of the failure of his ordinary strength and vigour. The committee of the college have expi-essed a hearty and unanimous wish that Mr Reid should be re-appointed by the Conference to the Principalship next year. I trust that his health will by God's blessing be so completely restored, that Mr Reid may continue to render service in a department of church work that has already proved, and will continue to prove, a signal blessing to the church in this colony. It was not to be expected that the church should escape the effects of the commercial depression now so widely and deeply felt. Tho financesof theseveral departmentsof the church's work have been more or less affected. In church building enterprises there will be less to report than for some years past at the same time, taking into consideration the state of commerce and of the colony generally, the chief matter for surprise is that the falling off in chnrch income is not greater. Many of the people are in need of sympathy on account of their hardships and trials at this crisis, and some of them merit our commendation because "that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty have abounded mito the riches of their liberality." Of the several funds of the church that will come under review, the interests of the Home Mission Fund will re quire special attention.- Splendid service has been rendered by this fund in the past. Owing to the present depression, there will doubtless be greater demands than usual upon it next year. A larger income will be required, or seriously diminished grants will have to be made. To deliberate upon the best methods of increasing the income of the fund, and thus enlarging the sphere of its benevolent operations, will amply repay

the thought and time that may be devoted to it during the sessions of this meeting. There are several matters of moment re mitted to the district meetings for con sideration, and for recommendation to the next conference. Chief! among these is the subject of separation from the Australian Church and the formation of the New Zea land bianch of the church into a position of, legislative independence. The matter .has been already considered in the circuit quarterly meetings. There can be no doubb that it is one of pre-eminent importance in its relation to the future of the church ia this colony, and ample opportunity will be afforded in the representative session, for a full discussion of the subject.

A practice appears to have sprung up in some circuits of holding what is termed a caucus or unofficial meeting prior to the September quarterly meeting. This so called caucus is not only an innovation, but) is likely to prove injurious to the best interests of the church. It is not calculated to promote good feeling, confidence, and peace. Nor are the immediate results generally such as the originators themselves would desire. Experience and observation go to prove that it is desirable for circuit stewards to assume their constitutional functions and to bear the responsibility which their high official position involves. Considerable interest has been aroused both in England and in the colonies througli the statements made by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon respecting the doctrinal position of a large number of Noncon formist ministers. Such statements made by so eminent a minister aa Mr Spurgeon are bound to attract more than ordinary attention in all Christian communions. On the occasion of trouble in any branch of. the universal church we have nothing bub good feeling and sympathy. It is well to remember that while " there are many churches and many creeds, religion is one and the principle is divine.' . And while : perfect agreement upon identical opinions can never be obtained by the various sec tions of Christ's militant church, we may live with all in love and peace, and so prove that we are indeed "the friends of all, and the enemies of none." At the same time, it is a matter of devout thankfulness that the perfect harmony of the Methodist Church is undisturbed by any doctrinal defection. In doctrine the Methodist Church is one throughout the world. There have been changes and divi sions at different periods of her history on the subjects of polity and government, but' there has never been a secession arising from doctrinal variance. The Wesleyan Church creed has been called " the biggest creed in Christendom." Like the Gospel itself, it is large enough to embrace in its loving provision the whole world of be lievers, and at the same time it utters no uncertain sound respecting the future destiny of those who persevere in sin, and wilfully reject the claims of Jesus to their allegiance and love. But while in unity of faith thereismuch to excite the liveliest grati tude, boasting is excluded. The doctrinal unity of the church does not depend upon her elaborate creeds, her trained teachers, her ritual, or her legal instruments and foundation deeds, but upon the vitalising presence of the Holy Spirit as an illuminator and sanctifier in the hearts of believers. May we be endued more and more with the anointing of the Holy Ghost, and. inspired with greater zeal as workers together with . God for the salvation of men. Then " The gates of hell shall not prevail: The church on earth shall never fail." There have been some changes as regards circuit appointments in the district since last year. Mr W. E. Birks has been ap pointed Home Missionary at Helensville, ' Mr Henry Price has been appointed in a similar capacity to Whangaroa, and Mr W. J. Elliott to Paeroa. We welcome to our meeting the Rev. John Law of the Franklin circuit, who returns to the district after an absence of six years. Also the Rev. W. L. Salter of the Bay of Islands circuit, after three years' service at Patea. lam glad to say the venerable and Rev. James Wallis is still with us in the 54th year of his ministry.; and although he is now upon the supernumerary ■ list, and no longer in what is called the active work, yet his life is anything but an inactive one, and I would refer gratefully to his very acceptable labours in the pas toral visitation of the sick, both in the Pitt street and Grafton Road circuits. May he long be spared to comfort and counsel those in distress, and thus extend the Kingdom of God our Saviour. I trust that our meeting will prove a happy and profitable one, and that in all things we may be favoured with Divine guidance and aid. The hours of session were fixed as follows: —Morning, 10 to 12.30 ; afternoon, 2.15 to 4.30; and it was resolved to spend the last hour of to-morrow (Saturday) morning's session in prayer and Christian fellowship. The medical certificate re Rev. S, Griffiths's health was considered satisfac tory. Under the question, "Have any minis ters died during the year ?" the following notice of motion was submitted by Rev. J. ' Dukes :—" We recommend the Conference to print and insert in the annual minutes the names of the members of Conference deceased, their ages, dates of death, places of burial, dates of entry and years in the. ministry after the mode that obtains in the American Conferences, and that the said 'In Memoriam ' sheet date from the found ing of our church in New Zaaland, and ein braoje the Maori ministers."

