"J . ].jy market price list, which will °"-^tomorrow, contains few changes Previous quotations The gum mar rol" P t;_iies firm at tho follswmg rates : - ietCoD£ary. *3S to £40; fair to good, Poor ovQ < su perior, £45 and upwards ; fil J2 £57 to £00. Supplihs for May Eas 6 ,„,.'„ been 374 tons, and supplies * ht mail 472 tons. The barque since | a. ._ (i X poctccl to leave for London with al:'oufc 5 tons Sum> tbe d Aorangi will take about 200 tons, [oiiic a" "Heinrich Bauer will leave v York about ten days hence with [cr Ww 175 tons. . „„ .inn Day services were held yester *? e gt Patrick's Cathedral at G, 7, and Itf 111 and also in the evening. At tho '"k^f* tbe last service a meeting was held $_,_ gstablishnient of a total abstinence tf. t yi n connection with St. Patrick's. !OCI d Luck presided, and in his opening ._?°_ referred to the evil effects which s _. mo- sustained in this colony as well ffer&'out the WOTId> through the -ia. ofmteumerance and want of provi rSof the people- He explained that cLv 'Backet, who had recently come the parish, was anxious to further '?- f use of temperance in the diocese, and ? Intended to establish a society to be ii!. St Patrick's Total Abstinence So, W ' T he Rev. Father Hackebt then ex iled the objects of the Society which he r*ted formed, and the nature of the tie to be administered. He said he did Thieve in priests or laymen preaching thin 0- and practising another, and ho lid therefore, be the (irsb to take the Sibstinence pledge himself. Tho pledge **ijen read, and ninety of those present jS their names as adherents to it. ft adjourned meeting of persons in- in the Albertland anniversary on f 29th and ' 30th inst. took place f}[e_rs Devore and Cooper's oliices t o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr Alex. Lpbell presided. Mr Theo. Cooper ex- Sjtlthat the committee which had been Sited at last meeting had arranged for |es,s. Durham to run a special trip from Helensville to Port Albert, leaving Holens- M immediately after arrival of the U_' train from Auckland on Saturday reek, 2Sth inst. Tho timo of return [bold have to bo arranged by the cap _r_ ol the steamer, but there would joibtless bo ample time to attend tbe pub- Hcmeeting on Monday evening. Tho re tafare by steamer would be ,10s (ladies, Ss) whilst arrangements were being made lonin a special train at single fares. Pro- Py 20 Auckland people would attend, and accommodation was being ensured at ForfcAlbei- for the visitors, who would re tirntotown by train late on the following Monday night or early on Tuesday morn y„ Some business was transacted and He'meeting then adjourned.

The final payments of £10 in two hours' Hiking match between S. Goodman and ff,L. Walsh is to be staked to-night at the Park Hotel. Both men are in heavy train jojr and the contest which takes place on Saturday week in the City Hall will most likelyprove a very close finish.

The Committee of the Eden Quadrille Assembly are sparing no pains to make the "social" on Monday evening next a complete success. Sub-committees are srrangirig for a musical and literary premmme, dancing and games, re- Bnents, decoration and illumina tion, and a large number of invitations lave been issued. Mr Rowlinson has been entrusted with the catering, and all the otter arrangements will be equally satis factory.

To- night's meeting in tbe City Hall,when Kb Dudley Ward is to explain Kinder- Iprten work, is certain to be well attended. -I. Worship the Mayor will preside, and tie following musical programme will be 'flderedby Mr I .oley. choir: — " Magni ' M," by. Farebrothcr ; selections from 11 "__.!.__,"• "Alas, Those Chimes," and chorus: "Angelus ;" anthem, " 0, Taste -End"'See How Gracious The Lord Is," by Sir John Goss.

.Every class in the community appears to be .dissatisfied with the new tariff pro pals. Tbe ironfoundcrs of the colony bave taken steps to urge upon the Govern ment their objections to the want of suffi cient protection for local industry and a preliminary meeting of tbe trade has been ield at Wellington. The principal fault was found with the admission of engines of more than 30-horse power to the colony free.of duty, and it was decided to ask that allsteam-enginesup .0200-borsepowernomi aal and parts, of the same, besides steam boilers, should be included in the 20 per cent, ad valorem category; also, to request that forged or worked iron of all kinds jlonldbecharged 20 per cent, ad valorem. Telegrams have been received from the principal manufacturing firms in Dunedin md Christchurch supporting tbe action, and a public meeting is to be called in Wellington on the subject.

'An entertainment *n aid of the debt fund ,rf tbe Alexandra-street Primitive Metho dist Sunday School was given last nighb ty't-he young people belonging to the Christian Band; while instrumental and Tocal aid was readily given by tbe fol ™ng ladies-and gentlemen : —Misses M. ™g, Love, Dunne, Mars on, Gribble, and "trade, and .Messrs J. and A.'. Trcnwith, | Gribben, and Burton. Mis 3 Gribble's *»_ of "London Bridge," Miss S. wade, recitation, and Mr Burton's re gion were the events of tbo evening. jneKev. A. J. Smith occupied the chair in wabsenceof Mr D. Goldie, and stated'the object..of the evening's entertainment. we'iwas a very good attendance, the moolroom being filled. This being tbe «*occasion of the young members of tbe Way-school taking upon themselves the of arranging a concert in aid 'weir school, great credit is due to them I« the successful way in which everything JM carried out. A vote of thanks to the jßformer. was carried by acclamation, *»g proposed by Mr Watkins.

