. P i,o has had charge of the •MiWin Auckland Hospital for the ■i^ m i C been appointed Lady &° o f the Gisborne Hospital C**? lives Auckland for Gisborne WSketlr new duties m about a to u ? d , e f fortnig bt - ~ un der two years of age , A fair- bajred 4 o rin? in Queen-street this nd rStaken tothe police- fellow was made com station. Th e * corner , an d was soon fortable in* h B oand as cc . ersons were arrested jfo less between Satur on charges ot . morning, and they «»?TS?*t the Police Court this we« dealt comeof them being very old morning- °°i ot her charges preferred offenders, lrece ived sentences cone* •rtiinst tnen i,« 16 ' da.sification of The Mount Eden Goal, by will take place in fch . g evening- The the sTS S ting enough to attract a Theffeekly jn» wil] be held to . f %eday) Evening, at 7 o'clock borrow ( Tv f a .7 Friday, the Hall being latter night. Every member * g S to attend. >req tT Anniversary of the Alexandra ■ Thef h .£e ffioaist Sunday School ye terday when Rev. J. D. je from j Gilmore preachea v chew Corinthians, o. remarks on the first *" f WS3fth chapter Ecelesiastes. Ter3 e of the pag H er of the Church Iheßev. *• • me an( i preached from ° ffi f T rS f the elfateenL chapter of "■SrtE "Take heed that ye despise S SKelittle ones. .The church was 10 Sed both in the morning and afternoon • thp evenin" , every available place 1D niVd The aisles and porches were a number went away, being m T Mldven under the tuition ot Mr o!tfe Trl y was excellent. The plat ( «iScommodates upwards of 300 'fflJn fas veil filled with the children of ftb'bS School, and attired as they J/J their Spring clothing, they pre ■V j « very pretty appearance. The f, band rendered very efficient • o nnd each piece was given with S'Jte am! precision great credit £ due to the conductor. Several "„ kdies san» trios and quartettes ■ ■ Mcfierv J and H. Mewburn. The Lh was decorated with considerable *f The soiree will be held to-morrow 3*. when addressee will be given by £3 Spm-geon, C. B. ttard, A. J. Skttd Mr Cessell. The children, ac- Waniedby the orchestra, will again sing ff Sersary hymns. The collections for tM day, including donations, were £25

■li&L . ■ Mh Chainey delivered last night, in the te-street Hall, an interesting lecture ! iMB "Pevchometry, or Soul Measuring." ',$! occult science was known to the Magi ([ old and its study and development had itsived a fresh impulse in this century. It showed us thatour senses were dual, or Hat, in other words, every material sense m duplicated by a correspondent spiritu itfcsense. Itwastheactionof these senses istkirmaturitythatwascalledpsychometry. Is Chainey went on to relate her own Wiences. As a child, before she could ad she was able to give the contents of fe before they came to hand, and her utilities were regarded as so uncanny k the clergyman of her parish looked aherasa child of the Evil One. At i, whenever confronted by_ a hard B, she frequently passed into the liiobulistip state, .and on coming to fad Again, found the lesson quite easy. Pleading of a natural, simple, pure and ielifjwas essential to the full unfoldment fcpofffirs. In conclusion the lecturess ifiler hearers to test their psychome tt powers by placing articles to their fetadVof merely holding them in their Ws, in order to see what pictures were panted to their minds as a consequence. ilfecbse of the lecture, questions having ten invited, a number were pub and wefeclA, i.;. 1 . ." ■.. .

Anotter very successful meeting was held lift Temperance Hall/on Saturday night Ik, ilr Tiemain in the chair. The follow k pogramme was creditably gone ■wghi-Missßrarae, piano solo j Mr (J. «on,SO!ijj; Mr W. Tremain, song (en wlh/lilissTarihy Pickard, recitation; Mr Brama gave a most exxellent speech ; « foot and Miss McDermott, duet, in Mdrtyle; Hiss Tudehope, song, very ef- TO6; Missßrame, song, in good style; sifioss,reading; Miss McDermott, song; ray for l{e," very appropriate, being tarn as she is leaving for Sydney. The wrace were pleased to hear a letter read Pie secretary (Mr Cherry) to Miss Mc tomott, thanking her in very complimen «Jterms Jortho ye aD ' e assistance ren f™ *t all tiinfes when required, and wish er fature happiness. ■* special service was held yesterday ? fflffl rin the United Methodist Free m, Pitt and Vincent-streets. Mr H. ,™* a f, tte preacher, and took for his i!fi%lVl., latter part of verse iv. : «tney could find none occasion nor ri, ■ uch -whowas faithful, neither at&ereany error or fault found'in him." treated his subject-, in an ■"* manner. Babylon, he said, had inhabitants as all New Zea- JW over this vast empire Daniel was Ejff> Lord Chief Justice, and wJr f°- rei g n Secretary; but in all 55? heretain ef his upright charac- i**™ as .they were, could find n ° fault folk p • °" bi3 firßfc introduction to p . ur P° s ed to do right, and £ A m f of duties found time TO devotion. CiSf held by Mr D. F. 4tJt lf nd ""«* May, a freehold kSiellvlU r« ttaKeo{ brooms, situated i Oad, was star ted at £200, H»?fe bid of Mr Samuel "*d y7 Jers ey Villa, in Eich- started at £180 and tt e at which price it fell «N]i?;P e ,*ortgagee. Lot 3, an was passed in.

