an d social is to be Kl^,^ schoolroom, Alexandra-street, ud'in f \\-hen a large and varied as- L evem^' { different parts of the >f,fb oM'ieu-- A collection will be #1^ -aid of school improvement & r HopWns is the successful Sir CV Mr Scutt's drapery and tenderer i«l - gale comm ences to-morrow. **!? gSenient in another column. & xtmqtrel3 were honoured with the H«? oS ', house last night, and their Ptal l»mP; an d funnyisms elicited ap «*> 7 fci The present programme jm* B" toil for the last time to-night. be ,1 highly attractiuo programme i "prepared for presentation to-mor jos-evenino- faave travelled on '^ Hand line pretty often, and have *« iBC .pmv luW about- Imust no fault with the carriage. # fnnnd the porters very civil and I ,nd 1 have no hesitation in saying *"£ paneral public will bear me Hat tn t I ; , unless there are one or two pHj, (Tt.W.O." 1 have no interest in '#1* \, u i I cannot remain silent the vf* Ty o " strikes at poor men who tien I nrpr raid, and are liable to severe isf °\ tbronah his Kentish fire, and ** ii on "I W.0." to give the public „.. ponsonby. &on, of the Parnell Nurseries, "»r ''morrow his great annual clearing *" i TSunts, slirubs, flowers, fruit I vill be a chance for W e:' cec;ir e some magnificent trees PflL j' n splendid condition, all balled rjn any reasonable distance of 1 n J Mr Griffiths is the auctioneer. itcsui" u> i in J E- Roberts, flax merchant, ?S very suddenly yesterday was a told colonist and had charge of several *V trading oufc of the Australasian m■ - He was master of the Amicus, Blteohrie. Elizabeth anl others, and ■^Xl three of those named. He •"Twiner between Adelaide and Laun * 5n Tone om as 1838, and carried trade. Captain Roberts "..to Auckland 25 years ago, and was flnvvcars a buyer of flax on commis- S iLrs Forsyfch and Son in Sydney. Sued made his will about 15 years ago, Kwasiitnessedby MrG W. Binney ZXb X Smith of this city. He j, a second will about three years fin which he left all his estate, Sid to be worth L 3,000 or X to Mr John Forsyth, senior, of E: It appears that Mr Forsyth be- Inded Captain Roberts at one part of his and he has been duly rewarded for jakindness.

Mr Edwin Harrow sends us some notes ffl tie subject of fish in Lake Takapnna. it says: "'Pupuke' goes back 25 years inhesay3 Dr. Fischer liberated in this jieaquanfcity offish and frogs imported Now, these fish from Aus bitiawould not be rainbow trout, but were WtEkely river fish, entirely unsuited to feUte. X a rainbow trout will get to be 'jjieWin less than 12 mon'.hs from the felputitin, this speaks for itself. Since jfietnrnfromHomelhave been observ kik Lake both by night and day, and kit come to the conclusion that eels do fiat the small fish, but no doubt would (ibpawn. Their principal food is the Bid, with which the bottom of the Lake iw'red. Eels are not nearly so numer sjslexpectec!, and I have never seen a : ilone in the Lake. In regard to frogs, B»h I have never seen one, I know Bare plenty in the Lake, as I have heard r; but until now 1 did not know they iienimported from Australia. I wonder jhpuke," with his 25 years' experience, te there are kinds of shellfish in the i, some that are luminous at night, tanot. The great enemies of the :mgfi3h are the shags and diver?. One iiiieen this last summer to catch six p? carp in the Lake in less than 15 a'.s ;l threw a large stone at one as ins diving, and up it came with the Ha in its mouth, but it could not i5 it out of the water. And I was Sil of a cass of a shag seizing hold iiiog under rrater and neai'ly drowning la h regard to the water acting medi mlyonfeh, I have no knowledge, but I Iw from experience that it acts thus on ppte—especially those not used to it, and fooneman who never drinks the water litbt being upset. Last summer was fcmddry, and all the fish in the Domain rt died except tho rainbow trout, so teWdbe something in their favour." A meeting of wholesale merchants was {nceeding1 afc the Chamber of Commerce jtautewent to press, the object of which »si forth in a circular as follows:— 'i private meeting of firms engaged in the 'wle trade in Auckland is convened bmt at the rooms of th 6 Chamber of ••eree on Friday, August 5, at 3 p.m. : Site purpose of taking into consideration *6 desirability of arranging a uniform |*a of discounts and terms of credit. fi unanimous action in this matter Hfcirable for the carrying out of the weproposal, your attendance is particu- Wrequested. (Signed) A. H. Nathan, "s™Chamber ot Commerce."

Mount Eden Highway Board have «»compelled to dispense with the services *eh or 1G men w hom they had en iWitstonebreaking-. Atbree-mastc-d topsail schooner, most m the Elinor Vernon, from New was signalled when we jj Wl1 has been toll'd, - " that 1 kna, perfect glut of money (lt ? ml that find me- W , ls cowerins away in holes £rffto come out." We are CSP we had come to the con % 2 f y all been stowed away in C sßtufa- Wea« not overburdened tfSW™-but if any°ne else is fau^ Profitable.investment for r^ninn* Come ancl invesfc !«s and orth °. f goods in return,from ■^ShS? fSW ComPany'B Cheap :Wl ffi both Sldes of Karansahape ; 4waiS^ c best articles, and sell - >Taper than aiiyofcher : e> No one else can do the ' relike pat's watch, able *^B)«I* in * ™ twenty minutes, or get WdLJ^'^thoCoatom -tifctj* *"—A- BETTAiry- Manager.

