CABLEGRAMS.

>jy BIXOTBi 0 TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.]

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

[SPECIAL.]

London, May 8. at the Conference, Sir Henry Holland tated that the reinforced fleet renders attack on Albany improbable. He Ilso reverted to the offer of obsolete Lament for unassisted ports. The joWjtes regard.the ihinsday Island question as shelved. The distribution of tho naval subvention hart* yet been settled.' . jlr Service suggested that tho Ad miralty should survey the proposed rabiorouto from Hawaii to Sydney.and the belief that Canada would Xto bear part of the expenses. Sir. d Holland intimated that he did not Ja this would be agreed to. JlrService complained of the recent pupation of Wallis Island by France, •Jjjj he said must bo treated as a. l\tW»n.nexatl' 0U- I Campbell (Canada) volition the nature of the jdßj|i-Canada's instructions rela power of pardon, which he 0$ exercise by the advice of his jjjjjVs, It is probable that his junctions'will-be similarly altered to lime of Australia. The propriety of ujtjug'the power of the Governor in Ujjrd to the dissolution of Parliament ,ji similarly mooted, but it is not Ui that'this will be conceded. Sir P. Jennings and Sir R. Wisdom plum at Christmas. The delegates, with a view of arriv jug a t a conclusion on the Hebrides question, state that the proposed tem porary settlement would be satisfac tory, enforced completely, aud without partiality. The Australian delegates regard the jlterationrin the Queen's title with in difference; whilst the "Times" considers jttobe among the most important and memorable acts of the Conference.

THE SUEZ CANAL.

Proposed 3V mtralisntoti

Paris, May 8. " to-day states that the initiations proceeding between the Bntish'and French Government, with a view to the neutralisation of the hi Canal,; are making good progress.

A JUBILEE DEMONSTRATION.

V LOiNDon, May 9. Vimnounced thai; at the grand naval W, which is to be held at Ports kH^'.on 21st; Jc ly, in connection : M'Jk celebration of the Queen's /«&.* TJpwarcis; of a 100 mon-ol fjrnll take part in the evolutions.

ENGLAND AND THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

The British Government, replying »:a communication from, . the Wi Government, have declined to Icially take'part in the Exhibition to »heldat.Paiis:in.lDß9. • ■ •>..'. ~"

(REUTERS TELEGRAM.)

Australian News. taw,-Monday. — The Chinese Com missioners ' had an interview with Sir Henry Parkes to-day, when the Premier Promised that every facility should be given "8m for furthering the objects of their ffiisdon.

Ameeting is being held in Sydney in op position increase of the tobacco tax.

WATER NEWS.

bifle range: petition. watdres to the above are rapidly being *™red- Copies have been left at leading ttesaplaces in the city, and strenuous "* ar& being madcj to obtain a very "Pwil of names.

NO. 3 BATALLION. JJ>e inspection parade of this Battalion ,f Place last evening iin the Drill Shed, Tenant-Colonel Mfihon' being in com ?"• Tho Gordon and Newton Rifles jt&'m good numbers. Colonel Shep- r)ceivcd a general The eight oinccrs who recently !?«p for examination!, viz., Lieutenants j^and Hny (Gordon Rifles), Steen m veterans), Reid (Newton Rifles), A" Bat.te.-y Artillery), Gil l£} 0 ' Battery), "Duder (Devonport !3 and Moore (Auckland Navals) n called out and placed in charge They tbon in turn put the :^w their charge through manual, Dte'tv elm«- anrf marching exercises, of Colonels Shepherd H,^°»i and Majora Derrom and Pirie, Wft Sefl Bntisfnc"ion at the manner in j^men performed the evolutions. Jf? VOLUNTEER INaUIBY. Lj^Vstancl thnfc the course-of the Mr eh."is' bjJng conducted by Cwiias beon as follows:-On t/Ll thes'witnesses " examined were l^J^nt McDonald, Lieutenant i«J»-mor>Major Tonks, and a civilian Bell. Yesterday there was KjjJ'iesa got through, the only wit- Uj (? "anuned being Adjutant Houghton tolL Jackson Palmer-the latter jjjj^uja-' f or T e-examination. After OB sitting, the inquiry wa3 ad ttntil 5 p.m. to-day.

THE NORTHUMBERLAND.

• _ OVH COERESPONDEXT.)

{^^ i; Napier,.Tuesday night. Jjj ottlHl<nlievland is believed to be safe. (i^gers are now all ashore, and pro -I^. l Unmade for the safety of the t Quired. Thisea is now modera-

jjSSi. Compauv'b "Shell" Brand Sfrlr'P° ul- rJI P*». may. bo ob- Si$ 611 B.rocei'B,doalerß, and dairy-

THE THAMES FLOODS

FEARFUL EXTENT OF DAMAGE

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN COKRESrOSPEKT.)

