- . Sibbin mado desperate attempts y fnver the boundary. At one timo tho just stopped by the umpired *r"fi And then again ho got out at the iai ™£ From tho throw-in tho ball "rtiued to Somerfiold, who just fell the v? 8 gide of tho lino. The Gordons by a *T gtrob *lie away from the dreade<i r dL. Moldrum by an excollent run ""vSrtothe North Sbore 25 flag. The t tl Shore once more by a concerted rush I determined- play> forced their- an ists back to their own boundary Sibbin cleverly passed back to vt- Wtnvard. The latter, quick as thought, '" itad atgoal, and tho oval sailed over the ■*iibw wd well betwoen tlie P° sfcs. auu'd tf 08 enthusiastic cheei-8 of the spectators. Sf kick; out was followed up by dash from tno Gordons, in which ; I land and McCausland appeared to ad • ■ t^e The latter was thrown by Mays 1 1"?fix-'Wthe North Shore coal line.. SL play merged back to neutral ground, hen W'owo made a good run, but was -TlTrown out of play by Mays. Crowe ••winced the ball in, arid he and Burton, by ■ f ibbling> carried it over the line and the. ffmar. touched down. Considerable dis =Sion took place about the fairness of the '^ M Crowe had not bounced the ball ■Sere it went out, but the Gordon umpire ;L 8 it as correct. Crowe, however, too 'kstily placed tho ball for McCaus- S and tho ball on rising struck Shim after going a couple.of yards. JL afterwards Marshall got over tho Son goal line, and touched down be- Sen the posts, but tho try was disallowed. : nj| occurred a few minutes before time L called. Tho game, therefore, ro y in a victory ?or North Shore by tytß to 2. "Tho two captains, Poland M. Wynyard^ both, played most ener-.. dfflV aiid ' unselfishly, while Murphy, phall, Patterson,' Snow, and Mays Ai^a especially well for the North Shore, wfthsßros. Meldrum, Reed, and CroWe fitheGordons. ; • - v. AtrcKLAKD.—Grafton, at pre «ni the holder of the R.U. Cup, and "cock ufths walk," gained another leaf to its peiith of laurela in this match,'scoring 23. toiilts to nil. Leckie won the toss, and jjckod off. [against the wind. Madigan icored first for the Grafton boys by a run from the 25, which resulted in a goal by a feodkickfrbmLeckie. Gardnerthengotan- other touch down, but at so great an angle ' Hat Leckie failed to get a goal. Another goal tfii scored" by T. Brown, the result of a jplendid run by Spencer. Gibbons, for Auckland, then nearly got a touch down, Imt was collared by Gardner. Anew man i from.Dunedin, named Twiname, now got inother touch down for Grafton; but Brown, to whom the'kick was entrusted", 'misled his' mark. The following men- Hayed best for Auckland :—Henderson, I Carter, Clayton and Gibbons; and- Madi pm, Twiname, Leckie, Brown, Kissling for j firafton. '.". . , ■ i -WAirajrATA t. Albert.—ln this match I Firth kicked off for. Albert, when after • some work, tho Albert boys madeWaite- Bate force- down. Some time after Prit: chardi whd had tho ball cleverly passed to him at a'distance, touched down behind the posts.. The kick from the goal, however, Inked. McKeown made the next evenfc of th» day, running cleverly to Waitemata's line, ana. there passing the ball to Ridings, "rfo scored. The goal, however, was v miaed by Hohson, it being a difficult angle. Pritchard again touched clown, but Graham for the second time missed scoring a goal, lie game finished four points to two.

i Jnnior Matches- Wwyn defeated University by 13 points toniL ■ ' '"

Auckland Association Club v. Ware ionswnan resulted in favour of the former points to 1. North Shore 11. v. Gordon 11. resulted la "winfor the former by 5 points to nil. i Bl\js y, CiARENCE. —The latter won by ' Horn Bay Y.'&LBAXY.*—-The former- won fcyiO points and 2 disputed tries to nil. ■ Waiteraata Second scored 5 points against nono in their match with United.

Auckland Second played a hard game with- Grafton Second, and a draw was the result. The'former had the best of the gamoj and got a touch-in goal and a dis puted try. ; ... ,'. r i ■-. .•In the--Jervois—White Roße match the former won by 5 points to nil, after a well contested jame.. Native. Rose beat Arawa by 2 tries (gained by Wilson and Carlaw,) to nil. •The White Rose Second v. Union game was won by tho former by 13 points to nil. Blewden, Moore, Jones, and Weston were Mscortii .-"•:'[■

s;RB3fTrmrY.'"WAiTEirATA lII.—In this match the former beat their opponents by !5 points. Gould, Moresby, and Buckland W«^B the chief .scorers for Remuera. Of ftfWaitemata boys only 12 turned up to flay.. . ■. . ■ - : Vigtoma y. Waterley. —The former club Mft* tha litter after a good game by 23 points. , ■ •• . ; ■

Oehxt v. Blue Stab F.C.— This match •iwulted in favour of Orient by 2 points to 'Sauted try. :r 'For Orient, Speight,l>rum, ■ Ms«miek, and Edenborough played a-fast !gaae- For Blue Star, Creston, Ferguson, .aad McKinlay played well.