A Strange Story.

&»aa ml°f lock last Saturday atJv R.? have been observed tkC%Market. He top to™ vV n<w and then he "*oJ a W;i i' <ut he never took his "*?. and I?," kifc wm'ch he was S M"WW,InT qDently muttered to tabg JLi l not S° there before ?" Cl°Usly at the kit" • -; »W. -.» demanded what he had i^in^rt ■t thief ■ The things I cost lifctle enough, SaiSitT yCOmeb y' ant!i wT'SdSI myself aboufc mv s«j $* Eaton's^S n pnm-e factory wj** The Li?-°P erative Sfcores. "W «sfi i IC, enian moVed OIT Wll *• He knew Eaton's !-

this day. %r or«tnaiui fw B"»gand utter ."H W gj amounts on the Bank

THE SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

Three Opposition Steamers

Chartered.

We are informed that all the difficulties ex perienced by the Seamen's Union in char tering suitable boats to oppose the Northern Company have been surmounted, and it was expected that the charters would be signed to-day, and the boats sent to take up the running at the earliest possible date. The three steamers which have been ar ranged for include vessels that are con sidered specially suited for the most payable trades upon which the steamers of the Northern Steamship Company are at pre sent engaged. It is proposed to_ run one steamer in opposition to the s.s, Gairloch, on the West Coast, the trade between Manu kau, Waitara and intermediate ports having of late become of considerable im portance. This trade requires a shallow drauchtbteamei^and it ismost probable that the s.s. Invercargill will be the one chosen by the Union to take up the opposition running against the Gairloch. The Inver cargill is a steel screw steamer of 223 tons register and fitted with engines of 50 h. p. Her dimensions arc 128 ft. 7in x 20ft. lin. x Bft. Tin. She was built at Dunedin in 1885, and is owned by D. Ramsay and C. F. Sudstrom.

Another steamer, having a speed equal to ten knots an hour, is to be placed on the trade between Whangarei and this port, of which the s.s. Wellington has at present a monopoly. It is proposed to run three trips a -week instead of two as run by the Northern Company, and as this is also a payable trade, the competi tion for both cargo and passengers will no doubt be very keen. The third steamer, which is to' take up the running against the Clansman, will most probably be one of the Union Com pany's smaller vessels, about the size of the Wanaka, and she will be employed in the trade between this port, Russell, Whanga roa and Mongonui. It is yet uncertain whether the Union will interfere with the Tauranga or Mercury Bay. trade. The steamers chartered by the Union are to be docked at Port Chalmers as speedily as possible, and sent on to this port, and it is understood that the officers and crews engaged to bring them up the coast will "be discharged here. This ar rangement will most likely, be made in fairness to the men who came out on strike from the Northern Company's steamers and who are at present receiving L 6 per month ashore. Local captains, mates, stewards, and engineers can bo ob tained without difficulty, the Auckland branch of the Union having already had applications from more than they will re quire to rill all the positions available, and a selection will be made as early as pos sible.

During tho present strike a levy will be made upon all members of the Union employed in vessels trading out of the colony to provide funds for cany ing on the strike. The New Zealand Union is said to include between 1,000 and 1,500 men, the greater portion of whom are employed on the Union Steamships Company's steamers. The Seamen's Union according to their rules can levy LI per head on all of their members in employ ment, and it is expected such a levy will be made throughout New Zealand from the first of the present month. The levy, Jiowever, may be 10s per head or even much less, according to require ments. The accumulated funds of the Federated Union of New Zealand amount to L 3,000 or L 4,000, the annual income from subscriptions, etc., being about Ll9O. This, along with a levy per month, is considered sufficient to carry on the strike, without any assistance being asked for from Australia. The Fede rated Union of Australia, however, is expected to stand by the New Zealand branch in case of necessity. Its accumu lated funds amount to something like L 20,000, and great assistance could be rendered from this source. The struggle consequently i 3 scarcely one of capital against labour, for Avhilst the Northern Steamship Company are prepared to main tain their position re. the reduction of wages to the bitter end, with all the money at their command, the Federated Union are as equally determined to oppose them, and are backed up by funds large enough, at all events, to carry on a lengthy struggle. It is expected that the opposition steamers will commence running about the end of next week.

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.) Thames, this day.

Waiotahi.—During the past month 216 tons of quartz have been crushed for 2190z 2dwt gold.

EARTHQUAKE AT NAPIER.

(BY TELEGRAPH - PRESS ASSOCIATION)

Napier, this day. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at 6.45 a.m. to-day, followed by a tremor last-

ing some seconds.

THE DROWING CASE.

