THE ART EXHIBITION.

00 last night. . Exhibition of pictures by mem- SP Art Society and the Mahlstick ber*° £ tbe under most favourable Evening, at the Public Library sospi There was a large and fashion *&*■*£ artists and art patrons » At eight o'clock being formally declared the }lfE " 4 ' nnen He said:— &T 2 Gentlemen,-The produc ,,LadJ f Mahlstick Club, exhibited last tio» 3 of ? e Aher Sim proved !earatt beA K our Society has been en- on a somewhat similar >& year on its own account. eS hibition m J clnb nOW on the walls, The works ot tne fa prOVIOUS Iy e , DU T_U be found, it is hoped, »!> " nd Ses e artistic efforts have notinfenpr. gfcudies .. in b kck and W fir members; and to give variety ite ' by Son, the original work has to the exhibino"' entrrav i ng s, prints, is takmg „ p The Society, » » naußara ting- spring exhi hF °" d'it has been thought advisable bitionf;. a " d Ji nK them under the notice ot 5 f few introductory words tteP fie objects of our Society-and Onjof W° u .j t0 educate the public » ott !nlclrn"what is true from what is genuine from what is mere fjlse-whatis g ftfa anythlug tricious—«n • necessarily be a like , feffbut every year affords proof, «*.* Snot, that we are steadily pur idnnsakenot. whicbleads ultimately the true Pam k . back over tho last to Bttcces -; ht years we must all admit that in our midst in a most Htbu pWn' e ._ a progress which has "Without Us effect on the general notbeen artists. Criticisms on S£SM -ore replete iSXowiedge, than they used ft (SVorttate, in spite of many difh- Ste and discouragements have made "Ti-Sa in advance, and judging from EtSSj• who attend these l H.v Z there is a numerous class of m 2 S to derive from them ffiScSrind enjoyment Now I in smore calculated to show the skill and to educate the eye of the lit; online drawings and studies in fpaP white. Firmness and grace of S'Siatedby all; sucfi excel- Ssnlthe observer at once, and de 5n these respects are as readily de -5 After a little observation of Seta art, most persons become ible of the proper management of Sand shade, its broad distribution, and balance in its proportions All great Ltera of the art have devoted much at- Zionto the principles and the niceties of bb'ud shade, and have deemed, m the Lontfcm-of their pictures, its proper J__t as of equal importance to their ale of colouring. No artist carried this Ofeherperfection than the great Turner. fay who study his pictures overlook this ice, for it is' f -equently hidden by _ abundant beauty and richness ot his (iforfe. But in all his works great merit itoWfotrad in the management of lights slikdes, and this becomes very ob piblein engravings after his pictures. >_"trae powers of an artist are more fflteifc, more easily discerned, in black jfitethan when the judgment is led Miby the splendour of colour. For this lb, I believe, most artistic competitions Jtetn.ked.to black and white, and those feseen large drawings or cartoons ippaieil wilt acknowledge the effecbive- BuCsuch pictures. A simple outline, (pty a; skilled hand, is frequently more igstjve of the ideas the artist would con sjton a more elaborate composition. fotniningof the hand and eye is what iW-tin,these studies. A knowledge i-iting is indispensable, not only to teiriio intend to follow it as a profes aa,-or means "of livelihood, but D _ those who are turning their Cffltatothearts and manufactures. It bibeen described as 'the right hand of boiiniian,' and the mainspring of a lech- U If we are to have local

I id manufactures among us, our iliaveinstruction in the art of acquire freedom of hand and execution. During our last bition, the larger portion of the ney prizes were awarded to thibits, bit those from Canter ds nearly all the prizes of the Now this cannot be wondered is a regular and progressive cqoiringart, which must befol eflenceisto be attained. It is roftlieprofession, and cannot be vitb. The Canterbury pupils vatitage of such teaching ; ours ad,ontil we provide a school of students, they cannot compete ris with those who have such 'antages; An effort should now eslablwh such a school in Auck-" leeffoit will nob prove success es can rely upon something irivate liberality. Such a school aade self-supporting, at least for ti tad unless some Government '% our young people are not We the efficient training alone » such a school. This is a a toare, of retrenchment ; but resulting from such technical that our members U ,M requested to ascertain will be given by the »t m establishing such a school. every year in placing m landed in supporting _W obtain sufficient know «ure to help themselves, and fm might fairly be appro \yw technical knowledge, *P»ra of sen-ice not only to the cV h l e , ntire community. 2##e#lahl_tick'.Club have m attention to illustrating some SJwnbed by Mr Domett in « Kanouf and Amohia.' The fgerns to be more widely •MfJ s ' for ifc P lac 3___ [*? m m °> and ma »y jnvaii ed Hea Ut t0 be foun £ ad 7_ -« vels °t this richly en »arbet_JT ett ' 8^ rai, ? c t0 sa y> { 7. in other lands k^W the scenes I to ri j, ve . se en an American It shows 3 P«SI v-V° st Poetical and H,s P° ems are bl _P r ' Ciated in England, m . ltted that a poet *%-yT rat ion and claims «* s . tr °ng a poetical 'S orrt! eannofc him self Tlle "lustrations in all-will, it Stodkdt lll6^ 8 stings -*? a large increase 3S fe d f 8 ' -°™ artists | t^? r v lUlleir Productions ~H stable rooms-at by the W*s*ytai.:of __/__ayor of this S?*> the erec- WMtfv, ln art to their l occu .P a »t of the civic mtion art for hls u Wgl'lytobe ha. i, ad the

