NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

t after 7 o'clock last evening Mr SS° E mate of the brigantine Myrtle, when #$ S. from the wharf to that vessel, his footing, and fell overboard. "iHp L McDonnell, of the water °r who observed the accident, called P°if'man asking if he was all right, and 40 no aUer lowered himself into the r*SXhe side of the Myrtle. He got j f Risers and took him to one of the h°-Versof the wharf and called for help. O'Brien, who was also at hand, • mediately divested himself of coat, hat, ""Hoots and plungod into the water to •*f in the rescue. He assisted Constable g£nnell to hold Biggs, who was quite Sess, with his head above water until german Ken; came along with his h,t and then all three got ashore, Biggs «taken ou board the Myrtle, undressed, I nut into blankets, having suffered little w bis ducking. Great credit is duo to rlnstable McDonnell and Mr O'Brien for rteDrompt manner in which they went into Setter to Bigg's rescue.

SIMULTANEOUS CHESS PLAY.

i\- interesting exhibition of simultaneous chess play was given, last night at the jloun- Eden Chess Club, where Mr C. IT jrockelbank met a team of ten players by I wjtjation. Additional interest was attached ijo the exhibition on account of its novelty \ the colony, and some doubts were enter- Led by the single player of his capability ffifwin a majority. The ten players m arranged by Mr Matthews (hon. 'Li at two tables, with sufficient L e e between for the peripatetic chess sfc to walk from board to board. .pLy commenced at 8 o'clock, and continued Hll 9.50, at which time Mr Broekelbank had vanquished nine opponents, Mr Kenneth Watkins beine the only an to-onist who still showed fight. This OTtleman had, however, also to strike colours to the single player, whose whole attention was now given to Mr Watkins1 mime,-and at half-past ten o'clock the Jiatch concluded. Special admiration was expressed at the remarkable speed with which Mr Brockelbank's moves were made, he having most frequently to pass players who were not ready with their reply. A vote of thanks,which terminated the pro ceedings, was accorded ungrudgingly to Mr Brockelbank, despite his having mercilessly claimed a win at every board.

POLICE COURT.

(Before Messrs F. L. Prime and Captain

Anderson, Justices.)

{toKKENNESS. —John Browne was fined 5s Bid'costs, or 24 hours in default, for this offence! Wm. Seager was fined 20s and costs," or in default 7 days, for a similar offence. .Travelling Without a Ticket.—Henry 'Ash'by pleaded guilty to having committed nbreach of the Shipping and Seamen's Act by travelling on the s.s. Manapouri from Sydney without a ticket. He was ordered to pay the costs and the amount of the passage money, or in default one month's hardlabour.

Alleged Assault. —Messrs Cullerty and Lysachfc again appeared in answer to the charge of assaulting Mr Baird. - Mr Maliony appeared for the complainant, and Mr Kigby for the defence.—By consent this case was further adjourned for one week. Bkeaches of the By-laws.— The follow %& persons' were fined for committing 'Reaches of the City By-laws : —Samuel Tkom,stray horse in Princes-street, 5s aid costs.' Benjamin Greenwood, stray horse in Vincent-street, 5s and costs. Simeon Millington, stray horse in Wood street, Ssand costs. John Eoss, unattended cart in Kyber Pass, Is and costs. John G. llcMane, stray horse, 5s and costs. William Chatwin, conveying pigswill along Beres ford-streetafter S a.m., 5s ami costs. Ed irard Morris, wheeling a milk-truck in Karangahape Road, ss" and costs ; Frank Fisher, riding on footpath, os and costs; and Elizabeth Low, stray horse, 5s and costs. Thomas Belcher, chimney on fire, ■ Eoresfofd-street, Is and costs. •(Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M.) ■A Wholesale Thief. —Henry George Shelly, who was committed for trial yester day afternoon on the charge of breaking and entering the dwelling of Mr li. W. Logan at Devonporfc, and purloining articles to the value of L 6 10, was further charged this morning with stealing from the dwelling of lady Victoria Jessie Townshend one silver watch and chain, value LG, on the 19th May fei Mr J. P. Campbell appeared for toe prisoner, and intimated that he as prepared to plead guilty if the case was dealt with summarily. This was agreed to and the value of the article was reduced, to & Mr Campbell then pleaded guilty. The same prisoner was also charged with lielarceny of one Virginia gold watch value '1 the property of Mr J. P. Walker at fevonport on the 17th of May. Mr Campbell pleaded guilty in this case, also, jjl behalf of the prisoner. — Henry jeorge Shelly was further charged with Je larceny of one lady's gold watch wine 4,2 the property of David Soaton at jevnoport. In this instance also Mr 'Campbell on behalf of the prisoner pleaded guilty. By arrangement five charges preferred against this jjkoner were1 withdrawn. Henry George Shelly was. next charged with breaking ■jM (entering the residence of the Rev. >• .Dewsbury at Devon port, and ■ steal n? therefrom : one . revolver, value L 2 !*> one ring value LI 10s, and ■Jwut 25s in cash. Mr Devvsbury deposed to his house being entered and ■S9. goods described being taken away. ,ae valued the articles at about £5 ss. He Cognised., the revolver produced as his Property/ -Mary Whitton, ■ servant last witnesses • ■ also gave evid jjNe. She oould not swear positively ™* she had locked all the windows. «ive..Tuohy and Constable O'Brien J^ ; also examined.—They both swore Fravely that no inducement had been "fid oat fo the accused to admit the present *g\~-Mr Campbell intimated that he object to the evidence of the admis -0118 going in tne depositions in conse '^^ of a statement made to accused M i charged with another case that better tell the truth.—A ■wtes named Hemming was called, but it instated that he was not in attendance, J3 been compelled to leave the Court, _"» wife was dying.—Sergeant Gillies mt^ 1 e%ri(ience regarding the report- the robbery by tJie Rev. MrDews j^--GeorgeShelly, father of the prisoner, •Jl^-. to receiving the revolver from ■ m ®> and handing it over to-the police. -. ; , .' [Left sitting.] •

