THE JUBILLE HOTEL.

tinn for Writ of Ccr-

, r vexed question of the license granted T" JUI Jubilee Hotel at New -11,3 mnrt in Banco again to-day. «onwasonebyMrC.E.But. TbeaPC^f of Her Majesty's Solicitor- ton, on belwi to c , rliorar i Dr. Laish neraU^t oppie the application. WBSSSSS bis application, and Mr Uuttonni as before filed an affi . Hi3t „encl W. his _ atter was en davit, conte ndrng na q{ fche Licensill(? tirely^ithmthecli. ere Commrssroner* therefore review it. Hbfloi^vonr to show by authori ti« tnat \ the c i a „ses of the affidavit, Mr Button that the sum t^«KTB*« expended in the before the H * «f« as he could see, was whether Court, »o I-" ~. t0 g ran t a license X So proceeded to state his reason. M Slntion that the Committee did *£sKßJpower- According to the 'l o,l^ license gave a publican the right A°' ii»V once in the premises therein to sel l a, °in the 38th section it was that no license could be granted P^remleV that had not a public tot2e P a given number of dwelling Mother rooms, conveniences, &c, ftp. As a matter of fact, no house was in iL eDHonor read other portions of the elaule, and said it obvwusly referred to a Jm His learned friend would quote hnritics to show that the Committee Seudges, and that their judgment Sew erroneous, was conclusive^ Tl is S the strongest part of his friend's

"hh Honor failed to see that the presence 0 f a license was proof of the existence or tt_Ston said there were some strong authorities, nevertheless, and his friend would rely upon them. His Honor read the clause requiring notice of application to be displayed on the Button quoted from the allegations of his learned friend's affidavit to show that the notice of intention to apply for a license was affixed on the site of the proposed hotel, where the foundations were being put in. His Honor: That is not in accordance with the section. Jlr Button, proceedmg with his conten tion that the house must have been in ex istence, quoted from the 69th section to show that the Court must issue their cer tificate at once, and within fourteen days subsequently the money paid and the license issued. Otherwise, the license was void. What actually happened in regard to tire holding over of the license was ille»al. It was "also provided that the licensee must have his name painted over the door, and a lamp must be hung over the" door, and yet the license was dated back three months before the house was built, , Mr Button was proceeding with other arnilar objections, when His Honor said he did not think these ob jections would effect the question. They would be met by the allegation that the license was not really in existence, and was one that was to be held over till the house lis built. The question to decide was

Tkther the Committee had power to grant ifase fqr a.hquse that did not exist.

„r Bntfcon said he would not quote any iarther authorities.

...Dr.JUrishley proceeded to argue that the writ-should not issue. The grounds he tsoK were that the Committee had •the power to grant the license, and that the Court could not review their action. iHeheld that there was no necessity fo.- the Committee to take evidence on oath, the Act giving them power to act on their own personal local knowledge. They did not take sworn evidence. He also submitted that this was not a civil proceeding, and that there could not be such a thing as cer tiorari^ The Act of 1881 invested a large discretionary power in the hands of the Committee, and the case of Hamilton v. laser showed that their decisions were not to be interfered with by the Court. His Honor did not think that was the point. The Act gave large discretionary power relative to the licensing of houses already in existence, but not respect ing houses only projected. He thought it desirable that they should have some such power, because a man naturally would fixe to know before he spent so much money what prospect he had of getting a license for it.

Dr. Laisbley held that the clause of the Act might fairly be construed to mean that tieproduction of plans was sufficient. His Honor read a portion of the section Wnch referred to the production of plans, •^ P], ans should show that" the building wntted, & c . The obvious intention of the was that the building of which plans vere produced should be in existence. nr. Laishley gave it as his opinion that be intention was that the clause in ques lo should deal with houses in existence, El? i al, SSn Carry out the "Pirit of the ■7 Z Uthes 4 Act' aud subsection ■iflPr M was s° w°rded as to admit mure interpretation that a man is to know SLTT nCes the construction of a .Jo» whether he is to obtain a license for

prSn w t?, ltt6d thafc such an in*er- Son h,:? hi be Placed on the clause in KSlv ,fcf th°n, the s«bscetion came in ex££ lyrefe^d to a house already in

pWedit tI yiSaid.if the SKSfe? y his learaed fiie»d Kehadse ;;t dn°tthink thi*»t all likely, followed a tremendous fight had $'<£S3T t d an aufchority show Woe done St "0t lssue if AwS[ b C p °? d n.°- b "cc that any in- Wedi 0 i? ncrerf ,_ man acted with a Dr. £__£ Avhal^ould follow. *he Co^ ff hl 7, °uld not ut'go that * Sr^ ft ¥ the towe was held thafc if Hi* Honor JTPetentSS R sfc h™ it would be the C^rt on a i thero t0 come before •PPlyfora maa^? Seqilent occasion and de°ntlielicense tt^C\S2 ht the Section-that Etroo *one S° ton oatll «'as a mon- Proceeding with Hs ? 6 *»**- 2 t f n lnterr«Ptcd with ."^eeaa,. y . taat f^ther argument was S on 3 SffttS >*there ™ two ?f he. r *« cSnndrii 0"^ &st was _^»BaliS2lf tCO I had acted legally of 1" a house that ™ i?**^ooh it ceond ' T hether a «? a ffi a Cr aSe- In *_* qmte clear « . Ll'- Laishley, ?;CS.f? any house to eiSltr^c4 ght b T e,f^'ted must >%!> Ashley tW ly Clause mWSi conteS , Reared to HctS?" of clauseV aS «>e seventh u»dt£»S and in thatsub wS_£ t°thep; r w t °S w^ °f win CS^Por^ s °V* c. \«Ming set