ACCIDENT ON THE TRUNK RAILWAY.

EaKAp H-O\TO CORRESPONDENT.) *%«i v, Hamilton, this day. Mnrphy, a labourer L c ™ thft Tα V •'• '' SftHmjtt mfa con fcract, was fc^toth^w ,1 on Saturdft y' ancl C>Wd,v ptm ' ewhich h e sus- W hi] B t at work in

THAMES NEWS.

N*^* hold an athietic % L E here <*th c 30th Novem. A^ 6 that '♦ ' from the annual Sl&'C^ 101, t0 take place

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

THE OPPOSITION CON-

SOLIDATING.

A HOSTILE MOTION ON THE

TAPIS.

[from our special eeporteb.]

Wellington , , this day. No-Confidence Motion.

It is considered practically certain that whatever the proposals of the Government are found to be when they are brought down on Friday week or the following Tuesday,there will be & hostile motion from the Opposition. It is said that with Mr Ballance's following added to that of Sir Julius Vogel's, 42 ■ members can be relied upon to vote in the division against the Government. It is probable that as soon as the Financial Statement is delivered the Opposition will hold a meet ing to consider who should be the leading spirit in any adverse motion. It it as serted that any such motion should nofc be moved by an ex-Minister, and this feeling is strengthened by Sir J. Vogel's speech in the debate on the Address-in -Repl}'. The Government party do not appear so confident of the result as they were when the Cabinet was being arranged. Reduction of Members.

It is certain that encltavoure -will be made this session to have the number of mem bers of the Lower House reduced from the period of the expiry of the present Parliament. It is understood thafc the Ministers intend in one of their policy bills to propose a reduction to seventy-five, while a bill of which Colonel Fraser has given notice reduces the number to sixty. The passage of a bill reducing the number of members from expiry of the present Parliament would prevent members from taking any action which would ensure a dissolution as the so doing would un doubtedly ensure the happy despatch of some of them.

Electoral Reform,

The question of electoral reform is having considerable attention of members. Large numbers of questions bearing upon it have been given notice of, possibly as a natural result of the experience of the recent elec tions. Mr J. MacKenzie has given notice to ask whether Government will consider the propriety of appoint ing postmasters and registrars where practicable. Mr. \V. P. Reeves is to ask whether arrangements will be made by which electoral rolls may be put in proper order and condition within the next six months, and Mr Ward is to ask whether the Colonial Secretary is aware of the un satisfactory manner in which the electoral rolls of the colony have been compiled, and if he will take whatever steps he may deem necessary to improve the system. Mr R. Reeves has introduced an element of humour into the matter by giving notice to ask whether provision will be made for electors voting by telegraph.

Mr Seed's Retiring Allowance

Much was made during the elections of a retiring allowance having been paid to Mr Seed, and three other men employed to do his work. The matter was referred to Mr Goldie by the Auckland Financial Reform Association, and hi 3 inquiries revealed the fact that the wholo affair is a mare's nest, The men who are doing hi« work wore al ready in the Government service, and they get a slight advance in pay, while the extra clerk, at; £200, is aleo employed. When these sums are added to the retiring allow ance of £666, the whole amount shows a saving of about £75 per annum on. £1,000 a-year which was paid, and tho ultimate saving when the pension has expired will be considerable. ~

Railway Employees' Grievances.

The grievances of railway employees are engaging the attention of a great many members of the House, and notice is given every clay of a number of questions dealing with them. Several are to be asked imme diately the House resumes. For instance, Mr Steward wishes to know whether in cases in which men are still fit for their work, the Minister will relax the arbitrary rule which requires the dismissal of all rail way employees on their reaching a certain age, and whether . railway em- X>loyeeß temporarily incapacitated by sickness are entitled to half-pay, or to any compassionate allowance during the time of such sickness, and if not, whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to enable such half-pay or allow ance to be given out of the amount ac cumulated to the credit of the Railway Ser vice Fines Fund. Mr Duncan is to ask the Minister for Public Works if there has been an instruction issued to gangers on the rail way to cause platelayers to work more than eight hours, and if so, if he will cause Buch overtime to be discontinued, except on cases of emergency. Mr Hutchison hae a motion which reads as followß ;—" That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that forty-eight hours' weekly task of linesmen on Government railways be so arranged to terminate at noon on Saturdays subject to such conditions as may be necessary for the public safety. Mr Moss says the circular laid on the table of J;he House respecting the railway em ployees communicating their grievances is not the one he referred to, but he cannot proceed further unless he has a copy of the objectionable document, and the Govern ment say they know nothing about any other order.

Meeting of the Cabinet

Ministers are fully alive to the serious responsibility they have undertaken in the present crisis of our affairs, and are earnestly censidering the matter of their financial policy. Saturday night's Cabinet meeting lasted till close on eleven o'clock, and they will sit late in solemn con clave every night this week, so that the Premier may, if possible, make his Statement on the House reassembling on Friday week. His Excellency's advisers are observing strict reticence as to their intended proposals. A Ministerial ukase has gone forth to that effect, but it ie under stood that very drastic retrenchment will be the trump card in the Financial State ment. Their chances of retaining their seats during the session are decidedly promising, and the protection question is generally re garded as the only rock on which they can come" to grief. My own individual opinion is that if there is a change of Ministry it will result from internal differences; rather than from external causes.

