"^\a by Messrs Geo. Fraser, C. Jf* jjM. Brigham,J. A. Pond, A. At^ n' a, ee 'veral other gentlemen, the Bell anci g this morning proceeded North Shore for the purpose o«r tot e o ft CaU iope Dock. He re of insPf % ie 10 o'clock boat, fully im tet° i with the magnitude of the work presf " cc cssful manner in which it is thC S out by the contractor, Mr t. if yearly meeting of the Auckland JNjHJJ J\ be held to-morrow, at 4 L»ff t he District Coui-fc-house. Newton ratepayers has been A «11 by the Mayor for Thursday even »nve" atSt George's Hall, Surrey Hills. las taken this aCtion in H« "J' a requisition signed by a num- X®°tai -navers who are desirous of hear- of new Councillors on matters Hocal interest. ol' T g Lawry has acceded to the re- I of the Arch Hill Mutual Improve sDetA«nciation,5 DetA«nciation, and will to-night treat on fvnnSrtnnt subject of " Digestion " in a gSy manner by means of a "medical Af'.J D Jackson, an old and respected •Ll o f Onehunga, is in receipt of a Sin his daughter in Sydney in which • • "«ted that a Mr W. Jackson (supposed kphpr brother) is the fortunate discoverer *?free! foi^apparently solid gold, and that ° ,1 ierv to the extent of L 5.000 has been SSSfionll haste from Melbourne to Ksrloy for working the same. Mr Tk-on expresses his astonishment at not Simii any notification of the find in cablegrams. , r g m ytl), the well-known vocalist, has Rested himself in getting together a ital ravramme of songs and recitations Mi latter by the talented elocutionist, Mr &) for the usual weekly entertainment ton in connection with the Freeman's C x em perance Club. The concert will Li given in the adjoining hall, so as to Irmit of a larger attendance of the re- SLts of the locality. A charge of one Ly will be made to cover cost of gas, [his (Thursday) evening at halt-past seven o'clock.

THE PREMIER AT THE THAMES.

j W KLEGBAPU. - OWX COERESPOXDEXT.)

Tha?ies, this day.

The Big Pump. THiThamesmembersof the Drainage Board depntationised Sir ft. Stout late yesterday jjternoon re the Big Pump. It was pointed O at that the Minister of Mines had promised $000 towards erecting machinery for the jubstitution of water motive power instead of steam, but the grant was conditionally ipm another L' 2,000 being raised by the foard, and,the pump being unencumbered. It was impossible to obtain the necessary mount, and it was desired that the con dition re the pump being unencumbered staid be removed. The Premier replied tot the Minister of Mines was favour ing to this being waived, so. that in all probability the grant would be forthcoming, though he would not make uy binding1 promise, as the present Go mment might possibly be ousted. Mr JaiMcGowan acted r«3 spokesman.

The Address at A'igbt One of the largest and most representa femeetings ever held on the Thames took tain the Academy of Music last night, to the Premier addressed the electors. & hall was crowded. Mr Brodie pre-

k R. Stout, who was received with loud spouse, said he considered thab the Ikies district had a great future before kilwas pleased to address a Thames uface, as in many matters they held similar opinions as himself. Under previous Go- Kaments the mining industry had been Kgiected, but the present Government taught if should be fostered in every con tarablemanner. Miners should be assisted ia becominjj acquainted with chemistry, lie, and thus be able to prosecute n:ining ia a scientific manner, and it was for iiis object that Schools of Mines W been established. He had been in iraed by Mr Montgomery during his visit tothe school that clay that the only hope for this district was the finding of some way in which to treat the fractious ores of tta district economically and profitably, md were they successful in doing this, to the prosperity of the district would be fen times greater than in the past. He wa h fMto see our young men taking an in terest in this matter, and it would end in snug much gold whicliwas now escaping ttdbeingwashed into the harbour. Schools " Mines were very necessary on gold ™i but they would not exist to one year were the Opposition returned He referred at length to the pro taton of local industries, the new tariff, j»tion, the Village Settlement scheme, reorganisation and reduction, «, insomewhat similar terms as his recent Win Auckland, when he dealt-with vari «3subjects so exhaustively. His sneech, »»occupied two hours, was listened to 1 utked intei' est, and frequently ap- A%number of .questions were asked, If the Government's policy is f™<?entwhy did they give L 1,900 for J 'tad job f The Premier replied that •™>g to an Act passed by the House, Mrs •ttws prevents from completing the "«js of some native lands, and she « oompensated after due inquiry by STT- The mcney had not been &L 7 j • Govera ment, but by the Xi an. d' lWonld be wrong were they S?^ for the survey from which •ffin*? bonetit- Anotherquestion SJ °uda PPlause was~" Which of *£? t tUr, ns the grinding-stone for B»W have axes t» grind?" a fc r»^vcred.-»I will only reply * evil v- , °>™ niotto > 'Evil be to him *fi£frtr f! 11^ to, a further ■daeiv \r • 4 th. e Uovemment favoured ** b°v 7,lmsfers' salaries and allow *««»i»ri per l ? n>- wllich they were tetS "Vt\ for- N^erous other *"«the fun? , ' and for about half-nn **£*£?* {"* and furious. °™g to jfrfy repartees of the Premier. ? rOposecl 'and Mr George SiL^y v ote of thanks to. 14*, whji 6 able and interesting ***IoJSi WaS,carried unanimously" 1 T h "ted * * fl>t« cheers for «t ' lne *eeting was very enthusi-