So far, he thought the Committee had ex ceeded their jurisdiction in granting a license to a house not in existence. There was one peculiar circumstance in connection with the matter that he would mention. _ Ac cording to Mr Protheroe's affidavit, it ap peared that the foundations of the building were down when the application for the license was made. Now, it was stated that one of the Licensing Committee that granted the application was actually the contractor for the work of building. He need not descant on the impropriety of such a proceeding. With regard to the question whether the writ was one that ought to go when the evidence was not taken on oath, he thought that if the Committee issued a license without regard to the law, that fact would not debar the Court from re viewing their action and issuing a writ. The writ of certiorari would therefore issue.

CHORAL HALL.-J. BRAHMS AND H. SMART.

Last night the Choral Society gave, before a crowded and appreciative audience,

its fourth and penultimate concert of the season. The success achieved was fully commensurate with the excellent reputation of the Society, and supplied fresh attesta tion, if that were needed, of the skill and application of the conductor (Herr Carl Schrnitt) in training the matei-ial placedathis disposal. Theprogramme comprised Brahms's " Song of Destiny " (" Schicksalslied ") and Henry Smart's "Bride of Dunkerron." While the wisdom of setting down Brahms's rather recondite composition for perform ance by an amateur society has been called in question, it cannot be gainsaid that the two cantatas thus placed in juxtaposition afford an excellent contrast, and enable one to compare two divergent schools of musical treatment and art form. Brahms' muse is severely classical and abstruse, disclosing its hidden beauties only to the judgment of the virtuoso, and manifesting on the part of its composer greater regard for the musical expression of his ideas than for that melodic charm which will be guile and ravish the popular eai. It is well, at any rate, that the public should have an opportunity of hearing the characteristic music of the greatest living German com poser, of one whose independent and virile stylo has caused him to be extravagantly extolled by one coterie of critics and unjus tifiably condemned by another coterie. The " Schicksalslied " was composed in 1872, and is a companion work to the " Triumph lied" ("Songof Triumph"), produced by the same hand in the preceding year. Its performance by the Choral Society last night was marked by defects incidental to the exacting nature and unfamiliarity of the work ; but on tho whole it was interpreted with an ability which reflects credit on the Society and itspainstakingconductor. The performing forces were not up to their usual strength, the basses being especially weak in numerical strength. There was also a falling off in tho soprano division. In all there were 33 instruments and 111 voices, viz., 43 sopranos,2B contraltos,l7 tenors, and 20 baritones and basses. The chief vocal blemish in the rendering of the "Song of Destiny" was with regard to the grada tions of expression, and it was more notice able iv the allegro than in the adagio movement. In the allegro portion, too the trebles and tenors were hardly resolute enough in attack. The orchestration is very line, and although it was generally well rendered, the intonation was at fault more than once.

. Henry Smart's cantata and chef d'ahtvre, "The Bride of Dunkerron," was composed in 1864, and was performed by the Auck land Choral Society some nine years ago, so that it is by no means new. It is one of the most charming specimens of modern Errg lish music. It is distinguished by sweet and graceful melody, the form is symmetri cal and shaped by a scholarly hand, and the various numbers are beautifully harmonised. In fine, it is a work admirably adapted for popular presentation, and sure to please any ear "attuned to the concord of sweet sounds." If we except the tenors, who were singularly weak, and who took up several leads feebly and irresolutely, the choruses generally were sung with crispness and vigour. The Ist and 2nd trebles were particularly good, and the whole of the Sea-maidens' music was interpreted with marked effect. The full chorus of Storm Spirits " Down Through the Deep" was rendered in first-class style, and very fine also were the choruses " The Black Clouds Curl " and "Roar, Wind of the Tempest." It is to be hoped that on the occasion of the next concert both tenors aud basses will muster in greater force, and vindicate the ■prestige. which they allowed to sutler last night. The orchestra fulfilled its share of the work very creditably, the general excellence fully atoning for individual shortcomings ; t.'at is, so far as the choral accompani ments and the purely instrumental passages are concerned. But the solo accompani ments were unsatisfactory, by reason of that sustained forte style of playing which is the orchestra's besetting sin, and which deprives the solo numbers of their intended effect. We have no voices of sufficient power and volume to compete against 33 instruments in full vigour of blastor marii pulation.