Thames, this day. The damage done by Monday night's flood is even more /serious than was at first? anti cipated. Tho storm attained its greatest violence about midnight, at which hour the Karake Creek, notwithstanding the various alterations and repairs it has undergone in the way of cleaning out the debris, raising the bridge and aides, etc., ovtrllowed, and in an incredibly short time tho water had made its way into tho property of Mr Hall and the other residents in .the vicinity. In a few minutes the whole place was one sheet of water, which gradually spread to the -premises of Messrs .Martin, jiui. (draper), Melbourne Drapery and Clothing Company, Denby (chemist), Hunter (private residence), Cribble (stationer), Cooks (furniture warehouse), Reitinau (butcher),': Kennedy (hairdresser), Scott (baker),. Grigg (music warehouse), arid others as fur as Mi' Boon's drapery establishment at tho corner of Mary-streot. Thc.nliopa of the greater,, number of these tradesman were covered with water, The several private residences opposite \yerc in undated with tho arjueous element right towards the beach, and the interior of the dwellings!' as well as the kitchen and flower gardens, of the residents, will bo covered with a thick coating of slime wly3n the water abates. The volume of water coming down tho Karaka Creek was really enor inous, and some hundreds of tons of dcMriti havo beon brought down to tho beach, while the bed of the creek has again been completely Oiled to within a foot of the sides, although it was raised by the Borough Council two or threo months ago. it is estimated that it will cost 1,250 to remove tho Utbris alone, while, should another heavy downpour of rain occur at an early date, the consequences will be most serious. Some idea of {tho extent of the inundation of the town may be formed when it is men tioned .that from: Mary-street (Short land) to Price Bros, foundry (Grahams town), as far' btak as Pollen-street and the " Star " office, was almost one im mense sheet of witter, while owing to the Kauaeranga River overtlowiug, the land between Parawai Gardens and the railway bridge was inundated for a depth of two or three feet, arid several families were obliged to seek shelter for the night with friends who were fortunate enough to reside on higher ground. In one or two cases the occupants kept small boats afloat in the streets, in which tncy might put oil' should such be necessary. The suspension bridge leading to the Orphanage over the Kauaeranga River has been carried away, together with several others of smaller size, while about a chain in length of water-race fluming and trestle-work has given way, and two landslips have occurred. The water supply for the whole of the bat teries has consequently been cut off, and it will be a week before the damage can be re paired. The Moanatairi tramway has been covered with dtbria, and portions of the trestle-work destroyed, which will be a serious, matter, for the miners in this local ity, who .. will bo unable to transmit their quartz ,to t*he batteries until it is repaired, which will occupy a month or two. The whole of the bridges over the Tararu Creek have, been completely carried away, with, the exception of that on the niaiu road near the slaughter-house, and hun dreds of tons of wood, including numerous trees of large size, have been deposited on the Tararu flat. Tho whole of the main bridges between Thames and Paeroa have been ascertained to' be safe, although several smaller ones ai'e things of the past. Tl.e fresh in the Kauaeranga River was tho heaviest known for years, while the river. hftS never been so high. About 4,000 log 3 were brought down to Parawai booms, which will keep the Shortland sawmill (which has'been idle for many months) em ployed for eighteen months. The damage caused.by the flood is a very serious matter to both the Borough and County Councils. The extent of the damage in the direction jof Rocky Point and Tapu cannot yet be ascertained, and it is impossible to cross the Tararu Creek. ...-'There are 1,500' logs at Kirikiri. booms, and 500 at Blair and Gillespie.s \ mill: About £80 or ..£IOO worth 'of ' tailings -belonging tq.Waiotahi'jO.M. Company wore washed away and lost, owing to the Waiotafai aqueduct bei.ng altogether inadequate to hold the immense stream of water coming down. Last night, the whole of Pollen street from the Mary-street corner to the Salvation Army Barracks was covered with water, as the1 Karaka Creek was still run ning through the street. The sky wag still overcast, and showers of rain were falling. ' LATER, Thames, this day.

■ The weather has now cleared up, and the sun is shining. It is impossible to estimate the extent of the damage, but there can be no doubt.it will cost a lew thousand pounds to repair it.

Damage at Ksirangalialse and WaiSii-

, Karangahake, this day. The'whole of the trestle work on the hill section of the Ivanhoe tramway was blown down during the gale of yesterday mornino-, and this cuts ofi all communica tion be* ween the Battery and the mines located along, the county track. Waiiii, this clay.

About 5 chains of trestling supporting the Martha Company's water race was knocked down by the gale yesterday moni in"- and this means that crushing opera tions will have to be stopped pending the necessary repairs.

The report of the alleged case of indecent assaul committed on an old woman by a number of larrikins proves to be unfounded, thono-h an investigation of the circum stances of the affair by the police shows that ■Michael O'Doherty, the tram driver who eavc the information had good reason for supposing that an outrage had been com mitted. O'Doherty has repeated to the police the statement made by our reporter on Monday, but the police also elicited the information that the woman, whose name, i* Sarah Turner, was a person of bad character, and that the occurrence witnessed by the tram-driver was not an assault, the woman .being a-consenting party Tfie/ crowd of hoodlums whowere interested ' spectators of • .the unwonted spectacle took no part in the occurrence beyond looking on. At the Police Court this morning the woman," Turner, was charged with1 the commission of an act of gross'indecency, and admitted the offence. She was remanded for a week to enable the police to run to earth the man with whom she had misconducted herself.

Last nidit the anniversary soiree in con nection with the United Methodist Church, Mount Eden, was fc eld at the Church. There was a large attendance. v Mr W. Cole pre sided, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. S. Maci'arlanei J. S. Hill, and A. J. Smith. The secretary, Mr J.E. Roberts, presented the report and balance-sheet, which were adopted. Music was rendered at intervals by the church choir, Mr W. Bridgman acting as organist.

The Earl of Aberdeen intended leaving Rotorua for Taupo to-day en route for Wellington overland. The party will not visit the volcanoes,. but..... the Coun-. tess and Captain Sinclair, after spend ing a few/ more I days at,, Rotorua, will return to Auckland. Before leaving, the Earl telegraphed to His Worship" the' Mayor of Auckland requesting him to forward him works on the birds and plants of New Zea land. "'-■ ".

