Mr Geo. Adams, who died the other day at Wellington, m con Se q uence of inj rf * received by a all, J**** being a valued Member of the '' Hansard [» staff, was editor and part proprietor of the "Poverty Bay Herald."

Admiral Fairfax s punctilious fulfilment of all engagements-no matter whether dictated by form, courtesy or good nature has excited attention and very favourable comment, lac latest instance is connected With the concert in the Choral Hall last niirht. He had given hi s p a t ronage and therefore instead of joining the party of officers who went by rail to the South Auck land races he remained behind to attend the concert. Such incidents, trivial as they piay seem, are noted by the oublic, and properly so, for they disclose a man's dis position and character. Admiral Fairfax bids fair to prove the most popular admiral w ho has ever been on the Australian station.

The Board of Education offices are closed until Wednesday, the 4th prox.

His Worship the Mayor entertains Ad miral Fairfax and the oflicersof hissquadron, as well as a number of leading citizens, at a banquet at the Auckland club this evening. There are alO-it 30 guests invited.

The volunteer marksmen of this district are extremely dissatisfied with the Reming ton-Lee rifle, which is prescribed as the weapon to be used at the next meeting of the New Zealand .Rifle Association. They consider it to be not only wanting in pre cision, but to be highly unsafe, and therefore a meeting has been con vened for to-night by Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon to discuss the abvisability of urging the Executive of the New Zealand Rifle Association to re-consider its decision to use the Remington-Lee, and to give author ity for the use of the Snider instead. Ac cidents have happened here, and also at Christchurch and other places, with the Remington-Lee rifle.

A movement is on foot in Melbourne to form either a syndicate or a company to purchase some of the smaller timber com panies and consolidate the whole into one strong business. An agent is at present in this city, and will leave at an early date for the other side.

The annual free performance of "The Messiah " by the Choral Society takes place in the Choral Hall on Sunday afternoon next, commencing at 3 o'clock. Mrs Davies has kindly given her services gratuit ously as soprano vocalist, and in the absence of Mr E. Hosking on a holiday trip to the Waikato, Mr Barrie Taylor will take the tenor solos.

Some new fruits are now on exhibition in some of the shop windows in Queen-street. Amongst these aro the Artocarpus Incisa, a fruit about the size of a small pumpkin, the Avocadas Pear-, Suppatos and Mangoe. All these are from the tropical islands. A large pine apple is also shown fully 15 inches long and about two feet in circum ference. This is really a very fine fruit.

Mr T. B. Hannaford continues indefagit able in his endeavours to draw the atten tion of those in anthority to his patent iron skeleton windmill, bell tower light house. He has been in conversa tion with Admiral Fairfax on the sub ject, and informs us that the Admiral has arranged to be at the offices of Messrs P. Harpatli and Son. Architects, Colonial Bank buildings, Queen-street, on Wednesday next at 10.30 a.m., for the purpose of inspecting the model and drawings of "The Hanna ford light." If some of our meehanict.l engineers a electricians could make it convenient to meet him there, their opinions would greatly aid the Admiral in arriving at a just estimate of the value of this invention.

The three men-o'war were busy this morning with ordinary ship drill, occupy itig a couple of hours.

To-morrow is the last day for receiving payment of city water rates.

The breaking up of Woodhill School took place ca Wednesday,the 21st inst., and was celebrated by a feast given to the pupils attending the school. A lengthy programme of races was gone through ; each event was contested with greatspirit, the winners beinsr rewarded with suitable and valuable prizes ; games, swings, etc., were organised for the younger children, while the catering portion of the day's entertainment was efficiently attended to, the youngsters getting outside of an astounding amount of buns and cake. In the evening a very enjoyable and successful concert took place ; songsand instrumental pieces were rendered by Misses Monk, Rimmer, Barnes, Board, Ivilkins and Rawson, and Messrs Jones, Fhillipps, Mills, Donaldson, arrd Durham. At the close of the concert three cheers were given for the teachers, Messrs Jones and Durham and Miss Houghan, the audience testifying their appreciation of the latter young lady's ability by singing "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The concert was fol lowed by the inevitable dance, some thirty or forty couples remaining to trip the "light fantastic toe" till daylight, when the proceedings terminated, everyone leaving in high good humour.

Large crowds gathered round the lamp •post in the City Market last Christmas Eve. At first it was thought there was a tire, or a fight, or else G. W. G.'sDawgshad got lobse. Upon nearer inspection, however, the people found to their surprise and de light that cheap bacon and hams were the attraction. To-morrow evening we intend selling prime Canterbury bacon, 6d • new factory cheese, 3d ; Canterbury ham, 8d ; good bacon, 3d and 4d ; also a choice assortment of dressed poultry. Eaton's Co-operative Stalls, City Market. (Advt.)

"THE NIGHT OF GLORY."

