DISCURSIVE DIALOGUES.

SATURDAY EVENING TALKS

ON CURRENT TOPICS.

No. I.—Tins Jubilee Summed Up—MoNAKcnY and Superstition — Australian Dis loyalty and American Loyalty—A Signi ficant Movement— Knights of Labour, etc

(Scene. — A Cottage in Newton . Jack Plane

drops in to see Tom Turnscrew.)

Good evening, Tom ; gob bhe Jubilee over 1

Oh, yes, Jack. Come along and sib by the fire, for the weather is deuced cold. HoW has your own Jubilee passed off?

All righb, as far as that goes; only a day's wages chucked away bhab would have ifoeen better in my pocket. This Jubilee

business is pure humbug. I think, with some of bhose Star correspondents, that Royalty is worth little and costs much—a greab deal boo much.

And, yob, Jack, if you look into it, you'll find bhab bhough bhe Queen were to give the whole of her income it would only be fivepence a-head to the people in bhe United Kingdom, without. allowing anything to the colonies !

Well, I suppose if the colonies were in cluded, it would give threepence a-head; and bhab would buy a glass ot bucr to drink the Queen's health in,—not that I want to drink her health, however.

No, Jack ; I fear you are nob over loyal, and are carried away with Republican ideas.

Myideaof loyalby is to live honestly, provide well for wife and family, and cultivate my own and their intelligence. You know that dis loyalty and high' intelligence are almost synonymous. No, indeed, that's a new doctrine, surely. Not [at all. Bucklo says in his " History of Civilisation :"—" There isa real andpracbicalconnecbion between loyalty and superstition. Ib is a historical fact that tho two feelings have nearly always flourished together and decayed together." In bhab case, bhe rowdies of Sydney musb be in bhe vanguard of civilisation and intel lectual advancement when they give three groans for bhe Queen, and three cheers for the Ansbralian Republic. You're wrong, Tom, if you think thab ibs only "rowdies" who hold those sentiments. Many people of wealth and posibion agree wibh bhem, bub they haven't the independence bo express bheir minds on tho subject. I was quite refreshed the oblier day to see that every poet in the country hadn't gone inbo local libs over bhe Jubilee rejoicings, bub could express him thus aboub ib:

X look with eye prophetic on a day not far ahead When a heartier kind of Jubilee shall true reioicingsshed; . When tho crown, and throne, and sceptre, and other useless gear, Consigned into the lumber-room, no more Shall reappear; . '• When the tinsel and tho trappings and tho old time-honoured lies __.-■;•. Shall no longer serve to dazzle a thinlano nation's eyes; ■ When the horseleech cries of princes shall , cease to vex our oars, A.nd ari altruistic spirit bo the standard or our • peers; ~._,_, When the truest and the worthiest and tho most enlightened man . . _■ ■-. shall be our only potentate, and lead our social van;_. . . _ When this direst bough that lingers on Super stition's tree Shall cast no more its shadow on a country truly free; .... _ . , ~ Then shall that other Jubilee be joyfully begun, ;.,-.-; ... -, TNot circumscribed by period of a circuit round the sun, ... But, growing in its grandeur at each successive stage, ■ Shall mark the nobler epoch of a Democratic Ag_!

