SOUTH BRITISH INSURANCE COMPANY.

* of Shareholders

olin 7oftlie shareholders of held ab cloven V6 S Captain Daldy(Chah- *&£***'* MSO Xβ ° , pl . e present. lders Tohn 3 ton (General Manager) reoorb and balance-sheet' n^ th : bl Sdinourla S bi S 3ue W ereP nin moving the adoption I > Chair fi balance-sheet, said :- A ft the report pro «'e# e t S if " ofc such a , s your A )' on ,j tve wished, ycb they are fie** , f you after the diiliculties S-^fi^e%asfc year, to give improved position of most e,e ", i ; changes made in our > nt S London and San Francsco me ' Irr that last year I informed of the National, « that t! f e the Adelaide, and o.ir own ■ wnnld form a committee to totl Tndvise with our London b consequence of the action khem the ianager ot the Fire his resignation, which accepted.; after retiring ho ; took a majority **"13 Snasem with him, and. in J* u»vs opposed our companies. **?.!* 2ne time our general manager Branch retired, but I am these difficulties have been W to IS onr business in Great Britain <£ foundation than it has ever * a j Lnect= for the future brighter. W dV ?J r ; nf thfe I will read you a c d y from the Chairman ■WSSftSrinLondon: 'Greatly *'-S Tendon business. Believe mana- on the directors' behalf to SLeonrindebtedness to our London for the prompt w£e » ction tl,ey to ° k J* c , an T in + g If Semenof ability to nil the vacancies ; Ifletime thank many gentlemen of ISon in the insurance world for l££»thy. and x f3 ' jl assured on J ooin ' I*law gained the respect and jon ■r larger Insurance Companies Kfe toonrable manner in winch H taaness bas teen conducted. Knot difficulty arose at San Fran- BL'6omunfortunate circumstances our WhL found it necessary to sever his ■Sfoiriffius, and we were suddenly |K«to fill «P t his important posi- Kli&ing one ot our oldest and most laKitislmanagera to take charge of this JEjuttaich? At the same time the leLifho were underwriting jointly ||»;? relied to retire, and reinsure their Klis, After careful consideration Wt- fetors agreed to take over their ■Kg, and so far have every reason 'jKi'sitisfied with the arrangement. U&stsni branches have only been fßz&lr Euccessfal owing, to one or two i-lKftaliire losses, but our agencies are fjßr:«l working order. At the Cape jfßitiiess has improved during the ißpt, but the return is very small, -ffcslwrate and keen competition. ;jßiAustralian branches results have - [IBby viriable; at some, rates and ij ■■α-jfair; at others, rates extremely • Bteqaently *unprofitable, mainly I Htampanies cannot agree on a tariff. I BSM' 3 our worst point. Besides p:Bi-outside leases, there have been sjwit conflagrations in the principal jßfsshidi the estimated amount of Cestitetroyed was over £300,000. |:|Hbscovered £179,000, and yiir loss Iffflpft Imake this quotation to show wßfflra careful, and carried very low jrjjpfeinspite of our care we have been During the year we extended •"Healof inspection of risks with patis ■Hnk We have saved some thou- Ibeliere the time has arrived centre of population in the '|B"|i" Associations should appoint fJB?J competent men to inspect risks '^H*"folosses on behalf of the asso- instead of each com ■■OTigaiid settling their own. IL mute satisfactory to everyone and between the insured and |Hj ft b satisfactory that consequent [ ■B«ifiifitablefirebusines3 during the k ■K iai ! t ' !ere na ? keen in m osb parts ) improvement in rates • to the extent of 20 to 30 1 I|B^ l rniarinebusiness was fairly pro f Wwtis very difficult to maintain ' m tiiis section owing to the rap* value and quantity of" exports jflßnMubom steames taking the is HL , g vessels ' hereby concen it Iffa T r " e amounts m one jl EMf " reduced premium?. I U fflK\ to our statement of ac leHLiJT 11 / depreciation, £4,371. >n Hfef hole of om ' properties Ir by experts in the U Onr stocks and shares ff e?J?. att heir P res ent market lie IKw 1 ? gratifying to find that at a i" mLfr Property is so largely de -1,9 WSS, unt is so B ' nall - This, -c " IKk ' ° for an investment 13 B^TT t: has beyn taken irom ■ZrW.toiiieeMe this fund ■SSf° fluctuations in values ■fj**nb«!r reserve. On pay. dvidend there ■ teTt t0 Profit and MI"Ma,4& There Is a Wkk v« oUr i teTenu e compared *■*»£• ° nly £3 0 68 - al - Hl- "(b : Sured to a mudl 'arger BfiSr 8 - are lm b y £17 ' 229 ' ok it'Nenn v re « refc to Ka y Paving f ,iat i^tS U, ; Pleats in the future jng M'te, Onr k • ye been for the past «r- W^iaito >Uleas has been con.soli ffl^2j! n im P rove(l ;tfc some ce,,tres - all our ir l HI. r K Bta are in S°od working 5 ■C'SSr ,, remem bering the β^ftaotionintracfethat SKCn", ,hall be able SBSS^l 8 : Before ■^K^to^ 8 of the hirn^B? ,!l >ftWv of our various 5/ HN tinT aiai «-°Peration lthe the motion. X« fctheeX P ense ■»T t ail!?~ ai,ei, cent - thi s "■C^m^ , was en ormous. , u "derno r,) 'efe^tt- 1110,76 tban 25 ?1»2*«««f- ?inerease of the • -«§ , &pense wa « q«ite ba3 »Wfi^tatisticsofthe r ' B " BhoH ' ed that r3 to |Hl% g bunted to 31; ffor »&Ll tap; MS&SS nSIVel >' r Hl'V«S Ofl3 Percenl ; mmwiZ-T ovci ' to •§M ." * »PDenrerJ to

him that the maxim now was quantity rather than quality.

