INCENDIARISM RAMPANT.

'.ATTEMPTS TO BURN f*§£' HOUSES. ■- gnT fire-raisers p ls co v ? ED, TAT IuRREy HILLS. •TTs a milkman was d !through Murdoch-street, H . lhon «c abutting on a vacant Higs placed against the height of about two •^^.andaholeofnine '4 t.r burned through. The li»^ e aJo-Btoriedone, is one hi Which belong to Mr i* ofr fc ssfnl, there i ; s no doubt J lpt been suM» kl haYO been '3 ethre i aD s otters as well,for there SiwfHK-to the street. The 2«Sp rlcd to the police, iSr*3f to .the offender has to buhn CJ BONTAGOTS-STBBET. *H ° ick on Saturday night a very in£ i. e roomed chvelling-houso in jjni» M Lp t Newton, occupied by and owned by Wm. Grant,, ue i * fortunately it proved un- the unknown lire raiser left S, of his fiendish purpose. next door to question, and he states ii I*? m JL he was sitting in his * UtW h nhedttected a strong smell of and at the same time e * dk Sse as if the chimney of He ran *jfiSff£> and dis *tt£ corner of the next-door rfXZ burning fiercely. The **W, tod nob had time to SfSW aud with the U . f w ofa neighbour named Hammond 'X succeeded in extinguishing examining the seat of rCk he found a small wooden box, Ste by 6 inches, containing paper Zd sth kerosene and pnrhally- A gum, earefally placed in an lUnderneath the staircase. Fred & Grant, 14 and 9 years of age £Lk who , were sleeping in the Tilediately adjoining the place where £Sied,statethatashorttime lite outbreak they heard matches Umck outside, but took no notice of fianeUnie, thinking it was Mrs life Mrs Wade states that her husband mi at the Papakura gumfields. She t]oi aboofc 8 o'clock on Saturday amrrthing being apparently secure. wiinK at 9.30 Mr Oranb told her ot faU taken place during her absence, bfimittireisinsurecl in the Royal for £80, eJJlrGrant has the house insured with i&nii British for £200.

liotlier Suspicious Case.

lamSatufilay night, some persons aTere passing near Norman-street, jdrMi noticed a column of smoke ijjieiheroofof a house occupied by Hyde. The tenan ta proved tie oat and the persons referred to, &JJy some of the neighbours, clam- : yK to the roof, broke through the and extinguished the incipient inJ,if left alone for a few minutes Arnold have obtained such a hold of tft?, that its fate as well as that of ;i»pieddwelling next door, and per 'fSrhottsesin the street, would have tM The outbreak is suspicious, ViSifdeS, oh. Ifefcurning some time after sis, rae unable to find anything that ypate the fire to have accidentally

THAMES NOTES.

JmtIGBAPH.-OW>; CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day.

Savtars Banli. * Sttings -Bank during the quarter * September 30th there were 1,145 B? orders issued, to the amount of on which ,£sl 12s 8d com ■sutaa received. The amount of Bank to the credit of Sijootofa was £7,577 15s Bd, and the WActrawn was £4,869 7s lid, '%Wto4s of deposits over with wofiioless than £2,708 7s 9d. This 'jwygatifying change from the pre- quarter, ..when the withdrawal? by over £370. to Cold Discovery Epidemic. k** amusement has been oc ««reat the reports in the '' Herald " ■awlgold discoveries. The Star save: -t^ourswerecurrent in town to-rlay f™ m deposit has spread to the Wffldowmentat Waihou, and it has y™ suggested that the 'Herald' .T«Woh a Bpecial reporter to the on the matter. The in " Mms *° Especially enterpria teSTi — aSEOOn asa rumor is 2.™'/ colour of gold has been i*y\f floors .to create an 'excite- C^ 11 ? 0,1 tbe importance the Wi Ye B P° n Auckland. We 4U m ■ bether the g°M has spread c , ons eqaence of the action of (11,21 W doubtless our curiosity %S ™™ the reporter of our the locality." Wataao Ba ttery. likiiJu 80 ' 1 ," Batter y at Tararu wf- pMchased b y the Croquet *«* 2:V reVlous t0 its removal Ejection Sα e T ers are invited for *Ht£ b »g, so that it '^dSJ Company have ™J"» to erect the battery. i mk *•* Purlrl. «<i (JcliS be >g in S to George *X CJ?^ Harknesa 'V3fcT& M V | »8 been destroyed lost about £25

A NEIGHBOUR'S ROW.

■ ASSOCIATION.) b «na- Rttnwe > this dav  ■>%S y> tbe -as * a knife ' and in the r session ° f the weap ° n - Jv and one of his j ■w^SiS 8 ? re^ thafc ■ » it, tw , for visiting unfor- HVwSdavl, room is to the «mV%2, p,m -' vißifcs are ■ S^Ste nient day is en Heffi* People working m{\- oub during th * J^«^fe a v er iS , !* W-Ewn. Mber Pass W %3rf T' auctio »eei-, ■ to || * or Particulars see

POLICE COURT--THIS DAY.