POLICE COURT THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs S. V, Collins and Hammond, Justices). ;

Drunkenness. — Frederick Cotterell was fined 5s for this offence, Annie Lodge (second offence) 10s and costs, James Kerr 5s and costs, Sarah Turner 53 and costs.

Alleged Gross Indecency. — Sarah Turner was charged with committing a grossly indecent act with another person in Hardinge-streeb on May 7th.—Sergeant Gamble stated that the woman before the Court was tho person whom it had .been alleged hud been grossly outraged by a number of larrikins. From inquiries made by the police, it transpired that instead of having been outraged, she had been guilty of a grossly indecent act with a man who was not yet known to the police, but who, he had reason to be lieve, would soon be in custody. ; The larrikins around were merely some of the city hoodlums who were attracted by tho unusual proceeding on a public street. Though the woman had pleaded guilty, he would apply for a remand for a week, so that the " other man " might not go free. (Laughter.)—Tho Sergeant: " I'm entitled to make one bull."—Remanded until'We'il-. nesday next. ■

Domestic Broils. —Rpbcrt Levett 'was charged with assaulting his wife, Catherine Levett, by striking her on the neck with his clenched fist.—Mr Cotter appeared and stated that the defendant's wife was desir ous of withdrawing tho charge. — Sorgeai.i Gamble objected to tho withdrawal of the charge. The assault had been committed in the presence of Constable Hob.son, and there had been frequent complaints re garding tho defendant's treatment of his wife. — Mrs Levett was put into the witness-box, but showed great reluct ance to give evidence against her hus band. Sue, however, admitted that, ho had struck her. - Constable Ilobson also gave evidence.—Defendant was bound over to keep the peace for three months, himself in £2;") and one other surety of £25.

Breach ok Harbour Rkoui.attoxs. — William Richards, a carter, was charged with being on Queen-street Wharf with n horse and cart and not obeying the orders of the wharfinger. - Mr Campbell appeared for the. Harbour Board.—The defendant admitted that ho had refused to move his horse when ordered by Captain Fisher, but if ho had moved :it lie would have broken his horse's back. — The evidence of Captain Fisher (wharfinger), Tuylor (Harbour boatman), and Constable Mackie went to show that when defendant was ordered to remove .his dray he refused to do so, .and delayed tho traffic on tho wharf for ten minutes. Defendant had also been insolent to the wharfinger, threatening to run over him if ho summoned him. When asked to give his name, ho gavo a wrong name. —Fined 20s and co3ts, or in default, 14= days' imprisonment.

Alleged Cruelty to Animals. — James Stokes was charged with cruolty to a horse by driving it while suffering from a sore shoulder.—Mr R. Browning appeared for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Mr O'Meaghor for the de fendant.—A. J. Vogan, journalist, J. Daly, W. Davis, ana \V. Rcdgate, in spector for tho Society, gavo evidence, which went to show that they had observed a grey mare with sore shoulders har nesbcd to a 'bus. Mr O'Meagher submitted that the case must fail, as no evidence had been given that the defendant drove the 'bus.—The Bench held that no ease had been made out, and dismissed the proceed ings.—Mr O'Meaghcr applied for costs, but the' Bench declined to allow costs, as it had been shown that the horse had been worked while suffering from the wound.

COMPULSORY EDUCATION-

Cases Brought Before the Court

Ax the Police Court to - day John Brown was charged with a breach of the Education Act by being the parent of one.Charles Brown, a child between seven and thirteen years, and having neglected to send such child to a public school, he not holding a certificate of exemption. Defendant said that the boy was attending the Alat-ist Brothers' school regularly, though at the time the Truant Officer called the boy was suffering from a sore throataijclsubsequently from stiffness in the limbs.—Mr Bhiydes, in the absence of Mr Theo. Cooper, who had been retained, appeared for the City Schools Committee, and stated the law en the matter. It was the present defend ant's duty, if the child was not at tending the Marist Brothers' school, to obtain an exemption certificate from the City Schools Committee.—Mr Cooper at this stage appeared in Court, and applied, for an order compelling the defendant to send his child to school. No penalty would be asked for in this procoeding, but if the order were neglected an ofFence would be committed and & penalty would be asked for.—J. Blaydes, a member of the Schools Committee, gave evidence of the passing of the resolution bringing the com pulsory clauses of the Act into force, and al?o of the appointment of the Truant Inspector. J. S. Small, Truant Officer and clerk to the City Schools Com mittee, deposed to serving the notice re quired'by the Act. The child was not at teuding any public school. He inquired at the Miu-ist Brothers' school, and found that he was nob:attending that school nor did they acknowledge him. , The Marist Brothersrepofted the boy to him as an incor rigible truant. .He had frequently seen the boy about the street, but he had a notice from the Marist Brothers that he had been attending school regularly.—The Bench granted the order. — Mrs Grace was charged with a. similar offence wit!) respect to a. girl named Annie (: mce . —Defendant stated that her child was attending the Convent School.—Mr Cooper stated that the City Schools Com mittee had no desire to interfere1 with children who attended denominational schools, provided that they,', attended regularly. — Defendant said 'that the chTld was subject to bronchitis.; r- Mr Small deposed to serving thb notice, and from inquiries made found that the child attended the Convent School.—The Bench made the same order as in the previous case, but explained that if she satisfied the Committee that the child would attend the Oonvept School regularly, an exemption certificate would, no doubt be oranten.—K.Ti.Martinwas charged with the same offence with respect to a child named Richard Martin. -The defendant pleaded that the boy was over age. - Mr Cooper said he would not press for an order, this was the first time that Mr Martin bad mentioned that his child was over age.—A similar case against Mrs Naughton was ad journed for a week.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Hamilton-, this day,

