A LEGAL SENSATION.

SINGULAR DISCLOSURES.

' MR W. : p^%OBY. THE DEFENCE. ISFORTUNE  /.nasi- rumours of a startling f'"<trection with tho alleged an. '^ Cterj 'f Ur W. Eigby (partner m the y*" fe of'Thorho and Rigby) They were of v * # and as they #P S a source distinctly hostile v 1 so far discredited them »*'.%T»oheed. However, the generally noised to-d«y our morning con- ,ft °' ie - Sldett Wt'jSSJ&rideßoftheßrory triewed Messrs C. N. Brassey and the statements which we submit to our S#C-_rassey-Statxne n t. : . A^ 4 *-was found in the precincts of request tor informa- to his office, and motion- KSer:tO'* ch air, he seated him- two to arrange ATO and then stated his case as #° g Somewhere about a month or so #*E__W information from a party AI at all, but Rainwell. I was fuShe had ieft'Bolton, m Lancashire, fEtf that I-could: be taken to 4K ia tbw» who could . ive ?* Sffirfflatioii .in connection with f\ H* infoi-manb said that Rigby had i sSl* been solicitor practising m Ci that be did not think that the iTcittere were aware of the fact. On Et last" I was introduced to this S vlio : ivvas' informed would give KfcJonnation as to Mr Rigby's _«#it_ I accordingly, interviewed fart Mound him very reluctant Si information of any kind, but after &»£ him he at length made such Sites ; flu* Fiat it to be my duty to a_3cat«theaubstance of the con versa *Mt'William. Thorne. I accordingly XdiTrThorneto step up to my office, as iy certain information to give him ILj iftongbt it only fair ho should Z Mr' Thorne, .'.in compliance with 4 invitation, came here, and in „ meb'tps tbe party who had paiiie the information referred to, had iitaydirectiontoMr George's office, Itjlbledbini to remain. 1 stated to foss& circumstances of the case ||ir"'Eigby so far aa I had been them, and Mr Thorne said he !MBJj-bK_ed for*-the information. Rested him to go to Mr George's IHcould then Ascertain the truth .1 : had made from the w|had given them to me. Mr I walked up to jfSce. wiijh him and introduced llr Grandy. as a person who had 'JRamweUior some considerable Bolton, through having frequently bouses at bis' master's direction for tatrelL-. 'Mr Thorne examined -ffand. 1 took the evidence Biding,-. ,;The examination over, 1 lefKlne room. Tjie next person O-iMr Bridge, in the employment Bridge came up, itteowh i*(;hc=l gave his statement Bo Mr Thorner I did not hear it Ppwever, after Mr Thorne had ex- SMth'esebwp men (Grundy and Bridge) i(J'Min 6 :w]iat he thought- of it. He 2,' Well there., is no doubt, Brassey, settling ia clear enough. I feel it to is before me, PlflheViniist■■go; but go he must." doypu think L.was right in ojytii.theinformation i" He replied, fetamly f; T- think you were perfectly $jdo_g go' r ".- ! Some tim es v bsequen tly ifctMeday,lagain met Mr Thorne in jfflLane, just before,he. went home, |m||il^ .thought that possibly it |pipt-# he a case of mistaken ■ - he seen Mr Rigby in the Hpej;_jf 0 . |, c j iac | nofci because fe»y at home that afternoon. :«a-. What step did you take next? fffffJiP 1 ? the following day, I put ■™M tetter of the information given MV-o the form of an affidavit and I Wtnaidy if he had any objection to «?aggffidarit, Grundy said "No." iMipingly made. So far as jgljPS. Itself is concerned all I WH.tMs, of.course should the in pS-fe' l has been given to me JJ!J he incorrect, 1 .-hall be one W.toturn round and make repara pTOig that those parties may |SW stated ' 3 bufc 'of course on the s gK?tight it was. far better that i n possession of MSnunicated to Mr Thorne, and |g»>'ld be ve.-y pleased to find out 5_r onnaUon i 3 not ab ifc has tjee " ■^^j^ou'pre■accused of being ac »>■; .3(lietke feelings towards Mr ffl^r^l ; , - WelJ > then I ■ answer that __ffeW* ™' cm °tives are concerned, __fcri n "J a ? one ani mated by feel- KySpJTfness, it is Mr'Rigby. ha s persecuted me to ■wm%. and so far as any Kv_Pt"' ffiattel ' are concerned, I ___**■_*?*, ut - vas a member of the Wl&w^ all0 *' t0 remain unchal- ES*! t,; «li as those alleged Rlrfr If there i 3 »" truth in ■Q'ta fact should be brought out. ? ou den y thafc yo i i are .PBiuI Tersonal feeling ? ■»i?«l- Pal feeling in the matter. _BCSI' as , a mem «er of the pro ■««d - c ' if blar «eloss, should ■j*fißF? Wimtations that otiiers HpS '"V'\ that Mr Rigby ha«. WW • w\\ hat way has he done ■i ? «ai YOU ' are aware of n f ctio " with ' uy IJl '°* fflK 11 iw lle . could to ____S_'-_^ , u niencc when I ™_i K^K^-T 1 what' was suffi ■V^'s. K^itors ; and not only at my meetings mjiLV, , "*«> were, wholly without Bi-Sri*!? 010 " '"tend to do next ? ___Hnltnf t i hi3 man Grund y' s __Siu l^; a_n_ v not ' know iioV ' ho ■ contents of it R'Slfe^ tten horne er to ray Bwi? EMM a ,^ Q td other partios ■N'tod^" of Ram well's _K_i_3B. w l e forwarded in .m^-ii-onl!!!? 10 "' x think that wM%t-\ iiß&-' is rece ! ved on ____fr_i^jfti stir?^ n i" abeyance. Hv 'fSskr J tbe "Herald," HSPiVI W- A " y acLion '"to whose deliver this.