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

Drunkenness.—Two persons were punished for first ofi'ences, and Mary Richards, an old offender, was fined £5, with an alternative of 14 days' hard labour, for habitual drunkenness.

Assault.—David Carr was charged with unlawfully assaulting hie wife by throwing a box at her and rushing afc her with a knife.—There was no appearance of the prosecutrix, and defendant was discharged. Insulting Lan'Ouacjk.— Thomas Waring was charged with using insulting language towards his wife, Sarah Waring, by say ing "Go and leave the house. If you don't your Kfois not worth having , ." — Evidence was given by the complainant to the effect that for the last twelve months the defendant had been illusing her, and she had been compelled to leave home through his conduct.—A son of the de fendant also gave evidence. He denied that his mother had been ill-treated, and stated that father and mother were equally to blame for the disturbances which took place. — His Worship said that the evidence disclosed a most unplea sant state of affairs. He thought the proper course to pursue was that the defen dant should make some settlement on his wife and live apart from her.— The defen dant said that was what ho wished.—The case was dismissed.

Gaurakd's Case.—Mary Poulson was charged with having unlawfully assaulted William George Garrard by pulling his whiskers out. The complainant now re quired her to find sureties of peace.—Wm. George Garrard deposed that ho saw a collarless dog in Freeman's Bay, and asked defendant whether she intended to have it registered. She got hold of the dog by means c.f a rope* and then seized him by the whiskers. She took the dog from him by force. This was the second time he had been assaulted in this way by the same de fendant.—ln answer to questions witness said he knew the dog belonged to defendant. She threatened to strike him, and struck out manfully. No man (could have done more. (Laughter).—George Goldie, Registrar of Bogs, deposed that the complainant had acted under his direc tion. The defendant had come to his ofiice, stated she was very sorry for what had occurred, and taken oub a collar for her dog, since the assault.— Frederick Gil lot b deposed that Garrard attempted to take the dog, and defendant pushed her on one side. Garrard said he would have her in Mount Eden at the wash tub.— Another witness gave similar evidence.— Sergeant Pratt stated that no lino was asked for in this case.—His Worship said it was quite clear that the defendant was a violent woman, and she had behaved shame fully in assaulting an old man and a public officer. She would require to find one surety, herself in £50, and two other surieties of £25 each to keep the peace for six months.

A Stowaway. — Francis Wilson was charged with a breach of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1887, by travelling on the Zealandia from Sydney to Auckland without previously having paid his fare, with intent to evade payment thereof. Prisoner pleaded guilty.—George McLean, purser of the Zealand ia, deposed that the prisoner was found stowed away on the day after the steamer left Sydney. Prisoner asked permission to be allowed to work his pass age across, but was not allowed to do so. The Zealandia was registered in Honolulu, and was under charter to the Union Steam ships Company of New Zealand.—His Worship said he desired to look into the case, and remanded the prisoner till Wednesday next.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

Ok Saturday evening Mies Georgie Smith son opened at the Opera House with a com. panyof professionals and amateure. The piece selected for the first performance was " The Female Detective." The choice was a good one, as it allowed full scopo for Miss Smithson to display her powers of delineat ing various characters afc short notice. During the evening this lady appeared as Florence Langton (the female detective), Mrs Gammage, a Sister of Mercy, Barney O'Brien, and Harry Rackett, all of which were creditably taken ; in fact, this lady was the life of the piece. In her part are numerous sallies of wit, which were natur ally delivered, md keenlyappreciated by the audience. Several songs were also in troduced, which were all loudly ap plauded. Mr Lachlan McGowan was a success as Roderick Tracy, the detective, and Mr Laurie Dunbar made a natural scoundrel as Barry Mallinson, the thief and would-be bigamist. His two associates, Ludovic (a German swindler) and Phoebus Rockaway (the light-fingered) were repre sented respectively by Mr F. W. Fisher and Mr J. J. Walsh. Mr F. Simmonds took the part of Stephen Hardcliif, another ac complice of Mallinson's. Mr It. Melville officiated as Dr. Strasfeldt, and Mr W. Bennett as Captain Gustave, of the Baden- Baden City Guards. Miss Gertrude Esdile appeared to advantage as Stella, the wife of the chief villain Mallinson, while Miss Anderson acted as her mother, Madame Ritzdorf. The parb of Una Langton, the intended victim of Mallinson, was taken in a satisfactory manner by Nelly Simomnds, while Mr J. Herman represented her father, Sir Gervase Langton. " The Female Detective " is an amusing piece, and should draw a good house this and to-morrow evenings, when it will be repeated.

CURIOUS COLLISION IN QUEEN-STREET.

