RETRENCH.

, TI HE OTAGO BOARD tftf PROPOSE.

REDUCTION IN TEACHERS' N ° SALARIES.

CORRESPONDENT.)

DuNEDix, this day. educational are evidently ap- LI C a crisis in. this district. The ■ " P f Oamaru into three districts Ji* ion Siting the local committee has **° Ut nsiderable offence here. The new filled up a vacancy without W, ■ Board in any way, and Kaikorai Committee having lastly t" e n0 further action should *sked tJI ■ _ on din«- the decision of the be take " f Education on their position, jlinister w_ £ dby th e Board that it' ii ** 11 S.a selection from the 19 H d !'nnsse7t down to them the Board »PP" CB S t heappointment. m ,nlfctee appointed to consider the has reported that PSTnffposed educational reforms are Oil the Board's revenue will be re tfef% 225. To effect this, they re- 1 witfi regard to reducing the »»»?„} tPachers, that after careful con rtLni Adeemed highly inadvisable fSto * his ste P eXCepb in fiU M US vM,ied attendance, consequent on the of the school age to six, reduces the schools to an average justify ®*n each case the removal of an as- "J The reason why so few teachers ?Xbe thinned out, notwithstanding a Ktion of about 1,200 children in arc-firstly, because Sttionisin the infants' rooms, where S always a large proportion of scholars \l, teacher; and secondly, because the Sed number does not, in the large ■nritv of cases, remove the school from a ?W class in our staff scale to a lower, as Echoes ascend by additions of thirty, £« or fifty, as the case may be. Ai to reducing the ordinary pay of JTteß the Committee came to the con gthat no salary under £200 should be JUtatthatthehigher salaries should Ediminihed by 7* per cent To obviate the 2 result that would follow from adopt wjuniform reduction, it is recommended Ztthepercentage reduction be 1 per cent. IX salaries from £200 to £210 ; 2 per Iα on" salaries from £210 to £220 ; 5 per Sod salaries from £220 to £240, and 7* Lnt on salaries over £240. There are Sitional reasons for this suggestion yshed by the fact that the bonus loss to th extent'of £10, about to be proposed, neaus in itself a reduction of 5 per cent, on dines of £200, It is worthy of note that 4bßoard is'able to pay teachers fairly rtllbecanseithasset its face against the seediesa multiplication of small schools. In reference to dispensing with the feus to teachers,the chairman, Dr. Brown, gjj. "Were it not that the necessity pies us. it would be well in my opiuion ttietain this part of our financial arrange ■ntintact. Let us resolve to alter this iboxious mongrel term of ' bonus' to (BJplain English expression that shall fifcsreal value. Call it 'personal' as Kactfrom 'school' salary,' or ' classifi rfoo'grant,' or anything that indicates iiHhisis not a gratuity which the Board ja deal with lightly, and give or withhold ttitnes happen to be prosperous or iernsft'. The objection raised against iiraes, that they increase year by year, I a strong argument in their favour; Ir it is clear that the scholarship and ™iiy of teachers are improving every jit" This is a state of matters that rfto gladden the heart of every man Stales an interest in the welfare of the M'people of this province. The Board Wdltwer anything rather than the in- MEgence of its teachers. To do away lathis method would mean that the only njfor a teacher to advance in his profes- HM9 by multiplying the number of his sk>ks,,a way in which the charlatan iMd be offered a considerable handicap ifM his superiors so as to beat him. Bw is no doubt that the bonus system Wpedtoattracttoand retain inOtagoa stafi' cf teachers of which we may well be proud. Mspectors are led to "the proposal of taring bonuses or classification grants by iUallronnd, thus extinguishing one grade itpresent receiving £10, and lowering all it others, By that method the saving fetedie£2,Boo. The question of reducing 4e allowances to committees was con •W. At present the Board pays annu tQjaboafc £6,000, besides bearing its share iißes3arjMYork done about school build tyM playgrounds. The Committee felt Meylarge share in decrease in expenditure Wdbeunder this head, more particularly »MBtofthe schools are new and nearly «g«>d order. If a very substantial re- Mon is not made here it must be made afte Balarie8 i of the great bulk of the teeners—a thing eminently undesirable. % nature consideration the Committee *» to the conclusion that the allowance "MKBf.eomJnittees might be reduced by mi, provided that authority be given pby the Government to levy a small jjWafew pence quarterly—from each PPiinorder to.keep up necessary work, ™j*My be inadequately provided for ** Mvr proposals. The saving under •W'wOl be £2,000. Regarding re- B*«l m °® c . c cx P ense s. considering the V , afcthe inspectors do, we think that should not be reduced, but in "«Wanes reductions can be made." B , "f Co «rSe of the discussion it was £v thafc a P rec i* of tno report J™ to the Minister as it fcV %- to stren gtben his hands, but it that reductions would not be J™" «*unless other boards did likewise JtZ, ii the onl y resulfc would be fchafc TMA lose her best men. te T nre ™ discussion was the testi ilH y Mr who has con *li ° , the inspectors, to the ex tat. done b y fc hese officers. The unanimously adopted.

STURDY BEGGARS.