MR RIGBY'S ACCOUNT.

Complete and Empbatic Denial off the Allegations. Our reporter found Mr Rigby in his office greatly distressed in mind by the reports in circulation to his discredit. He seems to acutely feel tho position in which he is [ placed. Receivingourreporterwithhisusual affability and acceding to the request for information as to his antecedents, he gave the following -ketch of his career in an easy and unlaboured manner :—My name is Wil liam Ram well. I commenced practice in tho year 1863, in the town of Boiton, which is a manufacturing town in Lancashire. I succeeded in the course of a few years in accumulating a large business, and iv the year 1870 I was doing a business consisting of a. large advocacy practice as well as a general commercial business. At that time my standing was second to none in the district, and my pecuniary position was also good. Had I then retired from practice, nothwithstand ing the fact that I had then only been in business lor a few years, I should have retired with a moderate" competency. My health was beginning to suiter in consequence of my large advocacy practice, and I was ad vised that as I came of a consumptive family—my father having died of consump tion—it would be necessary for me to give up a portion of the business. It was also necessary on account of the other portions of my practice having grown considerably. I accordingly took into partnership for a term of ten years a gentleman of the name of Pennington, who came, to me highly recommended. He was aB.A. of the London University, and an LL.D., and I regret to say that he is since dead. He came to me solely for the purpose of taking up the advocacy part of the business, our arrangement, as I have said, being for a term of ten years. From this time the professional business did not increase, but unfortunately began to dimin ish, and it suffered moreover in consequence of our connection with certain jointstock com panies, which did not prosper. Some short time after being joined by Mr Pennington, I entered into business transactions outside the profession—first into a cotton weaving mill; secondly, into a spinning mill which was burnt down entailing a considerable loss upon me ; again into another spinning mill; and ultimately acquiringthoownership of iron-rolling mills in the neighbourhood of Manchester. The last venture I took up for the purpose of avoiding the loss of some £1500, which I had on loan to the man who was carrying on the business. For some years prior to 1882, the cotton industry and thetradcof Lancashireweredepressedandan unprofitable business was being carried on, and properties largely depreciated in value. In the iron works I sustained a very heavy loss, and it was the one thing that contri buted mainly to my ruin. I could have coped with the others, but this proved beyond my efforts to control. In carrying on that concern I had the assistance of a Bank in Manchester, to j whom I was largely indebted at the time of my failure. I think if I had never gone into that concern at all I should have been able to have pulled through my troubles. I was considered to be a good man of busi ness, possessing considerable tact, and I was sought by people interested in jointstock undertakings. I became director in several of these in addition to investing my own money in them, and I became liable along with my co-directors for various bank over drafts. Some of these formed a portion of my liabilities at the time of my failure, though I think most of them havo been made up by the other persons who were jointly and severally liable with me. Still they were taken into account in estimating my liabilities, and thus caused them to be con siderably swollen. In these concern I lost heavily as a shareholder. It was well known in the town for several years before my failure that I was losing money in thosse concerns and - was embarrassed, but the general belief was that, with the ceaseless attention which I gave to the undertakings, 1 should be able to pull through. I did, as a matter of fact, for a long while struggle without cessation from early in the morning till late at night, as a rule never getting home till 10 at night. The continual'losses in busi ness finally overcame me. Those outside business engagements took a.great deal, of my time away from my legal practice, which of course suffered iv consequence. My position had been such in the district that'l felt if I remained in it and became bankrupt I could never expect to regain my lost practice. My only hope of ever being able to retrieve myself and meet obligations which I considered must be met under all circumstances, was by again following my profession to the exclusion of other .outside engagements, abandoning all speculations, and devoting myself entirely to the profession in which I had so well succeeded in earlier years. I can see that it may have been a great mis take on my part not to have faced the matter out, and then have sought a home and a new beginning elsewhere. But I was overwhelmed by distress at the position of matters, arid I felt that if I could get away and find a place where T could re-establish . myself, I could devote my time and all my efforts to earn ing the money which would enable me to satisfy at least a portion of those to whom I was under obligation. Such was my view in coming to New Zealand and in changing my name, and, since, I came to Auckland, I have worked cease lessly with that solo object in view. Of course I have not be able to do anything up to the present time, because, although I have been doing a considerable and in creasing business the time I have been here is too short to enable me to reap the benefit of it. I was looking forward, with the success which I have met with to being enabled Shortly to make arrangements through confidential friends at Home, but the blow which has come upon me now has paralysed all my efforts. Reporter : When did you arrive in Auck land?