What do you think of that; Tom ? And before you answer, let mo say bhab one millionaire ab leasb has the courage of his opinions—Mr Andrew Carnegie, a natura lised citizen of the United States—and has spoken out .boldly against the sham and ehoddy of Royalty and loyalty. Why, Jack, you take my breath away, with such an impassioned speech and such vigorous poetry. But, believe me, the Democratic advbcabes have jusb as much humbug aboub them as the Royalisbs. Then, Andrew Carnegie is nobhing but an eccentric Scotchman who has made money and therefore thinks his opinions better than other people's; He in no way repre sents the sentiments of tho people of the "United States bowards England. Doesn'b he ! Then ibs because he isrt b bitter enough. Look at bhe Irish-Americans, and how heartily they hate bhe British monarchy—— ~,,.,. . And thus Bhow bheir lnbelligence and freedom froni superstition, eh ? I'm afraid your logic is ab faulb, Jack. Ameri cans, aS a class, may have no love for royalcy, bub they have a genuine lovo for England, and a touching respect for tho Queen. Why, I see that at San Francisco, which is furthest removed from English influences, .they celebrated the .Queen's Birthday in .vlay lasb by singing:— "God save the President, Congress and Parliament, God save the Queen!" Pooh, that mean's nothing, and you see they pub- Presktanb and Congress before Queen and Parliamenb, I don'b believe all - thab twaddle about American friendship for England, or the "spread-eagleism" that raves about the federation of the English speaking people, . , ...,.-, , ~ , And yeb, Jack, .that consummation may riot .'be far off. Here's a litble bib clipped from an American paper bhab is very' in sbrucbive., Ib reads this way:—" Politicians! who" look beneath the mere surface of things are getting interested in an Anglo-American movement which has been silently growing to a power in certain sections of the country. Of late years emigration from England and Canada has assumed vast proportions. ~ Be fore they come here these Britishers are saburabed. with Republicanism, and. despite the common opinion, they nearly all become jiaturalised, although bhey are nob disting uished for office-seeking. If one keeps his eyes open he will very of ben read of bhe -esbablishmenb of English colonies through out the United States. .It is said to be a fact thab bhe Maine Legislature was carried for bhe Republican party ab bhe lasb election through bhe sobxt vote of the English ; element. In Chicago, also, -lie Eriglish- ICanadian,ypbe is courted by politicians of Ibobh. parties, so large is ib. These English men generally respecb the Queen, but bhey I believe, thab. the monarchy is doomed to be j supplanted by a republic at no distanb day ; H iadmire Gladstone.enthusiastically; approve !of Home Rule for Ireland, bub debesb |_?enianism, Socialism, and Anarchism, and l-almosb to a man they are upholders of a j protective tariff. Most of them are either expert mechanics, who, from the firsb,'secure lucrative employment as workers in metals or clay, or practical farmers wibh more or less .financial means." That's an argumenb on my side, Toni ! These Englishmen are Republicans, and insbead of taking the United" States over to Monarchy, they will drag England over bo Republicanism. Perhaps so; bub bhey Will help on bhab great federation movement in winch every thinking man instinctively believes—the union of the Anglo-Saxon race; and that will speedily be. followed by " The Parlia , ment of man, the federation of the world 1" Your Republican poeb hasn'b evolved a nobler-sentiment yet than that of Lord oggs 'TennysOn! : ' '■'.'.■■ ■>-. . ■k; Well,:Tom,.there's not much difference HI ; between us, after, all. To. change the ■ (_s£_§#» '^a^aJSlS^M^^,

bo inbroduce bhe Knighbs of Labour organis ation inbo bhe colonies ?

Thab's rather a ticklish question. You know I'm an ardenb Trades Unionist; but when I look ab bhe effeebs of bhe depression in trade—how we have to work ourselves to death for a baro pittance —I almosb despair of any good coming from labour organisa tions. Work and wages are regulabed and conbrolled by higher laws than any mere human machinery. No doubb; bub when good times come, do you think we would get our wages up if we had no combination for thab purpose ? Even bhen, I don'b know bub ib would be better to trust to "the common sense of mosb" rabher than to bhe rude argument of force. But forco is the ultimate appeal in every worldly matter. Yes ; bub bwo can play at that game. In blie Unibed Sbabes the employerc have com bined, and already one result is that many of the men havo surrendered bheir member ship in bhe Trade Unions and returned to work ; and in some instances the Knights of Labour lodges have surrendered bheir charters, and are altogether disbanded. Tho movement for uniting all bhe manufacturing interests in tho counbry is progressing, and when it is finished, the manufacturers and all employers of labour expect bo be able' to fight the strike and the boycott with their own weapons. Then we musb fall back on tho principle of arbitration, which workmen's Unions have always advocated. You mean the more inbelligenb members of bho Unions—nob bho inferior workmen who encourage strikes in order thab they may get higher wages bhan their skill or industry entitles them to ! I agree with you bhab arbitration is to bo tho greab civilising agent of bhe future. lam sur prised bhab our Trades and Labour Con gress do nob make bhab a besb question for candidates ab bhe gonoral election. Probably they havo nob thought of ib. Bub it's too late now to begin a discussion on local politics. I musb bo going. Very well, Jack, don'b be long bill you come back again. Good-night.

Good-night.

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

July 9.—Wellington B.C. Stooplochaso Moot ing.—Nominations, Juno 17; weights, Juno 29 ; acceptances, July i. July 28 — Grand National Steeplochases.— Entries, Juno 23; weights, July 5; accept ances, July 18,

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

SUBSCFtrnKK.— Tho greatest number of horses ever entered for tho Melbourne Cup was IC-1, in 1885.