This sacred cantata was performed last . night in St. James's Hall by the Auxiliary Church Choir, composed of about 40 voices. There was a large attendance, by invita tion only. Towards the close of the ser vice a collection was gathered to defray ex penses. Mi- J. H. Edmondes officiated as conductor, while Miss Scott and Mr W. E. Baxter presided at the piano and organ. "The Night of Glory," or "The birth of Christ," is a sacred cantata suit able for the Christmas season. Bw« written by W. Howard Doane, and edited with additional words by A. J. Joxwell. The various choruses were rendered witn a ..pleasing precision, and, as the first appear ance of the St. James's Auxilliary Choir, it may be considered a decided success, lne tenor solos were taken by Messrs Gamp bell, Lament, Mercer, and Robert Held and the bass by Messrs Simpson ana- McLean. The latter gives promise ot becoming a good soloist. The contralto JBolos were creditably taken by Miss Mc Kerras and Miss Kemp. In the latter in -1 stance it was thevocalist's first appearance, and was quite satisfactory. There were a iaree number of short soprano solos, which .were taken by the following ladies:— Misses Hampshire, Mercer, A. Mercer, Kerr, Leslie, and Bruce. Mrs Edmondes Was loudly applauded for the excel lent manner in which she rendered a difficult solo. The concluding chorus, «Halleluiah ! He Shall Reign," was one ot I *fee best numbers. The National Anthem Vas sung at the conclusion of the perioim- Wice. In some of the choruses there was a novel accompaniment in the shape 01 jaw new musical tubes, which had been kind y lent for the occasion. Peals and well ,' known airs were played on these as tne . ♦ffertorv was taken.

THE ISLAND TRADE.

ENCOURAGEMENT OF LOCAL INDUSTRY.

MR FIRTH ITS ADVOCATE BEFORE THE HARBOUR BOARD.

REDUCTION OF WHARFAGE ON FLOUR.

Mr J. C. Firth appeared before tho Har bour Board yesterday afternoon, while the subject of the new tariff by-laws was under consideration, to urge the desirability in the interests of local industry of abolishing the Is per ton wharfage duty on flour for ex port. He began his remarks by stating that the Board occupied a very responsible position with regard to the export trade of this port, especially with the Pacific Islands to the northward. It was not to be expected that the Board should assrst to stimulate that trade by offering bounties, or to put itself in any other way out of legitimate" bounds in fostering trade, •the public, however, had a right to expect that the Board should not.impose any dues or tariff conditions which would be injurious to a trade so vital to this port, and indeed to the whole colony, as that which existed between us and the various groups of tropical islandstothenorth. They had a right to expect that there should be no limitations to such a trade beyond .what were actually required for the proper work ing of the port. He was not going into a discursive enumeration of some hundred or so of articles that might be sent out as ex ports from this port. He would only mention one, because ie was the one of which lie had personal knowledge. He had been informed on very good authority, as an indication of the trade that this port and New Zealand generally might do with the islands to which he had referred, that goods to the value of over £50,000 annually were dis tributed over these groups' of islands in the articles of flour, biscuit, and other products of wheat alone. Of the goods represen ted by this very large sum, this port, for various reason*, provided but a very small portion—in fact, an infinitesimal propor tion. There were certain difficulties in the way of introducing Auckland flour into the hot moist climates of the islands to the northward. He had long been aware of this fact, and had gone to very considerable expense in providing a remedy, and it was his hope—nay more, his confident expectation— that he was able to provide a flour that would keep in any climate as long as any flour produced in any other part of the world ; however, this re mained to be seen. Whether or not he should prove successful, at least he had neglected nothing to deserve success. If he succeeded, then others doing business with the islands would- be assisted thereby, for the effect would be to largely develop our island trade, not only in so far as flour was concerned —a great proportion of which now came from San Francisco — but a great many other articles as well. Now, in looking about for the means of pushing this trade, it had struck him that the Board's tariff rates were a little heavy. He was not going to . reflect on the Board, because he knew it had to bear the l-esponsibility of providing heavy payments of interest for loans, and preserving the efficiency of the port. But he maintained that, consistently with the proper discharge of these duties, the tariff' and wharfage rates should be made as low as possible. In the article of flour, the local producer was placed at a disad vantage as compared with his Southern friends. Wheat brought hither from the South paid a rate of Is a ton if landed on the wharf. After being landed on the wharf, it then paid another rate of Is a ton if shipped for ex portation beyond the limits of the province. If this export charge were removed, our trade in flour might be considerably exten ded. We were nearly as far from Brisbane as it was from Sydney, and there were about a million people in New South Wales. The amount of wheat they produced for their own consumption was inconsiderable. Queensland, with half-a million of people, was in a worse condition, for it practically produced no wheat at all. Everything in the shape of such New Zea land products as wheat, potatoes, canned fruits, etc., might find a profitable out let in this trade. It was his intention to take up this trade, which would re present a very large amount of money coming into the country. It was one of the things that ought to be looked more closely after. It was better than swapping jackets cmong ourselves, or putting a penny from one pocket into the other, which trade among ourselves virtually meant. We must send our .pro ducts to other countries, and ■ get either their products or money in ex change. There was no other way of bring in"- real and lasting prosperity to this country. The practice of importing every thing and selling nothing outside the country was theroad toruin. He had pomted out one way of removing some disabilities to trade, and he hoped his representa tions would have the sympathy and honest support of the Board. If ne paid here Is duty on wheat, no other duty should be levied either on it or the flour produced from it. As the Southern miller did not require to import his wheat, he could have no import wharfage rates to pay. Whereas he himself—the local pro ducer of flour-was doubly charged. If he were placed in the same position as his Southern friends, he would feel very much obliged to the Board. A°di._cussion followed. The Chairman considered that Auckland would always be handicapped so longas she failed to produce enough for her own re quirements. For 9 months of the year we were sending to the South for products we should raise°ourselves, and we had nothing but timber and kauri gum to pay with. If Mr Firth were going to produce such a superior article in flour, the local consuinp- S would be so large that he need not bother about Fiji. • -, Mr Henderson pointed out that Air Firth had really nearly Is 6d a ton to pay £ bis flour as it ran 45 bushels to the ton Mr D H. McKenzie considered that everything should be done to encourage Mr S in h?s efforts to cultivate mid extend n, r trade relations with the islands. If the Sand trade could be fostered by anything ihefcoSd do, the chance should not be m Mr Niecol reminded member* that it was 018 0 their duty to protect the revenue also their " Hl 0\" th producers tATi'heVcZtd. He taught JSS go back to the old arrangeme n | of charging 2s a ton inward dues, and n l_rl7a°Roehe wanted to know how such Ze to _ect '■iH'StU—* meantime it would be ur n™V c ; n o- from the industry of £*„s£%** that a local industry should be fin. nue«tion arose whether than WU -: T , tesssa* similar concessions. , i^ge Mr Henderson suggeistedthatthe <ma X for flour, bran, and sharps imported » a trcff"vo«rcdthi S -ngge,.^