-° NOTORIOUS CHARACTERS ' SENT TO GAOL.

and George Murphy, two elldres sedyouths, about charged at the Polic e Ni'J? ning Wifch be SS in g in Queen- Meant Pratt stated that the pris- S'tsd worsfc characters in the ao!- 8 . previous convictions n^JK^ 8t ; them. About 3.30 p. in. N4w I n 80,iersbailecl U P a bushman X^ * and asked him to Wsonera al\i f ftilin g in this request the ISm? , mon ey, and Arcle be- F« nedof them « gave them Iβ 6d. *V le found drinking in "°[ e » by Constable Christie, Si the Present charge. Evi- NMooU 611 :b y Ge orge Arcle, an J,^ d man about 19 years i himself as agumdijrger, yni Pfj,*?^ ,1 thestatementmadeby 3»astA"«.^ ons teWe Christie gave 5 Wij of ti,". 6 arrest of the prisoners, 611 ' general bad character. J«f%2, sfca Jed that prisoners were characters in the town, N4l 5 l of foll °wing drunken B A e the associates of con- C Te Sn»h7 ° fcher bad characters. also f gavo corroborative cvi- t httfc the Prisoners ••viw lor larceny, vagrancy,

drunkenness and other charges. There was also a conviction for assault and robbery against Murphy. The Bench lemarked upon the juvenility and depravity of the prisoners, and ordered both to prison for three months with hard labour.

ATHLETIC NOTES

THE SPORTS TO-MORROW.

The sixteenth annual meeting in. connection with the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club comes off to-morrow (Saturday) on the Domain Cricket Ground, the first race being timed to start at 2 p.m. As on former occasions, these sports are con joined with the annual contests of the Waitemata Bicycle Club, and if the weather should prove propitious there is sure to be a large attendance of spectators. Competition in the various events is ex pected to be keen. The Committee having obtained the necessary legal power to charge for admission to the Cricket Ground, a fee of one shilling will be exacted. Waitemata Boating Club. A special meeting of the Waitemata Boating Club was held last night in the Club room. Bricklayers' Arms Hotel, when Captain H. Parker occupied the chair, there being a good attendance of mem bers. The business to be considered was the building of the new shed the club in tend erecting, part of the cost to be borne by the Auckland Naval Brigade. The Chairman stated that tenders had been re ceived for the erection of the shed, but the Committee considered the lowest one (£BO 10s) as too high. Considerable discussion ensued, and it was decided to let the matter stand over for the present, MrC. Bailey in the meantime to be shown the specifications, so that he might reduce the cost if possible. Captain Parker, as captain of the Club, took the members to task for the want of enthusiasm displayed by thorn, a very meagre number of members turning out to the practices. He trusted that in future they would have a better attendance, as the season was in full swing, and they wanted as much practice as it was possible to get. It was decided to enter crews for races in the Association Regatta to be held on December 10th. and crews were picked for the following : Champion Gig Race, Senior, Junior, and Maiden Whaleboat Races. The Chairman stated that the Ponsonby K.C. had promised the Club the use of one of their gigs for the Champion Race. Several new members were elected, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the pro ceedings. Cricket." Owing to the Cricket Ground being engaged by the Amateur Athletic Club for their sports, there will be no cricket played there to-morrow. The Holland C.C. have decided to take advantage of the blank, and a team will visit the Thames to-morrow to play the local eleven. The following will represent Holland :— W. Beard, E. Mell, J. B. Mcll, E. Mills, G. Mills, J. Mills, S. Morgan, J. Murphy, W. Rowe, C. Waddingham, E. Wright. Lawn Tennis. The annual meeting of Ponsonby Lawn Tennis olub takes place at eight o'clock this evening in the Ponsonby Hall. In tending members and all interested in the Club are invited to attend.

Thames, this day. Athletic Sports. The following handicaps have been declared for the athletic sports to be held here on St. Andrew's L)ay, in which several Auck land peds. arc interested :—

Local Race, 250yds.—Brady, scratch ; Hall, 2yds; Rattray, syds; Willitts; 6£yds ; McGregor, 9yds ; Skelton, 10yds • McLaughlin, 13yds ; Bullot, 14yds ; Nic, coli, 16yds. Hurdles, 300yds.—Hall, scratch; H. Steedman, scratch ; 1 , . McGregor, 6yds; Gallagher, 6yds ; J. McGregor, 11yds ; McLaughlin, 13yds. Half-Mile.—G. Steedman, scratch ; Me- Enteer, 30yds; Woods, 30yds; Hicks, 30yds; Bui ton, 30yds; Meredith, 35yds; Richardson, 50yds; Steward, 59yards; Waite, 70yds. Mile.—H. Steedman, scratch ; McEn tcer, scratch ; Hicks, scratch; Wood, 20yds; Gallagher, 25yds; Richardson, 45yds ; Dun lop, 50yds ; Gordon, 55yds ; Conroy, 70yds.; Scott, 75yds; Prcece, 110 yds. '

AMATEUR ATHLETIC SPORTS.

[BY ACTION.]