RP. Doranhas determined to arrange 1 a grand Jubilee performance, to take Wm the City Hall on 20th June next, written to tho City Council asking ration to display fireworks from the I Hall, and to send up a balloon on the ?m above mentioned.

Jve have had brought under our notice a fw.work which would, wo are fully con': S» productive of much good if in duced to our public schools. '' The l f iear of Scientific Knowledge "is a 2»tionby Miss Josephina Clayton of a &'■ ? ul Berfc. and is splendidly illus r_m 11 numerous woodcuts. The book S?fl ;chea P' and a simple means of L_f ,-lessons in science and natural A%,to children. -Mpft'Clark • a'scene-painter of con lo? n Dle ability who has just arrived from ttio IP aild'isat present engaged upon 2 n/fy for ;'.< Uncle Tom's Cabin," is foeS ° accePt commissions for decora 4.7 s1 generally, cards, etc., during his Dek. Aucklatl«- He is stopping at House, Hobson -street. »Wn curious facb tlmfc tlie increase ? f fe°5 oes; not very materially benefit s|j ,! h0 Produce it, and does nob bring, onl(1 > a general prosperiby in which S e(l«ally share; nay, ib frequently l_UUhe of the struggle for ■Mm SSfJwngrt the workers. Whab shall 'jjjgKWn,?.- Why, learn wisdom, of p^v? "om the bitter experiences of the j^'veconomise in the present, and buy "St* 0n^ 10ns in tbe cheapest market, wL at tlie Auckland Provision Com m Bacon Shop, Karangahape ■£;;prices:' Bacon, 3d to Gd per lb ; Cx, 4. QtoCd; butter, Gd to 10d; All r%? g8 Wally cheap.-A. Bettany,

Tho meeting of ratepayers of Mount Eden Koacl Uisbncb takes place to-nio-ht, which is the date fixed, and nob last night, as was erroneously stated yesterday. There will no doubt be a large attendance, as the ac counts are said to be in a confused state, and Mr Durrieu, the public auditor, has stated that he will report their condition to the Government.

A successful evangelistic service was held last evening in the Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church. There was a good at tendance. The Rev. Mr Ward conducted the service, and gave a short address ; but the chief interest in the meeting centred in Miss Malcolm, the popular lady evangelist who both spoke and sang wibh her accus tomed attractiveness, feeling, and power, bhe will.preach in Franklin Road Church on bunday, and on Tuesday will conduct a service for ladies only

Tho Auckland Gas Company notify that all accounts duo for gas and coke which remain unpaid up to 5 p.m. of Wednesday next will become payable in full, without discount.

\ olunteers are reminded of the prize com petition at Hazard's shooting gallery in Elliott-strset to-morrow. The locality is central, and expense has not been spared by the proprietor in rendering the building and appointments as complete as possible.

The attention of young women is called to the announcement in our advertising columns thab tho Countess of Aberdeen will deliver an address in the V.M.C.A. lecture hall, on Sunday, 22nd inst, ab 3 o'clock.

_ Do not be satisfied with Inferior Butter. Pry tbe Freezing Company's Shell Brand in half pounds

TV. H. Hoskins and Co., boot manufac turers. Union and Nelson-streets, Auckland. (.uahty and cheapness combined. Storekeepers und settlers please note.—[Advt].'

£100 Reward. —They cure all diseases of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, and kidneys, and £100 will be paid for a caso they will not cure or help, or for anvthinc; impure or injurious found in them-Hop Hitters. Genuine o_ly.made by American Co.

Food fok Consumptives. Scott's Emulsion o. Puke Cod Liver Oil with Hy.ophos. hiths oi' Lime and Soda,, is a most wonderful food for tha Consumptive. It not only gives strength and increa,ei tne Mesh, but heals the irritation of the throat nnd lungs.. It is very palatable : children take ii like milk, *_~•'•" • wast!"K diseases both for adults and children it is a marvellous food and nvdicine. LarL-o and small bottles oiall Chemists. 4 s 6d and 2s 6d

SUPPOSED SUICIDE.

(BY TELECRAPII.—PKESS ASSOCIATION.)

CnßisTcunncH, this day. Yesterday morning the body of John Mc- Donald, a patient in the Hospital, was found in the river. He is supposed to have committed suicide. He was seen half an hour before by the attendant, and then seemed to be all right.

A CONVICTION QUASHED.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Timaru, this day. Tite conviction of J. and J. Matthews at tbe R.M. Court on March 11th, for posses sing an illicit still, was quashed at the Dis trict Court because tbe justices had added costs £7 to tbe fine of £100:

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

An unfortunate accident took place in Eden Terrace last evening, and resulted'in an elderly lady, named Mrs Christmas, being knocked down and seriously injured. Mrs Christmas at the time was returning from a visit to her daughter (Mrs H. J. Edmis ton) at Mount Roskill. She was stepping onb of the 'bus opposite Hill's the chemist's, in Eden Terrace, jusb as a spring carb,driven by Arthur Page,grocer,of Kings land,was quickiy advancing along the road. Mrs Christmas, being very deaf, did nob hear the sound of tbe approaching vehicle, and she was knocked clown by the horso, while the wheel of the cart passed over her right thigh and leg. She was & L > once as sisted into the shop of Mr Hill, chemist, and on examination it was found that, singularly enough, no bones bad been broken, but there were several severe bruises. The poor woman was after wards assisted home with difficulty. It is likely that an action for damages will ensue, as Mrs Christmas will be confined to bed for two or three weeks, she having re ceived a great shock to her system, and there is no telling what the ultimate result may be.