K.T.— In tho Mclbourno Cup last year, Malna was top weight with lOst. Trenton had OstSlb, and Nelson iist lib. Tridont's impost was "st 71b. exactly tho samo as that awardod to Abercorn this year.

TURF GOSSIP.

[By Hipfona.]

The weights for the Melbourne Cup duly caino to hand in timo for publication in Tuesday's daily papers, and carefully look ing through tho compilation, I havo come bo bho conclusion thab ib is aboub bhe mosb " flattering" effort bhab has emanated from tho hands of the Victorian handicap per. Ib seems to me bhab the three top weights, Trenton, Nelson and Trident.have little to complain of, for the handicap being commenced on a low scale must favour their chance, and considering that Tridcnj. is an improving horse I would sooner stand him than a vast number of those engaged The performers in tho three-year-old divi sion, I -think, have not been well treated, for it takes a wonderful horse of this ago to win a Melbourne Cup, wibh anything over 7st. For proof of this wo havo only to go hack to Trident last, year and Nordenfeldb in bhe year pre vious. Both of them, though admittedly brilliant animals, could nob geb closer to the winner than fourth. We hear thab racehorses in Australia are in thoir prime ab bhis age, bub even admitting thab bhey are, ib bakes, as I said above, a wonderful animal to win this race when bhey have bo compete against four, five, and six-year olds wibh feather -weights on bheir back. Mr Barnard has, bo my mind, treated the New Zealand division most favourably, if wo except Disowned, and bhe way bhis colb has been " slaughtered "is out of all reason. When bhe weights first came bo hand, ib was thought bhab bhere musb be some mistake in the matter, but when bho Australian papers come to hand containing bhe weights, I think ib will be found bo be correct. At this.stage, it is almost folly attempting to pick out the likely winner, bub neverthe less baking public form as a guide, among bhe Australian division who stand.oub as having a likely chance are Trident (9sb 81b), Silveraiine (Bsb 31b), Frisco (7s. 31b), Bohemian (7sb 131b), All Gold (7sb 101b), Crossfire (7sb 91b), The.Levite (7sb 31b), Ben Bc-lt (7st 121b), itib'awa (7sb 111b), and Lord William (7sb 71b). .. The besb treated of the Now Zealand division I take to be Thunder bolb (7sb 81b), while Pasha (7sb 121b), Spade Guinea (Bsb 61b) and Silver Prince (7sb 31b) each have .a. taking appearance on paper. The firsb forfeib for the race is due on the Ist of August.

I journeyed out to Green Lane on the day previous bo Too Sboon and Queenie being shipped bd Sydney for bhe purpose of having a final look "at bhehi in bheir old quarters. Both were looking bhe.verypicbure of health dud condition. It was some time before I could leave the box occupied by Too Soon, and without any gtisb I bhink it cart be honesbly said he is one of bhe finesb lo'oldng horses that have ever left Auckland. Whether liis deeds on the race-course will be commensurate therewith remains to be seen, but personally I think they will. What better pedigree could be wished for than that possessed by Too Soon ? He is by Anberos out of Steppe (half sister to the mighty Hermit), and riot only was she a good performer herself, but her progeny, notably Leeds and' Rye Grass in England, and the local mare Lady Norah and Mr G. G. Stead's Russley,have each shown that they cduld race. Too Soon's only appearance in public with the silk up was on the second day of bhe Auckland Racing Club Aubumn Meeting, so bhat bhe greaber number of burfibes are nob familiar wibh him. He is a beautiful blood bay, vvibh black poinbs, and stands jusb 16.2. Although bhis height, he is in no way leggy, and a more commanding and even-shaped ono it would perhaps be hard bo find. He has a good honesb head, excellenb fore-arm, and a real wear-and-tear seb of legs, but bo find a fault, he is nob so well let down behind as might be wished. Excerjbing his quarters, Too Soon is more of bhe Muskeb bype of horse bhan Anberos, and ib is quibe plain bhab he bhrows back bo his dam. Queenie is. well-known bo race-goers, as she sported silk ab bhe A.R.C. Spring, Summer and Aubumn Meetings, but she failed to claim theatbention of bhe judge. At the Wan ganui Meeting, in March, however, she had a couple of winning brackets, but I shall never expect tosee her j shine except under handicap conditions. Wibh anybhing under 7sb 121b and properly placed she should win a good race for her owners. Consider ing that Queenie stands orily 14.2, she stands over a, wonderful lot .pf, ground, and she has improved in every way since I looked over in April lasb, It has been

arranged that Too Soon and Queenie are to be prepared for bheir Australian engage ments in the Hawkesbury district, and they will be under the charge of Mr N. Peyton, a well-known light in New Soubh Wales turf circles. Carmody deserves no end of praise for bhe way he had the pair looking when they were shipped, and al though it is somewhat annoying to see promising horses go out of bhe counbry, I hope bhab ib may be my duty ere many months have winged bheir flight bo chronicle a big victory for tho " blue jacket and whibe cap."

