in conclusion, quotes the Th 6 * r s[ r John Lubbock on pro- representation, that it is r ortlOD -a for voters, not merely the <( rf„ secui vofce> bufc Q f doing so in ij_it o f reC °_v is may give to it all just and >S:XI foV Parliament to ieJ5° n * t tr, ft great principle, and thus We % secure for the first time a really Native assembly.. The system of ®t^°r' L er epresentation is to berecom propf "i 10 hpcauso it would give its just poli- H vht to the vote of every elector; tical ff<|V ure th e return of leading and > t,T j fatesmen, as well as of those who favourably known in their own are »° S6 j a won ld elevate and purify the of electoral contests ; it would tor the minority a fair hearing ; and oM« in f i eas t because it is the only mode lust n°j * fo ;. t i ie majority that preponder « fseC M which, of course, they are justly pitied.

■ jr. k wso n, the lowest tenderer for the 1 ■ fnstom-house, has sent to the m J e . ff . h r 0 f Public Works statements show- H the prices of building materials H W 0 jj fallen since the tenders were sent M ' übour is a shade cheaper, but on a H ""' _of this kind it is . necessary that ■1 f workmanship should be of the best I i meter that can be secured. There is no HrS-riiatif fresh tenders were called, a II tinjustice would be done to Mr New- HP* - ne Government held his first deposit 'M f'roOO froni the 6th of March to i i end of July and when vas 1- e- HI 9 -j t 0 him it was accompanied by H "Titerstating that if the contract went on si * j_Vthe original plans, his tender would iiflmtedP On August 23rd, he again ■ Shis deposit of £200 in hand by re ■ S and it is still in hand. The pre- H _l Minister of Public Works gave re iKted assurances to Mr T. Thompson, m«H B who,we may add, is not personally I Sainted with Mr Newson, that the H tender would certainly be accepted §§ *L the work was gone on with. It H aald certainly be a public misfortune at jji f present time, when so many men are If M ot , about looking in vain for work, HI--anything should be done to delay the H Section of the Custom-house. Mr Newson ■ w undoubted claims to the work, I i it is n °t likely that the Btjpter of Works will accede to the Si*fl.esfc to call for fresh tenders. The I llSLin_ is a list of the original tenders :— HE Rhodes, £16,727; Charles mlLnes £16,686 8s: Philcox and Son, HS ; R- Farrell, £15,984 16s ; R. Kay, '1&_; F. J. Matthews, £15,484; I j 'ElKngham, £15,305; A. Maguire, iifkl'?. - Cleghorn and Kosser, £15,152; Ify'f 15,131; T. Blcwden, £15,020; ■ __onand Co., £14,964 18s 6d: James ■ loon, £14,771 4s 8d; C. M. Newson, ■ 114,624153. 'm Workmen are now engaged laying down Biiooden crossing at the foot of Wellesley fjl street East. The old crossing has also 9teffrenovated at the top of Grey-street. "| The contractor for the cutting down of "J infer Hobson-street is making good pro "lil«_9wittt the work. The street has now HiW closed for vehicular traffic pending the ■tfjpletion of the alterations. I The Sanitary Inspector has received re' Htrlffof 10 cases of scarlet fever within the 9AT for the 20 days of this month. They h't located in the following streets :— Hlisland," Lincoln, North, Cross, Curran, lft Vincent, Upper Queen and Brown I ijjeete. One case is also repoited from the nßsospital. BAt the Opera House last evening Mr lis-ss Leitch was tendered a farewell II lip- the bill including the third act of ii "ijie'Librarian " and the first, second, and 11 M acts of " Harbour Lights." There was §1 ntry large audience, and the performance ■ns a most enjoyable one. During the ffliinffMr Leitch presented the " Human sirs "trophies which are to be fired for C&e Volunteers who assisted in the pro fafiß of that play. Lieut. Leahy received Hipihies and returned thanks amidst liidipplause. The trophies consisted of s&cup and biscuit tray. of the Auckland University iepS met for the last time this year at .Registrar's Office yesterday afternoon, itColonel Haultain presiding. Ac s_i amounting to £324 14s 9d were m for payment. It was decided to fetthe attention of the Council of the S___ad Institute to the condition of the we at Science House. It was also de ad to continue the drawing classes next ir, tinder the supervision of Mr Trevi __T* Leave of absence for ten months lagranted to Bishop Cowie. This was lite business, to the Editor: Sir,—l shall be obliged pwffl kindly allow me to contradict a itaent made in the "Herald" i_, rthat the work of the Chrvst atree in connection with the Epiphany teh was " wholly the work of Mrs H. I__ea_." I had many kind friends and * a-istants, principally Mrs Morrison iMrs Hooker, who, though seriously ill, ie the Canadian cornucopia and many iff articles, &c, &c. Who informed the gorier of my name in the matter I know lifer I did not see him, nor any other peinanin connection with the press.— imsobediently, L. M. McKean. % infant that figured in the Tooley !*)«- fraud and perjury case has now K-_into the hands of tho Charitable Aid twi The mother, it appears, was taken into the Parnell Home at the request ol h Little, of the Prison Gate Brigade, «d it is believed a fictitious name was fcag she cannot now be traced. The «n__le Aid Board have in the mean- Soeplaced the child in good hands. The police force made their appearance fakornkig in summer uniform, blue coat, *te unmentionables, white helmet, and ■st, but not least, white cotton gloves. «the exception of the gloves, the uniform and pleasant to the wearer ; nth. gloves are simply ridiculous, and, •totisworse, they certainly find no favour * the men. To run in drunks and %ants of all kinds with a pair of white pwtais surely folly, and it is to be ylthe wearing of gloves will not be , A ?ery handsome gold-centred medal and H presented by Capt. Carl Schmitt, *Wi, to the Wairoa Rifles, is now on !* at the shop of Mr Tom Keesing, Net, Victoria-street, by whom it was to order. The medal is in r form of a Maltese cross, with a gold- and is suitably engraved. "«learn from a gentleman who recently Ned up the West Coast that Te Whiti raging for another and prodably final SJBtration at Parihaka in March next. 3§#i_ to agitate for the return of the i [*«!W land, in which his hapu is p*dtbt_e extent of 20,000 acres. J Jjfhop Cowie will hold a confirmation US W Ce ? thalf -P aßt seven o'clock this even- M i 1 "™ 6 H °ly Trinity Church, Devonport. ■ Will be the last occasion on which the (j iJP wiu Preach before leaving Auck- has afc krigth completed his J 1 Jf/a large number of samples of >P beer, and has placed his JlCJ. nthehands of Inspector Sherman. !ii k_T eiStand that the hop beer in many 1 taw ?"? found to Possess a large per iSL° f ? lcoho1 ' but it has not yet been l ;iprß_,!!< Wllether ifc possessed intoxicating 9 tsC ßuHicienfc call for prosecutions m being instituted. •I 4, v Sear koro' Terrace Schoolroom, 41|2L by .^ eJuv enile Silver Star Mm i U_Z ?L d of the Church of England 111 »-_? len ' s Soci efcy, promises to be 1 & „ ccew ' novelties having , " IBtto( l«ced_orthe occasion. -(Advt.) ■ ■ .

