The retur * *atch ggj played and e on)B to-morrow evening. it Bobson bJ* Club m A^^is e^nins at the V.M.C.A ho held this «« ~ n f captam and S"* f t DwMch Sa deferred-from last liaoUS and other matters will be con eWd" lin aid of the Holy Trinity A concert m aw fund is an . jounced to taw F gome q{ the lead . li"ts We proini^d assistance, has been arranged s ~. entertainment JJrandAii'jf- • i as t ni^lit, under tbe^fhfst Bt dePaul Society, ba"* 10',, and passed off very lately portion of the successful'^- - { llildren and they as ffe!lhfer and enthusiastic applause to the ka" He character of the treat provided blTh7prommnio comprised the SivS" anl the "Oddities" which Fe i Mrs Foley have given with so M\ an cetano c at the Opera House. '"" J meetin* of the Harbour. Board taSfeeer reported that the y 1« hed on the Eastern tee was now com tfd and could be used for storing goods Wnrioeer also wrote that he could not ([be Enpi'«h ■* . f fche re peated nDllf lot S3 1«°» a°d Co spplS from the Harbour Board about £Sen S? in Eangitoto Beacon He v/Treadv fiven in his reports of June X i sL&mber 7th the results of his gfJJ|S?Sta*«d copy ofletter SilsonandCo. The Engineer likewise ikSauthorisecl Thotetter of the f vtnMeatCo. (re Mr Maguire'a compen -sSclaM-d Mr C«,mpton(re tneboat £) were referred to the Finance and Lega' Committee.

Petitions v.-ere in course of signature to ft by seafaring men who intend to bring L; r grievances before the Houseof Re- HWffltativea and Legislative Council during L n-ewnt session. The petition, which Z been signed by about 500 persons „ Auckland sets forth that seamen a a body are disfranchised, and we no representative in Parliament under the existing1 laws, and they protest •rate the employment of coloured labour jMlloreign shipping on the New Zealand joast, Similar petitions are also being signed throughout the colony. The fourth concert of season 1887 of the Ponsonby Choral Society will be held on Monday next, the 10th inst., at All Saints' school, when Mendelssohn's 95th Psalm will be rendered for the first part and mis cellaneous selections for the second. The final rehearsal on Friday evening. There ii some talk of the society giving their concerts in one of the city halls, as the iccomodation in Ponsonby Hall is found 100 small for the increased strength of the society. There are rumours in circulation to a large hall is about to be built in that part of the city. It is to be hoped tot there is some truth in this statement, uit would be a pity for the Ponsonby Choral Society to be obliged to fro outside its own district to perform its concerts, o«ing to want of sufficient hall accomoda tifei. And outside the Ponsouby Choral Sotiety, we believe that a good hall in Pon raoy would pay well.

We notice in our advertising columns an fertisement calling a committee meeting iltlieCricket Association for the election dSwretary and Treasurer and new clubs. life 10th of October is the last date on ittmtries are received for the Cup com mSw, secretaries of clubs are desired to Wain mind.

Members of the "A" Battery are tfiiw another column that an inspec tionparadeof the Battery will be held in the Dished at! 7.30 to-morrow evening. It does not require a huge sensation to iran crowd in these chill times, especi «lljwbitka " free " show. About 11 & morning Vulcan Lane \vas com pletely blocked with people, and one of our reporters, after struggling wgb he throng in anticipation of pick ugiipa real live tragedy, came suddenly ># a wedding party. A carriage con taining the happy pair had paused for some lason or other, and hence the crowd. Af» minutes later another large Mgrecration of the free and independent •ambled opposite the Arcade and re ®m there for half-an-hour or more Washing two men rigging the flagstaff •» the tower of that building. It is very Went that there are still a great many •aiployedintown. The latest phase of the difficulty which »samen between the Governor and Chief «ice oi Western Australia is conveyed J»Wemm from Perth to this effect : inetoHowmg cable message was received S m I Governor, Sir P. Napier Broome, *the Secretary of State for the Colonies, fau? L° lland> respecting the inter ga of the Chief Justice of West A>,s iCr» . low will accept leave of 2? W months at half salary.re (bW\f- L tlOn> awaiting report.' The Jgalwe has arrived at no decision re »g taking leave of absence." CJTT}^ Av01«lale and New had a narrow escape of com sS%j!»een.Btreet,.onebf.the and lh L er- Was da"-er of il caP- Be£ r b, abe injury resulting, but «*£Jr bert' nnd others who were teith e ti ntr mptly t0 the rescue> feWS ng horse was replaced on I (C^^ of the adventure. *«X % f^ations have been WiL % ™^-street by the City l"in ntl TH* 8 been eufc down <*> are im™ ? en formed, and work- S<t fiLS*B^? 4 PuttinS down a MthetoTJ 161, These alterations have 1 »<npelWesultsin some few instances -to make Ci'^S but no doubt WeS. Ults-from the work will Ti oopen agreat improvement. 8Pr T in S Has brought 1 !?> HarbllV reBS after -1 il>fSr^ decided t0 lend 1% ft *«* and »n Iga? -at a char?e of li>ht J,*«Wnjf expenses, ■ S? 4 It vtm L T, ves Ponsible for all I te^VSft? *? forward to Mr 1 fcS2t«! f Er "«gton's letter re 1 *° delayin suppiy of 1 U^1076 cofferXlll63^ 0" of authority 1 Kft» ,ts and Tariff n Engineer. 1 52Sf^N snSJ C°mmittee's re -1 SSj^Ji IJT ? fttlons for Soods 1 sf^Co,J&l«% were referred I 63 agreed?-°r recoi'sWeration, I ?JJ f«? ,'" stlTOt the Engil 1 <o! ■*5»"Il?. blaib e^imat e I fc (L^-streer * bln^ and ehan -1 SSll^or 7i?\m earned. ■ S^Wemii? Boill'd relative 1 IS 1! and reduction