The solos were allotted to Miss Whitaker (soprano), Mr Edwin Hosking (tenor), and Mr Wor rall (bass.) Both soprano and tenor Have light, flexible, and well-cultured voices, and their very lightness should have ensured moderation of tone from the orchestra in accompanying them. Miss Whitaker sang wibh great taste and sweet ness, and her reading was marked by precision. Her voice is not of great compass, and the lady therefore wisely refrained from attempting the full reach of the cadenzas in the air " Our Home Shall Be." In other passages also she was careful not to force her voice, and as a con sequence she acquitted herself well through out. Mr Hosking confirmed the very favourable impression which he made at the Ponsonby Choral Society's last concert. His singing reveals an intelli gent study of his part, the expression especially, receiving from him nice and careful treatment. His voice is a pure tenor, light in quality, sweet in li7nbre,and of good compass, besides being very flexible. In one passage the singer started half a tone too soon, but it was the only slip. Mr Hosking is a decided gain to the Society. Mr Wor rall has greatly improved in his style of singing, and he gave a satisfactory account of himself. His voice is rather uneven in quality, and it does not harmonise so well as could be wished in concerted num bers. Of these the weakest last night was the tiio, while the first duet (Miss Whitaker and Mr Hosking) was the best. Mr Worrall gave the solo " The Sea Rules All," very effectively, the high range of the music necessitating some in versions, which were judiciously made.

On Tuesday evening next the Choral Society begin the rehearsal of the ,-'Spring" part of Haydn's "Seasons" and Beet hoven's " Engedi" for the final concert of

the season,

OVERTAKEN BY JUSTICE.

(by te__graph—press association.)

Wellington, this day. A man was arrested last night on the charge of stealing four pounds of sausages from the steamer Wanaka. When a con stable arrived he found his man lying on the wharf with the goods under his arm, and it turned out that in trying to get away he had broken his ankle and so fallen a victim to justice.

ELECTION NOTES.

A meeting of Mr H. T. Garratt's Commit tee was held last evening in the Committee, room, Great North Road. There was a large attendance, and judging from the interest taken and the reports handed in, Mr Garratt's chances of success seem to be

improving every day. A largo amount of business was transacted. The meeting ad journed till Friday evening next, at the same place.

Mr E. W. Morrison's general committee will meet at 7.30 this evening in the Burns Club Room, Karangahape Road. Mr Mor rison will attend on Friday, and will be prepared to answer any questions that may be asked by trade representatives or others.

Mr O. J. Hodge, in order not to split the protection vote, has retired from the contest for Dunedin Central.

Another large meeting of Mr C. S. Wright's Committee was held last evening, there being between 30 and 40 present. Satisfactory reports were received and tho roll was gone over, after which the meeting adjourned till Friday. Mr Wright ad dresses tho electors in thePonsonby Hall at 8 o'clock this evening.

Mr Mitchelson at Waikomiti.

Mr Edwin Mitchclson addressed the electors of Eden last night in the Wai komiti school-house. Mr H. E. Sharp was voted to the chair. Mr. Mitchelson elucidated his views upon political subjects for upwards of an hour. Mr Mitchelson answered a few questions in a satisfactory manner. Mr E. Parr moved a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Mitchelson, which was seconded by Mr W. Cantwell. Anamendment of a. vote of thanks only was proposed by Mr Bosom worth and seconded by Mr Kenner ley. Only 13 voted for tho amendment and 40 for tho motion, which was accordingly carried by a large majority. Mr Mitchel son briefly returned thanks, and on his motion a vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman. At the conclusion of the meeting a committee was formed of persons willing to support Mr Mitchelson-candida ture, Mr W. Cantwell being appointed Chairman.

Mr Reader Wood at Helensville.

One of the most numerously-attended meetings for political purposes ever held in this district took place at the Helensville Town Hall on Monday evening to hear the address of Mr Reader Wood, one of the candidates for Waitemata.

Mr D. D. Metge, who made an excellent Chairman, was punctual to the minute, and opened the proceedings by briefly introduc ing Mr Reader Wood, for whom he asked a patient hearing. Mr Wood, who, on rising, met with applause, proceeded to expatiate on the principal questions now agitating the elec tors all over the colony. His address was on similar lines to the one he delivered at Devonport on the preceding Monday, a full report of which appeared in the Star of the 23rd inst. After speaking for an hour and twenty minutes Mr Wood resumed his seat amidst loud cheers from the audience.

