"■" ~ TnHnns for the purchase of Twelve aPPl leaf" nd dealt with at the land were receivea. tcrdav . Some Loan I*"*? JTaptMed for by George SonsatKe»k«. aPP on fcual "^dered to be withdrawn I^ e^f Hoffor S The Assistant from select^ tor^ selection San-eyor^eneranv (]ie , f & nan{ deSS hi Recommended for sale. T»tar?rl^ were generally of third-class T Se lands eJ^ lawall , p at some parts. sections be o 'e^- d 90, for educational planting W, »J, j southern PSSixIS the purposes of a, road P*1 itlv The Chief Surveyorb re fffpßS^ l O l naha l Parahaki,Owluwa, and Karaka and Hukerenm and Sets were received. It was ' Bm\ e7Jt offer for sale tho sections re resolved to oßer mafcfcers rf ffg^™ ****«**• meeting . The Scotish " Chiels " are back m Auck , a »nd l announce an entertainment in the If-' Sfc Hal o-ni-ht. There are many F^Totsinthe mrine suburb, and these KiofS to witness the national dances, Tni htr their country's ballads sung. To- Irww (Saturday) evening, the company SXea performance in the Foresters Hall, Karangahape Road. Mr W H Webbe's 36th musical evening , 18 7h of this' season) took place at his rooms Sfft ni^ht, and was largely attended. The Swing programme was gone through : - Srche Songioise " (on two pianos), Miss cttaeter and Mr Webbe; sacred song, % Maria," Mr E. H. Edmonds; song, -Fireside Dreams," Miss Odium ; piano Jo, "Supplication," Mr W. H. Webbe j ''1 "David Singing Before Saul, Mr Ch; piano solo, "Spring Song," (Men iohn) Miss Street*-; song, " Pilgrim iSne," Mr E. H. Edmonds; song, uT&, m I .Dreaming," Miss Odium ; solo, •■Bedruin Love Song," Mr Bush; '«mo duet, "Je suis Pret," Miss Gilmer and Mr Webbe. The concert was followed by a'dance till 12 o'clock. About 30 couple Spped the light fantastic. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Webbe by the visitors present.

■ j^n a nd Mercantile shares are wanted at &>s Cd, and *ew sellers 655, Land Mort uaeearaalso enquired for.at 20s, Bank of New Zealand stand at Lls 18s to Lit), National Bank 335, and Colonial are asked for at I] S Mining shares are dull and quotations remain about the same. Caledonian are enquired for at 2s Cd, Saxon at 2s 2d, and Alburnia about Is. Sales of .Royal Oak have beon made at 3s, and, there are still buyers. At a meeting of the creditors of William West, cabinet maker, East Tamaki, to-day, it was agreed that the oiler of LIOU be re jected, and that the debtor should come up for public examination. A young girl was detained at the Police Station this afternoon on a charge of steal ing some wearing apparel.—The case is said to°have arisen out of a misunderstanding and it will probably be settled. The creditors of 0. M. Creagh met to-day, when it was resolved to take immediate steps to realise the book debts alleged to be oiring to the estate. Mr H. Exley delivers an address this evening on " Tho Mobility of the Christian life," "in the Christians' Meeting House, Cook-street. The usual weekly meeting of the Beres ford street Mutual Improvement Society uas held last evening. The programme consisted of readings from Siiakspeare's play of" As You Like It." Each mem ber present took part, and a decided improve ment wa9 shown in the reading sinc-e the Ist Shaheßperian-play was given. A very pleasant evening was spent.

SUPPOSED SUICIDE.

Suspicious Death at Wanganui

l (BY TELEORAAH OWN CORRESPONDENT),

Wangaxui, this day. Yesterday afternoon a Jew named Gold aniith, a shopkeeper, was found dead in his bed. He had been ailing for some time, mil took a sleeping draught about 9.30 fn tie morning,, saying at the same time that ;it would secure him sleep till 2.30. At abqat three o'clock some friends called to see him, and on being shown into the room, found him dead.

later.

' Froma letter left by Godlsmith there is no doubt that he committed suicide on account of ill-health and business troubles. A wholesale firm is said to have been pressing Mm for money.

THE LIABILITY OF SHIP OWNERS.

(bytelegraph— press association.)

Wellington, this day. A CASE which has been before the Magis. tote's Court for many weeks past, in which few Levy, clothier, claims L 26 11s from 4e Steamship Company for damage caused «certain goods in transit from Auckland L ,lngton' was called for judgment 2rS^ y morniD&- Mr wardell intimated m there seemed to be evidence that the Pwwete stored- in the hold in such a PUion as to present an appearance of L uUy' wh,° speared for the Com m.proposed to call the officers of the !-*« to give evidence upon this point, and J«w was adjourned that he might do

WELLINGTON POLITICS.

*fc People Want a Clock.

IBVTELEGEAPH.-PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

. Wellington, this day. ** Ration and other bodies in- to urge the Government to Post Office is toppiwt o ar f pthefundswereoriginaiiy <3 t !, Oc ™ not insured, its f o t Government are re-

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

P o ND^,

<W n Thames, this day. to"S c v ni fbßof P^ed stone were 6 ,m? nager reports: ;*»*ojH °Ugh lnto No- 2 cross i^^s 6 «iS iport '1 hay * sorted when fin* Sb a tlf f e reef has bee» 2^Mh^U f T llockin the K^Hfonrb«>Tab(mt 201bs oi Jiff'•^SoKU'ff tho hanßin^- C? mu eh coi,-! here was a stone

OPENING OF DEVONPORT FREE LIBRARY.