A Van Kirns Into a Tramcar

Aboitt 10 o'clock this morning a most singular accident occurred in Queen-street. It appears that the Newmarket tram car was just starting from in front of the Waitcmata Hotel. There were three female passengers inside. Suddenly one of Messrs J. and J. Craig's big four-wheeled vans ran into the car. Although the van was not proceeding at a very fast pace, tbe weigl.t of the vehicle caused the shock to be a severe one to those inside. The pole of the van' was driven right through the tram car just be neath the window. Very fortunately the ladies were sitting facing the side on which the collision took place and were thus enabled to get out of the way, otherwise the consequences must have been very serious, as the pole of the van went right through and was only stopped by the outer wall of the car. The van was running across Customs-street when theaccidenttook place. The crash caused by the collision was heard by the tramway officers and soon collected a crowd. The driver of the van promptly backed his horses and thus withdrew the pole from the car. Beyond the hole through the car little damage re salted. ,

Prof Chainey lectured last night m the Lome-street Hall on " The New Religion. It was an eloquent discourse, and was de livered with admirable effect. Orthodox religion the lecturer regarded as the rag doll which developed the feelings of aflection and motherhood in tho child. Ife had served its day, and was rapidly giving place to the grander religion of the spirit which had little to do with external forme, but everything to do with the development and perfecting of character. At the close of the lecture, Mrs Chainey gave psyohometivo readings of Mr Dennes and Mr Thomas Henderson,

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

FORMING THE CABINET.

TJNDER-CURRENTS AFFECTING THE

SITUATION.

THE REASON OF MR MITCHELSON'S

UNWILLINGNESS.

OBJECTS FOR RETRENCHMENT.

DESIGNS ON THE 'FRISCO MAIL

SERVICE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

■Wellington, this day. Saturday was a day of Mysteries and sur prises. It was not difficult to see early in the forenoon that the talking.? of the last few dayg had culminated in a definite understanding. Secrecy was observed by the favoured few who were in the confidence of Major Atkinson, and even tho party were wholly in the dark with respect to what was being done So elope was the secrecy observed that neither of the Wellington eveninjjpaperson Saturday night had any information respecting tho progress made with the new Cabinet. I was enabled to place your readers in possession of details early in the day, but the position then was that portfolios assigned were liable to alteration at any moment. The news that Mr Fisher had been alLotted the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer obtained circulation when the caucus met, and caused some sensation. Late in the afternoon it transpired that a change had been made with respect to him, and that Major Atkin son would combine the portfolios of Premier and Treasurer, and that Mr Fisher would be Minister of Education. Subse quent developments followed each other in rapid succession. After the conclusion of the caucus it transpired that to Mr 0. F. Richardson had been allotted the Ministry of Lands, and soon afterwards it was whispered that the Hon. E. J. C. Stevens, of the Legislative Council, would also bn in the Cabinet without port folio. Mr Mitchelsoa was persuaded to accept the Public Works portfolio, and the ollice of Minister of Mines was offered to Mr Fergus. He expressed himself very loth to accept it, having been led to expect tho portfolio of Public Works, but eventu ally he yielded to the persuasion of hia friends and accepted the position. Mr His lop was chosen as Minister of Justice, and at half-past four I way enabled to wire you the tirsfc news of the new Ministry formed with the portfolios allotted, several hours before it was known to anyone beyond Major Atkinson and his new colleagues. X believe Major Atkinson availed himself freely of the advice and assistance of the Hon. Geo. McLean while engaged in the task of drafting the new Cabinet, which was tinally settled as follows—

PRKMIER AND TREASURER : MAJOR ATKINSON (Taranaki).

Public Works : Mn E. MiTCHELSON (Auckland),

Education : Mr GEORGE FISHER (Wellington),

Lands: Mr G. F. RICHARDSON (Southland.).

Mines: Mr FERGUS (Otago). Justice : Mk HISLOP (Otago).

Hox. E. C. J. STEVENS (Canterbury) has been offered tho portfolio of Colonial Treasurer, but has not yet accepted it.

Tho Feeling at the Caucus,

The feeling shown at the caucus on Satur day was stronglyin Major Atkinson's favour, and the expressions of opinion wore con sidered by the party to be very satisfactory. Practically, the only speaker who might bo classed in any way as a dissentient was Mr Allen, who defeated Stout ab Dunedin. He seemed anxious to leave the way for retreat perfectly clear without laying himself open to the accusation of ratting, and explained his position fully. Some of the nioro independent members of the party thought thelatter part of the reso lution binding them to future support unne cessary, but it wasallowed to pass. The fort night asked form which toprepnro the Finan cial Statement was conceded willingly, the feneral feeling before the caucus , having een that it would not be wise for the House to meet during the interval, as the new Government might be harassed by resolutions from the Opposition, which some of their supporters might feel bound to support on principle.

Overtures to Sir George Grey.

In talking over the situation on Saturday, Messrs Thompson, Lawry and Goldio thought it would be well to make another attempt to get Sir George Grey to join the Ministry, as the prejudice against Major Atkinson was very strong in the South. Messrs Thompson and Goldie therefore sought an interview with Sir George, and urged him to recon sider his decision of the previous day. Sir George, in reply, stated that he was then on his way to Major Atkinson, and he would see them later on after his interview with the Major. They again saw him, when he stated that things were all arranged and that it would be better to let them take their course. In conversation with Sir George subsequently, he informed me thafc he considered one leader in the Government sufficient, and preferred the remainder being entirely new men, as had been de cided upon.