" Mrs Greenwood and her Daughters," who are to give a farewell concert at the Opera House to-morrow night, are deserving of every encouragement at the hands of Aucklanders. Starting out, as they are, to pursue an artistic career throughout the world, the young people particularly should geb an enthusiastic " send-off" — a farewell as warm as was the welcome accorded to Miss Maribel when she burst on the histrionic horizon as a tragedienne of great promise. As public enter tainers the Greenwood family _ have made their mark in this city and district, and from the programme annonuced for to morrow evening a treat of no ordinary kind may be anticipated. The family embrace Mrs Greenwood, Misses Maribel, Norah, Agatha and Ruby, and Master Greenwood, and all are well worth hearing. M iss Green wood s singing of Braham's celebrated song " The Death of Nelson," is described as spirited and successful, while the instrumen tal performances are all excellent of their kind. The box office is now open at Messrs Kidd and YVildman's.

The kauri gum market is a shade firmer, but prices remain as yet unaltered. The supplies for the last five days of Octoj ber amount to 57 tons.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

WAITOA GOLDFIELDS-

THE MACHINERY ORDERED.

RISE IN THE VALUE OF LAND,

We understand that Mr George Frazer hhaa a already received an order from the Company formed in Ghristchureh to work the de posit in Mr J. B. Whyte's property, and to go on with, the requisite machinery. The Company mean business, and the value of the deposit will soon be put to the best of all tests, a working one.

The discovery has already had an ap preciable eflect on the value of land in the district. Land which could have been pur chased for £3 an acre is now held for from £5 to £6. The Government ought to give immediate attention to the acquisition of areas to be worked under miners' rights.

WILD SPECULATION.

(FUOM OUR OWN' CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. There is a great deal of interest in Wel lington with regard to the recent gold dis covery at Wuitoa, and the " Press," which appears to be very well informed with re spect to the intention and prospects of the syndicate, published the following para graph last night:—" We hear there is already some very lively plunging in connection with the newly - dis covered goldtield at Piako. 'Mr Smith sold half his property to a Christchurch Company for£l4,ooo,receiviug an additional 10,000 paid up shares in the Company. These shares, upon which only 2s has been paid, are now Helling; freely at £2, and it is believed that they will rise to £3 before there is a check. This is making money out of nothing with a vengeance. Thero is one good thing :■ it will stimulate the Com pany to take effective measures for develop ing the goldtield as soon as possible.

Thamks, this day,

Camp.ria.—Another breaking-down of the leader in the crosscut at No. 3 level took place to-day, when 151b of. specimens were bagged.

STONE THROWING.

FIVE MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT.

At the Police. Court this morning, before Mr H. C. Baddeley,Assistant R.M.,Charles

Wilkinson was charged with having no lawful visible means of Bupport, and with breaking a fanlight belonging to Dr. Hooper, and, doing damage to the extent of 20s. Evidence was given by Constable Finnerty to show that he arrested the prisoner last evening on a charge of throwing stones in Hobson street. The prisoner admitted having been previously convicted of larceny in Dunedin, and he was in Alt. Eden Gaol for two days recently for wilful damage to fish owned by Alfred Sanford, of Rakino. Arthur Hooper, son of Dr Hooper, deposed to the two attacks made on his father's residence on Saturday and Tuesday nights, as previously stated in the Stae. He also described his encounter with the prisoner on the first occasion. On hearing stones thrown at the door he went out and saw a person, whom he now recog nised as the prisoner, running across the street. ■ He gave chase and caught Wil kinson, whom he brought to the ground on the opposite side of the street. The prisoner attempted to strike witness with his list, and escaped. Witness also deposed that last evening the prisoner was seen to stoop in front of Dr Hooper's residence and pick up a stone, evidently with the intention of throwing it ; that on seeing two per sons at the gate, he walked on. He followed the prisoner and gave infor mation which led to his arrest. The prisoner denied both charges, but the magis trate (Mr H. C. Baddeley) found him guilty and sentenced him to three months' im prisonment for having no lawful and visible means of support;, and two months' im prisonment for Btone - throwing, the sentences to run concurrently. The magistrate spoke in strong terms con cerning the prisoner's destructive propen sities, and expressed his opinion that Wil kinson was a most dangerous man to be at large. The only other business transacted at the Court to-day was the punishment of three persons for drunkenness.