Free Public Conversazione

The Free Reading Room which the resi dents of Devonport, with great enterprise, wisdom and public? spirit, have erected as ian enduring memorial of the Queen's Jubi lee, was opened lasi, night with a free public conversazione and exhibition of scientific apparatus and miscellaneous curios, the whole affair passing oft' with the utmost eclat. The three rooms of which the build- I ing consists were filled with an appreciative crowd of visitors,who inspected with much enjoyment the numerous objects of art and'scientific interest which were given or lent for the occasion. The rooms were tastefully decorated by the members of the committee and their friends, and the Devonport band took up their station at the entrance of the building and discoursed enlivening music, lighted by a juvenile band of torch bearers. Inside, the crowd was so great that the players would scarce have Found standing room. Amongst the objects on view was a gasmaking apparatus, exhi bited by Mr J. A. Pond, but owing to want of gas pressure, sufficient heat was not ob tainable in the time to make the gas. A contrivance by which pieces of cardboard cut into different foims were made to revolve thereby exhibiting the appearance of beautiful rings of various colours created much interest. Mr T. Sibbin had a print ing press at work turning out circulars ad lib. In another room, Mr J. M. Geddis was busily employed working a type writer.lent by Mr H.Brett from the literary department of the Star Office. Mr Bartley and other gentlemen presided over a table provided with microscopes, by means of which the wonders of the infinitely little

were revealed to delighted observers, both young and old. A beautiful collection of stereoscopic views afforded much enjoy ment, and the large centre table was covered with illustrated periodicals and pic tures,amongst the latter being a set of land scape views of the picturesque scenery of the Whilgerry Hills in India, by the late Colonel Peacocke, which were much admired. Many other interesting ob jects too nutnerous to mention were displayed to tlie enjoyment of ail. In formally opsning the proceedings the Mayor of Devonport (Mr Malcolm Is'iccol) stated that the movement to provide a Free Reading Eoom in Devonport origi nated three months ago as a fitting means of commemorating Her .Majesty's Jubilee, and had been carried into effect by a com mittee consisting of himself as Mayor, and Messrs E. W. Alison, .'.J. White, J. J. Swinnerton, 0. Mays, A. Benge, W. Mit chell, E. Bartley, W. Philcox, Neal, J. Dunning, A. Little, S. Vosper, J. Knox, J. Dinsdale, Rev. J. Bates, Professor Brown, and others. The cost of the room and furniture had been about Ll2O, of which nearly L 75 had been subscribed, by resi dents of Devonport in sums of from Is to L 3 3s, ■while L25 had been given by Mr R. Monk (M.H.R. for Waitemata), leaving L2O yet to be provided, and to defray this further subscriptions were invited. The object in view was to provide facilities for acquiring and disseminating literary and scientific knowledge, and also to supply opportunities to the young men of enjoying mental recreation ■ and amusement. The Reading Room would be open every even ing (Sundays exeepted) from 7.30 to 10 p.m., and the table would be well furnished with papers and periodicals, the greater part of these being supplied gratuitously by residents of Devonport. There would also be . tables for chess, draughts, and other games. The Lending Library would be open three evenings in .the week under charge of Mr Francis, as usual, and on the old footing as regards subscription. Arrangements would also be made whereby the books would be accessible every even ing free to those who wished to read in the Library or reading;room. The Library and Council Chambers would bo available at least three evenings in the week for meet ings of clubs and societies, at a charge sufficient to cover cost of gas. The Com mittee proposed making arrangements for a series of lectures and debates on popular subjects, and. if practicable, would in augurate technical classes, etc. It only remained for those who would derive the greatest benefit from the institution, viz., young men and lads, to show their ap preciation of the efforts of the promoters by taking full advantage of the boon offered to them. It would be necessary to strike a halfpenny rate for the maintenance of the institution, and this would only mean a levy of from 9d to 2s Cd per annum upon the various houses in the borough. The rate would yield LSO, and this with the cor responding subsidy of LSO from the Govern ment would be sufficient to carry on the affair. His Worship then offered some excellent advice to the young people, reminding those of the male persuasion especially that it would not do to expend all their energy in training their heels at the expense of their heads. The former training would not help them in any material degree to earn their livelihood. The Mayor then formally declared the read ing room open. (Applause.) Mr R. Monk also delivered an excellent address pregnant.with wholesome advice. He advocated the culture of a national spirit,and pointed outhow thiscommendable object was to be promoted. He detailed the difficulties that he himself had to en counter in the work of self-education, and exhorted the young people to profit by the larger facilities oflered them for the acqui sition of knowledge. He noticed with re gret the preponderance of yellow-backs in the library, heard with regret also that fiction was largely in demand, and strongly advised his hearers to set a. higher value upon other and more valuable branches of literatui c.

The visitors then resumed their inspec tion of the exhibits, and the pleasure of the evening was considerably enhanced by the choice selections of instrumental music which" Messrs Bartley Bros. String Band very efficiently discoursed at frequent intervals.

