!^ 1 o'clock this morning a roof of Messrs. Kean jb^.ti kiln !? John- strecfc' 3 BroJ"Tlfdamage done was very K>*. S ba repaired at a cost of s^sbe*M caused by the heat Mr Justice Ward held a meet ffisßo" 01 u, O this morning, when the i^^Ss'transacted: In the 9feßSSwd effects of Robert Si^/Lon (deceased) intestate Mr fel^Sbved that letters oi ad amount of. the bond be re »'dft two Prospective shares. His by«s the order as prayed. W Crf the wi" of Edward Skel jn the matter «m Mahony moved for wfffUed to Margaret Skdton, P^tKamed in the will. Order *'2f to "he matter of the will of Conway, deceased, Mr GW d that probate be gi anted in C!eado» BOVn is Honor granted the order 'fWdle^e another lecture on the Ihimed for his scheme of rad- ?lal^ ay oun(r Men's Christian Aim ?>f evening under the aus «£ Skland Athenamm. MrE W? .J The lecture dealt with &C and fibres which have tke published in this con- rePtd was of an explanatory and ®m- Smeter. Mr Vaile argued to should be conducted *8K3 developing lettlement and <t country, rather than "C. sake of mere money gain. * LrM that increased traffic would S|S befall in the receipt. S would follow lower charges, ana held * Zion andnotdistance.should be ?ST£U Messrs Oliphant, S White, and others asked ques- Ssoote on the subject at issue, and Sianks was subsequently passed to S after which the meeting termin-

tasmall excitement was caused down .Ken-street Wharf about a quarter iUe to-day by the sudden aisappear- Ad a young man over the side. Mr ZamM ™om theaccidenthappened, Skinedovra close to the weather side, Zhishatwas blown off, and missing his Ihe wiS compelled to take a sudden and itoy bath. Fortunately two youths Lied to be close at hand m a boat, and VrCreenaway was rescued but little the nwforhui ecld-water experience. JMric lifting is proposed to be applied Dtlestreete of Wellington. At a meeting j! Wellington City Council last night a iiStßwas read from Dr Lemon stating that it Commissioner of Telegraphs had given lis permission to advise the Council re Uftg the streets with electricity, and festothe proper installation. The Com jsper had also given him power to use feftgnipb poles, and had granted such afeas tbe Electric Lines Act will per ji Dr Lemon has promised the Council iJdK of a dynamo of 400 lamp power, diiiichto make a practical test. _ The BBittee have not yet presented their re fitto the Council on the subject. ItWGet Sick.-Expose yourself day tiiijlit, sit too much without exercise, work stodfithoutrtst, doctor all the time, take Me nostrums and imitations advertised, ppifill want to know

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

takiy meeting was held this after i Present: Messrs Luke (Chairman), 'nandCarr, -

lam's Report.—The Chairman's fsto read as follows :—- Tenders Ife) jnvited for roofing school ilfiioiie Weit, and roofing school WW»'s house at Pukerimu. The |0« i a.', grant towards proposed raiding at Cabbage Bay has been *ral>y the Government. The draw- WKtaksbeen requested to visit Lake m The Matamata Committee have j*smmicated with re transmission of Nine for. Waharoa School. The %apera Committee have been in ■^ of. conditions of grant towards PjhJool buildings.' Approved lists '«w bare been submitted by Com fktm aud West School libraries. ""WMttee report school closed *m weeks on account of whoop- W-Pmiri committee have been on Mr Jno Elliot's offer of '*?teat Onahu. Books for Whan- J m school library have been ?>&w recommended by Committee. j^-Reagned: Miss Mary Goulton, : Miss A. S. Newton Eastforaweek. 'WtertoMackaytown and Owharoa geneeof teacher. Mr F.Jameson g^toWapnCove; MissE. H. Carter C r'lJ°w?, er?? ford-sfcreefc t0 Te muC c- 1 r *,Murra y. resignation g»ta» September 30th ; m" T. B. X^ d m that a teacher has *tW If* Tamaki Wesfc School; UIA 7m> informed that he *fei n!f ln dnt horse allowance to removed from Hiku" Mt', Mi«E..A. Harderhi« regulations Education De- W L.° ; Miss C. Jtaatwn for increase of I. flT<* for consideration at Hment; MissE.. Selby has lT? ISIO, n of Acfc "8 to ap- J^gteachw. Uncertificated 7lili° mf fchat the next ' Wl take place in January, S4;°S vacafcec{ the spliel5 plieldbyhim.-The re wltfef? °fthe Schools ghat the committee was scori^«PPliedto 18 J « least I-sth sliort and »Hiul,ildinSafc Taheke BS 10, n \ WS : - John Mc 2^* Poller, £171 9s; >5S C°**£l79; S.Mills ,4 n d- Co *. £197 16s; i; e.?CcePtance of ten- Jsndmg decision as to SGCOto, v %itte» * Visitlvg Committee. "CSR^MI) that Cofle?? d the students of fej 8 attend Professor h^W' 0" exPerimental R^g^examina- S3ldriUbeheMon o.iCityschoolsCom &^anft V 01; ir ,osed k^ to Smu,lttee »h^ the ;|(^ t s> ] The estimated e>u%s was £2,130 i^afc^ City Com- appointed x%i r«of wlsich into a V ¥^CiK iD dealing K^lS 011! consulting JVV: 'Kcewed,no further ■ th« number of

LATE CABLES.