The dead body found under the Northcote ferry tee yesterday, and conveyed to the morgue, has been identified as J;he remains of a native of Denmark named John Ander sen. The deceased was employed as general handy man by Mr Corcoran, at the Flao-stafF Hotel, Devonport, for some, time up till Monday last. Deceased then left at his own desire, and was paid 5s to which he was entitled. It was supposed that he had obtained another situation. A boarding-house keeper named Van brakle states that he saw Andersen be tween 4 and 5 o'clock on Wednesday last standing' in Customs-street, near the YVai temata Hotel. He spoke to Andersen, and told him to come to his house and have a " doss," if he pleased. Andersen then ap peared to behave in a rational manner. Vanbrakle believes that the deceased, who is said to have been short-sighted, must have accidentally fallen from the Wharf at night and been drowned. The deceased was'a single man of about GO or 70 years of age, and had no relatives in the colony. An inquest was proceeding at Gleeson's Hotel when we went to press.

ALLEGED INCENDIARISM.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. James Phillips, charged with setting fire to the Boyal Hotel, Hamilton East, was brought up at the Police Court yesterday, and remanded.

TELEGRAMS.

Waxcanui, this day.

The exhibition held here in aid of the funds of the Public Library has resulted in a credit balance of L 32& I hear on good authority that the cele brated Westmere Estate will be put into the market at an early date m blocks of from twenty acres and upwards. Tenders will be called almost immediately, and it is expected in three months sections will be ready for the market.

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOT BALL.

The Canterbury Team

(BY TELEGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christckurch, Thursday. The team for the football tour in the North will be picked on Saturday night. The following are. the probables :—Bean, Bes wick, Dane, Fuller, Haast, Weekes, Homer, Moir, Sutherland (forwards), Helmore, Roberts, Mountfort, Allardyce, Wilson, Francis, Donnelly, McLean, Richards (backs). The team leave here on Monday. H. Helmore will not be able to go further north than Wellington.

LECTURE AT THE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Yesterday evening Mr Greenshields de livered a lecture at tho Industrial Exhibi tion, Mr Bell being in the chair. The subject was " The Invention of Printed Yarns and Their Application to Various Manufacturing Purposes." In beginning his address the lecturer stated that a few years ago a gentleman in Auckland prepared an elabor ate speech, which he intended to deliver at a kind of political meeting. At the time ap pointed the gentleman got up, and started very fairly with " Mr Chairman and gentle men," but after speaking these four words, the elaborate address which he thought had been so vividly impressed upon the tablets of his memory vanished like a dream, but he wound up with the following brilliant peroration, "I have forgotten what I was going to sa}'," then sat down, amidst much laughter. Mr Greenshields stated that things were made very awkward for a fellow when his memory played a trick like that, so in order to pre vent a similar blunder last night, ho had written out what he meant to say. The lecturer then clearly described the inven tion of printed yarns, the method of print ing, winding, setting, weaving, etc., illus trating the process by a model of a printing drum, also a velvet pile table-cover and pieces of carpet. He also described the application of printed wools to various kinds of ladies' fancy work. He then explained the process of making chenille carpets. One of these carpets, made by the Temple tons, of Glasgow, for tho King of Siam, was 100 feet in length, and 34 in breadth, the central ornament being the traditional three-headed white elephant emblematical of Siam. The table cover ex hibited at the meeting had no less than 326,5.92 separate printings of colour upon it, theapplication of which wasclearlyexplained. The difference was also shown between Brussels and Tapestry carpets, the outline of the objects in the former being always sharply or clearly defined, while in the latter the outlines of leaves, etc., are more or less jagged or sawtoothed. Reference was also made to the manufacture of gobelin tapestry in Franco. The Chairman then proposed a hearty vote of thinks, which was freely given, to the lecturer for tho in teresting manner in which ho had des cribed and illustrated the process of making such textile manufactures.

E.M. COURT.

(Before Mr H. G. Seth. Smith. KM.) J. W. White v. George Cousins.—Claim, L8 6s 6d, for the removal of a shed and re erection at Riverhead. —Mr Thoo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr A. Whitaker for the defence. — The defendant filed a set-off in the shape of L 5 for a horse. A large number of wit nesses were called, and the case occupied the whole .day, but it M-as of no public interest. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for L3 5s 6d, with costs L 3 7s. This I>ay. (Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith.) defended cases, Cranwell and Another v. Mrs Max well.—Claim, LI 17s for teapots.—Mr Burton for the plaintiffs.—After having the evidence His Worship gave judgment for the plaintiffs, with costs LI 7s Gtl. JUDCMENT SUMMONS CASES. R. Rf.vv v. M. Morktarty.—Claim, L 4 17s. —Defendant ordered to pay 2s b'd per week. Same v. Mrs E. Morton.—Claim, L 3 13s. Defendant ordered to pay full amount forth with, or 7 days in default. A. GILMAN v. J. S. Duke.—Claim, LlO 7s Od for groceries.—Mr Theo. Cooper ap peared for the plaintiff. —The judgment creditor admitted that he had failed to comply with an order of the Court to pay LI per month. He had not been able to do so. He had been engaged making up the electoral rolls for the Government. He now claimed that L 36 was due to him.— Mr S. Y. Collins deposed that the judgment debtor had been engaged in his office making up the rolls since the 11th of July, at 10s per day ; also 2s per hour for 90 hours' overtime. —By Mr Duke : He could have made up the electoral rolls without him. He had made them up for 20 years better than Mr Duke had, for he had made them out with their full merits. Mr Duke made them full of errors.—His Worship ordered the case to stand over for one week.