good fortune to represent the city on the opening of the Free Library, and it is to be hoped that the ceremony of opening the Art Gallery will take place during his term of office. Some parsons have doubtless ex perienced regret that the opening has been postponed time after time. Among those who felt disappointed were the trustees representing the donor of a large and valuable oil painting held by them for the benefit of the citizens of Auckland—not on their own account, be it said, but because they thought that, in the best interesbs of the citizens, a presenta tion should have been made and the gift suitably acknowledged at the earliest date after the receipt of the picture here. Bub the Council having decided to decorate the Gallery prior to its being opened, affords sufficient excuse for the delay which has oc curred. Without presuming to dictate to the Council in carrying oub the work, I may be allowed to say that the scheme of de coration suggested by Mr Holland, and generally approved of by the joint Committee of Councillors and artists, should, in my opinion, be carried out in its entirety, so as to render the interior of the building, as far as possible, an attraction in itself. Tlie delay in opening the Gallery to the public may possibly be productive of another advantage, in afford ing an opportunity for Sir George Grey to be present, whose special pictorial gifts de serve the fullest thanks of the community, and the value of which will be enhanced by a personal presentation and a statement from himself descriptive of the paintings presented. When the Gallery is opened, we may confidently anticipate, trom the love of art shown in this province, that in a few years it will prove one, and not the least, of the attractive features of this city. The Committee of the Society, like most adventurous spirits, have entered boldly and with light hearts upon this new venture; but some of our artists, more timid than their fellows, naturally ask —will ib be a success ? The answer to this anxious inquiry rests, ladies and gentleman, with yourselves—with the public. The result cannot now be foretold ; but judging from past experience, and recognising the more than average merit of the exhibits, a reasonable hope may, I think, be enter tained that it will nob be unfavourable. I will how, with your kind permission, declare this exhibition duly opened."

Those present then distributed themselves through the rooms and spent several hours in inspecting the pictures. During the course of the evening, a number of instru mental pieces were played by Miss Hard ing.

THE TRUANT SCHOOL.

MR SMALL IN EXPLANATION,

Mr Small, truant officer, is annoyed be cause of the appearance of a letter in out last issue reflecting on the manner in which boys of school age are allowed to run about the streets and wharves during school hours. Mr Small, in conversation with a Star representative, expressed a desire to have the facts of the matter known.

Reporter : Well, are there a great many boys on the streets during school hours ?

Mr Small: In comparison with the state of things prevalent before the establishment of the Albert-street school, there are now very few boys who should be attending the school but are not doing so. The boys are competed to attend as regularly as human ity and the provisions of the Act require. Reporter : How many children are bhere in the truant school now ?

Mr Smail: There have been about 200 boys admitted to the school since it was opened. They include a number from tlie city and a few from suburban Schools. Mswton and Grafton are included in the compulsory district. There are about 130 boys now in attendance; yesterday there we're about 100 present. The remainder who have left have either joined other public schools, or have left because of being over age, or have left the city. Reporter : Have yon not control over all children who play truant? Mr Small: There are children about the streets over whom the truant master has no control. These children are either over age or under age, bub it is easy for people to make a mistake, with regard to them, seeing that through neglect they are for the most part diminutive or stunted in stature. It would therefore be easy to make a mistake as to their age. Reporter : What class of children attend the Albert-street school '.

Air Small: The Albert-street school at the present time is chiefly composed of children of the neglected class, residing within the prescribed district, and between the ages of 7 and 13 years. Anyone feeling so inclined could see this by visiting the school. Ib should be understood that the truant officer, although he questions the children found in the streets during school hours, it is with the parents he has to deal and compel them to send their children to school.

Reporter : Which districts have you no control over ?