Mattew Burnett and Locke Richardson.

b>*KUniett> tho ?^a£T reformer, S^enfil f Ilthe1 l the stings have Sr1 ** to thl "^ lis existence is W^atSv^^erewasnot *£?* P«rfDrrflal V- W- C- A- Halllong t& has Mr labour- ancl a °« ordinary calibre."

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.)

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

COMMENTS BY THE PRESS.

(REUTER.)

London, July 26. The Blue .Book of the Imperial Con ference has been issued. The reports of the discussion on the New Hebrides question are omitted from the pulica ticra. (special.) The report of the Imperial Con ference lias formed the subject of editorials in the leading journals. The " Morning Post," in an article dealing with the report, demands the imme diate fortification of Thursday Island. The " Times :> is not surprised that the colonies refused to accept the Govern ment proposals to fortify Albany with obsolete armament. It considers that if the sole result of the Conference had been the agreement to increase the Australian licet, it would have been worth while convening it.

THE LANGWORTHY MARRIAGE.

THE CASE IN PARLIAMENT.

MARRIAGE TO BE LEGALISED

(REUTER.)

Londox, July 2G. The Court has ordered Mr Lang worthy to deposit security for the annual payment of LGOO to the child. Mrs Langworthy's alimony and law costs have been ordered to date from the commencement of the proceedings.

The House of Commons has had under discussion a bill to legalise the marriage at Antwerp. Consideration of the measure was adjourned for the production of. facts in connection with the ceremony.

A SHOCKING OFFENCE!

LORD CHARLES BERESFORD

AND THE QUEEN,

(retjter's telegram.)

Loxdox, July 27. Lord Charles Beresford has ten dered his resignation as one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, owing to a technical breach of eti quette in the signalling of a private message from the Queen's yacht during the naval review at Spithead. It is not expected that His Lordship's re signation will he accepted. (special.) The circumstances of Lord Beres ford's resignation as given by the news papers are as follow :—The Queen was in the saloon of the Royal yacht, receiv ing the captains of the vessels which took part in the naval review at Spithead. During this ceiemony, Lord Beresford signalled to his wife, who was on board the Euchantres, appointing a rendez vous after the review. The rules of the service forbid signalling while the Sovereign is on board, except by Eoyal command, and on ascertaining this Lord Beresford sent in his resignation to the Admiralty. A hope is expressed that the Queen will reinstate him.

THE ENGLISH MINISTRY.

SUGGESTED COALITION

Neuter's telegram.)

London, July 20,

The newspapers are now discussing the question of a Coalition Ministry. The '' Standard" favours such a change being made in autumn, and suggests that Lord Hartington should be the Premier.

PRIZE FIGHT ARRANGED.

London, July 26th.

(SPECIAL.)

Jem Smith (English champion) and Kiibrain (American champion) have signed articles to fight for the cham pionship of tne world. They will meet on January 3 next, at some place with in a hundred miles of Madrid. The stakes are £500 aside.

GREAT WESLEYAN CONFER ENCE.

The Wesleyan Conference has re solved to hold an (Ecumenical Confer ence in America in 1891.

ENGLISH CRICKETERS FOR AUSTRALIA.

Lilywhite, Shaw, and Shrewsbury hold that they are justified in theijr de termination to take a team to Aus tralia next season, by the fact that they are under engagement with the trustees of the Association Ground to do so, and in case of non-compliance the trustees have threatened to engage an English eleven independently. The team will leave by the Iberia.

THE WHEAT CROP.

The Hcssion flies are increasing their ravages on the wheat crop.

THE POPE AND THE KNIGHTS OF LABOUR

The Pope declines to condemn'the American Knights of Labour Societgy.

OBITUARY.

The death is announced of '.Mr Charles Howe, of Barcoo, Queensland

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

PER NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE

AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED).

London, July 26.

Wheat: Market for New Zealand sorts is depressed. New Zealand wheat, average quality, and long berried, are worth respectively 34s and 35s Gd per 49Glb. New Zealand wheat f.a.q., is worth, c.i.f. off coast, 31s 6d per 4801b. Oats: Market steadier. New Zealand Hemp: Mar ket quiet. Fine, medium, and com mon, arc worth respectively ;£2O, £'23 15s, and £12 per ton. Hops: Crop prospects in England are good. The yield is expected to be about an aver age one.

THE SAMOAN CONFERENCE.

Mr J. D. Thurston, of Fiji, has arrived at Washington to attend the

conference on Samoan affairs.