A BIG FRAUD IN PARIS.

Some short time back Lord Cnrrington re ceived a cipher cablegram from the Secre tary of State for the Colonies to the effect that a forgery involving a large amount of money—it is rumoured up to £100,000 —had been perpetrated in Paris, aud that the forger was in New South Wales. Particulars were given ac to his appearance and also as to his supposed whereabouts, and, acting on a provisional warrant issued at the instance of Inspector Camphin, a man named Charles Max Schraeder has been arrested in a house at Lincoln-street, North Shore, Sydney. He admitted that he was the man described in the warrant; that he had been with his wife and three children but a short time in the colony ; aud had lodged, as was stated, at Petty's Hotel. At the same time he asserted that there was some mistake ; that'he knew nothing about the alleged forgery ; and that he could not at all understand why he had been arrested. The accused, a gentlemanly, intelligent looking man, with a pleasing presence and a cultured voice, was brought up at the Central Police Court, Sydney, and re manded for a week, bail being refused for the present until further information is obtained.

MURDER IN CANTERBURY

PARTICULARS OF THE TRAGE^,

STABBED TO DEATH.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christciickcii, this day. Further particulars are to hand of the re ported murder on Monday night at Littl e River, on the verandah of Lake Forsyth Arms Hotel, The facts are as follow :—

Three Russian Finns, working at. Coop's Sawmill.went to the hotel about nine o'clock. They came in and stood there while a song was being sung, and then all three men went into the dining-room, where they had some refreshment by themselves. Two of the men had words. The men's names are Mat Johansen, Nils Jaeobsen, and Andrew Hayman. After a time, how ever, the quarrel seemed to cease, George Robinson, a half-caste, having gone in to pacify them. They went out together at ten minutes to ten by the front door on to the verandah. A short time after wards a man named Leon, on going out, saw a man lying on the verandah, as he thought, dead drunk, and a big Finn, Jacobsen, standing a short distance oft, ready for going" away. Leon spoke to him, saying it was not right to leave his mate there drunk. The Finn replied in his own tongue, as Leon understood him, to mean to the effect that his mate ivas all right where he was. Leon went inside, but shortly afterwards went out again with a man named Ray and a lad named Hickens. Hickons lighted a match and looked at the supposed drunken man, and holding the light to his fact; noticed it was ghastly white ; then they noticed blood on his clothes, and look ing further, they found the clothes were in places saturated with blood from dreadful stabs, one of which appeared to be right in the heart, and the other in the abdomen. They gave the alarm, and when it was ascertained that the man was dead George Robinson saddled his horse, and started in pursuit of the big Finn, and overtook him some 400 yards from the hotel. He went up to him with a bottle, saying, "Mate, have a drink," threw the man quickly, being afraid of his knife, and bound him with a strap. The others coming up he was taken to the lock-up. George Robinson, meanwhile, went after the other Finn, whom he found between Goblin's store and Coop"s mill. This man came back quietly, and they were both locked up. Nothing was found on them but some matches and tobacco. There was a little knife, quite incapable of giving the stabs, found on the smaller man, and there was a slight wound on the right hand of the bigger man, but this might have been caused by his falling on the ground. One of the supposed murderers is uncle of the murdered man. It waj at once decided to communicate with Akaroa. The telegraph office called Akaroa, but without avail, and then there was a difficulty about getting horses. It was getting on for three a.m. when young Hickens got away with the news, and he reached Akaroa between six and seven a.m., and at once informed the police, who sent Constable Crockel oft" to the river. The body was left where it was till the arrival of the constable. The inquest will be held to-day.

SUDDEN DEATH AT RIVERHEAD.

The water police who proceeded to River head yesterday afternoon, accompanied by Sergeant Gamble, for the purpose of hold ing an inquest on the body of a« old man named Conway, who died suddenly yesterday, returned hove last night tvith the body of deceased, and placud the. same in the morgue. It appears that Mr Bonar, the coroner for the Riverhead district, was unable to hold an inquest, and it was deemed advisable that it should take place in Auckland to-day. Francis Conway, a gumdigger who resides at Kaukapakapa, states that the deceased was his father, aged 94 years. Deceased was a native of County Cavin, Ireland, and a pensioner who formerly resided at Howick. Deceased had been on a visit to Auckland on Monday, and on returning that day he went into the Riverhead Hotel and sat down in the bar. He went off in a faint and died instantly. Deceased wa3 destitute. An inquest was proceeding at Oleeson's Hotel when wa went to press.