S. Y. Collins v. James Keixet.—Claim, L9 0s 9d. - Defendant was ordered to »>ay 10s per week.

CONCERT AT ONEHUNGA.

A concert was held last night in the St. Mary's Hall, Onehunga, in aid of the New Catholic Church in course of erection. The at tendance was fair.but not as good as usually patronise these concerts. An overture on three pianos by Misses Coffee, Honan, Keehan, Lundon, Moran, and Mulkear was the opening performance, and the execution of which cli splayed great taste on the part of the performers, and reflected the highest credit on the teachers, the Sisters of Mercy,conducting the school. The cantata Little Red Riding Hood was then pro duced, the children of the school being cast as follows ; Mother, Miss F. Moran ; Little Red Riding Hood, Miss E. Honan ; Woodman, Miss Kearns ; Mother, Miss T. Moran ; Wolf, Wi»sE. Moran; Robin, Miss Cullen ; Buttercup, Miss E. Moran ; Rose, Miss Brennan. The several parts were sustained creditably and with great anima tion. The pianoforte solo by Master Withers ("Silver Threads") was highly appreciated. An interval followed, "and the second part commenced with a gallop on two pianos by Misses Cullen, Lundon, McGarry, and Shaldrick,which secured ap plause. The song " Little Hero," by Master Thompson, was sung in a heroic style, and being loudly en cored, he gave " Killarney," which was well rendered. " Clytie Waltzes " were played by Miss -and Master Worsp, while Mrs Lyell, Mr Burnham and Miss Swan contributed to the evening's amuse ment. The chorus "All Hail Zealandia" by the school children terminated the enter tainment. Sir William Wasteneys acted as stage manager, and is deserving of thanks for the manner in which all the arrange ments have been carried out. Hunter's Brass Band assisted by discoursing some favourite airs outside of the building prior to the commencement of the concert.

RECTOR BEACH ON SECOND ARY EDUCATION.

An Able Plea fur Our High

Schools

(BY TELEGRAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. At the High School dinner Rector Beach made a vigorous defence of the secondary system, saying : " Our school is notably among the chief experts on secondary edu cation in this province—nay, I will venture .to say in this colony. It is a fact in itself remarkable, and not without additional in terest in connection with this city, that of the 2,400 pupils in attendance at tne secondary schools of the colony, 440 are to be found within the walls of our school. On these 2,400 pupils it is generally stated, and I am inclined to think it is widely believed, that very con siderable sums are being spent. Such was my own impression, and I think many men whose knowledge of New Zealand extends over a long time and arises from greater experienco than my own, share that impres sion. I notice for instance that a candidate for Parliamentary honours, speaking of our schools very recently, gave out, and by the context of his remarks wished to imply, that our school draws from endowments or the consolidated fund or elsewhere no less a sum that L 12.000 a year. Well, gentlemen, I heartily wish it had the secure and fixed enjoyment from endowments of one-half or even one-third of that sum ; but what are the facts ? At present the whole endowment of secondary education throughout the colony, according to returns furnished me by the Premier, amounts to L' 21,339 2s 4d. Now, in the town of Bedford, a place of the population and size of Dunedin, the endowment for secon dary education amounts to LIB,OOO a year, so that by this comparison and by consider ing the extent of our country and the neces sity of a diffused bureaucracy and many other drawbacks inseparable from our present condition, we may infer that the actual available amount for the purposes of our secondary education comes to about what is spent on the town of Bedford. Nobody, in the face of these facts, can reasonably allege that we have an extravagant allowance with which to carry on our great work. On the contrary, so far from our being able to indulge in the endowment of research out of a noble surplus, to establish a school workship, to make better provision for experimental science and more generous arrangement for the outdoor life of the school, wo are in a condition of impecuniosity that points clearly to the process known as the research of endowment. Departing, how ever, from this somewhat dyspeptic subject, I remark that it is a cause and source of congratulation to the community at large that our secondary education is being main tained at so very small a total outlay as L' 21,000. Leaving out the consideration of the school fees, our own school is main tained at a cost of about L 8 per head - a rate which seems to prevail throughout the colony. This sum is about twice as much as the actual charge on the consolidated fund allowed for every pupil in our primary schools. Tsow, in a secondary school the range of subjects is about twice as great, and the incidents con nected with the subjects common to both stages of education about twice as deep, as is the case in our primary schools, while the ratio of difficulty of treatment of subject is always ascending. Hence, I hope it will be seen that in point of view of drain on endowment or public funds the pupil in the secondary school is at present; as cheap a product as his yountrc brother in the primary school. 1 qualiiir, the preceding remark by the words ' a. present,' because while the revenue in out state schools accrues in direct ratio to the number of pupils in attendance, the amount available from a similar source in our second ary schools is in the nature of a fixed in come,and consequently the pro rata amount tends to decline as the number of pupils ascends. These considerations, candidly estimated, will I trust stay the hand if any be raised to cut off a slice from our little pudding. Take the whole L 21,000, and in view of your economies the spoil would not account in your reckoning. There is an old song that assumes that to be cheerful you must be lightly clad, for no one will think it worth while to assist him self at your expense, and there is a still older saying of the same philosophy ' Can tabit vacuus coram latrone viator.' It is quite within the bounds of possibility that the cost to the public of our higher and optional education iray rapidly ap proximate to the cost of our primary or compulsory education. At the present, of course, we are in a state of growth, but it is almost painfully obvious that, while of the three stapes into which our system is necessarily divided, one is in an almost rudely flourishing condition so that one enthusiastic economist contemplates re trenchment to the extent of LIOO,OOO per annum without impairing its efficiency, and another, as is proper to the high regions in which it moves, enjoys a condition of serene quiescence, our secondary education seems to be just in that condition that physiolo gists discover in the course of their experi ments, it runs the risk of being slain in the process of interference. I am trustful and hopeful it will be the aim of every lover of his country to endeavour to consolidate our educational system, so that the same amount of health and capacity for work will run through in all its various parts. Speak ing for our own schools, I am happy to think that in the 6omewhab inchoative stage in which we now find ourselves, its relationship to the primary school seems to me to be a highly satisfactory basis. To the scholarships awarded by the Board of Education we add the further benefactor of free education, and in one way and the other nearly 60 boys and girls, the pick of the primary schools according to the method of choice adopted, are on our free list during this year, and up to this date we have enrolled in the boys' school 118 pupils, of whom 22 come from standards above the Sixth (that is Upper Sixth and Seventh), 33 had passed the Sixth Standard, 14 the fifth standard, and 18 had previously been either in our own High bchool or were transferred here from other high schools, making a total of 89 from these unexcep tional sources. Two reached us from other colonies, and 22 came from private schools and the lower standards of the State schools. We always have, and shall continue to have, a few boys of low powers and rapid growth, who are almost extracted from our primary schools before they reach even the fifth standard. With these we cannot hope to do much, but at any rate afford the best we have during their usually somewhat brief sojourn. These figures go to show that our supply, from the State schools is almost perfect as regards the points of contact of that supply and must remain the chief source of our numbers, however much we may value and appreciate the contributions we get from other sources."