The conversazione closed shortly after ten o'clock,, and will be long; remem bered as one of the most enjoyable and successful gatherings ever held in the progressive marine suburb. Apropos of the .decorations we may state that the flags and'banners were lent and ar ranged by Mr John White (tailor), who has been most active and indefatigable in pro mo bing the moAxment to provide the read ing-room, and is entitled to great praise for the effective and chaste decoration of the rooms. Mr Little gave valuable assistance in arranging and fixing the ferns, &c. The motto was the joint work of Mr A. Bartiey and Mr A. Hooker, the centre being a copy of the borough oeal. It is really an artistic production, and Mr Bartiey deserves great credit for the ability displayed by him in painting the view of the harbour given in the shield. The com mittee desire to acknowledge with thanks gifts from the following, viz., Messrs H. Brett, Lawrence, P. H. Mason, Professor Brown, New Zealand Insurance Company and Scripture Gift Association.

THE KERMADEC ISLANDS.

[Feoji Oi'R Own Correspondent.]

Russell, this day. The Govt. s.s. Stella, Captain Fairchild, which called here yesterday for coal sup plies, is bound for the Kermadec Islands which are to be formally annexed by New Zealand. The Stella has on board Messrs Percy Smith and Cheeseman, who are to make a survey of the islands,

THE TICHBORNE CASE.

EXTRAORDINARY STATEMENTS

PROBABLE KE-OPENING- OF

THE LITIGATION.

THE OSPEEVS PASSENGER.

(J3V TELEGRAPH. — OWN COKRESI'DNDEXT.)

Grey mouth, August 11. Rather remarkable news has been received in Kumara from Mr Edward Anchor j formerly Councillor of that town but now a resident of Sydney. Mr Ancher was in early life a seaman, and shipped at Capetown on May 27th, 1,854, on board tho schooner Osprey, bound, for Melbourne. On board tho schooner was a passenger, who said he had been picked up off a wreck off the coast of Brazil. The schooner arrived in Mel bourne, and this passenger went up the country. In 1572, Mr Ancher, then a hotel keeper in Kumara, saw by the papers par ticulars of the Tiehborne case, and wrote to the solicitors on the matter, but received no answer. He eventually went to reside near Sydney, and accidentally found out lately that a reply had been sent to his letter of 1872, but had been addressed '• Kumara Australia" instead of " Kumara.New Zea land. " He next got a letter from Mr Guild ford Orislow dated September 20th, 1878, asking him to make a statutory declaration in reply to 18 categorical questions relative to Osproy, its crew and passengers. He put the matter into the hands of a Sydney solici tor, who made a mull of the affair, and no further notice was taken of it; but last January he received a letter, dated South ampton, September 30th, 18SG, from a solicitor, which, after some travelling about, h'nally reached his present address. The writer urgently asked for his correct address, as an important letter sent him in 1885 had been returned with "Address not known" upon it. The writer asked him "in the sacred names of justice and humanity and in the names Df the late Mr Guildford Onslow and Sir Roger Tiehborne, to assist an innocent and lone: suffering man to estab lish his right." It desired him to make iirst a statutory declaration and forward it to Quartermaifle East, Esq., late Sheriff of London, and then come with all speed to England, for which ample funds were placed at Mr Anchor's disposal. It further stated that Mr John McClay, another seaman on board the Osprey, had seen and recog nised the Claimant as the passenger who was known on board the Osprey as Mr Tiehborne. Mr Ancher, who feels certain he will have no difficulty in identifying the passenger who was on tho Osprey if ever he meets him, has left for England, and promises to send to his friends full particulars of his interview with the once celebrated claimant.

ELECTION NOTES.

Mr! Fraser addresses fclie electors of Thames on Monday.

Mr Hobbs recently held a meeting at Mr TV H. Hirst's store, Hukerenui. There was a fair attendance of- settlers and diggers, and Mr Hobbs was well received, and a vote of confidence was carried by a large majority.

The electors of . Auckland North are invited to meet Mr Samuel Vaile at St. James's Hall to-night, when the candidate will speak on a variety of important topics as announced elsewhere, including some original proposals.

At Wellington last night, Mr Fraser, the former member for Te Aro, received a vote of thanks and confidence. He declared himself favourable to the Government and stringent economy, but objected to inter fere with' education, which was all the people got from the Public Works policy.

Wellington, this day.

Eieetoral rolls of Wellington are now complete. Thorndon shows 1,595 names against 1,639 ■;■ TeAro, 1,748 against 1,623 ; Wellington South (now including part of oldFoxton electorate), 1,460 against 1,764 ; and Wellington East, which is carried principally out old Wellington South, 1,482.

DATE OF THE ELECTIONS.

(BY TELEGRAPH. - OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. I hear that the writs for the general elec tions are to be issued on the 25th instant, and that the elections will take place on the 26th September.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs F. G. Ewington and G

Fraser, J.P.'s.)

