i between Mr Knox, engineer T be disp^S Borough Council, and to & N*T «! bis commission on the 'It Conned ♦«"" h been referred to ■ AJ» ftt the p a l m erston ft *■*"& % £ndon, C.E., is acting &diDf ,ncU and Mr 0. Mays for Mr f°rtbeS JfrH- Keesing has been iei^Pj 6- y d in chambers this «r JuStl.futed probate in re Elizabeth mom!"?, gj^ P AHison> Henry Moss lWden' fjames Cragg Sharland (de- J< *t ye Powley v.lrvine and Heath. cease* 1)- *" "i pd «>,, Mr Rigby's apphca l^gfe Work's Depart ■^ '• r>ln<r numbers [in the AHTUnion I were 122 and 88. '*"" Tnnks and Co. will sell to-morrow, f t SfmarMo^ valuable property at fa^lT'cve, as stated in this morn ' ItJ?.Hemlcl"that the Free Trade and g^isoussion takes place th, even i^frSthl column of William F. J. Sis auction to-morrow. J" T A itken Connell lectured on « Home o f4Vtnsht before a large audience in iW-h H-ai Our report of the proceed [•liield over till to-morrow. "Sr Mr Connell, of Fiteroy, Melbourne, ',fL n written to, to ascertain if he a candidate for St David's S&S^Church, Auckland. ffltfGoßpd Temperance meeting held in L foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, ■ !° c i attended last Sunday evening. £r French presided. Addresses were Mr BJ[he Rev J. Lewis, minister of the fS^Siational Church, and Mr GBLilly, editor of the "Leader." ■ it'was stated at the meeting fof the rentable' Aid Board yesterday, m reply 2S£ ion put by Mr Udy, that amongst !J. iwrsons in receipt of charitable S is^ie ex-mother-iillaw of a bank SJJer but. that the law did not compel X? to rapport her. It was also asserted fc of a solicitor was !t in receipt of relief, and the matter was fi,Sd tole Charitable Aid Committee. We would draw our readers' attention to \A notice of meeting of " The Young New Kd Democratic Association '• in the Se Hall of the V.M CA. to-mght. Sesses will be delivered by Sir George Cv and Mr J. Aitken Connell. Admission Jy ticket only, which may be obtained as W advertisement. - The uraal weekly meeting of the St. 'James's Company Boys' Brigade will be Lid to-morrow evening ( Wednesday) _at 9100 m., instead of Friday, the hall being engaged that evening. A full attendance ufDiembers.is requested. , jfr G Towler took first and second TCizes 'Mr Quick third prize, for dark jjraluna hens, at the Poultry Show. 1 The House Steward desires us to thank Messrs McArthur and Co. for their present oione case of oranges for use of the pa tients. i The Committee of the Philharmonic Society, acting upon a suggestion in our 'columns, have very considerately decided to ipufc their concert back a week so as not to ;feh with that of the Ponsonby Choral [Society. i The " Evening Curtain " is to be intro duced into the houses of amusement in ftapier, Opotiki, Tauranga and other dis itricts on the East Coast during the month.

SIX JOHN BALL.

I'Candid Canterbury Critic.

jJaYIELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Chbistchurck, this day.' teChristchurch "Star" says:-"Those irKo hare watched Sir John Hall's political career with attention can come to no other conclusionthan that he has been one of the most selfish politicians to be found in th listory of New Zealand. With plenty of administrative ability and great powers of work, he has always devoted those r»re to the interests of a class, and always taken good care to be per sonally well, rewarded for his services. There is no public man who has less claim on the electors or public for past services, because he has always taken care that he cot his reward. In the Provincial Council »c generally managed to be a paid member tf the Executive, while he always took the greatest care-to look after the. interests of the run-holders, among whom he held a prominent place. When ou tof office he held Jor some years the paid position of Resi dent Magistrate. He has frequently been 4 member of the Executive in the As sembly, and wound up his career with ob taining the highest honour open to an ambitious colonist at the hands of the Colonial Office, knighthood. The leopard cannot change his spots. The electors of Selwyn may rely on this, that if Sir John fisll gets into the Assembly and leads the Opposition, he will, as heretofore, look after-first the interests of the property polders, and next his own. He will cer teinly prefer class interests to those of the

TELEGRAMS.

J Napier, this day. criminal sessions of ihe Supreme opened to-day. There are five cases calendar—the only important ones '^peing a charge of perjury and one of steal in? two cases of rimu from the .wreck of the top Northumberland. '

-TiMARir, this day. * ™an was charged at the R.M. Court yesterday with laying poisoned grain in a men in the borough. It transpired that 4e man was a gardener, and had obtained *>c gram from the Road Board to kill Wiw. He had also notified the The Bench convicted him warning but inflicted no fine and only re- S hlm to pay the expenses. He asked •Wto was to do for self-protection, as his &Tt' rava Sed by sparrows. The Wnch declined to advise.

. : Sheep - Stealing. Uarges of stealing (1) five and (2) six to^L 6 rnninS ton Station, Paoroa, fern- a Bullock drive named Thomas i«Sk« ° w heard- A mate of sndE»ff , e-lnformation' which led to the •""""R oi skms on Terry's premises.