The Chairman explained that in 1878 the rates were from 50 to 100 per cent, higher than at present.

The Hon. Henry Chamberlain said that a meeting held last week showed such hostility towards him that he regarded his re-election a's director to be hopeless and he therefore retired. He felt sure too that in consequence of this opposi tion his resolutions would be rejected, and he would therefore only move thorn pro forma. It had been urged that members of larlia- J mentshould not be elected to the directorate, and if so then Mr Thomas Peacock should be also asked to retire. He had been blamed for the fall in shares, but he could claim to have at least done the Com pany a considerable benefit by securing a change of auditors. The Company was in better working order now than it ever had been owing to this change. Mr John Batger. one of the former audi tors, flatly contradicted the assertion that the change of auditors had produced any great benefit. If any veiled charge were meant against himself and co-auditors, he would like to see it sifted in a Court of law. They courted full inquiry.

Mr Nelson expressed entire confidence in the auditors.

Mr John Lamb declared that if any gentleman had damaged the institution both at home rind abroad to the fullest ex tent of his powers, it was the Honourable Mr Chamberlain. His damaging assertions had received unusual weight from the fact of his being a member of the Legislative Council. He was glad .of his retirement. Mr A. Board man, as a former manager of the Company, felt Mr Chamberlain's statements to be a slur upon himself as well as upon Mr Batger. If Mr Chamberlain understood books —which he doubted (laughter)—he must know that during his time they were kept in h manner inferior in nowise to the manner in Avhich other companies books had been kept. To talk of auditors influencing the business was sheer nonsense. If Mr Chamberlain meant to say that the books were badly kept in his time, the gentle man stated what was positively incorrect, and what he had no more means of knowing than the boy in the street, because he had never examined the books.

Mr J. Friar Clarke, as one of the present auditors, stated that the accounts of the South British Insurance Company were the best booking accounts he had ever seen. They were splendidly kept, and were in exactly the same state as when Mr Batger left them.

Mr Boardman pointed out that the reason why a low rate of interest was shown Wiis because o. large portion of the capital WttO unemployed.

Mr J. Elkin moved, as an addition to the motion, "But that, considering the im portant interests entrusted to the Boaz - d, the diversified and extended operations of the Company in various parts of the world, and further taking into account the heavy losses sustained during the three and α-half years ending 23th February last, the share holders present at this meeting deem it most important that whenever extraordinary vacancies in the directorate occur, the places should bo filled only by gentle men who by residence, occupation, etc., are able to apply themselves almost continuously to the duties of the office." Mr Elkin went on in a flowery speech to analyse the constitution of the Board, pass ing the Chairman and each of the directors in review. •He contended that both Messrs Chamberlin and Peacock were in eligible by reason of the demands made upon their time by their legislative duties. Still, they met under happier circumstances to-day than last year, and he trusted they were re-entering an era of substantia I dividends.

Mr Nelson seconded Mr Elkin's proposi tion.

At the l'equest of the Chairman Mr Elkin deferred his proposition till a later stage of the meeting. The Chairman also explained that the Hon. Mr Chamberlin was the only direc tor who had ever held conversations with the auditors—a proceeding which he could not appreciate. The motion was then put and unani mously passed. Mr Elkin reintroduced his proposition, and in doing so disclaimed any idea of being actuated by personal feeling against Mr Peacock.

Mr Nelson seconded,

Mr J. M. Clark expressed surprise at the moving of such a resolution. It traversed the rules of the Company, and therefore should only be moved after due notice and at a meeting specially called for the pur pose. The Chairman ruled that, as it amounted to an alteration of a rule, 60' days' notice should be given of it. Mr Elkin said he would therefore move that the meeting, before transacting any further business, should adjourn for a month in order to consider his proposition. In order to obviate the difficulty, Mr Elkin after discussion prefaced his pro position with the words " That in the opinion of this meeting." Mr Beetham thought that in order to facilitate alterations of rules, it should be competent to give notice of such intention at half-yearly as well as annual meetings. He therefore moved " That it is desirable that the half-yearly meetings should be re stored, but that the accounts should not be presented half-yearly." The half-yearly meetings were the safeguard of the Com pany, and he could not understand why they had been abolished.

Mr Ralph Keesing seconded. Mr Elkin's proposition was then put, and on a show of hands was carried by 26 to 16.