Drunkenness.—Two persons were punished for this offence:

Alleged Lament as a Bailee.—William J. Stanes was charged with the larceny of timber and bricks, of which he was the bailee, the property of the Auckland Timber Company.—The case was remanded till Friday next. ■■

Alleged Fokgery.—James Balfourwas charged with feloniously forging and utter ing a cheque for L2 on the Kational Bank, purporting to be signed by Frederick Walker. — Elizabeth Liilcs deposed that prisoner called at the Victoria Hotel and asked her to cash a cheque. She at first de murred, but he assured her it was all right, and she eventually gave him L 2. The cheque was dishonoured.—David Duthie, accountant at the National Bank, deposed that prisoner came into the bank and said he was an old customer of the bank's at Timavu, where he had considerable funds to his credit. He wished him to cash . his cheque because he was anxious to pay for a farm he was buying. Witness declined to cash the cheque till he communicated. with Timaru, and in reply to his telegram received a message that James Balfour was good for L'2Bo. He, however, did not cash the cheque or place the L2SO to prisoners account, because he first wanted to have him identified by a reliable person. —Detective Herbert also gave evidence.—The prisoner admitted that he had forged the cheque, and he was com niitted for trial.

AN IMPORTANT NATIVE LAND CASE.

(by telegraph.— own correspondent.)

Wellihchfon, tliis day. An inportant land case will come before the Wellington Supreme Court at the October sitting. Mr Thompson, solicitor, has re. ceived instructions from the Ngatikanwhati trihe to issue a writ ogaiiwfc E. Alex Mc- Donald a well-known Pakeha Maori with a view of having his title to Awahuri block set aside, and the land vested in the tribe. Awahuri block is situated within six mile 3 of Palmers ton, and its value is stated to be about.L2s.ooo. Important issues will be involved in the proceedings, which will probably rake up historical associations as to the obstruction offered to the progress of Europeans in that part of the Island about 17 years ago,

PRESENTATION TO SUPERIN TENDENT THOMSON.

An Address and Purse of

over £]50.

A MEETING of citizens, for the purpose of presenting Supfc.Thomson with an illumina ted address and purse of sovereigns on the eve of his departure for Wellington, took place at four o'clock yesterday after noon, in the Chamber of Commerce room, New Zealand Insurance Buildings. There was a large attendance of sub scribers to the testimonial.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr Devore) pre sided, and in opening the proceedings read a letter of apology for non-attendance from MonsignorMcDonakl. The Mayor expressed gratification thatSupt. Thomson'sremovalto Wellington was a change in no wise detri mental to his future prospects. Ho left this city having as friends all whom he knew, and without a personal enemy. (Hear, hear). They had to admire the manner in which ho had performed his duties, favour ing nono and impartial to all. Mr Thomson had been here for eighteen years, during ten of which lie had been in command of the Auckland Police Force, and in that time complaints regarding tho police had been few and far between, and of a trivial charac ter. In the words of the Wellington Press, he would say ho hoped the loss of Auckland would be Wellington's gain, and that in duo course Mr Thomsons official position would be improved. He had great pleasure on behalf of the citizens of Auckland in pre senting tho following address:—

"To J. Bell Thomson, Esq. Dear Sir,— On behalf of the citizens of Auckland, wo desire to express our regret that the exi gencies of the service should have required of you to proceed to another district, after a residence among us of nearly eighteen years, during which time you have won the respect and esteem of all classes, both as a private citizen, and in tho fulfilment of the difficult and onerous duties of Superinten dent of the Police in this provincial district. We beg that you will accept of this address, with tho accompanying purse of sovereigns, as a memento of your connection with this city, and as an expression of our earnest wishes for the health .and prosperity of yourself and family in your new sphere of duty.—Signed on behalf of the citizens, A. E. Devore, Mayor ; A. H. Nathan, Chair man Chamber of Commerce ; John Lamb, Treasurer Testimonial Fund. Auckland, August 11, 1887."

The address, which was handsomely framed, had been artistically illuminated by Mr C. Palmer, of the " Herald" ofiice. The Mayor then added that the address was only part of what had been done, and he had now to fulfil the remainder of his pleasing task, which was to present Mr Thomson with a purse of sovereigns. The amount was over Llf>o.

Superintendent Thomson, in acknow ledgment of the presentation, said he felt painfully conscious of his own inability to do justice to their kindness and liberality. Ho thanked them from the bottom of his heart. If he had fulfilled his duty consis tently, honourably, and impartially, their kind expression of opinion regarding his ser vices was very grateful to him. He felt many pangs of regret at leaving Auckland. The lea ve-taking wou Id have been less difficult but for the unexpected expression of their good will. He hoped he would be as fortunate in his official relations in Wellington as he had been here. When he rounded the North Head eighteen years ago, he thought the view presented to him of Auckland and its suburbs one of the fairest scene.? he had ever looked upon, and he still thought so. He believed Auckland had a brilliant future before her, and it was there he hoped to end his days.

The Mayor called upon Mr J. C. Firth to say a few words. Mr Firth said he could only endorse what had been already said, and repeat his own and their regret at Mr Thomson's departure. When he remembered how Mr Thomson had held the balance between the teetotallers and the publicans and brew sinners — (laughter) — and the general public, making all toe the line, they would acknowledge that that officer had done his duty conscientiously, man fully, and well. (Cheers). He had to deal with that social danger, which now threatened all the cities of the Austra lian colonies—the larrikin element—and had done his duty. Some of the magis trates had also done their duty. But there were others who had not the courage to deal with this spawn of civilisation, if he might so term the larrikins, and if they could not do the duty required of them they should retire.

