•--^There'is a fair demand for mining stock. '4&V» b«ye" I 0 Cambria at ;3s;6d; *« on 2s Gd ; and Prince Imperial, about _fl/., ' 2few Zealand Insurances are wanted ifiS and Bank of New Zoalands at £15. rns'shares have also been dealt in ; there fellers of new ab £5 12s 6d/ ' Anions the passengers per s.s. Wairarapa dayw °ere a Mrs Grierson, whore- f r necl to tho colony by the Rimutaka. Mr prierson does not resume his; duties as manager of the Dnion Bank for some three Laths, by which time we sincerely hope he will have thoroughly recovered from the Operation he has rocently Undergone. The Victoria Corps Rifle Volunteers jnustered at the Mount Eden range on Satbrday last; to compete tor the second cki's-'mcdal presented by Captain Cooper. Tlie following were the highest scoreis : Messrs Kretehner. 59, Pibkeightly'49, Soxbon 42 Lovell 39, Guthree 34, and Serrall 27. . -The Sanitary Inspector (Mr G. Goldie) held ■a - sale of dogs to-day at the.kenneis. About CO persons were in attendance. Mr Goldie ofl'ered 10 dogs for sale, of which 7 iveresbklat various prices, and the remainder were consigned to the bank shortly after the sale- The highest price realised-was 10s for a fine colley, As the collar was riven in, this practically means getting ■he-dogs for nothing. The other : dogs ,vere sold for .'2s Gd each to Dersons who-reside outside the city bound ary,.ln this way his line retrievers and mother colley were sold. Mi- Goldie will ;iibniib another lob of dogs at noon next fhursday, amongsb which are some fox errier and spaniels. ' ~ ; < Q"J J ' ' . "; j

Ww >the J-Temperance Hal! on Saturday evening, the platform .was allotted to the Mount Eden Band of Hope. Addresses were given by Mr Potter (of Ngaruawnliia) and the Chairman (Rev. P. Mason). Glees were given by the choir (twelve .voices),- Mr Nesbit conducting; "Miss Allies accom• --• panying; Songs were given by P. Marks and Dryland, recitations by Misses Grindrbcl, Webley, Ada Bibby, land Lina S_eph.ro!,. a pianoforte solo by Miss ,Crockett; and a musical selection by M_s'sr_ ''^ Tesbit and Potter (violins), and,' Miss Crocke.t' (piano). A'hearty' vote of thank. -was givento thefriends'Who assisted." \

MEMORANDA.

The -Jubilee ball in connection ,'jvith the Burns Club has been fixed tptake place on

Monday evening, 20th inst:, in the Masonic

Hall, Newton.. Only 200 tickets will be issued to the members" of the Club, who will be responsible for the character of those

friends to whom tickets may be supplied

.'-.-. Mr-J. L. 'Johns, of Sentinel Road, P6n gonby, has started a local industry that bids fair to prove very successful. He is pro ducing quince, apple,' orarige, and other and. preserves, which are; of first class quality and free from all adulteration. Our local made jams and jellies should quickly drive all foreign competitors out of ..the market. ... , . - j , Mr ..Theo. Cooper lectures -on •.' Words " -this-evening in. the, Grafton. Road school room. The admission is; free, and therefore should be the means of attracting a large assemblage.;. - y xX^.-?_ '-..'-• SUT

A Jubilee Concert and Fancy Fair is advertised to take place in the Newmarket 'Hall on the 16th inst.. ami"promises to be a success.. A prize of L 2. will be-giveii to the best lady vocalist, and those desirous of entering for competition are. requested to ..hand in their names to Mr.-Borley, New '•'market. . . , . -. ■ . , "

• "Ari organ recital is to be given on Thurs ;iay next in connection -with Holy Trinity * Church,'Devonport, in ,aid of; the Church Ifends." Assistance will be-given by several 'wl-known Auckland musicians, and this '-fast, combined with-a knowledge .of the mjjm taste and e.ce'lent programmes' that 1.m6 characterised previous efforts, should a very enjoyable evening^ | - !*' '

;-i Subscriptions to the Women's Home, •.Parnell, during May :—Mrs Ford, 5s ; Rev. PM. Kifkbride, os ; Mrs McCosh Clark, .LI ; I Mrs Stevenson-, LI ;' marriage offering, !L1 [;! Archceacon Willis. 10s ; Mrs Cowie_- -LI ; _'.;K.'," i Ll 10s.' The Home is in -need..of funds, and any contributions "in money, clothes, or household requisites will pbe thankfully l^eceived by mempers, ofcthe I. Committee—Archdeacon Dudley.v-Rev. J. ( JS. Hill, Rev. G. H. S. Walpqle, *Mr-'Cowie, |.HrsjMcCc-h Clark, and-Mrs .Kinder". ;y-\ .:

i We would remind our readers that'"Major' | Dane's, leoture. under the. auspices •..of*-be' 'Athenceum, takes place to & morrow at the City Hall, at S p.m. Among I the points .discussed will be the Yastness "of -'London; Population ; ' Modes-of Govern

ment; ..Underground Railway System .-• : Low Life and High .Life.; | the] Old rCify?6f, 1 10-don—its' Chief Objects "and Peculiar! .'.Privileges ; the Houses of Parliament—th^ir ■ Relation" to History and Civilisation ; Lon- S don as the great Heart of the World—the i Centre of ■...Commerce,. Law./ Religion,! arid | Intelligence. ..Judging- by the pleasure ! evinced iby- the large audionoo who' I assembled to heat*., him -at-the Y.M.C.__.I afternoon,', there ":is a treat in. 1 -torefofthose who intend to be present to j morrovv night. \\:.- . '.%?/;,'.- "_\ j-

■j. A select dancing-class will be opened; in J 'the Masonic Hall, Newton. _ '■■'..- i \\ j ; Winter hosiery, best makes, from London. .. and Leicester manufacturers, at-Smibh: and .Caughey's well-known low: cash prices. : "The'first meeting for the session of ithe ''Auckland Institute will be held thisfeyen |irig, in the Museum,' when Professor A;-P. '■Thomas will deliver the anniversary "ad ..;dress.7„ jtajjcyoa /■ jliro a&o $mU* \ . , A meeting of those interested in forming ; a football clubmnderthe Association Rules ; will be held 'in the Masonic Hotel, De vori * port, ab-7-30 this evening.""" ?'"'Smith: and-Ganghey; guarantee'tbe'wear of their Geelong clothing, noted for superior -Utkrid finish. ~ Imriienseistock of gents.'. mercery,.etc., direct from the best manu-i 1 f-cturers. : ■. '■..>

AN ABANDONED CHILD.