Mr Beetham's proposition next came up for consideration. The Chairman pointed out that in order to restore the half-yearly meetings a rule would have to be altered, and in order to achieve that end 60 days' notice would have to be given. Mr Boaidman strongly favoured the old practice of half-yearly meetings being re verted to. The only expense incidental to half-yearly meetings was the £4 or £5 en tailed by printing and advertising. The Chairman pointed out that the effect of half-yearly presentation of accounts was to cause a great fluctuation of stock. For instance, the South British showed a loss of £5,000 on the firsb six months' operations of the past year, and a profit of £13,000 on the last six months' operations. Mr Ralph Keesing retorted that the shareholders were not a set of children to be frightened by fluctuations of stock. Mr Beetham also considered this matter beside the question. He then obtained leave to delete the words after " restored in his resolution. . The resolution was next put and carried. Messrs Joseph Howard and R. C. Bar stow (two of tho three retiring directors) wej-e re-elected, the foimer upon the pro position of Mr Lamb, seconded by_ Mr Nelson, and the latter upon the proposition of Mr Keesing. . ' , Mr J. M. Clark, in proposing the elec tion of Mr Thos. Peacock, M.H.R., to.til the vacancy caused by the retirement ot the Hon. Henry Chamberlin, who had iuao announced his definite .resignation, expatiated upon the value of having as director a member of Parliament, especially iv view of the probable introduction to Parliament of legislation aflecting lire and marine insurance. business. As far.Mr Elkin's resolution, and his remarks against the undesirabilityof having on the direc torate members of P.-vrimment or gentle men immersed in mercantile pursuits, their whole scope and effect were that elderly Bsntlemen retired from business should alone bo eligible for the position of direc tors. (Laughter). He hoped that the feelings of Irritation displayed by Mr Chamberlain would not be allowed to create any soreness in *«■«; "unds of «

directors or auditors. The gentleman had j had been injudicious, but meant well. I In view of the fact thab for two years past his mind had been exercised in the conception and bringing forth of his great rabbit invention (general laughter) he thought some consideration should be shown for his state of mind, 9 larlc ' s motion was seconded by Mr rnu ll I cox and P as aed unanimously. The Chairman then moved pursuant to notice " That article 71 of the Company's Articles of Association be cancelled, and that the following article be substituted therefor :—7l. At the Ordinary General Meeting in each year two of the Directors shall retire from- Office. The order of re tirement on each occasion shall be by seniority of their elections, and as among directors of equal standing (if any) shall be determined by lot, if such directors shall not be able to agree amongst themselves thereupon."

The resolution was seconded by Mr S. E. Hughes and carried.

In order to test tho feeling of the meet ing upon his list of 16 resolutions and further list of proposed amendments to the Articles of Association the Hon. H. Chamberlin moved pro forma that the first resolution of the list should be considered. In doing so he explained that if the pro position were rejected he .would not pro ceed with the other resolutions or proposed amendments of the articles.

Mr J. M. Shai-a pro forma seconded the proposition.

Mr Beetham moved as an amendment, and Mr J. Lamb seconded, " That it ia un desirable to discuss the propositions of the Hon. H. Chamberlain."

The amendment was carried mtm. con., and the first proposition having then been put and rejected, Mr Chamberlia with drew all the others.

Messrs John Waymoutb and J. F. Clarke were re-elected auditors, and their re muneration was again fixed at £50 each per

annum. Mr Barstow returned thanks for his re election as a director.

A vote of thanks was passed to the directors and officers of the company upon the motion of Mr J. Lamb, seconded by Mr Beetham.

The rough minutes having been read and confirmed, the meeting dissolved.

SPORTING NEWS.

Result of Cesarewitch Stakes.

(rktjter.)

Lors-ocrx, October 11. The race for the Cesnrewitch Stakes was run ab Newmarket to-day with the follow ing result :—

Thf. Cesark-wttcti Stakes.—A Handicap of 25i»ov,s each, 10ft., with 500sovs. addv<l ; the owner of the 3<j<;o;i(i horse to receive 200sov8. and the third 100 ovs. out of the stakes; CesarewitchCourto. lOOsnlvj. Lord Rodney's br c Humewood, by Londesborough—Alabama, 3yra. ... 1 Mr H. T. Barclay's br h Bendigo, by Ben Battle—Hasty Girl, aged 2 Mr Somers's b c Carlton.by Pell Mell— Bonny Spec, 4yrs. ... ... ... 3

[Humewood, the winner, started in two races as a two-year-old, viy,., the Mil bourne Plate at Sundown Park, in which he failed to gain a place, and the Bristol Nuraory Handicap ab the Brighton Autumn Meet ing, which he won. ' The lot behind him were moderates, and it is quite probable thatHumewood's victory in the Cesarewitch savoured of a surprise.]

CAULFIELD CUP ACCEPTANCES.