Mr R. C. Barstow humorously acknow ledged Mr Firth's compliment to the Bench, and the proceedings ended.

We append copies of letters which Mr Thomson has received from the Mayor of Auckland, the Town Clerk, and the Mayor of Newmarket.

" Auckland, August 10, 18S7. Sir,—On the occasion of your departure from Auck land for Wellington, it affords me unquali fied pleasure to bear testimony to the value of your services,freely rendered at all times, in assisting this municipality in matters brought under your notice, affecting civic government. In so stating, I believe lam fully warranted in remarking that my predecessors in office held the same high opinion of your personal worth and many excellent qualities as formed by myself. Wishing you continued success in your new position, allow me to subscribe myself, your obedient servant, A. Devore, Mayor. To J. Bell Thomson, Esq., Superintendent A.C., Auckland." . .

"Auckland, August 10, 1887. To J. Bell Thomson, Esq., Superintendent A.C., Auckland; Dear Sir,—The exigencies of the service demanding your transference to Wellington, allow me, on the eve of your departure, to tender you my thanks for the uniform courtesy with which all applica tions to you on municipal matters have been received, and to wish you every suc cess in your new sphere. I am, dear sir, yours most obediently, P. A. Philips, Town Clerk."

"Mayor's Office, Newmarket, Auckland, August. 11, 1887. J. Bell Thomson, Esq., Superintendent of Police, Auckland. Dear sir, —Allow me, on the eve of your depar ture, to convey to you my very great regret that the exigencies of the service should necessitate your removal from Auckland. The unanimous testimonial which, I under stand, is to be presented to you to-day from the citizens of Auckland, testifying to their appreciation of the marked ability and uniform courtesy that you have shown in your administration of your duties in the city, finds its echo in the suburb of New market, in which I, being its representative, heartily concur and fully endorse. Whilst feeling fully sure that Auckland's loss will be Wellington's gain, allow me to wish yourself and Mrs Thomson all the happi ness you deserve, combined with continued good health, and, in doing so, 1 can only say that, should it be your lot at any time to be removed to other fields from Wellington, 1 seel sure that you will carry with you the same high respect and esteem that you do now you are departing from us.—Believe me, dear sir, to remain yours very faith fully, W. J. Suiter, Mayor of Newmarket."

ADDRESSES BY POLITICAL LEADERS.

(BY TELEGRAPH— OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, this day.

Requisitions are in circulation inviting Sir George- Grey and Sir Julius Vogel to deliver addresses, and Mr Ballance will very probably occupy a platform in the city, shortly*

TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRA TION.

Ministers' Views en Prohibition.

(EY TELEGEAriI. — I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedjn, Thursday. A deputation of the New Zealand Alliance waited on Ministers yesterday, for the pur pose of ascertaining their views on pro hibition. Sir Julius Vogel sympathised with the object, but reminded the deputa tion tkat the revenue had suffered to a great extent, and temperance advocates should tell their people not to object to a little extra taxation. As to compensation, he felt it might be necessary in some cases to give it. Mr Larnach said if an Act authorising prohibition became law no com pensation should be allowed ; if existing licenses were cancolled under the present law they must givo compensation. People at the ballot bo:; ought to havo the right to declare whether or not the liquor traffic in their districts shoukd cease.

A demonstration in favour of the prohibi tion of the liquor traffic was held this even ing by total abstainers and the Salvation Army. The weather militated against a large attendance, but in the barracks a number of speeches were delivered. It was announced that the following candidates had returned answers favourable to the Alliance programme:—A. H. lloss, 0. J. Hodge, Gore, Dick, Chapman, and Sir K. Stout.

ALLEGED ASSAULT AND ROBBERY.

(by telegraph.— press association.)

Inveucargill, this day. Twoyoungmen, Arthur Harvey and Herbert Anderson, sons of well-known and res pected citizens, have been arrested on the charge of robbing, with violence, and the case has been remanded. It is alleged that they had been drinking- with sailors, whom they decoyed into a back street, and robbed.

LECTURE ON "PRUNES."