solicitation of the Gospel Temper tl {^ lOn the most, attractive portion of feitedr gathering programme is to be re- annual meeting of the Mission tlj^t purpose the members of Bands inSkT^S Part are requested to meet |^ -James's Hall on Friday evening at %<£' 1 ons is tnegentleman' nomin %,^, ectiontothe City Council in room t»W Clarke. The name was mis . "^ burton in yesterday's issue. inS°- .2 Battalion Auckland Garrison *&B PI^ a.ttllc Drill-shed last evening, and I "Wc^a by Major Isaacs,

OPERA HOUSE-ROYAL COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

"the Mikado."

After an interval of several years, Messrs Williamson, Garner & Musgrovo have again made an operatic descent upon Auckland, and once more have taken the city by storm. They opened l a9fc night in the Opera House with Gilbert and Sullivan's unique comic opera, « The Mikado," and achieved piSZ?!- n ofich T yt set down as tho 9uro Th, iVn l- * lu"hly suc^ssful season. c mcifv If i VaS Crowded to its ufcmost capacity, all classes and conditions of the £?W?m re Presentod> f™^ Pulpit to Bar t bh°P to Factory, and the frequent applause witlx which the artistes were 116" a'^ gelation of

, "The Mikado" comes to us, of course, With rather tardy pace, but then, after all we are a small community, and must patiently await our turn in the presentation of novelties. It was on Saturday, the 14th March, 1885, that the work was first pro duced in the Savoy Theatre, London, and since then it has pursued a victorious career throughout the United Kingdom, over the continents of America and Austra lia, and has oven captivated such exacting musical centres as Berlin and Vienna. X it has never hitherto been staged in Auckland, its advent is nevertheless not that of a stranger, for the music has lono since penetrated to New Zealand and become pretty familiar to the public. Wo have advisedly characterised it as unique It is so from its Japanese garb and associ ation;;. In laying the scone in the Britain of the East and clothing the work with an Oriental personality, Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan have chosen an entirely novel vehicle for their operatic pasquinade. Nor have they altogether ventured upon it as a daring exploit, for in this, as in their previous essays, thoy have but shown how delicate a touch they koep upon the pulse of fashionable idiosyncrasies. A few years ago society had a decided craze for Japanese art, just as some seasons before it displayed an extravagant weakness tor aesthetics, and the two popular collabora teurs of musical satire naturally seized upon it as the favourable opportunity of again turning into burlesque and caricature the follies of the time and the incongruities of conventional usage. So much by way of preamble. And now as to the present production and its artistic worth. It may at once be said that its most striking feature is its spectacular character. Upon this, Messrs Williamson, Garner and Musgrove have spared no expense. They display their usual liberality and enterprise in securing an effective and appropriate mise en scene. The costumes and stage ac cessories are rich, elegant, and thoroughly Japanesque. The stage business has been carefully studied, and is grotesquely funny. We have not space enough at command to enter upon any description of the mincing gait of the ladies, the amusingly stiff attitudes and gestures, the whimsical play of the fans, and the exaggerated hauteur of the Court grandees. All this the public will best see and appreciate for themselves. It must suffice to sny that they are quite as comical in their effect as the dreamy lan guors, the highly strung sentimentalities, and the absurd affectations of manner and dress which distinguish "Patience." The scenery is quite in keeping with the rest of the stage oiFects. It is rich and tasteful. The set for the first act depicts the Court yard of Lord High- Executioner Ko-Ko'e palace in the town of Titipu, enclosed with light structures lavish with lattice work and suggestive of its Japanese entourage. Still more attractive is the scenery of the second act, which is played out in Ko Ko's garden. It abuts upon a broad and tran quil river, its banks dotted with villas, a bridge in the middle distance, and a pagoda in closer contiguity with the commanding proportions and snow-clad summit of the mountain of Fu3i-Yama in the background. The scenery is from the brush of Mr George Gordon, and his name alone is a guarantee of careful and success ful work.