Melbourne, Tuesday,

The final payment for tho Caulfield Cup fell duo to-day. The following horses re main in :— stlb Mr R. Donovan's r or br h Dunlop, syrs (including 71b penalty) ... 9 0 Mr A. Drake's eh f Spade Guinea, syra 8 11 ,Mr W. C. Cooper's bl or g h Silver c an mine, oyrs ° ° Mr A. Drake's b h Pasha, 6yiM ... 8 3 Mr C. H. Ord ns eh c Lord William, 4yrs 7 13 Hon. 'J. White's br g Volcano, 4yrs 7 11 Mr R. Orr's bli Recall, syrs ... 7 10 Mr M. Jacobs's b h Rufus, 6yrs ... 7 9 Mr R. (I. Tftlbot's b h Mozart. 6yrs .. 7 8 Mr W. T. Jones's bh Tho Levile.aged 7 8 Mr R. K. Maitland's b h Meteor.aged 7 7 Mr J. Crozier's (jun.) br o Lara, 4yrs (including 71b penalty) 7 4 Mr H. Oxenham'Hch h Phaon, syrs 7 4 Mr S. Or. Cook's cli h Remus, syrs ... 7 3 Mr Collins's eh c Newmaster, 4yrs... 7 3 Mr A. F. Smart's br li Burrilda, syra 7 2 Mr C. S. Agnew's eh m Pocahontas, aged 7 0 Hon. E. Mitchelson'a b c Escutcheon, 3yrs 6 12 Mr'S. G. Cook's br c Dividend, 4yrs 6 11 Sir W. J. Clark's br c Menotti, 4yrs 6 10 Mr M. Loughlin's b c Oakleigh, 4yrs 6 9 Mr J. Leek's eh c Emerald, 4yrs ... 6 9 Mr R. G. Talbot's eh c Lord Allen, 3yrs 6 7 Mr M. Herman's blk c Whitebait, 4yrs ... » 6 7 Mr C. Collins'6 br h Gasburner, syrs 6 5

The betting quotations are:—6 to 1 ao-ainst Volcano, 7 to 1 Silvermine, 8 to 1 O*akleigh, 10 to 1 Meteor and Lara, 12 to 1 Recall,° 15 to 1 Escutcheon and Pacha, 20 to 1 the others. Phaon is being backed for small sums at 100 to 5.

Moorhouse and Bowmont are scratched for the Melbourne Cup. The announce ment of Silvermine's scratching was an

error. Niagara pulled up lame yesterday morning after being exercised.

Wanganui Spring Meeting.

Waxgandi, this day.

The following nominations were received last night for the Spring Meeting of the Wangauni Jockey Club :— TeTAL Stakes.—Pearl, Rivulet, Orwell, Laurel, Premium, The Gem, Tongariro, Parvenu, White Feather, Rufus, Ngarua hoe, Ruapehu, Lady Florin, Dudu, Hip pona, Rumor, Cupid, Hagar, Gatling, Escapade, Vendor, Administrator, Prince, and Strenuous. Waxgaxui Handicap.—Laurel, Orwell, Premium. Tongariro, The Gem, Parvenu, White Feather, Ngaruahoe, Ruapehu, Rufus, Lady Florin, Dudu, Hippona, Ger maine, Rumor, Escapade, Vendor, Ad ministrator, Strenuous, Rimu, Pearl, Rivu let. Handicap Hurdles.—Premium, Blue- Bell, Waitangi, Allegro, Prospect, Reform, Germaine, Reputation, Chemist, Kangaroo and Rimu.

Acceptances and general entries for the Pakuranga Hunt Club meeting are due on Friday next. Mr Craig's thoroughbred bay stallion by Musket out of Hatred, by Tradncer, will stand this season. Particulars to be had at Craig's stables, Fort-street.

ALLEGED FRAUD.

HOW TRADESMEN ARE VICTIMISED,

At the Police Court this morning, before H. C. Baddeley, Esq., R.M., William Smith, a young man, was charged with obtaining goods, value at £3 10s, and 10s in money, from Nathan Goldwater, by means of a valueless cheque, purporting to be drawn by Win. Smith on the Bank of Australia. The samo prisoner was charged with having obtained from Lewis Lyons Levy a quantity of" household furniture and effects, of the value of £9 10s, by falsely representing that he was S. M. Pratt, commission agent. Prisoner asked , for a remand in order to procure advice, but it was shown that he had known of the charges a week ago.

Evidence was then taken in the first

case.

Henry Goldwater, employed by Nathan Gold water, draper, of Queen-street, deposed that on the 27th of Augustlast prisoner jame into his shop between 6 and 7 in the even ing. He asked for a black suit, and said he was going to a funeral in the morning. Witness sold him a black coat and vest and a pair of dark trousers for £3 10s. Prisoner tendered a cheque for £4 (produced) dated 27th August, and drawn on the Union Bank of Australia by William Smith. He asked prisoner to endorse the cheque, and - prisoner replied that it was unnecessary, as the cheque was signed in his own name, and the funds wore at the bank. Witness insisted on having the cheque endorsed, as a matter of business, and the prisoner endorsed it. Prisoner also obtained 10s change. On 29th September he presented the cheque find learned that the pri soner had no account there. He had not sinco been paid the amountof the cheque. Hugh White Ferguson, ledger-keeper at the Union Bank of Australia, deposed that the cheque produced was presented by the previous witness on the 29th August last, and was not cashed because no person named William Smith had an account at the bank. The cheque was taken from a book issued to Mr Edward Wayte, stationer, about three years ago.

Patrick Herbert, acting detective, deposed that lie arrested the accused on the 20th ot last month at Deacon's Hotel, Riverhoad, where he was employed as ccok. He was passing under the , name of Fletcher. He arrested the prisoner on warrant. Prisoner said " I don't want to give any trouble. I know there is no chance of getting out of it, and I plead guilty. I would like you to get the case dealt with at the lower Court." Prisoner said he would have the clothes re turned to Mr Gold water, but had not done anything in that direction.