Mr Small:- There is a percentage of children of school age who are not under the jurisdiction of the truant officer, through be longing bo districts not under the compulsory clauses. These districts are Ponsonby, Mount Eden, Newmarket and Mount Albert. Children belonging to these dis tricts are frequently found idling about the town and over these I have no control. A large number of the children found about the°street3 are also attending either public or private schools. Many of these, supposed to belong to the neglected classes, actually belong to the Albert-street school and other schools. They are probably absent for various causes by authority of their parents. Some are absent for the purpose of selling newspapers, and others forgather ing firewood, etc., and in such cases I could nob refuse them leave of absence. The actual truant player is very rare amongst the scholars attending the Albert-street school.

NAPIER NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Napier, this day. A Lucky Colouist.

A Napier carter has fallen heir to an estate in Scotland worbh £100,000 per annum.

Discovery of Copper. At the Land Board yesterday an applica tion was received for a mining lease, some prospectors near Woodville having dis covered a a copper reef. The assays so far made give very high results, but tests of larger pacels are to be made before any other steps are taken. The reef is said to be of great width. The Land Board recom mended the Government to grant a lease. The Dengue Fever. The " dengue" fever is raging here, nearly half of the business men of the place being affected. Overdue Kents. Forty-six selectors are in arrears with their rents. Ib was decided yesterday if the instalments due were not promptly met the Land Board would take action.

THE HIKUTAIA CLAIMS.

(BY TELEGRAPH— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. The case of Snell v. Mcßrinn, of the Pro spector'a claim, Hikutaia, in the garden s Court, claiming all the ground marked out by the defendant in excess of 30 acres, was dismissed.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

GOLDIE DISCOVERS ANOTHER INJUSTICE TO AUCKLAND.

PROPOSED REDUCTIONS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL KErORTEK.)

"Wellington, this day, Reduction of Members.

The intention of the Government is to reduce both the number of members and the honorarium paid. Ib is not yet decided on what scale the reduction of the number of members shall be made, but the proposal now before the Cabinet is that they shall be reduced by one half. This change would nob come into force for three years, or until a dissolution occurred.

'Frlsco Mall Service.

The "Post" published the following paragraph last evening:—" One of the prospective retrenchments of the Minis terial policy we will be pleased to hear will be the non - renewal of the San Francisco mail contract." So far as I have been able to ascertain, there is no more truth in the statement than that the discontinuance of the 'Frisco ser vice has been urged by several Wellington members as a probable direction in'which saving mig__ bo effected. No definite de-

cision such as that referred to has at all events been arrived at yet.

How the Monoy Goes.

An item of wholly useless expenditure of a remarkable nature has been brought to light by an Auckland member who is an uncompromising opponent of administrative extravagance. Me lias discovered that there are kept at Mount Cook, two horses which are only used once each year, on the occasion of His Excellency's visit to Parliament Buildings to open the session. Two grooms are kept for the purpose of looking after these animals, while a sergeant is employed for no better purpose than to overlook the grooms. Mr Goldie, who has made this dis covery, very truly contends that the engage ment of two horses from the nearest livery stables ab a pound each for the day would save the country an expenditure of several hundred pounds per annum.

worth Island Trunk Railway,

Nothing has yet been clone with respect to the proposed change of route for the Norbh Island Trunk Railway. One of bhe Wellington members sbated to an Auckland representative yesterday that bhey would oppose the change tooth and nail, and that if any attempt were made in the direction indicated the overthrow of the Government would be the result. In conversation yesterday with an Auckland member who advocated the Stratford route threeyearsago, he said he did nob see his way now to vote for any return to that route in face of the fact bhab 24 miles of line was already made from the Marton end and other contracts let.

Opposition Intentions.

"Puff," the racy writer in the "Press," makes the following reference to thesupposod intention of the Opposition :—"Scallywags. Oh yes.plenty. They'll make themselves con spicuous enough before many woeks are over. You'll see. Ah !ah ! What's their little game ? I hear they're going to stone wall the retrenchment policy till Christmas ! That shows nice Christian feeling on .hen part—peace on earth, good will towardmen ! Will they be able to keep it up? They may keop up a mud wall for a bit, but tho public will throw such a lot of cold water on ib that it will soon give way."

The Permanent Forco

It has been decided that in carrying into effect the scheme of retrenchment now under consideration a large reduction shall be made in tho Permanent Force. The saving that will thus bo effected is likely to exceed t'3,000, so that it promises to be of a very sweeping character. So far as the Volunteers aro concerned,it is believed that the capitation for next year will be reduced by 10s per man at all events : but it is im probable that the reduction will apply to this year, as the year has almost gone and the capitation is practically earned.