AUSTRALIAN FRUIT IN LONDON.

Oranges and lemons from Sydney by the s.s. Liguira are considered of superior quality, and are only realising low prices.

THE MISSING CLERGYMAN FOUND.

Sydney, July 27.

(reutee's telegram.)

The Rev. Dr. Wright, Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who had been missing for some time, has been discovered;

QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT.

Brisbane, July 27.

In the Assembly to-day the Appro priation Bill for £250,000 on account was passed through all its stages.

THE DORIC AT HOBART.

A telegram received by the Auckland agents, Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co., an nounces the arrival of the s.s. Doric from London at Hobart this morning early. The Doric will probably leave again this evening for Auckland direct, arriving here about Wednesday next.

ELECTION NOTES.

Mr D. Got-die is announced to address the electors of Auckland West in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, to-morrow even ing.

Mr J. A. Connell will address the electors of Eden at the Onehunga Hall this evening at H o'clock.

A private telegram was received in town to-day stating that Major Atkinson, Mr Bryce, and Colonel Trimble are perfectly saie for their respective seats.

Mr Shera's supporters and friends are advised that his committee meets again this evening, at half-past seven o'clock, at the back of St. James' Hall, Wellington street.

Mr R. Udy has, we understand, con sented to accept nomination for the Eden constituency, provided a sufficiently en couraging requisition is presented to him. A requisition is now in course of signature.

Another enthusiastic committee-meeting of Hon. Mr Tola's supporters was held yesterday evening in Haslett's Public Hall, Eden Terrace, when further progress was made with roll work. The committee again meet to-morrow (Friday) night, at half past seven o'clock, in St George's Hall, at which meeting all electors and supporters of Mr Tole are invited te be present.

The following suggestive announcement appears in the '' Bay of Plenty Times f : — " Missing Friends.—lf this should meet the eye of Mr L. M. Grace, our. sitting member, who left Tauranga about two years since, and was last heard of in the wilderness at Taupo, he will hear of some thing to his advantage by calling on the undersigned ; or any information furnished by any one will be thankfully received. Jonx BKOWJSr, for the constituency."

Dunedinv Wednesday,

Mr Hodge addressed the electors of Dunedin Central this evening, and re ceived a vote of confidence. He an nounced himself as a Government sup porter, and indicated that rather than split the protection vote, he might retire in favour of Mr Fitch ett.

A requisition was forwardod to Sir Julius Vogel to-day, through tho Mayor, re questing him to address a meeting in Dunedin.

Dusedin, this clay. Mr Hodge did not make a favourable impression last night. Beyond formally announcing his candida ture, Mr Cargill has taken no steps.

Wellington, thi3 day.

Mr Alexander Wilson has withdrawn from the contest for Welllington South and suburbs.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs T. Peacock and E.Parsons, J.JVs.)

Drtjnkexxess.—Two persona werepunished for this offence.

Lakceny. — Benjamin Bennett was charged with the larceny of one rug, value lSs 6d, the property of William George Allen. — The evidence showed that accused was observed to take the rug away from outside the shop by Joseph Morey, caretaker of the Victoria Arcade, who gave information to James Orr, shopman. Orr followed the accused and recovered the rug, and Constable White arrested the accused.—Two months' imprisonment. By-laws.—Breaches of the City By laws were dealt with as follows :— Michael Gorman, acting as driver of a hackney carriage without being duly licensed, 5s and costs; James Cal verfc, on a similar charge, lOsi and costs ; Charles Laurie, leaving a horse and cart in Durham-street, thus causing a blockage of the carriage way, Is and costs; James Nicholses*, allowing two cows to wander near Coastitution Hill, 5s and costs; David Alexander Swanson, allowing thr< c cows to wander at Constitution Hill, 5s ancl costs ; Timothy Hayes,allowing a horse to wander, 10s and costs. A charge against Robert Mellis, of using a catapuit at Par nell was adjourned till Friday.

! A large cumber of the men belonging to the Devonport Navals returned their arms ■and uniforms to the Secretary last evening, in accordance with permission given by Major-General Whitmore. Captain Fenton, on the other hand, has been interviewed by a number of young men desirous of joining the corps,' and he has no doubt that he will have secured tho requisite number within the time appointed, viz., before the end of the present month.

ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES.