Mr Rigby: I came to Auckland in 1884, passed the necessary law and general knowledge examination, and was admitted early in the year I£Bs. Mr Thorne took, me into partnership, and he: estimated my services at such a value that he himself would make almesb any sacrifice on my behalf and for bhe purpose of assisting me to set matters straight. It is my intention to have all difficulties arranged ._ ab Home if human efforti can accomplish ib.' ;.-,. Reporber: lb is alleged that you lefb England with a considerable amount of brusb money. . . Mr Rigby: It is absolutely untrue. Before I left home I was paying as much as £500 per week in. wages in my own com mercial transactions, and I did not leave a single penny of wages unpaid when I left. It is equally untrue that I de parted carrying with mo trust moneys to the extent of £65,000, as has been asserted. I came away witheut a single penny ef trust money. .. t_.-i._s <. Reporter : What were your liabilities? Mr Rigby-. I cannot say. . Reporter: Not even approximately? Mr : No, My professional liabilities, however, were of small amount. Reporter: How came your name to be struck off the English Law Register? Mr Rigby: I ceased to take out my annual certificate when I left England, and as the rule is that only the names of bhose who take out annual -certificates appear upon bhe Law list, my name ceased to appear after I failed to take out my certifi cate. , , ~". - Reporter : What do you consider are the motives by which Mr Brassoy is influenced iii brinaing these accusations against you ? Mr Rigby : Simply that I having acted professionally for creditors in bis bank, ruptcy, the I'Mul* ol which action Was thai be WB9 ?«*!*••* *»'"j*7''*o. l« rtt «*

I have never in the course of Mr Brassey's bankruptcy proceedings been actuated either by ill-will or malice,> or by any feeling whatever against him. I ; simply discharged for my clients a professional duty. When I first met Mr Biassey in his bankruptcy in the presence of his creditors.. I asked him if he had any proposition to submit bo'his creditors, and he replied that he had none. I asked him if he intended to make any proposition to them, and he stated that he did not. Jb then became my duty to examine him and to investigate his affairs, the result o. which was propositions that were made from time to time, and ultimately an engagement by Brassoy to pay 20s in the £. That engage ment he has not yet fulfilled. It only remains to add that Mr Rigby is a first-class barrister, and during the short time he has been in' Auckland has won general esteem. Letter of Sympathy. A number of the clients of the firm of Thorne and Rigby, merchants in the city, etc., have signed a letter addressed to Mr Rigby, expressive of sympathy with that gentleman, and.unabated con fidence in his integrity, and belief in his ability to explain satisfactorily all the allegations that are made against him. Mr Thorne Interviewed. We have also interviewed Mr W. Thorne with reference to the use made of his name by Mr Brassey, Mr Thorne states that what he said to Mr Brassey was that there appeared tp be something in the matter and thab if the accusations were true Mr Rigby would have to go. He has nob lost confidence in Mr Rigby.

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

YESTERDAY'S BUSINESS.

BISHOP COWIE'S ADDRESS

The Bishop's address was listened to very attentively, and the portiens referring teth„ education question, Mr Pierces exertions on behalf of the Orphan Home and the Bishop's efforts in connection with the Sailors' Home were applauded. When, too, the Bishop an nounced his intention of accepting the Archbishop of Canterbury's invitation, and taking a well-earned holiday after 18 years' constant service in the diocese, there was a very cordial burst of applause. Colonel Haultain moved, "Thab the Bishop be thanked for his address, and that he be asked to allow it to be printed." The motion was carried, and the per mission asked was granted. Synod Officers.—The Rev. H. S. Davies was appointed clerical secretary, and Mr J. D. Jackson lay secretary of tho Synod. Mr G. P. Pierce was elected treasurer, and Colonel Haultain was elected chairman of committees.

Correspondence, ETC. — The President laid on the table (1) the correspondence be tween His Grace the Archbishop of Canter bury and himself re the Conference of Anglican Bishops for 1888 at Lambeth Palace, including the invitation from His Grace and Bishop Cowie's reply. The correspondence was read. (2) The arrange ments , made with St. Mary's re the use cf the church as a cathedral. (3) Resolutipns of the Synods of Wellington and Canterbury in regard to proposed alterations in the Education Act - also bhe copies of the petitions forwarded to the House by these Synods in regard to Bible reading in public schools. (4) A list pf lay readers appointed, and a list of confirma tions, held during tho,year» Selwvn Mkmprial Ft/ND.~-Mr G. P. Pierce laid on the table the report of the Selwyn 'Memorial Fund Committee. The total receipts were £339 list lt)d. Apologies,—The President read apologies from a number of members who were un avoidably absent. Retorts :—The Rev. C. M. Nelson brought up the report of: the Committees for the revision of the Statutes,, with a view to bringing them into conformity with "the canons of the General Synod. Mr Speight broujght up the report of the Special Com mittee on pensinn funds, and it was read. The Committee asked fer time in which to bring up a final report until nexb session. Mr G. P. Pierce laid on the table the re port pf the Orphan Heme Cemmittee. Mr.S. Vickkrs.—On the motion of Arch deacon Dudley, seconded by Mr Rawlings, the special thanks of the Synod were accorded bd Mr S. Vickers, for his services as audibor for bhe pasb bwelve years, and the President was asked to for ward.a copy of the resolution to Mr VickerH."