Immigration Policy,

The adoption of a policy of immigration is strongly urged by the "Post," which considers that prosperity lies in doubling our population. The article concludes by sayingthatuntil soinesuchscheme is carried oub it is hopeless to expect a return of really prosperous times. They will never come while the existing population is con tent to simmer as it were in its own fat. Retrenchment of itself will not bring back prosperity. It may indeed enhance de pression. To make tho country progress and prosper it must have steady augment ation of its population, and the sooner our rulers face this facb tho better it will be for all concerned.

Charitable Bollef Works.

Mr Goldie has gone very fully into the inequality of the Government expenditure in relief to the unemployed, and will move further in the matter when he receives petitions, which he is expecting from Auckland, to strengthen his hands. He finds that since last March the Go vernment have spent nobhing under bhis head in Auckland, and thab the whole expendibure has fallen on the local bodies without any help from Government. At the sametime there was £16,629 expended in charitable relief and subsidies to the local bodies for providing work for unemployed last year, while £6,200 was voted this year. Christchurch and Dunedin Corporations ob tained a share of this money in the form of subsidies, but Auckland was not aware of ib, and did not receive any. Besides this, the Government kept 122 people employed working in Canterbury in February, and 129 in Otago. The number has since gone on increasing, and at the beginning of Oc tober there were 244 at work in Canberbury, and 188 were provided wibh relief lasb July.

BISHOP COWIE TO VISIT ENGLAND.

The Right Rev. Dr. Bishop of Auck. land, leaves on a visit to England early in January. It is eighteen years since the Bishop arrived in our city, and during that period he has been ceaselessly engaged in the work of the diocese. We understand that gome steps will be takon to testify the uni versal respectandestee'fa in which the Bishop is held by all classes of the Christian com muniby. We feel sure that such a move ment would command the support nob only of the Anglican communion, Avho are most intimately acquainted with the arduous nature of the Bishop's duties and the marked success of his administration of the affairs of the Anglican Church, bub also of people belonging to other churches, who entertain strong feelings of respect for Dr. Cowie as a distinguished citizen of Auckland.

WINDY WELLINGTON.

A Frank of _Eolus

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. An instance of the pranks which are oc casionally played by the festive Wellington wind is given in the following significant little paragraph in last night' 6" Post :— "As an evidence of strength of the wind in Wellington to-day, ib may be mentioned that a bread-cart, belonging to Ewen and Churchill, from which the horse had been detached, was blown along Lambton Quay from the firms es tablishment as far as the City Buffet Hotel shortly before 1 o'clock this afternoon.

LATE CABLES.

SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

WIFE MURDER AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS association.]

Glasgow. October 12.

About noon on Thursday, Samuel Grigg, aged 60, coal agent, Glasgow, entered his house at Keppoch Hill road, and whilst his wife was sewing struck her a tremendous blow with an axehammer on the brow. He then stabbed her with a table knife four times in the neck. One wound pene trated the left lung and death was almost immediate. One of the sons was called, and arrived on the scene just as the father was cutting his own throat. The murderer was secured and removed to the Royal Infirmary, He is expected to recover.

ANGLO-COLONIAL TRADE.

A MATTER OF VITAL

IMPORTANCE.

(special to tress association.)

London, October 18. In the course of an address delivered at Stockport, the Earl of Dunraven said that the introduction of a system of naturally protective tariffs in Eng land and her colonies was a question of the most vital importance at the present time. The description of the British Empire would have commenced if the colonies were by any means driven to conclude commercial treaties with foreign Powers.

LIBERAL CONFERENCE.

MR GLADSTONE AT NOTTINGHAM.

FIERCE ONSLAUGHT ON THE

GOVERNMENT.

[reuter's TELEGRAM.[

London, October 18,

A Liberal Conference was opened to. day at Nottingham. Mr Gladstone on his arrival in the city received a tremendous ovation from the inhabi_ tants. Speaking at the Mr Gladstone vehemently denounced the conduct of the Government in their administration of Irish affairs, and said that the term " impertinence" was applicable to it. Ho declared that if the Government persisted in their rash policy of dealing with the present difficulty, the government of that country would become impossible. Radical changes of policy, he added, were necessary, which only an enfran chised nation could accomplish.

THE LONDON RIOT.

RENEWAL OF DISTURBANCES,

"BLOODY REVOLUTION"

THREATENED.

POLICEMEN INJURED.

[REUTERS TELEGRAM.]

London, October 18.

The unemployed agitation was re" newed this morning, when an attempt was made to hold a meeting in Trafal. gar Square. The police had been mustered in strong force to prevent the proposed meeting being held, and in keeping the square clear a great amount of scuffling took place. About two thousand persons proceeded to Hyde Park, where several speeches were delivered. A move was after wards made in the direction of Bays water, but on the crowd reaching the Victoria Gate, a conflict ensued, owing to the police barring their progress. The mob destroyed the iron hurdles and seats in the Park, and with the weapons thus improvised attacked the police, injuring a number of constables. The police were reinforced to a con siderable extent, and succeeded ulti mately in dispersing the assemblage, several arrests being made.