Ever since its revival the Amateur Athletic Club have been blessed with fine weather for their sports, large entries, and good races, and it looks as if their sixteenth meeting is to be no exception to the rule. Severaf alterations have been made in the personnel of the Club officials since last meeting and the following will- act to morrow :—Starter, Mr J. Sibbin; judges, Messrs C. Hesketh and J. B. Coates ; call steward, Mr J. Halliday; timekeeper, Mr J. E. Cooke. The prize.? for the various events have been on view during the week in the shop window of Messrs Upton and Co., and con sist of a variety of handsome and valuable trophies, many of them combining utility with beauty. At previous meetings it has been a complaint that prize winners have had to wait such a long time before they received their trophies, but to morrow there should be no growling, for the prizes are to be presented to the successful competitors in the Club-room, Imperial Hotel, in the evening. In accord ance with my usual plan, I will now plump for the winners and endeavour to show who, at least on performances and handicap, should win to-morrow. The 150 Yards Maided.—My fancies are Ralph Ist, Mackie 2nd. For the 100 Yards, Major seems chucked in with 12yds start, but his performances heretofore are but indifferent. It he wins his heat he should win the final, and on the strength of his start I must go for him to win, while the places should be filled by Upfill and Ralph, Owen to upset the pot. The 600 Yabds Handicap.—l expect the placed men to be: Stone, Ist; Stephenson, Afc previous meetings the Walking Race at been deemed a moral for A. F. Burton, who conceding his fields long start has for three meetings walked through and won easily, but this time he has not entered. In consequence the walking race will be one of the most interesting in the IWS™*™>

In the 120 Yards Hurjdles, Owen on his running at the Grammar School, eports hS Lusk cafe, and I think the fimsh lies belted these two and Wynyard, unless Donovan is allowed to start, when he should get a place. wffl lookjor^ he fln»h be Owen, Ist; Speight, 2nd; Balp h ,3rd In thel,ooo Yards Handicap Winks holds * of the field safe. The finish should Sf 2nd; Hayr, 3rd.

For the Charter Mile my pick will be, Stone (17yds), 1; Aiidenne (23yd-), 2; Major (30yds), 3. In the bicycle races not so much interest is centred as in previous meetings, but there should be some good racing, and the following are my fancies :— 1 Milk Novice. Hundyside (scratch) 1, Johnson (10yds) 2, Oledhill (60yds) 3. 1 Mile Safety.—A match between J. A. Stewart (scratch) J. A. Buchanan (40yds), Service (20yds), which should finish in the order named, but Buchanan may stave off Stewart and win.

Three Miles Club Cup.—Buchanan (40yds.), Ist; A. Stewart (scratch), 2nd; Handyside (50yds.), or Howard (40yds.), 3rd.

Ladies' Bracelet (2 miles).—A. Howard (30yds.), Ist; A. Gledhill (60yds.), 2nd; A. Stewart (scratch), 3rd.

SPORTING NEWS.

Auckland Baring Clubs Spring Meeting-

(By Sadxtekee.)

The second day's racing of the Auckland Racing Club's Spring meeting, which was postponed last Saturday, eventuates to morrow ab Ellerslie, and is bound to attract a large attendance. Last week I gave my tips and anticipations, but I feel justified in altering any of them after a week's spelb though I still keep to most of my selec tions. Spring Handicap.—Fusee 1, Balista 2, and Bangle to upset the pot. Nukskkv Handicap—Satyr 1, Cushla 2, and Tartar 3.

Hurdle Race. — Orangeman 1, Peter Osbeck 2, Ma Petite Fille 3.

Cm' Handicap.—Clogs, 1 ; Antelope, 2 ; Tamora, 3 ; but keep a good look out for the gay deceiver Cannon. Selling Hurdles.— Wideawake 1, Pipi 2, Mata.ii 3. Corinthian Stakes.— Turquoise or British Lion.

ANOTHER FIRE INQUEST.

An inquiry into the circumstances sur. rounding the Sre which occurred at Mount Roskill on the 31st October will be com menced at the Eden Vine Hotel at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday next. The fire in ques tion is said to have broken out in a seven roomed house and shop situated at the corner of Charles-street. This property was owned by Mr Nellie, of Papakura, and occupied by Mr Edward Keynell. It was totally destroyed, and so were tho adjoin ing , premises, belonging to Mrs Armstrong, and Mr Fitch, draper. Mr Rtsynell had in surances as follows :—£Bo on stock, £80 on furniture, and i'Bo on tools.

LIGHT BREAD

RESPONSIBILITY OF BAKERS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. In dealing with a case of light bread, Mr Carew, R.M., ruled yesterday that a baker must put sufficient dough into tho loaf to ensure that it shall be full weight at the end of 24 hours.

R.M. COURT.

This J>ay

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

JUDGMENT SUMMONS GASES. J. P. Homer V. A. Edmonds.—Claim, £2 12s. — Defendant was examined and ordered to pay by instalments of 2s 6d per week.

Close Bros, v. H. Kelly.—-Claim, £4 ss. —Defendant did not appear, and was or dered to pay before the 19th December, or 7 days' imprisonment. T. S. Mead v. J. Sutcliffe. —Claim, £9 5a lid. — Defendant did not appear.— Ordered to jjay before December 19, or take 14 days' imprisonment. Wood and Co. v. J. Johnson.—Claim, £4 13s lid. —Defendant was examined, and was ordered to pay on or before December 2nd, or take 7 days' imprisonment.

C. W. Tuknjiull v. R. Dennison.— Claim, £2 9s.—Defendant was examined, and ordered to pay by instalments of 5s per month.