The Lobbies Deserted.

Members are off on a. furlough, and the lobbies now present quite a gloomy ap pearance. Some have repaired to thejr homes, others are inspecting Mr Balknce's Village Settlements in the Wellington Pro vinceT while a goodly number proceed to Napier under Mr Carroll'e charge. The Ministerial Residences.

Though the Cabinet have not yet con sidered the question of dispensing with Ministerial residences, I learn that two of them are adverse to continuing these costly institutions and will advocate their imme diate disposal. Probably the Premier's residence in Tinakore Road will be con tinued, but the others are likely to go.

Ministerial Seclusion.

Ministers are determined not to be worried or interrupted during the ensuing fort night and have given members and special correspondents alike to understand that they will not be " at home " to anyone. Chairman. 1 ;of Committees.

Major Hamlin was re-elected Chairman of Committees without opposition yester day He was nominated by Major Atkinson, and Sir Julius Vogel, in

speaking to the motion, admitted that Mr Hamlin was a good and able Chair man of Committees, but he thought it very undesirable that a gentleman occupy ing this position should take any active parfc in a political discussion going on in the House. It was right that he should speak and vote, bufe that he should attempt to influence votes was, he thought, an ex ceedingly wrong thing. It is understood that this shot wae an allusion to the Maori vote on the occasion of the defeat ef the Government last session.

FIRE AT SEAFIELD VIEW.

At 5.30 a.nu to-day tho city firebells rang an alarm, a fixe haring broken oub in a five-roomed house in Seafield View Road, owned by Mr William Davidson and occu pied by Carl Smith, baker. The cottage was totally destroyed by fire, and the ad joining one, occupied by Constable Patten, had a narrow escape, being on Sre teveral times. The occupant of Mr Davidson's house Btates that himself and son occupied the same bedroom, and at 2 a,m. to-day they left the house for their work at Burton's Bakery, Graf ton Road. Thero was then no sign of fire in the house. Two of the Misses Smith, who slept in the bedroom opposite to tliat occupied by their father, were awakened by some person cnllincr "Fire." Some men then rushed into the house aad tried to save some of their furniture, and when they opened Mr Smith's bedroom door flames burst out and crossed the passage. The young' ladies had barely time to escape, and caved nothing but their clothing. There had beenaare in the sitting-room on the previous evening, but this appeared quite safe when the family retired on that evening. There was no fireplace in the bedroom occupied by Mr Smith, but before he left for work he struck several matches to light his pipe and see the time. This house and the adjoining one, occupied by Constable Patten, were insured conjointly in the New Zealand Office for £250. Mr Smith's furniture was insured in the Norwich Union for £100.

FIRE AT OTAHUHU.

A NINE-ROOMED VILLA DESTROYED.

About 11.30 o'clock last night a fire was discovered on what are known as the Well' ington Hills. The fire proved to be at a villa residence now nearly completed, consisting , of nine rooms, together with coach-house, stables, &c, which was being erected for Mr Symonds, the general manager of the acid department of the New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company, at Otahuhu. ' The reflec tion soon brought together a number of willing assistants. Some of the first to arrive were Messrs Murphy, Matthews, Glynn, Taylor, Frost (2), and R. Andrews. The premises were totally destroyed. The contractor had the premises covered by a building risk in the Now Zealand Insurance Company for £250.

GOLD DISCOVERY NEAR HAMILTON.

(BY TELEORAI'H—OWN COEBESPONDEKT.)

Hamilton, this day. A wan* named Crowley, a wheelman work ing on the railway, and residing near Qual trough'a Slaughter Yards, Frankton, found some specimens of sandstone in hie garden yesterday, resembling to all appearance that found on the Waitoa field. No traces of gold can be seen, but there is evidently metal in it, which the tinder thinks would bear testing.

POLICE COURT.

(Before H. C. Baddeley, Esq., E.M.)

Dkuxkenxess.—Four personswere punished for first offences, and were fined 5s and costs. Old offenders were dealt with as follows :—Larry McDonald, 5a and costs . Thomas Hoinan, 5s and costs; Eliza Cuchbert, £5, or 14 days; Elizabeth E. Smith, 20s or 48 hours. Frederick Morgan was ordered 20s or 48 houra for drunken ness and 3 months' for being a " habitual drunkard."

Eogue and Vaoabonp.—Norah Williams, alias Clegg, was ordered 12 monthn' im prisonment for habituul drunkenness and for being a rogue aud a vagabond.—Norah pleaded in vain to be given one more chance, and promised to take the pledge, but. His Worship, considering her bad record, decided to give her a long sentence.