Mr Firth said he was not there to claim any 'special'exemption for himself or his trade. [The Chairm.n :"I hope you are prepared to accept that position."] Shoe makers and those of any other trade had an equal right to claim consideration from the Board. The consideration that he was asking would benefit the community generally, and he would not condescend to appear before them and ask for a concession if that concession could not be taken advantage of by all others who were struggling with him. At present he paid to the Board a rental of between £500 and £_00 a year, but were his proposal established, the Board revenue would be a great deal more than doubled as the result of the market that would be opened up, and the temporary remission of dues would thus be followed by a great gain. Mr Firth then withdrew.

Mr Henderson moved, " That the wharf age dues for flour, bran, and sharps im ported be Is, and exported 6d." This motion was carried, and the by-laws as amended were adopted, and it was re solved, " That they come into operation on the Ist. January next."

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUM MER .MEETING.

TRAINING NOTES,

At Ellerslie this morning, Nelson put in a strong gallop over the Cup distance, getting over the ground in excellent stylo. Sextant accomplished two miles on the plough at. his best pace, the time recor ded being 3min. 42sec. Tire gall p was a good one, but the coH, showeu signs '••f lameness, on being pulled up. LadyNorah aud Tetf.rd went twice mind, t.e last six furlongs being at top. Lady Norah ran over her companion at the finish. Yesterday, Nietoria and Cannon were tried over the Cup distance on the course proper the last named decidedly having the best of it. The fair had Howitzer and Derringer for companions on the journey.

The following acceptances were received last night for Monday's races :— Auckland Cup, two miles and a quarter. st lb Major George's eh li Nelson, aged, by X ing Cole—M y Idea 9 12 Mr G. G. Stead's blk c Sextant, 3yrs. by Robinson Crusoe—Sunshine ... 712 Mr J. Allwell's eh m Victoria, aged, by Feve—Memento 7 10 Mr B. Thompson's b m Friendship, aged, by Reprieve—Nydia 7 9 Mr J. Lennard's br m Clogs, 6yrs, by Leolinus—Crinoline 7 8 Mr J. Chaafe'e gr h Cannon, 4yrs, by . Musket-Maid of Athol ... ... 6 0 Mr W. Robertson's br f Leorina, 3yrs, by Leolinus—Yatterina 6 0 New Year's Day Hurdle Race, two miles, st lb st lb Peter Osbeck 12 0 Coral 9 5 Isaac... ... 11 4 Shillelagh ... 9 0 Uranus ... 11 0 Don 8 7 Shotover ... 10 12 Sirloin ... 8 7 Newmarket Handicap, six furlongs. ' st lb st lb Cinderella ... 9 6 Fuseo ... 612 Antelope ... 8 7 Lioness ... 012 Batista ... 7 12 Capella ... 6 10 Banglo ... 7 8 Ten ny sou ... 6 8 Paddy ... 7 2 Lady Alice ... G 6 Formo ... 7 2 Brown Rose... 6 0 Catesby ... 7 0

Criterion Handicap, seven furlongs. Wapiti ... 8 6 Lioness ... 610 Balista ... 7 11 Capella ... 6 9 Bangle ... 7 6 Tennyson ... 6 7 Formo ... 7 0 Lady Alice ... 6 5 Paddy ... 612 Flintlock ... 6 5

SOUTH AUCKLAND RACES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day.

Over 1,500 people were present yesterday at the South Auckland Club Meeting,which

was a grand success

The Maidkn Plate, of 30sovs.,was won by Sir Walter, 1; Parriell, 2 ; Volunteer-, 3. It was a grand race. Totalisator dividend, 7s.