We would remind our readers that the Museum is opened every Friday night for the benefit of those who cannot attend dur ing the day. Not only so, but Professor Thomas very courteously attends at eight o'clock and gives a popular exposition upon some of the most interesting of the exhibits. As the continuance of the night-opening will depend upon the amount of apprecia tion shown by the public, we hope that there will be a good attendance to-night and on future Friday evenings.

" Mr Edward Leydon will hold a sale in Richmond-road, 4th house from Ponsonby road, to-morrow, at 11 o'clock, the furniture is nearly new and well selected.

ROW IN THE REGISTRATION OFFICE.

The Chief Clerk Dismissed.

For some weeks past the ears of the quid mines have been tickled by rumours of the existence of strained relations between Mr S. Y. Collins, Registrar of Electors for this district, and Mr Duke, his chief clerk. These rumours were garnished by stones of roll-stuffing and other objectionable practices by persons who were making use of tho Registration Officials. These stories aroused a suspicion that the rolls were being manipulated in the interests of some of the candidates, and as it transpired that Mr Duke's appoint ment to the chief clerkship had been made at the request of the Government, there was a natural suspicion in the public mind that if these rolls were being manipulated, it was in the interests of Government can didates.

The friction between the officials cul minated yesterday in tho summary dismissal of Mr Duke by Mr Collins, and as the circumstances of Mr Duke's an ointment as well as other matters lead up to the occurrence of yesterday, we purpose giving a correct history, as nearly as we can get at the facts, of the whole affair.

Mr Duke states that prior to the dissolu tion of Parliament he had been engaged for many months working at the rolls without remuneration, he believing that should Mr Collins's connection with the Kamo Coal Company necessitate his retirement from tho oifice of Registrar, he (Duke) would naturally succeed to the position. After the dissolution, Mr Collins still, according to Mr Duke's story, did not display any in clination to engage Mr Duke, and that gentleman commenced pulling the wires to secure a paid appointment in the office. Some friends of his telegraphed to Sir Robt. Stout and the Hon. Mr Ballancc, and the upshot of this was that Mr Collins received a telegram from tho Colonial Secretary's office, requesting him to give employment to Mr Duke as ho was "strongly recommended." Mr Collins thereupon engaged Mr Duke, but does not appear to have been happy with his sub ordinate, which the rumours in circulation regarding the roll-stuffing did not improve. Mr Duke states that ho found fault with Mr Collins for purging the roll in too drastic a manner.