YAGjßancy.—Mary Thunder was charged with dnuikenness, and with having been previouely convicted for vagrancy.—Mary urged that " ehe had not done anything wrong for a long time; she due gum for her living."—Three montne' imprisonment. No Lawi'ul Excuse.—Catherine Taylor was charged with having been found by night without lawful excuse on the Supreme Court House grounds. The charge of being a rogue and vagabond was also preferred against the prisoner, who had a very long record.—Twelve months' imprisonment. Larceny.—Hugh Sullivan was charged with the theft of a tomahawk, valued at 4b 6d, the property of John Knox, and was ordered six months'.

By-laws.—George Crabb was fined 7s 6d and co&ts for driving a horse and cart over a footpath at Devonport.

OPERA HOUSE.

"THE FLYING DUTCHMAN."

An exceptionally attractive programme wa 8 presented at the Opera House on Saturday nightand was performed with signal success. The opening piece -was a dramatisation of " The Flying Dutchman ; or the. Phantom Ship." It was staged in n'rsfc : class style, the scenery was good, the costumes were ap propriate and striking and the tableau of the phantom ship was in the highest de gree effective. The play is highly enter taining, the senstional situations being re lieved by many comical episodes ana a broad vein of low comedy. ; Miss Smithson gave fresh proof of her remarkable versatility, if such were needed, by the success with which she sustained the role of Captain Vanderdecken. It is an imperson ation well worth seeing. Mr L. McUowan brought into prominence the low comedy part of Toby Varnish, the " physical marine painter," and Mr F. W. Fisher made the most of Peter Yon Bummel 5 an Anglo-Dutch, lawjer. The other char acters were also capitally portrayed. The musical faroe of "The Bonnie Fish wife " formed' the afterpiece, and sent the audience home in .high, good-humour, the title affording Miss Smithson an excellent opportunity of displaying to advantage those abilities which have earned for her the sobriquet of "the Female Maccabe." The same bill will be presented to-night, and those in quest of a really enjoyable entertainment can make sure of finding it at the Opera House.

THE TRUNK RAILWAY.

THE PROPOSED CONNECTION WITH STRATFORD.

VIEWS OF AUCKLAND MEMBERS

ON THE POINT.

WHAT THE "POST" SAYS

ABOUT IT.

(BY TELEGRAM—OWN REPORTER,)

Wellington, this day. Thk movement in Auckland in the direc tion of securing a return to the Stratford route in the construction of the North Island Main Trunk Railway has given rise to a great deal of bad feeling here, and the determined hostility of the Wellington members to the proposal may be relied upon. The "Post," which has always been very bitter an this sub ject, devoted a leading article to it on Saturday evening, and says;—" Auckland merchants are making a very bare-faced at tempt to utilise the presence of Major At kinson and Mr Mitchelson on the Govern ment benches to reopen the question of the route of the North Island Main Trunk Rail way. They want the line diverted so as to in the first instance connect Nevr Plymouth with Auckland, although Stratford route was, after an exhaustive inquiry by a South Island, and therefore disinterested, Com mittee, condemned, and the route Tia Martoa approved of. These Auckland traders seek to use the turn of politi cal events so as to promote their purely selfish interests, altogether irrespec tive of the interests of the colony. The political immorality of the attempt is ex traordinary. If there is one thing more than another which the country has affirmed in theiate elections it is that no new railways arc to be sanctioned at the present, and that the completion of lines in progress ie the full extent to which public works should be carried under existing financial condi tions ; yet Auckland not only wants a new line to be sanctioned, bub one already partly constructed to be aban doned and the money specifically raised for it diverted to the new line. Such proceeding would be a serious blow to the credit of the colony, and whatever their private inclinations may be we do not be lieve that Major Atkinson, Mr Mitchelson, or the Auckland members generally, would dare to lend themselves to a proceeding of the kind. It is one which we are confident the House would indignantly reject if it were proposed. iNew Plymouth is always within a few hours' steam communication with Auckland, and it is connected by rail with Wellington. It has all the necessary facilities ot approach, and even if the colony were rolling in wealth there would be many more legitimate claims for railways than that of New Ply mouth for direct connection with Auck land. What is asked ie that the colony should spend a large amount and commit an act of flagrant bad faith in order to divert to Auckland such of tho New Plymouth trado as is at prosent dono with Welling ton. That such a proposal should be seriously put forth is a wonderful commen tary on the doubtful character in regard to the sincerity of the popular cry for re trenchment and prudent administration. The conduct of Major Atkinson and Mr Mitcholaon in this matter will need to be closely \ratched,and as soon as the House re assembles w# trust some Wellington mem ber will question the Government strictly as to its intention in regard to the main North Island Trunk Railway and obtain a distinct pledge that it is to be continued by the present route and pushed on as quickly as circumstances will allow. The necessity for such a pledge is -apparent in view of the present Auckland agitation."

Meeting ef Auckland Members. At a meeting of Auckland members held on Saturday the Star's article on the main trunk line of railway was discussed. The members present were: Sir George Grey (who presided), Messrs Goldio, Withy, Thompson, Hobbs, Lawry, Fraser, Cad man, Kelly, Peacock, Monk and Jackson. It was agreed "That an early opportunity should be taken to re-open the whole ques tion." The opinion was expressed that as in these days retrenchment was the all absorbing question, the fact of something like £500,000 being saved by the alteration would carry weight, and would probably enable Auckland members to get tho altera tions desired. • •

The Desire of Hawera for Union with Auckland.