■j, Chrtstchurch, this day. kpbKr *?l mston has given judgment WHS!"^ a? tsonJ^er v. Aynsley *m& decla«ng Mr Fryer to be '•**«* New Zealand Ship- Board of Directors. Mr t appeared for defendant, ob- WeX^Jf* 1 Thecase arose out ¥ Kf T St£^ nnual meeti"S. when LVj Coster was elected a todMrJW, nofc aid a Previous call, * W'2 7f° T as defeated> claimed "* BhS iI T& el?, ctedj aiid fchafc fche >way. 6 en for Mr Coster were thrown

»4 BW" to world to regulate tt *V>lo sS,W^tion and stim«- Sfe s?° •» W» !,n' utll, <lnd soberness ?■*• tang fclS'^onipanys Hop •,, ;:» w.perfect,andhanniess, See,

MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE AT PONSONBY.

Mr W. S. Pulford Found Dead

in a Field

iSoME excitement was caused in the city last night when ib was reported that tbe well-known news agent and press man, Mr William Sylvester Pulford, had been discovered lying Head in a pad dock at Ponsonby. The deceased was first discovered by two youths named George Ketterns and Frank Kelly. They were passing along Ponsonby Road about 9 o'clock at night, and when near ■the Roman Catholic Church, which has been recently erected in what is known as Tole's Paddock, they saw by the light of the moon the body of a man near the church fence. Two boys named Walter Flicker and Alfred Fielder were also at hand. Upon getting through the thorn hedge they discovered that the man was dead. Information was at once conveyed to Con stable Graham', whoupon arrivingrecognised the well-known features of Mr Pulford. The body was quite warm, but life was ex tinct. From the position of deceased he appeared to have simply laid down to sleep, "and apparently had died with out a struggle, as there were no marks whatever upon <,' the body. Constable Graham procured a vehicle, and removed the body of deceased to his residence in Cumin-street;.' Upon making the usual examination, Constable Graham found upon She body, a packet of private letters, and also a packet of hydrate of chloral. This had not been touched, and was labelled "Poison" in large red letters, as required by the Act. It is known that de ceased was in the habit of taking this medi -1 cine. Naturally the sad end of Mr Pulford was a terrible shock to Mrs Pulford and the other members of the family, and great sympathy is felt' for all concerned, more ■especially by those who remember that about a year ago Mrs Pulford lost her third son in an equally, sudden manner, he being drowned by the capsizing of a boat in the harbour.

Mr Pulford was about 5G yeai's of age. He leaves a widow and. two sons to mourn their loss. The eldest son is Mr W. H. Pul ford, the scenic artist; the second is Mr E. Pulford. The deceased was a nephew of George Cruickshank, the celebrated artist and Temperance advocate, and brother-in law of Creswick, the landscape painter. Mr Pulford left his home yesterday ;morning apparently in good health and spirits. He stated that he would not be back to dinner, as he intended visiting a friend in Parnell, who had lately come from Australia. William Smith, driver of the 6 o.'clock tram-car, remembers Mr Pulford being a passenger to Ponsonby. He appears to have got off about the top of Franklinßoad,as he went in Mr Bloomfield's chemist shop, and there purchased the packet of hydrate of chloral at 10 minutes to 7 o'clock. As this package was untouched, it is probable- that the deceased also took a dose during the intervening time. He must have next proceeded to. Tole's paddock, and feeling overcome by drowsiness, probably lay down to sleep—a; sleep from vhicn he never awakened in this world. A man named George Harriss, who was passing the spot a little after 7 o'clock, states that he heard a mars snoring a[tthe other side of the hedge, but did not trouble to inquire further into the matter, no doubt thinking that it was some "drunk" sleeping off.his potationsi _ How long Mr Pulford remained sleeping prior to death supervening,of course, cannot be ascertained. He was found^ dead at 9 o'clock, and at that hour the body was still warm. Mr Pulford has had a chequered career, in fact his life would make a readable book. In the early days of the Victorian go-ld.fields he joined the g6ld escort as a cadet. In 1853 he went up to the Bendigo diggings in command of 28 troopers, of whom Detective Walker was a member. It was at the time' of the licensing riots. Mr Pulford was then still a cadet, but sub sequently he was appointed a sergeant in the force. Later on he turned up as a de tective at Adelaide. He was married at Perth, and subsequently was engaged in explorations in South Australia with Har- greaves. He then commenced to con tribxite to the Australian "'press, and was also the author of some dramas. Mr Pulford next came to this colony and settled in Auckland. When the " Ob server " started he resumed his connec tions with the press, and became manager of that journal. Latterly he became a news-agent and managerof the " Creditors' Mutual Protection Association." He was also preparing a hand-book of the New Zealand Parliament, which was to contain short biographies of the .members. a , .