Saburday's racing ab Onehunga proved the most disastrous day local backers have ex perienced during the whole season. Favour ite after favourite wenb down, and ab bhe conclusion of bhe day I noticed a great number of very long visages. Tho opening event of bhe clay, the Maiden Plate, saw Antolopo beat tho greatly-fancied Tupaki and Weazel ; and Coral proved equal to winning the Hurdle Race, Victory (who many thought could nob lose) nob even gaining a place. Sirloin was selecbed favourite for tho Selling Sbakes, bub he had to be content with acting as runner-up to Yankee, and the big Steeplechase saw the little-thought of Orangeman triumph over eleven others. Huntsman who was most fancied, fell. Snake and Friendship were served up very warm for the Winter Oats Handicap, bub The Cab being on his besb behaviour defeated tho pair and five other ninnors, whilo Whalebone unexpectedly turned up trumps in bhe Selling Steeple chase, and to wind up tho proceedings backers met wibh another facer by Friend ship beating the two favourites, Catesbyand llewi. Taken altogether, it was a day bhab the groat bulk of turfites cannot look back to wibh pleasure, and a very unkind con clusion to tho Auckland racing season of ISS6-87.

Ab a committee meeting of the Auckland Racing Club this week, a sub-committee was appointed to go through tho Metro politan rules, with a view to adopting them here, thus having one sob of rules in force throughout bhe colony. This is a stop in the right direction, and j hope bo hear of bhe members adopting thorn when tho time for the annual meeting comes round in August next.

Mr J. Munn evidently possesses a good cross-counbry animal in Mangaohane, for ho appears to have won both tho Hawke's Bay Jockey Club and Napier Park Sbeople ohiu.es in a mosb easy fashion. In bhe pre senb great dearbh of iirsb-class jump ing horses, the advent of an animal like Mangaohone is to be welcomed, and I hope to see him pitted against the Southern cracks in tho Christchurch Grand National. Pohokura, bhe sire of Mangaohone, is dead, bub looking up his breeding I find bhab ho was got by Pacific, dam Vilctte, by Young Pioneor out of Ada, by /Ether. Owhaoko was also sired by Pohokura.

Leeds, by Doncaster trom bho Now Zea land Company's mare Steppe, (dam of Lady Nornhund Too Soon) won theFulwell Stakes at tho Kompbon-park Jubileo meeting.

From Christchurch I learn that Nelson has put on a lot of flesh since his return from Australia, bub the son of King Cole looks as sound as when he made his first ap pearance on tho turf. Mr D. O'Brien's colt Carbino, by Musket—Mersey, whose hocks have given his owner some trouble, is making rapid progress wibh his educabion, and is now sound and well.

Amidst the greatest expressions of good feelings, Mr W. Lyons left for Sydney on Wednesday last to try his fortune on the Australian turf. Quito a crowd of wcll knowii figures in the racing world as sembled on the wharf to bid him good-bye. During the great number of years Mr Lyons has resided in Auckland he lias never failed to como up to time, despite many hard knocks ho lias received, and his figure will be much missed on our local racecourses.

I noticed a couple of youngsters at Onehunga on Saturday in tho shape of Mr J. Enko'w colt Puschka (by Musket—Lady Ruvonsworbh) and bhe filly by Leolinus— Moonlight (half-sister bo Tamora) owned by Mr J. Lcnnurd. They were being ridden bo get used to the crowd, and are both pro mising looking.

Now that Messrs Lyons and Blaikie havo given up racing in Auckland, tho connec tion between the popular pencillors and M. Carmody is severed. Since Carmody has been here he has proved that he thoroughly knows his business, and ib is hard lines for him bhab Too Soon and Quoenie have been taken to Sydney. Excepting this pair and Pcbroloum, the horses ho has had under his care were mere " leabher flappers," so bhab he had nob the pleasure of leading in tho winner of a big race. Ib is quite probable bhab Carmody may sbarb braining on his own accounb, and such a careful and pains baking man, should nob bo long wibhouba beam under his charge.