: O.N Sunday evening a riewly-bom female 'child was found at 'the gate of Mr Claude i'Corlett, printer, wio resides at Hardihg •Btreet. It would appear that as two of Mr iCorlett's: daughters were returning ,. from jchurchj at about Jhalf'-pasb eight o'clock, ..tiioy he-vda child cry; andjfrew^tiieir ...fcther'c attention to the matter. .Mr Cor-

•#t,;looked 'round and jfpund* the child Japped U p in a piece, of old tweedand , n e\vspapefs; He ab once conveyed ib to bis ...^sidciicg and gaveit into bis wife's' charge. I ' Wtnatter Svas reported' to the police' by :,;Mr Corbett, and at tbe request,of Detective - Doctor T^nnenf attended /on f'i' 'child:' The doctor found that:.tbe •We- one had been made , comforb ;;:ilile-'by Mrs Craio-, a" female relative -°f Mr Corbebt's. °On examining t.the, • tgfent he found that it could nob have been born more than-two or three hours. The ..Umbilical cord had been torn away,, and Mm} seven or, eight inches of ib bad been 1 -left hanging to the infant's body. There K&Muttlo mud over bhe left temple, and a .' Wight abrasion or scratch on the same place ;. SaMpise the baby 'appeared., uninjured, • EgPs eood b._lth. "Dr. Tennent'states,, -. m the child must have""diea from hemorr-.. M through the.neglect to tie the utnbili-. \M cord;.hac. Ib not been found ..o'speedity- I are making inquiries with a ■ fe.to the discovery of tho mother of the . but so far without, success. ,■■-. ■;. ■■>:■:_.:■-;■■

FIRE IN ALBERT-STREET.

At five minutes to 12 o'clock last night, an outbreak .of fire was discover- d\in Mase field's buildings, Albert-street-arid before it was quenched a valuable, collection of patterns belonging to Mr Francis Forster, plumber and brassfitter, had been com ? Pletely destroyed. It se em. that at the Dime we '■have- mentioned John Sinclair; barman a f the Waitemata Hotel, was pas-ing along" Albert-street, when in reaching Masefield's, buildings . .ho . -de tected,. a .strong, : S mell of. combustion, looking about for. the cause, he saw smoke issuing from, the-first-floor: window of the northern portion of the block occupied by Mr iorster.- ;-:He gaycr information' of'the $??*. _\ M>nattt.ble Russell, and along with that officer ran up Albert-street, the one to ring the tirebell Snd the other to <*ive the alarm ,at the Central Fire ' Brigade fetation. In the meantime, Mr James Moir, caretaker of Masefield's foundry,' had also discovered the fire, and with a promptitude that deserves great commendation he seized the hose kept upon' the premises;*opened a window at the back of- the foundry; .immediately . opposite the location -of the»' fire, and began playing upon the root of the burning building. By these means, the progress of the° Same. M$ retarded until the. arrival, of', the Brigade,, and thus an. extensive conflagra tion was probably averted." At any'rate it is quite certain that M.r Moir'.s exertions saved Mr Mase'fi.ld's valuable 1 stock and patterns, which were.stored h...the rear por-; tion of the foundry, and in very closo proximity to the tiro. When "the Fire Brigade undor Supt. Hughes arrived they lost no time in starting opera tions, a.nd the.,pressure of water, being.con-, siderable the fire speedily Subsided undjer the deluge.. It.was confined to the room in which it''broke cut. but' the contents of that-'roorh, unfortunately, were entirely, destroyed. They consisted of Mr Forster's patterns-the collection of lo years—and were valued aE'f 700 y T'i'ey wereri'cfeirly all of wood, a few being of brass, ancfl yerc in-; sured in the New Zealand Insura.ncfc Com pany for only ..300r-;Mr Forster is there fore a heavy loser. , The room underneath, 'on the ground floor, ' was stocked with seasoned timbers. Mr Field-P printing stock and plant were somewhat" injured, chiefly by water.,,. The .orig-ih 'of the fire is wrapt in mystery. 4b'appear, that the premises were locked up at noon"on Satur day, and that no fire "had been.used for sometime past.. Mr Forster'went; to bed in the other end of the' building about half-past" ten' last' night,''arid everything then seemed quite'secure/and safe. Mr, Moir went through the foundry at 10.15! last night, and perceived nothing to excite suspicion. ■-The Salvage Corps, under Capt. Field, and a detachment of police under Sergts. Lyons and McMahoh, were present at the fire, and did all that was within their power to do. Messrs Broad, Brown, and McCarthyfalso lent valuable service.

POLICE COURT.