Two occurrences seem to have led directly to Mr Duke's dismissal. It would appear that he had informod the other clerks in the ollicc that they would receive 2s (3d per hour overtime. This Mr Collins ascertained yesterday, and as he had not given authority for such a statement he was considerably incensed. He informed the clerks that the rate of overtime would be 2s per hour, whereupon the men struck work, they having relied on Mr Duke's promise of the larger remuneration. Mr Collins tele graphed to the Under-.Secretary at Welling ton, asking the maximum rate of pay and re ceived a reply to the effect that the most to be paid was 10s per diem and 2s per hour over time. Mr Collins thereupon informed the clerks of the decision of the head of the Department, and they somewhat reluctantly resumed duty. The other circumstance was that Mr Collins challenges Mr Duke's right to place his own and his son's name on the City West roll. Besides non-residenco in that district Mr Collins holds that Mr Duke, having been engaged in preparing the roll, was acting; illegally by placing hits name thereon. He there fore jrnvo Mr Duke notice of dismissal on tl:o following grounds, "That you being 'oyed in making up the electoral roll iekland West, did place your name ■ said roll, well knowing you had no ..cations as an elector."

Lo Mr Duke's son he forwarded an ordinary form of objection. Mr Duke re fused Mr Collins's mandate to leave the office, and subsequently handed Mr Collins the following memorandum : " In reply to your memo, of even date with this, 1 have the honour to reply that having been ap pointed to superintend the formation of the Electoral Rolls in your charge, and such appointment having been conveyed to you by telegram, I cannot accept your dismissal until such rolls are completed or the dis missal being from the same authority as that of my appointment." With this and on Mr Duke's continued refusal to quit,Mr Collins telegraphed to the Under-.Secretary intimating that he had dismissed Duke for insubordination, his conduct in the office rendering discipline impossible "He sets me at defiance," wired Mr Collins, "and his conduct is altogether reprehensible." A reply was speedily received to this from Mr G. S. Cooper, the Under-Secretary, stating that if Mr Duke refused to leave the obvious remedy was to get a policeman and put him out. Fortified with this advice, Mr Collins threatened to call a constable, whereon Mr Duke consented to leave. Mr Duke, who was seen this morning, does not ap pear the least put out at the contretemps of yesterday, but asserts that " his friends will see him through." With regard to the charge that Mr Duke had placed his name on the roll, we understand that he admits having done so and claims to be justified. He will not.however, state his reasons, as he intends using these reasons in his defence should Mr Collins attempt to re move his name.

ALLEGED ARSON.

At the Police Court to-day, before Messrs Baber and H. F. Anderson, John Bell was charged with unlawfully, maliciously, and feloniously setting fire to a dwelling-house at Holyer's Creek, the property of Mary Ann Young. Mr W. J. Napier appeared for the accused. Detective Walker put in a plan of the house and surroundings. Helen Young proved that she Mras the owner of twenty-six acres of land at Helyer's Creek, adjoining the accused's property. She had a three-roomed dwell ing-house, which had cost her L 65, and it was not insured. About fifteen months ago she was compelled to have the accused bound over to keep the peace towards her. She was, however, afraid of the accused, and went away and did not subsequently return to her place to live. When accused assaulted her, he threatened to burn the place down. Martin Monstedt, farmer, deposed that on the evening of the 25th ult. he was on Mrs Young's property for the purpose of searching for his cows. He saw accused a yard or two from the house. Soon afterwards, he saw smoke coming through the shingles and from the chimney. He ran towards the house, and saw fire in the corner close to the chimney. He saw prisoner breaking things and plac ing them on the flames. Witness then walked on to the verandah, and said to the prisoner—"what are you doing there, you devil? You had better put out that fire." He turned round, and grabbed at some thing that was lying on the floor. Prisoner made a blow at witness with a bar of iron, but he Weirded it oft' with a stick. Accused's blow fell on the side of the door. Witness at once proceeded down on to the beach, and when he turned round he saw the prisoner coming out of the door with an axe in his hand. Witness did not stop to look what became of the accused, but ran towards his own property. He did not see the prisoner again. Mr Napier cross examined the witness for some time, but ho did not vary his evidence. The case was proceeding when we went to press.

Mr H. Exley will deliver his interesting lectureon " TheCatacombsof Rome"to-night in the Christians' Meeting House, Cook street.

ALLEGED CABINET INTRIGUE.

The "Post" Charges Ministers With disloyalty to Sir Julius Vojjel.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. The " Post" of last night says :-" A few days ago we asked the question, ' Are Ministers loyal to each other ?' and drew attention to certain facts which tended to justify a negative reply. Other facts have since arisen which confirm the idea that a disgraceful intrigue is on foot to sacrifice one member of the Ministry, and to en deavour to make him the scapegoat of the sins of the Cabinet. It is well known that a section of the Minis try is using the most extraordinary efforts to defeat Major Atkinson in his can didature for Egmont, and to keep him out of the House for a time at least, and the Native Minister has gone to the Egmont district to assist this object by a public ad dress -of course in the interests and with a view to strengthening the hand of Major Atkinson's opponent, Felix Mc- Guire. Every encouragement and assist ance which the Government influence can give is being given to Mr Mc- Guire a candidature. Now what views are expressed by this candidate, whom certain Ministers delight to honour and assist ? Is he a loyal, consistent and thorough supporter of the Ministry, as we should naturally expect ? Not at all; he is a devoted admirer of the Ministry bar one. He has unbounded confidence in the Premier and the Native Minister, but he would relegate the Colonial Treasurer to the other side of the House. In tact, this model candidate, in whose aid the Native Minister is stumping the country, openly professes hostility to that Minister's able colleague, and would break up the Ministry in order to get Sir Julius Vogel out of it. Surely every dictate of political honour should make every member of the Ministry indignantly refuse such dis criminating support as Mr McGuire offers them. As honourable men they should re pudiate in the most earnest manner such an act of political treachery as Mr McGuire wishes them to commit, and evidently be lieves them capable of. Instead of support ing him with the influence of their position they should say, 'We are one and indi visible we must stand or fall together. Our responsibility for what has been done is equal, and we decline to allow any one of our number to be singled out as less deserv ing of confidence than another. We prefer the presence in the House of an honourable and declared foe to the support which you ofl'cr if we will sacrifice a colleague.' This is the stand which loyalty and truth would require from the Ministry individually and collectively, yet we find one member of that Ministry addressing the electors of Egmont in Mr McGuire's interests. What are the public to think of such action ?"