The Public WorUe Portfolio.

The refusal of Mr Mitchelson to accept the portfolio of Public Works caused very considerable surprise, ac it was considered that he was certain to be chosen, and was quite willing to take the office. It is * a id that his refusal ■was clue in a, large measure to the anxiety of Mr Fergus to get this particular portfolio. Mr Mitchelson persisted in his desire to retire and allow Mr Fergus to be appointed, until Major Atkinson absolutely refused to allow the change to be made, on the ground that Mr Mitchelson had pre viously iilled the office with credit. Mr Mitchelson was then persuaded by his friends to accept, and what appeared likely to become an awkward position was avoided by Mr Fergus's acceptance of the portfolio of mines which had been previously al lotted to him.

A Peculiar Point

" Lawyers are generally credited with a very keen scent after fees," saysthe "Post," "but the recent discussion which has taken place in regard to the Attorney-General ship has drawn attention to the extra ordinary fact that it is very doubttul whether the three gentlemen who have held the office for the last ten years—Sir F. Whitaker, Mr Conolly, and Sir Robert Stout—have not between them draw £11,500 less than the salary they were legally entitled to by the Civil Lisb Act, 1873—the annual salary of a member of the Executive Council holding any one or more of the specified offices, amongst which is that of Attorney-General, drawing £1,250 n-year as salary, the num ber of paid Ministers being limited to six ; it 13 under this Act that the Attorney

; General has heretofore been paid. In 1876, however, Parliament passed an Act entitled the Attorney - General's x\ct, which provided that any barrister may be appointed Attorney - General whether a member of Parliament or of the Executive Council or not. If not a member of the Executive Council, the Attorney- General is to receive such salary as Parlia ment may vote, but the Act provides that " if the Attorney-General shall be a member of the Executive-Council he shall be paid a salary at the rate of £1,250 perannum in addi tion to any other emoluments or allowances he may be entitled to by virtue of his office as such member of the Executive Council. As, therefore, the three gentlemen we have named drew salaries as paid members of the Executive holding other portfolios as well as the Attorney-Generalship, it ap pears to be quite arguable from the above that they were entitled to £1,250 a year extra as Attorney-General. We have known much worse founded claims advanced."

San Francisco Mail Service,

There is a Jgreat deal of discussion here just now respecting the direction which the proposed retrenchment should take, and it is worthy of remark that a number of the Southern members are advocating the ter mination of the San Francisco Mail Service. Northerners have contended that a great benefit to the community would thus be destroyed, and there would be no saving,as the service pays for itself. This argument tho say is bad, and they hold that the saving effected would not bo the difference between the revenue and ex penditure, but really the aggregate cost of the service, because the revenue at present accruing from postage could be carried by the direct route.

Defence Retrenchment.

The defence force is "likely to suffer" very severely in the proposed retrenchment. I hear that it is quite on the cards that arrangements will be made by which Sir Geo. S. Whitmore will return to his scat in the Legislative Council and will still retain control of the force,but without pay,and his salary of £1,000 thus be saved. Sir George himself saya that if men in the Permanent Force are disbanded, damage to the extent of fully £100,000 will becaused in six months to War materials now fitted up, which re quires constant attention, besides further loss that would accrue upon the loss to the colony of the services of men for whose training so much has already been ex pended.

Police Retrenchment.

Several members also propose that the police force shall be made to bear a portion of the reductions. It is asserted that under Mr Ballance's administration the promotion of higher officers has been far too rapid,and that thero are now 23 inspectors in the colony where eight would suffice. For instance, it is said that the work formerly done by Mr Inspector Thomson in Auckland now provides employment for four inspectors at £350 or thereabouts each with his staff. These promotions are likely to be severely handled when the Estimates are before the House.

Support of Waverora

It is expected that the new party will have tho support of several wavorers who have neither been present nor jet ac counted for at the caucus. For in stance, Mr Downie Stewart was invited to attend the Opposition caucuses, but as ho had defeated a pronounced sup porter of Atkinson, in tho person of the Hon. Thomas Dick, ho declined the in vitation. He will, however, give a general support to tho new Ministry if their pro posals meet with hia approval.

The "Post" on Sir G. Grey. The proposal that Sir G. Grey would bo the figure-nead of tho new Ministry is con sidered by the "Post" to have been a brilliant stroke of genius, and the article proceeds to say: —' • Sir George Grey is not the man to make a dummy figure-head. There is no man in New Zea land who better loves powei*, or is more autocratic in the exercise of such as he may possess. He will have no divided authority. He will neither shar.) the throne nor tolerate any rival near. When he waa Premier ho was the most dictatorial that ever held the office; ho interfered in every department, and had to be con sulted on every detail. Hia colleagues were little more than mere heads of departments. Their duty was to register and obey hi 3 behests ; he dominated every thing and everybody. It is urged now that he is old and feeble,he would be con tent with a nominal leadership, and would leave the work of practical administration as well as the determination of questions of policy to Major Atkinson and his col leagues. Those who argue or believe this know nothing of Sir George Grey. When ho has power he will exercise and stretch it to tho fullest extent."