Wellington Advices Declare tho Tim©

(BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT,)

Favourable.

Hawkea, this day.

" The Hawera Star " this evening says — v In another column we print an article from the Auckland Stab, on the Stratford route of the trunk railway. We have the opinions of Major Atkinson, Sir George Grey and other men of mark in support of the view we consistently maintained that tho "adoption of the central route was a mistake. Those who have a strong case backed up by the truth as against one supported by an utter mis conception of the true state of the case well know that time is on their side and must daily strengthen their hands. The history of ihe contracts on the central line, the late reports as to the character of that route and the enormous additional expense involved beyond the original esti mate have already caused some revul sion of feeling in favour of the Stratford line. On Monday we propose to con tribute some further evidence in sup port of a reconsideration of the decision fiven in favour of the central route, rivate advices received from Wellington, report that there is a good chance of the House strongly considering this in view of the notoriously one-sided data on which the decision was based," ,

MONSTER PETITION.

REQUEST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION

OF THE TARANAKI LINE.

Acting upon the resolution adopted unani mously by the Chamber] of Commerce on Friday, a number of gentlemen connected with the mercantile interests of th* city have set on foot the appended petition to the House of Representatives. We hope that every man in Auckland will make an effort to attach his signature * n support of a work so largely affecting our prosperity.

To the Honourable the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in Parlia ment ASSEMBLED: THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED INHABITANTS OF TIIK PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND HUMBLY SHEWETH:

L That large mercantile and trading in ' terests exist between the inhabitants of Auckland and the inhabitants of Tara naki and the districts situated on the West Coast of the North Island. 2.—That , the importance of promoting ' these intereate by connecting the Govern ment railways in Auckland with the rail way system of Taranaki and the West Coast of the North Island has been ac knowledged by your Honourable House, but as yet no appropriation, haj been - mads for that purpose, -

3, —That your petitioners believe that this important object can be secured, and a very large saving made to the colony, by connecting the present work on the North Island Trunk railway with the Govern ment railway system on the West Coast of the North Island at Stratford. 4.—That euch a connection, besides giving railway communication between Auck land and Wellington—only 34 miles longer than by the adopted route—would save the colony £500,000 in the capital cost of the railway, and would secure a large and immediate trade for the new line, and also for the constructed railways between Wellington and Taranaki, which are now a source of great loss to the colony. s.—That this deviation would open up a large area of valuable Crown Lands for settlement, and would prepare the way for the ultimate continuation of the Trunk Railway as at present designed through to Marton when the financial position of the colony justifies further borrowing, and the occupation of the lands now entirely in native hands shall guarantee a profitable return upon the cost of the line. 6.—That the construction of the railway to Stratford will stimulate the whole of the agricultural districts between Auckland and Marton, and greatly promote their prosperity and the prosperity of the colony, and that no purpose will be gained, but on the contrary, great loss will result to the colony, by carrying the traffic on the railway away from these settled districts through an unsettled Maori territory. Your petitioners therefore pray that your Honourable Houee will take the foregoing statementintoyourfavourableconsideration, and adopt euch measures as your Honour able House shall deem advisable for the purpose of advancing the objects which your petitioners have at heart. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

Wellington Annexation of Auckland.

Some small expense will be involved in connection with the petition, and we had to acknowledge the receipt of £2 10s from one donor towards that object. It is proposed, if funds are available, to re publish the Rail" way Map attached to the last report the Engineer-in-Chief, showing not only the rival routes of the trunk railway, but how the Department propose to " annex Auckland," as Mr Vaile describes it, by connecting the whole East Coast as far as Opotiki, to Wellington via Napier, while so laying out the lines as to cut) Auckland off from the settled country on both sides of the North Island. Surveys with this ob ject have already been actually made, from Napier to Gisborne, through the oil dis tricta of the East Coast on to Opotiki, and, no connection between these lines and Auckland is anywhere pre pared. This interesting map, if pub lished, may at last open people's eyes. Mr John Lamb will receive further subscrip tions to the fund for the protection of Auck land's interests against this extraordinary intrigue.

THE FORT RESOLUTION SITE.

MEETING OF AUCKLAND MEMBERS,

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. A meeting of Auckland members, convened by Sir George Grey, was held on Saturday. There were present: Sir George Grey (in the chair), Messrs Withy, Hobbs, Thomp- B on, Lawry, Fraser, Cadman, Kelly, Pea cock, Jackson, Monk, and Goldie. Sir George Grey stated that he had called the meeting together to lay before them a matter in which he thought concerted action should be taken to remedy what he believed to be a very serious wrong. It appears from what he said that when the Government proposed to take Point Resolu tion at Auckland for defence purposes, Mr G. S. Kissling, who held a long lease of the land in question, resisted it very stren uously, and in the end he seems to have made it clear to the Government that if he could be ass ured of obtaining a freehold for the major portion of the land held by him under lease from St. Stephen's Orphan Trustees, he would make it easy for the Govern ment to acquire at a small cost what they wanted. The Government, who only required for their purposes three quarters of an acre, at once arranged to take the whole five acres under a special Act of Par liament, on the plea that they required the whole for defence purposes, al though their intention was to return it to Mr Kiesling as soon as they ob tained 4£ acres of it. This was done, so that Mr Kissling by this move obtains over £1,100 in cash and the freehold of the 4£ acres for being deprived of f of an acre of leasehold land, whilst the trustees re ceive only some £600 for the whole of the freehold thus surrendered.' Sir George feels very strongly upon the subject, and is determined to take steps to have the trustees, if possible, removed, and to have the land outside of that ■ abso lutely required for battery purposes re turned to the trust, from which, he con tends, it »hould never have been taken.