THE VATICAN AND IRELAND

THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT

CONDEMNED

(special to association.)

Londox, September 22,

The " Daily Chronicle " states that the report of Morsignor Persico, the Papal delegate, on the condition of Ireland, and the relation of the clergy to the Home Rule agitation, has convinced the Pope that the Na tionalist movement is of a revolu-

tionary character.

His Holiness, it is said, is annoyed at finding that the Phoenix Park mur derers have been prayed for in Roman Catholic churches in Ireland, and he has cautioned the Bishops against al lowing such prayers to be offered in

future.

THE AGRICULTURAL DE PRESSION.

London, September 22.

Lord Randolph Churchill, in the course of a public address, referred to the agricultural depression now so keenly felt in England, and stated that the only possible way in which the farmer could be relieved would be by the Government increasing the allow, ance to local bodies from the Imperial Exchequer by three millions sterling.

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION

London, September 22.

Irish manufacturers have applied for a special annexe at the Melbourne Ex-

hibition.

AUSTRALIAN FRUIT.

London, September 22.

The oranges and lemons from Aus tralia per s.s. Potosi prove to be of inferior quality. At auction the oranges averaged ss, and the lemons 10s 6d per box.

(REUTER.)

London, September 22. LONDON WOOL SALES.. At the wool sales, good scoured and

scoured crossbreds are ruling one half penny to a penny, and inferior scoured crossbreds one penny to three half pence below the closing rates of the June-July series. Greasy and in ferior greasy crossbreds are one half penny lower, but good greasy cross breds show dfn advance of one half penny to a penny. Western fleec 0 wools are unchanged.

THE ORIENT MAILS.

The mails per Orient steamship Ormuz, from Melbourne, August 19th, were delivered in London to-day via

Naples.

PECULIAR HANGING CASE.

(bytelegraph.—press association.)

Wellington, this day. The body of a man, supposed to be that o^ a Maori, was found yesterday by two sons of a settler in the bush about a couple of mile 8 from Sanson. The deceased bad evidently strangled himself by means of a supplejack strung to the branch of a tree. The body had apparently been hanging for about three weeks.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Gordon and Moat, J.P's.)

Drunkenness. —One person was punished for a first offence. Benjamin Smith, who bad been once previously convicted, was fined 20s and costs, or seven days, while Richa:d Irwin, for a third offence, was mulcted in a penalty of £5 and costs, or jn default fourteen days' imprisonment. Female Quarrels. —Jane McManus, a young girl, pleaded guilty to a charge of using insulting language towards Sarah Home.—She was further charged with breaking eighteen panes of glass, value 20s, the property of Sarah Home, and ad mitted having broken two panes.—The Bench decided to hear the evidence in the second place.—Sarah Home, a lively-look ing character, deposed that she was locked in"her house on Monday afternoon by a young girl who lived next door, and the de fendant came and made threats of personal violence, and smashed the windows. She also struck her on the mouth in town last night because witness wished to withdraw tins charge.—A neighbour was called to give corroborative evidence, and all she could say was that Home's windows were so fre quently broken that it would be hard to say who did it this time. —Annie Dunn was also called, but did not know anything about the broken windows. She saw defendant simply touching the complainant last night down the street. — Fined 5s and costs, and ordered to pay the amount of the damage, or in default seven days' imprisonment. On the charge of using insulting language, defendant was ordered to give her own surety of £10, and find another surety of a like amount, to keep the peace for six months.

The Choral Hall skating rink still keeps the leading place among places of amuse ment. On Wednesday evening the hall was almost packed, 'the ladies as usual predominating. We noticed among the visitors some of the Hokianga Skating Club, and they certainly did credit to their district. The management .are making arrangements for a fancy dress night, to come off in a few weeks. This ought to be an unusual attraction.

The performance of " Guy Mannenng by St. Matthew's Dramatic Society for the benefit of Mrs McGowan takes place in the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday evenings next. The piece will be pro duced on a scale of great completeness, and should attract very large audiences on both occasions. Some of our best amateurs are included in the caste, which is a large one. Admission tickets are selling rapidly, and the success of the benefit is considered to be beyond doubt,

ELECTION NOTES.

Mr Withy's different committee meetings held in St George's Hall, Eden Ten-ace, and Kingsland were all well attended last even ing, and further favourable reports were brought in by the members. Numerous offers of buggies and conveyances of dif ferent kinds were accepted' by the com mittee for use on the fateful 26th. Mr Withy will address tho electors in St. George's Hall to-morrow evening, at 8 o'clock.

A special meeting of Mr Samuel Vaile's Committee takes place to morrow at 7 o'clock to-morrow evening, at Mr Vaile's Committee Rooms, Victoria-street, next to City Hall, when all who are willing to assist in securing Mr Vaile's return are re quested to attend.