The Waitoa Gold Fikd. - The result of Professor Bickerton's (of Christ church) assay of the stuff_ from Mr J B Smith's land at Waitoa is as under : >fo 1 sample :—Silver, 20ozs lldwts 14grs ; p-old loz 19dwt 4grs. No. 2:—Silver, I3ozs Mdwt 9grs j.gpld, 4oz» lldwt llgrs. The deposit is known to extend for many miles. I

FIRE INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Barrel Hotel, Parnell, yesterday afternoon, before Dr Philson, coroner, and a jury of six (Mr Kobertshaw being chosen foreman),into the circumstances attending the lire at Hodg son's house at Varnoll Rise lately. William Hodgson, occupierof the premises In question, after having given evidence of his daughter Jane having been alarmedby some one upon the night of the firo tapping her window, went on to say that ho went out to investigate by tho front door. Neither saw nor heard anyone. Went back to his daughter and told her to go to her mother's room, und said he would go to the child's room. His eldest daughtor ia IS years of ago. Witness then went to his daughter Jenny's room, and slept there. The light he had was a candle stood in a | water basin, lie hud always hud alight all night in his house sinco the attempt to burn tho house somo two months since. Witness then described the discovery ot the said attempt, narrated in our columns some time since. Tho boys had never beon allowed to sleep in the room alone where the attempt was made since that night. Witness then continued from the time he went to sleep in his daughter's room, lie woke at livo o'clock, feeling the heat of tire upon his left hand ; it camo through tho floor near tho head of tho bed.. The candle in his room was still burning1. He saw. a kerosene lamp standing on the corner of the chest of drawers. Kerosene was seldom used in the honso; therewasonly ono lamp-in tho house. Had often scon the lamp in that room before. It was generally used In1 the front room on Saturday nights. Had not been lit that night. All were in bed when he camo homo. Ho camo in by tho front door. Ho loft the house about soven or eight o'clock. Did not know if there was a light or not in the sitting room. There was a candle burning in Jenny's room when ho returned. On discovering tho fire ho jumped up, taking tho little girl in his arms. He then ran to the boys' room,and called them, and thence to his wife's room, where he called similarly to his wife and daughter Jenny. Having got the family out of the house, he returned to look for his son Bertie, whom he told to ring tho bell. He was able to go just into tho passage, but no farther. The tire at that timo ran right through the house. There was no tjtlier fire in the house save the onewhen he called his boys. All the jewellery saved had been through the lire. Had lost ovcrything; all he saved was a suit of clothe.". A constable, had found the watch produced in tho ruins. Had also lost £01 in notes. Usually kept tbc money in a glove box in Jenny's room. There was £33 in this room, and £18 in another room. The rent was duo on the sth Mm oh. Had received £0 or £7 from various persons tho day of the fire. Tho lowest avocago taken by him per week would-, be about. Lls. According to tho schedule of loss tho property at tho timo of the tiro in the house was L 409 ]!)s (id. Amount of loss claimed was L'2lo, tho full amount insured for. About ]2 months since his stable had been destroyed by fire. Had never been threatened by anyone. Could account for tho fire in any other way than as the work of an incendiary. The fire did not upset the lease, witness being still respon sible for the rent.

Edward Hodgson, son of last witness, gave corroborative evidence. The, ke'ro sino lamp was kept in tho front room. Had never known Jenny take it into her bedroom. The lamp was alight when Jenny took it into of her room/

Miss Sarah Jano Hodgson said sho went to bed about nine o'clock on tho night of tho fire. Sho had a candle. Sho took a kerosene lamp into her room that night. It was not lighted. It was about G. 30 when she took it in. It was usually kept in the sitting-room/ Tho clock had just struck eleven when she heard a noise on the veran dab. It sounded like someone on tho verandah and a hand against her window. She had v light in her room at the time. Nearly always had a light burning in her room. Her father searched the place at her request when sho hoard tho noise on the verandah. She then wont into hoi' mother's room. Nothing else disturbed her till the lire broke out. She. kept the money in. her room. Had lost all her jewellery and her watch.

| "William Hodgson and John William Taylor (engine-driver) also gave evidence. The'latter .said that about 5.12 he was passing along Famuli, when he saw a ro tieetion of fire, and h ;ard somccnj shouting. Ho ran, and whilst running tho fire-bolls rang out an alarm. Witness then described the lire.

Joseph Cool; (signalman) also gave cvi dencc.

Thomas Judge, Captain of thcParnell Firo Brigade, said he lived near to Mr Hodg son's, and was called to the lire about 0.5. There was no sign of the fire having- origin ated under the house.

The jury, after retiring, found an open verdict;, the evidence not being sullieient to show the cause of the tire.

AUCKLAND'S PBOSPERITY.