[special to press association.]

London, October 18,

The unemployed demonstration in Trafalgar Square included amongst its ranks a large proportion roughs, who were armed with bars, sticks, and meat choppers. Some threatened to bring revolvers. Several of the speakers claimed that an Eight Hours Bill should be introduced, and that the Thames Embankment should be ex tended, in order to provide for the erection of artisans'dwellings. They also declared that the distinction of classes was fast provoking a bloody revolution. Those charged with ob structing the police were severely dealt with.

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

(reuter.)

Sydney, this day,

The Government have resolved, with the approval of their supporters, to push forward the remaining Parlia mentary business, so as to enable them to close the session on 23rd January next.

Joseph McKee, storeman, Bath-street, Parnell, was adjudicatek a bankrupt to day upon his own petition.

THE POINT RESOLUTION AFFAIR.

BISHOP COWIE STATES THE CASE.

THE FACTS IN A NUTSHELL.

GOVERNMENT ALONE TO BLAME,

Apropos of the above matter, Bishop Cowie has written the following letter, which con cisely sets forth the facts connected with it, and in the last paragraph submits two questions which suggest the very head and front of the Government's offences.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —As there seems to be still some misunderstanding of the action of the Go vernment and of bhe trustees in relation to the loss of land sustained by the St. Stephen's estate, in connection with Point Resolution, I shall be obliged by your pub lishing the following facts : —The late Cap tain Heale leased four and a-half acres of the St. Sbephen's School estate ab the said point, near to the Sb. Stephen's cemetery, for which he paid the trustees £17 a year. The date of the lease was August, 1873, and the term was 60 years. When he left New Zealand, Captain Heale sold the remainder of his lease, 48 years, to Mr G. S. Kissling. By an Act of Parliament passed in 1885, bhe Governmenb was empowered bo take for defensive purposes ad much land at Point Resolution as was necessary. They ac cordingly took the land formerly leased to Captain Heale by the Sb. Stephen's trustees, in spite of Mr Kissling's protest, which he made in the form of an action in the Supreme Court. The Government valued the land taken by them at £6,000, of which sum the trustees received £632, and Mr Kissling, I believe, £5,368. The Government then sold what they did not require of the taken land to Mr Kissling for £4,250,1 believe.. As the rent paid by Mr Kissling to the trustees was only £17, and the lease had 45 years to run, it was thought by the arbitra tors that £632 was sufficient compensation to pay to the St. Stephen's estate. In reference to the whole transaction, it would seem that if injury has been done to the St. Stephen's esbabe, bhe Governmenb alone are to blame, for the trustees had no choice in the matter, and Mr Kissling's action was a business transaction.

It is, however, an important consideration (1) whether the Government had the righb to take from the St. Stephen's estate more land bhan they needed for defensive pur poses, and (2) whether they had the right to sell any portion of the land so taken.— Yours obediently, W. G. Auckland, Bishop, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Nature of the Trust.

The records of the Diocesan General Trust Board show that the land taken by the Go vernment at Point Resolution formed part of 77J acres Crown granted upon trust lor the use and towards the maintenance of a school established ab Taurarua in the suburbs of Auckland for the education of the children of Her Majesty's subjects of both races and of children of other poor and destitute persons being inhabitants of the islands in the Pacific Ocean so long as re lhdoua education, industrial training and instruction in the English language shall be given to youth educated therein, and main tained thereat." These aro the precise words of tlie Trust. Ib seems that tho first portion of the Trust property, viz., 18 acres, was purchased by Bishop Selwyn in September, I_so, for £226 Is. In April, 1851, he bought 9J acres more for £114 7s 6d. Sir Wm. Martin then conveyed 10 acres additional, and finally the Government (Sir Geo. Grey being Governor) granted 40 acres, and in issuing a Crown grant for the land, included the portions purchased by the Bishop and presented by Sir William Martin. The live acres taken two years ago by the Go vernment formed part of the 40 acres granted by their predecessors.