At the Police Court to-day, Thomas Munro, a respectable-looking man, was charged that he did, on the 18th July, unlawfully and knowingly by certain false pretences obtain the sum of LS sterling from Charles Henry Murray, by giving him a cheque for LS on the Union Bank of Australia, with which bunk he never had an account. Accused was not defended by counsel.— The evidence of Charles Murray, of the firm of Murray and Spencer, stationers, was to the effect that on the after noon of the 18th he accepted a cheque from the prisoner, signed by him. They had not sufficient cash in the. shop a"t the time to cover the cheque, and gave him two one pound notes and somebody else's cheque for L 2 2s b'd. Accused was to call for the remainder of the money next morning, but he did not come. In the earlier part of the day following that, Mr Murray met accused in the street and reminded him that he had not come for the money, and he seemed surprised, and said he would call at once, and did so immediately afterwards and got the balance of the money. Later on in the day they received intimation from the bank that the cheque had been dishonoured. Mr Murray went to accused and asked him about the cheque, and he requested that the matter should be left till the next morning, and that it would be all right. He said in a subsequent interview that he had an ac count at Union Bank of Australia.and asser ted that ho had overdone it, but everything would be all right if left until the morrow. Mr Murray replied that he never had had an account, at the Union Bank, and asked him to accompany him to the bank. Munro took up his hat with an air of bravado, and said he would do so. 'I hey went downstairs, but when they had gone a few yards up the pavement prisoner took Mr Murray's arm and said, "Look here, I have done wrong." He then pressed him very hard to leave it fill the next morning, and he would make it all right, but he re plied that the matter was too serious, and he must have a more positive assurance concerning it. The prosecutor pressed for the payment of the money, and accused gave him back three sovereigns from the proceeds of their own cheque, promising faithfully to bring back the balance first thing next morning. They had not been paid the balance. —In answer to accused, Mr Murray said that about a quarter of an hour after the three sovereigns were paid, he accepted the accused's watch and gold chain as a pledge ot good faith, that he would pay the next morning. Other evidence was taken, and the accused com mitted for trial.

NAPIER CATTLE SALE.

A sale at Hastings yesterday, by Robert Well wood, was largely attended, and, taking the state of the cattle market into

consideration, very good prices were rea lised. The lot of cattle offered were steers and speyed heifers (all fat), and although not as large as some previously offered, they were a fine lot of really good butchers' meat. The mob averaged about 8001b in weight, and they rea lised a fraction under ±"5 per head, or an average of 12s per 1001b. Feed is tolerably plentiful just now, and cattle have consequently a better appearance. A mob of splendid sheep were afterwards offered, but there was no offer. Since the break-up of the dry season there has been better feed, and there is no necessity to sacrifice sheep in the same manner as pre vailed a few weeks ago, and owners are holding for better prices.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

[ (BY TELEGRAPH —OWX CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Telephones Destroyed by Fire. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce have received a letter from the Govern ment, admitting that it is a hardship to compel telephone subscribers to make good the value of their instruments if destroyed by fire, and stating that for the future the Department will beai the loss in every case where instruments are not wilfully or carelessly damaged or destroyed. Can Married Women Select Land? Some weeks ago a question was raised as to whether a married woman could take up and hold selections in the blocks held by the Wellington Special Settlement As sociation. The Commissioner of Crown Lands had originally given it as his opinion that married women could hold land in settlements, and after several had taken up areas, he wrote to the Secretary stating that they were not qualified to hold sections. A deputation thereupon waited upon the Minister of landson the subject, and the Minister has now decided that owing to the fact that the women in question had been misled in the first instance, they might retain their holdings. Mr Ballance has returned to town. Mr Maxwell Goes Home. Mr Maxwell, general manager of the New Zealand railways, has obtained six months' leave of absence, and is about to visit Europe. He will probably be accredited by the New Zealand Government to the Conference of railway engineers and mana gers about to be held in Milan. Sly Grog Selling at Parihaka-

The Native Minister informs me that the statement that Te Whiti has been fined LlO for sly grog selling is incorrect. 'The of fender is not "Te Whiti," but " TeWhetu," who has long been notorious for turbulence and disaffection, and who will be remem bered as having been associated with the old fencing trouble. Was He Drunk? "T-ffficial reports received with regard to Te Kooti's alleged performances give a very different version from that telegraphed by excited correspondents. It is absolutely denied that he rode about in a state of al coholic madness as asserted, the fact being that although very drunk indeed he w«s stipidly m } nit violently drunk, so tint there were no grounds for apprehending any serious disturbance on his account. Magazine Kiflcs. A cable message was received last even ing by the Minister of Defence, advisine him that the first instalment of the new "repeating" or "magazine" rifles which had been ordered for New Zealand, would leave San Francisco by the next mail steamer.on the 29th inst., and should there fore reach Wellington on the 20th prox. The shipment comprises 200 rifles of the Eemington-Lee type, which has beon finally adopted by the English Committee as the best of all the numerous types, submitted for selection. Auckland to the Front Again. By the Civil Service Act of 188G it is pro vided that applicants for positions in the Civil Service shall have priority according to the order of merit in which they pass ex aminations. The post of honour is now held by an Auckland younglady, who passed the last examination with flying colours and many marks. The very first vacancy in the service, which happens to be in the Go vernment Insurance Department, has been offered to her, and the Government are now waiting to hear from her on the subject. ,

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Caledonian. —The result of the cleaning up of the trial parcels of quartz will pro bably be known this afternoon.

ManukatX.—There is no change to report from the various workings, which are pro ducing quartz of the usual payable grade. Cambiua.—The country in the cross-cub at No. o level is a splendid channel of sand stone, with nice mineral veins through it. The- drivo is now in 140 feet. The crushing is shaping for some 16d\vb or 17d\vb per load.