Mr Reader Wood will address the electors at Kemeu to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon at three o"ciock.

Mi* Morrison's Committee had a capital muster last evening. Arrangements were completed for the public address by Mr Morrison this evening, after which pre liminaries wero settled with regard to [loll ing day. The electors of Auckland West will doubtless attend in larjre numbers this evening at St. James's Hall, as Mr Morri son intends to make some important dis closures.

The Financial Reform Association intend to make thcii* influence felt in the city and suburban elections, by means of a public meeting at Newmarket to-morrow (Satur day) evening. The object of this meeting on the eve of the polling is presumably to give a " last word " of advice to the elec tors as to the principles which should guide them at the ballot box. Mr Theo. Cooper and other gentlemen are to deliver ad dresses.

The adjourned Committee meeting of Mr J. M. Sheras's supporters and friends takes place this evening, at the back of St. James's Hall, at the usual hour.

A final meeting of Mr Peacock's Com mittee will be held this evening in the Baptist school-room, at 7.30 Business :To complete arrangements for the polling on Monday. A full meeting is particularly desirable.

The Mayor of Newmarket has declared a half- holiday on Monday next (polling day).

Manukau.

Sir G. M. O'Rorke addressed a meeting of the electors in the Epsom Hall last night, about 60 being presens. Mr Hall presided. At the closing of the candidate's address, a vote of thanks and confidence in Sir G. M. O'Rorke was moved by Mr Hull and secon ded by Mr Mclndoe. An amendment, " That a vote of thanks be accorded to Sir G. M. O'Rorke," was moved by Mr Buch anan and seconded by Mr French ; and, on being put to the meeting, the amendment was carried by a majority of two.

Last night ilr S. S. Osborne addressed a meeting of the Ellerslie electors in Thorpe's Hall, about 50 persons being present. Mr Charles Hiil was called to the chair. Mr Osborne traversed the ground he has already gone over. A vote of thanks and confidence proposed by Mr J. Foster, and seconded by Mr Kent, was adopted unanimously. The meeting terminated with three cheers for Mr Osborne.

A Disqualification Puzzle.

A very curious question has arisen at Nelson in connection with tho city elec tion. The Corrupt Practices Act dis qualifies any person letting a conimitteo room to a candidate. Mr Piper, one of the candidates, is a member of tbe Young Men's Christian Association, and so is bis proposer. Prior to the nomination Mr Gibbs, another candidate, hired the As sociation's hall as a committee-room. Tho Association not being a corporate body, the question is raised whether tho whole of the members aro disqualified. If so Mr Piper's nomination is invalid.- Legal opinions on the subject differ.

Half holiday on Polling Day.

Last night, Wellington City Council had a discussion as to granting a half-holiday on election day. ' The Mayor said that if a requisition were presented he would declare a holiday, but he pointed out that a great number of working men would lose a day's work. The feeling of the councillors generally was against declaring a holiday.

Proposed Holiday on Polling Day.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —As we are now approaching the polling day, would it not be advisable to induce the Mayor to proclaim a public holiday, as it would _ then give the employees time to attend in the interest of their candidates, and prevent any undue influence being exercised by the employer.—Yours, etc., Working Man.

[lii this connection we may mention that we have reason to believe that there is not the slightest chance of the Mayor inter fering with the matter. He has already replied in the negative to two deputations who waited upon him, to request that he should declare a public holiday on polling day, and has also answered similarly to a letter from the Shop Assistants' Association. His Worshipthinks that the extension of the hours of polling affords plenty of time to electors to record their votes, and moreover considers that the granting of a public holiday on such an oc casion might have a tendency to cause tur bulence. —Ed. E.S.)

R.M. COURT-THIS DAY.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, R.M.)

JUDGMENT SUMMONS CASES.

F. Winter v. H. P. Blvett.— Claim, £11 4s. —Defendant did not appear, and was ordered to pay the full amount by instal ments of 15s per week • costs 19s. J. A. Gibbons v. D. Campbell.—Claim, £6 10s.—Defendant did not appear, and an order was made that he should pay the full amount on or before the Ist October, with an alternative oi 10 days' imprison ment.

L. D. Nathan and Co. v. P. Kernott.— Claim,£2 7slod.—Byc-onsentdcfendantwas ordered to pay the amount by instalments of 15s ; costs lis. H. C. Hanchard v. L. D. Evans.—Claim, £53 Bs.—Mr E. W. Burton appeared for the judgment debtor, and evidence was given by plaintiff and defendant.— The latter, who is a medical practitioner, deposed that the debt arose through Mr Hanchard having purchased from the Official Assignee on his (the debtor's) behalf book debts of £400 for £50. He gave Mr Han chard a promissory note for £57, and promised to pay him as he collected the debts. He had never collected a penny, neither had his agent done so. He had placed the debts in Dr Laishley's hands. Dr Laishley had declined to act before he got his fees.—Dr Laishley, Who was present stated that he bad collected none of Dr. Evans's debts.—Mr Hanchard gave similar evidence, but asserted that Di li vans had collected some of the debts.—An adjournment was granted till next Court day. R. Laishley v. J. Gifford and Others.— Claim,£l2 16s. ln this case the defendants, five in number, had consented to pay £8, which the judgment debtor declined to accept.—Dr. Laishley asked for an adjourn ment for one month, in order that he might test a bill of sale.—Granted. G. Mcßride v. P. Kelly.—Claim, £5 4s. —The defendant did not put in an appear ance, and was ordered to pay the amount in seven days.