It will no doubt be remembered that some years ago, when Dr. Payne, the cele brated American shootist, was in Auckland, Mr 'Pulford narrowly" escaped death" while standing in the Opera House as a target while Payne fired at an apple placed upon his head.. . The thing did not' come off quite right, and the bullet scored a line along the surface of the cranium. Since that time jMr Pulford has never been the same man. About a year afterwards he fell down in a fit in Ponsonby Road. He received prompt medical treatment, and apparently recovered all right. He has, however, repeatedly been seized since then with what appeared tp .have been: mild epileptic fits. During the last few weeks he has been receiving* medical attention from both Dr. Hainesarid Dr. Leger Erson. A gentleman met the deceased yesterday at about 10 a.m. at the corner of Queen and Wyndham-streets, and after a hearty shake hands, Mr Pulfbrd began recounting some of his former experiences in Victoria, with considerable warmth and energy. ' He said he was once announced in the press as a medical man, and it was in this way : He and a party of gentlemen were invited to go onboard a man-o'-war which visited their port, and after assembling on boWd, the visitors began to scan everything around, but Mr Pulford satdown in the-cabin and had 'a smoke, while his friends looked at what was new to them. He had scarcely sat down in the cabin when he noticed a 'gentleman coming down- the stairs, and he appeared to be trembling, and then he sank down towards the floor. Mr Pulford rah towards'him, and was just in time to catch him, as he threw up his head and'expired in his grasp. He referred to it as a case of awfully' sudden death. He (Mr Pulford) then sefe to, in the presence of the company, to arrange the body of the dead man,:by tying his feet together and otherwise arranging liis person. Thosewhoreported the affair announced that a medical man^vas on" board, and every care was paid at the time to the stranger. I The friend yesterday also referred to the, narrow escape Mr Pulford had from being shot some time ago. Mr1 Pulford said that persons having heart disease may appear • to", -haye1 fine health, and might' fall downf at1 any moment. It was rather singular that Mr Pulford should thus be referring to sudden deaths, and himself a victim ere 12 hours passed away. He appeared; in very good health and in excellent spirits. Mr Pulford was a member of theWasonic Order, and as an old Past-Master will no doubt be given a Masonic funeral. The Rev. Mr Calder, incumbent of All Saints' Anglican Church, upon hearing of the sad occurrence,! at once proceeded to Mrs Pull ford and broke the sad tidings to hep as gen tly-as. possible. '*<*«a*r %+„*? . At 2.30 to-day an inquest was held at Sandford's Hotel. Dr. Philson officiated as coroner. A jury of six was empeanelled. The evidence of witnesses ia being taken as we go to preas.

ELECTION NOTES.

A meeting of Mr C. S. Wright's Commit tee will be held in Mr Swales's shop.corner of King-street and Jervois Road, to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock.

Mr E. W. Morrison's first address to the electors of Auckland West is announced for Friday evening next. A meeting of his committee and supporters takes place to morrow (Wednesday) evening lib the Burn's Club Hall, Karangahape Road.

Mr Moss's Committee held their first meeting at the Presbyterian School at Par noil last evening. About thirty gentlemen, reoresenting all parts of the district, at tended. The Committee expressed great confidence in their candidate's success. It was decided that Mr Moss should again meet the... electors as soon as halls could be obtained. Also to _ obtain some convenient place in which the roll could be inspected, and those de siring to register could do so. The meet ing lasted till half-past 10. Due notice of the "meetings and of the arrangements for inspection of the roll wiirbe given

A meeting of influential electors of Mana kau was held at the Epsom Hall last even-, ing with reference to the candidature of Mr Osborne for the Manakau seat. No de cision was arrived at, but it was agreed that Mr Osborne should meet the electors at the Newmarket end of tlie district, and if then it was considered that he had a fair chance of success he would announce himself. Mr Suiter, whohadalready refusodseyeralde putations, was agairi waited on this morn' ing and urged to accept nomination and we,- have the best authority for stating that thfere is now every probablity of his acced ing to the request.

The followidg^ telegraphic correspondence has passed with Major Atkinson : —"The Hon. H. A. Atkinson, Hawer.a. Requisi tion to you with seven hundreds signatures citizens Auckland requesting you address public meeting here will be forwarded per Gairlock to-morrow morning. Much obliged if engagements permit if you can fix date and reply to me.—George Willianm Binney, New Plymouth, 29th July." "George William Binney, Esq., Auckland". Much regret cannot visit Auckland sometime, engagement preventing. Upon receipt requisition will reply.—H. D. Atkinson.

Franklin North

Mr F. Lawry addressed the electors in the Woodside schoolroom last night, about 70 persons being present. Mr McCloud presided. The address was listened to very attentively, and at the close a number of questions were answered satisfactorily. A a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was accorded the candidate.

Franklin South

Mr Hamlin addressed the electors at Mercer on Thursday and on Friday evening the electors of Franklin South in the Mahgatawhiri Valley School. There was a good attendance. Mr Shackell presided. Mr Hamlin spoke at length, and at the conclusion several questions were asked and answered. A vote of thanks to the speaker and the chairman brought an interesting meeting to a close. On Saturday Pokeiio* was visited by Mr E. Hamlin, who had arranged to address a meeting of the electors'Oi Franklin South in the Pokeno Hill School. There was a large gathering. Mr W. H. P. .Evans was voted to the chair; and briefly introduced Mr'Hamlin, who addressed the meeting for two hours, and at the con clusion several questions were asked t>y the Messrs Ewing, Douglas, and others ; and on the motion bt Mr A. Douglas, a vote of thanks for the address ajid confidence in ■Mr Hamlin as the only fit and suitable per son at present in the field to represent the district of Franklin South was carried unanimously. Mr Hamlin spoko with a freshness and vigour which did him credit. On the motion of Mr Hamlin, a hearty vote of thanks-was accorded to the Chairman.-^ ---(A Correspondent).

Bay of Islands

Hikuranoa, this day.

Mr Hobbs held his first meeting here last night, and had a very flattering recep tion. He received an unanimous vote of confidence, every hand being held up for it, accompanied with the heartiest ac climation. He impressed on hisihearers the unmistakably serious,aspect oi tihe colony's financial position. Replying to questions, he said he could not hold out any hope hope in the meantime of getting any special vote for roads and bridges in the face of the urgent necessity, for retrenchment. The electors must be prepared to deny them selves at least for a time if retrenchment was to be gone about honestly. The issue before country was 'whether the present Government should remain in power to which meeting distinctly answered "No."