(Before Captain Corbett and Mr Stevenson,

?g {" *" ~. ■ «-- Justices.) • -"" ■ '_] Drunkenness". — Frederick Morgan, .H. Whiteside, E. Lestrange,,. Henry - Nays mith, James Kennedy, and John Jackson were punished for drunkenness.'" r. _- Obscene Language.-.—Agnes Prince,. \ a rather, modest-looking young; girVv-was 'charged-.with' using; obscene.-languago-in Rokeby-street.-Defendant pleaded guilty, and asked for mercy, this being ber first offence. -The evidence- went to show^that the defendant bad a dispute, with another woman, which culminated "in a hair-pulling match. Under /the irritation of being dragged round, byitfjejliairl of the head] the defendant nad used the language ok which she was' charged.-Sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour. . Breach of the. .Licensing,-Act. —Joseph Boulter, licensee '6f;the' Shamrock Hotel, was charged with supplying one James Saxenly with "liquor, during prohibited hours, to'wit,'between 10 p.m.- on.May 19th and 6 a.'m. on .May 20th.— MrrCotter ap peared for tbe accused,-and pleaded not guilty. — Sergeant Pratt ■ stated that .the charge arcse-oub of a case -heard-in''that Com", on May _obh,.,when' three young men "were - charged ""with assaulting a man named: Scanlan.- It transpired from bhe evidence that., several;r.inerf~a-nd - a..woman had been drinking.n the hotel jaf.ter hours, and after they had come out, the breach of the peace was committed., Saxenly wave evidence, which was to the effect that fie "aTnd others_,entored' the hotel at five minutes to'te'n, and left again at a quarter past; ten. '-. When they .entered the hotel the mairi entrance1 had been -closed for. bhe night. They were., f byr bhe barman at a side 'door.:,—- Elizabeth Barrett deposed, that" ~on the eyening in question' she; was at...thWQp-ra House "with Saxenly,,-but''left in company wibh himi at~iv qimrter to ten. They first wont to thecor'ner of?' Wellesley and.Queen Streets! arid~then,Jwcnt tbvthe., Shamrock; Hotel; reaching iliere"at-five/minutes to ten Jusb before bhey went in, the-barman re : fused three other parties, • telling.-them that- it""" was«. just ten -o'clock. They each had a~ drink, which McMullen ordered.- —Janles- Scanlan gavo corrobora tive evidence,-/- Another witness (McMullen) was~callcd.-~but."'clid mOt ..appear, aud'Sor creant Pratt applied'-for--alremand.— Tlfjs Mr Cotter objected to, and the' Bench.d ecided to .dismissrtlie;case.''-'Tbo^evidence .was hob'ab'a.l conclusive; Sergeant Pratt tiibh-applied "for a remand in the charges of supplying_,Searilan.-Bar.rett and McMullen; •^Tne^Bench, h6\vever,..";clocidecL,.,nob_ to grant a"reriiand....,.^ »J ,_J Q

(Before Mr IR G. Seth-Smibh,'R:MJ ,! Failing;"to Support.''-iSamuerj\"lills was ■charged with-disobeying an order of bhe Court, abliawera for bhe support of his wife. — Accused |stat_d-..habbe- was quite willing to"6bev-the..i>rde'r if, he could get work.— Remanded fill Friday to.enable theaccused to look for work. - —^"_-=_ This was aIL-the business. - ''* ..»___- *?r~~

THAMES NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAriI—OWN COKRESrOXDEKT.]

Thames,.this, day.V

A lad seven years of age, son of Mr Robert Murdoek, of Tararu, had the fingers o|bo.h hands badly mutilated on Saturday oy the wheels'of' one^of. ;tbe; trucks"conveying quartz to the_Mpanataiari battery r passing Ovei^them.' The 7 lad was playing " iir the hopper at tbe battery/and had grasped the iron rails to assist' in raising himself on to the overheadi tramway, ! when :a ' trucker came out-' of-the tunnel, aiid'" "did, -not notice his. fingers";across bhe .line so bhatbotluvheel- passed over them. .He.is now progressing favourably, ;,andib;wul riot to amputate' any of'the finser?. . , , .. . ft is rumoured that' it is the intention of Mr Richards, j licensee .of bhe:. Governor Boweri Hotel, to appeal against the decision of Mr Stratford," R.M..' iiivth'e case of selling liquor during' prohibited; hours,,, for,,which ,_VeVas fined £10 a_d;.costs. ._ -■ yH'y \_ ; .The .meetings of -the various Licensing Gommitbie- take placebo Wednesday, and are beinf looked .forward iP with able interest, it being currently rumored that an-attempt will; be.nr.ade, to close .some of tW'hot'els in almost every district.

SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.

Gordon v. Waitemata. — These senior teams journeyed to Epsom on Saturday and played a veryinterestingmatch, which re sulted in a win for Gordon by seven points to nil. The firs, spell was well contested, there being no score on either side when half-time was called; in the second spell ■Fortune was against the Waitematas. The fast-. ...game... in- the first spell had told 0n... their forwards, who did nob.iplny with their customary dash, and Pritchard:-Was disabled with a blow on the face., fjordon scored ;the first try for Gordon, which Smith cleverly converted into a goal. Towards'the end of the game Lind say got another try, but"the'kick at goal jvas.-.a-. failure.1 • • ;.:•■. .i ; _'-■

Ponsonby, v. Albert.—The bine and <hlacke.,.were, again successful on Saturday, beating the Albert, after a rather one-sided match,.by. 18 points to nothing. The game wasplayed at the Epsom ground. Ponson by won the toss and the Alberts kicked off against the' wind ; The reds shone with a splendid dribbling rush, Murray and. Miller being 'conspicuous. Close packed scrums kept play slow- for • a couple of minutes, and then Ponsonby'. weight told, the for wards coming through with several.good rushes, but they were well stopped by McKeown. Ridings stopped a fine run of Whiteside's, but had the misfortune to hurt his foot, and had to retire. The blue and black forwards made the play very fast now, and .the ball -went.out. dangerously close-to Albert's o-oal line. Whiteside, Jones and McConnell, by some, fincpassing, carried the ball across the Held, and George securing it;' burst across' the line, and drew first blootk Wooller was unsuccessful in con verting, it into a goal. From the kick-off Whiteside made a strong run, but was brought to grass by Muselield and Dixon. The.collision between the threo resulted in Bob! having to retire for some minutes. Loose play kept the ball moving very fast about the Albert's twenty-five." Stephenson raadje a neat pass, to Whiteside, and -the dreaded Bob got across. Arneil took the kick, but Was unsuccessful. Alberts car ried the ball well down the field by a good rush, but..Stephenson, Whiteside, and Jones brought it back Into their opponents' ground by Jfinc passing. Whiteside and Stephenson wore well stopped by Masefield.- Albie Braund and McConnell did some lino passing. Arneil got' a show from, a heel out, and quickly sent the leather over the cross bar. Alberts carried tho ball into' neutral territory, but; Arneil replied with a grand dribble. Whiteside! again- got in from a line pass by-his captain, but the ball was ordered back. Arneil, however, made matters even by a good dribble. \ Whiteside, getting the ball, mado a dodgy run and touched behind the posts. Wooller added the desired .3 points by a good kick.". In the second spell Ponsonby again had the , best of. the play, and frequently forced the reds down.-- Wooller" kicked another goal from a clever try by Albie Braund. Mase field, Miller, McKeown, and Murray played up Well, but, in spite of careless play by the Ponsonby forwards, were unable to mend matters.-■ Considering how they were handi capped by the loss of Ridings, and also of Rile'y, the Alberts played a remarkably good and plucky-game.. ■• j