Clerk 'nnirf!, hlp 5_ c . Ma V or and «"> Town emmaS " ft*-! visit to the captain. mSg ' ° fficers of the Nelso " this

S Stafl of Pyrotechnists have been rSrTS- e "£ a S ed during the last week in preparing the ground for the displays which S_?« w C ° mn i enc e on Saturday next (Christ £ _ Imu'' By olTr advertisement columns, ie will be seen that Rear-Admiral Fairfax nas very kindly granted his patronage to the entertainments, which, from the magni tude ot the preparations, bid fair to be on a scale ol grandeur never before attempted in these colonies. Innumerable devices and set pieces, fire-portraits, etc., are being pre- Pii -',, an(l the grounds will also be beauti fully illuminated. A full programme will shortly be published in our advertising columns.

The Franklin Road Primitive Methodist hl lU _ Christt nas tree and sale, held in the Protestant Hall, Newton, was continued on Saturday afternoon. In the evening the hall was crowded. The Newton Band was present, and contributed much to the suc cess of the sale. The takings for the two days are £47. There are a considerable number of articles over, which are in the hands of Mesdames Chambers, Maynard, and Ward for private sale. Tho Ladies' Committee desire to express their thanks to all donors and all who have given their kindly help.

Last evening the Ponsonby Baptist Band of Hope held their annual competition. Rev. J. D. Gilmore was in the chair, and in a short but impressive speecli set forth the advantages of the competition. The judges were : —Recitations, Mr Barry and Rev. Gilraour; singing, Miss I'lummer, Mr Abbott, and Mr A. Crigg ; piano playing, Misses Scott and Plummer. The list of competitors was as follows :—Recitation — For boys under 9 years : " Touch Not the Liquor that Kills,"MastersJ. Bigelow. Bertie Patterson, H. Robinson. Girls under 12 years : " Are We Right ?" Annie Robinson, Alice Brown. Boys under 12 years : "Three Cheers for the Band of Hope," 11. Hampton, W. Bigelow, Bertie Guest. Girls under 16 : " The Two Armies,' Miss Lottie Fear, Emaline Exton, Fanny Fear. Vocal solo—Under 12 years : Ada Patter son and Florrie Wilkins. Under 16 years : Emily Patterson and Annie Wilson. Piano solo: Miss Katie Bruce and Florrie Wilkins, Master W. R. Grigg opened with a piano solo, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

No candidates having been this day nomi nated to rill the two extraordinary vacancies which have occurred in the Arch Hill Road Board, the Returning Officer, Mr Seaman, will again duty advertise the election to take place, and that early in January.

Consumers of water are warned in another column that the half-year's rate requires to be paid before the 31st instant. Unless householders wish the supply to be cut off they had better pay up promptly.

The MS. copy of the catalogue of the Free Public Library can now be seen at the Town Clerk's office. Tenders for the print ing of the catalogues will be received up to 5 p.m. Thursday, the 22nd instant.

There will be a musical and dramatic en tertainment to-nightattheCatholielnstitute. on the occasion of the presentation of prizes won at the Marist Brothers' school. An excellent and varied programme will be gone through.