Gallaugher and Entrioan v. H. Mc- Ilhone.-—Claim, £6 4s Id. —Defendant was examined and ordered to pay by instal ments of 5s per week. H. Maxfikld v. J. W. Waller.—Claim, £69 19s 6d.~8y consent defendant was ordered to pay £72 Is 6d in two instal ments, or in default two months' imprison ment. Hodgson v. J..8. Killin, Claim, £1 15s. —Ordered co pay before the 19th December or 5 days' imprisonment. WILKINS V. Boyd, Claim £113s. Ordered to pay the amount clear in two weeks. J. Close v. Dowsing.—Ordered to pay £1 per week, by consent. defended cases. North New Zealand Farmers' Apsocia tion v. Various Defendants. —Mr Dewes appeared for the plaintiff Association, which was awarded judgment in a test case dealt with at a previous sitting of the Court. There were some seventy cases be fore the Court now, and no defence being made it was decided to take evidence in one case and accept the same in the other cases. North New Zealand Farmers' Association v. Hugh Crawford, claim £1 ss, was first called.—Evidence was given by Mr Wm. Garrett as follows :—The defendant was a shareholder in the North New Zealand Farmers Co-operative Company and held five shares. He was indebted to the ex tent of £2 10s, and had been given credit for £1 ss. The defendant's name was on the contributory list prepared by the liquida tors. — George Eraser, one of the liquida tors, also gave evidence, and judgment was given lor the plaintiff for £1 5s and costs £119s 6d. The same evidence was admitted in the following cases, in which judgment was given for the plaintiff Asso ciation. ' !

FIRE AT WELLINGTON CLUB.

SERIOUS DAMAGE.

(BY TELEGRAM!—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellingtox, this day. A fire broke out at the Wellington Club at 3.15 this morning. It originated in the woodwork at the back of the kitchen range, and the lire ran up the walls towards the roof There was a difficulty in getting at the seat of the flamos which baffled the efforts of the Brigade for nearly an hour, but they managed to confine the outbreak to the south-eastern corner of the building. There were a large number of members and guests stopping at the Club, but no panic ensued. The damage to the building xs roughly es timated at one thousand pounds and.the furniture at 200 pounds. The building is ineured for £7,500 and the stook of wince and furniture for £2,950, the risks beingbeld by the following offices: South British, Colonial, New Zealand, Viotoria, Liver pool, London and Qlobo, Imperial, and Royal,

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Clayton and Wilding, J.P.'s.)

Drunkenness.—Two persons were fined 5s and costs for first offences, andWillium Me- Kenna, for second offence,was fined 10s and costs or 48 hours' hard labour.

Larceny.—George Cassels, alias Henry Smith, was charged with the larceny of a clock, valued at 10s, the property of Sydney Asher, on the 4th inst.—Sydney Asher de posed that on the morning of the 4th he saw a man suddenly leave his shop, and disap pear round the comer. Next day he missed a clock, and afterwards saw it in the posses sion of Detective Hughes.— Lewis Lyons Levy, general dealer, deposed that on the 4th inst. the prisoner sold him the clock (produced) for 2s 6d. Subsequently he handed the clock over to Detective Hughes. —Constable Clark gave evidence as to the arrest.—Prisoner stated that he bought the clock for 2s from a woman in Hobson-street, but the Bench found the charge clearly proved, and sentenced him to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

No Collar.—John William Melton was charged with keeping a dog within the city of Auckland of a greater age than six months without causing such dog to be registered.—Mr Jackson appeared for the defendant, and took a preliminary objec tion that tho information as laid disclosed no offence, the necessary particulars being omitted. He submitted that the informa tion should be dismissed with costs.—Mr Geo. Goldie, Registrar of Dogs, stated that the information was a copy of others upon which convictions had previously been re corded in the Court. He asked leave to amend the information, but this was not granted, and the case was dismissed with costs.

(Before Messrs Collins and Wilding, J.P's.)

Larceny as a Bailee.—James Marsh, alias Pelley, was charged with larceny as a bailee of a jib topsail, valued at £4 10s, the property of John Alexander Wilson, on December 18th, 1886. — John Alexander Wilson, of North Shore, deposed the cutter Tamaki Packet belonged to his father, and that in October, 1886, the prisoner took the vessel to run her on shares. The cutter was then fully furnished with sails, and had a jib topsail (produced). It was handed over again by prisoner in February last, when he learned that the sail was missing. An anchor and 15 fathoms of chain wore also missing. The prisoner had no authority to dispose of any of this property. Hβ went on board the Ante lope in company with Sergeant Clarke and the master of the vessel produced the sail. —Evidence was also given by Charles Wilson, Charles Reynolds, August Ecken berg, and Sergeant Clarke,and prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court.—Bail was allowed—self in £100 and two sureties of £50 each.

COAL FOUND AT TE PUKE.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Tauranoa, this day. A seam of coal has been found at Te Puke, and, from present appearances, is likely to bo workable. This is tho first coal found in this district.

THE HON. JOHN JOHNSTON. M.L.C.