LATEST SPORTING.

Tomorrows Races at ©tahuliu

The racing season in this province opens with the Otahuhu Racing Club Spring Meeting, which takes place to-morrow. Fair entries have been received for the various events, and there is every prospect of some good sport being witnessed. Trains leave the Auckland station for the Otahuhu racecourse crossing at 12.20 and 1.20 p.m., returning at 6.10 and 6.35 p.m., and stop ping at the intermediate stations if re quired. The principal races are the Subur ban Handicap and Steeplechase. Friend ship may prove the hardest to beat in the first-named, and Huntsman finds most favour in my eyes for the Steeplechase.

According to the conditions of the Second Foal Stakes, run at Randwick yes terday, Abercorn had to put up a 101b penalty, so that his running a dead heat with Niagara was a very brilliant per formance, and stamps the son of Chester as being a particularly pood colt. Taking this running as a guide, tho Hon. J. White's chance of annexing the Victorian Derby next month bears a very roseate hue.

By the s.s. To Anau, which left to-day, the racehorses Bangle and Turquoise were conveyed to Napier to fulfil their racing en gagements. Bangle is looking exceedingly well, and Maxim will doubtless have his work cut out to beat her in the Guineas. The pair were accompanied by Victory and the stallion AHel, who has been purchased by Mi- Donnelly, of Napier. Victory is also reported to have changed hands.

At a largely-attended meeting of the local jockey sheld last night at Cairns's Hotel, Ellerslie, it was unanimously agreed to wait on the Auckland Racing Club, and request that body to reinstate the old scale of riding fees. It was also decided to forward the proceedings of the meeting to jockeys in each racing centre through out the colony with a view to combined action.

C. L. Smith asks the correct time the Melbourne Cup was run in, when Martini- Henry won.—Answer: 3min. 304 sec.

Nominations for the Auckland Cup, R.C. Handicap, Steeplechase, and the principal events,of the A.R.C. Spring Meeting are due to-night.

A special cable message from Sydney states that Spade Guinea is reported to have gone wrong, and is not likely to go to the post for the Caulfield Cup. A con siderable amount of money has been in vested on Volcano for the Caulfield Cup at 100 to 8.

Hippona

SUDDEN DEATH AT ONEHUNGA.

Yesterday morning an old and respected resident went to his work as usual, on the railway line at Mount Smart. About 11 o'clock he complained to his fellow work men, who advised him to go home and have a rest. On his way home he called upon Dr. Scott and complained of pains in the chest. The doctor, after examining the poor fellow, prescribed for him. He then went home, took the medicine, and lay down on his bed without even undressing, evidently-not considering himself danger ously ill. However, he suddenly became attacked with most violent pains, and expired before 12 o'clock noon. There pro bably will not be an inquest, as Dr. Scott lias given a certificate of death to the effect that death was caused by spasms of the heart. The deceased was a hard work ing man, and leaves a widow and five young children to mourn his loss.

ROBBERY OF BOOTS.

Two young men named Arthur Morton and Charles Roberts were committed for trial at the Police Court this afternoon on the charge of stealing a trunk of boots from Mr Watts in Queen-street. The facts of this case were detailed at some length in our Tues day evening's issue. Roberts was employed as shopman by Mr Watts in his Karanga hape Road branch establishment, and when that was closed he was taken into the Queen-street shop for a week. While he was there, Morton, who is better known,as.the "New York Herald" impostor, with a trap and took away the * boots. They were traced to Whangarei, where they were committed for trial on a charge of forgery. Mr Watts said the Karangahape' shop accounts showed a great deficiency for the period during which Roberts was in charge. Evidence was given by George Shadgett, George Hall, John Endcan and Detective Herbert.

ARRIVAL OF "THE FEMALE MACCABE."

Miss Georgie Smithson, a professional cantatrice, denseu-se and lightning change artiste of very considerable ability, who has acquired a remarkable popularity through out the Australian colonies and in the southern part of New Zealand, has arrived in Auckland and will make her debut sit the Opera House on Thursday next, the 29th inst. The lady is known as " the Female Maccabe," and is said to even excel in the particularlineof theatrical "business" which is identified with his name. Her entertain ments are said to be in the highest degree enjoyable. They comprise most of the music from " La Fille de Madame Angot," Miss Smithson singing the leading num bers, and in her " Lancashire Lass" (another speciality) she justifies the Press state ment that she is the best dansewe in the colonies. Her "lightning changes" are declared to be alone worth the price of admission. In less than sixty seconds she effects a complete transforma tion from the Duchess of Devonshire (after Gainsborough's celebrated portrait) to Dickens's Poor Joe, and she offers £100 to anyone who will do the same. Another great portraiture that she presents is that of " The Standard Bearer." But the pub lic must see and judge for themselves, and judging from her unqualified success, she should make a most palpable " hit " here. Miss Smithson intended to pay Auckland a visit two years ago, but an accident result ing in a broken leg prevented her. She is accompanied by Mr L. Dunbar, a young and capable actor who is not unknown to local fame.