Auckland boys have been scoring honours at the Napier High School, where Mi- Heath, late of the Girls' High School, is headmaster. Master Cameron, son of Mr R. Cameron, manager of the Auckland Savings Bank, has gained the gold medal as " dux " of the school, besides two prizes in separate branches of his studies. The silver medal, for second boy in the school, also comes to Auckland, having been won by Master Taylor, a son of Mrs Taylor, of Mount Eden. •

A poor person lost a sum of money on Friday between Hobson - street and the Newton Post-office. It was the first money earned by the husband for many a day, and it would be cruel for the finder to keep it. Please return to Stab office.

The brief absence of the Mohawk Minstrels from the boards of the Agri cultural Hall has in no way detracted from their popularity. They made their second appearance lasc night since their return from the Thames, and were greeted by a very good audience, who fully appreciated the excellent programme given for their benefit.

A special meeting of the Harbour Board was held last evening in the offices. There were present, the Chairman (Mr W. R. Waddel), and Messrs Devore, La Roche, Nathan, Button, Henderson, Winks, Stone, Niccol and McKenzie. The business under consideration was the revision of the by laws and the tariff. The Board at once went into committee upon the matter, when the proposed alterations were thoroughly discussed. When the Board resumed, the report, of the Committee was adopted. The amended by-law 3 and tariff will come up for final adoption at the next meeting, which will be held on Thursday, the 29th, instead of Tuesday, the 27th, in consequence of the latter being a holiday.

Messrs E. and A. Isaacs, who for tho past six or seven years have received annual consignments of Japanese goods, have just concluded a sale of an extensive shipment of articles of "bigotry and virtue" from Japan. The sale extended over two days, and there was a crowded attendance on each occasion. 857 lots were disposed of, the whole con signment being cleared, though the prices were scarcely so good as those realised on previous occasions. It says much for the artistic taste of our community that such a large quantity of goods of this character should find a market here.

H.M.S. Nelson will be open to the public to-morrow afternoon, when no doubt a large number will take advantage of the opportunity of visiting this fine war ship. Permission having been granted to the Devonport Ferry Company. The Victoria is advertised to run at short intervals.

The Christmas tree and sale of work on behalf of the Kindergarten will be opened to-morrow (Wednesday) in a shop in Queen street next to Tuttle's photographic pre mises

Could anything be more foolish than to throw money away ? Yet a great many of the public are doing it by purchasing from dealers instead of going direct to the manu facturers, Stewart Dawson and Co., for first-class watches, jewellery, and electro plated ware. Secure the guarantee of a celebrated firm instead of the production of Swiss cheap houses, Yankee notions, or clockwatch toys, At only for children, to rlavwith. Stewart Dawson and Co., the SfJbmtod and well-known Liverpool are still.selling dady It their English watch exhibition, Queen street, Auckland, large quantities of their DawsonandCo » Mg o , dool [ADVT.] A concert is to be held in Gladstone Hall, funds of St Johns choir fc ? _ r C aTchSm a s tree, and may regale f h6 bfen 0 4art P c dto leave tS Queen-street Wharf for NoXote at a quarter past SJ returning after the entertainment. (Advt.)

Under the new Building By-laws of the City Council, the area within which, brick and stone are compulsory as building materials, has been considerably extended.

The City Council Committee which ha s been charged with the duty of revising the cab regulations, has reduced the charge for one hours' hire of a cab, from 5s to 3s, and a two hours' hire from 4s to 6s, Jehu be ing compensated by a slight increase in the charges for fractional parts of an hour- There are several new and stringent by laws for the prevention of loitering &c.

His Worship tho Mayor has received a telegram from Sir George Grey. "Hope reach Auckland next week, but tired out; desire rest." G. Grey. This was m reply to a telegram from the Mayor asking Sir George if he would present at the ceremony of opening the Art Gallery which it was intended should take place next Friday. Under the circumstances. The Mayor has decided to postpone the ceremony for the present, in order to allow Sir George to attend at the opening.

The hrst anniversary of the dedication of Ijpiphany Church was celebrated on Sun clay last with befitting ceremonial. At the elev l n o'clock service there was celebration of Holy Communion, with a very telling and eloquent address by the Rev. T. H. Sprott, whose place at St. Barnabas' was suprffied by Dr. O'Callaghan, of the Bpiphany. The evening service was taken by the latter, when a practical and plead ing discourse was given by the Rev. J. 8. Hill. The offertories taken at both services were very satisfactory, that in the mornino particularly so.

At the interview with the Minister of Public Works, reported in yesterday's issue, the value of cement imported was stated to be £150,000, it should have been about £75,000.

The funeral of tlie late Mrs Hobbs took place yesterday afternoon from her late residence in Beresford - street, the chief mourners being Messrs R. Hobbs M.H.R., and Edward Hobbs, the sons of the de ceased. The funeral service was taken part in by the Revs. H. Hill, H. R. Dewsbury, T. G. Carr, C. H. Garland and R. Bavin.