The above gentleman was a colonist of nearly 20 years' standing. He was one of the earliest Wellington settlers, and by his enterprise and rare business ability estab lished the well-known Wellington firm of Johnston and Co. Mr Johnston, who was a man of considerable culture and a master of several Continental languages, was a native of the North of Ireland. Very soon after his arrival in Wellington from England, he in conjunction with some other friends opened up trade with New South Wales and the other colonies, which, though carried on under great diffi culties, was entirely successful. During tho long and most chequered his tory of this colony he has borne a distinguished part in the noble work of colonisation. In public as well as in private liFo he was deservedly respected. He was a member of both branches of the Legislature—first in the Hcm.se of Represen tatives, then for many years in the Legisla tive Council, while he was at one time a member of the Cabinet in one of Hon. E. W. Stafford's administrations. The Hon. Mr Johnston J3 the father of Messrs Charles, Walter, and Sydney Johnston. His second son. Mr Walter Johnston, was for some years Minister of Public Works in Major Atkinson's Government. Mr Charles Johnston was also a member of the House of Representatives in the last Parliament. The Hon. Dr. Grace is a son-in-law of the deceased gentleman, having married his eldest daughter many years ago. Mr Westby Brooke Percival, M.H.R. for one of the Canterbury constituencies, is aleo a son-in-law of the deceased, having married Miss Jessie Johnston, his third daughter. Ib is believed that Mr Johnston's pro perty in the colony would be worth a million sterling, or, perhaps, more. The Hon. Mr Johnston and his family (especially his late kind-hearted wife, who died about ten yeara ago) are known for theirunostenta tious and unsectarian charity, public spirit, and private courtesy and hospitality. Mr Johnston himself was one of the oldest Freemasons in Wellington, and though he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, all his children are Roman Catholics, having been reared in the faith of their mother.

WAIKATO NOTES.

Hamilton, Thursday. Speaking of retrenchment, it is stated the services of 24 men engaged on the lines south of Mercer are to be dispensed with by the Railway Department, and that the wages of those retained are to be reduced Is per day. In order to provide sports for the children attending the West Hamilton School at Christmas, the teachers and pupils of the above school intend giving a concert on the 22nd December. Native Lands Court, Otorobanga. The Native land Court opened at Oto rohanga yesterday morning. The Ngati mahiapoto, through their chiefs, Hauaura, Taonui, and others, declined to proceed with putting their lands through the Court until a rehearing of the Taupo block has been granted, as they are under the im pression that they have not received justice from the hands of the Government. Tβ Av/ainutu. A native girl named Paka, about 14 years of age, was brought up at the Police Court yesterday, before Messrs Rutherford and Taylor, J.P.s, charged with stealing a shawl from. Mr. Teasdale's store. She pleaded guilty, and on account of her youth was discharged. Te Koto, for larceny of a horse as a bailee, was found guilty, and sentenced to 3 months' imprisonment.

Millinery, ..clothing, and all kinds of drapery at greatly- reduced prices to make room for new shipments at J. H. Hannan'e, Victoria-etroep, off Hobson-street,

The well-known Steeplechaser Huntemao was sold tO'dny at Hunter and Nolan's yards for £ 25, Mr J, Bae being the purchaser,

A CHILD KILLED.

DEPLORABLE OCCURRENCE

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Invercargill, Thursday. A fatal accident to a child of three years, named Albert Small, occurred to-day, h e being found dead with a window sash rest ing on him. The fatality happened under pitiful circumstances, the child's mother and several other women being in the midst of a drunken orgie and unabletogive any account of how the child came to be under the window, or what part of the body the sash rested on. In fact, it was left to others to summon the police and surgeon, the women being so stupefied with drink that they seemed unable to comprehend that the child was dead. The boy was the son of Joseph H. Small, a carpenter. There are no marks qn the body.

SUDDEN DEATH OF COLONEL LYON.

With great regret we announce the deatli of Colonel Lyon (officer in charge of the Auckland Volunteer district). . The sad event took place very suddenly and quite unexpectedly at about twenty minutes past seven o'clock this morning at the deceased gentleman's residence in Park Road. The Colonel, who enjoyed robust health, rose rather earlier than usual this morning and prepared a cup of tea foi his wife. He then went into the bath-room along with his youngest 'son Claude, a boy of some six years, who was allowed to perform his ablutions first. While the lad was dress ing the Colonel undressed and prepared to take his bath. He had not been long in the water, however, when he was seized with a lit. The lad in alarm ran and told his mother, and Mrs Lyon hastened back with him to the bath-room. She was just in time to witness her husband's death. He was still in the bath, his hand fluttered feebly as if in token of farewell, and with a sigh lie breathed his last. Mrs Lyon des patched a messenger for Mr H. C. Choyce, who lives next door, and on the arrival of that gentleman he went at once to the Hos pital for Dr. Lindsay. The doctor lost no time in responding to the summons, and on reaching Colonel Lyon's house shortly before 8 o'clock, he assisted Mr Choyce to lift the body out of the bath. A cursory examination disclosed the fact that life had been extinct for about half-an-hour, but the doctor was un able to assign a cause. He inclined to think, however, that it was heart disease. With the assistance of Dr. Cobbett he will make an autopsy this afternoon, and the result will determine whether or not it is necessary to hold an inquest. The deceased had not complained of ill-health, and con sequently had had no need of medical advice. He leaves a wife and three sons and four daughters, three of the latter being grown up, but unmarried, while the elder son is a cadet in one of the ships trading between England and New Zealand. Hβ is expected, home about Christinas. The mortal remains of the Colonel will be interred with full military honours on Sunday next, and a general parade of the Volunteer forces of the dis trict will be summoned for the purpose. The intelligence of thedeath was telegraphed this morning by Mr G. W. Basley (a neigh bour) to General Whitinore, and it was also telephoned to Lieutenant Colonel Shepherd and to Colonel Roberts (in charge of the Permanent Force at"the North Shore).