Bills.—Mr Rice obtained leave te bring 1 in three bills—(1) to amend statute No. 2, "election of Synodsmen ;" (2) a bill to amend statute No. 4, "regulation of parishes;" and (3) a bill to amend statute No. 5, " election of lay representatives to General Synod." Mr Rawlings brought in bills to amend statutes Nos. 2 and 3, and they were read a iirst time. Codification* of Statutes. — Col „nol Haultain gave notice of motion in regar.d to tho following clause in the Standing; Com mittee's report : — ''■"■ The Standing Com mittee have had brought under their notice a complete codification of the s'jatutes of the diocese, prepared by the Select Com mittee appointed at the last session of the Synod for that purpose. Th'<sy would have been glad to print this dpcumenb for the .consideration of the Synod, bub in face of the fact that they have noi funds, that the accounb of the Diocesan Endowment and Loan Fund is largely overdrawh, aud that several parishes have failed tp pay the sums assessed on them for diocesan objects, they felt that they could nob commit the diocese to this expenditure until the funds are supplied to meet it." It was agreed to print the report, and that the cosb of printing the stabubes be paid pub of the "Church Gazebte" funds; but that as soon as bhe parishes had paid, their assess ments the Cost be refunded.,

A number of notices of motion were given, which will be discussed ab this, afternoon's sitting. Choral Service. —A choral service, was held in St. Matthew's Church last evening. There was a large attendance. Mr TV Trimnell officiated as organist, the Rev. G. H. S. Walpole intoned the service, and the Rev. Mr Marshali, of Te Aroha, preached the sermon.. ' ' ■

SALE OF FANCY WORK.

At 2. 30 this afternoon the ladies belonging t o the B.eresford-streeb Church Ladies' Sosw ing circle opehed a sale of plain and failcy<vork in St. James's Hall. The proceeds of the sale are to be devoted, to the various missions. A large quantity of, well made articles are submitted at reasonable rates. These are the re sults of many months' labour oh , the : part of the members of the sewing circle.' The goods, are, (arranged on tables running lengthways /of the room, while in the centre )3a fl/jwer-stall pre sided over by, Miss Chew, On a table across the end of the room is an interest ing collection of curios by Mesdames Barblebb, Elkin, and Nicholas. At the side Of the .platform is also a stall at which refreshments may be procuredat. the usual restaurant ra.es. This evening; the Beresford,-Bbreeb choir will be in abten dance under the ccmductorship of Mr J. P. Hooton and -will repdcr musical: selections. Tho Misses Chew will also favour the audience, with one of their pleasingLnstnjajcnted trio?. B'.ich atbvac tioosaY ._,««, i'H*i»c ♦»«- si;w &m

SPORTING NEWS.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP.

Training Notes.

Curistohurch, this day. About £120 were taken at Carterton Show gates yesterday. The. strong southerly breeze prevented many visitors but the at tendance was large.. Nelson and Crutchfield galloped three miles in company, Nelson having much the best ot it. Regina worked at half-pace. Gipsy King and Sextant went 2_ miles on the plough, Sextant improving in a good gallop. Hermitage was sweated; Ruby did a smart 2 miles with Webb's otheri horses ; Tit-Bit and Secretary went 2 mites at half speed ; and the other horses did unimportant work. •— *» —- (BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) . Hamilton, this day. The South Auckland Racing Club have purchased the Cambridge grand-stand.

ISLAND NEWS.

(From Our Fiji Cprresppndent.)

Suva, Oobcber.2B. The s.s. Southern Cross arrived at Suva en

Oebpber 27bh frprn Tonga, biib brings libble fresh,news.. '»] ■' . '.'-.., v :,..' ~,",'. H.M.S. Opal was lying at Tonga when she lefb, and everybhing was quieb. There is no furbher aubhenbic news from Sampa. ?k-

The Soubhern Cross brings news of bhe deabhs of Mrs Leefe, wife pf the British Cpnsul in Tonga, and Mr Symonds, Bribish Consul for Samoa, who had gone bo Tonga for the benefit of his health.

A DANGEROUS WIFE.

ATTACKING A HUSBAND WITH AN AXE.

At the Police Court, Onehunga, yesterday, before Drs. W. R. Erson and W. G. Scott, J.P.s, Mary Brown was charged with being drunk on the Ist inst. She was further charged, on the information of her husband, Eli Brown, that she did, on the Ist inst., at Onehunga, unlawfully assault the com plainant by striking and wounding him on the head with an axe. (Axe produced, smeared with blood.) Eli Brown deposed : The defendant is my wife. Between nine and ten o'clock on Tuesday morning I went into a neighbour's (Mr Millar's) house to see him, he being very ill ab the time. On reburning bo my own house, the defendanb was breaking in bhe door with an axe. I went to prevent her from doing so, when she struck me. on the head with the axe. I don't ko.ow whether she threw the axe at me or hibmewibh ib whilst ib was in her hand. She was drunk at bhe time. To bhe best ef ruy opinion she sbruck mo wibh ib, and then ■ threw ib down. lam in bodily fear of her, as she has frequently threatened to bake my life. I wish her bound over to keep bhe i peace. To the Bench %No person was pre i _enb ab tbe time. '" • ■ The defendant, in answer to the Bench, said she had nc statement tP make further than she threw the aixe at her husband as 'he 'struck her first.' He' had frequently beaten and kicked her. Sergeant Greene -dated that there were seveml.ror»er* cbnWetlon| f against* bhe. ac cused for drunkenness, and she had en one occasion attempted to set fire to her house. The accused was foumd guilty of bpth charges, and fined 10s for drurikenness and bound over to keep the wace lor three monthsin two sureties of £20 each. - - ■

Accused :• "I knowf what that manes. Shure, I've gob ne sureties."

THE TAIUNAKI DIVORCE CASE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION).

■/ New Plymouth, this, day. At the Supreme Ccurb the diverce case McLean v. McLean and Iredale cencluded yesterday afterncpq, when the jury re turned a vet-diet in faveur pf the husband— divprca being granted and damages against the corespondent being assessed at £350 and i'ihe costs of the case. •

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

IMPORTANT SUBJECTS DISCUSSED.

(by telegraph—press assoclation.)