Handicap Hurdle RACE.of .Osovis.—Don, 1; Recruit, 2 ; Bob Sawyer, 3. Fairplay, Whalebone and Murcel also ran. Won by a length. Dividend, £2 6s. Soutfi Auckland Cup.—The Clown, 1 ; Britannia, 2 ; Wapiti, 3. Rewi, Miss Alice, and Ernest were scratched. Wapiti was the favourite. The Clown won, hard held.

The Novel Hack Race resulted simply in a match between Loo and Raupo, the former winning hands down. The winner was sold for ill lis.

Jubilee Stakes.—The Clown, 1; Ernest, 2; Britannia, 3. This was one of the grandest contested events of the meeting, the Clown winning on the post. Selling Hurdle Race.—Fairplay, 1; Bob 2. Totalisator dividend, 19s. Tradesmen's Plate. — Rewi, 1; Sir Walter, 2 : Britannia, 3. Dividend, 16s. . Consolation Stakes.—Wapiti, 1. Taking all things into consideration, the opening meeting of the South Auckland Racing Club has been a grand success. The train arrangements were admirable, and the whole passed off without accidents.

Sale of Mrs W. Walters's Yearlings.

The annual sale of Mrs W. Walters's yearlings takes place at Papakura to morrow. The youngsters to be submitted are a remarkably well-grown lot, and com prise a colt by the Musket horse Torpedo out of Yatterina (the dam of Matchlock, Fusillier, Leorma, and Libeller);' brown colt, by Hippocampus—Grand Duchess; brown colt, by Ingomar—Fanny Fisher ; bay colt, by Ingomar—Hippcrina; bay filly, by Torpedo—Rosarina ; black filly, by Hippocampus—Slander ; and a chestnut filly, by Leolinus —Venus Transit. Messrs Hunter and Nolan conduct the sale, and luncheon will be provided. A special train will Auckland station at 12.30 p.m.

A yearling filly by Musket—Rosalie (full sister to Derringer), and an Ingomar filly, the property of Mr Kavanagh, were offered at Hunter and Nolan's to-day, but failed to find buyers.

A GOLD-SAVING PROBLEM.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellinoton, this day.

Sir James Hector and Mr Skey are now en gaged analysing samples of the stone and tailings from the Owen 1-

son, with a view of, if possible, ascertaining the cause of the late disappointing result of a crushing of 350 tons of stone. They have discovered the presence in the stone of a large proportion of bismuth, which has the effect of " flouring" the mercury and pre venting its taking up the gold. It is esti mated that at least one ounce to the ton was lost in this manner, but means are being de vised to overcome the difficulty and recover the gold from the tailings.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

Cricket

A match will be played to-morrow between an Auckland eleven, selected by Mr R. Crowe, and a combined team from the squadron in port. Play is to commence at 1 o'clock sharp. Tire following are the names of the Auckland eleven :—J. Mum ford, J. C. Testro, E. Mills, G. Mills, W. Stemson, W. Hawkins, W. Beard, A. MacCormick, W. A. Harvie, W. Gardiner, H. Donald.

By Australian files received this week, we learn that, the return match between New South Wales* Hind Shaw and Lilly white's English Eleven, resulted in a de cisive victory for the Englishmen by ten wickets. New South Wales compiled 149 in their first venture—Moses (not out) 78, AlcDonnell 13, Allen 12, Turner 13,- being the chief scorers. The Englishmen replied with 279, and as the wicket was a splendid dry one, Turner's analysis in the innings reads remarkably well, 271 balls, 117 runs. 28 maidens, 7 wickets. The principal scorers for the Englishmen were Shrews bury 48, Read 35, Smith 68, Briggs 46, Rougher 25. The local team topped the Englishmen's score by 36, all told, when they went in the secolrd time, to which total Moses was again the chief contributor with 68, the other double figures being McDonnell 14, Allen 12, Banner-man 25, Biddleston 11, Burton 18 not out. Being in a .minority of 36 runs only, the Englishmen had an easy task before them, which they accomplished without losing v wicket. Ulyett was! 20, .not out, and Shrewsbury 19, not out, the total being 39.

An eleven from H.M.s. Nelson defeated an eleven chosen from the "Herald" yesterday afternoon by three wickets. The scores were, " Herald," 74 and 39 ; H.M.S. Nelson, 83 and 31 for 7 wickets.

The ■Junior Cup match between Holland and Auckland look like an easy win for the Holland. Auckland could only compile 39 runs, while Holland made 146, the chief scorers being 0. Mell 10, Breeze 16, Rowe 18, W. Rowe 53, Sexton 23, A.. Rowe took 4 wickets for 5 runs. The match will be finished on January 7th. The Cup match between Parnell and Holland resulted in a victory for the latter by an innings and 25 runs. Holland con tinuing their innings, ran up 196. Parnell totalled 80, which with the score from their first innings gave them 171. Crowe 32, and Gardiner 17, batted well.

The match at Adelaide between Vernon's team and a local eleven closed yesterday, being declared drawn. The play was not finished, as the English team had to leave for Melbourne.

A team from the Gordon CO. spent a very enjoyable Christmas in a run down to Whangarei. They left on Saturday and re turned on Tuesday morning. While at Whangarei they played and defeated a local eleven by 8 runs on the first innings. Gordon made 62, Neil, 25 ; Sykes, 13; and Whangarei replied with 54. In their second innings Gordon lost 7 wickets for 90 runs, L. Melclrum, 21 ; R. Lusk, 37 not out. J. Anstnne did the principal bowling for Gordon.