This evidence was then rent over to t'lo prisoner, who v> as auitioned in the usuul wnv.

Prisoner fi-]<f(i I.hat" Tiis Woivlnn would icnl with the oiVotieo

imauC'iiieaiiour

Sergeant Pratt Raid Lucre wort three previous convictions against tho prisoner. Ho had served live years' imprisonment — two sentences of live years each for forgery and three years for falso pretences—tho sentences being concurrent. The second case was then called, and a list of the articles obtained from Mr Levy was read over, showing that a great variety of articles had been obtained.

Lewis Lyons Levy, general dealer, of Hobson-Htrcet, deposed that on the 28th July last the prisoner was. in his shop. The prisoner asked if witness was open to buy some furniture. Witness re plied that he was, and prisoner said the furniture was to be seen in his place, corner of Franklin and Ponsonby Roads. The prisoner said his name was S. M. Pratt. Witness went with prisoner and saw the goods, but did not purchase. Prisoner said he was starting auctioneering in the place, and that perhaps they could do business to gether. Witness said he had not the slight est objection to do business with him, viz : to supply goods for sale by public auction. On the next day prisoner called at witness's shop and picked out goods suitable for sale by auction, and witness got goods to sell on commission to the value of nearly £10, and prisoner took the furni ture away in a cart which he had seen on the pi-emises shown him by the prisoner. He attended a sale of the goods, and saw a portion of them disposed of by Mr Garrett, auctioneer, the prisoner being present. The rooms belong to Mr S. M. Pratt. A week later witness agreed to take £7 5s for the goods, and prisoner paid £3 on ac count. On August 2nd he learned that prisoner was not S. M. Pratt. Prisoner tendered a cheque for £3 16s 9d, balance due to witness. The cheque (produced) was not paid on presentation, there being "no funds."

S. M. Pratt deposed to receiving the goods named in the charge, but he did not know where they came from. He was a commission agent, and employed an auc tioneer. The "accused had no authority to obtain goods on his account. Evidence was also given by Detective Herbert.

The prisoner was fully committed for trial at the next Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER.

Mary O'Connor Before tine Court

Maky O'Cosxob appeared before the Police Court this morning, Mr H. C. Baddeley being the presiding magistrate. She was in a very weak state, and was weeping. She took up a position alongside of Mr W. J. Napier, the solicitor for the defence. He subsequently had to be accommodated with a seat.

Mr Cunningham, Clerk to the Court, then read the charge as follows :—" Mary O'Connor, you are charged with that you did on the- 24th September, 1887, at Auckland, feloniously and wilfully kill and slay a certain infant child, born of tho body of you, the said Mary O'Connor, of tender age, to wit, the age of one day." Mr Napier: I appear on behalf of the accused.

Sergeant Pratt: The police are not pre pared to go on with the case at present. The accused has been in the Refuge tor some time since tte inquest was held on the body of the child which she is charged with having killed, and- was only brought from the Refuge this morning. I would ask for a remand until Wednesday next, in order to allow the police to collect the necessary evidence. Mr Napier : I have no objection to a re mand. You will see, however, Your Worship, that the charge has been re duced from a capital one to one of less gravity. The charge is one of man slaughter. As the Sergeant has stated, the accused has been detained in the Women's Refuq-e, and has been well cared for, I am glad "to say and her recovery has been promoted by the kind treatment she has received. The Hospital authori ties now, seeing that the accused has suffi ciently recovered to leave the Refuge, are not prepared to take her back to that in gitutjon and at the same time, having re gard to the condition of the accused I think it would de inadvisable to send her to gaol. The charge against her is one of the lesser offences, and I would therefore ask Your Worship to allow her bail in order to secure her attendance. She has had no super vision in the Hospital, and has conducted herself with propriety. His Worship: Is it not possible to send her back to the Refuge? Of course this is a serious offence. The refuge isnota gaol, and she could not be ordered back there to be detained. Could not some arrangement be made 2

Mr Napier : I believe the Charitable Aid Board would not object. Sergeant Pratt: I cannot see what can be done to send her back. If she is sent to the Refuge the police cannot be responsible for her safe custody. Mr Napier: The charge is one of man slaughter. Even in a murder case bail has been allowed. I think your Worship might go this far, and assume that a certain num ber of facts are within your knowledge.

Sergeant Pratt: I will leave the matter in Your Worship's hands. After some further discussion,

His Worship said iie would remand the accused till Wednesday next, and would fix bail ab £500 from the accused, and two sureties of £250 each.

The accused was led out of Court, evi dently much overcome, in charge of a lady friend.

Up till the time when we went to press, Mary O'Connor had been unable to obtain the necessary bail, and it was feared that she would have to go to gaol.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

RE-ADJUSTMENT OF

PORTFOLIOS.

MR MITCHELSON NATIVE

MINISTER

NO REVISION OF THE TARIFF.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL RKPOILTEH.)

Wellington, tliij day.