J. Kean, who. accompanied Mitrailleuse to Melbourne in February lasb, reburned bhis week. He suffered very severely wibh an affection of the eye while in the Victorian capibal, and ib was bhought atone time bhab he would have losb his sighb. Ho is now all right again.

In a recent issue 1 published a paragraph in these notes giving an insbance of whab abuse handicappers have bo contend against at bhe hands of irabe horse-owners when weights appear, and referred bo bhe running of Friendship in bhe A.R.C. Winber Handi cap as a case in poinb. "Sir Laiincolot," after quoting my commenbs, gives some of his experience in the mabbe'r, and this, is what he says':—There is no more-abused gentleman bhan bhe average handicapper, arid even the " aristocracy " of our racing circles are nob above denouncing in no mealy-moubhed phrases {when it mats them to do _o); handicappers who have had bo deai wibh bheir horses. Those who were presenb (I was among bhe party) when bhe Hon. W. Robinson, in bhe Grand Hotel, at Dunedin, during the pro gress of bhe lasb D. J.C. Aubumn Meeting, expressed hisibpinion bhat Silver Prince was " disgracefully " treated in both the Por bury and Flying Handicaps, " smole " a big smile next day when bho colb named won both bhe handicaps. Carrying my mind back to the C. J.C. Autumn Meeting of 1882, I can remember bhab When blie weighbs came oub the public thoughbSalvage badly breabed ab 7st 71b, and on public form lie certainly had a lob bhe worsb of ib, seeing bhab he had only previously run once, when, with 6sb 61b in bhe Saddle, he was beabert by a head by Hilda for the Wellington Cup. Nabator was engaged irt bhe Great, Aubumn Handicap at 9sb lib, and in the face of Mr Robin son's complaint, in the hearing of several members in TabbersalFs Club Rooms, bhab Salvage was " disgracefully" breabed by Mr Griffith, bhe then adjuster of Weights, arid the fact, thab Nababor was. bhen as good a favouribe' as anything, it was funny to find Salvage firsb favouribe on bhe day of the race. And how did he win? Why,- in a canter, with Luna second and Libeller third, ' Natotor being unplaced. Then again. I have, In the days of Canard, King Arthur, &c, heard Mr H. Lunn de nounce the handicappers' treatment of Ids horses, but I mind me .of times when Canard has won more than one good race on the declaration of the weights for which his owner had affirmed thab he was " dis gracefully" breabed by bhe handicapper. These cases are on a par wibh bhe Friendship case in Auckland. Ido nob wish it to be inferred thab bhe Hon. W. Robinson and Mr E Lunn are solibary examples of bhe "grumbling owner." Far from ib; bhab species of genbleman exists far and wide in New Zealand as well as in a good many other places, but, nevertheless, ib is a source of amusement to a turf scribe to hear tales of woe poured into his ear by owners who, as subsequent events prove, have, a real good thing in; the- animal bhey aver bhab bhe handicapper has breated badly.

The New Zealand Cup weighbs came bo hand too late for notice this week.

Australian papers state that the well known jockey " Brickey " Colley contem plates a brip to New Zealand.

Ten yearlings from Mr S. Gardiner's Bundoora Park Stud were pub up for sale in Sydney lasb week, bub oub of bhe number only bwo were sold,viz., brown colt, Heidel berg, by Motea-Magnolia, Mr T. Cook, 25gs. ; and chestnut colb Ivanhoo, by Motea —Bertha, Mr Anbhony, 20gs. Ab bho same sale, a brown yearling filly, by Robinson Crusoe—Sunshine, full sisber bo Mr D. O'Brien's Soxbanb, was knocked down bo Mr J. Dykes for Sogs.tf

Mr John Crazier, the well-known Austra lian sbud-master, has lately refused an offerof 2,000 guineas for Robinson Crusoe.

Uranius, the winner of the Maiden Steeplechase ab the Hawke's Bay Meeting, is a half-brother to Volcano, and from all accounts will be heard of in bhe fubure.

Stewart Waddell, the Dunedin • trainer, had a narrow escape bhe obher day. While engaged breaking in the Lapidisb-Peb year ling, he was kicked in bhe face. Ab bhe time Waddell was standing a few feet away, and drew back his head, so bhab bhe force of tho kick was partially spenb : sbill he got an ugly crack on bhe nose. A foob nearer, and he would probably have been killed. The colb was ab bhe time of bhe accidenb being senb round in a circle, held by a rope and halter.