The Bicycle Club Sports.

(To the Editor.)

Sib,—ln your issue of Thursday last a para graph states that on account of the large amount of money spent on the Domain Cricket Ground to make it ready for the Cricket match v. the Gentlemen of England and other representative matches,the Ama teur Athletic Club and Bicycle Club will hold ■ their Bports meeting at Potter's Ground. I beg to state the committee of the above-named; club, have Wot ..the slightest intention of holding their sports at Potter's Ground, as at present it is unfit for footracing or bicycling, but have sent an application to the City Council for the use of the Domain Ground for their sports meeting on the 19th Novem ber. MrMumford, who has charge of the ground, has stated that no sports meeting will be held on it this season; Dut we do not intend to take any notice of his utterances, as it is well known he has an antipathy to all sports but cricket, and think the authority to say what he has arises from his own. brain, and L think it manifestly unfair that a trustee of a public recreation reserve such as the Domain Ground should try to keep it solely for one branch of athletics, namely cricket. I can distinctly etate that the sports of the A.A.A-C and W.B.C. will in no wise hurt the ground.— I am, &c, Habry H. Hayr, Hon. Sec. A.A,A.CIub.

There ie a demand for Saxon shares, there being still buyers at 3s 2d; Cambria are steady at 5s 3d ; Caledonian, buyers, 3s 6d ; Loan and Mercantile are required for at 68s ; and Bank of New Zealand are firm at £15 12e 6± National Bank are wanted at 365; New Zealand Insurance have been; done at 70s 6d; National at 18s; and South British at 365. Good accounts continue to be received; from Wanga mattt and Hikutaia. There are many looking forward to the next Warden' Court day to be held on the 20th when it is hoped the long delayed settlement of titles may be finally dealt with and the miners be able to develop whafe promises.- to be a very rich, field,, ....'.•'.,■;.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

THE WAITOA GOLDHEED-

CONFIDENCE IN WAIKATO;

UNSHAKEN.

EXPEDITION BY WEST COAST

MINERS.

(Br TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. There was at first a feeling of great dis

appointment here when the assays of the

Auckland Prospecting Association sample*

were read.

This feeling, however, has

given way to one of confidence in the bona

fides of the discovery. The Waikato "Times" of Saturday morning caustically criticises the report. The Mayor has sent a telegram to Messrs J. B. Whyte and Major Jackson to say that only properly organised prospect ing under Government supervision will satisfy the public feeling, and asking that Government be urged to take the necessary steps to carry that out without delay.

It is reported that a prospecting party of experienced West Coast miners have gone to Waitoa with proper material for practi cally testing the deposits, and that if they report favourably a great number of men are ready to come into the fields.

Alluding to the tests made by Messrs Pond and Whitaker of the stuff taken from

Mr Smith's land, the Waikato "Times"

cays :—" On the face of their report, things seem unsatisfactory, and the suspicion is broadly thrown out that Mr Smith's dis-

coveries are all moonshine, and that the dirt has been ' salted' with filings from sovereigns. We are not prepared, however, to accept this dictum as either a final or worthy judgment of the character of the deposits or of their finder. In the first place, gold has been found on different occasions by unconnected parties in different' localities of the Thames

Valley, and even at Fencourt, near Cam bridge, from similar formation to that at Waitoa. Mr Pond took borings alongside the shafts sunk by Mr Smith, and carefully packed up the samples he obtained fo. conveyance to Auckland for test purposesr Prom his published report we learn he made several borings, the stuff of one of which yielded lldwts. 10 grs. of gold, and 1 dwt. 18grs. of silver. If there is no gold in the ground, how are those results to t>e accounted for ?