[ I. ■ ' Wellington, this day. ?The consideration of suggestions from ' Auckland Council was continued yesterday. The suggestions re the Slaughter-horues Acb were losb, and re drainage works car ried, while the others were ordered to sband over, or lapsed for want of a seconder. It was resolved *hat the cosb of illuminating streets which may be partly in town dis tricts and partly in boroughs should be divided between the two bodi-s, and tailing an agreement as to the cost, the Resident Magistrate ofi the district may _deber mine the proportion to be paid, It •was also agreed bh/t where boroughs are divided ifttd»/ward/ and such boroughs are contiguous Ito eich any ward of either borough / may by petition signed by four-fifths of -be ratepayers in such ward ' join and become incorporated with _ the. other boroi?gh» provided the consent of both governing jbodies is obtained. "' ' , The coaterencte agreed tothe petition .of Wellington residents - relative to the Gas Companies Act.of 1870, and which is about to be rA-esented to parliament, in the direc tion oi rent and inspection of meters, the necessity.for the inspection of gas, and an /fndependaut n-fiit of the Companies accounts, and that the Act. shall apply generally to all the-Jas Companies W the, '^The' committee appointed to inquire whether it is desirafcle to have the main tenance of tire , brigades and plant in municipalities placed on a moresatisfactoi-y basis than ab present, reported that-they did nob see their way clear to recommend bhab any action-should be taken mtihe matter at preseht,ibut they recommend that with a view of iurther discussing the subject on a future occasion, information should be obtained from New South VV ales ' and other Australian colonies as to the work ins-of the Ads bearing upon the Subject. The report wrfs adopted. A motion by m Hulberbiii favour of, a bill indemnifying the members of local bodies for expenditure in curred for the benefit of the ratepayers, and which the Auditor-General has duallowed, was carried.: '

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PARLIAMENTARY : RE-

PORTER. )

Wellington', this day.

Miscellaneous Jottings.

It is improbable that Mr Maxwell will resume management of the railways if he returns to the colony. Major Atkinson is very anxious that the Government proposal for non-political rail way boards should be adopted. Notice has been given already of the first of the Go vernment policy bills. James Carroll is absent from the House, owing to a petition against his election, but returns next week.

Mr Wilson's proposal for the appoinb ment of a committee to deal with petitions relative to railway matters has been re jected.

It is the opinion of many members that the education reduction is wholly in adequate, and further reductions will be proposed in commitbee. ,

Taiwhanga introduces a bill to repeal the Native Land Court Act, and section 20 of Native Land Administration Act.

The Opposition have been doing their best to throw the apple of discord into the camp of the Ministerialists in connection with the appointment of committees; Members nave been invited to lunch by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association during the carnival week. J. 0. Brown, member for Tuapeka, is the only member not yet sworn in. He is still absent in England. It is now definitely arranged thab Mr Ballance will resume the editorship of the Wanganui " Herald" ab the close of the session.

A return has been ordered at the instance of Mr Monk of money spent making roads from Wanganui to North Island railway, and snagging Wanganui River. It is said the amount is £40,000.

Major Atkinson stated in the House that the action of the Bank of New Zealand directors with regard to the non-payment of dividend will very much, strengthen the Bank and the colony. It is the intention of the Government to introduce a bill this session amending the South Island Native Reserves Act.

A return has been ordered of dismissals and notices of dismissals from and appoint ments to the stock branch of tho public ser vice since last March.

Leave of absence has been granted to H. S. Fitzherbei't for two weeks, owing to serious ill-health.

Taiwhanga is troubled because great numbers in the colony suffer through the banks, and he wants them put a stop to. A meeting of members favourable to . State aid to Catholic schools has been con vened for Friday morning. Private information has been received that bhe Island Block (Teviot) Gold Mining Company has been successfully floabed in England, with a capital of £50,000. Pyke and Brown, M.H.R.'s, are local directors. Two of the native members (Taiwhanga and Carroll) address the House in the Eng lish language. . . There was a bare quorum in the House last evening, which was the first privabe members' nighb this session. The name of W. P. Reeves has been tele fraphed to several newspapers as the pro able leader of the Opposition attack, and Oppositionists naturally ridicule the report, which they characterise as a device vof the enemy to weaken them in the eyes of the. country. ~ Grey is delighted with his signal victory on the' Law Practitioners Bill, and does not think the Council will throw out the measure again in the face of such a decided expression of. opinion, from the Lower Houi<|.'*v!T' *'■'>'' .-.?■: ; * "i- \ ''■■' ' ;'-;: *i* The members of the Young New Zealand Party intend to entertain themselves at a dinner at Bellamy's this evening. ~.. MtT _?". ■ _?H%i*ftr|it*<fti' fe-'rtdlJ-jiiiitf '&Bpigf t a trial of the Vaile railway system pn the Auckland Waikato line, but also that pro vision' be- made so" bhab Mr A r ail6 shall super vise bhe traffic for a definite period. . The Opposition profess to be confident' thai there is much in the Statement tha/; will.not, be accepted by the.House-- - '■)< ' The, cost to the colony of cahlegranyi in bohnectioh with the Midland Railway is to be shown in a return asked for by MiyMonk.

Mr Duncan is urging the Government to secure the services of. a qualified in cheese-making. Mr Ross is anxious that Government should provide for the periodio&l transfer of school inspectors from pa c district to another. /

Mr Peacock intends t/b move for the appropriation of £5,000 aa a reward for new gofdfields in either island, the field to be nob less than 40 miles- from an existing foldfield and 60,0000zs of gold to be pro uced within three years. The claim for State aid to Catholic schools is supported by a statement that there are between 8,000 and 9,000 Catholic children of school age in the colony.