PROPOSED EXPEDITION TO NEW GUINEA.

iHsKorsY,- the-young Aucklander who wiis »memberof tho. '"'Age'1 exploring expedition *!.Neir,Guinea, and who has since spent

I, years in cruising about the Dark

™id, is' ambitious of leading the first a P«lifciori acrosß tha island. ' From his hdwledgoof ;the country, and the na- ia~ confident ..that, the 'cost A^nch 'an Expedition-would not bo !M %m. '£2,000, and so certain is he of •.Wsa" tHat .ho ispi-epared to jjut down, frwi of the amount named himself; and ; ».ter.intp a bond to forfeit another ."ffleexpeditionfailin the attainment of' "'-Purpose, His proposal is that all disco -7* of value aiid the monetaiy jn-oceeds ptheJiicrarylpart of the venture shall shared between himself ..and This offer is a very'liberal gjan?y there is any adventurous1 Auck ger,.who has cast longing eyes towards I'fiwsraiid- who wishes to win for g, Zealand the honbur of sending the across the island; he should |Wunicate-with Mr Bloomfield, solicitor, gP^glijyhqm Mr Kerry is willing to enter' J:,! 19? 0wation8*-with the object of giving Reflect to his proposal.

j^? foneral of the late Mr Peter Devally 06^ yesterday, and was largfjly kil, :*P& 'remains were first taken'to ap^ 8 Catholic Church, Parnell, where Wrfewir *;t^o 'Sen'ice'was read, and the '<forn n Proceeded' to the Symoiids ilfe^etery, wliere the body of the si^M interred alongside that of his •Ife!*??^ remind ■ our - ■readers of the1 to-be T > of Sherwood Forest which i Wilted to-night in St. James1 Hall , W'/■ r""hM'nioiiic Society. It will also WSm^ eri 4 that ' the secretary ■ *ffl last * Monday' evening • that ■fei c 5« s l ;would .I be available for klsr? JJ Ye would- suggest that all ticket ■%itV 'lur- Qa*ty> a> there is every pro "Tli • re a crowded house. vM&^ fc and dance ih the Foresters' Mi W-3W connection with St. Bene- N)iS m> Doctrine Society,' should J«cffif'- y eWyaWe/ ■ In. the course- of )l ( Irish jigs will be danced.

Second Edition.

LATE CABLES.

(SPECIAL.)

LONDON MONEY MARKET. London, May 15.—There have been large investment purchases of colonial securities. Consols are at 103£, the highest record. THE OPENING OP THE PEOPLE'S PALACE. The interior of tho People's Palace presented a most imposing and brilliant spectacle. Madame" Albian sang "Home, Sweet Home." The Queen eulogised their generous efforts to meet, the needs and add to the pleasures of the busy workers of tho metropolis. Mr Walter Besant, who foreshadowed ■ such a scheme in his novel, " All Sorts and Conditions of Men," specially presented a founda tion atone- for tho school of Technical Handicraft in connection with the palace. .The stone was laid by the Queen. The populace behaved remark ably well.

COBDEN CLUB.

The annual dinner of tho Cobden Club was held last evening. Lord Morley presided. Sir, Saul Samuel, Sjr Graham Berry, Sir 8,. "Wisdom, Sir J. Garrick, aud Mr Dodds were present. Lord - Morley ridiculed Sir S. Griffiths's preferential duties scheme, and also expressed the opinion that the establishment of a zollverein of the empire at an pearly date was not within the bounds of practical politics, and incapable of realisation. Sir S. Saniuel advocated free trade between the colonies, and emphasised the verdict of the recent elections in New South Wales in its favour.

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

In- the House' of Commons, Sir H- Holland admitted . that the New Hebrides discussion; would bo omitted from-the report of the Conference.

ANGLO-COLONIAL TRADE.

The " Daily^Chronicle " advocates the extension of trade between Britain and the colonies, as open ing 'up 'a good ■ field""" for merchants,and urj^es the representation of British. manufacture's at the Mel bourne Exhibition.

WRECK OF THE DARLING BOWS.

• The ship Darling.Downs sank in five fathoms of .water. .She will probably be buried in the sands. .Efforts aro being, made to save her.

A "CORNER "IN WHEAT.

'The.existence of an enormous./wheat "corner" in Chicago is reported. It controls the chief Americau centres, and owns; one-half of the wheat shipped at Liverpool. -

THE PONSONBY TROUBLES.

(BY TELEGEAPII. —SPUCIAL'REI'ORTER.)

... ,; • • "WEliiXGfToy, this day. Lieutenant Maktelm had an interview with the Ministerior to the charges which the,. officers of the Ponsonby. Eifies . .have ; preferred against .Lieutenant - Colonel ■ 'Mahon. m\-' Balldnce promised a fair, enquiry into/these. The Defence Minister has received a number of telegrams during the last' few' days from. Captain McDonald claiming the same concession in regard' to a board of inquiry as was granted to Lieut- Colonel Mahon. He- says ■• his- principal witness has loft the district) and he has no power to compel his attendance. ;

It is stated that a further inquiry is to be made into the ■ Ponsonby Rifles troiible," as 'a'rion-commissioned office/ will to-nurht be pj&ced .Qn.trial on a charge Of in subordination. - Another phrase of the squa blo will be fought out ;n tho law Court, as Mr ' Jackson' Palmer, -late lieutenant of i tho .. corps, has. taken proceedings for - criminal- - libel -against a private in tho Company. The alleged libel is said to be contained in a letter addressed to bir! G. S, Whitmore. • - , ,-.„. ,: ' ■

FATAL-ACCIDENT.

(BY TELEQRArn.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

•. " " ■'* Dunedin, this day. Join* Madder, son of Dr. Madden, Mel bourne, was killed by a fall of /earth in his claim near Waipori. 7."\ j '~. ~• ' - ' ; '; CHEiSTCiiURCHi this day. At the R.iM/- Coui-fc on . Saturday, Johu Grey [Taivoa, . .was_ accused ot name- of HV X.. .TMroa to a • promissory • note; 'for Ll9. ; He_ was dis diareed, as it jippewe that he .hod .reason to think he had authority to sign his father s name.,,:,.. *- %»,„,..■„...»..-«...--•-'■ - .*->'—»•-

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

At the Official Assignee's Office to-day,a meeting of creditors was hold in the bankrupt estate of W. W. Gossett. Tliere wpre presents y.tho debtor and his solicitor, and .three-creditors -It .was stated that, the debtor. was in regular work-find in receipt of 54s per week, out ot which be had only, to keep a wife and three children, and'pay ~also 75,, which left. 4/s for the support of. the house. After some discussion it was resolved, on the rftotion of Mr Mahony, seconded by Mr Kemp, "That the creditors are dissatisfied with Mr Gossebt's conduct in incurring debt when lie took no steps toprovide for the payment of the;sarae, and they, desire. that the Official Assignee shall.bring.such con duct before the Court at ■ the proper time, so that the bankrupt's discharge may be withheld.? '. .. -•■:: -■•■■ ;■

A telegram from Du'ncdin states that Mr John Syaors, late Inspector of the.Brink of Australasia in this colony/ !ms been ap pointed 'to succeed Mr l'ai'ke?, who 'was killed in the reccut railway,accident in \ ie-

A CHILD BURNED TO DEATH.