Scnllins..

A London telegram. says : —Bubear ridi cules the challenges he has received by cable from Hanlan to row on the Thames for i'soo a-side and the championship of England, and for i'soo aside on the Tyne for tho championship of tho world if the championship of England is held by Hanlan.

The Sydney " Evening News " of the 22nd inst. says it was thought that Hearn, the New Zealand sculler, would go to Graf ton and meet Hanlan there. Mr Cummins, his backer, however, has seht a telegram to Grafton saying that Hearn will not visit that place unless he is allowed expenses. Whether this will be arranged or not, it is hard to say at present, but even in the event of the New Zealand man not going to Graf ton a match will most probably be arranged between Hunlan and Hearn.

Football

The proposal to bring a team of English footballers to New Zealand will be further considered by the Wellington Rugby Union after the holidays.

Boxlnr.

According to accounts from Wellington, the glove contest between Murphy, of this city, and Jack Hall, of Sydney, for the light-weight championship, was a very one sided afiarr. Murphy, though he showed great pluck, was outmatched from the start both in weight and science. Both men were much exhausted by the fifth round, and Murphy's face was considerably damaged. In the next round Murphy clinched, and the fight was given against him on a foul. After the fight it was dis covered that Hall had broken the small bone of his left arm, a couple of inches above the wrist, while Murphy's hands were also partially disabled.

A boxing contest come 3 off to-morrow evening, in the City Hall, between James Saxon,of Auckland, and Hugh McLeod, of North Shore, for the light-weight champion ship of Auckland. A good match is ex pected.

Stubborn Prize Fight.

A SUCCESSFUL RUSE,

The following additional particulars are to. hand of the prize fight between Jim Smith, champion of England, and Jake Kilrain, champion of America, for the championship of the world and the New York "Police Gazette" Diamond Belt, which came off'near Rouen, in the north of France, on the morning of the 19th inst.:— It had b«en previously announced that the encounter would take place at some spot in the north of Spain, and the ruse was completely successful, the two principals and a few of their backers being able to reach the appointed rendezvous without attracting the attention of either the British or French police authorities. The fight was of a mdst desperatecharacter, and lasted for 106 rounds, when both combatants were so severely punished and exhausted that the referee ordered the combat to cease, and declared it drawn. The whole party, including Kilrain and Smith, were at once driven away from the place, and the news of the encounter was not' allowed to transpire until it was considered that all parties con cerned were beyond the reach, of the French police. Of the combatants, Kilrain, who has de feated few men of note, came to the front, aided by Mr K. R. Fox, the leading sports man of America, some few months back, and flaunting the flag of champion, threw down the gauntlet to the whole world, which Smith, with true British pluck, readily took up. No man in England was bettfer entitled to do battle in the fistic circle than he, and being recognised on all sides as the best man in Great Britain, having beaten Alt'. Greenway, J. Davis, and others, it was thought by his admirers that he only had to make the effort to win—so far as Kilrain was concerned.

If the contest was under the Marquis of Queensberry's rules—but it is doubtful — then it must have lasted seven hours and four minutes, as the rules laid down are three minutes' fighting and one minute's spell between the rounds. But, on the con trary, it would appear from the meagre reports to hand that they must have fought under P.R. rules,.which allows a man to go down to get out of trouble at any moment he wishes, thereby prolonging the battle considerably. Those in a position to know mu»t be aware that fighting under the Queensberry rules is very fatiguing, and it is scarcely reasonable to believe that

men, if fighting in earnest, could possibly last out the length oF time. Mr Fox gave the Police Gazette Diamond belt for the 6ontest, and the stakes were £2,000. From latest advices previous to the battle, both men were doing all that could be expected, but Smith was slightly the favourite. Whether the " mill" of it self will be the means of enriching them, it matters little, for already the men with their combinations have visited the prin cipal towns and cities of England, with the. result that they have reaped a great har vest. It may be mentiorred that J. L. Sullivan, who is at present in England, bus stated that he was anxious to meet the winner.

MURDER AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A DISTRAUGHT MOTHER.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchurch, Thursday. A shocking tragedy has occurred at Rakaia, namely, tho murder of a boy by his mother, and the attempted suicide of the woman. From the particulars of the affair which have been gathered, it appears that the woman, whose name is supposed to be Dalzioll, tied her child to her, and then jumped into the Rakaia river. When dis covered, the child was dead, but the mother was alive. She was put in the care of Dr. Withers, and is progressing towards covery. From her dress she has the appearance of a being widow, and the statement as to her name is only rumour. It is said that her husband died some months ago.

SAD FATAL ACCIDENT.

BOY CRUSHED TO DEATH.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

Wellington, Thursday.

George Brown, aged about eight years, son of Mr Samuel Brown. Mayor of Welling, ton, was killed this afternoon. He was riding in a cart opposite his father's resi dence, when the horse backed over a steep cutting, the poor lad receiving such in_ juries that death resulted in a few minutes. The driver of the cart escaped with a few bruises. Mr and Mrs Brown are absent in the South, having gone down yesterday with the intention of ascending Mount Cook.