•North-Shore v. Grafton.—This match, which was played at the North Shore, ex cited a great deal of interest,and fully 1,000 spectators rolled up to witness the struggle. Patterson kicked off against bhe wind for North Sfcjore.and. the blues ab'once carried the ball ..down-the ground to Grafton's territory, • Marshall all bub getting over the line. The game was very even for the first term, both" sides contesting.. the scrums well. ' In the second spell a pass to-Madi gan gave G. Johnston a show, and by a splendid. kick be made an unmistakable foal, drawing first blood for the Grafton, lay was resumed, and Mountfort made a fast, rush, and'scored a try behind the posts.' Tpm-Brown took the attempt, but did not succeed in adding to the score. Grafton had the" best of the game for soirie .time.' Towards, the close of the game, Murphy and' Marshall made a fine rush. Lecky tried to -force' down, bub Marshall managed'to seciire the;-bull in the scramble, and Swinnerton .converted it into a goal. The game finished; in a victory for the Grafton^by, G; points jto 5. Madigan played iiisplendid style. .Lecky,VeaLe, and Spencer played well forward! Howie Mays, as full back for bhe Shore, saved his side several; times. 'Wynyard had few -hows, bub he feri'cledwell.'"""'' *"' ' 'Junior^ Patches/, '■'■ - Ponsonby 11. v. United.—This match was played in the Metropolitan', and afber a very one-sided game resulted I in a win for the former by nine points .to nil. . Cleaver secured two tries by good rims, arid' T. Whiteside gob in once. McConnell con verted one of the tries, into ,a g0a1..;. The Ponsonby forwards-played - a good-game, while tlie combined play-of Cleaver and McConnell "was the feature of the match. ■

Selwyn beat Cordon 111. by 19 points to nil. Orient beat Jorvois 11. by IS points and two disputed tries to. nil. Grafton 11. beat' North Shore 11. by six -.points to nil. White Rose beat Red Pose by seven points to nil.- Clarence won their' match against Blue Star by a try to nil. TTniofi defeated Rosebe'rry by 4. points to nil.'... University beat Remuera by 2 poinbs bo-nil. • lAssociaiiou Matches. Cl r'f R:_NOERS-v.- Links.—A mabch between the above clubs was played in Dil worth's Paddock ion Saturday, and after a very fast and exciting game, resulted in a victory for the Rangers by five goals to .four. The game was very' well .contested, the Links having advantage in weight, while their opponents were light, but fast..; For the Rangers :' The- forward '"pLAy of Rotherams (2), J. Rowe and Mercier.was good/ bub*bhe play of the-backs-was not up- to the mark, lacking prompt kicking arid decision in return. Messrs' Upfell. Massey, Douglas, Plieeney and Macdonald played well for the losers. Goals were kicked for the Rangers by H. Rotheram (2), White (.l'),';Mercier (I), Rowe (1); for. the Links, Massey (2), New combe (1), -Upfell (1). ; " ,'. : 5 - A fair number of specbators.witnessed' bhe play of the different clubs, and, consider ing that no Cup matches were played, the Association ought to be eabish'edJ The Cup matches commence on Saturday: next. The Rangers will meet at the Y. M.C. A. on .Wedfiesd^next^.;, ...;,.;*,,, 'J.:, ..iv.-.!.-?-":.1/.

REDUCTION OF MEMBERS.

(BY TFXEQ RAPH-rRESS ASSOCIATION.)

OamA-OT,' Saturday.

A public meeting has been called for Mon day'night,, to'protest against the mainten ance of bhe number of -members;'of the Hou'seat 91. The general feeling here is strongly in favour of a considerable reduc tion' in the number, of members,- and. the promoters of the.movemenb are desirous of. inducing .other 'centres to- take' the same action; as they are. doing, in order to bring out even now what they believe, to be^the desire of the people. - ,-*; '!.'•...,.''■''"/

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

';; Thames, this day. Trenton.—The southern crosscut has been extended nearly 60 feet on behalf of this, Company.- The country has greatly improved during tho last fow feet, and is now an excellenb white sandstone.

Cambria.—The quart- is shaping for the usual payable return at the battery. . Prince Imperial:-—-The lodes of quartz ! .cut at No. 2 level, supposed to be No. 2 reef, looks really well, the quartz being of a very favourable nature, although up to the present only a few colours of gold have been observed. ■ .. ..',..- ■...■.. i •. ■ . .. ~- • '■ <■»■' ! j Karanoahake; Friday: Rahjey's Quartz Reduction- Works.— In the early part of this week a considerable number of miners signed an agreement sub mitted to them by the owners of this plant to the effect that they had consented to the following reduction in the charges for the treatment of ore, viz. :—For parcels of 50 tons,and under 100 tons, 5 per cent.,and for parcels of 100 tons and upwards, 10 per cent, reduction, respectively on bhe present scale of charges. Crown.-—During the past week quartz of superior quality has been obtained lrom the intermediate'level,"which is being advanced southwards on the No. 2 reef, and the man' agcr expects a big haul of rich stone as work is continued in that direction.

Imperial.—-There is-now-a large paddock of quartz to grass as the result of the work that has been going on in this mine for the last four months, and the owners expect that it will give them a handsome return,no matter what process of treatment It may be subjected to.