To the surprise of everyone, there was a re arrangement of portfolios yesterday, but the wires being down, I could not wire you particulars. The change was consequent upon the appointment of Mr Ilislop as Colonial Secretary, and also with a view of meeting the wishes of some who were not altogether satisfied with the Colonial Secretaryship. The difficulties respecting this portfolio have now been overcome. Hon. E. C. J. Stevens has agreed to accept it, but his private business arrangements will not permit him to perform the duties till the close of the present session. In the 'meantime ho will have a seat in the Cabinet without port folio, and during the recess will take over the Colonial Secretaryship. Mr Ilislop lias been appointed Colonial Secretary in the meantime. •Native Affairs. Ax an outcome of the meeting of the Cabinet yesterday morning, Mr Mitohelson will takeover the control ot the Native De partment. This is in accordance with de cision to (Id away with the portfolio of Native Minister, and Mr Mitchclson will gradually wiod up the Department. He has considerabloacquintance with native affairs, and the choice has given great satisfaction here.

Tho Attorney-General

I wired you on Saturday that the port folio of Attornrey-General would beabolished, and I found on inquiry yesterday that this information was substantially correct. It was considered desirable to have one portfolio in t/ie Upper House. Mr Stevens being unable to take the Colonial Secretary ship till after the session, Sir Frederick Whitaker was persuaded to accept the Attorney - Generalship for a time, the arrangeinen.t being that he may retire after the session, still retaining a seat in the Cabinet without portfolio. No appoint ment of Attorney-General will be made after Sir P. WhStaker's retirement.

Reducing the Portfolios,

Tlie first great step towards re trench men t has been decided upon. The Government are preparing a bill which reduces the num ber of Ministers to five. It; also provides for the limitation of the Governor's .salary and allowance-; to £5,000 ; reducesPromer's salary by £500, and other Ministers by £250 each, and limits their travelling allow ances to the amount actually spent, or to one guinea per day.

Otago Dock Trust.

It is probable that a Select Committee will be asked for to inquire into the pro ceedings of the Otago Dock Trust, especially relating to Mr William Elder's mission with respect to floating a loan.

Revision ot tho Tariff.

The "New Zealand Times " publishes a statement that the Government intend to propose an increase of duties for protection purposes this session. The report is with out foundation. Ministers recognise the difficulties in the way of raising such a question this session, and they also say that it would take three or four months to pre pare a revised tariff that would meet with the approval of the country and would meet the popular demand. The whole question is therefore to be gone into during the re cess.

Sir J. Hal!

Sir J. Hall leaves by the Hauroto to-day for Sydney, where his lamily are at present. He will not return for three weeks, and if the adjournment of the House for a fort night is agreed to, many other members are likely to return to their homes for that period

Registration of Votes.

The Government are alive to the necessity for reform of the electoral laws, and have decided to introduce a bill providing that every man shall register his own vote. This will have the effect of preventing the barefaced roll stuffing which was such a scandal in connection with the recent elec-

tions.

Cabinet Meeting.

The cabinet meet at noon to-day for the pvirpose of considering who shall be asked to move and second the address in reply and tho nomination for the Chairmanship of Committees. Mr Hamlin will certainly be the Ministerial candidate for the latter office.

Parliamentary Reader.

Mr Ernest Bell has resigned his position of Parliamentary reader, which he has occu pied for some years, and Mr Edward O'Rorke, son of the Speaker, has been ap pointed in his place.

Auckland Custom House.

Mr T. Thomson has interviewed the Minister of Works relative to the delay in the construction of Auckland Custom House. Mr Mitchelson promised to look into the matter and let Mr Thomson know how soon the work will be gone on with.

Railway Board of Appeal.

Sir Maurice O'Rorke, Messrs Moss, Lawry,and Thompson had an interview with Mr Mitchelson to urge the formation of a Railway Board of Appeal for Auckland similar to that in Christchurch, Mr Mitchelson replied that he would give the matter his earlist attention, ,and was in favour of a Board in the interest of the Government as well as giving confi dence to the railway employees, that they would not suffer from the possi bility of arbitouy or unjust treatment by departmental officers. He also thought well of a suggestion made by the deputa tion that the City Council or some other elective body should be asked to recommend the third member in addition tfo Judge Smith and Mr J. P. King,whose names had been submitted to the late Government.

The Onehunga police have had reported to them a case of alleged gross cruelty to a bullock that had been discharged from a steamer and confined on a punt in the harbour for about 40 hours before removed nd slaughtered, The facts will no doubt c elicited at the Police. Court,

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before H. C. Baddeley, Esq., R.M.) Deukkenness. — Mary Oakcs, who was found last evening helplessly drunk in a doorway in Wyndham-street, and had to be carried to the lock-up, pleaded that she was not drunk, but had a heavy fall.— Fined 20s and costs, or 24 hours'imprison ment. Several others were fined 5s and costs for first offences.

Wilful ExrosuEE.— John WHson was charged with having exposed his person in Symonds-street.—Sergeant Pratt said this was a very bad case, and Constable Dewes deposed to the character of the offence, which was of a disgusting description. He had considerable trouble in arresting the prisoner.—Alex. McConnell, watch-house keeper, put in a record of prisoners previous convictions, stating that he had been punished 10 times for vagrancy, and had just completed a sentence of sii mpnfchs' imprisonment for larceny.—His Worship said prisoner was evidently one of the worst characters in the town, having done upwards of 11 year's imprisonment for various offences. He would be kept to hard labour for 1 year and 9 months.