Paeroa, this day

Mr J. B. Whyte, the late member for Waikato, is now canvassing the'electors at Turua, which! is located in the^Waitoa section of the electorate. •

Hawera, this day.

Major Atkinson's Opponent

Mr McGuire addressed a meeting; of elec tors last night, when there was a large attendance. He received a vote of confi dence by, a large majority, and a resolution was passed that the meeting had no confi dence in Major Atkinson. Mr McGuire ad vocated retrenchment and liberal land laws, and opposed interference with the educa tion'vote. '

J*. Christchurch, this day.

It is understood that Mr Hulbert will re tire : from, tjhe contest for Christchurch South, not being eligible, as he has, si, Go vernment contract for supplying caps to the police. Mr Pearson addressed a large meeting at West Oxford last night. He strongly con demned th,e Government.for extravagance, and advocated radical retrenchment. He received a unanimous vote of confidence. Sir. Julius Vogel left for Dunedin* this morning.

MINING NEWS

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Caledokian. — The trial crushing from the big reef in the Red Queen (section yielded at the rate of about Bdwts pet load, and the manager now intends to keep ten stampers .going on quartz from this lode for a fortnight in order to accurately ascertain its- value. . .The trials from the, intermediate level between No. 2 and 3, and the specimen, hangingwall leader, were? scarcely payable.ll • New Manukatj.—There is a noticeable improvement in the prospects of this mine, which is under the able management of Mr Sijmtn, and is worked'from the Waiotahi shaft.' Stopihg has been' commenced on the reef at No. 4 level which has just, been opened up, and there is a vast supply 6f quartz available which should yield well. ;■ When breaking down yesterday (Monday) afternoon, the satisfactory haul /of .2Qlbs.; picked stone was ob tained, while colours and dabs of gold were freely- discernable through the general dirt. Crushing is now proceeding and is shaping for. a good return. r Cleaning up will" probablyV take place in a day* or two. • Saxon*.—A-new reef has beencut beyond the last break at No 4 level, in which nice colours of gold have been seen. The manager also secured 251b picked stone from No 4 and 5 8top«8-»t N9 4 level yesterday after-

SUPREME COURT.

(Yesterday Concluded),

Civil Sessions. (Before His Honor Mr Justice Ward.)

Henry Albert Holland Hitchens v. Frank Winter.— Action for taking of ac counts, etc.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr J. M. Alexandei for the defendant.—Mr Cooper said the statement of claim set forth that in June, July, September, and October, 1883, the plaintiff delivered to the defendant a large quantity of Blood Restorer to sell, as agent for the plaintiff, and for which he was to account. The defendant, prior to the 15th of May, 1884, sold large quantities of this medicine, but had not accounted to the plaintiff for the proceeds. On that date the plaintiff became a bankrupt, and his estate was vested in the Official As signee, but this bankruptcy was annulled on the 17th of July. The statement of de fence inferentially denied the receipt of the merchandise, and set out special facts in respect to it. It set forth that defendant, on behalf of himself and one Pierce Lanigan, had advanced to plaintiff the sura of L 220, and the proceeds of the sale were to be de voted-to the liquidation of that advance. Mr Lanigan proved in the estate as a cre ditor for L 147. The whoL matter, how ever, turned upon a point of law, that the parties had resolved to submit to His Honor's decision, which would deter mine the matter. If decided adversely to the plaintiff he would consent to the taking of accounts by the Registrar. If, however, it were decided in the plaintiffs favour, judgment, would be given for the amount claimed. A deed of composition was made under Section 188 to 197 of the Act. Under Section 190 the Court, if satisfied that the deed was in con formity with the composition, approved of it, and directed that it should be tiled in.the Court, and that the bankruptcy should be annulled, and the deed should be binding in all respects. And the property' of the bankrupt should rest and be dealt with under the deed. The Court was satisfied, and directed that the deed should bo entered and filed, but there was no. assignment of the property in thedeedof composition. The point of law raised for His Honor's decision was this : —Where there is a deed of composition, and whore the former debtor claims his estate, must he claim by virtue of the provisions of the deed of composition, and not otherwise ? or can he claim through a subsequent assignment by the Official Assignee? In this case there was no assign ment in the deed, and the plaintiff claimed under a subsequent assignment from the Official Assignee.—Mr Cooper argued that under the Act the plaintiif had a right to sue, the provisions of clause 92 not.applying to this case.—Mr Alexander, for the de fendant, contended that the deed of com position must deal with tho property, and unless it did so, the Assignee had no power to deal with the estate. He submitted that tho property was still vested in the Official Assignee, notwith standing the deed. It seemed to them that this Court had no power to deal with the matter, but that it must be dealt with by the Court of Bankruptcy.—His Honor said that he was not prepared to say that when a deed had been approved by the Court he should now hold that because there was no proviso in the deed re-vesting the estate in the bankrupt, it must necessarily be bad. It appeared to him that clause 92 did not apply. In this case, he thought he must hold that the assignment of the Official Assignee to the debtor was in conformity with the pro visions of the deed, and the estate of the bankrupt was consequently vested in the plaintiff. He, however, thought that, strictly speaking, a deed of composition should contain an assignment of the estate. On the application of Mr Cooper an order for account was made, the conduct of the case being left with the plaintiff, and the question of costs reserved.