From " The Defenders of New Zealand " we take the- following particulars of Col. Lyon's career : —Colonel Lyon, commanding officer of the Auckland district, was formerly an officer in the Coldstream Guards, one of Her Majesty's crack regiments ; he after wards, to obtain active service, exchanged, as captain, into the 92nd Highlanders, serving ten months with them in the Crimea. On the regiment returning to England, after the peace, he met with an acci dent while sporting, which caused the loss of his right arm, and retiring from the service, he came out to this colony to settle down to agricultural pursuits. But the Maori war breaking out soon after his ar rival, the Government called upon him to take the command of a company of volun teers, and he was appointed adjutant of a battalion, under the command of Colonel Balneavis. He gained his majority in 1863, and commanding a wing of the 3rd battalion of Auckland Militia, was cent on special service with 150 men, composed of imperial and colonial troops, to the Wairoa, in August of that year, where, after repulsing the Maoris in an attack on his redoubt, he drove them, with considerable loss, from their position, for which service he received the thanks of Lieut.-General Sir Duncan Cameron, X.C.8., and Major- General Galloway, command ing the colonial forces, and was favourably mentioned in despatches. He was appointed Lieut.- Colonel of the 3rd regiment of the Waikato Militia in October, 1863, and took the com mand of an expeditionary force at Opotiki, in 1865, returning after some months to resume the command of the Waikato dis trict.

In 1869 he was appointed to the command of the colonial field force, collected at Wan ganui during the absence of Lieut.- Colonel Sir George Whitmore at Poverty Bay. On Colonel Whitmore's return he continued to serve under him as second in command during the whole of the campaign against Titokowaru, being present at the fight at Otauto and capture of Te Ngahiere. After the campaign he remained for some time in command at Patea, until ordered back to the Waikato.^ During the twelve months' leave of absence granted Colonel Monle to visit the home country, Colonel Lyon performed all his duties as Under-Secretary for Defence and Commissioner of Armed Constabulary.

This brave and energetic officer has been on active service or outpost duty in New Zealand ever since the year 1860, and under fire so often that it would nearly lead one to suppose he had hitherto borne a charmed life.

The late differences existing between Russia and England which naturally, though unexpectedly, led to that spontane ous outburst and offers of assistance from all Her Majesty's colonies throughoutthe globe, opened the eyes of hostile nations to the strength Great Britain could derive in case of need from her dependencies, and made them pause ere they forced a war upon us. Nevertheless, HerMajesty'scolonialsubjects at once saw their position, and taking the initiative, prepared to resist any invasion of their seaports, and Auckland—the principal port in Now Zealand—a port of all others most liable to attack in case of war, was en trusted to Colonel Lyon to defend, one of the highest compliments the colony could bestow on so woll-trried a soldier.

Messrs Cousins and Atkin took first prize at the Whangarei Agricultural Show, for the best light trap to carry half a ton.

The protest against Lochiel being settled, the bookmakers are ready to receive and pay over the New Zealand Cup.

Photographs ot the funeral of the great Maori chief Parore, taken at Dargaville on the day by Mr C. H. Clemens, may be had at Mr R. E. Finch's, stationer, Queen street. As these are taken in first-class style, they should command a ready sale.

The New Zealand Clothing Factory, 158 and 160, Queen-street, hold the largest and best assorted stock of men's, youths', and boys' clothing in the city. Encourage local industries by purchasing New Zealand manufactured clothing which wears better, fits better, and is much cheaper than, the imported ehoddy goods.—[Adyt.]

LATEST POLITICAL.

[BY TELEGRAPH —OWN REPORTER. 1

Wellington, this day.

The Tariff and Looal Industries

The Premier has informed Mr Peacock that Government will be glad to reappoint the committee on Local Industries to (sake up the work left unfinished last session, and has asked that gentleman to confer with him on the subject. Mr Moss is moving in a somewhat similar direction. He intends to ask the Government whether, in order to more completely carry out the revision of the tariff, promised in the Financial Statement, they willappoinfcaroyal commission to take evidence in various parts of the colony and to report as to the changes in the tariff best calculated to en courage local industries by securing for their products the supply of the; local market in all cases where that supply may be capable, or readily made capable, of fully meeting the local demand. Auckland Petitions. Mr Whyte presented a petition yesterday from the Catholics of Cambridge asking for equitable treatment in the matter of educa tion, and Sir Geo. Grey another from Louisa McMahon, asking for a grant of land. Public Works Statement. The Public Works Statement will prob* ably be delivered next Tuesday week, bub not earlier. Relief Works at? Auckland. The Minister of Works will not open relief works for the Auckland unemployed, and looks to the. gumfields to provide work. He also says he will let a live mile contract for the Helensville line in a few weeks. General Schaw's Report. It is stated on good authority that General Schaw's x'eport will recommend the disbanding of all Cavalry excepting about 25 in each of the large centres. Auckland Cnstom-Honso, A vote for the Auckland Departmental Buildings (Custom-House), has been placed on the works' estimates, and votes for roads in VVaikato and Rotorua are also scheduled. Miscellaneous Jottings. Government will not bring in a bill to give public advances on land, nor will they afford any private member facilities for doing so. Natives are asking for inquiry into the action of the local bodies who have been taking native lands for roads without pay ing compensation. Mr Peacock's Representation of Cities and Environs Bill has been introduced and read a first time.