Boards of Appeal for Railway Servants,

Mr Moss saw the retiring Government on thin subject several days ago, but they pointed out that it was too late for them to do anything. It is scarcely possible that anything can do done in the matter by the now Government this session, even if they are favourable to tho idea ; but Mr Moss does not intend to lose any opportunity of urging the scheme on their immediate at tention.

The Minister of Mines.

The gentleman chosen as successor to the Hon. Mr Larnach seems to be specially qualified for the position, having for many year 3 past been more or less identified with mining. In the days of provincialism, he was District Engineer on the Otago gold fields, and resided at Cromwell. His ap pointment was made by the Bastings-Turn bull Government, and though a servant of the Provincial Executive he, at the.request of the General Government, at once laid off the Carrick range water race which supplied the whole of Bannockburn Goldfields. Mr Fergus continued to hold the office of Dis trict Engineer till a few months before the abolition of provinces took place, and he then resigned in order to go into the con tracting business. He was highly thought of, and on quitting office was presented with testimonials and congratulatory addresses from the people of Arrowtown, Alexandra and Cromwell.

LATEST.

MR MITCHELSON SWORN IN.

INTENTIONS OF THE NEW

GOVERNMENT,

The new Government appear quite sanguine of holding their own for the session, and of course everything will de pend on the nature of the financial pro posals. They do not intend bringing down any now policy measures this session, andas the present House is returned to support vigorous retrenchment, there is no doubt Ministers will receive large consideration if they succeed in making substantial re ductions in the expenditure of the colony. In proof of this one of the new Ministers informed me that more than one member who was regarded as hostile had voluntarily offered his support if the financial policy proved satisfactory, and further that one of the Canterbury members who was returned as a follower of the Stout-Vogel Government had expressed himself as being perfectly independent of par by _ ties and as disposed to give the new Ministry every reasonable support. With the exception of Messrs Mitchelson and the Hon. Mr Stevens, all the Ministers were sworn in on Saturday night and the Gazette Extraordinary was at once issued. Mitchelson found it necessary to telegraph to his partner in Auckland respecting certain business matters which might possibly be dis arranged by his accepting office, and

having received a satisfactory reply he took the oath of office to-day.

Free Trade v. Protection,

It is generally understood that Sir Julius VogePs trump card against a new Ministry was to have been protection. The present Cabinet contains representatives of both fiscal theories. Mr Mitchelson is a pronounced protectionist, while Major Atkinson in personally a protectionist at heart. He has also conciliated the Otago people, with whom he was unpopular as leader. The pro tectionists are Atkinson and Mitchelson, while Messrs Hislop and Fisher, though freetraders, support tho encouraging of legitimate local enterprise. Messrs Fergus and Richardson are avowed free traders. '

Opinion on the Ministry.

Outside opinion here is that the Ministry is a fairly satisfactory one in that it com pletely annihilates the old Atkinsonian Ministerial associations. The present allot ment of portfolios is only temporary, and a re-atrangement is sure to take place.

Land Reform,

The Minister for Lands is in favour of amending the Land Act by intro ducing a bill of one clause, providing for opening for settlement lands either by perpetual lease, cash or deferred pay ment system at option. He thinks that doing so would obviate the necessity for continuing the Land Boards and that a large saving could be effected. Of course this is Mr Richardson's private opinion and the matter has not yet been mooted to his colleagues. He also strongly advo cated the immediate repeat of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act.

Mr Stevens,

Mr Stevens has been closeted with Major Atkinson some hours but at present no intimation is made of his acceptance of the portfolio of Colonial Secretary.

Mr Fisher's Portfolio,

Tho mystery connected with the transfer of Mr Fisher from the position of Colonial Treasurer to that of Minister of Education, while the new cabinet was being arranged on Saturday is now explained. It was thought desir able that Major Atkinson should take the portfolio till the close of the present session, and bring down the first Financial Statement. The present intention is, that when the re-arrangement is being made at tho close of this session, Mr Fisher shall be appointed Colonial Treasurer on the other Ministers taking over the Education from him.

ME VAILE'S SCHEME

As Mr Mitchelson takes the portfolio of Public Works, it will be interesting to your readers to know that he has no faith in tho practicability of Mr Vaile's Railway Scheme, and never believed In it.

The Council will meet to-morrow and adjourn till Wednesday. It will then be adjourned till next day at 2 p.m., when His Excellency will deliver the speech from the throne. Notice will then be given of tho usual sessional committees which will be set up on Thursday and Friday. On tho latter day it is the intention of the Premier to ask the House to adjourn for a fortnight in order that ho may be able at the end of that time to bring down his Financial Statement. If this is decided on the statement will be delivered on Friday fortnight if however the ad journment is objected to it will be pointed out the now ministry cannot possibly deal with all the current work of session without tho Premier being present and taking an active part in all that goes on. He cannot be expected at tho same time to construct a budget in circumstances of almost unprecedented difficulty, therefore it is a case of either waiting for the budget or suspending other business, although a long adjournment will probably be opposed, it is most likely that; it will in the end be agreed to as the lesser of two evils.