A vkry interesting lecture on " Prunes" was delivered by the Rev. A. McCallum at the Industrial Exhibition last evening. The attendance was, unfortunately, small Mr A. Bell occupied the chair. The lecturer first made a few remarks upon the usefulness of prunes, which were largely used in England when fresh fruit was out of season. The ordinary variety was largely cultivated in France, which until recently almost held a monopoly of prune produc tion. Perhaps the largest market for prunes was America, where millions a year are spent in the purchase of wholesome fruit. America was not yet able to supply her own wants in prunes, but by judicious pro tection of that industry he believed that she would very soon be able to meet her own requirements. For the year ending Juno 30, 1885, the importation of French prunes into the United States was 57,(531,830 lb. This was valued by importers for Customs duty at 2,147,505d01., or L 447,394. For the year ending June 30, 1880, the United States imported French prunes to the extent of (i4,995,<5481b, or say G5,000,0001b, or about 37,000 tons, valued at 2,025,595 dollars. This showed an increase in the importation of this one article of 7,363,7'2f)1b during last year, with a de crease of value of over 120,000d01. That is to say, the people of the United States consumed 7,5l»0,0001b mor« French prunes in 1886 than in any previous year ; and they got this increased supply cheaper on the market by L 27,290 stering in spite of the duty ! Now, what was ib that kept down the price of this important article of food to millions of families and plain or even poor people who like nice stewed pruneß? It was the home production that did it. And if it had not been for. this protective duty what price would the thousands of settlers who grow prunes have got for their crops ? With the whole produce.of France, with its cheap labour ready .to swamp the market, the entire produce of the Californian plan tations would just haverottedoi) the ground, as plums do in the Waikato, and thin great, newly-planted industry would be destroyed. Mr McCallum. next referred to the success ful cultivation of prunes in California during the last twenty years. The crop for 1885 was estimated at 1,875,0001b, and was worth about 4d per lb. Last year there was a less production by more than 250,0001b, owing to the dryness of the season, the rainfall being insufficient to mature a largo prune that would compete at a fai>* price with the increased and cheap importation. The area of fruit land devoted to prune-growing was being rapidly extended, reaching to many thousand acres. The quantity of this fruit sent to the drying process last year, I believed, was about 4000 tons, which would yield about 2,000,0001 be of dried prunes equal to the best Frencli. This would give the grower, at the low price of 4d, a return of L 33,000 or L34,0(f0, a nice little help, when other things fail, to the fruit-grower who does not put all his or her eggs into one basket—for ladies as well as the men sex werc'among the most successful fruit growers *in America. The lecturer then touched upon the culture and drying of prunes, which was explained in an interesting manner, and concluded by staling Miat though our climato would not produce the wines of Australia and Bor deaux, or vipen in perfection the luscious Muscatel like the sunny lands of Sonoma and Los Angeles, yet if such industries were protected, and we were not beggared with needless burdens, we could grow prunes and send our dried fruits to the million-peopled nations of the Orient, and exchange our products for the wealth of India and the spices of Oceana.

TELEGRAMS.

Thames, this day. The wife of Mr William Greenville, jun., died suddenly yesterday. Mr J. M. Walker will be a passenger for England by the Alameda on Monday in connection with the floating of the Union mine on the English market.

Snow Storm

Mastertojj, this day

There was a heavy fall of snow last night, covering the low hills each side of the valley. ° A continuance of this weather will be disastrous to early lambs in the district.

Napier, this day.

Professor Herbert gave another exhibi tion of sleight of hand at the Theatre Royal last evening. During the progress of the decapitation illusion a lady in the audience fainted, and had to be carried from the theatre. The Professor shows ab Hastings on Friday and Saturday, afterwards pro ceeding to Waipawa and Wr oodville.

New Plymouth, this day.

Charles A. Rogers, who was ariested last week at Lyttelton on a charge of forgery, was charged at the Police Court to-day and committed for trial.

■ The new roll for Greymouth is completed. It contains the names of 2,187 electors, as against 1,857 last year. It is anticipated that the supplementary roll will contain between 500 and 600 names.

INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL.

Canterbury v. Wellington.

(BY XiiLEOKATH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, Thursday. Tuerk was excellent weather for the match between Canterbury and Wellington to-day. Some 3,000 people found their way to New town Park. The Wellington players Avon the match, and more than held their own all through. Taken as a whole, the blacks' forwards were superior to their opponents, especially in the vigour with which they pursued the ball. The visitors seemed to fail in combina tion, and did not keep upon the leather nearly so well as the others, the con sequence being that the Wellington men several times broke clean away and carried the game before them half the length of the held. The collaring of the Wellington players was very good, and apparently better than that of their opponents, some of whom were rather weak in this depart ment. It unfortunately happened that just after the start of the game Helmore was hurt, and rendered useless for the remainder of the day. While in the act of catching the ball, King, the Wellington captain, fell upon him, crushing his brother skipper's ribs to such an extent that it would have been bettor had he given up his place. He played on, however, but was not able to do more than throw the ball in from touch, and of course the loss of his services had a material effect on his team. At the end of the spell King himself came to grief by colliding with Allardyce and splitting his forehead open, the force of the blow being so great as to cut through Allardyce's jersey and trousers and gash his hip. King was advised by a doctor to retire, but, like Hel more, he preferred to stay, merely chang ing places with Taiaroa on the wing; and extremely well he played, despite the ugly looking wound.