(by telegraph. —owx reporter),

Wellington, this day. Testimony as to the commercial soundness of Auckland is given from an unexpected source here. The Wellington " Press," in a leading article on the depression, sa ya;—" We saw' it publicly stated by a competent authority on a recent occa sion that the value of property in Welling ton had declined fully 20 per cent, during last year. Our special correspondent at Napier telegraphed on Saturday that a land, broker in a large way of business there under examination on oath in Court had given it as his opinion that real property in Hawke's Bay had de preciated fully 25 per cent, during the same period. From Otago and Canterbury we get not quite tho same story, but only because property could scarcely by any possibility be lower in price ; it could not be for the sample reason that it has long been quite unsaleable. There are very conflict ing accounts as to the state of affairs at Auckland. A gentleman of high standing with abundant opportunities of knowing all about it told U3 tho other day that during twenty-seven years' residenco in that province, he had never known thing's so bad as they are now; but others, who seem weir fitted to judge, tell us that that is a misconception, and that while there is undoubtedly serious depression and only too much genuine distress, both are of a temporary character and are underlain by a foundation of substantial prosperity. One of our informants said, ' It is more a change of condition than anything else. The big men have lost heavily, and most of those we used to con sider rich aro now pretty well on their beam ends; but tho smaller men are doing well enough, and thero is a great deal of solid wealth in Auckland that makes no show at all. I believe the place is thoroughly sound, and thero is money to be made there by anyone who knows how to go the right way to work.' It may bo said that these two accounts tire not altogether incompatible, and when -we bear in mind the extraordinary vicissitudes of Auckland in-the past, and the inexplicable power of recuperation tho city and provinces have over and over again displayed, we shall not find it difficult to believe that, though down in the dumps at present, it has not anything very bad the mat ter with it. We wish we could think the same of Canterbury and Otago, but we fear it would be a mere delusion to ignore, the existence there of very sevre and obstinate stagnation indeed."

THE JULIA PRYCE ASHORE.

All Hands Saved.

The Auckland schooner Julia Pryce, in. ward "bound, from Rarotonga, was caught in Monday's gale oil" Mangawai Heads, and was driven ashore on the beach in that vicinity. So far the information re ceived is meagre, but it appears that the schooner was nearing this port, when she was overtaken by a heavy gale, and in try ing to beat off the coaat she lost some of her canva3. It is supposed that Captain Clarke, who is in charge of the vessel, finding that he could not get clear of the shore, decided to beach the vessel and run her ashore with all sail set. This is borne out by a telegram in which he informs Messrs Stone Bros, tliat the schooner is on the beach, twenty feet beyond high water mark. The vessel, having a large cargo of limoiuice, fruit, etc., on board, her position will give Some idea of the immense sea that must have been run ning at the timo she took the ground. Tho schooner lost the whole of her direct cargo, but the captain and crow reached tho shore in safety by means of the boats. Captain Clarke telegraphed fo Stone Brothers, asking that a cutter might bo sent from Auckland to receive the Julia Pryce's cargo, and to-day tho Li/etto was despatched to Mangawai for that out pose. The Julia Pryco is stated to be', not scviously injured, and it is therefore ' probable that sho will be floated oil' tho bench when the proper appliances have ;becn obtained. Messrs Stone Bros., as representing the owner, Captain F. Ohomene3, have, however, abandoned tho vessel to the underwriters, there being an. insurance of £4.00 in tho New Zealand Oflice. Tho Julia Pryco is a vessel of 41 tons regisiter.and was built at Mahurangiin 1871.

STREET ACCIDENT.

Ax unfortunato accident happened this morning to a little girl named Myrtle Alcock, which is another instance of the great want of what Mrs Dudley Ward and other ladies aro now so generously working for, namely a CnScho and Kindergarten for the children of Auckland's poorer in habitants. It appears that Dr. Murray Moore was being driven along Victoria street West, and was just opposite tho Imperial Hotel, when a child rushed across the road, and ran right against the eide of the horse. So fast did tho child run, that Dr. Mooro, who was sitting on the near side, and saw her first, had no time to get tho driver to stop boforo tho trap was over her. As the child ran in a slanting direction towards the trap, the driver did notsecher till the acci dent happened. Jumping down, the doctor found tho little ono quite conscious, and her first thoughts were for a diminutive child to which she stood for the time in loco parentis. "Where's my baby?" sho cried, and a little one of two years was found crying on the pavement. The injured child is only 5 J years of age, and as the mother supports the family, the husband being out of work, has had the other baby under her special charge for some years. It was tho custom for these babies to perambulate the streets together. Dr. Murray Moore, finding that the. children lived close by, decided to take them home, and did so to their father's, Mr Hector Alcock. Here an examination proved that no bones were broken, but that the left foot had been lacerated. On our reporter visiting tho little one, he found her looking com fortable, and the whole family speaking highly in praise of Dr. Moore,who had pro mised to watch tho case, and had supplied Mrs Alcock with the means of getting somo dainties for the injured little one. Those who witnessed the accident say that no blame attaches to the driver, the accident arising purely from tho child misjudging her distance from the horse in running across the street.

ACCIDENT TO DR. HOOPER.

The many friends of Dr. "Hooper will be sorry to learn that he had the misfortune to be thrown from his buggy yesterday even ing. It appoars that he was driving down College Hill, when a-lad came from one of the shop?, and threw a bucketful of water into the street. This cuised the horse to shy, and then bolt rapidly down the street. Owing to the steepness at tho incline there was no possibility of stopping the fright ened animal, which careered ut a wild rate along Patterson-street. At length Dr. Hooper was thrown out .on, to the edge of tho breatwork. Tho horse then dashed on some distance further until at last tho buggy was overturned, and.the other occu pant, a lad, was landod without any very serious damage having resulted. Not so, however, with the doctor, for it was found that he had broken his arm in falling. He was at once conveyed homo, and medical assistance was obtained to set the broken limb. Tho buggy was found to be consider ably damaged.

NORTHERN MAORI ELECTION.