SAWMILL DESTROYED BY FIRE.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Lnvercakcill, this day. McCallum axd Co.'s Sawmill was de stroyed by fire this morning. Nothing was saved, and there were, unfortunately, no insurances. It was an old established busi ness?, and a number of men will be thrown out of work. The loss ia estimated at two thousand pounds. The flumes had a good hold before being noticed by the night watchman. He at once ran for assistance, but the fire spread rapidly, and the buildings Were speedily destroyed, only a small part of the plant being saved. The mill stood just outside the town boundary, and as the Fire Brigade have instructions not to attend fires beyond the boundary the bell was not rung nor did the Brigade turn out. The members on duty at the station were asked to assist, but re fused, pleading instructions. If they had gone the engine could have been worked «ithin the town boundary, as only a paddock intervened between ifc and the mill. Water was plentiful, and a good deal of property would probably have been saved. The captain of the Brigade states that the Council had previously objected to their attending outside tires. The reason for this is that the suburban boroughs do not contribute to the maintenance of the Brigade.

MAN DROWNED.

(EY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. A rabbittee, named Frank Lewis was drowned whilo crossing a flooded river at AkiteOj in Wairarapa.

DISSENSION AMONG FOOTBALL CLUBS.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. Is consequence of a disagreement be tween the Senior and Junior Foot ball Clubs, a series of resolutions hostile to the latter has been called for the meeting of the Rugby Union to-morrow night. At the last meeting, the junior dele gates outvoted the seniors, and carried all before them. An attempt is ■to be made to obtain a preponderance of voting power on the Union for the senior clubs and if not successful it will probably lead to a serious split amongst the football clubs, • . . . .

POLITICAL NEWS.

GREY AND ATKINSON IN ACCORD.

AN IMPORTANT COMBINATION,

SIR GEORGE GREYS VIEWS ON THE AUCKLAND ELECTIONS.

Wellington, this day. OxE.owtcome of the interview between Sir George Grey and Major Atkinson is that Sir George will give his support to the new Government. Indeed, I might add that he will give his support to any combination formed to keep the retiring Government out of office. Sir George" Grey considers that now that Major Atkinson is disembarrassed by the defeat of Messrs Rolleston, Bryce and others, his tendency will be to wards the Liberal party, and that he will be prepared to assist the passage of Liberal measures.

The Premier's Retirement,

Two reports respecting tho intentions of the Premier on his retirement from private lifehavebeen published, and are being copied into one paper after another. One rumour is that Sir Robert intends to settle in Australia, and the other that he intends to go to England. Both reports are without foundation. Sir Robert has no intention beyond that of returning to Dunedin and resuming his private practice.

Responsible Government.

Sir George Grey's name has been men tioned among those who may possibly be included amongst the members of the new Cabinet, but I understand that he is indisposed to accept any port folio if it were offered to him. Under our present system of responsible Government, Sir George prefers the system in voarue in America, where the party fights take place at the election of President. The newly-elected President chooses his own Cabinet, and they have a certain tenure for 4 years, until the term for which the President, was elected has expired. This system pos sesses some great advantage from the fact that the greater part of each session would not be taken up, as in this colony, with a struggle for office. Forming tno Ministry.

I am in a position to say that Major Atkinson will do nothing towards the for mation of his Government until he has met and consulted the Opposition party. He is still, however, in telegraphic communica tion with the most prominent supporters of his party in different parts of the colony. The Major is fully alive to the difficulties of the position, and in conversation with some of his supporters here said he could form no idea himself as to who the new Ministers would be until the views of the party had been made known. He is, however, deter mined not to submit the names of any Ministry unless he is perfectly assured that it can stand. He will under no circumstance consent to the inclusion of Sir Julius Vogel in hw government, and at the same time the Major himself is willing to accept any subordinate portfolio in the Cabinet if his doing so is considered desirable for" the general welfare of the colony.

Sir Robert Stout.

Much is being made of the fact that Sir Robert Stout has been requested by the Governor to remain in Wellington until a new Cabinet has been formed. There is, however, nothing exceptional in this. Sir Robert is Premier and head of the Govern ment until his successor takes office, and it should be understood that there is really nothing to prevent him being Premier even though he is not a member of the House. It is quite within the bounds of probability that Major Atkinson may not succeed in forming a Cabinet, and it is only natural that His Excellency should desire to have the head of his responsible advisers at hand, in order that he may seek his advice in event of any emergency arising.

SIR GEORGE GREY INTERVIEWED.