Coromandel, this day,

Royal Oak.—The mine manager reports : —In driving back on the reef from No. 2 cross-cut the ground is extremely hard, which makes progress slow. The reef is about 4 inches in thickness, and likely looking to make gold at any moment. There is about 10 feefc more before the two drives connect. When completed ifc will give easy facility for work ing this part of the mine. This is a large block of ground between Nos. 1 and 2 lodes, and whab little work has been done has brought to light two runs of gold, one in the rise and the other in driving from No. 1 reef, which I intend to rise upon in both places us soon as possible ; seeing that all these cross-lodes continue their course down through the hard ground, and carrying gold as far as known down to the van level, shows that there is every prospect of a prosperous future for your mine. Tributers have about 81bs picked stone from Little and Good section.

Tokatea. —The mine manager reports :— Since my last report, a better class of coun try has been met with in driving eastward on the Excelsior reef at No. 3 level, and also a great change for the better in the appearance of the stone which is now fully eight inches in width, and carrying good minerals, but I cannot find any gold yet. The distance driven at this end during the last week is four feet. The drive in the Avestern end has been extended two feet,which will make in all six feet for the week. There is also a change in the coun try here ; the ground is easier to break, and is more kindly. The leader, although split, is coming together again, so I trust gold will be visible in the stone vc-ry soon.

THE NATIVE FANATICS IN THE NORTH.

Mr Bishop's Account of the

Affair

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. Mr H. W. Bishop, 11. M. of Mongonui, has telegraphed the following official repoit upon the late native disturbance to the Native Minister : — "Whangaroa.July 27th. On Saturday, at Rawene, I dealt with all the native prisoners. Two were remanded until they recovered from their wounds. Three I discharged, they having taken no active part in breaking1 the law, and the rest I sentenced in various ways for the assault upon Hearn and resisting the police. In most cases I ordered the prisoners to find sureties for their future good behaviour. Hohaia Pahione, a nephew of Tamati Waka Nene, was among those arrested, and upon his promising me to give up the foolish practices in future I released him upon two respectable natives becoming sureties for his good behaviour. Five of the women were dealt with in a similar manner. I deemed it best to deal with all the charges summarily under the circum stances, and Inspector McGoyern, on bo"; half of the police, quite concurred in this view. The ringleaders have been severely punished ; the strong arm of the law has been upheld ; the fanatical movement has been rooted out; and the natives all around have been taught a lesson they are not likely to forget. At the same time justice lias been tempered with mercy to those who have simply been the fanatical followers of designing rogues. On my way here 1 interviewed a woman named Ana Karo, who has been carrying on a move ment of her own for some time, which has much disturbed and upset the natives of the district. She gave -me a distinct pro mise in the1 presence of a large concourse of natives that she would henceforth cease all such practices. This is very satisfactory. ' The wounded prisoners are progressing well." Criticism Upon the Arrests. The "Evening Press" comments in an indignant strain upon the action of the authorities in the suppression of the native trouble in Hokianga district, which, it says, bears on the face of it the appearance of a piece of tyranny and injustice. It says: "By that law the men were permitted to shoot the natives we are totally at a loss to understand. Our belief is that the shooting was quite unlaw ful, and that if any of the natives had been killed the police or those who instructed them would have been liable to be indicted foa manslaughter. We never heard of such a thing before as for a body of police engaged in executing a warrant for assault, on the information of a private individual, being provided with firearms, and shooting the persons whom they were sent to arrest. No summonses seem to have been issued beforehand, but the first intimation the natives received of a complaint having been made against them was being set upon in their kainga by 21 men, of whom 10 carried firearms, and the rest bludgeons, and being fired into whontheyref usedadmittance to the unwelcome visitors. Surely this is a strange way of carrying out the laws of a free country. Such a thing could not be done in the most disturbed part of Ireland against a band of moonlighters without creating a roar of indignation throughout the three Kingdoms. Even in the most despotic and ill-governed country in Europe it would be regarded as a shameful outrage. It is precisely the sort of thing which will be taken hold of at home to justify those charges of ill-treatment of the natives which have be"en so often and so injuriously brought, against the Government and the settlers."

THE SEAMEN'S UNION.

The following appears in the " Federated Union Shipping Gazette " of July 23rd : — " Seamen's Union Head Office, July 22nd. The weekly meeting of the Federated Sea men's Union was held last Tuesday even ing. Mr Kennedy was elected to the chair. There were 46 members present. An interim committee was appointed to con duct the business of the Society for the remainder of the present year, a3 the Executive had not tho power to resign, but had refu3ed to act. The Interim-Com mittee was empowered to carry out the business of uhe Society, in conjunction with the Secretary and Mr Fraser who offered bis services gratuitously. Telegrams in connection with the strike in Auckland were read, requesting the Secretary to go there, but at the present time, he stated, it was impossible for him to leave Dunedin. The legal action, in regard to the situation was read, and ordered to lie on the table for inspec tion by members. A printed statement will shortly be forwarded to all members of the Federated Seaman's Union through out Australasia. The shipping trade is not very brisk at the present time, and there are a great many still unemployed, the number being increased on account of the Arawata being laid up.