The Choral Society inaugurate their season for 1883 by the performance of Handel's " Messiah " in tho Choral Hall to night. Performing members are to be in their places by 7 minutes to 8, and visitors should arrive early as the building is sure to be crowded. Admiral and Mrs Fairfax are expected to be present. The soloists are : Mrs Davies (sopranol, Miss Knight (contralto), Mr E. Hosking (tenor), and Mr H". Brett (bass).

The promoters of the Cake Fair to be held at Bishopscourt on Friday next have been granted the patronage of Admiral and Mrs Fairfax, who have kindly promised to be present at tho Fair. It promises to be a great success.

Gas consumers are reminded that in con sequence of the Christmas holidays, Friday, the 23rd instant, is the last day on which full discount can be allowed on their ac count.

White's self-filling limestone filter, for which Mr F. A. Twiname has been ap pointed sole Auckland agent, is a most valuable contrivance for all who use tank or cistern water. The filter is placed inside the tank so that all the water used passes through it, and on tho testi mony of Professor Black, of Dunedin, it has a wonderful purifying power. The rapidity of action of this filter, and the fact that it increases the proportion of lime and magnesia in Mater passing through it, should cause it to be largely adopted here. —(Advt. I

To-i-torr-vs-, at 11 o'clock, Mr G. I-cwia will sell without reserve a fine lot of furniture to suit all parties. The goods to be offered are a good selection ; some of the suites are very fino. The lines comprise all tastes and good articles. Every lino sub mitted will be sold, as instructions are positive to sell. All should attend this sale that are purchasing furniture. All goods sold are guaranteed.—(Advt. )

Now is the chance to secure some magni ficent jewellery. In consequence of the death of Mr F. IT. Lewisson, the executor is compelled to sell oil' the whole of this well-known stock. It must be sold, and is at once offered to the public. There are choice things to select from, and these will come in nandy at this season of the year, when presents are boing made to friends.—(Ad vt.)

Lester's patent "Mistress Washing Machine " is an invention worthy the atten tion of all housewives who believe in mini mising labour and securing the maximum of cleanliness and comfort. Particulars of this new machine will bo found in another column. —(Advt. )

Mr J. H. Edmondes's juvenile singing class gives a concert in St. James's Hail on Thursday evening next, when the majority of the members of the class will contribute all the songs. Admission is free.—(Advt.)

Onehunga tweed trouses to-measure, at 21s ; Smith and Caughey's. —(Advt)

Mr Hannan, draper, announces free passes by the new ferry boats.—(Advt.)

Before making your purchases inspect Smith and Caughej's immense stock of clothing and gent's mercery. [Advt].

Childrhn starving to death on account of tneh inability to digest food, will find a most marvellous food and remedy in Scott's Emulsion or P.rb Cod Live- Oil with Hyi>oj>hosphites. Very palatable and easily digested. R<-d the following testimonial: " 1 have prescribed ' SCOTT'S EMULSION ' in cases of children suffering from wasting and mal-nutrition, and can report most favorably of its good effect; it has been in each case taken most readily. W. Perkins, M.R.C.S.,

Medical Supt., Burleigh Hospital, Eng. Largo and small bottles at all Chemists. <j; 6d and as6d-

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.

PREPARATIONS FOR

ILLUMINATING AUCKLAND.

Owing to the lack of the necessary cable, the experiment with the electric light will not be as extensive as at first intended The lamps will not be hung further up Queen-street than the bottom of Wellesley. street. It was originally intended to carry the cable as far as the junction of Grey and Queen Street, but at present this will have to be abandoned. The cable is now kid and at the various positions where the lamps are to be affixed something like iron sallows have been attached to the telegraph poles All that now remains is to swing the lamps and set the current in motion There is therefore little doubt but that all details will be completed and the lighting of Queen-street by electricity an accom plished fact by Christmas Eve.

MAIL ROBBERY.

VALUABLE BAG MISSING.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Tauranga, this day. The mail bag from Matata, containing a considerable sum of money, is missing. Th e matter is in the hands of the police.

SOMETHING LIKE RETRENCH MENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Tauranga, this day. The Borough Council have decided by way of retrenchment to reduce the clerk's salary to £100 and dispense with the engineer.

CALLIOPE DOCK.

OPENING POSTPONED TILL FEBRUARY.

As the Calliope Dock cannot be finished in time to allow of satisfactory arrangements being made for its formal opening during Admiral Fairfax's present visit here, it has been definitely decided that the opening ceremony will be postponed until February. Admiral Fairfax will be here during that month with the Nelson and the Calliope, and he has given the Harbour Board to under stand that if they wish it, he will be happy to dock H.M.S. Calliope during his stay, so the formal opening will take place then. As the Admiral's visit is such a short one, only lasting until tho sth of January, to hurry on the opening might result in any thing but a success, but when he returns to Auckland preparations will be made to celebrate the event with eclat.

THE A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING.