The result of this election, which took place on Monday, is the return of Sydney Tai whanga as M.IT.It. In Auckland district the polling took place at the Supreme Court building, Mr H, Mcl lhoneoiliciating, assisted by an Orakei native. The candidates were Wi Katene,, who formerly represented the district, Sydney Taiwhanga, and Nikawai Ihaia. The votes recorded hero were : For Sydney Taiwhanga, 17; for Wi Katene, 1. At Russell the voting was as follows : — Wi Kntene, 18-; Sydney Taiwhanga, tj; Nikawai Ihaia, niU There arc other 17 polling places, ami the returns from all these were in last night witli two excep tions, showing a clear majority for Tai wharign of 10 votes. This result is not likely to be altered by the returns still to come.

On Thursday evening last the inaugural soiree of .the .United . Association of To Aroha Hotel ■ Employees was held in the Public Hall at Te Aroha, About one hundred and fifty persons were pre sent. The concert was tendered by those employed in the hotel to tho pro prietor and visitors staying in the house. The following concert programme was creditably gone through :-Overture, "The Soldier's Welcome Home," Miss Farrel ; song, "Are You Going to the Ball This Evening " (comic), Mr P. C. Plato ;' song, " Now I'm Broken Down," Mr Wiggins ; song, " The Lost Colours," Master Pavitt,; song, "Queen of the Night," Mr White house; recitation, "Clarence's Dream" (from "Richard III."), Mr C. Gordon; song, " Thou Art Ever in my Dreams," Mi- J. F. Cocks ; song, " John Mariah " (encore, " Charge of the Light Brigade "), Mr Tait; song, "The Oak and the Ivy," Mr F. Pavitt; song, "I'mStillaFriend to You," Mr Frazer; overture, " Thine Alone " waltz, Miss Mc- Clatchy ; song, " The Agricultural Irish Girl," Mr P. C. Plato.; song, "Thy Face," Mr R. Cannel ; song, "The Crossing Sweeper" Mr R. Wilson ; recitation, " Been to the Club To-night, Love," Mr Ebert; recitation, " Shamus O'Brien," Mr Ebert; song, " Joscpheno " Mr Whitehouse ; song, "A Fine Old English Gentleman" Mr Pavitt; " Happy Moments " (encore) " Solid Man " Mr Gordon ; duett, " Minute Gun,". Misses Cocks and Whitehouse. Dancing commenced at the conclusion of the concert, and wris kept up till about 5 o'clock in the morning, Mr Wilson officia ting as M.G, " ' ...:.'■'_. : ...

THE NEW CUSTOMS TARIFF.

Increase on Duties

The following table of revised duties was moved by the Colonial Treasurer in his .Financial Statement, and came into force to day, pending adoption by the House :— Pre- Kato of vious Articles. Duty. Bate, s. d. fl. d. Acid, acetic, per lb 0 1 0 1 Tarlaric. per lb 0 2 0 1 Applee, dried, per lb .. ..0 2 004 Candles, 3lciU'iue, per lb .. .. 0 li 0 1J Candles, paraffin or war, per lb.. 0 2 0 2, Cement,.per barrel 2 0 10 Chocolate, confectionery, and all preparations of cocoa or choco late other tii an for uso as a beverage, por lb 0 3 0 3 Fiali, dried, pickled, or salted, perevvt .. 50 20 FVuit. imlp and dried fruit, per lb 0 2 15 X ad val Fish, preserved, per lb .. .. oli 0 1 [mvgitlvanised, plain sheet, cwt 1 U 2 0 Macaroni, vermicelli, sago, tapi oca, and somuliua, par lb ..02 Free Maizena and coruuour, per lb ... 0 14 1 " per 1001b Mnstard, per lb .. '.. ..0 2 Free Paints and colours, ground in oil, porowt.. ; ..2 0 2 0 Paints and colours, mixed ready . for übc, per cwt .... 4 0 2 0 Eioc.inchidingK'Mmdrieo, porlb 0 1 0 CJ *Urch, por lb .. 0 1 3 0 per cwt •'arnish, per gal'pn .. .. ..10 0 6 Qrrdajro and tow-, includjnff horselino, ir»*.nine, ratline, Hainbrolino, spun/am, per cwt 7 6 6 0 PicklOß, por doznn pints .. ..13 0 9 Sauces, per dozen p~ nts .. ..2 8 2 0 duo, per lb 0 1 Free Barbed wiro feuc'Ti(f. per cwt ..1 6 Free Paper bags, per cwC 7 6 5 0 Honey, per lb .. ■ 0 | Free Doois. plain, each , 3 0 2 0 Doors, if lazed, each .. ;. ..6 0 4 0 Sashes, unglazed, tfit pair ..30 20 Saahos, glazed, tlie pur .. ..GO * .0 Matches of all kindo, per gross of boxes, containing in each box 100 matches or under .. ..10 23 % ad val Spirits, un.der proof, per liquid Rrilton .. . .. .. .. It C 14 6 Jfrulta, frceh ; carriage and «art : shafts, spokes, felloes and navca, and bont onrriago tim« bor; calico, whjto and groy. in tho pioco ; coloured, cotton, and union shirtings ; col,ton V Free dross prints, the iuvoico value of which docs not exceed 5d per yard; rough brown hollands; gaspiposuud maohinory, water pipes, ml valorem 5 % ) Voffetubles, fivsh ; snoop dip, i leather, not otherwise enumer- >■ Free atod, ad valorem 10 % i -Sfiratod and mineral waters, Twine, twino of all kinds, jid valorem 5 X IS %ad valorem Basket and wickorware, boots "^ and shoes, marble and stono £ 6 ■wrought, paper, wnippUitf, -5 " earthenwaro drainage pipes, >*"* garden tilca and firebricks, iron >, a bridjceß and tdrdera, and "3 if columns for nn Klines, and c*£ other BtruclVvii:: ironwork, iron callings or wor.cd iron of s~,m ■whatever shapo or in whatever <n& stage of manufacUi i o not other- g u ■wise enumerated, ornamuntal a o ironwork and wiroworK, iron tfJH doors tor' safes and vaults, .4 2 Kates and gateposts, lampposts, -"^ wheelbarrows, iron crab win- I > o ches, crane*, and capstauds, ' "a chaff-cutlers, corn - crushers, g*tf horße-ratos.Uftinir-Jaoits. crow- 0~. bars, ' picks ami maUuosa, pumjis and othor «3/ul<iocea 2 for riiaing wator, iiHium its c . pumps, eDgl7i»sandi/xiciilnory v °S Htoanvuntfi (Oihor tlion for -g'S agricultura eposes) not ox- oQ coeding tlu. / lionte - power, v" and parts of some, brass cocko, g> a valves, unions, lubricators ana 2*S ■whistles, calendnra, show cardt ft§ and othor piotorial lithogrnpbs " g and priuts, purambulatoi-s, u'.l * 3 valorem ~ .. .. .. 20 %J « AD articles not otherwise enu merated which are now churge nble with duty at 16percent. ad valorem 20 % Patent and 'proprietary medi cines and preparation*, ad va lorem , .. .. 25 X Resolved that in the event of any of the duties heroby imposed not beinjj confirmed, or of reductions' boing made in the rates specified above, theamountslevied, collected nnd.puid in excess of the duties'as may be imposed by the Customs Act, based. On these resolutions, shall be refunded to tho persons who paid the same.