SIR GEORGE GREY AND FORT RESOLUTION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—A correspondent in your journal last evening condemns in strong terms Sir Georgo Grey's action in drawing public attention to the Point Resolution land transaction, and rather ludicrously ex presses a wish to "raise a cry of shame" against Sir George for making an "attack " on Mr G. S. Kissling by this "unmanly act." Now it so happens that Sir George Grey is an old friend of the Kisslings, and it is absurd to suppose that he was actuated by an unfriendly feeling to any member of that family in letting in the light on this latest episode of the jobbery of the Stout- Vogel Governmenb. How Sir George Grey's acblon can be considered " premature" is somewhat a mystery, seeing that a year has nearly elapsed since the completion of the transaction. Sir George Grey is a cautious man, who does not act until he is sure of his ground, and to my knowledge ho has been at all convenient times investigabing this matter, and could not well have taken any decisive steps until the present time. It was impossible to do anything in the last session of the last Parliament, as the struggle between the "ins" and the "outs" monopolised the attention of members. I have a copy of the Crown grant of the land now before me, and this document shows that Sir George Grey, when Governor in 1850, granted the land to trustees " for the education of child ren of both races and of children of other poor and destituo persons being in habibanbs of the islands in the Pacific Ocean." He naturally feels indignant, as must, I submit, every right-minded person in the community, at seeing in his old age the wise provision which he made in early man hood for the poor and friendless of both races almost completely destroyed. The taking of the land by the Stout- Vogel Government was a barefaced and premeditated fraud upon the orphans, and in saying this ib is nob necessary to accuse Mr Kissling of possessing more than the average share of human selfishness. Ib is difficult nob to suspect that the trustees winked at bhe whole affair. They certainly allowed matters to drift with supreme un concern when they might have interposed with effect to conserve the trust. I understand that Sir George Grey has grounds for believing that the sale to Mr "Kissling could be set aside in the Supreme Court, and I feel sure that if he succeeds in restoring the plundered pro perty to itsrightfull owners, hewill earn bhe bhanks and gratitude of the whole colony.— I am, etc., W. J. Napier.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—After perusing your interesting ac count of the modus- operandi by which St. Stephen's Trust, has been compelled to surrender a valuable endowment to the late Governmenb, and which Governmenb after wards parts with to a private individual embellished and improved with a handsome sum of gold and silver added, I was much amused at Mr Boynton's letter of indigna tion on behalf of Mr Kissling, and his rude attack on Sir George Grey, because the knight of Kawau proposes to inquire into the doings of the late Government in this particular matter. Mr Boynton surely must know that the public are well acquainted with Mr Kissling's excellence as portrayed by Mr Boynbon, and that when Sir George Grey moved in the matter he knew perfectly well that the absent gentle man is well and truly represented in his absence by an attorney and others of in fluence who are well able to protect the ab sent gentleman from suffering any unfair loss by Sir George's action.

It is not every honourable member of the House who is so peculiarly and indepen dently situated to open up a public matter wherein influential parties are concerned. Mr Boynton accuses Sir George Grey of an unmanly act. There can be little doubt now of the necessity of full and proper in vestigation, and restitution to the little orphans if possible.—-Yours, etc., Parnell.

"Auckland Central" writes to similar effect in reply to Mr Boynton. He says : " Strangely enough, before this extra ordinary communication was published steps were being taken to convey to Sir George the thanks of a numerous body of persons for his having moved in the matter as he did, and I have little doubt bub thab some efficient measures will be taken to hasten this being done without delay."

THE WAITOA VALLEY.

A Thames Opinion of the Find.

Thames, this day.

Messrs Price Bros, aro proceeding with the making of the machinery for the Christ church Company who purpose working the Waitoa deposit. Miners here have oeen been very sceptical regarding the payable ness of the stuff, from the mere fact that net even a colour of gold can be gob by panning off. Mr Montgomery's tests are also very damaging, as he has only suc ceeded in finding traces of gold by assays, and gives it as his opinion that bhe sbuff is altogether worthless. If, as has been stated, the Christchurch Company can make sdwts to the ton pay, it is asked why they could not do the same at the Thames, where there are thousands of tons of stuff which would yield 5 or 6dwts of gold per ton. It is generally thought that were either the Kuranui, Waiotahi or Una hills taken away bodily, the mullock and quartz would, wibh out separation, prove worth sdwts to the ton, while there would also bo every chance of coming across similar heavy depositsi of gold as have been met with during the past history of the field. A Parcel to be Treated at the Thames. A director in the Christchurch Company to work the Waitoa deposit arrived here by coach late yesterday afternoon. It is said that a parcel of some 50 or 60 tons will be ab once forwarded bo the Thames for treatment.

The "Filings" Theory Confirmed.

We have received the following letter from Dr. Bakewell, which agrees with the conclusion to which every expert here, who has examined into the matber, has arrived:—Sir, —As I resided four years on the Middle Island goldfleld, I have some little acquaintance with the gold mining industry, particularly with the appearance of alluvial gold. I therefore determined to examine for myself, if I could get Mr Pond's permission, the now famous gold filings. lam in the constant habit of working with the microscope, and have been for more than thirty years. Before going to Mr Pond's laboratory, I made some filings with brass and a gold coin, and examined them under my own microscope, both by transmitted and reflected light. I then compared them with specimens of tine alluvial gold, which I had myself washed oub in the neighbourhood of Greymouth. There could be no possibility of mistaking the filings for the alluvial gold.