In answer to questions, Mr Wood said the reason why lie did not address the electors at Helensville on his return from Parliament when he represented them was because he was not requested to do so. He had addressed the whole electorate at Devon port. He thought the rabbit question a very serious one with the people down South, and he hoped some feasible plan would soon be inaugurated whereby they would be exterminated. He believed in one law for both races—Maori and Euro pean —and that the Native Department might be abolished. Was of opinion that the port charges all over the colony were excessive, and interfered with trade and shipping, and therefore should be lowered. He was not in favour of the election of a member to Parliament to solely represent sailors and shipping interests, as he deprecated anything in the shape of class legislation. He had no objection to the appointment of German professors if they were better than English. He was opposed to the present Ministry. He advocated an income in lieu of a pro perty tax ; the latter tax was one on in dustry and thrift, and was inquisitorial and vexatious,aswellas highly mischievous, for it discouraged all enterprise and alarmed English capitalists. He certainly went Home and negotiated the first war loan, which was urgently required for the defence of the colony. He believed an income tax would yield as much revenue as a property tax. He had no objection to Customs duties —he had merely en deavoured to illustrate how they operated. He was decidedly adverse to the imposition of an export duty on baulk timber, as it would quench the last spark of vitality in the timber trade. (This question engendered some considerable dis cussion, but Mr Wood maintained his opinion). If elected, he wished it to be clearly understood that he was not going into Parliament to carry out the individual wishes of his constituents, but, having stated his views generally, lie would act in the way he considered would be most bene ficial for the colony. He was quite in favour of the present system of education, but he deemed it was too expensively ad ministered. He explained the so-called "ratting" by pointing out that at that particular period the supplies were stopped, that he had been wired to by some of his principal constituents that something must be done, and that upon his return ho had explained the matter to the electors at Devonport, and had then received a full vote of confidence ; and further, that their late respected mem ber, the late Mr Hurst, who subsequently re ceived their confidence, had acted conjunc tively with him and other Auckland mem bers at that crisis. A number of other questions of minor importance were answered most satisfactorily.

Mr William Crowe moved a vote of thanks and confidence to Mr Reader W rood as the representative for Waitemata, which was duly seconded by Mr W. R. Fosbroke. Mr H. Howlett moved, as an amendment, a vote of thanks, which was seconded by Mr J. A. Walker.

The amendment, upon being put to the meeting, was approved of by nine hands being held up.

For the vote of confidence a perfect forest of hands was raised.

Mr John McNaughtori, of the Vale of Avoca, then called for three cheers for Mi- Reader Wood, which were heartily given.

A strong and influential committee was formed in Mr Wood's interests.

Political Addresses.

Christchurch, Tuesday,

Mr Frederick Jones, ex-member for Heathcote, addressed the electors last night, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.

Sir Julius Vogel in Canterbury

Sir Julius Vogel addressed a large meet ing at Woolston to-night, his main topic being the encouragement of manufactories. He was most enthusiastically received, and at the close a vote of thanks to Sir Julius and confidence in the Stout-Vogel Govern ment was passed with three cheers.

Dunedin, Tuesday.

Mr James Mills addressed the Port Chalmers electors this evening, and re ceived a unanimous vote of confidence.

Dunedin, this day. The Elections in Dunedin.

Matters political are beginning to took up. Mr Fisher, at a meeting on 3\&mday, made a characteristic attack on Mr Glover,

the temperance advocate, for interfering in the election.

I hear that his supporters threaten to spring a mine on Sir R. Stout's opponent, in the shape of a letter alleged to have been written by Mr Allen when desirous of posing as a Ministerial supporter, but he declares the expressions therein used do not refer to the financial policy of tho Govern ment, but to the Representation Bill then before the House, as he is a strong sup porter of education. Paupers on the Roll. The"Star"having attacked Ministeralists for trying to stutf the Caversham and Moeraki rolls, by putting paupers on the former and Maoris on the latter, the Premier makes this explanation: —Some Maoris claim to be put on the roll as freeholders. The law allows Maoris who hold separate freeholds worth £25 to be registered on the roll. Some Maoris who had had their land claims dealt with by Judge Mackay at the Land Court lately applied to be registered. The Registrar of Electors mentioned the matter to the Premier, and he advised him to refer the matter to Wellington to ascertain whether the Maoris had or had not the qualification. This was done, and the matter was referred to Judge Mackay, who stated that the Maoris had not yet been entitled to freeholds in severalty, and consequently could not be registered. As to any of the Ministerialists addressing men at the Benevolent Asylum, the Premier states that he does not know of any person having done so, but as long as the law allows men in the Benevolent Asylum to vote, he does not see why they should not have the same rights as other people.

Timaru, Tuesday,

Mr Turnbull addressed the electors at Timaru to-night, and received a vote of thanks and contidence.

Rawene, this day,

Mr Hobbs had an enthusiastic meeting at Rawene, Hokianga, on Monday night, and a vote of thanks and confidence was carried by an overwhelming majority.

Invercargill, Tuesday.

Sir Geo. Grey in the South

Sir G. Grey addressed a great meeting of citizens in the Theatre, to-night dealing with the village settlement scheme, educa tion, retrenchment, and his views of land policy. Sir George had an enthusiastic reception, and was accorded a cordial vote of thanks for his able aird interesting speech. Sir G. Grey had a busy clay, having visited the public schools and har bour works. He expressed himself grati fied with the method of dredging and sluicing adopted. During the afternoon he was interviewed at his hotel, principally by ladies. Sir George addresses a meeting atGorc on Thursday night.

CAPSIZE OF THE RECAMIA.