POULTRY, PIGEON, & CANARY ASSOCIATION.

Fourth Annual Show.

Patrons: His Worship the Mayor, A. Brown, Esq., Major A. E. Isaacs, T. Gresham, Esq., J. 11. Lc Bailly, Esq., Thos Morrin, Esq., E. Mit ehclson. Esq., T. Peacock, Esq., Hon. Joseph Toie, Esq., H. Hobbs, Esq., J. M. Dargaville, Esq., G. M. Heed, Esq.. J. McCosh Clark, Esq. H. Brett, Esq.. W. Wilson, Esq., Oapt. Kennedy. President: G. Cruickshank, Esq. Vice- Presidents: Messrs A. 11. Gramger, C. Bartley, C. M. Hartley, E. T. Cartwright, G. Huinic, James Whitson, T. Craig, J. Walter. Committee: Messrs J. Billington, VV.Erring ton, F. Goodaere, F. G. Haszard, H. E. Martin, T. Rose, G. Teasdale, C Choyce, W. Fletcher, F. Hulme, J. Jones, C. Phillips, James Reid, O. B. Way mouth, J. Duanne, F. Fox, T. B. Hill, J. B. Morpeth, F. Quick, V. Stephens, A. Fisher, jun. Treasurer: Mr G. Cruickshank. Secretary: Mr T. Sloan Morpeth.

The fourth annual show of the Auckland Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association opened to-day in the Agricultural Hall, and from the number and excellence of the ex hibits, bids fair to prove an unqualified success. The arrangements have also been greatly improved, the committee having imported from Home a number of wire folding cages in which to place the birds. The result is highly satisfactory, as every bird is now placed on the same footing as regards its cage, and not only that, but owing to the wire construction of the cages more light is thrown upon the exhibits. The cages are on the same principle as those used in the largo exhibition at the Crystal Palace. Amongst the exhibits there are some interesting specimens. Mr Quick shows a cage containing a cock and two hen pheasants. These captives naturally attracted a large amount of atten tion. Mr A. H. Grainger also shows some new and interesting specimens of doves from various climes. One, from Samoa, presents a peculiar appearance, being graced with a puse top-knot, grey collar and breast, and green wings. He looks rather sheepy, and does not appear to care much ior the general public. Another specimen is a native of Santa Cruz. It is a graceful bird of a dove colour, and delicately graced with a few tine feathers similar to those on the quail. Next to this is a little dark coloured dove, also a recent importation. Mr Grainger also exhibits a couple of handsome iironze pigeons. There are also a number of parrots, cockatoos and paro quets. Mr Raynes has also a pretty cage of singing birds, which attracted consider able attention. Messrs Pelham and Roberts show a number of incubators in full work ing. There are also some samples of dressed fowls, collections of eggs and a quantity of articles connected witn poultry-keeping. A somewhat peculiar exhibit is a stuffed hen, alongside which is preserved in a jar of spirits a turnover, weighing lu'iozs., which had been removed from the •' dear departed." In class 72, or " any other variety, cock and hen," Mr H. Fountain shows a couple of white birds which are certainly a new variety. They appear to be a cross between the white Houdan and white Cochin. From the appearance of the birds this cross would be worth following up. Mr E. \V. Bur ton also shows something' new in the shape of v bird uncommonly like a white Hamburg. Mr F. Quick shows a couple of Minorca hens, Mr J. Walker two American white brahmas, A. Aickin two Reid's Moccassin (valued at LIOO each), and H. C. Choyce a couple of Crene Cceurs. In Class 111), any other variety of pigeons, Mr W. Wright and Mr H. Niblock show some tine black brumfelors; Mr J. Walker also exhibits two new varieties. The show of poultry is really first-class, the largest number of exhibits being amongst the Wyandottes. This class of bird has rapidly grown in public favour since its introduction a few years ago. This is no doubt attributable to the well-known hardy constitution and excellent laying capacity qf.. Ijhese. bjjrd.s., ,A n interesting object in this class is the stuffed figure of the first American Wyandotte imported into the Australian colonies. Naturally that es sentially British fowl the game bird is largely represented in all its varieties. Many of the birds are valued as high as LSO each. Some of the Pile birds are very fine. Of course the principal interest in this class centres in the Black-breasted Game cock, of which 6ix specimens are exhibited. The Dorkings appear to be steadily falling away. There were only ten exhibits alto gether, and iii three classes there was only one competitor. Two other classes had no entry. The Cochins still remain in favour, some magnincentßuff or Cinamon Cochins being exhibited by Messrs Reid, Haywood, and Fowler. Mr J. Hindmarsh shows a fine Partridge cock and hen. Rogan and Co. also show a good hen in this class. White Cochins are not represented. The Brahmas also figure strongly at the show, there being 10 competitors in the dark and 18 in the light varieties. Some of the birds are really unsurpassable. The Langshans also appear in good numbers. Amongst these are some mammoth birds. Mr W. Cruikshank shows an imported hen, upon which he puts the extrava gant value of LSOO. In this class there are 19 exhibits in all. Some of the Plymouth Rocks are very tine, Mr T. Gresham shows a sample of roosters, which he values respectively at L 75 and LSO, also a hen at the latter price. These are undoubtedly tine birds and should do a deal towards improving this fine breed throughout the Auckland district. Mrs Bennett also shows several good birds. Mrs Hyde and Messrs Phillips, Fox and Hatby are the only other exhibi tors in this class. In Class 48 birds under 12 months, Messrs Rogan and Co. show a tine hen valued at L 52 12s Gd. Miss Bluck, Mrs Bennett, Mr Gresham,and Captain Harold also compete. The Spanish, like the Dorkings, appear to be giving way to more recent importations. The white Spanish are not represented, while the black has only nine entries. Major Isaacs shows a couple of fine birds, which he values at L 25 each. It is a pity to see this fine laying variety becoming more neglected year after year. The beautiful Andalusian breed are rapidly spreading. There are nine entries in this class, the principal exhibitor being Mr H. E. Martin. Dr. Parkinson and Messrs Farrant and Goodlifle are the only other competitors. All the birds are very good specimens. For the Minorcas there are only three entries, Messrs Martin and Grainger being pitted against each other. The Ham burgs are well represented in some of the classes, only the golden spangled and silver pencilled being conspicuous by their absence. There are some handsome golden pencilled birds, Mrs Hyde and Messrs Hay wood, Fletcher, Burton and Howden being the exhibitors. In Class 59, silver-spangled Hamburgs, there are ten entries, some of them being fine birds. The Black Hamburgs are the leading feature of the variety in the present show, there being no less than ten entries. Messrs Regan ana Co. show a coupla of fine biwia, which they value at L 52 P2s 6d, and Mr Forsyth values his couple of young birds at LSO. Golden-spangled Polands are mire presented, and there are only seven entries in the silvcf-spangled class. The Houclana have also fallen away in number, though not in quality. There are only seven en tries—Mrs Morpeth Messrs Henesey, Quick, and Williamson being the only competitors. The leghorns are better represented, there being 8 entries for the white and 2 for the black. The brown leghorns are absent. The bantams are present in large numbers and varieties. There are 12 entries for the black or brown breasted red game cock, and 9 entries for the hen of the same bred. The specimens are fine, many being valued at L 52. The beautiful silver seabrights show 8 entries but the golden are unrepre sented. Anumber of new varietiesof bantams aro shown, Messrs Regan and Co. having