THAMES BOROUGH COUNCIL.

(BY TELEGRAPH. - OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. At a meeting of the Borough Council last night, a report was presented from the Foreman of Works re the damage by the late flood, which was-estimated at £895. Mr Fleming, Inspector of Slaughter-houses, has now refunded' the amount of fees (£7O) to the Borough C6unc.il, and this matter, which has been the cause of several lively meetings,-has thus ended.

CHARGE A AGAINST A PUBLICAN.

(BY TELEGRAPH - OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Two men, named- Willetts and Maunsell (half castes), .have reported to the police that they were supplied with liquor on Sunday night by; Mr Burton, licensee of the Junction Hotel. The police have laid an information against the licensee for Sun day trading. The matter has caused con siderable comment, and the case, which will be heard on Monday, is exciting some interest. ",

THE BELLRINGERS.

The chiming of the bells again drew a good' audience to tbe Opera House last evening, when tbe third programme was re peated. As usual, Mr J. C. Parlatto was recalled-each time he appeared, as were also Messrs W. and R. Lynch in the comic duet, "Far, Far Away, the local hits being keenly appreciated. During the performance the Earl of Aber deen was present and evidently greatly en joyed the harmonious pealing of the bells. His Lordship loudly applauded " The Blue Bells of Scotland " with variations, and the "Marseillaise," and ab the conclusion of both he cordially complimented the " Family " upon bheir wonderful ability and the'beau'tif ul music they so cleverly produced. When leaving be shook hands with all the members of the company, and wished them a successful tour through New Zealand* and a safe journey across to San Francisco. To-morrow (Saturday) evening, the per formance will be under the patronage of the Earl and Counte. s. In the afternoon at 3 the last matineo will be given, and to-night (Friday) the fourth change of programme will be produced, concluding with " Dr. Brown's Dispensary,",... '-.•>.,■'..,■ V'f.i. 1 ' .•'•■■'■-• '■•<■■

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Duncan and Collins, Justices.)

Drunkenness. — Eliza McGinn (third offence), L 5 and costs or 14 days' imprison ment. Valbray Larsen (third offence), L 5 and costs or 14 days.

"The Young Pretender." — Charles EdwardStewarb was charged wibh drunken ness, and also with imposing on one Arbhur Wood by a false rcpresenbation in writing, bowib, a subscription list, wibh a view to obtain money.— Defendanbpleadedguilby.— Sergeanb Prabb stated that this was the fourth occasion he had been beforo the Courb for this offence. — Fined 5s or 24 hours for the firsb offence, and six monbhs5 im prisonmenb for the seoond, sentences to run concurrently.

W. G. Garrard's Troubles. —Charles Johnson was charged with using provok ing languoge towards William George Garrard, ■by threatening to smash his countenance.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.—William George Garrard deposed that he was assistant to the City Dog In spector. He was taking a number of collarless dogs to the kennels ab the Market, when he was assailed by a number of larrikins, The lads told tho accused that witness had his dog in custody. This Witness denied whereupon the accused threatened "to smash his— ; —-old countenance." Tho accused was excited by the mob, and uttered the threat in a very simple-minded way. Defendant stated that he made no attempt to kick Garrard. — Tho Bench took a lenient view of bhe case, bub warned the accused that Mr Garrard musb nob be interfered within the exocution of his duty.—Accused would be find Is and costs.

Wandering Cattle.—J. A. Campbell was charged with permitting 24 cows to wander at large on the Surrey Hills Estate. Mr Cotter appeared for the defendant, and pleaded not guilty.—MrE. Coaper appeared for Borough of Newton.—Mr Boyes, pound keeper and ranger, deposed to finding the cattle wandering at large. —Mr Cotter submitted that the c_.e must fail, as iti making the by-law- tinder which these proceedings wore- taken they had exceeded the powers delegated to them under the Municipal Corporations Act. One of the clauses in this by-law empowered the Council to destroy or sell any animal found wandering at large. This was clearly ultra vires. He also submitted that the animal had nob been '.' found straying " within the meaning of the by-law as the owner had been practically in'charge.—Mi- Cooper admitted that tho clause quoted was ultra vires bub he submibted thab ib did nob afl'ecb the whole bylaw.—The P.ench requested Mr Cooper to confine himself to tho second contention of Mr Cotter.—Mr Cooper then proceeded to argue that thero was no doubt that the cattle wero untended, and the. appearance of tho owner at the time of Mr lioye's arrival did do away with the offence. The Bench dismissed the case and granted costs.

Assault.—Ellen O'Farrell was charged with assaulting one Louis Le Grout by striking him with a bottle.—Accused pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Pratt stated the facts of the case, which are already known to our readers. He mentioned that the prosecu tor was not altogether free from blame and the accused haa already been one week in gaol. Sentenced to Jimprisonuienb until th? rising of tho Court.