A POLITICAL SERMON.

A Gloomy View of New Zealand

Political Morality.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Wellington:, this day. In the course of a sermon at Wesley Church, the Rev.- L. Mi Isitt, after dcs

canting upon • the general spirit of diplomacy which pervades all circles at the present day, asked how many .were there amongst our legislators, or amongst those who are now wooing the suffrages of the electors, who would dare to stand upon the platform and give their utterances upon public matters according to their innermost convictions, and not influenced by a desire to catch votes ? Why, he con tinued; our political dishonesty has become such a matter of course that it is a standing joke, and who is there that has not cracked his joke at the expense of the log-roller and axes to grind. No ;we were now so lost to all sense of political shame that in the capi tal of the colony a man dared to publicly assign as a reason why he was fit to repre sent the electors that he was pre pared, in their interest, whenever there was a political swindle going on to bo in the swim. Instead of that statement calling fortha cry of indignation from one end of the land to the other, it hardly called forth a feeble protest, because every man who had brains knew that it was thoroughly in harmony with, and thoroughly consistent with, the existing state of political lite. As one of our lead ing merchants told him the other day, the man was foolish, not because he pur posed thus, but because he gave public utterance to that which every more skil ful politician secretly determined. The atmosphere of political life was so liberally charged with misrepresen tation, deceit, falsehood, and fraud, that if a man who was incorrupt in his purposes determined upon a public life he needed all the strength of a giant, soul, and all the grace the Almighty could, give, to keep out of the swim when political swindles were being perpetrated. New Zealand to-day wanted not smart financiers, not glibe speakers, not clever politicians who think that they are serving the country arid con stituencies, when in the game of grab they can secure the larger slice ior their own town or electoral; district ; but men pf honour,, men who are -■ deter mined to be true, whether they sink or swim, men who will dare to. tell the truth to those whom they would fain represent. The rev. gentleman asked those who as pired to civic or Parliamentary positions to determine that they would value truth more than place or anything else. If it were true, which he doubted, that we had reached such a state that a man could only obtain political power by lying words and actions, then in God's .name let them be true to themselves, and recognise that in the long run they would serve the country better by protests which they could in dividually put forth than if they occupied office for years as the result of moral chic anery., n . '. -.: '' ('• -

SPORTING NEWS.

The Stallion Sword Dance.

(SPECIAL.)

Londox, August 1

The blood horse Sword Danco, recently purchased for the New Zealand Stud Com pany, has been shipped by the direct steamer Aorangi, for Auckland.

THE MELBOURNE CUP FORFEIT.

(reuter's telegram.)

Melbourne, Monday. The first forfe.it for the Melbourne Cup fell due to-day; The following are the horses left in :— :' st lb stlb Trenton ... 9 9 Whakawai ... 612 Nelson ... 9 9 The Tinman 6 12 Trident ... 9 8 Nor'-easter ... 6 12 Lwtiomy ... 810 Mentor ... 612 Disowned ... 8 8 Affluence ... 611 Arsenal ... 8 8 Remus ... 6 11 Sardius ... 8 7 Phaon ... 6 11 Spade Guinea 8 6 Wall Eye ... 611 Lord Wilton 8 4 Too Soon ... 610 Fryingpan ... 8 4 Kenneth ... 610 Silvermine ... 8 3 Plutarch ... 6 10 The Jewel ... 8 3 King of West 610 Ringmaster... 8 2 Aberdeen ... 6 9 Merrimu ... 8 0 Escutcheon... 6 9 Abner ... 8 0 Oakleigh ... 6 8 Bohemian ... 7 13 Lara 6 8 Ben Bolt ... 712 Richworth ... 6 8 Pasha ... 712 Emerald ... 6 8 Industry ... 712 Burrikla ... 6 8 Dunlop ... 712 Algerian ... 6 7 Kitawa ... 7 11 Discovery ... 6 7 All Gold ... 7.10 Dividend ... 6 7 Bravo ... 7 9 Mennoti ... 6 6 Crossfire ... 7 9 Silver ton ... 6 6 Thunderbolt 7 8 Tomboy ... 6 6 Lord William 7 7 Pakoha ... 6 6 Hortense ... 7 7 Bedouin ... 6 5 Abercorn ... 7 7 Tranter ... 6 5 Recall ... 7 5 Whitebait ... 6 5 Matador ... 7 4 Bangle ... 6 5 Cairo... ... 7 4 Moorebank .. 6 4 Mozart ... 7 4 St. Paul ... 6 4 Yabba ... 7 4 Stamford ... 6 4 The Levite ... 7 3 Jebusite ... 6 3 Silver Prince 7 3 Fair Saxon ... 6 3 Rufus , ..7 3 Rosewood ... 6 2 'Frisco ... 7 3 Bowmont ... 6 2 Niagara ... 7 3 Gasconade ... 6 2 Sextant ..7 3 Too Too ... 6 2 Moorhouse ... 7 3 The Charmer 6 2 Meteor ... 7 2 Master Jack... 6 2 First Consul... 7 0 The Queen ... 6 2 Willeroo ... 7 0 Peeress ... 6 2 Impulse .... 7 0 Playboy ... 6 2 Morock ... 6 13 Plenipo ... 6 1 Sumatra ... 613 Marl borough 6 1 Newmaster ... 6 12 Oxford ... 6 1 Enfilade ... 612 Sydney ... 6 0 Colenso ... 6 12 Liz/ie ... C 0 Peabody ... 612 Stripe ... 6 0 Carlyon ... 6 12 Westbourke... 6 0 The Australian 612 Rupertswood 6 0 Peer ... ... 612 , Branchioneda 6 0 Cranbrook ... 0 12 The horses scratched to date are • Master John, Salvo, Krupp, Rosamond, Enlield Wentworth, Abuse, Sheet Anchor, Phy' sician, David, Mana, Louise, Pastoral Grace Darling, Empress, Fernandez, Ettie' Shark, Little John, The Pencil, and Metal'