not lately rep^ni-ed^he BSSS2 the list with ten entries. The Pekin -inS wut e Aj , esb etC) jg^as each and there are only two com petitors in Class 85, Crested Peking. How ever, all the birds are very fair .specimens. Aluseovys arc not on exhibition. Amongst 5>V? n<™'varieties are a pair of American \V lute \\ ood Ducks, shown by Mr F. Quick and valued at LSO. Mr T. Morrin shows a couple of Black Indian Ducks, and Mr T. b. Morpeth a pair of Foochoo Ducks. Tur keys and 1-eacocks received no entries. Ihe canaries are also well represented, there being 85 entries in all. These in cluded the following varieties :—Norwich yellow, ticked, marked buff, ticked buff, marked buff, and crested), Cinna mon, Lizard, Scotch buff, and Mules. In these classes the exhibition were Messrs Broady, Bailley, Walker, Craig, Major Isaacs, Blakely, Grainger and Watkins, Messrs Warner, and Mesdames Raynes and McCready. A number of goldfinches and other song birds are also on exhibition. Mr Siddal was the judge in this class. The judges for the poultry were Messrs Watt, _ Elliott, Todd, Teasdale, Seddall and Fisher. Almost every variety of Pigeon are on exhibition to-day, the Antwerps taking first position as legards the number of entries there being 25 alto gether. The English Carriers are also present in good numbers, Messrs Walker, Cornwall and Knight being the only com petitors. Messrs Sheppard, Walker, Errington and Lowe are the only competi tors for Dragoons, Barbs, Pauters, Jacobins, Nuns, Magpies, Fantails, Turbits, Bald heads,. Beards, Owls and Tumblers are all fairly represented. Messrs Walker, Waddel Bailley, McCullough, Regan and Co., Fletcher, Knight, Grainger, Hannon, Sexton, Wood, Fowler, Broady and Bach being the competitors in the various classes, there being in all 125 entries. The bulk of the birds are first-class specimens. Mr J. Walker has Class 120, Ring Doves, all to himself. His birds are very pretty, and created great notice from the visitors. Messrs Elliott and Jones were the judges in the Pigeon Department. It will be seen from the above summary that the exhibition now open is the best yet held in this city, and well worthy the patronage of the public. Altogether there are 578 entries. Owing to the late hour at which the judges awarded the prizes, the list has been held over until to-morrow's issue.