Of the libretto little need be said, for Mr . Gilbert's great skill of versi fication and singular faculty for satiri cal drollery are too -well known to stand in need of exposition. In " The Mikado " his wit is as exuberant, his satire as incisive, and his knack of presenting the ludicrous in speech or action in its ab surdesfc setting is as irresistibly laughable as in any of his precedent productions. Sir Arthur Sullivan's inexhaustible fund of light, sparkling and melodious music is as manifest as ever. Still, " The Mikado " is not likely to prove as popular in its musical side as "Patience," " The Sorcerer" or " H. M. S. Pinafore." Its airs are fewer and not so catchy, but it ie a far more pretensions work from an artistic point of view than "Pinafore." The or chestral accompaniment is composed with more solidity and attention to form, and some of the concerted vocal numbers are of a high order of merit. Take for example the charming madrigal for four voices "Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day," the gTee " See how the Fates," the duet "The Flowers that Bloom" and the finales to both acts. Of the airs the only one that is likely to be caught up by the public and whistled in the streets is Ko- Ko's mock-sentimental song " Willow, Tit willow. " There are three other songs which should never fail to command an encore, viz "Nanki-Poo, "opening number and the songs of " Yum-Ynm " and " Katisha," in the second act. The Company consists of upwards of 00 performers. Tliere is a very efficient orchestra of 12 instrumentalists under the conductorship of Mr W. H. Harrison, and the chorus has attained to a very satis factory degree of proficiency. Excepting Miss Alice Barnett, all the principals have been here before, and their capabilities are there fore knoWn. Some of them owe their portions in the cast more to histrionic than to vocal excellence. The best singers in the present opera are un doubtedly Miss Elsa May and Miss Ida Osborne. Miss Elsa May's ability and standing as aprima donna cannot be questioned; and her impersonation of the teadino- role of Yum-Yum well sustains her reputation. She has a full and flexible soprano voice, of good compass and pleasing quality, and if she slightly aliccta the vibrato style, it is never, immoderately used. She took her part in the oscillatory duet set for herself and Nanki Poo with delicious naivete, and sang her share of the music very sweetly, and she was also heard to advantage in the ensemble which precedes the finale to the first act. Her greatest " hit," however, was the fas cinating song "The Sun Whose Bays, in which she was loudly encored. It is one of the gems of the opera, and has a charac ter of its own, suggesting no resemblance to any other of Sullivan's lyrics. Miss Ida Osborne made a coquettish Piti-bing, and her singing was so acceptable that the audience would gladly have heard a great deal more from her. She took her part in various concerted numbers with marked effect, and sang her only soloat the opening, of the second act. with great taste and ex pression She has a sweet and well-trained contralto voice of agreeable Hmbre. Miss Mice Barnett (of the Savoy Theatre, Lon don) is far and away the best actress in the troupe, and she only divides the histrionic honours with Mr Howard Vernon. She sines also with an artistic style that pio clafms professional training in a good school. Her role is Katisha an elderly maiden of settled matrimonial determina tion, whoso, prototype is found in lati cnec." In fact, it is Lady Jane in a new cruise. But Miss Barnett individualises the character, and makes - of. it the strongest

figure in the cast. Ifc is really excruciat ingly funny. The lady contributed largely to the success of theenscmifewhich closes the second act, and her recitative and its ac companying Bong, "Hearts do not Break," were rendered with studied expression. She alsotook part very effectively with Mr Vernon in the duet " There is Beauty in the Bellow of tho Blast." Miss Ada Walker was the third of the three sisters (Yum-Yum, Piti Sing and Peep-Boo) who are grouped together in every scene, and who sing the pretty trio, " Three Little Maids," which, by the way, was promptly encored last night. Miss Walker acquitted herself creditably. The male characters are not strong in vocal power. Mr W. Woodfield (tenor) and Mr H. Benham (bass) are the best of them. Mr Wood iiold, who plays the part of the Mikado's disguised son, JSTanki-Poo, has alight and sweet tenor voice, and his opening song, ''A Wandering Minstrel I," was the first item to thaw the reserve of the audience. The orchestral accompaniment, however, handicapped him unduly. It was too loud, and this was by no means the only instance in which it was so. Nanki-Poo is allotted no other song, but Mr Woodfield was heard to good effect in several duets and trios, as well as in the madrigal and onsonibles. Mr Howard Vornon, as Ko-Ko, Lord High Exe cutioner, is to be seen at his best. His buffo talent is pronounced and ver satile. His Ko-Ko is fit to range beside his Bunthorno, and both are extremely clever delineations. He kept the audience in a bimmer of infectious merriment. His patter song, "IVo Gofe a Little List," brought down the houao in thunders of ap plause, and producod tho first encore of the evening-, and with the plaintive little trifle "Willow Tit Willow" he also secured a recall, while his duet with Nanki-Poo, "The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring, " tickled tho audience so powerfully that nothing would satisfy them but a double encore. His duet with Katisha has already been mentioned. Mr H. Benham as Pooh-Bah (Lord High Every thing Else) was both a vocal and histrionic success. He ingratiated himself with the audience by his song "Young Man, Des pair," confirmed this good impression by his rendering of the solo " Long Life to You " with its amusing use of the cadenza, and took a prominent part in the trio with Kako and Piti-Sing, " The Criminal Cried." Mr Albert Brennir, a cultured but not powerful baritone, played the little role with becoming majesty, and sang the incidental music very tastefully, while Mr Grundy (base) gave a good account of him self as Pish-Tush, a Japanese noble. In ad dition to the concerted numbers already re ferred to tho quartette Yum yum, Peep 800, Pitti Sing and Pooh Bah ("So Please You Sir," a trio in old contrapuntal style for Ko- Ko, Pooh Bali and Pish-Tush and the ridiculous trio " Here's a how de-do,"(Yum, Yum, Nanki Poo and Koko) must not be omitled from notice. They are very amus ing, and the latter trio was encored. The choruses are fine numbers and are exceed ingly well sung. Those for male voices at the opening of the opera told with admirable effect as did also " Comes a train of little ladies" and the final chorus of the first act. The intro ductory chorus to tho second act scored as it is ,for sopranos and altos is very protty and the march is good. Some of the music jusfc as parts of the libretto is reminiscent of earlier comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. Par txtmplt the beginning of the last finale suggests a familiar song in " The Sorcerer." However, these points of resemblance are not numerous, and "The Mikado" is undoubtedly an original and very able work. Mr Smy the may rest assured of a run of crowded houses while it holds the boards in Auckland, and his subsequent produc tions will be awaited with a keen and san guine anticipation of furthar enjoyment.