Diamond.—Drivingthe intermediate level northwards, along the line of the lode is still in progress, and stone of fair quality is being grassed every shift. "The stopos over head of this .point are yielding handsomely, and from all parts of the-mine there are now in tlie paddocks about 28 tons of quartz, which should pay woll for treatment.

Adeline. .--The winze connecting the intermediate and lower levels will hole through to the rise this week, and'an ex tensive block of ground on .the branch lode will then be available for sloping opera tions. A parcel comprising 22 ton.*, of ore from this mine was shipped from Paeroa per Kbtuku yesterday.. for Thames,where it will be treated ab tho Moanatairi battery, aiid the proceeds derivable from the sale of the tailings will cover the cost of transit and treatment. • .

Dusjbo. - Since tbe last crushing about 10 tons of quartz has been broken out from the main.reef where it is now being driven upon in the Company's lowest level, and gold is freely visible in some of the stone.

Kkmlwokth.—Moore and party, tribu ters in this mine, have developed a splendid body of ore, which, if treated on . its assay value,, will give a better average return than anything of the kind hitherto unearthed in the, district. This,.party have now got about 25 tons of first-class ore broken out, and they are endeavouring to make ar rangements for the shipment of the wholo lot to London' for disposal in the open market thero.'

Woodstock.—Heitcman and party, tri buters", are still driving along the course of the No. 1 reef iri.theiv sect.ion,and the stone improves in quality lis work is continued upon it northwards.

Ivanhoe.—There are two parties of tri buters working in this mine, and both are, meeting with very fair prospects- So fai\ nothing has been done towards re pairing the damage to the water race oc casioned by the late stormy weather, and of .course,,the Company's, battery is still idle, although there is ab least one large parcel of low grade dirt awaiting treat ment." , •■■ "" ~, j .. Owharoa, Friday. ; Smile ok Fortune.—Woods and party, tributers in this mine, are now running the battery one shift-of eight hours in the re duction of "mullock; from one of the old ".tip heads," and there is a pay able show of amalgam on the plates. Farmer and- party, tributers in the same mine, are breaking out crushing dirt from the No. 4 leader, which yielded so many rich returns some time ago ; but the sr.uff coming to hand now .is poor, and it will take the tributers all. their time to make wages out of it. ■ ..->.• Rowe and Me.—The proprietors of this claim are driving a crosscut westward in the hope of picking up oho or more of the gold-bearing lodes which are known to tend in that direction through their ground, and they expect to have the first ou. in hand in a few. days' time. , ••■'■ W Aim, Friday. Martha Extended. — Good headway is being made with the repairs to this Com pany's water-race, and ib is expected bhab the battery.'will again be in full.operation early next week.. Union.-^-In the intermediate level going north, the lode is fully Gffc. thick, and the bulk of the stone is being saved for treat nient. From the stopes there is also a large quantity of high-class orb coming to hand daily,"arid 'if the roads were' only passable for dray traffic, a large, shipment could be despatched at very.short notice.';;'' >>\ \ Winner.-^Mr E. K.Cowper, manager of this mine, reports the discovery of'a large body of. quartz in his low level; which is now in a distance of nearly 000fb.," This lode is believed bo be identical wibh bhe one outcropping on tlie surface, bub as yeb ib has-nob been sufficiently worked upon to determine its size or intrinsic value. j WjUtekauri, Friday. Maunoakara. —Snelgar and party, trj .bubers in,this miri'e,havingmade fresh ar rangements with regard to the working of the-battery, have resumed ■ operations', and expect to make fair wages oub of their ven ture

Waitekauri.—llollis.and' party, tri buters, ...are keeping 12 head of stampers fully employed on their section,-, antl the show of amalgam-on the plates is good enough -to warrant a payable return*.-,

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS' WALK ING MATCH.

(BY TELEORAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

.... fli-aom 6 .,' :■■•> i! Christ.HOHcii, Saturday. , Captain Cotton's 24 hours' walk against Joe Scott, at the Tuam-street Hall, con cluded ab 10 o'clock lasb nighb. Cotton did 119 miles 1 lap,including a handicap allow-

ance of 10.miles, and Scott 117 miles C laps. Scott was rick twice, but kept gamely to work, spurting frequently. Cotton main* tamed a j steady pace, averaging 5 miles an hour. Cotton finished strongly, but was much" exhausted afterward. Scott seemed knocked up. Cotton bakes three-fourths of the entrance money,, which he gives to his corps, the Mounted Rities. Two. thousand people witnessed the finish. ~y'..'.: ;-

BURNED TO DEATH.

Two Shocking. Fatalities.

(BY TELEORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Fielding, thia day. A whare, occupied by Wm. Reid, at Stoney Creek, was destroyed by fire on Saturday night. The remains of Reid were found in the debris, nothing but tho trunk being left.

Timabc, this day. ,: Near -Waimate, on Friday lasb, Julia Coscowan, aged 87,, was accidentally burned to death.'' '

OPERA HOUSE. -"THE MIKADO."

"The Mikado" continues his triumphal progress. The fifth ' representation was given on Saturday evening before a crowded house, and the applause was most liberal, the mirth developed on the stage infecting the audience with irrepressible laughter. No less than five encores were exacted during the first act, and in the second act there was the same keen desiro for having the leading numbers repeated. Nanki-Foo and Ko-Ko's duet, "The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring," elicited, as usual, a double encore, and even then the audience manifested Oliver Twist's .unsatisfied craving for " more." The piece seems to increase nightly in popularity, and the.per formance is as smooth and successful as one could wish. There only remain three oppor tunities of seeing it, as i" lolanthe! is underlined for Thursday night. Those who have not yet witnessed " Tho Mikado " will do well therefore not to procrastinate further, as it may be a very long time in deed before it is again .performed in this city. The wise en scene is too costly and .elaborate for limited resources.

ELECTION NEWS.

It is stated that Mr James Maekay will contest Auckland North against tho sitting member, Mr T. Thompson. Mi' Mitehel son's determination to seek re-election for Mai-den will probably deter Mr Dargaville from seeking the suffrage's of the electors of that district, but it is not known whether lie will woo his old lovo of Auckland West.