WAITOA GOLDFIELD.

FOREBODINGS OF FAILURE,

NECESSITY OF EXTREME CAUTION.

Messrs. J. A. Pond (Government Analyst) and Whitaker (Bank of New Zealand) are busily engaged upon the analyses of Wai toa stuff which they are making for the Waitoa Prospectors' Associationof Auckland and as they do not expect to finish before tho end of the week they are not yet in a position to form any opinion as to the probable result. Mr Pond is convinced from what he saw himself during his recent visit, and from the further fact that at various times during the past threp years he has made analysis of stuff from different parts of tho Waikato, that alluvial gold is to be met with over the entire country from Waitoa to Alexandra. The question to be solved is whether it exists in payable quantities, and the latest ascertained facts and experiments do not tend to raise one's hopes. Mr John Brown, a practical miner, is strongly in clined to think it does not. The whole of these plains are of a sedimentary formation, and the deposits are so deep that excava tions made at various times at Ngaruawahia, Hamilton, and Huntly, for bridge construc tion and similar purposes, only reached a shingly bottom at depths ranging from 86 to 110 feet. Consequently if this country ia auriferous to any appreciable degree, some rich discoveries are sure to be made sooner or later. Since the beginning of 1885, Mr Pond has tested samples of stuff sent to him from time to time from Tamahere, Ngaruawahia, Alexandra, and in each of them he found distinct traces of gold, the Alexandra sample being about the richest. At the same time the stuff—especially that from Waitoa —is so thickly impregnated with mica that the glittering appearance presented by these worthless specks is doubtless responsible for some of the many reported dis coveries that have been made public during the past few Weeks. So far there is nothing to justify a rush to Waitoa, but a great deal to discourage sanguine expectations, and to induce extreme caution. To invest money on the bare chance of the field turning out well is very risky ; indeed, to embark everything on the hazard of success would be sheer madness. Our own impression— and it is based upon careful enquiry— besides being fortified by the judgment of experienced miners—is that the field will prove a failure. It is needless to add that we should be only too glad to come to the opposite conclusion should the facts warrant it.

(BY TELEGKAPII—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Visit of the Mayor of Hamilton.

CAUTION AGAINST A RUSH.

Hamilton, this day.

His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton and party returned to Hamilton this evening from Waitoa, and brought back specimens of washdirt obtained from the field with them. They expressed themselves firmly convinced with the prtfspect, and are only awaiting the result of Mr Pond's assays, His Worship's remarks being that it was " as right as rain." I would strongly advise those who have the gold-mining fever on the brain to keep away from the field for the present, as there is plenty of time. A rush would simply mean starvation, as nothing can be done until machinery is on the ground.

A meeting of the members of the Waitoa Mining Association will be held at 4 o'clock this afternoon in Mr Witheford's office, Vic toria Arcade, when the three gentlemen previously appointed to visit Waitoa will report progress. The results of an assay test on the pan principle by Messrs Frazer and Sons' process will also be reported.

THE ENGLISH MAIL.

[Via Suez.]

Per P. and O. Co.'s R.M.S. Chusan:— Passengers for New Zealand: Messrs Gabbey and Foley ; and 21 for all ports in other classes.

The English Harvest.

Our wheat harvest is being rapidly gar nered in the south and midlands; but so far the crop has not proved a satisfactory one. Indeed, it promises to be very much lighter than usual throughout the entire country. The reason for this, is that tho summer was late, owing to the long, cold, wet spring, and when it did come it burst upon us with almost tropical heat. The result has been that the sbraw of the corn is very short, and the grain not well matured. Except for a terrible thunderstorm which raged over the country last week, England has virtually been with out rain for three months. Consequently it is only on good rich lands that the crops are equal to, or in some few cases superior to, the average. The Hessian fly is making very sad ravages in the midlands, and even in Yorkshire. The worst feature about this pest is that we are only just ab the com mencement of its destructive career, and during- the next year or two we may witness a moat serious increase in its mischief.