ELECTION NOTES.

Mr J. A. Connell will address the elec tors of Eden in Avondale Public Hall this evening. Mr L. W. Morrison addresses the electors of Auckland North in St. James'a Hall this evening.

At Dcvonport to-night Mr R. Monk will deliver a political address to the electors of Waitemata. So far, no opponent to Mr Monk lias appeared. Mr Moss is announced to address the elec tors of Parnell on Tuesday evening next, at Parncll Hall.

Major Harris addressed a large meeting of electors at Awhitu on Tuesday evening, Mr Palmer in the chair. The speaker gave a long account of the working of the several Governments, and the views he held in re gard to the future management required to better the position of farmers, and the country also. A hearty vote of thanks was given the speaker, and also a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Mr R. Udy being satisfied with the re quisition he has received, has definitely announced himself for Eden.

Newton.

It will be noticed from our advertising columns that the Hon. Mr Tole will ad dress the electors of Newton at eight o'clock on Monday evening in St. George's Hall. Mr Tole's committee meets at the same place this evening at half pa&t seven o'clock.

Ponsonby.

In response to the requisition which he received, Mr E. Cooper to-day announces that he is candidate for the Ponsonby seat. There are now three candidates for Pon sonby. Messrs Peacock, Wright and Cooper.

Bay of Island?.

The campaign opens next week. Mr Hobbs speaks at Kawakawa on Monday evening, and Mr John Lundon at the same place two nights later.

Waikato and Waipa.

(by telegraph.—ows correspondent.)

AN ACCOMMODATING CANDIDATE. Hamilton, this day.

Mr Thomas Campbell, a candidate for ] Waipa, addressed a meeting here on Wed nesday night. . There was a fair attend ance, and the chair was occupied by Mr John Knox. The candidate said he would oppose the present Go vernment and support retrenchment, and he thought Mr Vaile's scheme of railway rates should be given a practical, trial. The main feature in his speech was. a declaration that members should go to Wellington prepared to do anything the electors wished and required of them from time to time. More than once he remarked, referring to some principle or particular proposal:—" Such is ray view (or opinion), but, of course, if you don't like it I will vote the other way 1" The meeting, who gave Mr Campbell a courteous hearing, were, how ever, quite alive to the fun of the thing, and testified to their sentiments by frequent bursts of laughter. At the close of the address a whole host of questions were put to the candidate,' many being of an incon sequential and absurd nature, and finally a vote of confidence was carried amidst ironi cal cheers.

Major Jackson opens his campaign here on the 24th insb.

The supporters of both candidates for the Waikato seat are working very hard, and those who pretend to know all about it say the polling will be very close. Despite the bad state of his health, Mr Whyte has travelled over the length and breadth of the electorate.

Thames, this day.

A meeting of Mr Fraser's supporters was held last night, when a strong committee was formed to further his re-election.

Dustedin, this day.

Mr McKenzle met the electors last night, and received o unanimous vote of confidence. Ho expressed himself in favour of economy, reduction of members, property tax, free trade, with a discriminating tariff, and Bible in schools, He would go up as an independent member, but would follow Sir Robert Stout In preference to Major Atkinson.

2JBL36S; this day: Mr Harknees, a eandidaid for' Waimea and Ploton, addressed the eleeter'B at Bieli niond last night. He Orettted ti, most favourable impression, and i-eesireel a unanimous and enfchttsiesMe V§i§ el 66n ndonce.

Marios, thk day.

Mr Bryce addressed a crowded megEfng at Turakina last nigjit, and r©G§ive&«<i unanimous vote of cont«lonce.

THE BRAVE SERVANT GIRL.

Her Confession of the BorglaV

Hoax.