SPORTING NEWS.

Weights for ISawke's Bay Steeple chase.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent. )

Couomakdel, this day. Royal Oak.—During the past week the manager reports having to take down the reef in the rise on two separate occasions, through the reef being shook by blasting away the mullock on Friday last. He ob tained Gibe, of fair picked stone, and again yesterday 121bs. more of about the same class of stone, which make • lßlbs. for the week. Altogether there are about \3Blbs and fully half a ton of good general stuff separated from the reef stone. Tri buters Mayn and party have crushed the quartz they had on hand, the return being 113oz melted gold. Lhurs and party will crush' immediately Mayn is done. ToivAtea.— The manager reports another six feet driven on the Excelsior reef during the past week, but the reef shows no gold yet. Tributers.— Knox and party obtained Gibs specimens this week, and there is still o-old showing. Roberta and party will crush 20 tons next week. Eccleson-'s Claim (Tiki district). — Crushed 30 tons for 56ozs gold.

(by telegraph,—-own correspondent,)

Thames, this day.

CAMBRIA. -Driving has been started both ways upon the leader intersected at No. 2 level while extending the drive upon No. 2 cross-leader. Colours of gold aro seen in the quartz when breaking down the leader, which is 6 inches thick. Caledonian.—-The crushing of 50 loads from the stopes on the No. 1 reef at No. 2 level will probably be finished this after noon. It is unlikely that the yield, will be more than lOdwts per load, which is not payable. New Manukatt.—As the result of the past month's operations, the manager of this mine banked 45ozs l&dwts gold this afternoon, which is the product of 25 tons of quartz. It will thus be seen that the stuff yielded over lgoz gold to the ton. The prospects of the mine are improving.

Business on change still remains Quiet :— Bank of New Zealand wanted at Lls, but no sales reported, nothing doing in other stocks. In mining the Prince Imperial is looking better, a great improvement having taken place, there are buyers at 3s, and no sellers. Saxons are steady at 2s 3d, sales, 2s 4d. Cambrias about 3s 6d.

The weekly "social" held in Waite's Hall, Mount Eden, passed off very success fully last evening, and was well attended, over sixty being present. The ■ music, as usual was excellent, and was supplied by Messrs R. and S. Adams, J. H. Edwards, H McComish, and J. Keesin^; two or three " extras " being nicely played by ladies pre sent. The popularity of these gatherings is now fully established- >

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(by telegraph.— special bepoeteb. )

Wellington, this day.

The Terms of the ©Issolntson

Ths correspondence relating to the dis solution of Parliament shows that the Pre mier's application was baaed on the terms I mentioned on Saturday morning, viz : — That six months' supplies be granted, from March 31st last, the Ministry using their best endeavours topromote the passing of the Representation Bill, and taking means for insuring the elections being hela, if the bill becomes law, under its provisions at the earliest possible date. TPhe Tariff.. The Hon. Treasurer also suggested that the revenue be collected under the new Customs Tariff Bill in the meantime, but tho House did not take kindly to the proposal. A Matter of Precedent. The question whether Mr Ormond framed resolutions at a caucus in 1885 asking the Government to remain in office when their tariff Avas rejected, was renewed in tho House to-day. Mr Seddon repeated his previous assertion, and declared lie had the resolutions in Mr Ormond's handwrit ing. Mr Ormond denied tho statement. Several members confirmed Mr Seddon's statement, and othors denied it and supported Mr Ormond's view. Tho only item of interest in the discussion was a statement by the Premier that on the occa sion in question he was strongly of opinion that the Government should 4Ngn, but was persuaded from that view by the caucus referred to—that tho Governor was bound to grant a dissolution on the advice ten dered to him. The "Evcains Press" on the Question. The " Evening Press " believes that tho Governor has been grossly misled by tho Ministry, and affirms, without any dis respect to His Excellency, that if ho had chosen to exercise his discretion differ ently, tho colony would have been very grateful to him. In conclusion the article says:—" When the whole country is crying out for retrenchment there is to be an additional expenditure of 1.20,000 or L 30,000 for no other purpose in tho world than to give the present Ministers three mouths more of office. It would actually be cheaper to give them L 20,000 among them au»J let them go. U re say unhesitatingly that a dissolution in the existing circumstances of the colony is a public wrong, by which the serious difficulties under which it labours now can only be made more serious still. This is looking at it from a public point of view. From cho Parliamentary point of view it is a matter of astonishment that tho Ministry have sought a dissolution, and that they have obtained one cannot but be a matter of congratulation for the Opposition. Tho proclamation dissolving Parliament will be the death warrant of Stout-Vogelism." Ministerial Plan of Campaign. Ministers will strain every nerve to carry the seats at present held by their op ponents. They recognise that the press of tho colony is decidedly adverse to them, and before the general election comes on a weekly newspaper in the Ministerial in terests, which is intended to be a colonial journal, will be issued in Wellington. It will be edited by '' Jock " Anderson. Leading niemborsof the Ministry also intend tostump the country. Sir Julius Vogel will probably direct his attention to Canterbury, Mr Larnach to the mining districts, and Sir Robert Stout and Mr Ballance to Otago and the North Island. Educational Statistics. From the appendix to the tenth report on Education I learn thr-t at tho end of 188G there were 2,124 children between ages of five and seven years attending the State schools, and 13,100 children who had passed the Fourth Standard. New Zealand and Rarotonga- The Queen of Rarotonga has written to an Auckland resident, enclosing a request to Government that Ministers will ap point a British resident at Rarotonga. I am informed that Government clo sire to make such appointment, but cannot do so owing to the action taken by the English Government, who are anxious to let the appointment bo in the form of a consul, which means that the Home Government will deal with Pvaro tonga in their own way, This tho New Zealand Government object to, and though anxious to comply with the Queen of Raro tonga'ss request they are at present unable to do so. The Premier has written to Mr Cadman, who is interesting himself in the matter, informing him that the Queen's letter has been forwarded to His Excellency.