I had a conversation witli Sir George Grey yesterday afternoon at his house on Thorn don Quay. He says he has practically re covered from his recent illness the traces of which are still apparent and it is evident at a glance that he has suffered a severe shaking. Sir George expects to be in his place when the House opens and it is his in tention to introduce his Land Settlement Bill Law Practitioners Bill and other of his Liberal measures at the first available op portunity.

Sir Gcozvo Groy on Auckland

Elections,

Sir George was very much interested in the recent elections at Auckland, and is gratified at the probability they give of a larger following of the Liberal partyfromthat part of the colony. While expressing regret at the defeat of Mr Tole, for whom he had an affection for old acquaintance sake, he said of course he could not have looked for support from Mr Tole in the circumstances, in which he was placed, while on the other hand ho understood that Newton had re turned in Mr Withy an able and enthu siastic Liberal who would render much as sistance to the cause He also said Mr Tole had lost a grand opportunity of be coming one of the most popular politicians in the colony, and he was convinced that if he had been true to his pledges and had left the Ministry last session under circum stances which would have justified such action, there is not a constituency in the colony that would not have been proud of him. Sir George also said he was anxious to see Mr Seymour George in the House, and yet would have been sorry to hear of Mr Moss's defeat. Speaking of the City West election, he in formed me that when there was some doubt in consequence of the alteration of the boundaries for which seat he would stand, Mr David Goldie not only offered to retire from City West in his favour, but also declared his willingness to work in his behalf to secure his return. Sir George also said he was under a debt of gratitude to Mr Shera for his services in connection with the Grey Central Committee.

SIR MAURICE O'RORKE AND THE SPEAKERSHIP.

Hia Unopposed Election Expected.

Matters in the political world are be coming livelier. Members are dropping in by twos and threes, and yetesrday Parliament Buildings were open for the Srst time, and presented a more animated aspect. Major Atkinson returned from Nelson early tln'B morning, and the Auckland mem bers are expected by this evening's train from New Plymouth. Nearly all the Southern members are already en route for Wellington, for the opening to morrow. Tho business at the opening on Thursday will, as I have said, practically be confined to the election of the Speaker. Sir M. O'Rorke will be nominated for the position by the Government, Sir Julius Vooel probably performing the duty, and it is expected that the nomination will be seconded by Major Atkinson. Sir Maurice will be the only candidate for the Speaker ship, and will be elected without opposi tion.

FIRST OFFENDERS PROBATION ACT.

Mr Tole Eulogised,

The "Post," in its leading article las nio-ht; eulogises the Hon. Mr Tole for the services rendered to the colony by the passage of the First Offenders Probation Act. °It considers the Act to be one of the most wise, humane and beneficent Acts which were placed on the Statute Books during the late Parliament, and says the achievement is one that Mr Tole may be

proud of as a substantial reform in tho administration of tho criminal law. The article proceeds to advocate reform in the treatment of v neonvicted prisoners awaiting trial, and considers that the present rules are a scandal and disgrace to the colony.

Masting the Deficit.

I have it on good authority that there is a very great po'obability of the new Govern ment submitting taxation proposals this session^ to meet the deficit of last year. Only five months of the financial "year remain, and the probability is that a course which was pursued under somewhat similar circumstances some years ago will be adopted in this instance—the deficit being provided for by treasury or deficiency bills. It is considered unlikely that much busi ness will be done this session beyond the formation of the Ministry and the trial of strength that will follow.

Police Control,

It was stated at the close of last session that arrangements • had been completed for the transfer of the police force to the Jus tice Department. This change is now very improbable, unless the new Government should choose to carry it into effect. The present Government do not propose to do anything further in the matter before leav ing office, and neither will they attempt any other changes of an administrative character. They will simply continue to transact the routine business of their de partments till they aro relieved by their successors.

Civil Service Reform.

Civil servants are very much exercised at the prospects of reduction and retrench ment afforded by the probable return to power of Major Atkinson. Then the "Post" to-night stimulates their fears with a suggestive article, in which it Bays: —"lf Major Atkinson returns to office, he will, no doubt, bring back with him the celebrated report on Civil service reform, which was furnished by Messrs Seed and Bat kin shortly before the general election in '84, and which tie persisted in treating ns a private and confidential docu ment, instead of a public record. The public and the Civil service have all along been curiously anxious to see this report, and although its ipxi-wima rerba may not even now be published, some idea of its nature is pretty nure to be gleaned from ppeechesand proposals which maybeexpected from Major Atkinson if he regains office. We really pity the Civil Service. It will have to suffer much during the next few months, and probably neither the new Ministry nor new members will be inclined to show it much consideration. It is always easy, and in some degree popular, to attack the Civil Service, and we hear that it will be made the first sacrifice at the shrine of retrenchment, without much care being given to the question whether the reduc tions proposed are either wise or fair. Major Atkinson is not a Minister from whom the service has anything to hope for in the way of conservation of its interests or consideration for its members."