THIS MORNING'S TRAINING NOTES

Some good work was got through at Ellers lie this morning. Nelson went once round on the tan at half pace, when he was picked up by Wapiti, and the pair rattled along at their best pace. Wapiti was pulled off after going about three quarters of a mile, and Nelson was brought home by Raglan. The gallop was a really good one, the last round being got over in lmin 53sccs. Sextant worked alone on the plough. He accomplished one circuit at half pace, the second round being at top. Maxim made his first appearance, and went twice round at a steady pace with a rug on, while Uranus (stripped) did similar work. Lady Norah went twice round, the last part of the journey being at her best pace, and Tetford performed half-pace work. W. E. Gladstone and Cinderella (in company) were sent round once nearly at top, the last named running over her companion. Isaac did useful work. Balista strode once round at three-quarter pace, and the two year-old filly Hilda cantered once round at half pace, Antelope performing similar work. Shotover did useful work alone, when he was joined by Clogs, and the pair did a strong gallop in good style.

JUDGE'S CHAMBERS.

This Day.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) Probate, etc.—Probate was granted in r e Arthur Fennell, James Pickrion Hammon, and Catherine Cole (deceased), while letters of administration were ordered to bo issued in re Amelia Fanny Toad, otherwise Fanny McGowan, Richard Andrew, and Richard Burdsoll Lyth (deceased).. A similar ap plication in re James Durden (deceased) was deferred.

Order to Sell Land.—ln the matter of the Lunatics Act, 1882, an order was made to sell land in the estate of Alexander Lewis Meldrum (a lunatic).

New Zealand Frozen Meat Company.— Upon the motion of Mr Button, an order was made confirming the reduction of capital by tho above Company, and it was decided that tho use of the word " reduced " on the part of the Company should be dis pensed with. Waikato Fellmongehy Company.—On Mr Button's motion, an order was made for the dissolution of this Company, and the cancellation or vacation of the bond.

Thames District Charitable Aid Board v. Piako County Council.—Mr Clayton (instructed by Mr Alexander) moved for directions as to service of charging order. — His Honor allowed this and a similar motion on behalf of the Thames and Coromandel United District Charitable Aid Board to stand over until Friday.

Lewis v. Brown.—Mr Jackson Palmer moved for order for leave to defend in this matter.—His Honor remarked that there was nothing to show what the action was for. —Mr Palmer replied that it was an action on a promissory note. He had only boen instructed this morning, and consequently had not had time to make himself conversant with the facts. -His Honor, afterperusing the papers, said that the facts set up as a defence amounted to no defence at all.—Mr Palmer asked that tho matter might be adjourned till Friday. "-Adjourned accordingly.

POLICE COURT-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs S. Y. Collins and F. G. Clayton, Js.P.)

Drunkenness. —Two persons were fined for this offence.

Assault, — W r illiam Hutchinson was charged with being drunk in Karangahape Road, with assaulting Patrick Tierney by striking him on the face and body with his clenched fist, and also with using indecent language in Karangahape Road within the hearing of persons passing on the 19th December.—Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to seven days' imprison ment.

AUCKLAND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

The Committee of the above Association met in their rooms, Wyndham-street yesterday evening, Mr Jno. Brown, Vice' President, in the chair, and there was als 0 a good attendance. After the ordinary business of the Association had been deal* 1 with a sub-committee was formed to reply to the remarks contained in the leader of " New Zealand Herald "of 17th inst. The Secretary was also instructed to ascertain from Victoria the prices of goods of various classes, under both Freetrade and Pro tective policies, and to communicate with New South Wales also, and otherwise obtain as much useful data and information as possible in reference to the best methods for the encouragement of our local in dustries.

THAMES NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. Bishop Luck left for Auckland this morn, ing by the s.s. Rotomahana. , Mr Montgomery, of the School of Mines, was to-day married to Miss Allom, of Parawai. They were passengers to Auck land by the Rotom_hana,

Newton East and.West Schools Com mittee held their usual monthly meetino- last night. Present: Mr Jenkins ((Chairman), Mr S. Brook ing (Secretary), Messrs Boyd, French and Wilcock. A letter from Mr Jeune ex pressing his disapproval of the manner his resignation was dealt with was received. A letter was read from Mr Coates, enclos ing complimentary tickets for the Newton East annual school concert, and requesting the Commitee to appoint a chairman. Re solved that T. L. Wilcock take the chair, that the schools break up at noon on Thurs day. It was further agreed that arrange ments be made for the school library to be opened one evening per week during the , holidays.

MR SPEED AND THE REGISTRAR.-

SINGULAR PROCEEDINGS AGAINST AN OFFICER OF THE COURT.