THE HULL AND SPARS FOUND

AH Hands Lost. -,

(FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Helknsville, this day. All doubts as to the fate of tho ketch Recamia have at length been set at rest by the discovery of wreckage belonging to thatunfortunate vessel. Captain Fairchild, on being informed of the " sup posed " casualty on arrival at the Kaipara from the Kermedecs, instituted a search for the missingketch in theCovernment steamer Stella. He found the hull of what was without doubt tho ketch Recamia capsized outside the Tory Channel, where it will be remembered she was last seen when entering the port on Wednesday last. Captain Fairchild made fast to the ketch, but was unable to tow her into port, and had to abandon the attempt. He secured' portions of her spars and other gear for identification, but saw no signs of her crew. There is little hope, therefore, but that Captain Hulse and his crew have found a watery grave. The Recamia was entering the Kaipara during the prevalance of very unfavourable weather, and was seen from the lighthouse to suddenly disappear. There was a heavy bar, and it is presumed that the ketch, a centreboard vessel and ballasted, was taken charge of by the rollers and overturned, giving those on board no chance of saving themselves.

ATTACKED BY A BULL.

A Perilous Situation and

Gallant Rescue.

The ordinarily quiet village of Panmure was somewhat rudely .disturbed about 5 o'clock last evening by the dangerous be haviour of a bull, which escaped from the control of his keeper. This animal was being driven through the village by Mr Archi bald Fleming, his owner, when he suddenly became unmanageable and charged down upon a young man named Webb Loombes, a member of the Association Football Club, who was standing in front of the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel. The beast at tacked Mr- Loombes as if he were holding out the proverbial " red rag," knocked him down, and continued butting him for some five minutes, when his injuries included four broken ribs and a painful scalp wound. A large number of spectators watched the incident from a safe distance, but were unable to rendei any assistance, until a young man named Kilkenny rode up to the scene of attack. Seeing the terrible situation in which Mr Loombes was placed, he jumped from his horse without hesitation, seized the infuriated bull by the horns, and actually turned it over on its back to the delight of all beholders. The bull was then secured and Mr Loombes, was removed to the residence of his uncle (Mr Melrose), where he was attended to by Mr Tabbelpy, the local chemist. This morning Mr Loombes was as well as could be expected under the circumstances and Dr Bewes of Otahuhu was expected to visit him during to-day. There is little doubt that but for the gallant conduct of Mi- Kilkenny Mr Loombes would have sustained more serious and possibly fatal injuries, end he is entitled to the highest credit for his daring and plucky conduct.

DUNEDIN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN COIUIESPOXnENT.)

Dunedin, this day. TnE City Council elections attract little attention, as owing to the sinking fund windfall there is no fear. Dr. Hislop and H. F. Hardy will be returned unopposed for Leith and High Wards. In Belt Ward there will be a strong contest between the ex-Mayor, nominated by the Rate payers' Association, and Mr Solomon, Chairman of the Benevolent Institution. In the South Ward Mr Fagan, who had made up his mind to retire, resents the dictation of the Association and asks for re-election, of which he is pretty sure, as a protest against the domineering spirit shown by that body, who have put forward a very weak candidate in the person of Mr Kimbell. I fancy that both the Associatiou caudi dates will be defeated.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Mr Stevenson, J.P.)

Drunkenness.—John Casey, Emily Driver, and Arthur Anderson were each lined 5s and costs, or in default 24 hours' hard labour, for having been drunk. Ellen Geary was fined 10s and costs, or 48 hours hard labour, for being drunk while in charge of a horse. William Brannagan was ordered to pay £5 and costs, or in de fault 14 days' hard labour, for being a habitual drunkard.

Obscene Language. — Mary Nesbifc pleaded guilty to having been drunk and disorderly in Kyber Pass Road, and also to having made use of obscene language in a public place.—She stated that she resided at Swanson with her husband, and had only come to town yesterday, and having met some friends, took a little drink.—Con stable Dewes deposed to arresting the prisoner, who was creating a disturbance in Kyber Pass.—-The Justice remarked that he was passing at the time, and had seen the condition in which the woman was. He sentenced her to three months' hard labour.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

TSo. 3 Battalion

Tuts battalion mustered in good numbers last night at the Drill-shed for the usual inspection parade. Lieut.-Col. Mahon was in command, and Major Pirie was also pre-

sent. The various companies comprising the battalion were put through a course of drill by the officer in command. Wairoa South Rifles. The members of the above corps mustered at the rifle range last Saturday for the pur pose of receiving instruction in musketry exercises. Drill-instructor Nelly was in attendance, and superintended the pro ceedings. Owing to the bright sun and strong wind, the firing was not very good. At. the 600 yard range Col.-Sergt. J. Creigh ton was the only man who passed the second period second class. He won the Mowbray medal with 46 points. At 1 o'clock in the afternoon the usual inspection parade of the corps took place in the Public Hall, when 40 men were present, Captain Crawford being in command.

A QUEER STORY.