DUNEDIN NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT. )

Dunedin, this day. The Chamber of Commerce. Steps are being taken to reorganise the Chamber of Commerce on a better footing, for the hew Chamber will probably be incorporated, and promises to be a strong institution. It was more a desire for bhis than anything else bhab caused the dissolu tion of the old Chamber. •

Reduction of Memhers of House,

A very strong feeling prevails in Dun edin against the action of the House in refusing to reduce the number of members,- and members will hear a good deal of it at election. In the course of a very strong article the "Times " says : " It would be difficult to find a more flagrant instance of a' clear public duty sacrificed to personal advantage than in the restitu-. tion of the number of members to 91, and we think that the action of city members will not be forgotten when the election comes round. The manoeuvres which the Premier' resorted to for the sake of conciliating support amongst the baser members lowered him in public estimation. It is Sir R. Stout's unwearied effort and distempered power we have to thank for the maintenance of the present number of members -in other words for the maintenance of the intensity of local greed, for preventing the weeding of 'the House, and for some LOOO or L7OO a year of taxation. Without his example would Messrs Stewart and Gore have dared to vote so directly against the wishes of their constituents ? Never since we have had anything to do with public affairs have we known public opinion in 'this city so entirely spontaneous and so. unanimous aJs with regard to the desirability of considerable reduction in the i number of members. It is therefore, the more annoying to find this reduction pre vented by three out'of four of our city re presentatives voting against ib." The "Tariff. Re bhe tariff, the "Times" says :—" We have now the views of • the representative men of four great commercial centres in the colony (for ' Auckland has added her voice), all concurring in condemning the tariff. We hope by this timo Sir Julius Vogel is convinced that he has made one more mis take, and that he cannot easily throw dust in the eyes of the intelligent classes of New Zealand."

MORE LARRIKINISM.

An Unprovoked Assault

At the Police Court this morning, before Messrs Duncan, and Collins, justices, three ' lads named. Thomas Martin, Walter Roberts,- and Thomas Johnston, were charged with assaulting one James Scanlon, by striking him on the face and kicking him in Wellesley-street last even ing. Sergeant Pratt, having stated the case, called James Scanlon, who deposed -. I am a cook, and reside in Albert street. At eleven o'clock last .evening I was on my way home, in company with a young woman named Barrett and a young fellow named Saxelly. While passing the Sham rock Hotel the prisoner Martin came up to me and said, " You are the- :—who got Storey committed for trial," and then said, "I'll go for you for getting Storey pub away. He then sbruc.k me under bhe eye. The other two prisoners then rushed at me and knocked me down. The prisoner Martin then struck me on the face and one. ofthem kicked me'on the shoulder-so 'that I can scarcely move it this morning. When Martin spoke about me pulling Storey away, I ;said " Are you speaking to me ? When I was on the ground I received several kicks. I sang out to bhe police, and held on-to Martin and then to that joker there (meaning Johnston). Detective Walker came up and. others,. and the prisoners were arrested;, ~ My wife gave ' evidence against Storey, who was committed for trial for an assault- on a Chinaman some days Rgo.-^By Mr' O'Meagher j I {im a cook,

My last place was on board the Arawata. Since then I have worked for two days in the Star Hotel. The girl who was with me waa a common girl. I was not with the girl, but with, the chap who was with her. 1 don't know if the bwo men who were wibh me wonb inbo the Shamrock with the girl. I did nob charge anyone with insulbing the girl Barretb, nor did I sbrike a blow in self defence.—Patrick Bedford, labourer, re siding in Abercrombie-street, gave corro borative evidence. He saw Scanlon dragged off the footpath by the three prisoners. He collared Johnston and gave him up to the police. Johnston was the only one o i the three prisoners he recognised. While the assault was progressing he distinctly heard the sound of kicks on Scanlon's body. Witness was cross-examined by Mr O'Meagher ab some length, whereupon it came oub thab witness did not identify Johnston as one of the persons engaged in the commission of tho assault. He had merely been told that Johnston bad taken part in the assault. Elizabeth McCarthy, alias Barrett, deposed thab lasb night she was in the company of Scanlon, Saxelly, ' and a man named " Melbourne." While passing tho Shamrock Hotel the three men, who were standing near, called after Scanlon that he had put Hughie' Storey away. Scanlan turned round when the gentleman at tho end or the box (mean ing Morton)' struck him and knocked him clown when the wholo pitched into him, dragging him by the feet into the middle of the road and kicking him. She fully identified all the prisoners. Scanlan did nothing to cause the assault.—By Mr O'Meagher : Afber bhe men called oub after Scanlan, tho latter turned round, and Scan lan commenced to take off his coat "to have it oub fair." Jusb before the assaulb Scanlan, bhe other men, and herself went into the hotel and had the drinks. (Scanlan had denied that thoy had been in tlie hotel. James Saxelby gave corro borative evidence. One of the prisoners made a blow at witness, but he dodged his head, and the man struck the shutters. Scanlon did not take off his coat until he was struck. William McMuller, otherwise " Melbourne," gave corroborative evidence. It was clear that Scanlon gave tho pris oners no provocation.—Detective John M. Walker deposed hearing cries of " police " and "murder," and on reaching the Shamrock Hotel received information of the assault from Scanlon. He subse quently arrested the prisoners Roberts and Martin, and they were identified by bhe pro secutor subsequently. This concluded the caso for the prosecution. Mr O'Meagher ad dressed tho Bench, strongly criticising the action of the " Herald " in prejudging tho case in a paragraph this morning. He w-ent through the ovidence, and suggested that the whole affair was a frivolous one, and arose from Scanlan and his as sociates "chyaeking" the prisoners.— The three prisoners were respectable young men in respcctablo employments. Martin was engaged as a tinsmith at Mr Hellaby's ; Roberts was a compositor at a newspaper otiice, and Johnston was in the employ of Mr Foster, a boot maker. Martin and the othor prisoners woro then pub in the witness boy and gave their version of tho affair. .It ap peared that tho prosecutor and his companions entered the Shamrock Hotel and the three prisonersendeavouredto follow bom bub wero refused admission. When the prosecutor came out he asked Martin for a match and then accused him of insulting the girl Barrett. Martin denied having in sulted the girl, whereupon Scanlon struck him They closedand the twootherprisoners endeavoured to stop the row. That was the only part Johnston and Roberts took In the affair. Storey's name was not mentioned. Roberts, who also stated that ho went by the name of Larritc and Martin, admitted that they had previously boen before tho Court, The prisoner Johnston stated that his proper name was O'Flaherty, The Bench considered that though the evidence for the prosecution had not been very clear, they wero of opinion that an assault had been committed. The prisoners would bo lined Lo each, and costs, or one month's imprisonment. Mr O'Msagher : Make the lino L 5 Is, so that I may make appeal. The Bench declined to alter tno decision.