Tho Rise In New Zoalnnd Stock,

Quite a newspaper controversy is proceed ing in Wellington with regard to the cause of the recent .satisfactory rise of New Zea land stock on the London market. The "Post" has been suggesting that it was due to the fact that Sir J. Vogel had placed money in London, and so obviate the neces sity for floating a loan for some months. This explanation was ridiculed, and then the "Post,"evidently inspired bySirJ. Vogel, pave out that the upward tendency vas consequent upon the near approach of divi dend day. The " Press " to-night is very severe on what ifc terms this disgraceful equivocation, and Aery appositely points out that on previous occasions dining- the last three years, when dividend day was approaching, there was no such rise in the price of inscribed stock. The article after innocently inquiring where he got the money from to place it in London, thus concludes:—" Why should there be this phenomenal rise ab the approah of this particular dividend day? The fact is Sir Julius Vogcl knows perfectly well it is his connection with the colony which has kept down the piece of New Zealand stock, and it is his defeat and resignation which have caused the rise. No wonder lie is so desper ately anxious to account for it in any other way."

THE LATEST.

MEETING OF OPPOSITION.

Prospects Hopeful.

There was an informal mooting of the Opposition this morning; but pending the arrival of the northern members this evening and the southern mem bers to-morrow it was decided not to consider what action should be taken till the House meets to-morrow. Major Atkinson intimated that he had received very encouraging replies from the members of the Opposition with whom he had communicated. He is very hopeful of his prospects of forming a Cabinet. He further stated that while it would [be necessary to have a couple of former Ministers in the Cabinet as steadiers, he strongly deprecated a return to anything like the. Continuous Ministry. He lias now (noon) gone to see the Governor with the view of announcing that he hoped to form a Ministry provided an extension of time was granted him to undeitake the task. It is therefore possible that after elcctiou of speaker to-morrow the House will adjourn till Tuesday. The impression here is gaining ground that Major Atkinson and Sir John Hall will have seats in the new Ministry.

MR BRYCE AND WAITOTARA.

Alleged Personation and Bribery.

Mr Bryce intends taking steps to have the Waitotara election upset on the grounds of personation and bribery, and I hear that he is very sanguine of being successful.

The Midland Railway.

Should Major Atkinson succeed in form ing a Ministry he will countenance the giving oi every reasonable concession to the construction of the Midland Railway.

Hawke's Bay Members.

Captain Russell arrived from Napier yes terday, but Mr Ormond will not put in an apearance till Monday.

MAJOR ATKINSON'S

INTENTIONS.

(by telegraph.— press association.)

Wellington, this day.

Major Atkinson had a private Conference with members of the Opposition to-day. He will make a statement in the House to morrow, and ask for an adjournment until 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

THE MAN WHO BEAT THE PREMIER.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. Mr Allen, the new M.H.R. for Dunedin East, had a great "send off" this morning, being driven to, tho railway station in a drag with four greys, and escorted by 300 people.

SHOCKING BRUTALITY.

A CHILD BEATEN BLACK AND BLUE

BY ITS MOTHER,

HORRIFYING DETAILS,

THE UNNATURAL MOTHER FINED.

(from our own correspondent. )

Duxedik, this day. In the child-beating case yesterday, the fol lowing evidence was taken :—

Edmund Auscombe, 14 years old, de posed that about three weeks or a month ago he was looking through the fence into Mrs Powell's yard and saw the baby walk ing from one fence to another. It was being made to walk by being thrashed with a strap by Mrs Powell. The baby fell clown, and was thrashed to make her get up. Witness told accused to let the child alone. She replied that it was more able to walk than she was. The child's face was all over blood. Witness went and told his mother what he had seen.

Cross-examined : He had never seen the child thrashed previously. He never saw the boy ill-treated. The child was nob crying. He thought it was afraid to cry. Sergeant McDowell deposed that he went into accused's house last Sunday, and told her he had come to see how the child was. She said that the child was all right; that ifc could not be better. She also remarked, " That is Dr. Martin's work"—referring, witness understood, to his visit. Accused said the child had some dirty habits, and she had beaten it«. She said she would defy anyone to have a dirty child and not beat it. The sergeant asked to see the child, and saw that it had faded blue marks on the cheeks and both ears, a mark also an the nose, and a fresher mark on the left arm. From the wrist to above the shoulders was all black and very much bruised. Bruises also, but lighter ones, were to be

seen on the back of the shoulder and on the small of the back. The left hip and thigh were black and bruised. The left leg had three or four small wounds, and the ankles showed marks of old wounds or Sores. Accused remarked as to the marks on the ankles that they were caused by maistard having been applied when the child was in a fit. She said the child had had tits ; that Dr. Martin, who had attended the child, had said that the harsh treatment had caused the fits, and she promised 'Dr. Mar tin not to beat the child. In order to show that the child was not hurt, accused made the child walk slowly up and down the floor for about 10 minutes, and it did so in a manner that caused witness to think the child had been trained to that exercise. Accused said that she believed she had been too harsh with the child, but she had done it with the best intention.