The Confidence Trick in

Dunedin.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dtjnedix, this clay. At the Police Court yesterday, Henry Chalker was charged with conspiring with David McDonald, John Cohen, and Alfred Shirley, to defraud Robert McKinnon of £46. Prosecutor was the son of a farmer residing ab Clinton. He deposed that he arrived in Dune din on Wednesday last, and cashed a cheque for £46 15s lOd on Saturday. He was met by McDonald, one of the men mentioned in tho information, and taken to the Rainbow.Hotel, where they found Shirley, and they had a drink together. The prosecutor got into con versation with McDonald and Shirley, the former of whom represented himself as a blacksmith, while the latter passed himself off as a retired draper. \Vhile conversing, Cohen entered the room with a newspaper in his hand, and apologised for intruding among strangers, and was begged not to mention it, and to sit down in the room. He consented to do so, and in the course of conversation said that he was a Fiji planter and that he had a dissipated brother resident about Dunedin. They had been left £60,000 between them by an uncle, and he was in search of this misguided brother. He then detailed an adventure that he professed to have had the night before, which started with his meeting two ladies at the Theatre, who expressed their disappointment with the play, and asked him to escort them home, as they were strangers to Dunedin. He placed himself at their disposal, and was agreeably enter tained aba Bumptiously furnished residence, where there happened to be a captain among the guests. During the evening the military man introduced a game played with five matches and a coin for each player. One would toss a coin and win, and if an opponent guessed "if head or tail" correctly, he removed one of the matches from the table. If he guessed wrong the other player removed one of his, and whoever got rid of his matches first won the game. Cohen, according to his account, won a dozen of champagne from the captain, and then in order not to appear mean, ordered two dozen more at his own expense. After this little story had been narrated by Cohen, ho left the room, and Macdonald and Shirley immediately began to talk to prosecutor about what a fool Cohen must be, and sug gested that prosecutor should join them in " having " him at the match game. Prose cutor declined at first, but on their saying that they could give the money they won from the Fiji planter to a Charitable Insti tution, he consented. Presently Cohen came back and a game was proposed. Prose cutor pub £40 or £50 up as a stake ; the others did likewise, the money being placed in the Fiji planter's hat. Shirley and Mc- Donald sat so that they could see how pro secutor put his coin down and gave Cohen " the office," so that he knew how to call, and prosecutor of course lost his money. Cheques were then introduced, and though prosecutor said he had no banking account lie was persuaded to write cheques for £100 or so more, the other men writing cheques also, and saying tlrab it was only a matter of form, as they had no account either. Prosecutor lost this £100 also, and at last light began to dawn on him, and he per ceived that he had been swindled. Then he began to kick up a row, but the man held over him the threat that he would be had up for forgery, inasmuch as he had been signing valueless cheques. They also sug gested that the only plan for all of them was to clear away by train at once for fear of being arrested. Prosecutor, however, went out to get a constable, and while in. the street was got hold of by the accused, Chalker, who, after trying without avail to get him to go to the railway station, sfcid the matter would be set all right. Prosecu tor, however, persisted in informing che police. The Bench said that no doubt a swindle had been perpetrated, and that tho prose cutor went to the hotel as a greenhorn, and was a dupe, but he appeared to have hadno compunction in joining McDonald and Shirley in attempting to dupe the alleged wealthy Fijian planter. Unfortunately, he did not know the company he had got into, and it was, no doubt, hard that he should have been robbed of his money ; but there was no evidence before them to connect the accused Chalker with the three other men. Possibly he was an associate, of theirs, but there was nothing to^ show that. The Bench were quite satisfied that a conspiracy did take place, and that a crime was com mitted, but so far as they could see at pre sent there was no evidence to connect Chalker with it. If the police had asked them to remand the case until they had got hold of the other three men, he would have been glad to do so. The detective re marked that the police intended arresting the other men, and hoped to have them in their hands in the course of a few hours.

The Bench said that in the position of this case they had no alternative but to dis miss it).

CABLEGRAMS.

HARBOUR DEFENCES.

LORD CARNARVON ON IM PERIAL ECONOMY.

[special to press association.]

London, August 30,

The Earl of Carnarvon, in a letter written to the " Times " prior to his departure for the colonies, deplores the apathy and false economy of the Imperial Government in not fortifying commercial ports and coaling stations. In contrast with this cheese-paring policy he points to the patriotic exertions made by the colonies of Victoria and 'New South Wales in the direction of harbour defences.

(special.)

London, August 30,

THE CORNER IN WHEAT. The Californian wheat ring has collapsed.

THE TITHE DIFFICULTY IN WALES.

It has been suggested, with regard to the anti-tithe agitation in Wales, that a conference of landlords and tenants should take place with a view to arriving at an amicable adjustment of the difficulty.

SPORTING NEWS.

Retjter cables from Melbourne that the following New Zealand horses remain in the Caulfield Cup:—Trenton, Spade Guinea, Pasha, Mitrailleuse, and Niagara.

Hawke's Bay Spring Meeting.