THE STORM AT TE AROHA.

(BY TELEGRAPH—.OWN CQRRESrONDENT.)

■ • Te'Aroiia,, this day; The most severe storm raged here till yes terday-morning, known for years past. It was accompanied by an almost incessant downpour of rain. Beyond damage to the roads by the . flooding of culverts, etc., a number of fences blown down, somo un occupied cottages at Waiorongonud un roofed, etc., no very serious damage is re ported in the district.

Y.M.C.A.'S SALE OF WORK, ETC.

In the course of his remarks at the opening of the sale of work at the Young Men's Christian Association's Rooms yesterday afternoon the president (Rev. J. S. Hill) said the sale had been projectod and carried out by the Young Women's Christian Asso ciation in liquidation of the debt upon the building, and that it was expected that about £400 would be realised from it. Among tho contributions which have been received are five small oil paintings from Mr Chaa. Blomficld, a copy of the "Breeches Bible," printed 300 years ago; a copy of Burns's poems, printed in 1787 ; copies of the " Times's" correspondent's report's of tho declaration of war with Rus sia in lSf>4, and details of the battle of Alma and the fall of Sebastopol, presented by Mr George White ; an allotment of land, Bellwood, near Mount Roskill, presented by Mr Eenmml Bell; 121bs of butter, a gift which is to be repeated daily during the sale, by the Frozen Meat Co. ; vegatables and pot plants.

We repeat the cookery awards, which appeared in our second edition yesterday afternoon : —

CootCKjir Competition. — Judges : Mrs Philson and Mrs Dudley Ward. About twenty. competitors. Best Loaf: Miss . Baylis, 1; Miss Vickers, com mended. Best Scones: Miss Patterson, Ist; Miss Ada Grey, commended. Best Pound Cake: Mrs Stevenson, Ist; Mrs Chal mers, commended. Best Sponge Cake: Miss Alice Matthews, Ist; Miss Mary E. .Wilson, commended. All the sponge cukes were pronounced exceedinglygood. ■:■ Best Monogiuji (Y.M.CVA.)—Judges" : Rev. j. S.Hill and Mr G. P. Pierce. Seven teen competitors. Richard Ward, Ist j 11. W. Hill, commended.

There was a lai'ge attendance during the evening, and the promenade concert was greatly enjoyed. The programme presented was as follows :—Pianoforte duet, fantasia, " Masaniello," Miss K." Hooper and Mrs Tebbs ; song, " Let Me Dream Again," Miss Hulme ; quartette, " The Stars are With the Voyagers," Mesdames Morrin and Tebbs, Mr Crawford and Dr, Moore; song, "Sailing," Mr Stebbings ; song, "The Vision, Mrs Morrin ; pianoforte solo, "Alice, Where art Thou?" Miss K. Hooper; song, "As the Sunshine to the Flower," Mrs Tebbs ; quartette, " Laddie," Mesdames Morrin and Tebbs, Mr Crawford and Dr. Moore ; song, " Never More," Miss M. Halstead: vocal duet, " When Thou Smilest," Mesdames Morrin and Tebbs; song, " The Tar's Farewell," Mr Crawford ; song, "My Love has Gono a Sailing," Miss Rcraggs; pianoforte duet, Miss K. and Master J. Hoope.i; song, "A. Dream within a Dream," Miss Coombea ; quartette, "A Spring Song," Mesdames Morrin and, Tebbs, Mr Crawford and Dr. Moore. Mi Wiseman played the accompaniments. / The sale is again well attended this after noon. To-night another promenade concert will bo given, ' y. : '■/■■■

TELEGRAMS.

Te.Aroha, this day,

At the Resident Mcgistrate's Court yeb terday, before Messrs Hunt and Dobson, J.P.s, Albert Gabolinskey, proprietor of the hotel at Waihou, was charged with keeping his house open during prohibited hours. It was proved in evidence tlvat several persons ■were on the premises drinking more or less throughout the night, and the Sergeant of Police stated that neighbours nad in formed him that the house had not been kept closed throughout the night. The defence raised was that any liquor supplied after 10 o'clock was to parties residing a sufficient distance away to qualify them aa travellers, and failing direct proof of payment of money after 10 for drink supplied. The Bench dismissed the case with a caution.