(BY TELEORAI'II— OWN COURESI'ONDKNT.)

Thames, this day.

The following arc mentioned as probable candidates for tlie Thames constituency at the coming jgerieral election :—.Messrs Wi Carpenter, John Brown, R. T. Douglas, James McCosh Clark, L. J. Bagnull and W. Fra'ser, the present member.

(BY TELF.fiRAI'II. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Pa ero a .Friday. Now that we are upon the eve of a general election, speculation is rife as to who are going to be the candidates for the Tauranga seat in the House of Representatives. So far as this section of that electorate is con cerned, our present member stands bub a very poor show of securing a majority of the votes, simply because it is pretty gener ally conceded that ho has not given much attention to the wants and requirements of the place, and that his neglect is accounted for by the fact that tlie whole of his in terests lie at the other cud of the electorate. Strong hopes are entertained that Mr J. M. Clark, of Auckland, will como forward as a candidate, and it so, he will be cortain to get a strong support at all the goldfields centre..

(nv telecraph—special reporter.)

Wellington, this day.

Mr Thomas Thompson, who has been ill since bhe no-confidence motion, is, I am glad to say, able to get about again. He intends to stand for ro-eleetion for the present seat, unpledged to cither party, but to retrenchment and economy.

Mr Allan McDonald, .who -is now in Wellington, informs me that he intends contesting tlie East Coasb scab, and has every prospect of being returned. Mr Locke will, nob seek re-election.

Mr Mibehelson has definitely determined again to stand for Marsden. The lion. VV. Johnston will probably op pose Mr Eraser/ for Tc Aro. It is anticipated that the elections will result in tho infusing of new blood in next Parliament, to the extent of one-third of the total. House. ...

Mr Locke has just informed me that he will place-himself in -the- hands of his- con stituents, and that with their desire he will again stand for the East Coast. Failing health Will, howover,"prevent him from making an actual canvass. Ministers mean to tight the elections on the Protection ticket pure and simple. They will-tiiot go in for any halij.earted mea sures. . -' . • - '- -,• -.-'•. — .... ~"_■». 5:- t _ft..T (by telegraph—press association.) - ' Hawera, this clay. A requisition asking Mr Felix McGuire to contest Egmont has been signed by 572 electors living in all parts of the electorate. There is a strong local current of feeling in his favour. : , ■■•' Master.ox, this day. Mr W. McArdle is announced as a fcandi date tor Wairarapa North. , ; . Timaru, this day. Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, solicitor, Christ chureh, is in the field for Gladstone scab, in addition to Mr E. M. Kerr, newspaper proprietor, Timaru. " Mr 3. M. Twomey, newspaper proprietor, announces himself for, Geraldine. . t IxvERCARGiLL/'this day. Messrs J. W. Bain and G. Froggato are announcedfor Awarua, and Mr J. Melntyre for Wallace... There will . probably be five' or six candidates for the latter district.

PRACTICAL PATRIOTS.

Comical Proposal of Southeri.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Invercargill, this day. A number of influential electors in Otautau. (Wallace District) are getting, up a petition to the Premier and ' others of the Go vernment, to ask them, in making up the districts under the new Represen tation Bill not to include that part of the .Company in an election district but in lieu of being represented in Parlia ment to have the amonnt of konbraririm and expenses of one membor, asy LSOO (Mr Larnach's figures), handed over to the local authorities to bo spent on neccss-ry works.

MAJOR DANE'S LECTURE.

The announcement bhab Major C. Dane, the American lecburer, would deliver a free address yesterday afternoon in the V.M.C.A. rooms, caused the lecture hall to be crowded with ladies and genblemen. The Rev. J. S. Hill presided, and opened bhe proceedings wibh prayor. He also an nounced that owing to Major Dane's lecture in the City Hall on Tues day, ib had been decided, to hold the' usual service on Monday night, when an address would be delivered by himself upon "The Best Mode of Taxa tion in New Zealand." Mr Hill also an nounced that during the ensuing year he wished bo collect LIOO towards the build-; ing fund. ...:>• Major Dane then came forward and delivered an exceedingly interesting address on the subject of " Rambles Along the Footprints of St Paul." The lecturer read portions from the Scriptures, and described tbe little rocky island of Patmos, to which St. John was exiled. The speaker had himself visited Patmos and the site of the city of Laodicca, in the valley of Maeauder, against which warning had been declared because the people would not repent. He had also seen the Saratoga of the East—Hierapolis, which stood on a plateau of rock some 10 miles long and 500 feet above the level of the sea. The grand frontage of Hierapolis was described as a beautiful,if not more so,than the Pink and White Terraces. As he had gazed at theruins, of these cities be felt bow terribly the warnings had been ful filled, and as he walked through the ruins of 'Ephe'su. ho again read the words, " Unless you repent I will go to you quickly and remove the candlestick from its place." He said all those who ever went to Naples should visit the Natiopal Museum, where thoy would sec the very statue of Diana which was in Ephesus when St. Paul was in the theatre of that city. Now the temple and all had gone because bhe people would nob repent. Through the ruins of these cities, they realised that there was a groatcr power than all. who ruled the universe, and kept everything in harmony in its proper place. Major Dane also re ferred to the church in which it was thought that St. John had preached eighteen cen turies ago. He also spoke of the Apostle Paul as nothing moro than n hump-backed disagreeable little Jew, excepting for his intellect, which none could fathom—an intellect rising clear and grand beyond all others, for evon in the prosent day the greatest intellects failed to divine what Paul meant iv his matchless sentences. The speaker went on to describe the ruins of Pergamos and the Valloy of Troy, in which lay buried the ruins of five cities one above the other. Much dispute had oc curred amongst archteologists as to the site of Hellas, until a German boy, who had learned the Greek langnage.eame to the Valley of Troy, and dug dowD first through tho foundations of ono and then of the other of the cities, until ab tlie botbomof them all bo came to the ruins of Hellas, where Homer had walked. Major Dane stated that he had crossed the Dardenelles and made his way to Philippi, where he saw tho Mountain of Jupiter, the gi;eat Olympus and Vale of Tempe, through which Paul had walked, and the army of Xerxes had marched. At the foot of the wall which rose 1,000 feeb was bhe famous pass of Thermopylaa, and further on was the Castillean Spring, to which camo the only survivor of the army of Leonidas. He had come for water and thus escaped. The speaker thon refen-ed to the great labours of St. Paul, and re sumed his scab amid great applause. Major Dane possesses all the qnalincations of a professional lecburer.and his season in this city should prove a success. A vote of thanks bo bhe speakor, followed by bhe Benediction, berminated the proceedings.