A Matter of Privilege. A question of privilege lias been brought forward by Mr Ormond. A return recently placed before the House in correctly included his name amongst those of persons who had made ap plication for the removal of restric tions on native lands. It was asserted by one member that his hostility to the present Government was because this request of his had not been complied with. He asked that the return be sent back for correction. Mr Seddon said he was the speaker referred to, and he intro duced the remark, which was based on an incorrect return. Mr Or mond's request was .complied with.

Insurance of PuWic Buildings

Tbe Minister for Public Works has written to the various Insurance Companies asking them to name the amount for which they would accept risk over many of the Government Buildings in New Zealand. The Government propose themselves to keep a risk of about L 5,000 in each case.' The following table gives the approximate value of the buildings and the amounts for which it is proposed to insure them : —

Theproposal to insure the largest wooden building in the world" for LSS,QOQ is not likely to be given effect to. There are only s ome twenty insurance companies in the c olony, and it is improbable that any of them will accept a risk for over one thous and pounds on this building. Personnel of the Representa tion Commission- Though it has not been decided what gentlemen shall be proposed to the House

to act in conjunction with the official mem bers of the permanent commission under the Representation Bill, I hear that tho Cabinet have decided to nominate one unofficial member from Auckland, an other from Canterbury, and the third from Otago. Mr William Aitken is the likely nominee from Auckland, and Mr His lop, Mr Donald Reid or Mr W. L. Simpson, will probably represent Otago. A gentle man excellently qualified for the position was proposed by some of the Canterbury members to represent that provincial dis trict, but the fact that he is a civil servant disqualified him from acting as a commis sioner. Indiscreet Oppositionists. The Opposition speeches delivered after the announcement of tho granting of a dissolution were injudicious. They dis closed tho fact that keen disappointment had been occasioned by the action of the Governor in accepting the advice of Ministers instead of sending for Major Atkinson. Mr Rolleston's speech was aptly compared by Mr Holme 3to " The Lamenta tions of Jeremiah." Petty Stonewalling. Several hours were wasted at both after noon and evening sittings in profitless discussion, the only object of which seemed to be a desire on the part of some members to prevent business being sufficiently ex pedited to enable the passage of the Repre sentation Bill, Changes ,ln Electoral Boun daries. Of course if the elections ara held unc'or the new Acfc some of the existing dis tricts will be materially affected, and seats of more than one prominent mem ber will havo their boundaries completely changed. Lyttelton is nearly 3,000 inhabi tants short of its required quota, and it will consequently extend it to the Akaroa elec torate, while Waikouaiti will no doubt bo split up between Moeraki, Port Chalmers, and Dunedin East. I hear that rough maps have been prepared by the Surveyor-General, and these go to show that half a member will be lost between Kakanui and Waitaki, one whole member being lost to Otago. Lieutenant Palmer's Grievance" After the refu3al by Sir Geo. Whitmore and the Hon. Mr Ballance of Lieutenant Palmer s roquest that Mr McCarthy's letter be handed over for the purpose of a prosecu tion, Lieutenant Palmer yesterday laid the mattor in a petition before the Public Petitions Committee. General Whitmore has written objections why the prayer of the petition should not bo granted. Lieu tenant Palmer's evidence and arguments were taken. Ho contendod that the ob jection of General Whitmore that this would tend to encourage litigation ought riot to weigh in this case. General Whitmore proposed that the Ponsonby Rifles bo made an independent company under the command of its own officers only but Lieut. Palmer declined any compromise and requested that they be disbanded as they desired. Coroinandel Homestead Selectors. Mr Cadman has been interviewing the Minister for Minos respecting the Home stead selectors of Tapu and Coroinandel, whose efforts to get their Crown grants have hitherto proved unavailing It appears that the late warden (Air Kenrick) advised the Auckland Waste Lands Board to insert a clause in the Crown grant reserving right to mine on those homesteads. The selectors naturally object to this as a breach of faith, and there being no provision of this nature in the Homestead Act, under which they settled on and took up the land, their Crown grants must contain no restric tions. Mr Cadman urges that the selectors' view of the case is correct, and if any ex traneous conditions are imposed in the titles settlers will havo a good claim for compensation. Mr Larnach admits that it is time something decisive was dono, it being about 18 months since the Waste Lands Board had recommended the issuing of titles, and recognising that mining rights must be preserved, he intends to instruct tho warden to report whether any mining is not being done on any of these home steads. If not, the Crown grants will be im mediatoly issued on any lands that mining operations are boing carried on. The Minister thinks it would be better to. com pensate rather than to alienate auriferous auds, .