[BY TEtBGEATH.—PUEBS ASSOCIAtfIoS-.]

Inveucakgill, tlrie day Maky Ramsay Stanton, four years old, living at Menzio'a Ferry, Wyndham, was fatally burned on Saturday.

Her mother went out to milk tho cows, leaving the chjld in tho kitchen. On ro turning she found tho girl'g clothing ablaae, and beforo the ilamoa were extinguished tho child was bo severely burned thub sho died five hours afterwards.

LATEST PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAM!. — OWX RE?QRTER.)

' Wellington, this aftornfoon.

Want of "Coniiucacc Motion.

The inevitable la near at hand. At a meeting of tho leaders of tho Opposition party, jußt ovor, tho desirability was dis cussod of moving that the financial proposals of the Government are unsatisfactory. Tlris of course would he a direct Lssuo, but beforo any motion is given notico of, tho whole of the Opposition party will be called together and consulted. Probably a warm Ministerial supporter, who is a, staunch Freetrader, will bo asked to take tho initiative in mov ing in the matter. In tho moan time the action just decided on is being kept a pro? found secret. ': The lioprefictstafiou Question. Tho Representation Bill in still in the samo position, but Major Atkinson, who returned from Nelson yesterday, is to meet tho premier to-day, and sco if a compromise can possibly be arrived at. The Government will not proposo an ad journment next week to enable members to attend tho unveiling of the Burns Statue at Dunodin. but will not oppose it should a majority of tlid House favour it. Messrs John McKenzio and Fergus are canvassing members in favour of an ad journment from the rising on Thursday next till 7.30 on tho following Thursday. Air Cadman saw the Minister of Mines relative to tho damage by floods at.Thames, but there does not appear to be much pros pect of monetary assistance from Govern ment.

i The last of the sheep scab has been stamped out. The Colonial Secretary has received a telegram stating that Hope iield District in Marlboro' is now clean, so that every flock owner in the colony has a clean certificate.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

On our eighth pago wo give somo particu lars of tho mysterious disappearance of Miss Louisa Annie Clinkard from her sister's rcsi dence,Onehunga. A Stae reporter who wont out to make further inquiry into tho matter, telephones' tho following details from Onehu'nga this afternoon :—

On Thvwsday tho girl seemed to mani fest her habitual cheerfulness, and nothing occurred to excite suspicion until tea-tiruo. Mrs Glonny then noticed that slio was in a very abstracted mood, looking much do prossed and gazing vacantly about her, and knowing her unwillingness to go homo, hud taken quiet precautions to provont her es cape. Tho front door was locked. Her niothor and married sister were setting tho tea-tables at tho back at 20 minutes to G. the girl left tho tablo and went into tho front part of. tho houso without exciting any particular notice. Mrs Glenny how ever rcmai'koi.l to her niothor that some thing must bo wrong with tho girl as she had been looking-strangely. Im mediately after she wont into the front part of " tho house also tp enquire of the girl if anything Was tho matter. She could not find hor, and as the front door -was still locked it appeared plain that tho girl had made her exit by tho window. Mr Glenny was at onco commuifld|tccl with, and the search was irorlropiately instituted. Tho immo diato vicinity of, the house was searched as also -the wharf and landing-place, but all to no purpose. It appeared that one of the Tramway Company buses had left at a quarter to six, and passed Mr Glenny'b house at ten minutes to six, and it was though probable that the girl had managed to catch. It was about 10 minutes past 6 before Mr Glenny re ceived news of her flight, and after the first hurried search had proved unsuccessful, a message was sent to Constablo Howlebt, who waa on duty in' Queen-street at the time. Ho assisted in the search.but nothing came of it. Tho girl could not have gone to town by the 7 o'clock train as Mr Glonny went, by it. About this time tho friends were filled with the darkest .forebodings by the discovery of a note left by Miss Clinkard. Tho note was written on exercise paper and left by Miss Gliiikard on tho table in the sister's house. It was brief and to tho effect that as sho could not • face the shamo which was awaiting her at Kaukapakapa, she had gone where she was sure of finding rest. When the 'bus which left at 5.45 returned to One hunga, tho driver in answer to questions stated that two young ladies had got into it in Queen-street about quarter'of a mile boyond Glenny's. They were not together, one. of the girls had heon identified, 'but the other may prove be the girl for whom search is being made. Tho mud ila't and the banks of the river have been searched, but without avail. There was low tide at the time, and if thegirl had thrown her self from tho bridge, the strong current which always runs in, the Manukau may have swept the body miles away. Tho probabilities arc equal that sho may have gono to town, and for tho purpose of identifying her wo giv.e the following des cription : She was of medium height, dark complexion and slight figure, wearing a green cashmere dre3s, trimmed, with green velvet, with a black satin bodice on. She had on her head a white straw hat with blue flowers in front and cream lace.

Protest of Wine and Spirit Merchants.