A INDEPENDENT ENGINEER.

HE APPOINTS HIS OWN HOLIDAYS,

AN EXPLANATION REQUESTED.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board yes terday afternoon the following memo, from the Engineer (John McGregor) was sub mitted :—" Auckland Harbour Board, De cember 23rd, 1887. — I am going up to Taupo to-morrow morning, and intend returning on Wednesday night, the 28th. All the accounts that we have got in and certificates for the month will be sent down to you on Saturday as usual ; and I have given instructions that no further liabdities are to be incurred this month after accounts are rendered, unless in cases of emergency, in connection with Engineer's Depart ment."

The Chairman pointed out that the Engi neer's action was in direct violation of a recent resolution of the Board requesting him to ask the leave of the Chairman before absenting himself from his duties. Mr VVaddel laughincrly added that, judging by the officer's actions, his opinion was that he would rather resign than ask such leave. Mr Niecol: It was clearly understood that the Engineer was not at liberty to leave his duties without the Chairman's permission. .*

The Chairman: Well, he does not con suit me.

Mr V\ r inks : The thing is not right. The least the Engineer can do when he wants to go away is to ask leave.

The Chairman : People with accounts to settle which require his certificate have been put to inconvenience through inability to obtain that certificate.

Mr Henderson : Some action ought to be taken. In pursuing the course he has in this matter the Engineer has ignored the instructions of the Board. I therefore move, " That he be requested to explain why he has ignored the resolution of the Board relative to asking leave of absence."

Mr Winks seconded the resolution, and it was unanimously passed.

GOLDEN BEACHES OF THE WEST COAST.

(BY TELEGRAPH. - OWN CORRESPONDENT,)

Wellington, this day. Advices have been received from England to the effect that Mr Brook Smith is busily e ngaged superintending the construction of a huge dredge to recover gold on the beaches between Hokitika and Greymouth. It will be recollected that about six months ago he succeeded in forming a company in Christchurch to make an effort to obtain the gold known to exist on the West Cost beaches with the aid of one of Ball's patent drudgers, to represent which he was sent out from England. The Mines Department granted him facilities by giving him a lease of a considerable area of beach, and he then went home to get a suitable machine made. I am also informed that he is endeavour ing to form a syndicate in London to give the West Coast ranges a thorough prOspec ing- .

RETRENCHMENT.

CIVIL SERVANTS IN FEAR AND TRExMBLING.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Major Atkinson returns from Nelson next week. The "Post" says: "It is under stood that as soon as he comes back he will devote himself to the task of giving prac-i tical effect to his promises of departmenta retrenchment."

A rumour is current that dismissals will be very numerous, and consequently there is a feeling of great uneasiness prevailing amongst Civil servants here.

THE MINING INSPECTOR.

HIS VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent. )

Wellington, this day. Mr Gordon, Inspecting Engineer of th e Mines Department leaves for Auckland after the holidays on a visit of inspection.. Mr Gordon was anxious to go up before Christmas, but his office duties were so heavy that he could not get away before now.

GAMING AT ELLERSLIE.

The hearing of the evidence against the alleged "speelers" who were arrested at Ellerslie last Monday was proceeded with this morning, Mr H.. C. Baddeley being on the Bench. He stated that he had decided to take the cases under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881, Amendment Act' 1885. The informations were amended accordingly. The first case taken was that of Frede rick Holmes, who was charged with play ing a certain game of chance at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Mr J. O'Meagher appeared on behalf of the accused.

Detective Doolan and Constable Christie gave evidence as to the nature of the game. Christie heard him say when the spindle stepped, "I don't want to take your money; you can double your stakes and I will double tho odds." At the next turn the sailor won, and the accused said, " I don't charge any thing, but you can give me anything you like." The sailor gave him one shilling. All the stakes not covered could be taken up by the accused. He did not do so, as ihe stakes were all doubled. Detective Doolan arrested the accused. „,

Mr O'Meagher then addressed the Court, and raised his previous contention that the 7th section of the Act covered this game. His Worship reserved his decision until he had heard the other cases.

Charles Sherman was next charged with gaming at Ellerslie. Mr O'Meagher appeared for him also. Detective Herbert deposed to seeing the prisoner playing "spinning Jenny," or " wheel of fortune." Witness saw several games played. Accused said to a winner, "You can give me whatever you choose." The game was purely one of chance, he had known the accused for about two years. His Worship reserved his decision. Allan Cockburn pleaded guilty to a similar offence. Sentence was deferred.

Francis McAnnally was then charged. Detective Tuohy gave evidence in thu case, but it was in.-ufficient to prove the charge. His Worship discharged the accused, at the same time remarking that it was an ex tremely suspicious case, and that the police were quite justified in taking action as they had done.

Charles Smith McAnnally, was also ohaiged with playing a game of chance. Mr O'Meagher appeared for the accused and pleaded not guilty. Detective Tuohy deposed to seeing the accused at Ellerslie. He saw the accused come to take a bag off the table ; inside the bag were a number of purses. Witne.s; did not see him playing at any game. Hit- Worship at once dismissed tho case Charles Smith, alias McAnnally, wa. further charged with having no lawfu visible means of support.