THE LATEST.

Wellington, this aftornpon. ©ppositlau Meeting To-day. A strong meeting of the Opposition party was held this morning. There wore thirty six present, and all other votes were accounted for. A strong1 feeling was ex pressed concerning the memo submitted by the Premier. Tho position was con sidered to be very awkward and the diffi culty of dealing with a Government already beaten was recognised thero was a strong impression amongst those present that the Government were really manocuvering to drop the new Representation Bill and go to the country immediately. The outcome of the meeting is that Major Atkinson is to move this afternoon to tho effect that a respectful address bo presented to the Go vernor assuring liim of their willingness to grant supply on condition that the election take place under the new Representation Bill, and that Parliament bo called together the first week in September.

The best means of preventing further ef fect being given' to the customs tariff: resol utions was discussed. It appeared that this could only be done by the bill brought in by the Government or the Governor. An understanding was arrived at that Major Atkinson should ask the Colonel Treasurer when he proposed to bring down a bill to rescined the resolutions, and if the answer was not satisfactory to move resolution memonalisingjthe Government to send down a bill for that purpose. The Opposition are confident that they have now a sure work ing majority. The Representation Bill In Cowncil. In the Council this afternoon the Hon. Mr "Reynolds will move the second read ing of the Representation Bill, and will propose the exclusion of Clause 4, which provides for advertising the new electoral bounderies and allowing appeals against the same, Mr Slater's Petl/ion. The public Patitions Committee has been considering the petition of James Slator, praying for further investiga tion into too action brought against him in the Auckland District Court, in which Judge Smith gave judgment against him for L3O, estimated value of a lithograph of "old Auckland." ■ The public Petitions Committee report that they cannot recom mend the prayer of the petition.

TELEGRAMS.

Cambridge, this day,

A mob of two thousand sheep for War nock Bros, have passed through in charge of R. Hollis,' from Napier. This is the first mob which has gone direct to Auckland, •

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per s.b. Manapouri.)

Sydkey, May 27. In reply to the communication regarding the alteration in the Queen's title, the following has been cabled to the Agent- General for transmission to the Secretary of State for the Colonies :—" This Go vernment does not desire any change in the ancient title of our beloved Sovereign, which could not increase the loyalty and affection of her subjects in Now South Wales. Beyond this we have no opinion to express." It is stated that the Chinese residents of Sydney are preparing an artistically de signed address to Her Majesty the Queen, to mark the jubilee year of her reign. The fund for the relief of the sufferers by the recent colliery disaster at Bulli has rapidly increased dux-ing the last fortnight, having been augmented by a number of large contributions from various quarters, including another Ll,ooo from Victoria, making the total amount received from that colony L 4,000. At a committee meeting held onMonday last the treasurer announced that the total amount of the fund was now L 22.728 4s. 7d. Sir Henry Parkes has received a cable message from Sir Saul Samuel, inquiring what amount the Austi'alian colonies intend to contribute to the funds of the Imperial Institute. The Government regard the matter as of no pressing urgency, and the reply sent is to the efl'ect that New South Wales is not in a position to do anything at present. On the 18th May Mr Locke Richardson made his bow to a fashionable audience in Sydney, in the hall of the V.M.C.A., his Excellency the Governor and Lady Carr ington being present. Mr Richardson in augurated the first of his proposed series of recitals with Charles Dickens's " Christ inas Carol," and completely won the favour of his audience by his performance. Sinco then Mr Richardson has given Shakesperian recitals, which have been largely attended. labour Matters* The operations of the Government Casual Labour Board have been continued steadily, with the result that a large proportion of the unemployed have obtained em ployment in the suburbs or in some country towns. The Government have thus been the means of securing work under various contractors for many mon who previously had alleged that it was im possible for them to obtain employment. The number of applicants for work is. daily becoming smaller. In connection with the various trades, however, employment is scarce, and several employers have been dis charging all additional hands. The Govern ment have found employment for 2,700 men. The Chinese Commissioners. The Imperial Chinese Commissioners — General Wong Yung Ho and Consul U. Tsing—who have been in Sydney for more than a fortnight, have visited the principal bnsiness establishments, the leading newspaper offices, and the public buildings of the city, have been enter tained by various public and private bodies, and have accepted the hospitality of his Excellency the Governor and lead ing citizens. They have received, it is understood, ample evidence, from per sonal observation and information supplied, to satisfy them that the condition of their countrymen here is highly satisfactory ; and io is not at all improbable, from the tenor of General Ho's remarks, that China will endeavour to find a home for more of her surplus population in the colonies. The development of an international trade between China and New South Wales will be promoted, and it is possible, as a result of the visit, that a new market for Aus tralian wool will be opened up in Southern China. The Commissioners have not left for Melbourne, but it is their intention to revisit Sydney on their return to China. The Jubilee Celebration. The Premier has announced in Parlia ment the steps which the Government pro pose to take to celebrate the jubilee year of the Queen's reign. Some little expense, he said, would be incurred by tho Govern ment, and they would invite the assistance of private institutions and private firms to make tho day one more than ordinarily memorable. The Government had already communicated with tho banks, all of which were to bo illuminated, and some of them at very considerable expense ; and it was expected that the largo mercantile firms wonld do tho same. If that were dono tho Government would consider it their duty to illuminate the public offices, especially the Post Office,and in this way the city would in all probability be lighted up in a inannor nover before witnessed in this country. Invitations would be issued to those societies possessing regalia and banners, with a view to their forming a pro cession, and thero would be a grand display of fireworks of a kind never before seen hero, by which tho harbour would be illuminated. Itennion of legislators. The dinner given by Sir Henry Parkee to the surviving members of the first Legis lativo Assembly in New South Wales, in commemoration of the meeting of the first Parliament in the colony, took place in the Parliamentary Refreshment Room on 23rd ult. The number of gentlemen present who represented tho first Assembly were 14—twelve members and two Parliamen tary officials. There are in all 21 sur viving members; but three of them are in England, and six were unavoidably ab sent. The chair was occupied by Sir Henry Parkes, and tho vice-chair by Sir John Robertson, and there were also pre sont—Sir John Hoy, Right Hon. W. B. Dalley, his Honour Sir William Manning, his Honour Mr justice Faucett, Hon. W. Macleay, M.L.C., Hon. W. R. Piddington, M.L.C., Hon. E. Flood, M.L.C., Hon. G. H. Cox, M.L.C., Mr Richard Jones, Mr J. N. Oxley, Mr J. J. Calvort, and Mr A. P. Clapin. A number of speeches were made, and the proceedings throughout wete of ft very interesting nature.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELSGBAFH. — OWN COBRESPOSDBNX. )