Assault.— Arthur Kirk was charged with drunkenness and disordeily conduct, and also with an unlawful assault on Harriet Kiley by striking her on the no3e with his clenched fist.—Prisoner pleaded guilty to drunkenness, but not to the other charge. Constable Keeney deposed to the arrest of prisoner,who.used very obscene lau guage. —Sergeant Pratt, by permission of His Worship, also charged the prisoner with using insulting language in a public place. —Harriet Ililey was called, but did not appear. — Prisoner had three previous convictions. — His Worship sentenced prisoner to a fine of £5, with an alternative of two months' imprisonment for the first offence, and ordered two months' imprisonment for the insulting language. Failing to Support.—Wm. Henry Bell was charged with having neglected to obey an order for the payment of 15s per week towards the support of his wife, the sum of ±'3o 15s being now in arrears.—Mr E. Cooper appeared for defendant. He said there was no doubt that the arrears were due, but he believed the defendant would be able to show that he was unable to pay.—His Worship said that as the case was pre viously heard before Mr Smith, R.M., he would like this case to come before him, and remanded defendant accordingly until Saturday next, bail being allowed.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Thames, this day.

Saxon , . —The return of 6520z of gold telegraphed yesterday is from 426 loads of qnnrtz and 1651b of picked stone. Cambrta. —The cleaning up for the fort night to-day produced 4350z lOdwt retorted gold from 169 loads and 1791b'specimens, the latter yielding 2610z.

THE WAITOA

VISIT OF THE MINING INSPECTOR.

OPINIONS OF THAMES MINERS,

NO DANGER OP A RUSH FROM

THE THAMES.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Mb McLaren", Mining Inspector, has re turned from his inspection of the Waitoa deposit, and has brought with him four samples of the stuff, which have attracted considerable attention, especially from the minei's. Surprise is expressed here that dish prospects cannot be obtained upon panning-off, as the stuff contains no minerals whatever. Experienced miners say that but foi the fact that the tests made in Auckland have shown that the stuff contains gold, they would scorn the idea as an absurdity, especially when dish prospects cannot be procured. The results of the tests to be made by Mr Pond are looked forward to with some interest. There is not much likelihood of the district being rushed by Thames miners.

Machinery for Waitoa,

It is stated here that Messrs Price Bros, have received a contract for the manufac ture of a plant for the Waitoa district, on behalf of the Christchurch Company.

Mr Smith to Visit Sydney.

Mr J. B. Smith, who has been in Auck land for the past day or two, returned to Waitoa by this morning's train. He proceeds to Sydney on Tuesday next, taking with him several tons of • the Waitoa deposit, which he intends to have heated with the Newberry-Vauton pro cess. The "Waikato Times" gives pub licity to a statement that Mr Smith has received £14,000 for the freehold of 1,000 acres from the Christchurch Company, and also 7,000 shares, a number of which he had disposed of at £2 to £2 15s each. It was currently rumoured in mining circles this morning, that the assays made by Messrs Pond and Whifcaker with sand taken from various lo calities in the Waitoa district had been un satisfactory.

SAD DEATH AT SEA.

THE FATE OF A STOWAWAY.

Whes the steamer Balmoral Castle was some three days out from home, the dead body of a man was found in one of the co.'il bunkers. He had evidently stowed himself away, with the intention of coming out and giving himself up when fairly out to sea, but got suffocated by the coal dust. A spare pair of trousers and a shirt were found on him, but nothing showing who he was. Hβ was buried the same day, and the matter was reported on the vessel's arrival in port.

LOST IN THE BUSH.

Found After Twelve Ifoiir^

Search

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. Thk police at Hamilton have received a telegram this morning from Constable White, at Ngaruawahia, stating that a young man about IS years of age, who had been working on Mr Martin's farm on the Waipa, and who had been, missing for the past few days, was discovered alive in the bush afc h've o'clock last evening. It was thought that he had committed suicide, and a search party, after scouring the bush for nearly 12 hours, discovered him. His father lives at Hantapu.

Tretheway gives no reason for his sudden disappearance.

HOUSE BURNED DOWN.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Invekcargilt,, this day. A COTTACJE at North Invercargill, owned and occupied by Mr J. Holland, was de stroyed by fire. The house and furniture were insured for £250 in the New Zealand Office.

SUICIDE AT PARNELL.

A MARRIED WOMAN HANGS HERSELF.