Detective Tuohy deposed to seeing the accused in company with a noted speeler and card sharper. Witness first met him at a brothel in Auckland on the 22nd December. He was then creat ing a disturbance and was in the company of known speelers. They were at thi Metropolitan brothelopposite the Clarendon Hotel. The Bench remarked that it wa. evidently a mistake to have charged th, accused. The charge might have heh against the man's brother. The accuse., was according 1/ liberated.

His Worship said : All three of th defendants, Grappel, Hart, and Chatbanci pleaded not guilty to .he charges of garni ling on the racecourse. I have really onl; to deal now with the two former ease- The learned counsel seeing that the cvi dence was too strong to allow of a defenc in the last-named case virtually withdrev the plea of not guilty. After full considera tion of the other cases, I feel that they an fully proved. I am, however, willing ..»' these cases should be dealt with under th Gaming and Lotteries Act, those of then: at any rate, who may be first offenders. A ■ the same time, I must express my determi nation, when such cases are brought horn. to so deal with them that the offender are not likely' to come before me again in ; hurry. 1 look upon persons of the class o the defendant as the greatest possible pest, to the community and worthy of no con sideration whatever. Light punishment they only laugh at, and are 'encourage* thereby to go on with their nefariou schemes, and if those whe hay wives and families do not consider then they cannot expect mo to do so. and if the} some day find themsejves landed in gaol they have only themselves to thank. On< at any rate of the defendants had a £_oo< trade, but it appears he is so fond of tbes unlawful courses that he resorts to them and this says very little for him. Not on of the cases comes within the 7th clause o the Gaming and Lotteries Act Amendmei.; Act, 1885. That clause refers to bom fide sweepstake, on a racecourse got up ii connection with some horse race. Wit' regard to Grappel's case, when he saw thi detective, he said, "Remember you tak the whole of the money yourselves," bu what hud he been doing shortly before Laying 7 to 1. That is not much like sweep stake_, so that remark about taking th money was a shallow blind. The instru merits of gaming were clearly proved to b used in all the cases, and the games an beyond question cames of chance, and th Act would be a dead letter if such practice, were alllowed. This is not a matter to bi played with. Defendants Lave been de fended with great zeal, but the case. were too clear to be got over.

His Worship asked if John Grappel hat been previously convicted.

Sergeant i_att replied that he had serve* 5 year:?' penal servitude for breaking an. entering.

His Worship said that as this was the first •>. offence of the prisoner against the Gamin« i and potter ief, Act, he would deal with bin | as a first offender. He-warned him that > if he came up again he would be dealt with i under another Act which would mean im j prisonmont without the option of a fine He fined him £30 and costs, or, in default, two months' hard labour.

John Hart not having been previously convicted was also fined £30, or two months' in default.

Albert Cha.band having previously served 14 days for gr.ming was fined £50 or three months'.

Frederick Holmes, Charles Sherman, and Allan Cockburn, being first offenders, wen each fined £30 and costs, or 2 months in de fault.

His Worship said, " I wish to say, Scr geant Pratt, that the police deserve infinite credit for their action in this matter in pro tecting the public from being fleeced during the holiday season." On the application of Sereeant Pratt all the gaming instruments were forfeited.

ANOTHER BOAT MISSING.

A Fruitless Search

Me Hitchens, of blood restorer fame, re ported to the police yesterday afternoon that his son, aged 15 years, left with a Mr Powell, who lives in Willow Lane, oft Grey street, and two others, whose names he did noc know, on Monday.in a small open boat to gofishing. Theyintendedtoreturn the same evening, and had no provisions with them. Some young men camping at Drunken Bay reported that the party had left Drunken Bay on Tuesday, and sailed for Waiheke. Mr Hitchens went down with the Customs launch yesterday, when she went after the missing yacht Malua, to have a look for his son. In company with Constable McDon nell, of the Water Police, he thoroughly searched the island, but found no trace of the missing open-boat or its occupants.

GOLD DISCOVERY NEAR WELLINGTON.

GOVERNMENT GEOLOGISTS HUNTING FOR A LOST REEF.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. A report that aariferous stone has been discovered in the ranges between the source,, of the Hutt and Tauherenikau rivers has occasioned considerable excitement in some parts of the Wairarapa, and a number ot men are now out prospecting the country where thequartz is said to exist. Sir James Hector states that a sample of stone was sent down to him to be tested. The result ot the analysis was very satisfactory. The stone yielded 32ozs gold to the ton. Sir James was informed that the quartz had been broken from a large reef on the Waihine ranges about three weeks ago by a party who were prospecting. The men did not attach any importance to the discovery, as they felt convinced there was little or no gold in the stone, and the speci mens which they brought away were al lowed to remain on a mantelshelf until reeefitly, when one of the party, which was long since disbanded, took it into his head to get them tested at the Colonial Museum, with the result that they were found to bo rich in the precious metal. The reef from which the stone was broken was not marked by the man who brought away the speci mens, and all efforts recently made to dis cover its whereabouts have proved unavail ing. ' Sir James Hector, feeling much in terested in the discovery of rich quartz so close to this city, paid a visit to the Waira rapa last week in company with Mr Mackay, geologist, and inspected the country where the lode is said to exist. Sir James re turned towards the end of the week, but Mr Mackay did not come back to Welling ton until yesterday. Mr Mackay spent several days in prospecting the Waio hine ranges, and has brought _ back with him a quantity of specimens, which will be tested as soon as possible. It is probable that he will go up again shortly and make another effort to discover the locale of the auriferous lode. The country which he has prospected re cently is exceedingly rough, and he has had his garments almost torn to shreds in making his way through the bush.