4.; meeting of wino and spirit merchants, regarding the tariff, was held at Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co.'s at 2.30 yesterday afternoon. Mr A. H. Nathan presided and there were also present Messrs L. Ehren fricd, K. Kirkwood, T. Macky, J, Reid (Sharland & Co) King (King, Walker & Co.) Davis (Hancock & Co.) L, D, Nathan and Taylor (Brown, Campbell and Co,) It was unanimousiy; resolved " That this meeting considers the_ imposition of in creased duty on underproof spirits unjust to a large section of the commer cial community. That sufficient notice should] be., given before levying, such duty to enable present stocks to be dis posed of." ,It was decided to forward copies of tho resolutions to tho Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, and to Mr E. Mitchel son, M.H.R-

-The- first meeting,- as reciuived by law, of the Vaughan Gold Mining Com pany was held this morning at the office'^ of Mr D.G. MacDon-ald, whelitho minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The pi;ospects of the, new company ap peared from the report'read to bo very satisfactory and encouraging. Messrs Spratfc, J. Frater, C. Alexander, J. Deacon, and b 1 Woollauif- vvcp? pketed tlucelpcs,

A CURIOUS CASE.

At the Police Oonrt tliis morning, beforo Messrs Collins and La Roche, Goorgo Vaaey was charged with assaulting one Sarah Sadgrove. — Mr • O'Meagher ap peared for the proeecutrix and Mr Napier for the defendant.—Mr O'Meagher stated the OO3G, from which ifc appeared that tho prosocutrix had bean engaged by defondant as housekoopor, and another connection had sprung up. They lwid in faot bcon living aa man and wife The defendant waa a brickmakor residing afe Hobsonville, and on several occasions tho defondant and proseoutrbc had come to town, and, passing as man and wife, had stopped at the Albion Uotel. Thoy had been residing there when tho assault waa committed. Tho prosecutrbc hud worked for tho defendant, looking after him and his tlvo children, making bricks and tilca, and had never received any monoy from him. In fact, she had received moro kicks than half-ponce. Several attempts had been mado to sottlo tho easo by defendant, and pro.secutrix had asked for LSO to oimblo hor to join her brother at Napier. Tho defendant had offered her a paltry L 3. — Sarah Sadgrovo, a remarkably h'.uidsomo woman of ladylikeuijpcuranee, de posecl that 3J years ago sho wa.s engaged by defendant to act as housekeeper. On April ISthlast, not feeling vory woll, she camo to town to consult a doctor, and went to resido with Mrs Watson in Victoria Quad rant. Defendant paid sevoral visits to her whilo in town. On Tuesday, 10th, ho callud andtookhor;totho Bellringors.-' Aftor visiting tho performance, they went to the Albion Hotol, wliero defendant callod for drinks. Witness had a glass of stout and defondant a glass of beer. Thoy subsequently went up to a bedroom to go to bed. She com menced to disrobo, when defondant aaid, " You did not intend to moot mo, did you ?" and atruck her on tho mouth. Her mouth bled and his hand bled. She said, "Don't scold," whereupon ho caught her by her hair, struck her on the temple and kicked her on tho back. Sho screamed out, andl Mr Glecson, the land lord, came up, but did not enter the room. Defendant went on scolding and saying ho would not lot her leave him. They passed tho night in the samo room, but sho sat on a chair all night and left tho hotel before ho awoke in. tho morning. She returned to Mrs Watson, where, in consequence of her injuries, she was attended by Dr. Erson. He had assaulted hor previously at Ifob;ion ville. On ono occasion he gave her a black oyo. Whilo at Hob*onvillo she did general housework, and sometimes assisted in making bricks and tiles. Sho had four children to look after whilo at defendant's. On ono occasion ho said he would not lot her livo with anyone olso; that ho would kill her rather.—By Air Napier: I am a married woman, and my husband resides in Auckland. Tho assault took place between 10 and 11. It is nine yonr» sinco I left my husband. I was not living with a map in Christohuroh boforo I wont to livo with tho defendant.—When engaged by defendant as housekeeper no wagon wcro mentioned.—When I came to town I was brought down by the defen dant, but I told him I would not return to livo with him, that I would tako a situa tion. When wo parted on that occasion it was on friondly tornis. Mr Napier : Now wore you out with defon dant on tho- Monday night proceding tho assault?—At this defondant burst into tears, and it was for some minutes boforo sho was sullieiently composed to ausworthp question. At last sho admitted that sho had been out with defendant on the previous evening. Cross-examination continued : It i.s not true that I was intoxicated when defendant camo to take mo to tho Bollringors. I had nothing on that day oxcopfc the glnss of stout. When defendant asked mo why I did not moot him I did not toll him to go to the devil, uor did I strike him on the face or bite his hand. I did not fall on tho lloor. I was not completely un dressed ; I meroly had my skirt off. De fendant tried to persuade me to forgive him, but I made no answer. Defendant wont to sleep after tho assault, and when lie had gono to sleep I lay down on the bed bo side him. When I saw Mr Gleeson I did nut ask his protection. I did not speak to Mr Gleeson, becauso my mouth was swollen. When defeiident kicked me ho had his boots otf'.-Mr Napiur : Now,' did not the defendant merely use his foot as a lever to lift you on tho bed. — Wife uess : No. Mr, Napier : Now, did you into ■ the defendant ? -Witness : No. - Mr Napior : Did you kiss his hand, and inflict a wound whilo doing so ?—Witness : No. —Examination continued : I; have never been helplessly drunk whilo in defendant's employ. I did not ofl'er to withdraw tho caso for £50. Defendant's brother camo and wanted to settle the' case, but I said I could not leave Auckland with out money. Mr Vazey introduced mo to overybody as his wife. I am not in the habit of assaulting people; I did not assault Mrs Smith with a cliair. I ottered to withdraw the caso for £30 and subsequently for-£2O. Defendant offered mo £15 this morning but I refused. By Mr O'Meagher : I offeree! to accept a promissory note from defendant if Mr Gleeson would endorse it. Mr Gleeson refused. — Patrick Gleeson, licensee of the Albion Hotol, deposed to defendant and proseeutrix coining to his houso on several occasions. Defendant introduced the woman to him as his wife, and ho wished to state that if he' had known that they wcro- not married ho would have removed them in the middle of the night. On the night in question he hoard them squabbling, heard the rasping about of feet, and heard defendant asking prosooutrix to go to bed. Ho also heard the prosecutrix scream. Both the parties were sober. —By Mr Napier : Prosecutrix looked as if sho had had somo liquor.—By the Bench : —The prosocutrrx was not at all excited.— Mr O'Meagher said that Dr. Erson had been aubpeenod, but was not in attendance. Ho had no . doubt that tho doctor was ongaged in . some important profes sional business which detained him. He applied for an adjournment until 2 •o'clock. Mr Napier submitted thafc tho case should be proceeded with. The application of his friends was most unwarrantable and- unheard of.—He had subpeoned Dr. Walker, and was in attendance, though lie had»quite as many patients as Dr. Erson. —Dr. Walker, who was in Court, stated that ho could not attend at 2 o'clock. Ultimately. it was agreed that if Dr. Erson should arrive before Mr Napier Had closed tho case for tho defence, his evidence should bo- taken. Mr Napier then opened tho case for the defence, in the course of which he said that the defendant had engaged the defendant as his, concubine, and they had lived together happily for two years, until sho commenced to drink inordi nately. Instead of dofondanfc being tho aggressor, the boot was on the other leg. Prosecutrix had bitten him on the hand causing incipient erysipelas and great inflammation.-George 1. vazcy, tho defendant, was called, and deposed that on the day preceding tho assault prosecu trix made an appointment to meet him at ■the corner of Shortland-strccton the follow ing ovoning, bub she did not keep her ap pointment, and ho went to fetch her from Mrs Watson's. On tho Tuesday evening they had several drinks. When they went to the Albion Hotel, thoy had another (drink and she went up to bed. Ho followed her in half an hour, and found hor in bod, half aslopp and half awake. Ho quietly askod her why she had not kopfchw appointment, when sho said "Go to tbp devil and find out!" She then struck him :on the face and bit his finger, whereupon lie pujlcd her pub of bed. and !ittiwk.<s N'