The other five bores gave no gold, which is simply accounted for by the possibility of the ground being patchy; the rods missed the gold strata. That the auriferous strata are patchy is verified by the statements made by Mr C. H. Reynell, who is not disappointed by the report of Mr Pond. Again Mr Pond says that the absenr-e of silver in the gold specimen from Mr Smith's samples is a very significant matter; yet every one of the test results of his borings yielded silver from 3dwt 6grs to ldwt 15grs each. We are in clined to look with suspicion on this re port of the Prospecting Association, in view of the strenuous efforts that have been made by Auckland syndicates to gain possession of the whole of the private lands in the Waitoa Valley. Mr R. B. Willis, of Waitoa, who has known Mr J. B. Smith for a number of years, vouches for his friend's high character and honesty, and repudiates anything so dishonourable as 'salting.' Mr Smith we know, and we can speak with Mr Willis in his behalf. The Auckland Prospecting Association we do not know, but we have heard that foi 'ways that are dark and tricks that are vain,' in matters of speculation, Auckland beats the heathen Chinee. Sample wash dirt obtained from Mr Gould's land was alsc assayed arid gave very good yields, equal to about £1 4s per ton. Are we tc cast on Mr Gould, also, the suspicion of having salted his parcels ? We are glad to see that Major Jackson and Mr J. B. Whyte interviewed the Minister of Mines regarding this goldfield. The Hon. Mi Richardson stated that he would be agree able to the School of Mines at the Thames testing free of charge any samples sent down from the field for that purpose. Ir the event of the goldfield developing tc any magnitude, steps would be taken t< secure the interests of the general public. We would go further than this, and thin! ifc is the duty of the Mining Depart ment to send a properly organised party under Mr Montgomery, or othei trustworthy officer, to prospect the grounc in all directions, and to take samples of noi less than a cwt. properly secured undei sealed boxes or bags. From these sample! a sufficient quantity should be sent to i number of independent analysts, and thi. with the test at the laboratory at th< Thames, would give tho public an assaj that could not be questioned. Nothing short of a thorough test of the wholi country by the Government will satisfy thi general public, and the sooner that is prac tically carried out the better ; and this w< think cannot better be done, than by put ting it to the proof suggested above. Oi the assay being satisfactory at least five o: ten tons of the wash dirt should be teste< to determine whether the gold can b treated or no by any plant at present avail able in the province." Other Tests from Waitoa. Messrs Fraser and Son have received i parcel of seven tons from Mr Gould's pro perty for treatment at their works, and Wi understand that traces of natural gol< have been- obtained. Parcels have alsi been received from; Messrs Strange's an< Parr's properties. The treatment of thj parcel brought down by Mr Durward oi behalf of the party who are in treaty fo the balance of Mr Smith's property is no yet complete.

Thames, this day.

Cambria.—The leader in the crosscut at No. 3 level still produces occasional parcels of picked stone, but only in small quantities. The general dirt, however, shows gold pretty freely, and should shape well at the battery. The country is an excellent sand stone. Good payable quartz is coming to hand from the other workings. Tbenton.— The progress of the crosscut at No. 4 level of the Saxon towards the Trenton boundary is being watched with some interest, as the ground being opened up in entirely hew, while were pay able quartz discovered in this direction— hillward—there would be an almost un limited supply available. The drive is now within 90 feet of the Trenton boundary. ' A ! short distance back from the face the reef has split into two portipns.arid the hanging wall is now. being followed. The quartz carries minerals of a favourable description for gold, and I am informed that a few colours of the precious metal ate occasion ally observed.

Saxon.—Quartz of more than a payable grade is being obtained from the numerous workings, and it is more than likely that at no distant date another dividend will be declared. The drainage contribution has been increased from £17 10e to £70 per monthV. '< ■% •"■' s :'i iI ru\ rixs lv--i ■ •■. .

New Manukatj.— There is every chance of this mifte coming to the front shortly as a gold producer. Mr Smith has been carrying on operations systematically, and has now completed the necessary works for opening out on the reefs which traverse the company's mine. At No 4 level stop ing is in progress, and quartz which should be more than payable is coming to hand. Good dabs of gold are observed when break ng down. MoANATAiAßi.—Operaticne upon the Bed Queen leader at 2tf«, i level of %h» Gala

donian have resulted rather dieappeiat* ingly up to the present, as very little gold has been seen in the quartz, although the mineral and other characteristics are favourable. The country here, however* sa all virgin ground, and the manager Id still sanguine of ultimately unearthing payable quartz, especially as the tributera on the same leader in the Caledonian mine, and at the same level, are obtaining good c gold. • ■ Cambria. — 81bs of picked stone were bagged on Saturday from the leader in the cross-cut at No. 3 level, and lOlbs from tha second stope on No. 1 leader west.

BREAKING AND ENTERING.

John Michael Knox and Thos. Floyd wer Charged at the Police Court this morning with that they did on the 16th October feloniously break and enter the store-house of Charles Bailey, in Customs street, with intent to commit a felony. Edwin Bailey stated in evidence that he wa on the premises at noon on Sunday, and left the door securely fastened. At 4 p.m. he went into the building again in company with a brother and a young fellow named Smith. He saw Floyd in. the yard, and also noticed that a board had been knocked off the window of the store. He unlocked the door and found Knox inside aud alongside of an open tool-chest. Knox said he was looking for a " doss " —a. place to sleep. The police were called in and the prisoner Knox was given into custody. The other prisoner was nob in the yard, and was arrested subsequently. There was a quantity of copper and other property in the place. He found no. property on Knox when he was caught. Floyd was within twenty yards of the window, and appeared to be watching. Constables Martin and McCoy also gave evidence as to the arrest of prisoners. Knox stated, when taken in charge, that Floyd had watched whilst he entered the build ing to look for a "doss," and Floyd denied having been in the company of Knox. The evidence was then read over, and prisoners were cautioned in the usual man ner. Knox stated that he entered Bailey's yard, the doors being always open. There was a board off the shed window, and ha went inside to look for a " doss."

His Worship said that Knox was a very old offender, although very young, and sen tenced both prisoners to take their trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court. ,

THE MOHAWK MINSTRELS.