R.M. COURT.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R M.) The following undefended cases were dis posed of yesterday :—New Zealand Woollen Co. v. J. Connelly, claim L 72 Gs Bd, costs L 2 ss; R, Jessop v. R. Morrow, claim Li ss, costs LI Is Cd ; Maynard and Co. v. Mrs Martin, claim lis, costs LI Is Gd ; J. E. Luck v. Burke and Sheriff, claim L 6 ss, costs LI Ids ; Hurle and another v. Fernandez, claim LI 19s Gd, costs LI Is 6d; Nolan and another v. W. Potter, claim L2l Gs 7d, costs L. 18s; Peel and another v. G. Shaw, claim LI 8s Bd, costs LI Is 6d ; R. D. Morgan v. H. Giles, claim LI, costs lis ; A. 0. Carter v. A. McKye, claim LIS 15s lOd, costs L26s ; Wingate and another v. J. Wrightson, claim L 2 2s sd, costs LI 6s Gd ; Agricultural Co. v. J. Morrison, claim L 53 15s 3d, costs L 5 18s; Woollen Co v. R. Waddington, claim LI 5s 18s-9d, costs L 2 7s. Defended Case. 11. Sandall .v. G. V. Jakins.claim £26 _s lOd.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Campbell for the defence.—This case was partly heard on March 31st, when the evidence for tho plaintiff was taken; The short facts were that on December 23rd, 1886, the defendant agreed with the plaintiff upon adequate consideration to pay plaintiff one-hall of all money received on behalf of J. Lee, on account of a contract at Dargaville. Thia agreemenb had not been kepb, hence the action. —The evidence for the defence was taken at some length yesterday, four wit nesses being examined.—The further hear ing of the case was then adjourned until this morning. This ©ay. Judgment Summons Cases.—E. Mace v. A. VolbrachtjClaim L 26 15s. Defendant was ordered to pay amount claimed by the 3rd of June or 21 days in default. R. Laisbley v. A. Volbracht, claim Ll7 19s. Defendant ordered to pay on or before the 3rd of June. Wingate,Burns and Co., v. J. H Monkman, claim L 6 5s Gd. Mr Burton foi- plaintiff. Defendant ordered to pay on or before 24th of June or 7 days in default. Kirkman v. Armstead, claim, £3 7s. Mr Mahony for plaintiff.—Defendant consented to rjav 5s per month, or 7 days in default. &nded Cases.-W. Eyro v. H. Gatlin, claim LlO 5s for goods delivered, —Mr Mahony appeared for the plaintiff and Mr W J Napier for the defence. The short facts 'were thab the plaintiff who is a bird dealer agreed to supply defendant with 10 pheasants, value LI each, on the condition that defendant who was eneaeed on the steamer Arawata, should crive in exchange an equal number of Fiji parrots. Tlio plaintiff duly supphed tbo pheasants, but the defendant did not fulfil his portion of the contract. Plaintiff . hpr. fore sought to recover the value of tho StSs morning Mr Napier contended thab the plaintiff must be non-suited on the ground that the whole contract was illegal. Ihe grounds of the contention were, &at under the 10th section of the Animals Pro tection Act (1880) pheasant,; were made game between certain periods, and that these particular birds were taken during the cbse season ; therefore the whole con- K„ void, as no special permit had Eut also stated that the de endan^vas ecmallv euilty in having comm tteu. a breach of the. Act. -Hi. Worship con sidered the contention fatal, and non-suited the plaintiff, as the whole contract was rendered void by being tainted with illegality, \.{.,p.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(by telegraph.—special reporter,)

Wellington, this day.