(BY TELEGKAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. The confession made by Annie Nolan, th e brave servant girl at Captain Rose's, in reference to the alleged daylight robbery at that gentleman's residence three week 8 ; ago has naturally evoked a good deal of com ment. The story which she told was thafc in the absence of the family, she was in the act of putting the milk jug outside the door; when a rough-looking man, who had been prowling about the premises, forced his way in and compelled her, under pain of being murdered with his clasp knife, to show him over the house; that when she conducted him through the rooms he took possession of Captain Rose's dressing-case,, and some of her own money, and that while he was taking some liquid refreshment she; felled him to the ground with a blowtjfom; a poker, and finally, that while she was en deavouring to telephone to her master, the fellow made his escape, but not before she had snatched away from him thfe little bag containing the stolen jewellery. The fact that a trail of blood was traceable on th% floor and for some distance from the house seemed to corroborate the story, w-hile the nervous condition of the girl for some time after .the occurrence also lent colour to an otherwise improbable account of the ad venture. The affair created a nine days' wonder, but as nothing further trans pired to either confirm or contradict the girl's statements, it gradually dropped out of public notice. .Since then, however, the police authorities have been far from inactive. Detective Chrystal, to whom the investigation of the mystery was specially committed has, from the outset professed himself extremely sceptical as to the truth of the girl's tale, but the implicit confidence reposed by Captain and Mrs Rose in their servant rendered the inquiry somewhat difficult, and in consideration for their feeling he has refrained from cast ing suspicion upon the young woman rather than risk a possible mistake. He ascer tained, however, that the bag which she was alleged to have snatched from the " robber's " neck was seen in her own pos session some time ago by Mrs Wright, of Willis-streeb, with whom she then lodged. From this and other facts which came to his knowledge, Detective Chrystal laid an in formation yesterday morning, in which'! Annie Nolan was charged with the larceny] of a gold ring, belonging to Captain Rose, ■ and one of Mrs Rose's brooches. Arming himself with a search warrant, he went to Captain Rose's residence, where the girl was still employed, and taxed her with the larceny, whereupon she acknowledged her guilt. After cautioning her in the usual way the detective informed her that the jewel box must have been broken open by herself, and that he had ascertained that the bag already referred to was her own property, and had been seen in her pos session, and further stated his belief that she must have placed the blood stains in the position where they were found. The girl then burst into tears, and confessed that she was re sponsible for the whole affair, and had stolen all the jewellery, and that no man had been concerned in it at all—in short, that her previous statement had been a fabrication. Captain and Mrs Rose are naturally much shocked at the extraordinary disclosures. The girl had always proved herself attentive and obliging, and so far as they knew she was truthful. Neither of them for one moment disbelieved her story, and were so pleased with what they regarded as an exhibition of great pluck that they presented her with a watch and chain. Nolan is a fresh - complexioned, good - looking girl, about 25 years of age, and has only been out from home four years.

Charges of Larceny Dismissed

FINED FOR INJURY TO PROPERTY

Wellington, this day.

The charges of larceny against Annie Nolan, servant at Captain Roses, were heard this morning. It was stated that she admitted to a detective that the whole story of the burglar was an invention of her own and the blood stains oame from herself. The ring missed she had taken as she said for the purpose of showing ib to her friends, but with no in tention of keeping it. Both charges of lar ceny were dismissed, but the Magistrate ordered a charge of malicious injury to property to be laid, and fined her L5 or 28 <Jays' imprisonment to mark the gravity of the breach of trust which the girl had displayed in interfering with her employer's property.

At the Supreme Court in Chambers to day, probate was granted in the estates of Henry Evison, and Alfred Woodcock (deceased). In re George £ Wesley Bisiiop, (deceased) probate was applied for but cavaet having been entered, tilie application was allowed to stand over. Letters of administration were issued in the estates of Elizabeth Leonard, Eugene Sweeney, and Thomas Bradney, deceased. In re Hanchard v. Madden, Mr ftigby moved for charging order nisi, but an affi davit being required the application, stood over till next sitting day. In re Goverv. i<Gravett and another, Mr Theo. Kissling iwas added as defendant.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Hugo'B BuflTalo Mln-

strels, £. Bell's Buildings. "Wyndham-streot — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 p.m Olympia ,Hall, Grey-street—Skating Rink, open daily. Ararimu Valley School—Mr E. Hamlin and Electors of Franklin South, 7.30 Wairoa t'ublic Hall—Mr F. Lawry and Electors «f Franklin North, 7.30. Avondale HublicHall—Mr J. A. Connell and Electors of Eden, 8. Alexandra-sureet School-room—Conversazioni

and 50cia1,7.30. St. Andrew's Church—Evangelistic Service, 7.38 Choral Hall—Soiree and Entertainment, 6.

Agricultural Hall—Dog Show, 2 to 10. Cook-street Hall—Lecture, " Catacombs of

Rome," by Mr H. Exley, 8. Drill-Bhed—Auckland, Devonport, and Waite mata Naval Artillery, 7.30. St. James's Hall—Mr &. W. Morrison and the

Electors of City West, 8. j Public Hall, Onehunga-Eleotors favourable to bringing out a second candidate for Mauukau Electorate, 8.

Devonport Hall-Mr R. Monk and the Electors of Waitemata, 8. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Entertainment, 7,30, Auckl&Ed Tabornaole—Evangelistic Service, 7.30.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

E,&eydpihßiQhmQ.ndß.oad-,Household Furni ture, and Eflectßi \\* . ,-_.,, S, M, Pratt, corner of Ponsonby and Franklin Eoada—Furnitwre, Olottung, Chaffoutteri &c, A, *B, Griffitha. pa^elMTrees, Plants, &£.,!, 10.30

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

August 6—Messrs B. 0, Barßtow and Ji\ Battler.

THE -AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1887,

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