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

Annual meeting.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Racing Club was held yesterday afternoon at the office of the Club, Durham-street Mr Thomas Morrin presided, and there were also present Messrs K. Kirkwood, P. Lanigan, H. P. Barber, J. Dickey, Twohill, A. K. Taylor, T. Stephens, Colonol Fraser, Captain Daveney, L. D. Nathan, R. Brown ing, D. J. McLeod, etc.

Report.—The annual report and balance sheet was then read by the Secretary, Mr Percival, as follows :—ln laying the annual statement of accounts before you I have to congratulate you upon the prosperous con dition of the club, although like everything else we have had to tight against the wave of depression at present passing over the whole colony. .During the last 12 months the club has dispensed in stakes the sum of L 7.930, an increase of LBOO for the year. The receipts for the year have been very much less than' last, especi ally in the matter of gates; the receipts last year amounted to L 2,528, against L 1,980 this year ; there was also a falling off of L 420 in the totalisator, but an increase of LI 08 for grandstands. The profits of the different meetings tot up to L 2,350 against L 4.200 last year. Your grandstand has been finished at a cost of L 1,918 over and above the amount held in hand at our last annual meeting. L 550 has 'also been spent in improving the scraping sheds, totalisator offices, etc. During the year your committee commenced the tan gallop so long urgently demanded by all owners and trainers; a sum of L 966 has already been paid, and by the middle of the present week the gallop will be 'ready for the first coating of tan. When this is completed, your committee are hopeful that one of the best gallops in New Zealand will be available in all weathers. Your committee have deemed it advisable to alter their rules in accordance with the rules in force all over New Zea land ; a special general meeting is called for the purpose of adopting them, which will be held immediately after the annual meeting. In terms.of rules the following gentlemen retire : Messrs' L. D. Nathan, F. \V. Marks, J. Kirkwood, A. Buckland, J. M. Clark, and P. Lanigan, who are eligible and offer themselves for re-election. The balance-sheet showed :—Dr.— To creditors, L 479 17s 8d ; creditors secured, LIO,OOO ; overdraft at bank, L2.42617s 4d ; distressed jockeys'clubfund, L2611252d; nominations; Great Northern Derby, 1888, L 69 ; Great Northern Derby, 1889, L 72; Foal Stakes, 1888, L 73; Foal Stakes, .1889, L6s'; St. Leger, 1888, L 72; St. Leger, 1889, L 5 4; Guineas, 1888, L 67 ; Champagne Stakes, 1888, L 49. Dependencies—Great Northern Derby, 1887-8, L 750; Foal Stakes, 1887-8, L 30 0; St. Leger, 1888, L 30 0; Champagne' Stakes, 1888; L 30 0; Leger, 1889, L 30 0; Guineas, 1888, L 200; Jkeat Northern. Derby, 1888-9, L 750; Fd|l Stakes, 1888-9, L 300: Total, L 34.914 12s 3d. Cr.—By, debtors, L51014s 8d ; unpaid subscriptions, L 300; racecourse, L 17.447 9s 2d; new grand stand, L 9,117 4s 2d; Derby stand, L 1,949 2s ; totalisator, L 268 14s 9d ; furni ture, L3OB 10s; working plant, L 417 7s1 6d; Savings Bank, L 155 2s 2d; im provements, L 26 12s; tan gallop, L 966 12s; suspense, LSO; cash, Li 97 3s lOd ; dependencies per contra, L 3,200 :: Total, L34,91412s 3d. The profit and loss account was as follows: Dr. - Secretary's salary, L 350 ; handicai^per's salary, L 15 0; wages, L 361 14s 6d ; office rent, L 75; charges, L 539 10s 9d ; insurance, L 4 3; caretaker's salary, L3B; interest,L7l9los3d; balance, L 969 4s 9d: Total, L 3.245 0s 3d. Cr.— Members' subscriptions, L 753 10s ; training fees, etc., L 142 16s; spring meeting, L 66 5s Id ; summer meeting, L2,037.16s 7d ; autumn meeting, L 179 16s j winter meet-: ing, L 65 16s 7d : Total, L 3,245. 0s 3d;—; Mr Browning asked if there was a list of thedebtors of the club.—The Secretary said "No." —Mr Browning also asked whether there was not a list of the unpaid sub scriptions, which totalled L 300.— The Chair man asked if Mr Browning wished the meet ing adjourned until the list was prepared. —Mr Browning said he 'wquld like to see who the 60 subscribers were who had not paid, It was genially those who did nob

"part" who had the most to say.—The Chairman said the members would see from the report thab the Club' was in a nourish ing condition. Their property was valued by" the' Government ab LIB.OOO. The ap pertenances. of the course were all complete with the exception of the tan for the gallop, which would be laid shortly. When that was done, there weuld not be a more complete course in the colony. He, of course, thought that the subscriptions should have been collected, but they always had come in hitherto, and he had no doubt that they would again. He moved the adoption of the report.— Col. Fraser seconded the mofcion,which was carried.