Reference was then made to the partial failure of health of the Rev. A. Reid, Prin cipal of Three Kings College, and very great sympatny was expressed, Mr Reid stating his intention of taking absolute rest during the forthcoming vacation. The meeting heard with great pleasure that the Rev. W. Worker's health had greatly im proved during the year, but that he would be unable to undertake the work of a cir cuit. . .

The following notice of motion was tabled by the Rev. S. La wry :—" That this meet ing recommends that in the order of Con ference business, the question, ' are there any objections to any minister or preacher on trial ?' be answered by reading the entry in the several district meeting minutes, the Conference retaining the right to institute inquiry in any individual case where it may be deemed necessary.", : While the question of ministerial char acter was under consideration, a letter, was read from Mr Philip Cooper, reflecting on the action of the Rev. J. S. Rishworth re the building of Waiuku Church some 81 years ago. The meeting unanimously de cided that Mr Cooper has neither a legal nor moral claim upon Mr Rishworth, and that no such claim should ever have been made. The following Committee was then ap pointed to deal with native affairs, viz., the Revs. H. H. Lawry, W, Gittos, and Wi Warena, Pewa, and that the case of Rev. Rameka be referred to this Committee.

Inquiry was made into the characters of the Home Missionaries employed in the district, and was considered satisfactory. The session closed with the chairman pro nouncing the Benediction.

COMING EVENTS.

Ed Meotlngs, &c,, To-niglit. Of , a j. Opera House-MajeroniCompany,in"Caml . 8. sts City Hall -Rehearsal of " Rob Roy," 7.30. re- Agricultural Hall - Mohawk Minstrels, 8. ; ce St James's Hall—Address by Mr McArtl , M.P., on " Home Rule," 3. s „; St. Sepulchre'B Schoolroom-Social Gather nil 6. ual Masonic Hall, Pukekohe—Consecration of I ]j e Hall and Installation of Officers, 7. nil Rota of Justices at Police Court. _ Nov 26—Messrs J. Gordon and R. W. Kamm of i of Auction Sales To-morrow. >ay », F, fivana-FuraiUire, etc., Uv<

SJ^EL AND EVENING STAR, FRIDAI, NOVEMBER 'A 1887.