Some of .the Government supporters are ! disappointed that an income tax has not been proposed, bub they expect it will be one ot the proposals of nexb session. The House is suffering badly from the Taiwhanga infliction. The irrepressible Sydney spoke to every question that came up yesterday, and his rising was eventually the signal for general laughter. Grey's Fair Rent Bill was introduced in committee last night and passed its pre liminary stage?. . R. Thompson will ask the Minisber for Public Works to-day when he will be pre pared to call for tenders for the construc tion of another section of the North Auck land-Helepsville railway. - The cost of the second session of Parlia ment this year is set down. <in the annual appropriation at £9,000. Sip George Grey says many things- he looked for in the SbabemeEib are nob touched upon» but the other sidgi is so sbrong that he does-nob feel justified in probesbing against the omissions. ' ■ Sir Julius; Vogel was not presenb at either sitting yesterdays -lb is understood that he is engaged preparing his speech for the financial debate.

■Yesterday's sitting -of the Legislative Council only occupied seven minutes. No business of any consequence was done. Municipal Conference delegates were present at the sitting of the House last evening. -.'._, Last night Mr Rhodes, one of the young Canterbury members, made hia maiden speech,in the House, and created a very favourable impression. Mr Hobbs's bill providing for the con struction of the connecting links of railway between Kamo and Kawa Kawa lines was introduced into committee and read a first time. . Six petitions bearing 650 signatures were presented to House yesterday in favour of Bible-reading in public schools. Mr Ballance's bill imposing license fees not exceeding £100 on Chinese trading in boroughs in the colony, should have come oh for discussion last night, , but as it is to be.considered by the Municipal Conference, was adjourned for a week. .<-,- The Hammond Fencing Claims Compen sation Bill passed through all its stages. It provides tor the maintenance of railway j fences on lands of Richard Hammond at Marton taken under Public Works Acb, 1882. Government Insurance Land Purchase. It will be recollected thab when in Dun edin, shortly before the elections, Sir G. Grey had intended to address' a public meeting, but was provented by ill-health; and that one oftbe subjects wbichho an nounced his intentiqh.-f treating on was the j purchase of Wise's Corner by-the Govern | menu Insucaoca: Board, t>and_i Sir>R. • Strut's connection therewith. The matter «-h*r wst Wen "?i« *ll_rht <<#■ by Sir Gectge, i _titt.|**!* , 7 SiYI Mlfcf -J ty teIMM"

of moving for copies of all telegrams, memoranda or letters in relation to the purchase of the site for the Insur ance Buildings in the city of Dune din, which passed between the Pre mier, His Excellency the Governor, the Treasurer, the Commissioner, and the Board, and the firm of Sieywright and Stout, or any of them, during the months of December, 1885, and January and Febru ary, 1886. . Maori Matters. Mr Carroll, member for the Eastern Maori disbricb, has reburned to Wellington. He says that Wi Pere is getting up petitions against his resolution re the equalising of the races and is imputing to him ulterior motives in connection with it. , . Petitions Committee. The Petitions Committee have appointed as chairman from A to L, Mr Seymour, and from M to Z, Mr T. Thompson.

THE FINANCIAL DEBATE.

Opposition Caucus.

It is unlikely that the financial debate will be commenced till Tuesday. The Opposition meet to-night to decide upon their course of action. Sir Robert Stout, who arrives here to-morrow for the purpose of attending the Court of Appeal, is ex pected to consult with and advise the Opposition. Defence Measures. I learn that Major-General Schaw, who is an engineer of high standing, will at once inspect the Wellington fortifications, the Miiiister for Defence having given instructions, that every facility should be afforded him. As he has already inspected the defences provided at other ports, he will be able to furnish an interim report before the Estimates are brought down, and the Cabinet wiU be enabled to frame their estimates for defence and volunteers on the information thus obtained. The Governor's Salary. I understand that the reason that induced the Cabinet to fix the Governor's salary and allowances at £5,000 was that this is the grade of paid officers in the first rank of the English Civil Service, and is the basis on which Imperial pensions are framed. Sir George Grey's Bills. In Sir George Grey's Land Acquisition Bill, provision will be mude for giving land grants to discharged Government employees. Sir George is confident of passing' the Law Practitioners Bill through both branches of the Legislature this session. . " Chairmen of Committees. The following further appointments of chairmen of select committees were made this forenoon : Education, Mr Wilson. Re porting and printing debates. Major Sbeward.

FIRE IN EDINBURGH-STREET

A SEVEN-ROOMED COTTAGE

GUTTED.