Helmore won the toss for Canterbury, and elected to defend the western goal, King kicking off from the eastern end. Afc the start, the local men gave their opponents a vigorous shaking up. Richards, the Canter bury fullback, kicked the ball against the advancing Wellington forwards, and they, seizing their advantage, pushed their way close up to the corner flag. After some vigorous scrummaging, Roberts saved his side by picking the ball from the feet of a couple of Wellington men, who were drib bling it over the line, and was pushed into touch in goal. This respite was nob of much advantage to the visitors, for the local forwards went headlong at the ball when it was kicked out, and forced it toward the other corner. There Taiaroa obtained a mark about three yards from the touch line, and Mclntyre, of the Poneke Club, who has established a reputation for kicking goals from difi'erentangles.but was supposed to have fallen off lately, justified the confi dence reposed in him by sending the ball fairly and truly over the centre of the bar. From a mark Franci3 had a place kick, but the ball fell short. The reds (Canterbury) then pub on a spurb, and dribbled close up to their opponents' line, where Helmore fell over the ball just when he seemed about to score. Another mark snapped ,up by Roberts gave Francis an opportunity for a second place kick, similar to Mclntyre's, and so well did he make the attempt that loud shouts of " goal" were raised. The ball, however, just went oubside the flag waving from the goal post. It was at this point that Helmore got hurt. Almost im mediately afterwards he gob a fair sbarb, and dodged all Wellington backs but one, when his strength failed him and he faltered ; still he passed the ball back, bub nebody was behind to take it, and it went into touch. Helmore would almost certainly havo got through, but for the squeeze which had taken all the strength out of him. A hurried pot shot by Francis sent the ball behind the blacks' line, VvKence Fairbrother, by a short spurt ending with a kick, took it up to the centre flag. The reds now had somewhat the best of the frequent scrummages, and in their efforts to clear their quarters some Wellington man kicked the ball over the heads of the forwards. Francis, ever ready, took it beautifully in mid-air, and with almost one and the same action drove it across the bar, at a distance of some 35 yards from the post. This dashing play was loudly cheered. The resumption of the game saw the Can terbury men still near the Wellington goal, whither Roberts, helped by some passing, carried the ball; bub Fairbrother again came to the rescue by knocking him into touch. From this time to the end of the spell the play was of an uninteresting nature, as the forwards kept the game pretty well to themselves, and there was little play bub a succession of scrummages.

Tho Wellington players on resuming came to the front, anil Richardson, with a smart punt, drove the ball down to Richards, who failed to take it cleanly, and only just saved himself by putting it into touch. Some close scrummaging followed in the reds' 2t5, out of which Mclntyre came through with the ball in front of him, but Moorhouse following behind, let drive at the rolling ball and sent it beyond the posts. Wilson and Fairbrother had a race for the possession of the ball, the former getting in tirst by a short head. King following up smartly, spoilt Allardyce's attempt at the kick out, but aided by some long kicking, the reds pushed Wellington back, and Francis attempted a pot at goal, which only rcsultedin sending the ball along the ground and forcing the local men down. Allardyce returned the ball from the kick out, and following his effort rapidly smothered the opposing backs. With a well-judged dribble Bean wended his way through the blacks close up to their goal line, causing a period of some excitement. The Canter bury forwards were too eager, and kicked the ball over the lino into Cooper's hands, where, much to the relief of local partisans, it found a secure resting-place. The Wel lington forwards responded vigorously to this effort of their rival, and charged lustily down the northern side. The visitors seemed momentarily panic-stricken, and so com pletely were they scattered by the rush that the van of the local men reached the goal line with scarcely a " red " man in sight, and four or five crossed the line together. At the last moment Francis made a brave effort to save his side without avail, and after a moment of indecision, caused merely by their inability to tell which of the numerous blacks had the ball, the umpires allotted the try to Storey. Mclntyre made a good effort at goal, but without luck. Emboldened by this success the Wellington men, playing with much spirit, especially in the loose game, kept their antagonists moving, and presently broke clean away again, and were only brought up at the goal line by someone throwing himself under their feet. A succession of hard scrummages momentarily threatened an addition to the score, and the suspense was only put at rest when the ball was driven into the hands of one of the blacks behind the line. Wellington at this stage were playing freely and boldly, and whenever they could get clear of the scrummages, had all the best of the game. The time- slipped away, and it was apparent that there was little chance of the result being favourable to the visitors until Bean, who all through played a very fine game, came out ahead with the ball at his toe. Sutherland was instantly by his side, and followed by several more reds, they passed from one to another with their feet in a manner that completely baffled the Wellington backs, and one by one the latter were evaded and a headlong race ensued for the goal. Sutherland attempted to pick the ball up in order to run in, but could not secure it, and it flew across the line, hotly pursued by a medley crowd of both teams. Here, as many a time before, the Wellington skipper's sprinting abilities stood him in

good stead, f and ' after 'an ' exciting chase, he came put triumphant. This was the most brilliant episode of the match, ■ and had both sides kept to the stylo of play it would both have been a more interesting game, and probably there would have been ! more scoring. The end being near, the. play became more open, Canterbury seeing' their only chance way to keep the ball' moving as rapidly as possible, and give their backs an opportunity of utilising their kicking powers. Allardyce, who in the early part of the match had scarcely ever had the ball, struggled hard without avail: and Francis in vain strove to get a clear chance: for a pot, but the collaring was too sure, and;. all such efforts were nipped in the bud ; so thab when "no side" was called the Wel lington score was not reduced, and they.' remained victors by four points to three. This evening the Canterbury team was. entertained at a smoke concert by the local Union. They leave to-morrow for Auck land. Helmore is confined to his bed, hia ribs being badly bruised, but not broken. King's injury was less severe than a»-. ticipated, and he has now recovered.

MR D. GOLDIE AND THIS BUR GESSES OF CITY SOUTH.