The Financial Debate. Thi. Colonial Treasurer informed Major At kinson yesterday afternoon thab the House could take the debate on the. financial pro. posals on Friday if they chose. It was very desirable bhat bhe question of the; ; duties should be settled a3 soon as possible in order that the amended tariff mighb bo issued to the country. The question of the debate on the tariff proposals cropped up again in the Houso ta.b night. The Colonial Treasurer ox pressed his willingness to take the debate this (Friday) evening, but Major At kinson, Mr Rolleston, and others wished it deferred bill Wednesday. The matter eventually dropped, on the understanding thab the feeling of the Houso should be baken bo-day as to whether the debate should be commenced on Wednesday. The Thames Floods. Complaints are being forwarded here from residents of Puriri and Hikutaia in respect to damages done by the late floods, owing, it is asserted, to insufficient outlets being .provided for water during wet weather. Messrs Hewitt and Scott, of Hikutaia, and Mr Elliott, of Puriri, have been communicating with Mr Cadman, asking him to induce the Go vernment to rectify this matter. I un derstand that the District Engineer, Auckland, reported that the outlet drains through various properties mentioned wore sufficiently large, but the recent floods have proved bhab bhe sebtlors named have serious cause of complaint. It appears that Mr Cadman recently inspected one portion of the lino on Mr Elliott's property, and immodiabely on his arrival in Wellington said to the Under-Secretary of Public Works that the first flood would probably cause considerable damage of land on bhe upper side of bhe line, unless the outlet drains were enlarged and deepened. Mr Elliott now writes to say he has suffered serious damage by the recent flood, and urges that immediate action be taken. The matter is now receiving the serious atten tion of the Public Works Department. A Military Grant One of the successful applicants in con nection with the naval and military _laims was a man named James Agnew, who died in February last beforo the Com mission had finished their report. The Minister for Lands has promised Mr Cad man that in the event of the bill becoming law the scrip will be issued to Mrs Agnew for tho benefit of herself and her children. Devonport Post-office. Mr Monk has been interesting him self In the direction of securing for tho people of Devonport a post-office and lock -up on the Admiralty site at Devonport. He was interviewing Ministers yesterday, but has not succeedod in his object so far. The only post-office at Devonport is a store, and the district is admitted to have claims in this direction. Pukokoke and Mauku Road. Mr Hamlin haß had several in terviews with the Minister of Public Works with the object of getting a vote for tho Pukekohc, Mauku,and Waiuku Road. Ho asks for L 1,600 for the main road and LSOO from Stainson's corner to Mauku. Mr Richardson asked Mr Hamlin to put his request in writing, and this has been dono. Mr Hamlin also has reason to believe that the Minister for Workp will grant his request thab tho railway line ab Pukekohe, and especially at Grant's farm, shall be fenced. The Chief Clerk at the Cus torn-honse. The Colonial Treasurer informed Mr Pea cock yesterday that the retirement of the chief clerk in the Customs, Auckland, on pension resulted in a saving by reason of the various changes which took place in tho staff and the dispensing with the services of one of tho lower grade officers. The position taken up by Mr Peacock was that there was an apparent saving of L6O between tho L 350 formerly paid to the Chief Clerk and the L 290 given to his successor, bub the pension of LI4O payablo to tho retired offi cer really made the difference greater by LBO.

THE EDEN TERRACE ROBBERY.

Mr Badger (reference to whose mysterious case has frequently been made of late) passed a bad night last night. He had been gradually improving, and it had been hoped that he could be removed to his own home, but this appears unlikely to take place for a day or so yet. Although occa sionally able to speak, and even reed tho newspapers, Mr Badger's memory, as far aa regards the eventful time of the supposed robbery, is. a blank. Dr. Stockwell, in whose able hands tho case is, is of course anxious that those attending on him should not worry the patient by needless inquiries, so all that is at present found regarding the affair is as follows : Mr Badger had in his possession on the night in question some few pounds, and is proved by witnosses to have been at the corner of Exmoutli-street about 10 o'clock. These wit nesses, three young ladies, intended to havo crossed over to Eden Terroce by " the steps " and bridge, but seeing some young fellows, ,who looked like larrikins, a little way down the sbreeb, they went round by way of Symonds-street. It was outside the stable that Mr Badger's hat, umbrella, and Evening Star were found, amongsb a lot of rough, loose stones, where apparently there had been a struggle. This accounts for Mr Badger's repeated reference to the stones during the comatose state in which he has been most of the time since his discovery. Mr Badger has never tasted liquor in his life, and was also a non smoker. He had been lately in a very debilitated state, hence the sad state in which he lies—conges tion of tho brain, from which he is suffering, being very liable to be brought on by a sudden shock or struggle uosetting a per son so suffering. As regards the cheque it is clearly proved that Mr Badger gave it to Mr C. G. Daley, Mr J. Buchanan's cashier, the evening before the affair, in exchange for cash ; the cheque was paid at the bank on Wednesday, Mr Badger corroborates this himself.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Lynch Family of Bell ringere, 8. Agricultural Hall—London Clrcua Company, 8. City Buffet, Queen-street—Exhibition of Ameri can Midge, General Mite, and Circassian Youth, 7 to 10. . . Waite'B Hall, Mount Eden—Concert and Dance, 8. ;■■ -»• --i '• City Hall-Mrs Dudley Ward lectures on " Ju bilee Kindergarten," 8. Ponsonby Hall — St. ■ Stephen's Band of Hope Soiree, 7.30. Schoolroom, corner of Mt. Eden and Valley Roads-Mooting of Ratepayers of Mt. Eden District, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

May 21—Messrs L. D. Nathan and R. W. Moody.

Auction Sales To-morrow. » D. F. Evans, Symonds-street—Household Fur niture and Effects, 10.30. S. Cochrane and Son—Schooner Jessie Niccol, 11 Arthur and Buddie, Mt. Roskill Road —Gro- ceries; Ironmongery; Benches, otoi, 11.

THE BOARD OF EDUCTION AND ITS INSPECTORS.

Mr ©Sullivan's Keply to Mr Bice's Memo.