Election of Committee.—The retiring committee were re-elected, with the excep tion of Mr McLaughlin, whose place on the Committee was taken by Mr A. Buckland.

Metropolitan Racing . Rules. — The next business was the question of adopting the Metropolitan Rules of New Zealand in place of the Auckland Racing Club rules. Col. Fraser formally moved the rescinding of the A.R.C. rules, and the adoption of the Metropolitan rules. This was carried unanimously, but that the following rules of the A.R.C. rules con tinue in force, 135, 136, 138 and 146. These rules regard the licenses of jockeys and the Distressed Jockeys' Fund.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman con eluded the business.

BISHOP NEVILLE AND THE STATE SCHOOLS.

Gross Charges Against the

System

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, thfs day. Bishop Neville, in the course of a vigorous onslaught on the education schema, said: "It is all very well for the State to stamp out competition and then, when the system could nob be put alongside of anything else in order that comparison might be insti tuted, to declare it was perfect. It was all very well for the State to do this, but might not this action of the State after all be fraught with the most terrible conse quences to the nation at large?, For were we not preventing the fertilisation of those best seeds which should produce the noblest fruits on the subject which was to be educated; and if we were doing this, then he said we might boast ourselves as we liked of the perfection of the system. We might call it beautiful and systematical, and the like. It was not very difficult to make a system, systematical if we only took into account someone or other of the attributes that we had to deal with, and left out everything else. If we took only that portion of a child Which was de scribed by its mental attributes and culti vated them, and them alone, and neglected its spiritual character, we might make this system beautiful and systematical. But if so we injured the child individually, and if we injured many of the children we injured the State, becauseit was certain that if here was anything spiritually connected with a child and with God's own word they were doing an injury in the highest possi ble degree—nay, to the extent of the com mission of a crime. (Loud applause.) After complaining of the defects of system, and inveighing against the want of respect on the part of the boys, he said he wished that was the.worst that he could say, but also he was told on authority he could not deny to be authoritive and complete, that in the minds of the young girls of this country there was a want not only of such "modesty as wo desired, but a knowledge of evil- and an allowance of evil, that exhibited itself in ways the most dis grosting. ■Jfoiwas-oot speaking of his own knowledge but on testimony which he could not but admit. There was evidence of these 6hing« written,/!!-not spoken by the girls and this risinggeneration. Where he heard such things and was bound to believe them, he could not but bo appalled at the condi tion into which we were drifting.

Mr Jago, Chairman of George-street Committee, makes a firm and vigorous protest against the Bishop's charge, saying: — "Seeing the charge is such a serious one, I should have thought that His Lordship, before giving to it the weight of his authority, would have taken the best means at his command for ascer taining whether or riot it is well founded. I do not profess to have more than an ac quaintance with the public schools of this city, but as far as tha.t know ledge goes I venture to say that the bishop's charge will- not be against the great bulk of the girls attending them. There are, we know, black sheep in every flock, and it may be that there are among the 2,000 or so girls attending the city schools some whose behaviour and morality are far from what they should be, but these cases are very few, and if they were enquired into it might, perchance, be found that they are traceable directly to the laxity, if not entire absence of pai-ental control. The girls in our schools to day, who in a few years will be the mothers of another generation, are, taken altogether, quite as moral and pure minded as their mothers, and I am convinced that if the worthy bishop makes inquiries himself he would be obliged to admit the correctness of my conclusion, and will withdraw an imputation that is abso lutely foundationless.

Meeting of Inspectors and Teachers.

AN EMPHATIC CONTRADICTION.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. At the invitation of the Star the School Inspectors, teachers, and principals of city and country schools met last night to discuss Bishop Neville's address. Without exception they gave an emphatic denial to his statement, and as serted that the moral tone and behaviour of the school' children was satisfactory, and were constantly being raised.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Thomas and R. Stevenson,

J.P.'s.)

Drunkenness. persons were punished for this offence.

No Means.— Henry Lange was charged with having no visible means of support. The accused was recently , found in the bush at Helensville, and handed over to the police in a destitute condition He was remanded to the gaol, and ulti mately recovered. The charge was with drawn

Alleged Embezzlement.—Walter Cross was charged with embezzling the' moneys of the Poverty Bay Highway Board.- Mr O'Meagher appeared for the ' ■ accused.— Sergeant Pratt produced the warrant which arrived by the Te Anau yesterday, and asked^f or a remand to Gisborne, where the prisoner could appear on Monday next.. Mr O'Meagher said he would not offer ,any objection, but he was aware that there were any Highway Boards in the colony now.—Remanded to Gisborne.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED OUT RAGE.

Oy Saturday last "William Donaldson, engine-driver on the Auckland and One hunga line, reported to Constable Has lett, stationed at Onehunga, thab while bringing his train through the Ellerslie station at 10.40 on the previous evening, ha observed an obstruction on the line. Ha stopped the engine, and found that the obstruction was a two-wheeled truck, which hadbeen used on the platform. When the engine was pulled up the truck was right under the wheels, and. had ho not observed the obstruction in time, a terrible acci dent might have been occasioned. Constable Haslett proceeded to make inquiries, and suspicion fell on two young men named Carey and Green, who had been seen near the station just before the train came in, and who had broken in the door of the Ellerslie Hotel about the same time and de manded drink. The suspected parties werg arrested last night by Sergeant Green, De tective Hughes, Constables Collis and Has> lett. Prisoners Before the Court James Carey and Frank Green were brought up at the Police Court to-day and charged with unlawfully and maliciously putting on the railway line at Ellerslie a two-wheeled truck, with intent to obstruct an engine, and with unlawfully damaging a door in the Ellerslie Hotel.