I then went to Mr Pond's laboratory, and he kindly showed me the gold tilings mounted in Canada balsam. There could not be the slightest doubt that they were filings, and no natural form of gold.—l am, etc., R. H. Bake well, M.D.

Mr Durward Satisfied that there is Something Wrong.

Christchurch, this day.

Mr Durward, who is a shareholder in the original syndicate, and bhe representative of the capibalisb who purposed purchasing bhe balance of Mr Smith's property ab Waitoa, has senba telegram to a friend here. Ib was published in the " Telegraph " last nighb, and has caused considerable conster nation amongsb holders of Waitoa stock. Mr Durward's wire is as follows: "Don't sell- my shares ; would not be fair, as I am now satisfied that something is wrong." The "Telegraph" adds that this refers to the Waitoa Goldmining Company (Smith's land) in which Mr Durward is a shareholder. Mr Durward is a practical engineer and has considerable knowledge of goldmining. He is nob satisfied that Waitoa is " a duffer." There is evidence that gold in a natural state is obtained from there, but the question is whether the quantity is payable. This can only be ascertained by tests on a larger scale which are to be made.

The Test at the Thames.

The test to be made at the Thames (re ferred to in a telegram from our Thames correspondent) will consist of several tons of stuff which will be selecbed by Mr Dur ward under his own supervision. The sbuff will be treated ab Mr J. Brown's tailings planb ab Tararu where bhe process of treat ment is almost identical with that pursued by Messrs Fraser and Son.

Waitoa Tests.

The tests of stuff from Mr Strange's pro perty will be finished this afternoon, and. that from Mr Gould s to-morrow. The trial of the stuff brought down by Mr Dur ward is completed, but the result has not yet transpired. Not Had. An old Aucklander now residing in Christchurch who had his eye teebh set well back wribes, bo a friend here bhab he did very well out of a speculabion in Waiboa stock. He applied for some shares, hadbhem allotted and sold out almost immediately afterward, netting something over £100 by the transac tion. The same gentleman writes that some of the people interested expected fabulous results. One man was induced to invest £100 bhe expectation being held out to him that he would receive £4 per week in divi dends for years. Test From Patetere. A test of composite rock from Patetere, supposed to be auriferous, is being made by Messrs Fraser and Sons. An assay of similar stuff made yesberday by Mr Gal braibh, analysb, gave 3dwts. 64grs. and 2dwts. silver per ton, worth 12s. Waitoa Stock Unsaleable- It would appear that attempts have been made to bolster up the Waitoa stock in Christchurch. During the past few days we have published the substance of several private telegrams from Christchurch stating that " confidence was unshaken in Waitoa," ''that shares were saleable at a premium." A letter received this morning from a gentleman in Christchurch denies this. He states that he has had. a parcel of 100 shares for sale there since the 10th inst., and only succeeded in selling 50 at 255. The balance of his shares are unsaleable though he has offered them at " two shill ings which is par."

We have been shown two cards of sample covered buttons made by Mr Geo. Mcßride from Onehunga tweed. They are neatly got up, and will no doubt find a ready mar ket, one advantage being that customers can have buttons covered with material similar or to match their clothes. The buttons are turned out rapidly and in great variety by machinery.

MINING.

Efforts to Introduce English

Capital.

Thames, this doj_ I have been shown two or threo private letters received by the last mail from London, from which it would seem that an endeavour is still being made to indue 9 Home capitalists to invest their money in the Thames, although up to the present the matter has resulted unsuccessfully. There is jusb a possibiliby, however, that by Christmas something satisfactory may come to hand.

Universal satisfaction expressed here at the action of theAucklandChamberofCommerco in endeavouring to induce the Government to assist tho gold-mining industry at the Thames.

LATEST SPORTING.

TRAINING FOR THE CUP.

(special).

Melbourne, this day. The morning was dull and threatening. Silver Prince went the Cup distancei Thunderbolt assisting, in 3m. 44£s. Tranter did a mile and a half in splen did stjde, in 2m. 48s. Escutcheon and Whakawai went strong and finished well. Spade Guinea and Pasha were treated to three miles at half pace, whilst Rocket, Vinaigrette and Morella did serviceable gallop.

HOTEL BURNT DOWN.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Patea, this day. The Alton (late Woodville) Hotel was burn, to the ground last night. Nothing was saved, the occupants only managing to escape in their nightclothes. The insurances are £250 on the building in the Standard ; stock and furniture i'OOO in the Norwich Union Office.