Government have offered assistance of £50 to the Otaki natives for medical pro vision in cases of sickness.

It would cost £3,000 to open a telephone station at Waiapu, connecting with Tologa Bay, and Government decline to undertake the work.

Mr Buchanan wants to know if Govern ment will restrict members' railway passes to a week before and after the session.

The Wanganui Harbour Bill was com mitted by 41 to 22, but 'tj'he inevitable " stonewall " set in and the measure talked out.

Government promise to sqe if they can make clause 3 of the Administration Act, 1885, retrospective in character. The "Post" says everycee concerned comes badly out of the privjflege row, and the Speaker wctfst , of all.

Mr Samuel's t&l- provides *hat the dura tion of the present Parliameriii shall be three yeare, and future Parliament js five years. Mr Walker says land-sharlking is an arti fice peculiar to the North Island.

Sir George Grey gives notice of a bill to amend the Land Act, 1885.

Seamen are again petitioning for an ex tension of the franchise to thjorn. Mr Peacock will ask the JGovernment if they intend to introduce a bill this session to amend the Bankruptcy A'Ofc. The total number of season railway tickets issued between Auckland and One hunga last year was 157 ; Wellington and Petone, 104; Christchurch and. Lyttelton, 203 ; Dunedin and Port Chalmers, 184.

The new Railway Bill has passed through the Crown Law Office, and will probably be circulated this week.

The Hon. Mr Richardson has gjiven notice of a bill to amend the Mines Adi, 1886.

Surprise is expressed at tbei influence which railway employees are bringing to bear on the protection of their ilnterests, a question every day being devo feed to their real or fancied grievances. Mr Seddon is introducing a Ifrokers and Real Estate Agents Bill.

There is still about £2,100 du£ on native reserves in the South Island, under the Native Lands Rating Act.

Government having moved iin the direc tion of reducing the number of members of the House, Colonel Fraser hate withdrawn his bill limiting the number to 50. Sydney Taiwhanga let the House into the secret of his domestic troubles in the debate on the Divorce Bill. Hβ said that the bill would enable poor Maoris to get rid of bad wives.

The amount of £2,450 has been paid every year for the last eleven years as guaranteed interest to the Wellington Patent Slip Company.

A bill introduced yesterday by Hon. G. Fisher, giving power to borrow £6,000 for the erection of a Girls' High School at Wel lington, was read a first time. ' . 1 learn from the Justice Department thaty Judge Johnston's health will probably prel vent his returning to his judicial duciesi. In that event Mr Justice Ward will be permanently elevated to the Supreme Court Bench. ;

It is encouraging; to know thafc thO Budget proposals of the Government arq being approved of by prominent statesmen, in the other colonies. The Premier yester day received the following cablegram from , Colonel Sargood, ex Minister of Defence for Victoria :—" Financial Statement is admir able. I heartily congratulate you thereon." Very many years ago a clause was inserted in the Constitution Act to prevent public moneys being' suddenly voted upon the motion of some private member subsequently some members, who disliked private members bring ing in bills dealing with public lands, thought the intended legislation' might enable great public abuses .to be remedied and got the ruling from their Speaker (Sir D. Munro), that lands were equivalent to public moneys and that therefore the consent of the Crown was necessary in all such cases. It is now generally admitted that no Speaker can in point of fact make a law altering the Con stitution Act, that power being only pou sessed by the House, Council, and Crown acting conjointly. The present Speaker lias' always enforced Sir D. JMunro's ruling, aad Sir G. Grey will now seek to obtain a reversal of it. He will raise a question* on seeking to introduce his bill to amend the Land Act for which he han not sought permission of the Crown. Sir George informs me that the matter is now so much better understood than it was, that he expects to get the present ruling reversed, and adds that Sir G, M. O'Rorke recently admitted that there was no authority for his decision unless the previoue ruling could be con sidered ot which he clearly Had adoubt. The Minister for Defonco has given instructions not to accept any contracts connected with fortifications and defence purposes pending the receipt of General Schaw'a report.

THE QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE.

Many members consider that the pubH*. cation by the Wellington "Post" of a telegram from Sir Julius Vbgel to a Christchurch friend, in which he says: "My reference to intemperate habits on Tuesday was not to members gener ally, but to two members only," is a breach of privilege which cannot be passed over. Everybody is heartily eiek of the wretched squabble and anxious to settle to serious business, but the attitude adopted by Sir Julius Vogel will probably force further discussion.

The Cabinet meets presently to consider what action shall be taken relative to Si r Julius Vogel's resolutions respecting the Speaker's ruling. The question of the telegram will also probably be brought up. Ministers are angry at the tone of Sir Julius Vogel's speech ou Wednesday night, and it is apparent that they regret having withdrawn their orig inal resolution.

Mi , Thompson, the member for Marsden, "whose question raised the privilege row on Tuesday received the following telegram thia morning " The Committee of the Auckland Financial Reform Association accords its i thanks to Mr Thompson for his services in the cause of retrenchment, and trust that he will continue his efforts in that direction undeterred by any temporary discourage ment. "

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DtJNEDiN, this day.