Christchurch, Wednesday,

Considerable indignation is felt here at the apparent remissness of the Adelaide authorities in permitting the escape of the Rev. Mr Radcliffe, the clergyi lan who absconded thither en loute for England, leaving numerous unpaid bills here. His debts here amount to nearly £500. The creditors are making inquiries with a view of pursuing him to England.

New Plymouth, this day.

the performance of the Amateur Opera Company last night, Judge Wilson pre sented Alfred Wade, of Whangarei, with a certificate of the Royal _ Humane Society of Australasia for his plucky conduct Avhen a bull chased his father in November last. Mr Wade, senr., who was severely hurt at ono time, and not expected to live, is now recovering, and can walk about a little bit, but has been in jured for life.

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

At the Police Court to-day, Charles Smith was charged with being drunk on the Kaipara railway line. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the prosecution, and the evidence wliich he adduced showed that defendant and another man had a really miraculous escape from death. They were lying on the line in a drunken state, while a train was approaching, with their heads close to the rail, and if they had not been observed opportunely they would both have met with shocking deaths, and it is quite probable that the train would have been thrown off the line. A fine of 40s and costs or seven days' im prisonment in default was imposed.

A PLAYFUL TIGER.

Remarkable Experience of an Indian

Hunter.

I was in charge of a party making a survey for a railroad line between Nagpoor and Hyderabad, India, said Major White, and as there was no hurry about the work our party was as much a hunting as a surveying party. We numbered about thirty-eight people, ten of whom weie white men. Owing to the difficulties of the country we had no saddle-horses, but took along six or eight pack animals, and each native also had a pack to bear. The very difficulties in the way of building a line made the country a sportsman's paradise. Twenty years ago there was more wild and savage game to the acre in that district than elsewhere south of Lucknow, but the march of civili sation has doubtless driven the big game away by this time. We were travelling along the north branch of the Gadavey river—sometimes upon its bank and again a couple of miles from the water, sometimes travelling five oi* six miles a day, and again halting for a couple of days to fish or shoot when a most singular incident befel me indi vidually. I had left camp at an early hour in the morning to fish. While I carried ray rifle with me I had no intention of going out of my way to find game. On the pre vious afternoon I had observed what seemed to be a capital fishing spot in the bend of the river, and it was to this place I hastened as I left camp. Some of the native servants were astir, and saw me out, but I did not want their services. It was a pretty t Mck jungle between the camp and the bend, but at the bend there was a clear spot an acre in extent, with a heavy forest growth and a ledge of rocks for a back ground. As I took a look around before sitting down on the bank to my sport, 1 re marked that it was a good spot for wild beasts, but as there was nothing moving, I went right to -work with my fishing tackle. Catching a frog for bait, I flung in the hook, and it wasn't five minutes before I was meeting with such luck that all thoughts of tigers, snakes and hyenas were driven out of my mind. I had landed half a dozen good-sized fish, and was just then playing a larger one, when a slight noise startled me, and I looked round to see such a sight as has seldom come to the eyes of a sportsman. A full-grown tiger was within five feet of me, playing with one of the fish. It was tho last fish pulled out, and in its dying agonies it was jumping about on the grass. Every time it jumped the tiger would reach out a paw in a playful way, and once or twice he struck hard enough to move the fish three or four feet. I tell you I was a badly frightened man, and all 1 could do was to sit there with mouth and eyes opened. The tiger had crept down from the bluffs, and why he hadn't attacked me was a mystery. He wont from fish to fish, turning them over with his paw, and time and again brushing me with his tail as he moved about. My rifle was ten feet away, leaning against a bush, and I might have been idiot enough to try to reach it but for a warning. My personal servant had followed me to see what luck I had. He came into the neighbourhood while the tiger was playing with the fish, and softly climbing a tree, he uttered the call of a bird to attract my attention, and then sang out:

"Do nothing to provoke the tiger, master. He is a hiloivtde, and if you do not cross him he will go away." He meant that the spirit of a good native had been transformed, and it was clearly the common-sense way to follow his advice. As the beast gave me no attention I turned to the fish tugging at my line and landed him. Ho was of good size and full of vitality, and the tiger waited in a playful way until I removed the hook and threw the fish on the grass. Then he sprang for it as a kitten would for a ball of yarn, and he played with it in the same way. It was laughable, in spite of circumstances, to witness his actions. He would run around in circles as you have seen a young dog do, sometimes almost leaping over me, and then again he would become the cat and creep softly forward to pounce upon one of tbe fish. Each one as caught was flung to him, and it was a full half Hour before he grew tired of the sport. I expected he would turn to me sooner or later, but the native saw the change of demeanour first and called : "Master, the hilowecle is going to play with you. Be as clay in his power."