At the meeting of the Board of Education this afternoon, the following communica tion was received from Mr R. J. O'Sullivan (Senior Inspector of Schools) in supporb of hie reporb and in reply to tho Secrebary's memo, thereanent:—

Board of Education, Auckland, May 19th, 1887. Sir,-I consider the charges in my report—if they can be called charges — havo been proved by the admissions of the Secretary. As Mr Cooper states, "They could nob dis pute that teachers had been gob rid of who were admirably suited for the work to which they bad been appointed. Again, they could nob geb rid of the fact that teachers had been ap pointed for work they were not capable of doing." These wero bhe main allegations in .my reporb. They concern the whole dis trict, and are undoubted signs of crumb ling. Are we to wait till tlie number of appointments and dismissals is multiplied by 20? Again, I noticed in the schools, especially in the Southern district,* an inat tention to instructions, which the teachers certify they carry out. To give ono in stance : I found in many schools that pupils did not know how to begin, end, or address a letter. This used not to be tho case, and it is due bo a want of abtention to the in structions. This may seem a small matter, but it is an important matter when ib is taken as a symptom. It shows that teachers are beginning to have a notion that they may ignore instructions coming from me. I submit that this is of doubtful ad vantage to education in the district. I found too that many children were reading books much too difficult for them. I pre sume I am expected to refer to the matter of the pupil teachers though I would gladly let ib die. The pupil teacher who was sent away had been employed ab Kohukohu in the Hokianga district, where she lived with her sister, who was head-teacher of the school. Her sister resigned at the end of the year, and the school fell below the num ber which entitled it to a pupil teacher. It is true that thero is a clause in the regula tions which prescribes that in such cases the Committee shall have three months' notice before the removal. But that Com mittee must be made of sterner stuff than the general, who, if the matter had been properly brought before them, would in sist on a girl undergoing the cost, dis comfort and the work of a journey to Hokianga when there was not the slight est possibility of tho school increas ing. In facb it has decreased. Now, I presume she will be brought back at the cost of bho Board. ,As _ regards the pupil teacher who was dismissed, I can only say that her qualifications and my opinion of them can hardly have been explained to tbe Board. In reference to the unqualified teacher ap pointed to a rather important school : The difficulty about that school could havo been got over by advertising. Tbe Board have many schools nob worth advertising, but this is not one of them. I musb now speak of the statistics com piled by the Secretary. They prove no thing that affects my argument. I leave on ono side the question as to whether they prove anything ab all; though thero can be no doubt on the subject in any inspector's mind. If tbey are meant to show that most of the schools are in a fair condition, I am of the same opinion. This is so all over the province. If they are meant to make us infer that everything is going on welj and thab thoro is no need to sound the alarm (and they were compiled for thispurposo),lentirely dis sent. Oppose beginnings is a sound maxim. Though it would bako a good many appoinb ments of unqualified teachers and the rest of it to make any possible effect on the body of the schools, still wo must be on our guard. We must beware of The little rift within the lute, That by-and-by will make tho music mute, And ever-widening, slowly silence all. I am aware that dissatisfaction has been caused among teachers by the way appoint ments are sometimes made. In a late case a teacher ranking as E3 was appointed to an important school when there was an older applicant, equally competent, classified as Dl. I have a very high opinion, indeed, of the teacher who was appointed, bub I cannot per suade myself that justice was done to the other. It is true the appointment was made on tbe recommendation of tbo com mittee, but a good deal depends on how the names are submitted. This transac tion is likely to lose the province an excellent teacher, I stated that I had re cently seen two schools which I did not think necessary. These were Ararimu Valley and Whangarata (just built). Ararimu Valley School is within IJ miles of two good schools. To onlargo this school, it would cost bhe Board L 75. Whangarata is close to a railway station. It stands within. two miles of Tuakau School. Those pupils to whom Tuakau might nob be pleasing could be taken by rail free of charge bo Queen's Redoubt. There, from bhe hours bhe trains come and go, the pupils would have four hours' teaching. This school cost f 220 6s. The Secretary mentions.some schools kept open against the recommendation of the Inspector, Of these, the Papakura Valley No. 2 is two miles from Papakura Valloy No. 1. The Queen's Redoubt is two miles by a metalled road from Pokeno Valley School. With Ararimu Valley School I have already dealt.—l have the honour to be, etc, R. J. O'Sullivan. The Chairman of the Board of Education." * " I have visited all the principal schools of that district to the number of 52. Of these I have examined 20 in standards," A Country Committee's ©pinion The Kamo School Committee have adopted the following resolution:—" That the Committee tender to Mr Inspector O'Sullivan their thanks for his report to the Board, and hope the result will be that the members will look after the business of the Roard, and not leave it to the officials to manage solely, as they have hitherto done." Inspector Fidler's Report. In compliance with the Board's resolution of last week, Mr W, Fidler, M.A,, (Inspec tor for the Southern district), has sent in his report as well, and ib was also sub mitted at the meeting this afternoon. The report sets out by stating that during last year he examined S5 schools, that is, all in the southern district except the aided school, Taupo. He inspected 61 in special visits, besides six very small ones, which he inspected on the day of ex amination. The numbers presented in ISB6 in all standards from 1 to 6 was 3,960, of whom 288 were absent, 219 excepted; 911 failed, and 2,542 passed. The report then proceeds :~" One-third of the schools, visited were doing very good work, in somewhat more than a third the work was on the whole of a satisfactory character, and in the rest the charac ter of the work varied from very mediocre to very poor; of the causes operating in these last I. speak later on. . I musb say thab I have not "sacri ficed to the Mxiloch Results," thab the Standard Regulations have been strictly followed, and that no scholar has been allowed to pass who was not likely to over take with ease the work of the next stand ard, When children are allowed to pass too