on the mouth with' his open hand. He had stated lie wat willing to pay Mr O'Meaghcr'e oipenoee, and pay her paa sago monoy to Napier.—Defendant was croBS-examined at oonsidorablo length by Mr Napier. lie admitted that in previous rows ho might havo given the prosecutrix a " tap after sho bod thrown a cup or two at liis head. Tho wound on his liand was not caused by pro socutrix biting him. Tho wound on defen dant's hand waa' examined by the Court, whoreupon Mr O'Meaghor aoked if it waa a bite whore was the corresponding mark on tho other Bide of the finger. —Mr Napior : Perhaps she hna no toeth on her lower jaw.—Mr O'Meogher,: I will give my friend lenvo to try. (Laughter).— Mr O'Moaghor (after consultation with his clerk): It is just as I thought. Dr. Erson haa telephoned that he is en gaged with a bad accident and caimo? possibly attend.—Mr Napier : That is not ovidonco. —It is merely a statement made to Mr O'Meagher by some lad. Mr O'Meagher : My informant is my clerk and ho is quito as manly looking as my learned friend. — Mr O'Meagher then re newed hia application for an adjourn ment. — Mr Napier objected strongly Tho Bench decided to grant an ndjourn mout until to-morrow, proaeoutrix paying the coata. It wen, however, decided to take Dr. Walker's evidence.—Dr. Walker deposed to examining defendant's hand, which wua very much Gwellcd; also the arm.—The Bench then adjourned tho Court until to-morrow, and had just risen when Dr. Ereon appeared, and the Court re sumed.—Dr. Erson deposed that he had at. tended the proeecutrix. He examined her body, and found an abrasion of tho upper lip. Thero were some Blight marks over both templea, bruises on the elbow, shin, Ktomach and hip. She was in a state of groat nervous excitement. — Tho Bench found that a slight .assault had been committed, and fined the defendant 10b and costu. They did not think the prosccutrix was afraid of defendant, and would not order him to iiud sureties.

POLICE COURT.

THIS BAY.

(Before Messrs S. Y. Collins and C. La

Roche, Justices.) Dkunickxmcss. — I'atrick McGuiro, Janet White, Oss aud costs ; Maria Ly.saght (third oll'oncc), Lsand costs, or fourteen days' im priaonmout; Muria McGuinncss (second oll'uncc), 10s and costs ; Robert Beverage, 10s and costs ; W. 0. Ityland (who had been remanded for medical tveatmont), Cs and costs, and ordered to pay maintenance money. Mary Curtain (second oflbnco), 10s and costs.

Bueakino Windows. — Margaret Lock was charged with having been drunk, and also with having wilfully and maliciously broken Lhruo panes of glass, of the value of (is, Uio property of i'etor Jacob.— Defendant pleaded guilty.— Fined 20s and costs, and ordered to pay Gs (lamagcu. Assault.— Walter B'eggwas charged with unlawfully assaulting one Micluiel Corcoran on 15th inst. —Defendant pleaded guilty.— Sergeant lYutt stated that yesterday fcho prisoner and another man came to prosecu tor's hotel and demanded liquor. Mr Cor coran, seeing the men wercinadrunkon state rofusod, whereupon the accused rushed at prosecutor and butted him on the faco with his head.—Fined 20s and costs, or 14 days' imprisonmont with hard labour. Vaohaxcy. — JaiueH Ingham vac chwgcd with boiny found witliout lawful excuse In a dwelling house, tho property of Mr Kniglit, at Newton, on May 15th.—De fendant, against whom a great many pre vious convictions were recorded, dating bade as far as 1859, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one- month's imprisonmont with hard labour.

AU.ECIEB Lakceny.—William Rykcre was charged with the larceny of two canaries and cage; tho value of 15s, tho prb'perty of Arthur and Buddie, auctionecra, on May Gth.—Accused pleaded not guilty.—Ser geant Pratt applied for a remand until to morrow, as accused had only boon arrested this morning.— Accused «uid ho had bought the birds.—■Kemandod until to-morrow..