The tiger suddenly left the last fish landed, and came stalking up to me, purr ing like a cat and acting very playful. Hrs first move was to worm his head under my left arm, and, I'm telling you the solemn truth when I say that I smoothed down his fur as if he had been a favourite doo- I had on a big straw hat, and this he got hold of in his teeth aud played with for ten minutes, or until he had torn it all to pieces. I had no more bait to fish with, and drew in the line, and sat there waiting for the tiger's next move. When he had finished the hat he came over and rubbed against me, and purred in a pleased way, and I rubbed him with my hand from nose to tail. I gradually got over my scare, but was yet very anxious to know how the affair would end. The sun was getting well up and very hot, and the beast would soon be seeking' his lair. In about thirty minutes from the time he appeared the tiger began to show a change of demeanour. He acted nervously and uneasily, and the hair on his back stood up at intervals. I judged that he had got the scent of my servant, and such proved to be the case. I dared not rise to my feet, but I made up my mind that if the tiger attacked me I should make a spring off the bank into the river. It was infested with crocodiles, but there was not much choice between being eaten by beast or saurian. Once the tiger glared at me and growled, but next moment whined as if afraid, and edged up to me as if for protection. The servant had been keeping a watchful eye on my strange play mate, and be now believed that tbe time had come for decisive action. He, there fore, fired his pistol and shouted at the top 'of his voice. The effect was immediate. The beast dropped his tail, uttered a long drawn whine, and, with a sort of farewell glance at me, he bolted for the forest and disappeared. 1 bad looked him over pretty well, and had noticed, among other things, that he had a broken claw on the right paw. .We did not break camp that day. Just at sunset, as we sat in groups smoking our pipes, a tiger charged boldly in among the servants and attempted to make off. We rallied to prevent, and the beast knocked two other men over before he was de spatched. When wo came to examine the body I had not the slightest difficulty in identifying it as that of my playmate of | the morning.'

ATHLETICS.

Volunteering.

The "A" Battery held their weekly drill last evening under Captain Geddes. "After parade Major Payne informed the Company that he had been informed by Major- General Whitmore that a fourth gun had been placed at their disposal, and would be fit for use in a few days.

The Auckland Navals intend to send a football team to the Thames on Friday next to play a match against the Thames JS avals.

Ihe Auckland, Ponsonby, and Waitemata Corps are to assemble at the Drillshed this evening for Government drill. Class-firing takes place at the range to-morrow. ° Parnell Cricket Club. ( The annual meeting of the Parnell Cricket Club was held in the Glass Barrel Hotel, Parnell, last evening, when there was a good attendance of members. Mr R. Crowe presided. The report and balance sheet of last season, showing the club in a prosperous condition in every way, was adopted. It was decided to play as seniors in the coming season, also to play a second eleven. The annual subscription was fixed at £1 Is for seniors and 10s 6d for juniors, and the colours to remain as registered, viz., dark blue and white. The following were elected as officers for the season :—President, Mr F. J. Moss; Vice-Presidents, Messrs F. Tomlinson, R. Garratt, G. Orchard, J. A. Cooper, and Elliott • Captain, Mr W. Gardiner (re elected) ; Deputy-captain, Mr R. Crowe ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr W. Speight (re-elected); Committee, Messrs W. Ripley and J. Jordan, to act with captains and secretary ex-officio. Delegates : Messrs R. Crowe and W. Gardiner. There were 16 new members elected. Mr F. Tomlinson again offered a bat to the Club as a trophy to the highest individual scorer. Votes of thanks to the outgoing officers and to the Chairman closed the meeting.

Football

The only Rugby football match to morrow is that between the Ponsonby 11. and a team picked from Lower Waikato. The match is to be played at Potter's, and a good game may be anticipated. The fol lowing are the teams :—Waikato : Mar shall, Ralph, Harris (2), Smith (2), Mc- Glynn Luke, Bailey, Turner, Carter, Wil liams, Buchanan and McNeil. Ponsonby : Dignan, McConnell, Main, Whiteside, Mc- Haie, Moore, Bruce, Beamish, Heffernan, Fagan, Gash, Poulsen, Samways, Chaplin, Healey.

The following other matches will also be played to-morrow :—

Tabernacle v. St. ANDREw's(in Domain). —Tabernacle : Dickey, Holland, Matthews, Bell, Goldie, Newton, Brown, Blomfield, Stewart, Cleaver, Taylor, Ellingham, Kil patrick, Blakey, Meek. St. Andrew's: Mill, Hatswell, Winks (2), Campbell (2), Tizard, Croker (2), Meldrum, Cuthbcrtson (2), Brodie, Holland (2). Emergencies: Otway, Hodson.

Waitemata v. University.—Waitemata: Jackson, Newton, Nesbet, Smith, Banks, Parker. McCuett, Spinley, McKenzie (2), McLeod (2), Preston (2), Service, and Burnett.