What the Dunedin "Star" Thinks.

The "Star" thinks Mr R. Thompson quite within his privileges in asking the question, and says the Speaker would have acted more judiciously if he had allowed the words used by Sir Julius Vogel to pass, but when he had taken notice of them, the latter should at oncii have withdrawn them. But instead, he became contumacious, and practically defied the authority of the chair. It goes on to say—"Sir Julius Vogel had m:ide certain definite statements, so grave in their nature and so. serious the imputa tions conveyed, that the good name of the Legislature is distinctly compromised. There is a disposition, it is now clear, on the part of the Government and Sir Julius Vogel to ignore these charges as if they had never been preferred, but the country is not likely to be satisfied with this, having the right to know whether they are jnstified by facts. If this is th c case, then the House should at once be purged of such gross scandal. If on the contrary Sir Julius stated what was not true, he stands convicted of gross calumny and has committed an unpardonj} able breach of privilege and should be dealt with accordingly. Who are the members who thus surrender themselves to the ' act of the devil and their own drunken lust,'and who is the 'high official "who waa required to take the pledge and place his resignation in the hands of a Minister to be used if necessity arose ? Sir Julius made these assertions deliberately, and repeated them more than once. Until refuted, if refutation be possible, they stand a damning record againsfc the character of the-New Zealand Parliament."

What the "Otago Dally Times" Says.

The "Times" thinks the result of the whole affair is that Sir Julius Vogel's offence is really outweighed by the penalty imposed upon him, and a balance of grievance remains on his side. Neverthe less, it trusts Sir Julius will rely on public sympathy, and the general condonation of his own offence, instead of proceeding to formally justify himself at the expense of the Speaker, although it cannot be denied that the chief blame for the occurrence rests withhimj yet his fault was to a great extent a fault on the right side, and good sense will be entirely against proceeding to what practitally amounts to a vote of censure on an old but deserving official. Sir Julius Vogel will lose nothing in the opinion of the country by letting his grievance stand, showing generosity to his apponents.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(by telegbafh.—own coeeespondent.)

Thames, this day.

Prince Imperial.—The crushing now in progress at the Company's battery is not shaping up to expectations, and from the present show on the plates it will just be about payable. It is gratifying to note, however, that the leader in the stopes over No. 2 level is looking better, and dabs of gold were seen in the quartz when breaking down to-day. In addition to this aboub 201 l»s of picked stone have come to hand from here during the present week. Waiotaht.—Crushing is proceeding, the quartz being of the usual remunerative grade.

Saxon.—lslbs of picked stone have bee* got from the third stope seaward, and 15Iba from the fourth stope hillward of the rise at .No. 4 level.

COROMANDEL.

|Prom Our Own Correspondent.]

Cokomaxdel, this day. Tokatea. — The manager reports: — During the past week Halpin and part? from No. 7 block have obtained 81bs of goo picked sto\ne and some really good gener quartz. This is a very promising r leader. Its , course is east by north

underlying sdwth and seems to improv driving upon it. The lead is fully 4 i in thickcess an* carrying payable pi o^

for a length of 25 feet. The stone stiu looks well in the present face of drive, and from the general appearance of the stone I am in ho'pss the discovery will prove to be valuable to the Company. The tributers have now T on hand 201 bs specimens and over 2 tons of g "ood general stuff], which they intend to have' treated before Christ mas. Roberts and .party are doing fairly well, and are accumiilatiog some general quartz. They hope to have , about 1 ton i for battery treatment &y Christmas. ; Royal Oak.—The raemager reports the i Teef was again broken down yesterday ,*vithoub siray result, although fehe indications favourable for gold. The reef at preset } s from one foot to eighteen inches ofsoi'wl stDne, and beginning to show more mineral the same as was got lower down. In the tiabute there is nothing new to report.

t A telegraphic blunder discussed in luaxim's weight for the leap. It should be Ust 71b not Bst 91b.

, The Settlers' Hotel, Wbangarei, with ots 28 to 32 of Section 9, and all the build jngs erected on the land, were disposed of by auction to-day by Messrs B. Tonks and Co. The bidding was very brisk, and starting at £500 rapidly went up to £1,875, when it was knocked down.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night;

Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8 Choral Hall—Mrs Davies's Concert, 8 Drill-ebed — Royal Bortioultural Society* Spring Show, 1 to 10 p.m. .Boat-shed. Devonport.—Devonport Naval Aiv ; tillery,'B. Foresters' Hall. Newton—Anniversary Star of ■ Auckland, 1.0.0. F., 8 Bear of Drill-shed-Auckland, Ponsonby, and I Waitemata Naval Artillery, 6,30 Ponsonby Hall—Poneonby Lawn Tenni3 Club, 8

Bota of Justices at Follqq Court, November 19-Messre S, Y. Collins and J, Q* Corbelt.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18. 1887,

5



Demonstration Handicap.

200yds 300yds 400yd 8 ffughes ... Scratch ... Scratch ... Scratch Brady ... 2yds ... 2yds ... Scratch Hall ... 3 „ ... 5 „ ... 8yds Rattray ... 7 ,, ... 8 „ ... 9 ,, IVillits ... 9 „ ... 11 „ ... 14 „ 3kelton ... 10 „ ... 14 „ ... 20 „ Bullot ... 15 „ ... 19 ,, ... 26 ,,