LANGWORTHY'S SETTLEMENT.

lie Wriggles Till the Last

THE UTTERMOST FARTHING EXACTED. s Mrs Langworthy has achieved her final triumph, and the long litigation which has mado her name famous wherever the English language is spoken has come to a close. Mr E. M. Langworthy came over to Eng land for the purpose of getting an annul ment of tho decree of bankruptcy which had been made against him. He was forced to appear in open court ardpublicly purge him self of his contempt, and thenhe had to make a pecuniary settlement with Mrs Lang worthy. With characteristic meanness he struggled to the last to obtain some minor advantage. First of all he wanted to deduct £50 for interest on the £20,000 which he had ai'ranged, in pursuance of the decree of the Court, to pay her before the 12th September. Next he tried to haggle about the payment of the annuity of £500 a-year to the child of his marriage with Mrs Langworthy, endeavouring to arrange that the payment should cease when the child reached the age of 16 years, instead of being continued for life; and lastly, he sought to prevent Mrs Langworthy retain ing the use of her married name. In all these points, however, he was defeated, and, after a hard struggle, the full amount of the £20,C00 was handed over to Mrs Langworthy's solicitors in the shape of 20 £1,000 Bank of England notes, together with £1,500 for costs : old Mrs Langwortby signed a bond for the payment of the annuity in monthly instalments to Mrs Langworthy's child; Mr Langworthy made a humble apology in writing to Mrs Langworthy's sister, Miss Edith Long; and then, and not until then, was the decree of bankruptcy annulled. Mr Lang worthy has now lefb England for the Argentine Republic, and Mrs Langworthy is recruiting her health in Switzerland. For this truly orthodox termination — of vice defeated and virtue triumphant—to one of the strangest* romances of modern times, honour is due< to the public-spirited editor of the " Pall Mall Gazette."

FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT.

TWO PEESONS DEOWNED IN

THE HABBOUB.

NARRATIVE BY A SURVIVOR,

A TERRIBLE STORY.

About noon on Sunday agumdigger named Nicholas Hand called at the Water Police Station, and reported that a fatal boat acci dent had occurred in the harbour, near Hobsonville wharf, on the previous evening, that two persons, viz., Alexander Lynch and Sarah Thornton, had been drowned, and that he had saved his life by swimming ashore. He also stated that the body of Sarah Thornton had been recovered, and was lying on the Hobsonville wharf. Under direction of Sei'geant A. Clark, the water police boat was launched and proceeded to tbo place indicated. They found the dead body of the woman as described, which had been lying on the wharf unprotected all night, and placed it in their boat. They also searched the beach for the body of Alexander Lynch, but failed to find any trace of it. The body of Sarah Thornton was brought to the morgue to await the customary inquest, and several witnesses were also brought to town.

Hand Interviewed

Nicholas Hand, who is a yoang man of muscular build and of under thirty years of age, was interviewed this morning by a Star representative, and gave the following narrative of the fatality:—A party including myself, Alexander Lynch, Sarah Thornton, and a coloured man named James Williams, left the water men's steps, Queen-street Wharf, at 4 p.m. on Saturday last, bound for River head. We intended to go gumdigging there. We were in a small open keel boat. She was about 13ft long, had no centreboard, and carried a spritsail and jib. There was in the boat about 3001bs of tucker, including a sack of potatoes. We also had some drink on board, but we were sober enough to know how to take care of ourselves. Alick Lynch steered the boat, and we got on very well, there being a light breeze blowing, and a slight jobble on the water.

The Boat Capsized.

We got as far as the Hobsonville wharf about 6 p.m., and landed the coloured man Williams there. A sudden squall caused the boat to gybe, and being very low in the water she went gunwale under, and filled with water. The three of us were thrown into the water. When the boat was filling the sail upset me, and I thought the best thing I could do was to jump clear, hoping that this would ease her, but it did not do so. I dived overboard, and when I came to the surface again the sail was on top of me. I got from under the sail and found Lynch and Sarah Thornton holding on to the boat.

A Perilous Position.

Both Lynch and myself were able to swim. I do not know whether the woman could swim or not. We succeeded in righting the boat and put the woman inside her, Lynch remaining on one side and myself on the other. The sail was still up and the boat capsized again. She kept turning over and over as Aye tried to right her, but at last we got her steadied keel upwards, and put the woman on the bottom of her. Almost immediately after the boat again turned over, and all three were once more thrown into the water. We succeeded in righting the-boat once'more and put the woman inside of her, and with Lynch on one side and myself on the other we started swimming with her towards the shore, about three chains distant. Soon after starting the woman leaned too heavily on one gunwale and the boat capsized again, leaving the three of us in the water. We stuck to the boat. We persevered until the boat was again on her keel, then put tho woman into her. I also got inside and Lynch went astern, I pwllea towards

the shore with one oar and Lynch steered the boat at the stern. This did not con tinue for long, for the boat being full of water suddenly

Went from Under Us and left us struggling in the water once more. She did not sink, how ever, having discharged all of our provisions some time previously. Wβ then tried to keep the boat steady keel upwards, and for the second time put the woman on the keel, whilst Lynch and I hung on one at each side. The boat, how ever, turned over again and again, and Lynch proposed that we should abandon her and

Swim lor the Shore

He called out for help several times, but heard no response up till this time and had no hope of obtain ing any assistance, not a boat being in sight. Lyncli and I told the woman to place her hands on our shoulders and that we would swim ashore, one on each side of her. She did so, being at this time very much exhausted and unable to sup port herself. We got on very well until within about two chains dis tant from the shore, when Lynch, became exhausted and began sinking in the water. I heard him say "Goon" and he pushed the woman towards me. I con tinued to do the best I could with the woman, and left Lynch behind, bub she clutched me with both arms and

We Sank Together.