Wanderers v. Raxoers ll.—The follow ing will represent the Wanderers:—M. Chappell (captain), E. Fricker, J. Whelan, G. Courtenay, J. Mills, J. Carr, S. Sheldon, P. White, W. Whelan, R. Bleakley, and J. Clarke. Emergencies: Clarke, Collings and Allen. Rangers 11. :W. Thomas, Heron, McCormish (2), Crawford, Wheatley, Wise man, Bloomfield, Hutchinson, Ewington, Little, Carter.

Black Rose v. White Star (at One hunga).— Bi-ake' 'leaves Naval and Family Hotel at 1.45 sharp. Phcenix Foundry v. Gee and Potter's and Cousins and Atkins, Combined.— Phcenix Foundry: Potter, Stone, Stuart, Davison, Braund, Bruce, Wintle, Tizard (2), Ker, Otway, Laurie, Williams, Jury, Hales, Lynch, Mclndoe, McCallum,- Er rington. To be played in the Domain, to-morrow (Saturday). Game to com mence at 3 p.m. sharp.

Home Bay v. Jervois 11. (Surrey Hills.) —Home Bay : Green, Buchanan, McCarthy (2), Scott, Maude, Schmidt, Wardell, Murphy, French, Young, Conway (2), Farquhar, Glover, Nicholson, MaseSeld, Becroft, Chapman.

Tkue Blue v. Home Bay.—True Blues : F. Wilson (captain), Lucas (2), Barker, Ramsbottom, Warton, Jeffries, Taylor, Gussey, O'Sullivan, Calbert, Dowlin, J. Crawford, A. Green, Murphy. Emergen cies : Walters, Warton and Hayes. To be played on the Rovers' pitch. The annual football match between the Ponsonby and North Shore Gymnasium Clubs will be played at the North Shore to morrow. Ponsonby: Langsford, Mase field, Cook (2), Atkinson, Plumber, Burton, Diddams, Bruce, Feck, Stone, W. Cruickshank, Dowden, Scott, and Cossar. Emergencies : Mclndoe, Thom son, and Lusher. North Shore:

Niccol, Mays, Breen, Swinnerton, Arm strong, F. Burgess, Somerfield, A. Grattan, J. Burgess, Bruce, Finch, Brown, Burrell, Williams, Willets. Emergencies :E. Swinnerton, H. Grattan, Sutherland, and Tanfield.

The admission to Dilworth's paddock to-morrow afternoon has been fixed at six pence. Tickets will not be available. Trams will run at short intervals.

The Association match Avill doubtless draw a large crowd to Dilworth's paddock to witness the Cup match between the Saracens and Links F.C. The following are the teams :—Saracens : Shakespeare, Upfil, H. Gould, Hodgkinson, Owen, Howard, P. Gould, Hempton, Binney, Moresby, and Norton. Links : A. Heather, N. Newcomb, W. Massev, M. Douglas, J. Harvey, J. Mc- Ilwraith, H. Naylor, A. Freeler, G. B. Mercer, J. Matthie, F. Davenport.

A football match will take place to morrow afternoon at the Association Ground (near Victoria Wharf), Devonport, between the local Association and Rugby Clubs, under the Association rules. Play will commence at 3 p.m. The following players will represent the North Shore (Rugby): — Marshall, Murphy, Lynch, Patterson, Wynyard, Maud, Martin, John stone, Trays, Sibbin, Gratten, and Trays.

A SAD ACCIDENT.

BY TELECRArir.— press association.)

Christchurch, this day. j On Monday last a boy named Beck, 9 J years old, was playing on a bank by the roadside at Porter's Pass, and a labourer named Jones was picking shingle from the side of the bank, when the top suddenly gave way under the child's feet, and as he fell he was struck on the head by the pick. He lingered till yesterday, when he died.

HOTEL BURNKD DOWN.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. McGrath's North-East Valley Hotel was burned down early this morning. The insurances are: £650 in the Union and £600 in the Norwich Union. The loss is £300 above the insurance. The Freemason Lodge lost £100, The stock was insured in the New Zealand Office foi £160.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

Thames, this day. Cambria. —251b of picked stone has been obtained from the fifth leader in tho western drive at No. 3 level.

Coromandel, this day. Roval Oak.—The mine manager, Mr Peter Reid, reports:—For the past week there has been but little change to report from the mine. The reef is improving-, and making across the rise again. In the tri bute down the winze near their boundary driving on the same reef, towards No. 2 cross reef, in the last breaking down they got a few stones showing gold, svhich looks well for the run continuing from No. 3 level up.

ABBOTT'S OPERA MOUSE.