THE JUDGE DENOUNCES IT AS

PERFECTLY SCANDALOUS,

AFFIDAVIT ORDERED OFF THE

FILE,

The final matter upon the list of applica tions laid before Mr Justice Gillies in Chambers this morning was of a mildly sensational character. As it appeared upon the list, however, it was not calcu lated to arouse the curiosity of the un sophisticated lay mind, for with the bald ness of legal terminology, it was merely designated : "In the matter of the Law Practioners Act and the affidavit of James Montgomery Speed, solicitor—summons to shew cause." When, however, the matter was called on, it transpired that it was a summons calling upon the Registrar to show cause why,' in consequence of certain allegations, the Judge should not tax a particular bill of costs made out by Mr Speed. Mr Theo. Cooper said : I appear for the Registrar, your Honor. Mr Jackson Palmer : I have been asked this morning to take up the motion for Mr Speed, but on looking into it I see that it is a rather delicate position to take up. There are certain allegations against the Regis trar, and I myself do not see where the power comes in for making an order at present. Of course, if— His Honor : Just allow me to read the papers, please. [After perusing Mr Speed's affidavit.] This is a scandalous thing. Mr Palmer: I would just explain the position that I hold in the matter. I was asked to appear this morning and take up the motion. I looked into it; and I cannot see that the Court has any power. As I said just now, there are certain allegations that Ido not care to mention myself. If I had had the full particulars before I came along I might not have accepted the posi tion. Mr Cooper : I should ask your Honor to dismiss the motion and to order the affi davit to be taken off the file. Even assum ing the statements made against the Regis trar to be true, I do not see the necessity for such a motion. His Honor : It is scandalous. Mr Cooper: It is scandalous, and Mr Speed, must have known that even if the allegations were true, there was no ground for your Honor to interfere. Tho Registrar is quite pre pared to meet in the proper quarter any allegations that Mr Speed can make. _ No words are strong enough to express disap probation of Mr Speed's conduct in taking this step. Evidently he felt it himself, or he would have been here to proceed in the matter, instead of placing Mr Palmer in the unpleasant position of damning with faint praise Mr Speed's course. His Honor: I shall recommend this to the attention of tho Law Society, to see if steps cannot be taken to protect itself from such conduct, for it is an injury done to the profession. He (Mr Speed) calls himself a gentleman and a soli citor, and if he will stoop to such a thing against an officer of the Court, that officer must be protected. It is perfectly scanda lous.

Mr Cooper : Does your Honor order the removal of the affidavit from the file ?

His Honor : Certainly, and I dismiss the application with a guinea costs. Mr Cooper: No answering affidavits have been filed on behalf of the Registrar. I have advised him that it is not his duty to reply in any way to such allegations. His Honor then ordored Mr Speed's affi davit to be taken off the file, and his appli cation was dismissed with a guinea costs.

MYSELF AND THE REGISTRAR.

(To tho Editor.)

Sir, — I am informed that during the liearing of this application this morning, before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, His Honor took occasion to remark that " lie hoped the Law Society would move in the matter." I sincerely hope that it will, and that any allegations I havo made against the Registrar of the Supreme Court at Auckland I shall then have abundant opportunity to prove — an opportunity which the Supreme Court itself is careful to deprive me of. I can see, however, that my only course is to request the Minister for Justice to grant me an inquiry; and this, I feel confident, I shall obtain, al though I cannot expect so much elsewhere. —I am, etc., J. M. Speed.

MINING MATTERS.

THE NEGLECT OF NORTHERN

GOLDFIELDS.

The failure of the Government to provide, on the estimates, any assistance to the Northern goldfieldshas caused a general feel ing of indignation amongst the commercial and mining community. This found ex pression in a meeting of the mining com mittee of the Auckland Chamber of Com merce. Mr J. H. Witheford has also been taking an interest in the matter, and yesterday sent the following telegram to Mr Peacock, M.H.R. :— Thomas Peacock, Esq., M.H.R., Wellington. Miners and other able-bedied men leaving in scores. Make proposal to Government to offer work to unemployed on goldfield at 4s per day, making up the wages to 7s a day if results warranted. I undertake to point out payable reefs without charge to Government. This would be a reproductive work. J. H. Witheford. Mr "Witheford received tho following reply : "Have seen Minister of Mines and Minister for Public Works ; the former cannot undertake mining, the latter can only give assistance. for road-making at usual rates. Thos. Peacock." Mr Witheford thereupon sent the follow ing telegram : —"Thos. Peacock, Welling ton. It is time Parliament started re productive works and stopped non productive. Move in House that Hon. Mr Mitchelson be authorised to employ a few hundred men on Auckland goldfields. Supply of .gold would relieve financial strain on country; would also benefit by retaining colonists. This will help com pensate for omission on estimate. J. H. Witheford,^

The Moanataiari Mine.

ITS PURCHASE BY A SYNDICATE.

A meeting of the directors of the Moanataiari G.M. Co. was held at the office of Mr F. A. White to-day, to consider an offer for the mine which had been received by cable on the previous day by Mr R. Spratt from Mr P. Comiskey, who is at present in London. The syndicate represented by Mr Comiskey offered to give the present shareholders 25,000 paid up £1 shares, they to take up 25,000 shares l.Qa cash paid up, thus giving £12,500 to work the mine. The dive-tors decided to accept the offer, and we under stand that by this time a ©able notifying Mr Comiskey of their- decision has been despatched. Tfeo Moanataiari is one of the. oldest a&d best known mines at the Th.ftwwa. It has paid upwards of £120,000

in dividends, to say nothing of large amounts paid by mines not included in its area which in the early days of the held were autonomous.

Gold in Whangarei District.