Dr. Martin deposed that he had first seen the child on the 18th September, and was informed that it had a fit a day before, but was then better. There was a small mark on the nose and upper lip which seemed to have' been caused by a fall when in a (it. Witness considered that it was quite possible, and as the child was better no further treatment was required. He was to be informed if the child had any more fits. On Saturday last he was called again, and observed blue and black marks on the child's face. On asking the cause, he was told it was a fall the child had the day before. Seeing bruises on the other side of the face lie doubted that statement, and proceeded to examine the child. There were black marks all over the child's body, more especially on the left side, and on the arm, leg and thigh. He asked the cause of the marks, and accused said she had to beat the child owing to its dirty habits She said that some of the marks on the thigh were done by her, but the other marks she would riot account for. Hedid not notice any marks on the head, but it was so marked all over that it was hard to find a place where there were no marks. He visited the child again yesterday morning, andfound the left forearm had been fractured at no dis tant date. Blows would produce the marks he saw. The effect of these injuries was that the child was extremely nervous. Very probably the beatings were the cause of the fits.

Cross-examined: Other causes alone might account for the fits. The arm might have been broken by a fall against some hard substance. But for this injury there was no grievous bodily harm. By the Bench : The child was well nourished and fed.

Mr Denniston submitted that this was not a case for higher courts. All that was disclosed by the evidence was that Mrs Powell in trying to cure the child of an objectionable habit had injudiciously whipped it with a strap. That, however, was not direct violence ; there was evidence that the child had had fits.

The Bench: Dr. Martin said that the beatings had caused the fits.

Mr Denniston continued : That was only put forward a.s a possibility, and no jury would convict on mere possibility.

The Bench, after a few minutes' delibera tion, said that they had decided to take the charge under section 181 of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1882. They found that the child had been grossly neglected, ■ and would fine accused £5, and order her to find sureties herself in £25 and another in same sum for good conduct for six months.

Inspector Weldon applied for costs, which were granted.

AN UNINVITED GUEST.

A piece of cool impudence is reported from Ponsonby. It appears that a gentleman and his wife, who reside in Oliphant-street, decided to go to the Thames for a few days last week. Accordingly they locked up the house and left the key with a neighbour. On Saturday morning the nearest resident noticed that toe blinds, which had been left down, were half drawn up, Later in the day it was also observed that the blinds had been pulled up still higher. ■ This led to a consultation, which resulted in the key being obtained and the house entered. It was then dis covered that breaking and entering had previously taken place, evidently on Friday night. The means used had been a table knite, by which the catch of the window had been reversed. The intruder unfortu nately wasnotcaughtinthehou.se. Evidently he had been taking things easy, for there were signs that he had used the bed and lad left strewn about the remains of a lot of raisins of which he had been eating. On the cover of the bed were also a large number of burnt matches. This may, perhaps, offer a solution to the question of how so many empty houses are mysteriously burned down. The neigh bours took the precaution to nail up the windows before leaving the house in order to prevent the repetition of the visit.

At the Agricultural Hall to-night, there should be a " bumper house " to do honour to the energetic and able entertainer, Mr Max Rinkle. This being the closing per formance of the present season, the veteran Max takes a well-earned benefit and will be supported by a large array of professional and amateur talent.

A meeting will be held in the V.M.C.A. club-room to-night (Wednesday) at 8 o'clock in connection with the Hornets Football Club to consider the advisability of forming a swimming club for the summer months. Those interested in the art of natation are cordially invited to attend.—{Advt.)

NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS.

THE MASSACRES IN NEW GUINEA.

SAFETY OF THE CUTTER

ALBATROSS,

(by telegraph. )

H.M.S. Harrier has arrived at Cooktown, from Dinner Islani H.M.S. Diamond, with Admiral Fairfax on board, and accom panied by H.M.S. Rapid, has gone to Orangeru Bay, for the purpose of punishing the murderers of Heeret and Hanslen. Riccius, the survivor of the massacre, wub at Dinner Island in the Government cutter Mailo, from Port Moresby, and was to ac company the Diamond to identify the natives who befriended him and saved his life.

Private letters received from Dinner Island by the Harrier give further particu lars respecting the massacre. The Cecilia was taken in there to clean her bottom and obtain wood and water. The natives ap peared friendly, but suddenly attacked the crew, when Heeretancl Hanslen were trans fixed by several spears each, and thrown overboard, where they were done to death with stone clubs. Riccius was stru k over the head with a stone axe, and knocked overboard, where, while swimming, he had his arm pierced by a spear. He swam ashore, a distance of four miles, and was followed by the natives after they had looted the boat, who surrounded him'in the bush. He made a run for ib, but was speared in the back and clubbed. When he regained consciousness he found himself in a native house, where -they treated him kindly and protected him from the tribe, who wanted to kill and eat him. A gun was handed him when he was able to get about a little, and he bad to shoot birds, only on. cartridge being handed him at the time The last cartridge in the gun exploded through a native carelessly "handling the weapon in the hut, and shot the native in the side, and eventually he died. Kicciua had a very narrow escape in consequence of this mishap, as the tribe wanted to avenge the death on him. Eventually, after being three weeks in the village, he was rescued by Captain Ah Gim, who heard from the natives at Dufaure Island that he was alive.