OCCIDENT ON THE PENGUIN.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Shortly after the Penguin, which arrived from Onehunga yesterday morning, had rossed the Manukau bar on Monday night one of the small cannon broke loose on the ipper deck. The vessel was labouring Heavily at the time, and the cannon rolled from one side of the deck to the other in a manner which made it dangerous for any one to go near it. After some minutes the cannon crushed through the iron stanchions and went overboard in 20 fathoms of water.

CHORAL HALL.-Grand Farewell Concert.

Mrs L. F. Davies and Mr W. A. McLean gave last night, in the Choral Hall, their econd and valedictory concert in Auckland. it was quite as enjoyable as their first con cert, but there was only an ittendance. Admiral and Mrs Fairfax, Mr s 3o?anq'uet, Miss Dundas, and a number of :he officers of the squadron were present, nit Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd and the .fficera of the Auckland- garrison, who had :iso "given their patronage,were conspicuous >nly by their absence, and thus their .range neglect is brought into mark»d contrast with the Admiral's punctiliousness. At any rate, the absentees misssd a treat, .ins Davies' contributions were, the ■ Jewel" scena from Faust, Braza's • Angel's Serenade " and the Scotch song • Comin' thro' the Rye." Of these the best, o our liking, was the serenade. It was the . ucai gem of the concert. The cantatrice ung it with exquisite taste and with very irre expression, while the charm of the per ormance was brightened by the violin bligato so sympathetically played by Mr. vleLean, voice arid instrument blending in -erfect harmony. With the scena from ■ Faust," which embraces the canzone ecita.ti.ve and "Jewel" song, repeated the ■jccess which she achieved on the occasion •f her first appearance in Auckland. The weet and simple canzone was invested vith touching pathos, the recitative was ccuj ately phrased, and the " Jewel" ong was sur.g with artistic effect. Comin' thro' the Rye " was tendered with neat archness. Mr W. A. McLean pro duced quite a furore by his violin playing, ;rid confirmed the opinions previously ormcd as to his complete mastery over the ,aried resources of the instrument. In De

.eriof's "Grand Spanish Fantasia," a election marked by the florid style and ight and graceful melody of the Belgian iolinist, Mr McLean gave abundant?.proof ■i his proficiency in technique, and charmed lis audience with the fulness and sweetness _f his intonations His bowing, too, is firm -nd graceful. The solo comprised an in roduction, a volero, and finale. An encore .as demanded, and the performer bowed .is acknowledgments. Mr McLean's econd contribution was a " Legend. y Wieniawski, a quaint morceau in wo movements andante and allegro mode ato both being replete with delicious lelody exquisitely interpreted. The sweet nd pensive air of the andante touched tho carts of the hearers, and in the second iK. ement the violinist found display for his

.vers in double-stopping. It was a splen f d performance, and the audience, 'eclrning* ,iis time to accept a bow as an answer to m encore, called out the player twice v succession. He graciously responded with a berceuse by Renaud. Mr : George Jlutsam played with his well-known taste irid brilhancy of execution three pianoforte :<olos, viz., Lis-st's transcription from Wagner's opera " The Flying Dutchman," Jottschalk's admired and popular " Pas luinade," and " A Romantic Study," by fenseii. Miss Julia Knight was in capital voice, and sang with decided effect " Alas 1 chose Chimes." She also gave " Kathleen Mavourneen," but it was hardly so good. The lady has a clear and powerful contralto voice of good compass and quality. Mr T M. Jackson also contributed two sbngs, viz., Blumenthal's "Message" and Mac kenzie's " Lift my Spirit up to Thee." He has a flexible tenor voice of average range and very sweet timbre. It is an excellent quality of voice, and we hope to hear more of Mr Jackson. His selections last night w< re not quite suited to him Miss Harding played the various accompaniments very satisfactorily indee., .

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c.„ To-night.

,-%. . : ' Abbott's Opera House—Bland Holt Company in " Alone in London," 8 ' . gricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8 Waitemata Club Room- Auckland Yaor.tClub,B Drill-shed—N.Z. Rifle Association, 8 Protestant Hall, Papakma Lodge Star in the Far South, S.C., 7 Drijl-shed-Victoria Rife>, 6.30 . *. _ Court Room, Alexandra-street-Court Eureka. No 6,171, A.0.F., 8

Rota 01 Justices at" Police Court. Dec. 31-Messrs R. R. Hunt and M lsaacs *

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Mrs Walters's Stud Farm, Papakura-Salo of Thyroog .bred Yearlings. 11 p _ ° D, F, Evans, Hrmonds-street--Housclloia>' , ii_< auureandEflocta,U . '_; 'f^

t J3E AUQgMNI) EYMINfe STAR,

5



A small dance will eventuate at Govern ment House to-morrow night at 9 o'clock Visitors will be the guests of Mrs Faixfax.