Some time since, a sample of stone from Mr Dent's land, Kaitara, near Whangarei, was sent to Messrs Fraser and Sons', of the Phcenix Foundry, for testing, that the pro priety of continuing operations may be de termined. The following is the result of Messrs Fraser's test:—

ozs dwt grs Assay per ton (of 2,2401b) 0 16 8 bullion ozs dwt grs Gold 0 2 12 £0 10 71-3 Silver 0 13 20 £0 0 0 2-9 Assay value per ton,£ol3s 4 l-3d. This result certainly justifies further pro specting.

Thames, this day.

• Saxon.— 151bs of picked stone were to day secured from the third stope seaward o the rise at No 4 level, and lOlba from the leading stope seaward on No 3 level.

A New Find.

WniT_-?Y and Party, who havebeen pros pecting for the past 9 months at Te Mate, beyond Tapu, have succeeded in unearthing a promising leader six inches thick, in which dabs of gold are freely discernable. The discovery is situated about 2 miles south of Baker's claim, and is on the junction of Mata and Gentle Annie creeks. An area of nine acres has been pegged out by the prospectors.

LATEST POLITICAL

Late and Early.

THE HOUSE SITS UNTII. 6 A.M.

Progress on the Estimates.

It was within a few minutes of six when the House rose this morning, and the com promises offered by the Hon. Mr Fisher on the education estimates were virtually carried out, the reduction of school age being negatived and other proposals of the Government being affirmed. As the question is on. which engrosses more attention in the colony than any other at the present time, I senk you a tolerably full account of the proceedings in Com mittee subsequent to the Telegraph Office closing at two. In order to test the feeling of the Committee on the question of the re duction of school age, a division was taken on Mr Reeves's amendment, it being under stood that those who were favourable to the retention of the age as it has hitherto stood should vote in support of the amendment: Ayes, 35; noes, 29. The announcement was received with prolonged opplause. The following is the division list: —ayes, 35 : Blake, Brown, Buchanon, Bux ton, Cadman, Duncan, Feldwick, Fitchett, Fraser, Goldie, Greenwood, Givnness, Hutchinson, Izard, Jones, Joyce, Kerr, Lawry, Levestam, Macarthur, McGregor, Moss, Newman, Callaghan, Perceval, Reeves Ross, Seddon, Smith, Stewart, Stuart, Menteath, Taylor, Thompson, Turn hull, Walker. Noes, 29. Allen, Ander son, Atkinson, Bruce, Dodson, Fergus, Fisher, Fish, Fitzherbert, Heslop, Jack son, Kelly, Lance, Mackenzie, (Clutha) Marchant, Mitchelson, Monk, Ormond, Pearson, Richardson, (Mataura) Samuel Steward (Waimate), Taipua, Taiwhanga, Tanner, Thompson (Marsden), Whyte, Wilson, Withy. Pairs—For : Rhodes, Moss, Grey, Seymour, Ward, Vogel, Loughrey, E. Richardson, Barron, J. McKenzie, R. H. Reeves. Against: Lar nach, Carroll, Hobbs, Pyke, Hall, Valen tine, Mills, Beetham, Scobie McKenzie, Peacock, Hodgkinson. Mr Fish, speaking somewhat hotly, re ferred to the indecent applause with which the result of the division was received as being in bad taste, comingfrommemberswho had been returned pledged to retrenchment The Hon. gentleman's remarks were inter rupted by a general uproar. Mr Seddon protested against the language used and demanded that it should be withdrawn.

The Chairman said that the words ought to be withdrawn.

Mr Fish declined to withdraw his re marks, whereupon Mr Seddon asked that the words be taken down and some con fusion ensued.

Mr Fish repeated his refusal to with draw, but after some further uproar he con sented to retract what he had said, but re marked that a rebuke from the member for Kumara reminded him of Satan reproving sin.

Mr Duncan moved the reduction of the vote by £5, in order to test the sense of the House on the capitation question.

The Committee divided on the amend ment. Ayes : 16. Noes : 41.

The reduced capitation proposed by Go vernment was then approved.

Mr Walker then moved, by way of test ing the feeling with reference to the pro posal to take a strict average instead of the working average as a basis of calculation, " That the vote be reduced by £400." The amendment was negatived by 33 to 30, thus affirming the Committee's approval of the proposed change. Coming to the fourth division of, the sub ject, that of retention or otherwise of normal schools, Dr. Fitchett moved the re duction of the vote by £3. Ayes: 19. Noes : 43.

Under this head the Government pro posal was emphatically endorsed. Discussion of the general subject was continued until 3.40 a.m., when a division took place on Mr Guinness's amendment, proposing a reduction of the vote of £27C0 on higher education by £2, as an indication of the desire of the Committee for lessening its cost. Ayes: 42. Noes: 14.

Mr Fitzherbert moved to reduce the vote of £385 for Native Schools by £1 so as to indicate the wish of the committtee that such schools shoold be placed on the same footing as European schools. This was withdrawn after some discussion.

Mr Fitzherbert moved another resolution to test the feeling with regard to industrial schools, which was lost on the voices.