Malicious Injury.—Samuel Given was dunged with maliciously damaging a gate, tho property of Richard Laishloy.— Defen dant did nob appear, bub a letter from him to Mr SupVrintondeiit Thomson was pub ia evidence, admitting the oli'eiieo. Defendant stated that ho was working at the gumficlds, and was nob in a position to pay the amount. Sergeant Pratt said that the defendant had been in charge of a trap, and while drunk frightened the horse, which broke l>r. Laiahley's gate. The defendant promised to pay the damage, but cleared ovib of Auck land without doing so, and had given tho police Bonio trouble to find him. - Robert Buchanan, a boy in the employ of Dr. Laishley, and Constable Hobson gave evi dence, and defendant was lined 20s and costs, and ordered to pay the damage. The same defendant wan charged with per mitting a horse to wander at largo iv Wcl lcsley-etrtet.—Constable Hinton proved the oli'ence. — Fined 5s and costs. ; (Before H. G. Soth Smith, Esq., R.M.) Alleged Perjury. —A. Campbell was charged with committing perjury in con nection with the Lake House case, and was committed for trial, bail being allowed.

RADICAL REFORM LEAGUE.

Ketrciiclmicat :ui«l Representa tion Questions.

On Saturday eveningl a special meeting of the Committee'of this Society was held at the Excelsior Hall, Newton—Mr Duncan, J.P., in the chair—when tlio following re solutions were carried, and ordered to bo forwarded to the membors of the Cabinet and Sir George Grey :~ 1. That the proposal of the Colonial Treasurer to reduce all official salaries ex ceeding LI 50 per annum, in consequence of the lato chango in the sUui'dafd of value, is a perfectly just and necessary e^ep; but since his professional ground for doing so is thab "the same nominal sum gives, per haps, 20 to 25 per cent, more purchasing power than formerly," we consider the suggested reductions altogether inade quate. . ; : 2. That wo regret, that whilo speaking of the appreciation of gold iv bis Finan cial Statement,' the Colonial Treasurer neglcctod to inform us how much our foreign liabilities public and private havo been thereby augmented since 1875, and what its future effect upon those burdens will bo should the change in the standard of value prove continuous and progres sive. <'■■■. ;3. That wo sincerely trust that'our repre-, Bontatives will heartily support those mem bers who are now trying to curtail the ex travagant salaries paid to the Governor and Ministry, and the. honorarium received by members of the Legislative Council. 4, That since wo regard representation in proportion to population as the only jusfc and equitable foundation of government, wo heartily approve of the action of the Prcmior in resisting the monstrous attempt now being • made- to cxpungo that great principle from his Representation Bill.

A pow patent piodicino lias found its : way; to Q\U' $iiwQ|»'-Pr; Honley's extract of CuloTT, boy?, andiron—proved by the lead ii'lf vliyelwina of Kuropo and Ainerlca to bo luifcvjtlvo and invl^pwting, whilo tlio iron h ft tonio fyv tl>6 blood and food for tho bmin, ' SJmrJond and Co.' nro wHolcaalo npntPi The osCvivob pjj boJmd fvow.all

NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

'^nßtial ■'M<a<btih&

The annual meeting of the above Ooffij&fiy. was held afe 11 o'clock this morning, Mr D. B. Cruickahank (Chairman of Directors) presiding. Sixteen shareholders were present Tho following report) and balance - shoot were submitted:— " The directors have tho pleaeuro to submit; their report fcr the year ending 31at March last. The net profit for tho twelve months, utter making" provision for all known bad and doubtful debts, amounts to L 4,522 Is 2d. Tho following upproprifttion of which is recommended ; — Amount written to credit of depreciation and. insurance ac counts L 2,000; amount written off debit balance brought forward from last year, L2,52'2 Is 2d. Total, L 4,522 la 2d. The balance at debit of Profit and Loss New Account is now reduced to L 2,165 13s Bd. Considering the very depressed state of trade generally, and the almost complete collapse of the timber industry (one of tho mainstays of the Company's revenue-), the directors consider the foregoing results quite as favourable as could navo been ex pected. With even a moderate revival dur ing the ensuing year, and ordinary freedom from accident, they are encouraged to hope that when they meet the shareholders next May the balanco will bo on the right aide of Profit and ' Loss Account. 3JW the last four years your directors have given their services in : tho conduct of the Company's affairs without receiving any remuneration. They would: respectfully recommend that for the past year a sun^ of Ll5O bo voted to them by tho Shareholders. The directors retiring by rotation are;Mesi?rs (,'ruickshank,Fraser,and Maefarlane, who are eligible and offer themselves for re-election. Mr J. Milne, auditor, retires, andi« eligiblcforre-olection. balance - sheet for tho year ending 31st March, 1837: Liabilities.—To capital, L 150,000, in Ll shares, colonial share.-", 10-4,28'J, at 12s (3d, LG5,180 12s (id ; British shares, 12,400, at 20s, L 12,495 : L 77,075 p 12s Gd, less unpaid calls, LM4 10s : L77,5:il 2s Cd; insurance fund, L 7,751 19s Id ; account* owing to the Company, L 21.004 13b lOd; total: L10(5,347 15s sd; Assets. —By utock, as per schedule, Li07)249 10s 4d ; less amount at credit of depreciation account, L!), 000; shares heJd in trust by Company, L 305 l(Js Cd ; stock of stores for ships' use, L 370 12s Gd; ac counts owing to Company, L5.0G8 19s Id; billa receivable, Ll3 ; cash in hand, LBl 18s Id ; balance of Profit and Loss Account, L2.1G5 13s 8d: Total, L10G,347 15b 5U Profit and loss account: 1880-April I.— To balanco brought forward, L4,U87 14s lOd; ISB7 — March 31.—General ex penses, interest, etc.. L 3,897 18s; depre ciation account, Ll,000; Insurance Fund, Ll,000; total, L 10,585 12s lOd. 1887—March 31.—8y gross profits, L 8.418 l'Jy 2d ; transfer fees, Ll ; balance, L2,1C5 133 Sd : Total, L 10.585 12s lOd.