The following nominations were received last night for the Hawke's Bay Spring Meeting:—

Spring Handicap.—Lady Florin, geld ing by Foul Play out of Renga, filly by Foul Play out of Aconite, Pearl, Waterfall, Rivulet, Silence, Salisbury, Falconet, Warama, Strenuous, Administrator, Forester, Bangle, Turquoise, Whisper, The Shah, Orwell, Escapade, Lochiel, Maxim, Deceiver, Meta, Dauphine, and Laurel. ,

Flying Handicap. — Lady Florin, gel ding by Foul Play out of Renga, filly by Foul Play out of Aconite, Pearl, Rivulet, Salisbury, Falconet, Puketapu, Juzial, Strenuous, Forester, Bangle, Turquoise, Whisper, Psycho, The Shah, Orwell, Escapade, Lochiel, Maxim, Deceiver, Ruh nieta, Dauphine, Expelled, Tongariro, and Rifle.

OPERA HOUSE.

Another fashionable audience assembled last evening in the Opera House to witness the second production of the highly emotional drama " Fedora," by the Majeroni Company. As before, the various cenes were all powerfully represented by Signor Majeroni and his talented wife. On more than one occasion the applause of the audience necessitated the raising of the curtain at the conclusion of the acts. Owing to the great success which has fol lowed the production of this drama, it will bo repeated this evening. To-morrow night Mr George Leitch's new drama " Wanda " will be produced.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames,, this day.

Saxon. — It is whispered here that ther is some liklihood of a dividend of 6d vjer share being declared in this mine shortly. Cambria. —The drive at No. 2 level on No. 7 leader is still penetrating a nice favourable channel of sandstone. The leader maintains its former thickness of 3 inches, and shows strong dabs of gold. There is no change to report in the other workings.

TELEGRAMS.

Blenheim, this day.

The motion for- a new trial in the case of ■Wilson (barmaia) v. Harley (brewer), Nel son, was refuser I yesterday.

Another successful trial of Stenbouse and Smith's rabbit exterminatortook place in the presence of Inspector Blundell, of the sheep department,, and a large crowd of specta tors. The effects of the sulphuric gas generated by the machines was most deadly. Ar»cM>ishop Kcdwood. Archbishop Redwood will be presented with an address from the Catholics of Marlborough next Sunday. His niece will be married on Thursday to Mr Vavasour, manager of Clifford and W Teld's Flax bounre station. The young lady is the eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Redwood.

REMOVAL OF CITY REFUSE.

.A correspondent writes inquiring the cost i jf removing city night-soil and refuse :it 1 may be of public interest to publish the terms and conditions under the existing contracts. Removal of Refuse, Shop Sweepings, Etc.—The charges authorised to be col lected and made by the contractor on the above from Ist January are as follows: — 1. Removing refuse, per cubic foot and under, three farthings. 2. Removing refuse, between one and two cubic feet, one | penny halfpenny. 3. Removing refuse, between two and three cubic feet, two pence farthing. 4. Removing refuse above three cubic feet, for every cubic foot or portion of a cubic foot up to one cubic yard, three farthings.

#■ Night Soil Removal. —1. Emptying closet boxes or pans, nor more than 3 cubic feet, and supplying £ cwt of dry pulverised earth or clay each time—3|d weekly, and 4d fortnightly ; and doing same without supply of earth or clay, same charges. 2. Emptying closet boxes or pans containing more than 3 cubic feet, and not more than 5 cubic feet, and supplying earth as above, 5d weekly and s£d fortnightly ; and for same withorwithout supplying earth orclay, same charges. 3. Emptyingcesspoolsorjcesspits, per cubic yard —7s 6d. Removing yard or other rubbish, per cubic yard—2s 6d.

Nighc-soil removal is compulsory by by law every fourteen days. Dust is removed at the discretion of the burgesses. The dust carts go around twice a week, the cost to be defrayed by the person making the dust,

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGKAPH.—OWN CORUESrONDENT.)

Thames, this day. An old man named Whicher has been sen tenced to three days' imprisonment for using obscene language in the streets.

Mr James McGowan addresses the electors of Shortland this evening. Great interest is taken in the election of a borough councillor for the South Ward, which takes place on the Bth September. There are two candidates—Messrs J. McAn drew (the retiring member) and R. Comer —and a close contest is anticipated. Ie is generally expected, however, that Mr McAndrew will be re-elected.

THE PREMIER AND AGENT GENERAL.

tetter from Sir Billon Bell's Son!

Mr H. Dillon Bell, solicitor, son of the Agent - General, writes to the " Times " ; stating that he is unable to understand how Sir R. Stout's conduct can, with any ■ fairness, be made the subject of at. j tack. He adds: "My father would be, the last man in the world to consider of! small importance the circumstance that the contents of a private letter written by the Premier to the agent of the colony in J London has been divulged in a telegram sent by the London agent of the Press Asso ciation. Indeed, the conduct of public1 business would be almost impossible if the confidence of such correspondence were nob respected, and the Premier's amazement at its publication must be shared by every one who impartially considers the rela tions existing between the Government of the colony and its representative in London. T write without any know ledge of the facts, but I venture to pre dict that when the facts are known, it; will appear that the information was nob supplied to the press directly or indirectly I by the Agent-General and further that the j person who did supply it must have grossly betrayed my father's confidence."