HARBOUR ACCIDENT.

A CUTTER RUN DOWN.

At a quarter past ten last night, when coming over from Stokes's Point, the North cote ferry steamer ran into and sank the cutter Lily as she lay at anchor oft the wes tern ferry tee. The Lily came in at two o'clock yesteiday afternoon, the tide being low at the time, and she ran aground half way between i;he Queen and Hobson-sbreeo wharves. The crew threw out the anchor with a long length of chain and left her, so that when the tide rose and ebbed the cutter swung round right in the track of the ferry steamers. Captain Rountree states that he discovered the cutter when close upon her, and at once reversed the engines and tried to sbeer off, but bhe wind and tide took him down on the cubber, the steamer striking her obliquely ou the port bow. She at once reeled over, filled and sank, being heavily loaded with sand ballast at the time. The cutter is now Iyingquietly ofi the tee, her.mast being above water, and an effort will be made at low tide this afternoon to get some of the ballast out and raise her.' The crew of the cutter bear out a statement of Captain Rountree's thab she had no riding lighb dis played at the time, so no blame can be at tached to the ferrymen. The steamer waa not injured in the least, while it is believed that tlie cutter has sustained vei-y little damage, and as she had no one on board at the time no lives were lost. The Lily belongs to Mrs Hepburn, of Hobsonville.

Wellington, this day. Mr W. H. Watt, an old settler here, and formerly M.H.R. at Wanganui and mem ber of the Provincial Council of Wellington, filed a petition in bankruptcy to-day. He has had heavy losses in land and business speculations.

The North Shore and St. George's Rowing Clubs intend opening the boating season on Saturday afternoon. A meeting of the North Shore Club is convened for 7.30 to morrow evening to make final arrange ments.

A recital of sacred music is advertised to be given at St. Sepulchre's church to-morrow (Friday) evening, at 8 o'clock. The programme comprises several anthems and selections for oratorios by modern composers Standah-Bennet, Benedict, Cloez, Ouseley and Stainer; also Sullivan's song "The Chorister" and an exquisite part song by Henry Leslie. An organ solo will be contributed by Mr Alex. Wiseman, organist of Sb. Matthew's Church. The vocal music will be rendered by a sbrong choir of forby voices. Admis sion is free, add a collecbion will be made in aid of the funds for providing a new organ for the church.

The second quarter of Mr R. Munro's Scottish dancing class will commence on Friday next. The attendance has kept on increasing ever since the opening night, and excellent progress has been made by all the pupils.

A Scolding Womak. —The barbarities of the ducking-stool for the cure of scoding women though abolished bylaw, are now oftentimes practised by a kind of social barbarity none the less reprehensible. Women scold only when they are ill. Instead of blaming them we should prescribe Am. Co.'s Hop Bitters. The entire system will undergo a genial, pieasanb change. The nerves will be quieted and ac r uity of word and thought will give place to amiability and affection. Healthy women do not scold or fret. Read.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c.. To-night.

Agricultural Hall Mohnwk_linstr* i 's,'B Art Gallery—Auckli n 1 Sjciety of __, :ts Exhibi tion. 7.30. Choral Hall—Fancy Dress Ball, 8. St. David's Church—Ordination Soiree, 6.307 J- ' V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30; Auck.and Athenajum, 8. Auckland Tabernacle—Service 11 7 30. Robson's Rooms—Auckland ChebaCiub, 8. ; Fish Arcade—Exhibition of Performing Birds. 7.30. St Sepulchro'sSchoolroom-Rehearsalof Auck-

land Amateur Opera Club. 8. : Watties Epsom Hotel—"H Tioonof Draeoona. 4.30. . ... ... Ponsonby Hall—Ponsonby Rifles, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

Octoher 21—Messrs T. B. Eendcrdine and J. P. King. •

Auction Soles To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro duce f ale, 11. Hunter Durham Yards -Horses, &c, 11. " .;, ;; ,Si:,

W. J. Dow<f©i-Weekly Poultry and Produoo Sa.e, 11. '« p-.'.-. . . ■ ■ ■ ■-:. 8. Cochrane and Son - Household Furniture and i

Effects, 11. Paget and Ralston—PouJt % Produce, Furni ture, 10.30. E. leydon- Poultry, Produce, See, 11. _ J. Leydon—Poultry, Produce. Furniture, &c„ 11 A. Aitken- Poultry, Produce, &c., 12. , ; -.'!_ T. M. Jackson—Furnituro, Books, &o„ Q , „ B. Tonks and, Co.—Merchandise, SCO., U. D. F. Evans-iFurniture, etc., 12.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20. 1887.

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