The Chairman,in moving the adoption of tho rcfwrt and balance-sheet, said: — " Gentlemen, following1 tho precedent of last year, and in order that you might all have an opportunity of making yourself familiar with the Company's operations for the past twelve months, gome time prior to the annual mooting the report and balance sheet which have just been read were printed and a copy sent to each share holder five dayu ago. It now devolves on me to propose their adoption. In doing 60, I shall not detain you at any groat length, especially ac the period through wliich wo havo just passed has been a very uninteresting one, with little in it calling for particular comment. Taken as a' whole, you will observe that the net result has been more satisfactory than it was for 1885-80;' Wo have certainly not managed to extinguish the balance at debit of profit mid loaxr aooount, but it hcta been materially reduced With anything like ordinary luck, when we meet again it should bo on the right side. Fortunately (and even during the recent stormy weather) we hare enjoyed immunity from accident, which means tliut we havo had no occasion to make any further call on our Insurance Fund. The severe depression which lias prostrated every industry, and chiefly the timber trade, has, as you can readily under stand,' been keenly felt by us in dimin ished revenue. In order to meet this falling oil' of receipts it has been neces sary to exercise the strictest economy in every department. Supplies and pro visions of every kind havo been ten dered for ; repairs and alterations thrown open to public competition both here and in Wellington, &c. I wish I could say, in this direction, that wo had been able to bring about a reduc tion in seamen's wages, at least while ship ping is in such a low state, and the Company not in n position to pay dividends. The high rate still demanded, together with the additional yoke put upon us of having to pay overtime, although almost all our services are connected with tidal rivers, continues to bo a very serious 'burden. In the accounts now submitted, wo have expended, on this itom alone, no less a sum than LGOO in excess of what it would havo boon, not so long ago, when I trade was flourishing and sailors were reckoned to bo well - paid at six pounds a month. At the present time we arc in communica tion with tho head office of the Seamen's Union on the whole qucstion',in the Hope that the overtime! will at least.be done away with. Coming now to one Or two of the special features in our business up to 31st March last, yau are aware -that it was decided to lengthen the Gairloeh in order to better adapt her for the Waitara trade. This, I am pleased to inform you, has been carried out most successfully. The steamer to-day draws 16 inches less water than she did, while the additional length nas largely in creased her carrying capacity both, for cargo and stock, without lessening her speed or depreciating her as a passenger1 boat. She is pdpular with tho public, and we can do greater justice to the trade at a much less risk.. Since] the Government commenced running express trains between New Plymouth and Welling ton, our aim has been to make our time-table fit in with these, • as far as praetioablej thus giving Auckland rapid communication with the capital of the colony. • The Taiiranga trade does not promise so well as it did. The district has, to a largo extent, been under, 'a; cloud since the volcanic eruptions and destruction of tho Terraces—undoubt edly the great attraction to the tourist —and there havo been, in consequence, far fewer travellers during the past summer. Should the scheme for constructing a rail way from Tauranga to Rotorua eventuate, it would certainly be in our favour, for the journey to the Lake could ;then bo' easily and speedily accomplished by steamer over night- from Auckland to Tauranga, thence by a short railway,, transit to Rotorua. As to'tho Whangarei trade, your diree : . tors have made an effort to develop' it, by placing on this branch one of our best and fastest boats.. We have reason to believe this has given satisfaction to, the settlers The district is a thriving one, and tho prospects are fair of an inci'easo in our returns. I have only further to add that the? steamers generally have been: main tained in a thorough state of repair,, the expenses attending which—except in thp case of the lengthening the G'airloch ,-' have come.out 6f working account. Tho Glenelg, which .used to; have the: re putation of at times being somewhat 'lively' at sea, lias been greatly improved by the addition of rolling' chocks, tnoroby making her as steady aB any of the other boats. The rest of tho fleet aro all reported .by the managing director in good working order. A3 to the future, it is hardly likply tbai tho stagnation can last much longer, Shong-li it would be idlo to make any forecast. If.vrq ;9P«UI win bo.mtoui,<totfi wo we're i

ovfev tho; \yovtby i$ }},e§;4 Im'^f-}^ p!&iai^ out that any kw««s»4 wUri-ty in ceiase^ (M aii'oka vould at oaod )m wßi^ial ffa the Comt&ny'e o&min^e. . 1 ww h§<t id th'a - adopiica of iM& vspoib &U}l talAaoe'sbeeb,.. ■ . ■ ~ Mr D. . Jj, MoL»od, b fc&oon^Hns Oft motion, rogrettod tbab w* import tlmM have propoiled a rote of €iSO to tbe dbofy tora, for'ho had Intended to bwrr* romti&Q¥& tion at the rate of Ll Is each for e&dk t&p&k ing. He therefore ttoyea to ta&l> effect, ' Tho Chairman explilacd toftt on Olik boaia the vote for last yexvb centos would be ft little otot LlfiO.

Captain Anderson hoped tlio d&ootef? would Trniro their claim to remu&Bra£i<7Q Si ▼lew of, the fact that there was A &s>Vib balance 'of L 2.000 on prontand bes ftooosc^ The Chairman considered lii&t fch« dly*o tors would exhibit a pussfllanlnictis vpkip if they did not stand by their repeat. * Captain Anderaon moved lh«.t fba pro* posed vote should be excised from tJio re [ porli. ;■'.,'.■"■ i.j Mr Jamcfl Mocfarlane pointed out thao the dh'eotora had received no i-emunera'tiorjl for tlieir services during the pjuit four yaars,' Mr John Taylor aecondod Captain Ander son's amendment and endorsed; his rem&fk&' The amendment was then put tad aogs tived by 5 to 3, fully half tlioes pro&aut aob voting at all. ■ -; The report and balancß-Bheei were accord- Ingb/ adoptetl. . . ■~' . Mr D. J. McLeod BQggested a rodcoKom in the number of dirocfore'. :;

The Chairman' thought this could only W dori6 by vote of a special meeting con vened for tho purpose. s- ; On themotionotCa.pt. Anderson, secou&ect by Mr W. S. Wilson, the l-oiiring directors, Messrs Cruiekßhank,F"raseraiid Macfuiianev were ro-olectedj while, on Mr- Green's pro position, seconded by Mr Harker, Mr dohh. Milne was re-appointed auditor afe tiie #3200' remuneration.