A few minubea before 10 o'clock bhi 3 morning as a man was passing down Edinburgh-sbreefc, off Karangahape Road } he noticed bhab bhe back portion of the dwelling-house of Mr Thomas Hobson — an old resident/ in the neighbourhood—was on lire. He db once rushed inside to give the alarm'wliile another ran off and rang tiie Newton'bell.. The alarm was promptly takenupby/theCenti ; alßell,the whereabouts of the fire being telephoned down from the Karangahape Brancfif Constable Christie, who was nearthe corner of Ponsonby Road, was quickly on the spot. He noticed thab the tiamea*were cominir through the roof hi the vicinity Of the kitchen chimney. The Newton Brigade soon arrived, closely followed by, Superintendent Hughes, with a hf/Se jreel from the .Central station, Altheusrh the Brigades were on the spot with more than usual celerity, the fire had got sitch a'go-d hold before it was discovered that the utmost endeavours of the firemen merely resulted in confining the flames to the hoUse in which tbey originated. Of course the building was completely gutted. Prior to the arrival of the brigades several neighbours, amongst whom were Messrs AVarren, Phillips, Garrebb, and Ambury, as sisbed'in saving the furniture in Some of the rooms of the house. Mr Nibbs, the custo dian of the Newton Sunday-school, opened the building so that the articles saved might be placed in safety , out of the way pf the sneak thieves who haunt fires. Naturally a large number of Mr Hobson's effects were destroyed in the rear of the hpuse. When the alarm was first given Mrs Hobson was in the front of the house. She ran to the back and then for the first time she saw fire. With commendable promptitude she seized a cashbox containing some money and papers, and ran out on the verandahshouting"fire." Shethen entered, the house to try and save other articles. One of the, children was ill in bed, and she ' was removed to a place of safety by Mr W. Gaidt. At the time of the fire Mr Hobson was in town, having gone, down to ask a doctor to come j and see the eliild which was unwell, lie' was' returning leisurely up Newton w.lien he j was informed of the occurrence. The house ! consisted of seven rooms, and was insured for £200.in the Royal Company. The furni ture and effects were also covered by a policy: in, the same office for £100. As the total insurance is only £300, Mr Hobson will still ; be a loser to a considerable ex tent. ' '. : The prigih ef, the fire appears to have been purely .accidental. Mrs Hobson left a fire in the kitchen, and in front of it some curtains were left to dry. As it was here that the fire evidently originated, there can be little doubt but that these curtains must by 'some means have caught fire and thus fired bhe house. : Mrs Hobson and the sick girl were placed' in safeby in bhe residence of Mrs CUirrie, at, the opposite side of the road. Detectives Tuohy, Herbert,; and Sergeant 1 Keiley with a,number of the city policemen Were quickly in attendance. Constables Clark and inpst of the local men were also presenb, but as the. furniture was already out of the way their services wore not much needed. ■-,'.- . , It speaks well for the efficiency of the Brigade that although Mr Hobson's house is ab the end of a row of wooden structures,' ib was the .only one injured. Mr Duff's premises, which adjoin, were not even scorched, and the occupant had such faith in the Brigade that the furniture was not removed. ,

IMPORTANT RULING AS TO PROCEDURE-

(_Y TE-EGRAI'H—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

. Duxkdix, this day. In the appeal case re the illegal expenditure of Lake County funds, Mr Jusbice Williams is Of opiriioh thab justice should nob be do feated because the person whom everybody knows was the real plaintiff had made a mistake in bhe name in which he sued. The proceedings were, therefore referred back with: a direction to substitute the Con troller and Auditor-General ;ie the pl&inniff. Subject to.this amendment the magistrate s decision was affirmed. . •■

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Paeroa, this day.

Maritoto. on bhe prospecbor's reef is being attended with splendid results, and there is every probability of a continu ance of the gold and silver deposits. As the ore is broken,, so it is bagged, and ten horses are' now employed in packing it out to' Hikutaia, whence it will be conveyed fey steamer to Auckland and Thames.

STEAM TO WHANGAREI.

'THE RIVAL COMPANIES.

The feud between the Northern and Jubilee- Steamship Companies rages with unabatea force, and the result should be a permanent) benefit to the settlers of Whangarei district, in securing a permanent lowering of bhe freight and passenger rates between the Northern township and Auckland. In a circular addressed to the *'tradesmen,, settlers, and general public," the Northern Steamship Company state thy case from their point', of view, and .add :~~ " In entering on this conflict we look to the public to support us, as this is a/question which affects everyone more or. less. On informing the Union that we cannot con tinue to pay the high wages they demand, the reply they make is that we should raise the passage money and rates of freight, and this we refuse to do. It .will thus be seen that the Seamen's Union by their action do not seek to benefit the port- to which they propose to run, but simply to injure our trade on account of our njiusal to comply with their unreasonable demands."

A correspondent signing himself "Union" gives the other side of.the question in a communication to the "Northern Advo cate. " He says :—"lt will be distinctly re membered thab when the Waitaki was run-, ning, the Northern S.S. Company pro mised the . merchants here that, if they; would discontinue to patronise the Waitaki,' they would guarantee that the fares arid freights would remain as they then were.' Directly the Waitaki was taken off the fares were immediately raised by the Northern S. S. Company. Again, not many j monthsago, the fares werostiflfurther raised to 30s, and bear in mind there was then no word of any trouble with the seamen. »Mark, then, how cunningly they strive to-! lay the onus of this last advance to the j seamen's charge, although in their circular j they distinctly say they refused to raise' the fares. During this past week they I have carried saloon passengers fojgfour dif- \ ferentprices, viz., 30s, 255, _os, 15s. Again, i re coals for the Jubilee S.S. Company, j the directors of the Whangarei Coal Com- j pany, who are also directors of the North ern S.S. Company, Avere applied to for a supply of coals for the boats of the Jubilee S.S. Company. Their answer was that they j would consider the matter, and reply as quickly as possible. After waiting for this speedy reply for more than a month, the manager of the Jubilee S.S. Company (who was at the time in Whangarei) telegraphed (ab bhe suggestion of one of the local share holders) asking for a decided.reply, 'yes or no,' to which fie received the following re ply :—' Directors have not yet decided ; in j the meantime, no V This telegram was made collect. .Fortunately, some contractors who vyere working part 1 of the Kamo Colliery property were able, and are now supplying coal, which enables the money to be kept iv the place instead of being sent elsewhere."