A very distressing suicide occivrred at Parnell this morning, and caused quite a sensation in the district. The suicide was a married woman named Mrs Osborne, wife of Mr Osborne, a resident of Fox-street, situated a short distance above Parnell Rise. Mrs Osborne, a woman about 40 years of age, and mother of five children, the eldest of which is eighteen and the youngest five years of age. The facts of the unfortunate occur rence are best told in Mr Osborne's own words. He states that he is in the habit oi leaving the house every morning for the purpose of looking at the papers, &c, and this morning he went from home rather later than usual, about 11.30. a.m. The children were at school and ho left his wife in the house alone. She appeared to be in her usual health, which how evei,. - was not good, and caused her to complain frequently of pains, in her head. He returned home ab 12.30, and to his horror found his wife hanging by the neck in the scullery. Hβ immediately called in a neighbour named Mrs Hunter, who appears to have acted in a very prompt and praiseworthy manner. Mrs Hunter states that she found the deceased hanging to the roof of the scullery, with a rope round her neck, and a chair close by from which she had ap parently jumped in order to commit the terrible deed. She got a knife without delay and cut the rope. The deceased was then gasping heavily, and after sending a message for a doctor, she obtained some water, and bathed Mrs Osborne's face. She, however, gave no signs of re-, covery, and the arrival of a doc tor \ras anxiously waited for. Dr. Erson was shortly in attendance and found the deceased lying in the front room, where she had been carried. She was quite dead,, life having been extinct for about an hour. The doctor had not attended the deceased previously, but was informed that she had been suffering from great de pression of spirits. It appeared from the surrounding circumstances that the de ceased had gone into the scullery to take some vegetables out of a rope which depended from the roof, that she had got on a chair, and had put her own head into the noose, jumped off the chair and strangled herself. Mr Osborne is unable to give any reason for his wife's committal of the rash act.

RAIN AND FLOODS.

DAMAGE AT WELLINGTON AND

WAIRARAPA

RAILWAY TRAFFIC STOPPED,

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Feilding, Tuesday. It has been raining heavily here since ' Sunday. The rivers are flooded, and the lower part of the town is submerged. ■ Railway traffic has been stopped, aU;' hj; the bridges over the Makino stream . being washed away or damaged, ex-, ccpt the Manchester-street bridge. The r railway station yards are under water. • , Some of the residents in King-street had to - be carried out of their houses to places on . , higher ground. The actual damage to", . private property is small, but the borough will suffer heavily in having, to build new bridges and make good . the damaged roads. Snow melting on the . ranges was the cause of the flood. . .. ,■, .<

Wellington, Tuesday. r ■■'■'" A steady rain set in on Sunday afternoon, ; and continued without intermission until; ~ noon to-day, when it cleared up, but the ' weather still remains threatening. The . rainfall during the 38 hours was 3£ inches. In the city no damage is reported. The; Hutt River rose rapidly, and the whole of the land adjacent to the bank was ' - submerged, and probably a large area of pasture land will be ruined. A slip oc- : curred on the Wellington-Masterton rail- ' way line, which delayed communication for a few hours. Heavy rain was also ex perienced in the Wairarapa district, but no damage is reported. At Palmerston North '■ a 48 hours' steady rain has fallen, and, r the rivers and creeks are in flood. : ; The Manawatu River is very high, and a j good deal of the town is underwater. At Woodville, continuous heavy rains have fallen for 38 hours. The Manawatu ' and its tributaries are overflowing their banks, flooding the adjoining land fora; considerable extent. Heavy slips are re- ./ ported in the go/ge on the Wooclville-Mas- ' terton road, stopping coach traffic. The water is washing across the railway at, Maitairoi, causing a subsidence of the line.

A telegram from Marton states that rait way traffic on the Wanganui-Palmerston. line has been completely stopped, the bridge over the Makino having collapsed, and the approaches to the Cylinder Bridge near Karariki having been washed away. The rain started in the North on Thursday and gradually worked down the East Coast, and arrived in Wellington on Sunday after noon, stopping at Kaikora.

FIRE IN CANTERBURY.

(BY TELEGBAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchttrch, this day. The house of J. Barnett, Lebon's Bay, has been burned down. It was insured in the Northern Company for £300, and the furni ture in the Victoria Office for £90. The fu - e is supposed to have been caused by a spark from the kitchen fire.

A man named William Charles Ryland :! wasarrested on a chargeof drunkennessthis morning and was brought into the room adjoining the Police Court. He was seized - with several fits in rapid succession,and Dr. .;.

Tennent having examined him ordered his removal to the Hospital. The charge against the prisoner was remanded for eight days. ■ ;

Francis Wilson, a stowaway on the Zea landia, was again brought before the Police Court this morning. His Worship decided that although the Zealandia was a foreign ship he had jurisdiction in the case under other than the Merchant Shipping and Seamen's Act. Accused was fined 20s and costs, with an alternative of 7 days' imprisonment, and it was held still liable for the fare due.

Every member of No. 2. battalion is ex pected to attend a daylight inspection parade on Saturday next at 3 p.m.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night. ; Abbott's Opera House—"Rory O'More," 8. City Hall—Presentation of Prizes to Volun teers, 8. Temperance Hall — Operative Bootmakers' Union, 8. Choral Hall—Fancy Dress Skating Rink, 7.3).

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

October 13.—Messrs G. Fraser and F. N. George

Auction Sales To-morrow.

B. Tonks and Co.-Ales, Wines, Spirits, etc., 12 -' n Arthur and Buddie at Mart and Fox-street. Pamell— Household Furniture and Effects; 11' i; : S. Cochrane & Son-Household Furniture, &<S,yv-?t>

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1887,

5



For Stylish Bonnets, Pretty Summer Hats, Choice Feathers and Flowers, Mc- Mastor, Shatters and Company excel—2o4 and 206, Queen-street.— (Advt.)



A petition to the house of Representatives praying for the extension of the franchise to seamen and the prohibition of coloured labour upon coasting vessels, was lying in Mr John Leydon's auction mort to-day, and was being extensively signed. It was drafted at the instance of the Seamen's Union,