The meeting fcheri dtngolvod.

DETERMINED SUICIDE.

WiarpcKT,- ibis dstj.

Me. W. S. ■iftrEDAFD, •Eogiati'or olßiriJw and Commission Agent, shot himself through his heart last night. .Hjo'.to» formerly Collector,of Cusbwiishci-e. '

ATTEMPTED INCENDIARISM AS FREEMAN'S BAY.

Attempt to Bsna t&c ffiour

A case of undoubted incendiii-fem, •was brought to light ou Saturday hJScedoose. So far, as can be acoertaiucd iha -isdis are as follows :—Aboub ■ 4,&> d'dktd: <aa Saturday Mr , .Frederick EniiUi, aged eighteen, son pf the jx-opriotar at Us© Freeman's Bay flour-milk, Bent xrctriL to Constable Bernard that he lad. jus* das covered a deliberate attempt to tmru (kwn his father's mill/ .The premises ytilL x»» doubt be bettor known io old. rest donts under the name of Soppott'a lEiisl They are situated in JVocmau's Bay, at the foot of Welle'sley-Btreot Wceb. near its junction with Victoria-street. Tlio buifiir ing ia thuee stories high, and Las been, working for many years, it being oao of iho first flour mills ercctedin thecifcy. SoniQtlinSe ago Mr J. R. Smith, of Mount Edon, x>m l * cliased the premises from Mr J. M. Soppett, andhas ever eence carried on tlie business; of a miller, The mill Was working as usual last Saturday, and at 1. 15 o'clock tho employees knocked off work arid. vmnV ' homo; —Mi -..Biniiih.-- "BOHloir also going to his private rcsidcn.ee> at Mount Eden. . His son, Mr P. Smith/How ever, remained behind to remove ' some flour from the mill-to' a detached store, owing to weevils having made' their appearance in the mill. vHo kept) going bet/ween the two buildings from 3.30 until about' 4.30 o'clock, ho completed his work. Ho then eni.orod tho mill for the purpose of looking ib up, when ho. .was astonished' to mid that ib was on fire on the ground floor. On making an examination 'he found a caudle box-, in" which was a paint csm filled with oil arid shavings, which were blazing fiercely.; This had been placed under some old „ machinery, and above it' was piled a, quantity of boards, which had previously lain on' the concrete lfoor, in order that the sacks of flour might not-come into contact with the concrete. . Mr Smith speedily extinguished the flame, which only required a little longer to have'sfcai-ted a lire of considerable proportion.. re fuse ■ and sacks had .also" been placed around tho candle, box, and in, order to prevent the fire from being' too quickly discovered, the nearest window had been carefully fastened \\p to present any glare from being seen from the outside. Mr Smith promptly despatched a man named Frederick G allot for Constable Bernard and Detective Poolari was also in attendance ten minutes after fire was discovered, and these two officers made a' thorough examination of the pre mises. It will be seen from this tnat the slur sought to be' cast upon ■ the Detective force by our morning contemporary,: id stating that .'• tho" Detective, force-,-seeuis to be asleep," was as unmerited as.it is via true! It should be \ remembered that the eDtectives are supposed liko charitable persons, to do good, oy stealth, not letting their right hand; know what the left hand doeth.

So far the originators of the fire haves not been discovered, but their sleep will not be any the sweeter when they remem ber .that "the veteran " Tim Doolan" was engaged examining handwork which was never intended to have been seen. At present Mr Smith can give no reason for such' a dastardly. ■ attempt being s made - upon his property.:.' When it isremembered that .young Mr Smith- was working so close 'at hand, "it will be seen that any person not thoroughly acquainted with the internal arrangements of tl\e" mill ran a great risk, of,-being discovered in try ing to raise afire at that hour ofslo day. It is to be sincerely hoped that Detective" Doolan will be enabled" to sheet home'the; charge to the miscreant, and thus. rid the: city -for, some years of yet another scoun dl'Ol. ;, ..;, .. '~i ' ."" •" ']'"<', '■■"*

Mv J. Wayrnouth,.jr., has completed a Jiandsonio diagonal built pleasure Boat, 21fb x sft x 2ft, for Mr ;J. Bycroftj of! Waikato. '•

COMING EVENTS.

; i HBeetiagß, &c. Tonight. . , a Abbott's Opera House—Lynch Family of Bell ringers, K. ' , AgiicultuvalHall—London,Cirexis Company;'S; pt. James's Hnll—Philharmonic Society's Con -CCl't,B. '■'"" '['•> - ■' r : ' Remueva Hall—Extravaganza, " Jaok and tlio Bcanstalif," 8. • ; Foreßtere' Hall- Conceit and Dance, 8." ■ '■ ■:. ■'" Gladstone iloll, Northcote—Entui'tuinracnt and Dance, 8. ' ' - ■ l- ' --j ■' Drill-shed—Thoso entiUod to Naval and Military, Land Granta, 8, . . . ri f • f Entries received' for Auokliuid Yaciit tSa* Handicap,;B. ~. ~ ~; r ; ,* ~ '

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

May^1777^1.08803 T. H.liowia'aria.'j). H. Lnsk,

Auction Sales To-morrow.

0, Lowjs,'Bbttcli Road—lo;tons Fencing i\^iro, ; Ar'tlmr arid' Buddie -ITbuschold'Fnrnimrc e> H' 13i Tonka and, Co —Crockery, Cjunawarc, etc., tt. iJeiskeUv-A.ttkeni &aA Qo^ttidna<akiiia, qtc^^

5

r^HE ■ AUCKLAND" EVENING START MONDAY,' MAY:"I 6, l^T^w;.,