The cutter Albatross, which was sup posed to have been seized by the natives of Woodlark, has turned up all well at Dinner Island. Whiten and Oscar Solberg lost the dingy, but otherwise had no trouble.

It has been raining constantly at the east end for the last three months, and many natives are sick in consequence. At Maiwara the natives are very hostile and aggressive. Mr English has been very successful near Manumanu collecting birds, many of which are entirely new to science.

NEWTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Newton Borough Council was held last night. Pre sent: The Mayor (Mr Warnock),in the chair, Crs. Ambury.. Casey, Faulder, Riggs, Boyd, Morrison,and Garrett. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr R. A. Boyes's resignation as poundkeeper and ranger was accepted, and it was directed that an advertisement be inserted in the Star for applications for the vacant position. Letters . were read from Mr Stockley, asking the Council to re-consider its previous decision in regard to the collec tion of nightsoil. Decided to adhere to the decision, and Mr Stocl/ley be S* informed. —From Dr. Kenderdiiv/, report g a ease of scarlatina in Newton. From Mi J. E. Fitzgerald, Controller and Auditor-General, enclosing a circular addressed to the mayors of cities and boroughs, throughout the colony in reference to the accounts, and stating that lie had appointed Mr Jno. Fraser, of Auckland, to examine the Newton borough accounts for him : Received. —From the Town Clerk, statiug that the City Council would supply water for domestic and fire extinguishing pui.-poses at the rate of Is 2d per thousand gal'ions, subject to the supply being discontinued upon 14 days' notice being given : Received. — The accounts for the fortnight . were passed.— On the motion of Cr. Ambury, seconded by Cr. Casey, it vras resolved, " That a com mittee be appointed to go' over the gullie3 on the Sutrey'Hills Estate, and report on the same in respect to proposed drainage at the next meeting ; the committee to con sist of the Mf yor and Councillors Faulder and Ambnry."—On the m tion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Riggs, it waa agreed, " That the Council co-operate with the Taranaki County Council in endeavour ing to bring about an alteration in the Hos pital and Charitable Institutions Act, in the direction of making the owners of pro perty—besides land and buildings—contri bute to the Hospital and Charitable Institu tions Fund ; and further, that the Council request the co-operation of other boroughs in the colony."—A special meeting of the Council will be held on Monday, 10th inst., at 7 p.m., to pass a resolution by special order to provide a water supply for Surrey Hills.

THAMES NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAM!—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Harbour Board Loan Refused.

A communication has been received from Government refusing to grant the Har. bour Board a loan of £2,000 for the pur pose of improving the Goods Wharf,

Toll Levied on Up-Country Wharves,

At a meeting of the Harbour Board, itwaß decided to appoint Mr Ed win Edwards toll collector at Paeroa for the Board. The wharf is to be repaired by the Board, who will levy toll upon it, having recently obtained jurisdiction over the up-country wharves. No action is to be taken at present regarding the structures at Te Aroha, as ie is considered that it is nob worth while repairing them.

An entertainment is announced to be given in Graf ton- Road Schoolroom to morrow (Thursday) evening. The pro gramme prepared is said to be a good one. The price of admission is only nominal.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Y-^-C-A. Rooms-Meeting o f City Rowing OHIO, o.wU, Abbott's Opera House-Miss Georgie Smithson Female Maccabe, 8. Agricultural Hall—American Froliques and Variety Combination, 8. Olympia Hall, Grey-,, treet—Skating Rink, 7.30 City Hall—Vocal and Instrumental Concert, 8. fatar Hotel. Otahuhu- Settling Over Otahuhu Racing Club's Spring Meeting, 8. Oddfellows' Hall Ponsonby-Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, S.C., 7.30. Choral Hall-Skating Rink, 7.30 to 10 St. James's Hail—Key. R. Sommerville on

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

October 6-Messrs F. Batlley and A. Boardman

Auction Sales To-morrow

S. Cochrane and Son — Household Furniture, etc., 11. , Arthur and Buddie, Albert-street-Household

Furniture and Effects, 11. E. Leydon—Boots, Shoes, etc., 11. G. Lewis—English and Colonial-xna<!s JTurnJ-

ture, 11. G. W. Binney—Patent Bottles. M «.n». 1). F. Evans-Furniture, 11

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER o, 1887.

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