BAND OF HOPE COMPETITIONS.

A pair audience again attended in the Foresters' Karangahape Road, last nightj to listen to the continuation of the competitions. Mr Piummer occupied 'the Chain The following programme was pre-

sented:—

Section L—lnstrumental (piano). Class D, under 21 years., female, six entries; Elizabeth Edmonds, 17, Pitt-street Wes leyan Band of Hope, "Chanson Russe;" Flora Gilmer, 16, Ponsonby Wesleyan Band of- Hope, " Caprice Hoiigrbis ;" 16, Sir Henry Ha velock Band of Hope, "MarcheauxFlambeau;" Mabel Jowitt, 16, St.' ; David's Band of Hope, "Jennie Jones ;" Lilly Cato, 16, St.' Thomas's Band of Hope; Alice R. Stewart, 17, Tabernacle Band of Hope, "Faust."■ Section 4.—Reciting. Class A, under, 12 years, males, two entries': r Arthur A. j Potter, 10, Mount Eden Band of • Hope, " The Bridal Winecup ;" Edwin Albert Hughes, 11, Church oi Christ Band of Hope, " Farewell to the Bottle."

Section 2.—Vocal. Class D> over 21 years, male and female, four entries : Grace Heron, Church of Christ Band of Hope, " Little Bow of Blue;" Ann J. Caley, Pitt street Wesleyan, " The Winged Chorister;" Robert R. Nesbitt, Mount Eden Band of Hope, " Drink Would Blight Those Roses." Section 3.— Readings selected by the Committee. Class A, under 12 years, male and female, five entries: Euphemia Heron, i 10, Church of Christ Band of Hope; "Kate M. Reid, 11, Mount Eden Band of Hope; Edith M. Winst ;, 10, Pitt-street Wes-" leyan Band of Hope; Eva Harris, Ponsonby, "Wesleyan Band Hope; Arthur A. Potter,; 10, Mount Eden Band of Hope. . Section 1. —Instrumental (violin). Class B. under 16 years,, male and female: Robert Wade, "14," Mount Eden Band of Hope ; Maud Hogg, 12, Tabernacle Banjl of Hope, "Home, Sweet Home." . : Section I.—lnstrumental (flute). Class B. under 16, male: Percy Mcllwain, 15, Ponsonby Wesleyan Band of Hope, "Blue Bells of Scotland. "■

The competitions will be continued to night, when the programme' will include Instrumental (piano) males under 16: years; reciting, males ,' over _1 years ; reading, ; males and females'under lb ; vocal, females under 16 ; reciting, males under 16; read ings, males over 21.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetinga, $o„ To-night.

Abbott's Opera House.—" Tlie Fairy of tlie Glen" and '•* The Green Lanes or Erin," 8 ' Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. •*-' Art Gallery—Auckland Society of-Arts' Exhibi-

"tion. 7.30. :■■-.'. Foresters' Hall, Newton—Musical and Elocu tionary Contests, 7.30 " St. James's Ralls-Beresford-s'aeet Congrega tional Chm-eh, Sale of Work, 7 to a3O Drill-shed--Waitemata Boating Club, 8 V.M.C.A. Roams—- Evangelistic .Service, 7.30 Masonic Mali, Newton—Annual Meeting of Buru'ti Club. 7.30' Auckland Tabernacle-Service, at 7.30 Uritl-ehed-A Uattery Artillery, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court. Novem-er l-Mesbrs F. L. Prime ana. A, G, Purchas :'.■'• '-.;■• ■'..',..:',,.-■• . Auction Sales To-morrow. Ruddle-Weekly Poultry dud Pro duoeSale.ll f Hunter And Nolan, Durham Yards — Horse-. ' etc.. II" 1 "' W.J. Dowdcn--Weekly Poultry and Produce Sale. 11 ■ >:''""• v,.- - S. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture, ■ etc. t! . : .:,•—-" . ;'- : ■ ■..-.* i'Paiet arut Raiston —Poultry, Produce, Furai- I tntv h) ft <<■,- E. Pro_r.ea. eto., 11 1 J. ~-F o&tUY, Piodcc?,yarnJtureiOtCjll J A ; l-roSu a»«»., 12 J it, M, Jissoe- tJi".v;u4t',- Oiocerte., eto»: | 10 50i V'i.ii,.r l ir-\:i-'ri-.1-ne.«t0.,,n.; .-.■•:■ I'M ;p. r«r.x» »:i_ C^i-\V«rtan»,l"<«, eto, f<

5

n-J- AUCKLAND ;_BBt



Smith anid Caughey have received, ex s.s. Coptic, a, large shipment of hoya, youths' ixo meni. clothing 'direct' from the largest clothiug factory in England, 300 pair/iuoa's, strong tweed trousers at as lid pair. &s wonderful line of men s superior tweed suits at 21s, sty iishly. audc aod we'll fioi?iied. . Thei/ Qeaien $ ciotbihg Bbpai:/aVU v '<fr»V fiwb ihtvr.H, n^s^-pmm



By &o advertisements to another columu attention ia drawn to the entry night Jor the' ;Aipatour AthlcMo Sports.' Mr H, H Hayr will reoßiv_ efitries for «ne pe,i»s».-U8 events, whils Mr Coo s%i will ta_o t'»|



Suits of Onehunga Tweed made to measure from Superior Tweed in neat patterns at 59s o'dat Smith and Cau'ghey's. (AnvT.).