The Agricultural Hall was crowded to the utmost limits ofits accommodation on Satur, day night, when the Mohawk Minstrels mad their first appearance before an Auckland audience. Great improvements had been made dnring the week in the interior of the hall, flooring had been laid down and all necessary arrangements made in case of fire, and the old hall would scarcely be recog nised in its new appearance. The stage ' scenery is very elaborate and brilliant. The first scene, a view of coral caves and nymphs, was greeted with loud applause on the curtain rising. Soma ; little difficulty was experienced in parts of the hall in seeing the whole of i the performers, owing to the stage being narrow, but this has been altered to-day and there should be no trouble i' to-night. The first scene comprised songa and dances, with comic business and jokes i between. Almost every item of this parti '■ received an encore. Miss Laura Roberts's song, " Sweet Spirit, Hear my Prayer," was i a gem, being rendered in a charming • manner, and it brought down a storm of > applause. Miss Hettie Howarde in 1 "Sweet Birds" and Mr Sullivan in i »' The Old Home,"werefvery good, while the • double song and dance '-' Angeline" by , Willy and Miss Bella Perman quite brought > down the house,the dancing being especially i good. The funny business by the corner ! men Will Perman arid Johriny Collin.? caused a great deal of amusement, and was not too : long drawn out, bringing in quite a number 'of new "jokes." The first part concluded with an original finale consisting of a shadow i show in which most grotesque and ludicrous ' exhibitions were made on a large sheet, i Miss Bella, Willy, and Percy Perman have > appeared before an Auckland public in ) their statuary displays before, and in the ■ second part on Saturday they appeared : again, and from the way they • were received are evidently favourites I with 1 the public. One of the features of the "' programme was the fire rope dancing by I Miss Bella Perman, Gus Lynch, and Willy b Perman. On a darkened stage the circles f of fire hissing round their heads appeared s with great effect, but contained a spice of i danger. Miss Laura Roberts was received i with loud applause in her specialties, and 3 had to respond to an encore. This artist r also appeared in company with Miss Bella ; Perman in " The Deutcher Girls," and both 3 proved themselves to be Terpischoreans of 3 no mean ability. The two Irishmen of edu - cation —Johnny Collins arid Gus Lynch— 3 kept the audience in a good humour with - their comic and original capers. Master i Percy Perman's sand jig was a skilful ex r hibitionand one appreciatedby the audience. 1 Miss Laura Roberts and Johnny Collins 3 were encored in the character duet "For - Honour's Sake," an excellent rendering of a very good item. The farces given during the evening were excellent, being new to Auckland, and were received with great • merriment, the last one, ," Kon-fii-sun, - or 111 - fed Dora," being especially c good. The company is a strong i one, and should have a successful season 3 here if their reception on Saturday night.is i any guageto goby. Credit is due to the B scenic artist .Mr E. L. Williams, who in 1 four days has worked wonders with his r canvas, while Mr W. Price, the indefatig t able agent, has helped considerably in the success the troupe have already attained. The performance will be repeated this evening, when several now items will be introduced. , Ticket holders who were unable to make use of them on Saturday are reminded that they are available for any night this week. ..

A vacancy; having occurred in the Point) Chevalier Road Board by the retirement of Mr" Partington, Mr John Oliver being the only candidate, has this day (17th October) been elected to fill the same, Mr Seaman acting as Returning Officer. ' • ;

The attention of our readers is directed po the advertisement of Mr Edward Leydori of a sale in Wallace-street, Ponsonby. This sale will afford buyers a good opportunity, as the goods are nearly new and must be sold, as the owner is leaving for Sydney.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night. Abbott's Opera Houb©—"iTije.Flying Dutch man" and V The Bonnie Fishwife," 8 Agricultural Hall Mohawk Ministrels, 8 City Hall—Concert by Mrs Greenwood and her Daughters, 8 Lorne-Btreet Hall—German Annexation of New Zealand: How it was Managed, and' What came of It, 8 ... V.M.C.A. Rooms—Association for the Teaching of Divine Healing, 7.15 Temperance Hall—Address, "Hume and Res ton's System of Goal Classification," 8 " Museum—Dr. Bond on ** Brainsand Character," 8 :/.:: -■■ ■■.■:. ■■■■■ - ..■■■' :' • Kota of Justices at Police Court. Oct, 18—Messrs T. M. Haultain and R, R. Hunt Auction Sales To-morrow. -~ Arthur & Buddie—Household Furniture and Effects, 11 ': ";.'■ I. . .;.; ---,_- A. Buckland, Mt. Albert — Frranture, Horses, Drays.Farm Utensils, etc., 1":, _ ""i-.-. B. Leydon, Ponsonby—Household Furniture « Effect*, IL-, -, ~ .i.:~.r'--ii"r ~;: •.•-,-.:: G. Lewis-Properties, etc.. 12 . v , !t M. Jaotaoxs-Drapery. Ctethiaft etc., U « ,: '»

XFCKLI^r"EVENIN"G""ST J airWKIK[T, IBBT.

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Captain Crawley's clever story, "A Remarkable Fluke ; The Story of a Billiard Match." appears in this week.a w lS*w .Zealand Illustrated Titbits. ,, "