I could nob induce her to leave go, and we came to the surface and sank several times until I became quite played out. Ab last when she was keeping me under water longer than I could stand, I gave her a shove, and she went a few yards ahead of me. She commenced throwing her arms aboub and kept herself afloat, and I remained quiet for a few seconds to recover a little strength. I then looked back and

Saw Lynch Sinking. He was just disappearing below the surface, and I could render him no assistance. I then swam alongside of the woman and gob hold of her by the hair. I tried to assist her towards the shore, but soon found my strength giving way, and had to leave her. When I left her she was very quiet, andlcan not say whether she was drowned or not. I struck out for the shore and saw Williams, the coloured man who had been put ashore before the boat capsized coming towards me. After swimming a short distance Williame called out " I'm done," turned round and swam to the shore. I kept on, although very much distressed, and landed on a mud bank about 6 or 7 chains from the Hobsonville wharf. Just as my foob touched the bottom, a, boat containing two young men came alongside of me and picked me up. Williams was also on the beach. They asked me "if there were any more." 1 said that one man had been drowned and a woman was still afloat. We vrent to look for the woman and having found her afloat, took her into the boat. She appeared to be "quite dead. The young men tried to bring her round by partly undressing her and rubbing her, but they did not suc ceed. They took the body ashore and placed it on the wharf. A crowd of people collected, and some of them advised me to remain at Hobsonville that night and in form the police of the accident on the following day. I remained with the two young men who picked me up and obtained from them some dry clothes and a shake down.

A Bottle of Gin.

It is true that we had a bottle of gin in the boat, but not that anyone was drowned in trying to save it. The bottle was nearly full, as we had only a couple of swigs out of it going up. Lynch took charge of ib when the boat capsized, and stuck to ib for some time. He held it tight in one hand until the woman took it from him, and she. afterwards lost ib when she went under water. I afterwards saw the bottle it towards the shore. Hand says he waa in the water about half-an-hour.

Two young men named McLeod came down from Hobsonville to give evidence at the inqueat. They state that they saw the boat containing Lynch, Hand and Sarah Thornton capsize, and launched a small boat to proceed to their rescue as speedily as possible. They had however to convey the boat over the beach for some considerable distance, and were unable to render much assistance be yond picking up the dead woman. These young men are of opinion that the whole party would have been saved had they maintained ordinary presence of mind.

The Boat

The boat which capsized was found by two young men named Daniel Clarke and Greenhithe, near the mouth of Lucas Creek at 2 p.m. yesterday. She was floating bottom up, and after righting her they took her to a place of safety.

The Deceased

Sarah Thornton was a married woman, 33 years of who was discharged from Mount Eden Gaol on Saturday, having been on many occasions convicted of drunkenness. Alexander Lynch was also a noted character. He was a single man about 53 years of age and lived at Riverhead, whither the party were bound when the accident occurred. He also was well acquainted with the internal arrange ments of Mount Eden Gaol. :

An inquest was proceeding at Gleeson'a Hotel as we went to press.

We have received from 5 contributors the sum of 11s for Stephen Clark, of Swan-

The following passengers have booked at this port by the Zealandia :—Mr and Mrs J. E. Seymour, Mrs C. Hill, Mrs J. V. Jakins and infant, Dr. Cameron Lees, Messrs R. and R. C. Assheton, and R. Hunt and 23 steerage.

In the death of Mr John Simpson Colledgo on Thursday last, Onehunga sustains the loss of a very old resident. The deceased had lived in the township for no less than 38 years, and he has passed away at the ripe age of 84 years. Hβ arrived in the colony in 1849, and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. The mortal remains of the patriarch were interred in St. Peter's Cemetery, One hunga, yesterday, when a large number of friends were present to pay the last tribute of respect. The Rev. W. E. Mulgan held a short service in the church, and officiated at the grave.

Bangle and Turquoise were brought back from Napier to-day.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—"The Female Detee , tive," 8. Royal Irish Rifles—Weekly Parade, 7.30. All Saints' Schoolroom—Ponsonby Choral Sβ ciety"s Concert, 8. Council Chamber, Devonport—Meeting re For* uation of Fire Brigade, 8. Albert Hotel—Committee of Auckland Crickei Association, 8. 316, Victoria Arcade-Auckland Political Finan cial Reform Association, 8. Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell-Auckland Workine Men s Friendly Aid Society, 7.30 V.M.C.A. Rooms—Association for the Teachin* of Divine Healing, 7.15.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

October 11—Messrs L. Ehrenfried and F. O. Ewington.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

G. Lewis—Brigantine, Schooner, Barges, Tug boat, &C, 12. •'..;:-,■'..!.' S. Cochrane and Son—Fancy Goods, Booke. Boots, &c, 11. . D. F. Evaos, Arawa-street-Housohold Fun* ture and Effects, 12. E. Leydon, Eainburgh-street-Household Fur niture and Effects, 11. Arthur and Buddie-Household Furniture and Effects, Hi '

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1887,

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