" Sue Stoops to Conquer " was performed last night at the Opera House by the members of the Auckland Dramatic Society, the proceeds of wliich are to be devoted towards the funds of the Kindergarten School and Creche. Under the circumstances a large attendance might have been anticipated. The perfor mance was under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor and a number of leading citizens, Mr and Mrs Devore being present. The favourite comedy was well staged, the interior of Mr Hardcastle's mansion being well represented. Mrs C. Cooper, as Miss Hardcastle, was frequently applauded, while Miss Geraldine Hill made a very good Mrs Hardcastle. Miss Connor O'Brien was also satisfactory as Miss Neville. The part of Pimple was taken by Miss Birmingham. Mr J. F. Montague, as Mr Hardcastle, was quite at home. As Charles Marlow, Mr 0. B. Way mouth evidently pleased the audience, for ab the end of the second act he, in company with Mrs Cooper, was called before the curtain. Mr A. Forrest took the part of George Hastings in a jovial manner that speedily made himself at home with the audience. The part of Sir Charles Marlow waa represented by Mr J. A. Cooper, while Mr J. J. Ryan created some amuse ment in the minor character of " Diggory." Mr Lachlan McGowan made an excellent) " Tony Lumpkin," whose extravagant va garies kept the house in a continual state of mirthfulness. The scene in the tavern, where "Tony" sings a song, was loudly applauded. Considered as a first performance, last night's work may be termed satisfactory. To night the comedy will be repeated, when no doubt a larger audience will be present, and thus encourage the performers, with the result that more life will be thrown into the various characters. Naturally the second representation will be free from those little pauses which invariably attend the first appearance of a new company.

MAORI CUSTOMS.

A Singular Law Case.

What promises to be a lengthy legal con test between two natives named Tareha Taroa and Mihi Wiremu, commenced at the R.M. Court yesterday afternoon. The plaintiff, Tareha Taroa, claims £10 10s value of two mares which she allegc 8 have been wrongfully taken possession of by the defendant. The facts of the case, as related by Mr Earl, solicitor, are of a somowhat singular character. Both parties in the action residedat Waiheke,'and shortly before November, 1886,therearose a quarrel between them. The aS&ifbody of a Maori was found in the harbour, and the body being much eaten by fish, the natives " tapued " all the fish in the Hauraki Gulf. This tapu was binding on the Waiheke Maoris. " Tareha, the plaintiff, when on a visit to Auckland, partook of a schnapper said. to be one of those prohibited. The relatives of the deceased Maori, whose body had been partly eaten by fish, were conse quently very angry, and cursed the plain tiff. The result was that a Maori commit tee was appointed by Tawhiao to deal with the culprit. This committee found Tareha guilty of a gross offence, and fined her £10 10s, "with an alternative that she should hand over two horses to the relatives of the deceased. Two mares were accordingly handed over, and the award was signed by the parties interested. The mares remained in possession of the plaintiff for 7 or 8 months, at the expiration of which time there was another row between the parties, and Mihi took back the animals. The horses are now in possession of the defendant, who claims to retain posses sion of them according to Maori custom. The witnesses in this case included over a dozen natives, each side having an in terpreter. The Court was occupied in the hearing of the case all yesterday afternoon, and the further hearing has been adjourned till Tuesday.

SMUGGLED CIGARS.

(by telegraph.—press association.) *

Dunedin, this day. . At the Police Court yesterday, two China-: men were convicted of smuggling cigars^ from the s.s. Whampoa. The Collector of Customs asked for the infliction of the full; penalty, as the offence was very rife; but, on Mr Carew's recommendation, the infor- i mation was amended, and accused \s^-" a fined treble the value of the cigars

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night

Abbott's Opera House — Auckland Dramatic Society in *She Stoops lo Ccnquer," 8 Bell's Buildings. Wyndhain-street — Industrial

Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 p.m. Howick Presbyterian Church — Evangelistic Service, 7.30 V.M.C A. Rooms—Musical Entertainmsnt, 7.30. City Hall—Mr S. Vaile and the Electors of Auckland North, 8. Drill-shed—Auckland, Ponsonby, and Waite mati Naval Artillery, 7.30. Otahuhu Public Hah-Address to Electors of

Franklin North by Mr F. Lawry, 7.30. Alexand a-street P.M. Church-Lecture, "Love, Courtship, and Marriage," by Rev. C. Wor hoys, 7.30.

Council Chambers, Devonport—Committee and Supporters of Mr It. Monk, 7.30. St. George's Hall—Address by Mr J. A. Tole to Electors of Newton, 8.

Ponsonby Hall—Mr C. S. Wright and the Electors of Ponsonby, 8.

Public Hall, Avonda'e—Address by Mr J. A. Connell to Electors of Eden, 7.30.

St. James's Hall—Mr E. VV. Morrison and the Electors of Auckland West, 8.

St. George's Hall—Committee and Supporters of Mr E. Withy, 7.30. Thorpe's Hall, Ellerslie—Address hy Sir 6. Maurice O'Rorke to Electors of Manukau, 8. Newmarket Public Hal! — Mr S. S. Osborne and the Electors of Manukau, 8.

Museum—Professor Thomas on " Animal Hum bugs," 8. Parnell Hall—Mr F. J. Moss and the Electors of Parnell, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

September 21—Messrs R. W. Moody and L. D. Nathan.

Auction Soles To-morrow,

D, F, Eranß-'Houaehold Furniture, eto u 10.30t

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. 18& T.

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If you should happen to' meet a well dressed gentleman, you may depend upon it he patronises Woollams, the tailor, ab Sydenham House, Grey-street.—[Ad.vt.]