easily, not only is it seriously injurious to them to have to cope with work for which they have not been adequately prepared by thoroughness in the groundwork, bub ib would be a great injustice to teachers of classes were those promoted not well up to the work of the standard passed. I have sought to find what portion of the children's knowledge has become " definite and solid," knowing that the only " results" worth having are those based upon such ex amination. Whon the number of important subjects required for a " pass" (reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, are pass subjects in all standards; grammar and composition in Standards 111. — VI, geography in 111., V., and VI. ; drawing in I. In future years drawing will be a pass subject in higher standards) is con sidered, and also the strictness with which this has been granted, and it is seen from theabove table that seven oubof ten children examined for a "pass "in this (Southern) district have shown sufficient proficiency to be promoted to a higher standard, ib is evident that good work has been done in such subjects in. a great number ,of the schools here reported on, I musb point oub that many of the schools from which these results have been obtained are country schools, each having a number of classes in charge of one teacher With regard to the "class" subjects (drawing, history, geography in II and IV., elementary science and object lessons), I have to report bhab the geography was on the whole well taught in- these standards, and that elementary science (elementary chemistry, physics, physiology) is receiving much more attention than it used bo receive some few years ago, and is now being baught successfully in a number of bhe large schools, and nob a few of the smaller ones. A number of the teachers have provided simple appliances themselves, and others have obtained apparatus with money raised by entertainments, etc. I have generally found in the schools a science syllabus for the current year, bub nob the three years' programme required by Section 19 of bhe Department's regulations, and have therefore asked the Board to cause to be issued in charge of schools a circular letter drawing attention to this defect. . . . . The Board's resolution that two half-hours eaoh week should be devoted to Laws of Health is causing the teachers in some schools to neglect the Department's regulation referred to altogether, and ia others the Board's resolution is neglected, and the teachers carry out to the best of their ability the Department's regulation. I have pointed out that it is impossible in such schools to carry out the regulation and the resolution—such is the number of subjects already in the syllabus,—and have recom mended a change in the latter Ib is very important that everything should be done to faciliate the proper teaching of the elements of physics, chemistry, physio logy, and the Department has two ' first named. In some of the schools health is the only elementary science taken up, and in others very little science beyond it isattemp bed. There is a decided improvement in the general character of tho object lessons given. I have devoted a good deal of time to inquiring into the character of these lessons, and have frequently given them at visits of inspection. .... Drawing and history are the class subjects in which least marks have been given. The former has been woll taught in about 25 schools, bub in tho majority— especially in the small schools—tho results havo been vory poor. Here,jhowever, there is gradual^improvement, which the new Standard regulations have done much to bring about. History has been well taught in many of the large schools and in some of the small ones, bub in some of the schools including one or two of the larger schools, I have found that the children nave taken in unassimilated and indigestible matter, and I have had reason to tnuik that ib would have been bebter if the teachers referred to had nob wasted their efforts attempting to teach; it. ... In several schools, some of the questions were met with evidently prepared " answers," which were not the result of a grasp of the subject but a piece of mischievous memory work. .... About a quarter of the teachers in charge of the schools visited had a certificate higher than E, and it cannob be expected thab a large proportion of those with attainments indicated by this certificate, however well they may handle many of the subjects of primary instruction, will take up very suc cesefully a subject which, to be taught with anything like good effect correspond to effort, must be skilfully treated by those who bave a grasp of the subject themselves. , . . . In all, saving very few, of the schools visited the "class" subjects have not been shirked, though they have been, taught with varied success

The " additional" subjects are recitation, drill, singing, needlework, subject matter of reading lessons, extra drawing. With the way in which the first three o£ these are being attended to I am on the whole satis fied. In some of the schools that have adopted my suggestion to teach- tbe scholars to recite suitable pieces of prose as well as poetry, there has been a marked improvement in this subject. To needlework, insufficient time is given. In a large number of schools the " sub jeot matter of reading lessons " has not been well treated but I consider that want of time has been the chief cause why more attention has not been given to the sub ject matter of the reading lesson. . . , As a rule the premier classes are being well taught. In a few instances, huwever, I have noticed that when the staff has con sisted of a headmaster, mistress and pupil teacher, an unskilful pupil teacher has been put in charge of these classes, and in such cases I have had to correct the mis take of putting the untrained to teach the lower classes and of concentrating the teaching power on the standard classes. T now speak particularly of the schools where the work was very medicore or very poor. A statement of the con dition of each of these schools is in tho Board's books, and exact copies of the examination reports have, in the usual course, been sent to the Committee." Tie Inspector goes on to express the opinion that in some of the schools-classified as very mediocre, the results were attribu table to irregular attendance, in others to changes of teachers, and in other cases to want of energy on the part of the teachers. " Some of tne schools classed as very mediocre were in charge of certificated teachers from the training College, and he regretted to have to say that in them either tbe work or the discipline was not what was to have been expected in such schools conducted by those who were supposed to have gone through a thorough course of training in the art of teaching. The supply of good male teachers from within tho province is insufficient, and he thought of the Board advertised a better supply could be obtained, as a telegraph report stated that 400 certificated teachers in the colony were said to be out of employment in Decem ber p 1886. He thought thab there should be in connection with the Training College a model counti-y school. Many of those now in charge of the smaller country schools, who lack skill rather than energe, wouldwillingly seek to get their holidays so arranged that they could, for a time, come to see such a school carried on. Of the 'discipline in the schools visited, I can, in the great majority of cases, report favourably Much really gcod work is being done in the greater' number ol these schools, and they are gradually working more and more towards the thorough overtaking of the subjects— pass class, and additional—set forth in the syl labus of instruction. The movement is on the whole, one of progress. There are still some important remedial defects • tho means of remedying most of them have been suggested or discussed in the reports an nual arid special, furnished by the Board's Inspectors. To some of these defects I hava here adverted," • "*

THE AT. -ELAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, MAY _.<), WI.

5