DARING ROBBERY.

ON Sunday tho Ist inst. a most daring robbery was perpetrated at the residence of Mr U'm. Gray, Victoria Avenue, Mount Eden. Mr Gray and family were at the time in church, having, left all the doors securely fastened. A neighbour states that during their absence he noticed that one of the doors of Mr Gray's house was open, and fancied that he heared somebody in side. When Mr Gray returned at 1 p.m. he found the place,1 externally, just as he left, but inside everything appeared to have been ransacked, and £13 in notes and gold had been extracted from a work- box. The robbery was very cleverly perpetrated, evidently by professional thieves, and no clue has been left by which they are likely to be traced.

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

A MEETING of creditors in the estate of Geo. Frederick Williamson took place this morn ing at the office of the Official Assignee, when tho debtor and Messrs Beasley, Harding, Frater, Taylor, Henderson, Jameson and Thorne were present. Mr Jamieson proposed the following motion, which was carried unanimously : " That the meeting is of opinion that the debtor had not at the time when most of the debts, now owing by him, were contracted, any reason or probable grounds? of expectation of being able to pay the same. That he has within three years before the com mencement of his bankruptcy failed to keep reasonable and usual books of accounts, showing forth truthfully the state of his business transactions, that in incur ring to one Jameson, he obtained credit under a false pretence, namely, that tho land upon which he lived, and upon which labour and material were placed to the value of LBO by the said Jameson, was hiss own freehold property, when the same as he well knew was only leasehold.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(XV TELKGKAPH. - SPECIAL REPORTER.)'

Wellington, this day, Village Settlement

Mr Daeqaville js interesting himself to induce the Government, if possible, to make arrangements for the distribution of the " New Zealand Farmer" amongst village/; settlers. ..Ho. thinks he will succeed in the matier, especially if proprie tors will make a substantial concession in the price charged for 500 to 1,000 copies. Mr Dargaville gave notice yesterday of the following questions relating to village settlements :—Has the Minis ter for Lands made any provision for the supply of suitable fruit trees at cost price to those village settlers, tenants of the Crown, who have- prepared and fenced ground for tho same ? Whether the- Government in subsidising steamers to run to outlying settlements in the. North has imposed conditions as to reasonable rates of freight to be charged to the public, not only by the ton, but for smaller quanti ties, and if so, will those rates be made publicly known ? : ,

Telegrams from Members

It is the intention of Mr Dargaville to ask the Commissioners of Telegraphs whether he has, iv fulfilment of his promise on the subject last session, considered the pro priety of charging a special reduced rate for telegrams sent during the session of Parlia ment by members to their constituents oh public matters, and how soon such special rate will come into operation.

Reireiichinent.

Forty-seven officers of the Public Works Department, including Messrs Knorif and Rochefort, have been discharged.

Probable Resignation of the . Government.

The position is critical. I have authority for saying that the Government will resign if they meet yi.th further opposition to the Representation Bill.

We call the attention oi" our readers to the fact that the amusing play entitled " Jack and the/ Bean Stalk will bo repeated at the hall of the Remuera Social Union next Monday even ing, 16th, when for the convenience of in tending visitors Guy's bis will leave the Greyhouud Hotel, Queen-street, at 7 p.m., proceeding by way of Paruell, returning after the performance. '

An advertisement ;m another column notifies that the Rev. H. J. Lewis will lecture to-morrow evening to the members of the Newton Mutual Improvement Society. His subject will be "Self Made Men." In the cqui-se of his remarks ho will point out what is a self-made man, and mention specimens of self-made men of ancient and. modern times, such as the manufacturer and merchant, Sir Titus Salt, John Motcalf, the road-maker, Thomas Coopev, lecturer and orator, Hugh Miller, the stonemason, who became president of the/ Royal Geological Society. David Livingstone, the factory lad, mission^ ary, and explorer, and James Garfield, late President of the United States. The lecturer/ will endeavour to point out the elements essential to the making of a man, for'imost amongst which will be self-relianccJ and control, push, pluck, and principle. / From the above syllabus, it will be seen that an entertaining and instructive address may be anticipated.

THE AUCKLAND-EVENING. STAR, WEDNESDAY, MAT 11, 1887,

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VniT CAN Be Happy if you will stop all niivfioctorlntfycurself and your families with oui flo^o51"7 o * r8 or curc-al a that do only harm, Snrte nltSre'l simple remedies for all your , ninnt" -you will be well and happy and save ailmcuts , you « 10 p. rea test remedy for this, SSSSSvyIW t«M ypu,i 8 Aw. Co/BHopPitter^



; / COMING_EVEFrS. J Meetings, &c, To-niglit. Abbott's Opera House—Lynch Family of Bell rin&fcrs, 8. Agricultural Hall—London Circus Company, 8. Y.JVLC.A. Kooms-Sale of Work. 2 till 10. Imperial Hotel-Auckland Football Club 8 Onelmnga Town Hall—Onobunga Naval' Artil ldry, 7.30. ' • . Sag 7 Gathering °f Rota of Justices at Pollco Court. May 12-Mcssrs T. M. Haultain and A. G. Auction Sales To-morrow. ©■^Lewis-Ironmongery, Cutlery, U ; Maolrines AC?okinß daJj~lDrftl)i:>rJ'i PW'^ Jewellery,