Mr O'Meagher appeared for the accused, and asked for a remand, as he had only been instructed this morning. Remanded till Monday next.

VELLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

Official .Report

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. A report from Mr J. E. March, Immigra tion officer of Christchurch, shows that twenty-four village homestead special settle ments have been formed in Canterbury up to date, and that the total number o£ sections in the settlements is 313. Numerous applications are being made daily for land under the system, and Mr March considers it a matter for regret that) there is so little good land available for settlement in the district. In reply to questions put, all the settlers express the utmost satisfaction with their holdings.

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

A pro re nata meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was neld at St. Andrew's church at 10 o'clock this morning. Present: Revs. J. Macky (Moderator), R. Somerville (clerk) A. M. McCalium, T. Norrie, D. J. Steele, A. Carrick, R. F. McNicol, C. Worboys, D. W. Runciman, 6. B. Munro, and Messrs D. Garriock and A. Stewart, elders.

New Moderator.—The term of the Rev. J. Macky sin the office of moderator having expired the Rev P. J. Riddell was elected to that position. As Mr Riddell was nob present Mr Macky was requested to con tinue in the chair for this meeting. Whanoarei.—The Revs. Messrs Nunci and Norrie reported on the visit of the com mission to Whangarei to induct the Rev. Mr Hutson. They state the congregation to be in a most satisfactory condition, and they have granted the full minimum stipend.

Rev. Mr Lindsay.—The Rev. G.Lindsay, of Otepopo, Presbytery of Omaru, having received a call to St. David's, Auckland, a letter was received from the clerk to the Presbytery of Omaru stating tfeat'Mr Lind say had decided not to accept the call. The Avondale Cjff^H Trouble.—A batch of correspondence that had passed between the Rev. A. McKenzie, M.A., 8.D., formerly minister at Avondale, claim ing arrears of stipend and also payment for residence in the manse as " guardian of the premises." He threatened to take " other steps " if his demands were not complied with. An extract of a minute of the church session was also read, showing that that the treasurer had offered Mr McKenzie the sum of L 7 8s 3d as payment of arrears, but Mr McKenzie would not give a receipt in full. From a subsequent letter from Mr McKenzie to Mr McNicol it appeared that he claimed that about L7O was due to • him, he having not ceased to be minister of the congregation, until June. If these arrears were nob quickly settled he would seize the Church. He was not to be" trampled on," and could afford to take the matter into any court. A deputation from the Kirk session of Avondale was present with reference to the supply of the pulpit.—Mr Morrison who acted as spokesman said that the Com mittee was anxious to have the services of the Rev. Mr Worboys for six months but they could not raise more than LSO for his stipend. The Committee desired that L 25 should be given to them from the Church Extension Fund. — After some discussion it was unanimously resolved to refer the whole matter to a Committee, such Committee to have power to act, and the moderator to have power to recommend the Church Extension Com mittee to grant a liberal allowance to Avon dale.

Removed from the List.—The Rev. Mr Somerville moved that the name of Mr James Brown Marshall be removed from the list of student evangelists. There' was, he said a considerable amount of correspondence relating to this matter, which it would be inadvisable to read in open court.—lt was stated that Mr Marshall had now left the bounds of the Presbytery.—The motion waa carried

The Rev. W. McNicol resigned the office of moderator of the Avondale Kirk Session. This was all the business.

Karangahake, this day.

Ivanhoe.—McWilliams and party, tri buters in this mine, cleaned up a crushing of 35 tons at the Company's battery on Satur day last for the handsome return of 76ozs retorted bullion, valued at about 50s per oz.

Crown.—Work in this mine has- again been resumed under the auspices of the old manager, who has been a good servant to the Company.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Hugo's Buffalo Min strels. 8. . Bell's, Buildings, "Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7 to 10 p.m. Opposite McArthur's, Queen-street—" Hunyadi" and Gypsy Queon, open daily Lecture Hall, V.M.C.A.—Meeting re Young New Zealand Democratic Association, 8. Olympia Hall, Grey-street—Skating Rink, open daily. i . :■ Otahuhu Public Hall—Scotch Entertainment, 8. Bombay Hall-Mr E. Hamlin and Electors of

Franklin South, 7.30.. St. Andrew's Church-Evangelistic Service, 7.30.' St. James's Hall—Entertainment, 8.. Three Kings School—Mr R. Udy and the , Electors of Eden, 8. Bt. James's Church—Distribution of' Prizes in connection, with Presbyterian Sabbath Schools Examinations, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

August 3—Messrs T. Thompson and W. R. Waddel.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

F. J. Jones—Bankrupt Stookof Ironmongery, 11. Paget and Ralston—Bacon, etc, 12 noon, L. W. Eaton—Fruit, etc., 11. Hesketh, Aitken, and Co.—Property, 19,, Arthur and Buddie—Household Furniture, 11, Paget and Ralston—Farm and/©airy Produce, Qnmnemal Trees, etc., 12 ; <*

5

fttHi AtTCKLAN©-. EVEttl#^.; STitft, ' TtTESDAY;-. Ati(i!Jsfcl".Xßßt.



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