Wellington Press Criticisms.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. Both evening papers criticise the Premier adversely in connection with the letter to the Agent-General. The "Post's" article concludes thus: — "The only legiti mate ground for amazement in the matter is that Sir Robert Stout should have written such a letter. His colleagues may be amazed that he should have done so without their knowledge. Hi party may well be amazed that theii chief j should take such a gloomy view of their, prospects, and the country may above allj be amazed and astonished that the Premier] should have advised the Governor to dis-j solve Parliament, and to have incurred the' necessity of a second session of Parliament within the year, unless he had an honest and full belief that the adverse vote of the existing House did not represent the opinion of the country, and that if he was allowed to appeal to the electors he would return with his hands strengthened. Such a belief was tacitly implied in the advice given to the Governor to dissolve,, and if the Premier, as would seem from the j tenor of his letter to Sir Dillon Bell, did not) entertain that belief, then he committed a! great constitutional wrong in giving the; advice he did. Instead pf advising a dis solution, and putting the country to the enormous expense of a second session, j merely that he might be able to retain office for a few months longer until' the ballot-box should confirm the verdict of the House, he should at once have ac cepted the latter. Sir R. Stout's marvellous indiscretion, to use the very mildest term ap plicable, in this matter is, we are sorry to say, calculated to injure the credit of the colony at Home, and will undoubtedly strengthen the hands of the opponents of the Ministry in the colony during the pending election." The "Press" has a vicious article to^a similar effect, in which it maintains that Sir Robert Stout's own admissions confirm bhe truth of the version of the letter to the Agent-General cabled by the Press Associa tion.

CITY COUNCIL ELECTION.

Nominations were received as follows yesterday for the vacancies in the City

Council :—

East W tard.—Mr W. Crowther, nomi nated by Messrs L. Mason and G. H. \ Leaning ; Mr H. E. Brabazon, nominated' by Messrs T. B. Hill andC. R. Chapman. , North Ward.—Mr Charles Atkin, nomi nated by Messrs T. T. Masefield and W. P. ' Hoffmann ; Mr P. Gleeson, nominated by Messrs W T. Brownhill and Jas. Heron; Captain John Nearing, nominated by Messrs M. Montague and J. A. Pond. South Ward.—ln this ward, Mr D. Goldie, nominated by Messrs T. W. Doonin and R. Farrell, was the only candidate, and he has therefore been declared elected.

Grafton Ward. —Mr E. Parsons, nomi nated by Messrs G. P. Pierce and F. A. White ; Mr James Paterson, nominated by Messrs C. S. S. George and S. B. Lush. Karangahape Ward.—MrJamesDavies, nominated by Messrs Edwin Wood and Thomas Hobson; Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon, nominated by Messrs P. Brophy and R. G. Newbegin; Mr Thomas Henry White, nominated by Messrs Joseph Warren and A. B. Morrow.

Ponsonby Ward.—Mr Edward Cooper, ! nominated by Messrs George Cruikshank and R. A. Lusher, was the only candidate, and he has been declared elected.

Lady Beautifiers. —Ladies, you cannob make fair skin, rosy cheeks, and sparkling eyes with all the cosmetics of France, or beautifiers of the world, while in poor health, and nothing will give you such rich blood, good health, strength, and beauty as Hop Bitters, American Co's make. A trial is certain proof. See.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Majeroni Company in

" Fetlora," 8 Bell's Buildings. Wyndham-street — Industrial

Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 Olympia Hall, Grey-street—Skating Rink, 7.30

to 10 St. Luke's and Onehunga Presbyterian Churches

—Evangelistic Services, 7.30 Star Hotel. Otahuhu — Members of Otahuhu

Racing Club, 8 Waite's Hall, Mount Eden—Supporters of Mr

E. Mitchelson, 750 Ponsonby Hall—Address by Mr C. S. Wright to

Electors of Ponsonby, 3 Eden Hall—Mr H. T. Garratt and the Electors

of Newton, 8 Swanson Public Hall—Address to Electors of Eden by Mr J. A. Connell, 7.30 Choral Hall-Skating Rink, 7.50 to 10 J. B. Mell's, Great North Road—Holland Cricket Club, 7.30 „ ■ Chamber of Commerce Room—Auckland Poul try Association. 7 Drill-shed-Ambulance Corps, 8 Beresford-stroet Hall-Beresford Football Club, 7.30

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie - Household Furniture and Effects, 11; Drapery. Underclothing:, etc., 12 H S. Cochrane and Son, North Shore-Household

Furniture and Eftvcts, 11 *' .. D. F. Evans, Ponsonby Road—Household Furas- ( ture and Effects, 11 •• *'"-•' _ ,^ ._ ; E. and A. Isaacs-Watches, Jewellery, etc.. X , A. Buckland, Remuera. Y^s-^*"^^?, 1 G Lewis-Furniture, Spirits, Wiisse. t-ie., 11. I T M Jackson-Household Furaitaw, etc., 12. v ; U. Sibbm-Fruit, etc., U, .... -

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1887,

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