EDUCATION RETRENCHMENT.

Sweeping? Reduction Proposed by a Committee of the Board of Education.

At a recent meeting of the Board of Edu cation the matter of retrenchment of the salaries of the office staff and of the singing masters and drill instructors was referred to a committee. This committee, we are given to understand, met last evening, and decided to recommend to the Board reductions of a most sweeping nature. lie Committee recommend that Mr V. E. Rice's salary to be reduced from L,ooo to L4oo.per annum ; that Mr Roach's the second clerk's be reduced from L 225 to L 175 ; and that the services of the following be dispensed with :—singing teacher who receives L 255) per annum and travelling expenses, of Lieut.-Colonel Mahon who receives L2OO per annum and travelling ex penses as drill-instructor, and of Mr J. Grigg, Ll5O and Mr Barlow, Ll2O, respec tively singing master and drill-insrtuctor at the Thames. These reductions, if carried into effect, would cause a gros3 saving of L 1,050 in the Board's annual ex penditure. The committee, however, pro pose to expend aboufc.,L»2Qojjer aonmn in teaching singing and drill to teachers and students of the Training,, College, so that the net saving will be about LSSO annually. The committee claim that their sug gested scheme of retrenchment will make up for the|ls. per capital deduction the Education vote without touchinga teacher's salary. We are assured that it is probable that the recommendations of the committee will be adopted in toto by the Board, the only probable alteration being in the recom mendation regarding Mr Roach's salary. Some members of the committee considered, upon reflection, that in his case a re duction of L 25 will be sufficient. The members present at the committee meet ing were Messrs Luke, Cooper, Lennox, G oldie, Udy and Carr.

At the Post Office, Northcote, to-day Messrs Robert George Hawes and John Johnston were nominated as candidates to fill the vacancy created in the Northcote Road Board by the retirement of Mr G. N. Brassey, and being more than the number required, the Returning Officer, Mr Seaman, announced that a poll would be taken at Gladstone Hall on Friday, August sth atthe usual hours.

A meeting of the Auckland branch of the Seamen's Union was held last evening, when ordinary business was transacted. Nothing was done concerning the present strike, pending further information as to the action to be taken by the head office at Port Chalmers.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — Professor Herbe?3L Prestidigitateur and Illusionist, S Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-street — Industrial Association 8 Exhibition, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m 7to 10p.ni

Onehunga Public Hall—Address by Mr J A. Comiell to Electors of Eden, 8 St. James's Church-Evangelistic Service, 7 30 Opposite McArthur's, Queeo -street-" Hunyadi" and. Gypsy Queen, open daily Ellerslie School—Address by Mr F. Lawry to Electors of Franklin North, 7.30 Wniuku Public Hall — Address to Electors of Franklin South, by Mr J. Jenkins, 7.30 V.M.C.A. Social Hall —Athenceura Meeting— Mr H. G. Seth Smith on "The Distribution of Wealth," 8.

Industrial Exhibition — Rev. A. M. McCallum on "Prunes," 8 Institute Building—Annual Meeting of Society of Arts, 8 Temperance Hall—Address to Electors of Auck land City North, by Mr .<?. Vaile, 8 Agricultural Hall—Auckland Poultry, Pigeon. and Canary Association's Annual Show, open daily Devonport Hall—Entertainment, 8 Beresford-street Hall—Lecture, " George Moore Merchant and Philanthropist," Rev. H j! Lewis, 7.30

St. Peter's Church, Surrey Hills - Soiree and Concert, 6.30

Arch Hill Wesleyan School-room — Medical Talk, "Digestion,"7.4s V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30 Auckland Tabernacle—Pastor T. Spurgeon -will Preach, 7.30

Mount Eden Congregational Church — Sacred Cantata, " Christian Graces," 7.30 Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church- Lecture, " William 111., PrUice of Orange,"

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

July 29—Messrs P. A. Phillips and G. P. Pierce.

Auction Sales To-morrow,

Arthur and Buddie-Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11 Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horces, etc., 12 W. J. Dowden-Weekly Poultry and Produce Sale, 11 S. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture and

Effects, v Paget and Ralston — Poultry, Produce, Furni ture, 10.30 . A. Buckland. H&ymarket—Horses, oto., 12 H. Tonks and Co.—Merchandise, etc., 11; Briok in Buildings, for removal, 12 E. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture, oto..

D. F. Evans-Trees, Plants, oto., 12.30 Hcsketh, Altkcn, and Co. — Poultry, Produce. etc.. 12 T. M. Jackson, North Shore—Property, etc., IS] A. Morton—Shrubs, Fruit Trees, 0t3.. 11.80 i J, Loydon—Produce, Grqcorics, etc., 11 G. Lewis-Saddlery, Papier-maoho Tables, U

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THPRSDAY, JPIA r '28, 188T,"> Bi * 1

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