The Minister for Education said that as their main proposals had been rejected Go vernment were not bound by any agree ment ; but after further discussion the Premier said Government were of opinion that the capitation allowance would be ample to maintain the schools. The balance, of the Education vote amounting to £560,617 was passed on the voices. Th _ Defence Vote. At 5.5 a.m the estimates of the Defence Department vote £178,905 was then con sidered and after some desultory discussion the amount was voted in globo. Other Votes. Votes for native affairs £16,878, public buildings and domains £28,109, State forests and Agricultural Department £5,611 were carried without amendments. Progress was reported at this stage and leave given to sit again. Future Borrowing. The following is the proviso to the Loan Bill to be moved in committee by Mr Mc- Arthur:—" Provided that no need loan of which the principal and interest are payable in the United Kingdom other than the loan authorised by this act the million loan authorised by the north Island Main Trunk Railway Loan Act 1882. The £40,000 authorised to be borrowed on short dated debentures by the public re venues Act 188?, shall be raisedby the General Government of New Zealand, for a period of five yea.*** from the Ist day of January 1888, and it is further enacted that the aforesaid provision shall be specifically set forth in every prospective notice or advertisement inviting tenders or applications for any of the above mentioned loans." The Premier

will not accept the proviso but will Gftjl on the House to reject it — deeming tt; unwise and unsafe to pledge the eoiefljr, for a longer period than three years'. Hallway Works, , f*- Mr Smith will to-day ask tho Mltiimw for Works if he will have tender, at 6pM-, called for the Pohangani bridge and pie.-j of line between the upper end of the gorge): and Palmerston ; also if he will push on the , completion of the gorge tunnels so a. fed j prevent any further delay. < j

LATE CABLES.

THE WAR SCARE.

AUSTRIAN PREPARATIONa ;

ARMY OF 200,000 MEN.

PANIC ON THE BOURSE.

PRINCE FERDINAND TO BE SACRI-

FICED.

THE-CZAR BELLICOSE,

(special )

London, December. .' The Grand Military Council held afc Vienna has decided upon expending j twenty millions of florins in the eqrrip- j ment of the Landw.hr Eeserves, and j the erection of huts for 200,000 troops j in Galicia, near the frontier, menaced j by Russia. The delegations have not-1 yet be summoned.

There was a panic on the Vienna Bourse on Friday and Saturday con sequent on the rumours of war. It is estimated that 200,000,000 francs' were lost by investors. The State Rentes have fallen for eight weeks.

The " Times " say. there is an im pression that Germany and Austria* will arrive at a temporary truce, and. will sink their differences of opinion in. an agreement to throw over Prince, Ferdinand of Bulgaria.

The bellicose article which recently, appeared in " LTnvalide Eusse" is considered to have correctly expressed.; the personal views of the Czar. The " Daily News" correspondent states, that the Czar special!} ordered the publication of the article.

A SOCIALIST'S FUNERAL

(special to press association. )

London, Decembor 19. A disorderly crowd followed the: funeral of Linnell, the Socialist, who | died in the hospital from injuries re- ; ceived during the late riots. The j crowd indulged in singing, and 1 hooted the police. An unseemly j scene took place at the cemetery, and i the burial service was read in the i dark.

THE WELSH GOLD FIND.

(SPECIAL.)

London, December 19. I

Mr Vantin, the goldmining expert, j denies that he estimated that the gold j reef recently discovered in Wales j •would yield ore to the value of two j millions sterling. I

REBELLION IN EGYPT-

SUAKIM THREATENED.

(special.)

London, December 19.

It is reported from Egypt that! Binan Dignan, with 10,000 men under j his command is threatening Suakim. j Reinforcements have been called for | in order to defend that place. •

(special.)

THE ROYAL AND PAPAL JUBILEE.

London, December 19.

The Duke of Norfolk has delivered the ; Queen's Jubilee congratulations to His ! Holiness the Pope. In reply, His Holiness \ spoke approvingly of the complete liberty ; enjoyed by Roman Catholics in every part [ of the British Empire.

LIBELLING A NATIONALIST.

ACTION, AGAINST THE IRISH,

SECRETARY.

(special.)

London, December 19. / Mr Balfour, Chief Secretary of State for Ireland, has been summoned for libel, alleged to have been uttered during his address at Manchester, when he referred to a Nationalist as having been convicted and sent to prison under the Crimes Act,; when in point of fact he had been ac quitted.

(special. )

CONVERTED TO HOME RULE.

London, December 19. ' Mr Grove, M.P. for South Wiltshire, has become a member of the Gladstone party.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &., To-night.

Choral Hall—"Messiah," 8 Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8, Seventh Day Adventlst Church, Surrey Hills—•»' Prayer Meeting-, 7.30 ': Scarboro' Terrace Schoolroom, Parnell—Silver I Star Minstrels, 8 Catholic Institute—Concert and Presentation of! i Prizes (Marist Brothers* School), 8 s

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur _and % Buddie, Symen-S-treet—House* : hold Furniture and Effects; Market-street. ! Unredeemed Pledges, 11 'i G. Lewis-English and Colonial-made Furnk • ture, etc., IX • S. Cochrane and Son-Propertiea etc., 12 i D.F. Evans—Property, etc,, 12 I Vrn y aia?e^f °' °< **"-* j Tonka and Co.-Frul-._L J

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

Dec. 21—The R,M. sits"

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20.1887,

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