ANNUAL LICENSING COURTS.

Grafton

(Before Messrs E. A. Mackechnie (Chair man), F. A. White, and J. Gilmore, Liocnsing Commissioners.) Tuk annual Licensing Court for this dis trict was held in the R.M. Courthouse at noon to-day. • ' ' 7-■ " : Queen's Hotel.—Mr Cotter applied for renewal of the liebnse (10 o'clock) to James Hawkins.—Thero was no opposition and the license was granted. The Court then adjourned, thero being no further business to transact. ■ City Worth. ' '«««u j (Before Mr J. Winks, (Chairman). ■■' The annual Licensing Court for City North, was opened at 12 p.m. to-day in the RM. Court-house. Superinbendanb Thom son represented the police and Mr Thos. Cotter appeared for the ' Licensed Victualler.' Association. VviinsTers. I ; V " Transfers of licenses were granted as fol lows, h — Governor. Brown Hotel—David Dunningliani to...Win. Hallius. Shamrock Hotel—Official Assignee to Joseph Boulter. Thistle ' Hotel—Alfred Leech' to William Butler.- ' -'• " ':'' : *' :; . --cnewals. ■ -.■-■■■-'.-- j \ In bhe following cases the licenses we're re newed without opposition :,— ..;. Nevada Hotel-John Barrett. Shamrock Hotel—Joseph Boulter. — Superintendent Thomson mentioned that another lire-escape was needed. A charge of selling liquor after hours had been brought against Mr Boulter that morning, bub had fallen through. —Mr Cotter stated that the additional fire-escape had been provided. •;

Thistle Hotel—Williamß. tier.— Super intendent Thomson said that some re painting and repairs' were required.' Mr Baume, for applicants' remarked that the repairs had been effected. -The Chairman said that the Committee considered, that the fire escapes should be a fixture, instead of moveable, as at present. The license would be granted subject to the fire escapes being altered in the way indicated. —Mr Baume gave the required promise. .< . :'.• Star Holel — Adam Cairns. —. The Chairman said that the Committee Wished some placards put up to indicate the posi tion of the fireescapes. -Mr Cotter gave his promise that this would be done. ' '■/! Foresters' Arms Hotel, Simon Coombe. —Supt. Thomson complained that tjie yard was ma dirty state. - Soinb; drunken men' had been seen , about the "hotel yester day morning, and one-, o^ them was convicted., bo-day. Mr , S.. Hqsketh for Mr Coombe assured bhe Bench that the yard was now in a cleanly state' and as for the drunken man referred to, the drink was nob procured ab the Foresters'.. Arms, although one of the men had slept there. The Bench* thought a stop should be put to Sunday trading, and they cautioned Mr. Coombe that it be resorted to it, be im perilled his license, Granted. Royal Mail Hotel—John Codling,—The Chairman said the Committee regarded this as .the best; hotel they had visited. The management appeared to be perfect. A suggestion by Mr Cotter that the hours should be extended was not acceded to. License renewed. Waitemata Hotel—John Endean.—lt: was stated that some repairs suggested by the police had been efl'ectod.— Granted Wiiari' Hotel—John Gallagher.—Super intendent Thomson pointed out that the present building was coming down in'order, to be replaced by a bettor structure.—Mr Cotter explained that alterations merely wero being effected, and'that arrangements had been.made for suitably carrying ori'the business.—Granted,

Hobson HoTfl—George B. Howard.— Supterintendent Thomson intimabod that a new fire escape was needed.—License re newed on condition bhab a fire escape is provided. . [ . British Hotel — Owen Humphries, —• Granbed.

Albion Hotel — Patrick Gleeson. —• Granted. " ''"''

United Service Hotel—John Condon. —Superintendent Thompson remarked that) .his was one of the few hotels in whioh the public were satisfied that no Sunday trading was carried on.—Granted. ;

Governor Browne Hotel—William Hol lins.-Superintendent Thomson reported that some of the rooms at the back were rather dilapidated.—Mr Alexander (in support of the application) said these rooms were only required ab Christ mas time, and by, that firm a ,-new handsome building to take the place of tha present, it would have been commenced the owner only awaited the fixing of the stroeb level.—The Bench renewed bhe liscense on tho condition that as soon as the levels were fixed, anew building would be commenced. Victoria Hotel-R. P. Luks.— An ap plication for extension of licensed hours was refused.- Renewal granted. :

Claiiin'(.arde Hotel — Annie Lynch.— Superintendent Thomson complained thai; the yard was not clean. Mr Cotter stated that it had since been cleaned, and the chairman corroborated the statement. — Granted.

Oxford Hotel — William Mahonoy.—. Granted.

Albert Hotel — Moses Montague. _« Granted. . - - ' - ' .

Shakespeare Hotel—Wm. J. McCabo. -Granted. Eacle Hotel—Daniel O'Connor. — Tbo Bench thought bhis house should- be re newed : 'the present building was hardly worth a license. However, they would re hew the licensing for this time.

Alexandra Hotel — John Pierce. '"— Granted. ■■■' •'

Emi'irb Hotel—P. W. Ryan.—Granted.

■Pier Hotel -Geo. Thompson. - Sergeant- Thomson reported that" some repairs were needed-Mr Cotter stated that they were being made—granted. Gleeson's Hotel — Annie Zieglor. — Granted.