Thames, this day. The remains of the unfortunate young woman Annie Allen, one of the victims of the Onehunga fire, were interred yesterday afternoon in the Shortland Cemetery. The Bellringors do not open hero wntil Thursday night. Master Murray, s6n of the manager of the local ):>ranch of the Bank of Na\T Zealand, is still in a very precarious condition.

The 4th meeting of the St. Johns Musical and Literary Society was hold on Monday evening. The subject of the entertainment was, " The President's question box." Some very intelligent and humourous replies were given to the questions issued last week. During the evening the following musical programme was rendered :—Piano solo, "Molly Darling," Mrs Prime; vocal duet, "Halcyon Days," Mr and Mrs Prime; solo, "Surely," Miss Bambury ; duet, "The Sailor's Sigh," Mr and Mrs Prime ; piano ■ duet, the Misess Bambury. A recitation by Mr ' Watkin, entitled, "The Adventures of a Yankee SGhool-boy," for which he received an encore, brought the meeting to a close.

LICENSING COURT.

Auckland City East

The annual" Bitting of the above Cona«j mittee took place to-day in the R.M.I Court - room, before Messrs C. Hes keth, (chairman) G. Harper, J. M. Shera, J. Winkß , and Captain Anderson. Mr Story acted as Licensing clork. Mr Superintondant Thompson appeared on be half of the police. Mr Cotter was present to watch ' proceedings for the Victuallers' Association. Transfer cf Licenses.—Mr S. Hesketh applied for the transfer of the license of the Queen's Head Hotel from John S. Grimly to P. T. Pureell.—Granted. Occidental Hotel. — Catherine Lynch applied to have the licenso of the Occi dental Hotel transferred from Mrs Ellen Harding to herself. —Granted. City Club Hotel.—This license was transferred from F. E. Murray to Benjamin Roberts. Greyhound Hotel.—Mr S. Heskoth ap* plied for a renewal of tho license of John Darby for the Greynound Hotel. He also asked that the hour of closing should be ex tended until 11 o'clock. He would, how ever, like an expression'of opinion from the Bench upon the question before he stated his case.—The Chairman after consulting with his compeers stated that it might save time if he stated that the majority of the Bench were against extending the licenses until 11 o'clock. They, were, however, pre pared to listen and consider any applica tions for an extension of hours of keep ing open, and would consider each ca3o upon its merits. —Mr Hesketh said that it vertually meant applying with a certainty of being refused. If such was the case, of course he would not further waste the time of the Bench. He would like to understand whethertho Bench were really willing to consider each application upon. its merits. —The Chairman said that speak ing as Chairman he thought they had better stick to tha 10 o'clock system.—Mr Hesketh said he would place the application before Tho Bench. He then pointed out that the house was tho rendezvous of certain om nibuses, and an 11 b'cloek licenso would allow persons coming from places of amuse ments obtain refreshments.—The Bench de clined to extend the hour from 10 to 11 o'clock.

Renewaes oti Licenses.—On the applica tion of Mr Cotter, licenses were renewed in the following cases :—Andrew Fernandez, Britbmart Hotol; Alfred Kidd, Commer cial Hotel; James Laing, Provincial Hotel; G. B. Martin, Pacific Hotel, Antonio Mar tin, Thames Hotel, William McCarthy Railway Terminus- Hotel; George Isle 3 1 *uter, Waverly Hotel, John Rawbothana, Swan Hotel, Walter Stimpson, Quean'a Ferry Hotel.