A large number of the ratepayers of City i South Ward attended at the Foresters' Hall last night, to hear Mr Goldie give an ac count of his actions during his past three: years' service in the City Council. Mr J. j M. Lennox was voted to the chair. Hej said that he wished more of the Councillors would meet the ratepayers face to face. I

Mr Goldie said that he had deemed ib; advisable to call the ratepayers together to explain matters, as next Tues-i day was nomination day. He referred! to the fact that he had previously served in the City Council. He didi not think that things had been im-i proved by the absorption of the suburban: districts by the city. Formerly Auckland: covered only 600 acres, but 1,100 additional! acres were thus added to the city. As! works were required, the result had. been that L 200,000 additional was borrowed and was apportioned amongst the wards, j Next January they would receive the last instalment of the loan — L 25,000. i That meant that in future every year; L 25.000 would require to be raised in thai city and forwarded to the Old Country as ■ interest. Then there would be L 2,250 peri annum for the sinking fund and L 375 for \ exchange. That meant that each yearl L 27,625 had to be sent Home inJ return for the loan. The endowments! returned Lll,ooo per annum. The rate able value of the city property was! L 358,067, which at a shilling rate returned'! L 17,903 7s per annum, just L 9.726 below^' the amount required to be sent Home.' Another Is in the £ was raised for general purposes. Last year, in order to meet the deficiency, the L 7.000 profit from tlie'j waterworks was absorbed, and L2,125.i The £ per cent. Sinking Fund was charged] to the general account. The three old wards paid L 27.042 9s 8d in rates,: while Ponsonby paid L 5,087, Karangahape L2,783,and Grafton L 1,738. By absorbing the profit from the waterworks the Con servation Fund was weakened, and as* a result, when repairs were required' to the plant, a fresh loan would be. necessary, instead of being drawn from the Conservation Fund. When he entered the Council in 1884 he found that L 10,004 9s 10s of the City South allocation had been expended, and he was sorry to say that a lot of that money had been spent in cutting up good macadamised roads for the pui> pose of getting a better grade for the^ Tramway Company. (Applause.) Air* Goldie then read a list of the works done in the South Ward during the last three years. 'He pointed out that in that time L 8,913 16s lid had been expended on 23 contracts, as against the L 10.004 9s, lOd in the forme* 11 'year1 expended: upon 9 contracts. Mr Goldie then devoted some time to reviewing the work done by him during his term ] of office. He believed that the ratepayers ! of the Grafton Ward could compel the \ Council to charge the cost of the Cemetery i Bridsre to the general account, instead of against the ward allocation, as the ex penditure had not been for either -drainage or road formation. In the City South; Ward he also held that fully L 4,000 had \ been wrongfully charged. Some of this was | for improving endowments. He considered • the endowment fund should defray the cost. At present the Auckland city en- j dowments were valued at L 275,800, return ing rent to the sonount of Lll,ooo, The speaker also referred to the extra taxation resulting from the Hospital and Charitable Aids Act. That had cost the city L 3.000: last year. Ifc was monstrous that each child at Kohimarama cost the Government L 23 per annum, just about double what the average working man's child cost. • The Government talked about retrench ment, but it simply meant that they had localised the matter by giving the City- Council the trouble and cost of supporting these institutions. He feared that in the future this would necessitate extra taxa tion. In order to reduce the cost of • charitable aids, they had commenced \ putting men to breaking stones. This had proved successful to the extent that, when the hammer was offered many of; the applicants did not return. (Laughter.) The Lock Hospital had in three years cost the ratepayers L 2,500. That was too much, and he had moved in the direction of hay-;. ing the institution stopped. Professor j Aldis and his good lady had also rendered j valuable service in that direction. He j had also assisted to get retrenchment in the administration of the Council fund. In con- *| elusion, Mr Goldie said that if they wished. to nominate him next Tuesday, he was will ing to stand, or if they wished him to retire he would be content. Mr Goldie then re plied to a few questions upon Council ad- i ministration.

Mr Dooninmoved that "themeetingaccord Mr Goldie a hearty vote of thanks, and also i that they have full confidence in him as the j future representative of the South Ward." j (Applause.) He thought that Mr Goldie de- j served special thanks for the manner in | which he had worked for the ratepayers of \ the South Ward. ' !

Mr Ussher seconded the motion

The Chairman then put the question to j the meeting, and it was carried unani- j niously with loud applause. j Mr Goldie briefly returned thanks, and! on his motion a vote of thanks was accorded! to the Chairman, after which the meeting I dispersed.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Hugo's Buffalo Min strels, 8. Boll's Buildings. Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 p m \ Olympia Hall, Grey-street-Skating Rink, open daily. Puni School—Mr E. Hamlin and Electors of Franklin South, 7.30. St. Peter's Church, Surrey Hills—Evangalistio Service 7.30 V.M.C.A.' Rooms—Entertainment, 7.30. HaU, Newton—General Meeting of Orangemen, St. George's Hall, Newton—Hon. J. A. Tole's Supporters, 7.30. Burns Club Room, Newton—Mr E. W. Morri son's Committee, 7.30. Drill-shed—Auckland, Ponsonby, and Waite mata Navals. 7.30. St. James's Hall—Mr S. Vaile and Electors of

Auckland North, 8. Choral Hall—Herr L. Tutschka's Concert, 8. | Museum—Professor Thomas on " Bird Life and

the Habits of Birds." 8. ; St. Sepulchre's Church—Commemorative Ser vice in celebration of the hundredth anniver-: sary of consecration of the first Bishop for Colonial Church, 7.30. < : . i o

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

August 13—Messrs 11, Gilfillan and J. Gilmoor '

titt AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1887,

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