City Hotel.—Joseph Caffrey applied for a renewal of the license. . Supt. -Thomson reported that the house Was nob in such good condition as could be wished. Some of the rooms especially needing .fresh paper. Besides, there had been reason to believe that Sunday - trading,, was carried on, but so far he had nob ob tained sufficient evidence of this to warrant a prosecution.- Mr Cotter, who appeared for the owner (Mr Gleeson) said be believed the repapering had been done, but if not it would be attended to at once. —The Chairman warned tbe applicant that if he was convicted of Sunday trading ho would forfeit the license.—Renewed.

Bricklayers Arms Hotel-John B. Ellis.—The Chairman said this hon_. re quired repainting, and repapering while there was not a single bedroom properly furnished.—The application would 'there fore be adjourned for three weeks to permit of these defects being rectified. ■ k

Aurora Hotel - William Lynch.— Superistendenb Thomson said bhab, in consequence of information received he inbended instituting a prosecution against Mr Lynch for supplying liquor to some women last night. 'Mr Cotter said the licensee was quite prepared to meet the charge. The Chairman stated that the Bench would postpone the ap plication for three weeks. Mr Cotter submitted that In default of the -re quired . notice .of any opposition, tho hoense should be renewed. The Bench however declined. Su pb. Thomson said he could find no fnulb wibh the management c-f bhe Hotel bub bhe police had had great reason to complain of Sunday trading in connection with it. '..'--*

Prixce Arthur Hotel—Hubert Oram.— Inspector Thomson reporbod bhat the licensee had been twice convicted of Sun day-trading within the year; otherwise tho house had been well conducted. Mr Cotter (for the applicant) explained that tht two convictions took place in December lasb. ■ The inforrnationsrwere laid by the persons who obtained the liquor, and only one of them was a case of .Sunday trading. Mr Oram'sallwas invested in the hotolandhe had profited so well by the warning he had received, that no subsequent complaint had been made against him. Supt..,Thompson mentioned that the "breaches referred to were committed at a few day's interval. The Bench'renewed the license, but inti mated that in case of another conviction, the license would be forfeited at once. •

The Courb bhen adjourned

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(by teleorapii—SPEClAL REPORT-R.)

Wellington-, this day. i War to the Mnile. With reference to the debate in commit.* i; •' on Friday night aboub the midland railway i codtract, in which the hon. member 'for j Goraldme gave tlie members for I Lirmolri and Wakanui " a bit of his mind," hi the very tersest of Anglo-Saxon, J under stand that he has really resolved oh giving effect to; qis threat of carrying the ele'ctioii war into their own strongholds,-and will address the constituents of each or both whenever opportnity best serves. .

The Village Settlement Sclieihc.

Another, warm debate, on the; Village Settlement Scheme is expected this after noon.- .'■' ' - '■'■' I Dili',

'The Proroffation. Parliament will bo prorogued on Thurs day at the earliest. '"■' "Tv.Jii; '

Cost of tlie Hall Case.

The return ordered at the instance of Mr Turn bull as to bhe cost of' Thomas Hall's prosecutions has not yet. been complet.d, bub the Minister for Justice Informs mo ti|i.b the total cost to the colony, including''trie inquest on Captain Cain, and tlio ' prelimi nary investigations, will be close on'£3,ooo

Mr Andrew Anderson, of Christchurcb, the contractor for a large section, of the North Island Trunk Railway, was a passen ger by the steamer:Wairarapa to-day. 'Air Anderson will leave for the Waikoto at the end of the week, wibh a view of .commenc ing operations. T ...... ~;._,... ~_.:

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To«a!ght.

A"lT__ MiP kad-/?8 lSe ~Ros' al °Pe:a Company in ■ City Buffet, Qneen-kreet^AmericanMidgetand Circassian Youth. 2to 5 and 7to 10 p.m - Opposite City Market. Queen-street-^ Thauma,' Otahuhu'Public Hall-Lynch Family of-Bell. : ringers, 8. - • ■ ■ *!" * F 7O,?o ?laS°na' Hall"~Ara Lodge, No. 348. 1.c., Masonic Hotel, lievonport-^Meetingof' those interested in forming Football (Sub -under Association Uules, 7.3 . . •»__.«« *lS_tSte s! U6eum ~ Members of Auckland Grafton Road Schoolropm-l.ecture on "Words " by Mr Theo. Cooper, 8. ~ . *'°r__. v vf'p a ■*"S£ v*a J* $$_! 2? " Taxation,- _; , 730- lheAuck^d Football Association.

Rota o. Justices at Police Comt. 1 Jane 7—Messrs: :..:;; / . ,o uq

~, Auction Sales To-morrow ' ' Arthur & Buddle-Hou.ebold Furniture, ,«tc.,

übVi.d fr!^_£:%_f_?' 011n^ titefc G. Lewis-Hardware, Tinware, eto., U.

-TRE' -AUCi^

5



-'Smith and»Caughey import direot from the ;m>.nufacturer3', and' sell at. and/under, -wholesale prices'for cash only. • A Select Dancing Glass wili-be- hold.at tho Masonic Hall. Newton, !tliM. '.Monday) evdhlng.« -A'dmJ-sioni-' '-ono .hilling,—James Bassett, Secretary.



PovEßyy and Suffering.,— "I1 was jjragg.'d down with debt, poverty, and suffer ing for years, caused by a sick family.and large bills for doctoring-, which did them nogood. f was completely discouraged.until ono year ago, by the advice of my pastor, I procured Hop Bitters and;commenced.their uso, arid m one month'we" were all well,-and none or us have Been a sick day since; aiid I want to say to all -poor men;' you"can keep your families .well a !veat'With-American-Go.'s Hop Bitters 'tor. less han one doctor's visit will cost. I know it. -A Working Man. Read.



Wicked for Clergymen.—." I believe it to be all wrong and even wicked'for clergymen .or other public men to be led into giving testi monials to quack doctors for vile stuffs called medicines, but when a reallr meritorious article is made up of common valuable remedies known to all, and tliat all physicians use and trust in daily, we should freely commend it. 1 therefore cheerfully and heartily commend Hop :Hitters for the good fhey have done me and my friends.' firmly-' believing they1 have no equal for family use. 1 will not be without the-..'—Rev. —, Washington, D.C.U.S.A.