Masonic Hotel.— Mr" Cottor appeared for a renewal of the license of the above hotel to James Renwick.— Mr Superuitead ant Thompson said that the police report) in this instance were very unfavourable.— Mr Cottor explained that the sita of the" hotel, had been leased to Mr Samuel Jagger for 50 years. The Masonic trustees' of the land had at the same time called for competitive designs for a new hotel. A number of designs were received, and that of Mr Skinner was accepted. (The plans were-produced.) He might state that by the ■ deed of lease Mr Jagger -was compelled to visit a hotel in accordance with such plans within six months at a cost of not leas than L4OOO, — The Bench granted the license, subjaefc to certain temporary repairs being effected and the proposed hotel being erected as promised. Mr Hesketh, on • behalf of tho ownors of the lease, guaranteed the works being carried out'aa requested. Ciakexdon Ift>Tfe£,—£fl application was made for the > renewal ,of the licensee of Henry Bennett.—Mr Thomson drew at tention to the fact that one con nection had been recorded against Mp. I Bennet during the past year, when ha' had been fined L 5. Air' Cotter said th'ab j had acted as a warning to Mr Bennot.— I The Bench granted the licejise, but] notified Mr Bennet that if any further con- i victkms Avero recorded against him hia; license would be cancelled. !

Occidental Hotel.—On the application i of Mr Baume, the licensee of the above hotel, was removed to Mrs Catherine Lynch.— i Mr Thompson explained that under no circumstances would the licensee's husband be allowed to assist on the hotel.

Wynard Arus Hotel.—Mr Hesketh ap plied for a remand of the license of Henry Gidleigh to the above hotel.—The chairman stated that the committee had visited the house and found fault with it. They would therefore adjourn the ap plication for a fortnight. In answer to Mr Hesketh the Chairman ' said that he thought it would be better not to. give any reason for the adjournment. The' applica tion would be considered on the 15th inst.

The application of Francis O'Dowd for a renewal of the license of the Caledonan Hotel, was also adjourned until the 15th of' June for further inspection, also the appli cation of Joseph Parkes for renewal of the Globe Hotel, and David Twohill for renewal. of license of the Park Hotel

Removals.—Removals of licenses were granted as follows :—On the application of Mr Hosketh, to Elizabeth Patterson, Fitzroy Hotol, and Peter Purcel, Queen's Head Hotel. On the application of Mr S. Jackson, junr Benjamin E. Roberts, City Club Hotel.

Imperial Hotel.—Mr Cotter applied for a renewal, of the license of the above hotel to Mr Michael Gallager. As a test case he also applied for an extension of the time of closing from 10 to 11 o'clock. The requirements of the house were laid at con siderable length but the Bench declined to grant ought but a 10 o'clock license. The court then adjourned.

APOLOGY TO MR PYKE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Napiek, this day.' THE " Tetegraph " apologises to Mr PykQ for the publication of an AuGkland telegram re Mr Hodges unwarrantable Unjustiiiabie statements. ■

Lady Beauto-iehs.— Ladies, you cannot; make fair skin, rosy cheeks, and sparkling eyes with all ihe cosmetics of France, or beautioors of tfio world, while in poor health, and nothing will jjivo you such rich blood, good health" strength, and beauty as Hop Bitters, American Co s make. A trial is certain proof. See '

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, ffo-ntght. City Bullet. Queen-street-American<Midt?etand Circassian Youth, 2 to 5 and T to 10 pVni 0?Wp?m? MarkCt> Queen-Bt^et-?Th aU ma,' Mrs Dudley Ward's Residence - Ladies in ierested in Jubiloo Kindergarten and Criche",* Alexandra-street Methodist Church -Lecturo •'An Hour m the Tabernacle in th«sfvS ness," by Miss Malcoinb 7so ' uaer

Rota of Justices at Police Court

June 2-Messrs R. C. Barstowand A ? Boardnwm

Auction Sales To-morrow.

K llf _)Sp__? n i, C §O dlßtr,lißt forrent > Furnituro> F_e n to7yT 2 dPlantof *§@R&s*fo> S ta[sS S ?!K n. j

TIUE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, JDNE 1 188?.

5



The following weights were declaimed last night for the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase Handicap, of 500eovs :—

st. lb. st. lb. Belle 11 12 Kangaroo ... 10 3 Denbigh. ... 11 9 Romeo ... 10 0 Orient ... 11 7 Mangaohane... 9 12 Peter Osbeck 11 5 Waitangi ... 9 10 Silvio... ... 11 2 Torpedo ... 9 10 Volcano ... 11 2 Huntsman ... 9 8 Owhaoko ... 10 10 The Jilt ... 9 7 Victor ... 10 9 Revenge .,. 9 5 Omata ... 10 9 Wat Tyler ... 9 5 Erebus ... 10 7 Reform ... 9 5



Buildings. Approximate value. lunatic Asylum, Auok- land 39,000 - house, • Auck- land ■ • ■■ ,•• 2o,0,0 Railway stores, Auck- land .. .. ••„-•.• 2o-000 Junatio Asylum, Wei- lington .. ■• •• lo.OUJ 3ourt-liouse, Welling- ton .. .. n .... •• 31,000 Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington ... ., 30,000 Departmental Buildings, Wellington. •• •■ 00,000 Sovernruent House, Wel- lington 17,000 Museum, Wellington .. G.OvO Railway Stores, Wel- lington, .. •• ■• 25,000 Lunatic Asylum, Christ- church 67,000 Provincial Buildings, Christclmrch, .. .. 25,000 Railway Stores, Christ- church, ,. •• „ •• 25,000 Lunatic Asylum, Bun- edin •• ,« •• 76.0CO Railway Stores, Dune- din 25,000

e Proposed amountof insurance. & 31,000 20,000 20,000 13,000 20,000 ' 25,00.) 55,000 12,000 1,000 20,000 62,000' 20.C00 20,000 71,000 20,000