In Sydney (writes " Augur,") the run on bhe double evenb, V.R.C. Derby and Mel bourne Cup, has been principally made on Abercorn and Trident, and starting at 1,000 to 5 the admirers of Mr White's colt havo gone on to 1,000 to 12. One Victorian member of tho ring at presenb in Sydney has laid 5,000 to 25 against Abercorn and Trenton, and Niagara and Trenton, and the same colb for bhe Derby has been baken ab the same price with a number of other horses for the Cup.

Tho Hon. W. 'Pearson inbends bo bring on bhe vexed question of raising bhe minimum weight in handicaps bo 6sb 71b, ab tho next goneral meeting of the members of bhe Vicboria Racing Club. Should bho motion bo carried, horseowners will be re lieved of bhe greab difficulby now experi enced in securing efficienb jockeys of bhe requisibe weighb.

The Hon. James Whibe has sold the maiden 2-year-old Ponbifex bo Mr J. Dykes, and bhe colb has joined Alsopp's sbring.

Questions aro often asked as to the authenticity of Bendigo's mile record for the Lincolnshire Handicap of 1885. Bendigo is said bo have run bhe distance in lmin 36 4-ssec, which, it will be seen, is hardly an appreciable fracbion under lmin 37secs. The record does not seem to be generally accepted, especially in Australia, but " Rapier," of the " Sporting and Dramatic News," does not doubt it. "Buccaneer's mile in lm 38s ab Salisbury," he says, "is generally quoted as bhe besb performance known ; bub this is nob an easy course, and on a course which was easy Buccaneer would very likely havo done a couple of seconds or so better."

When Stanley changed hands bhere was somebhing like a mystery surrounding him. The Hawkesbury Handicap winner, how ever, figures in the nominations for the Flat Race run at the V. R. C. Grand National Meeting, and is entered in the name of Mr D. M. .Johnson.

Up to April 30 C. Wood was at the head of winning jockeys in England, with 28 successes oub of 9-1 mounts. G. Barrett, 18, was second on the list, F. Webb 16, third, and J. Fagnn, E. Martin, and S. Loabe., wibh 1 _ each, divided bhe honours of fourth place.

A Napier paper state's that ab the recent meeting of bhe Hawko's Bay Gun Club " Brasher " Woods, the well-known horse man,- caused some amusement. He pulled both triggers ab once when firing, killing his bird, and nearly bhrowing himself bo bhe ground.

Alex. Taylor, the -Manton trainer, has been in great form in England up to bhe present .time. With Oberon he won the Lincolnshire Handicap, The Cob won tho Great Metropolitan Stakes ab Epsom, Carl bon won the Chester Cupand the Manchester Cup, Revo dOr won tho One Thousand Guineas and the Oaks ; and, besides these important events, several minor races havo fallen to his lob.

Mr J. A. Scarr, the A. J. C. handicapper, has just retired from the position of short hand wriber bo bhe New South Wales Par liament afber a service extending over bhirty yfears. He Was presented with a testimonial.:

Mr John Mayo has been obliged to turn out Highland Mary forn rest, and ib is more bhan probable bhab she will be relegated to bhe sbud.: The' daughter of Grandmaster and The Novice has not been a success on the turf.

Mr Robert Howott, .writing to a friend in Australia, states thab he was so satisfied bhere was some advantage in running horses withoub plates, that when he returned home he adopted bho Australian plan, and had won three races with horses who were bare footed.

Mr D. F. Mackay, of Dulcalmal, Whitting ham, near Singleton (N.S. W.), is dead. He owned the celebrated sire Grandmaster for many years, and bred several good horses.

Mr James Oreig, an old Tasmanian racing man,- Was found drowned in the River Tamar recently, having, it is sup posed,' accidentally walked into bhe waber during the night. Deceased owned several racehorses at one time or other. Blink Bonny was bhe one which gained him mosb fame. She was purchased at Mr John Field's Sale of 1881, for ___5, and won Mr Greig somebhing like LSOO in sbakes, a big suriv in Tasmania, and was then sold to Mr R. G. Talbot for LSO-0 ; and a good bargain she proved, as she carried the "claret and Eton bide " to the fore in the Caulfield Cup.

■'. Robert ,Hesp, bhe trainer of the famous Hungarian mare Itincsem, died recently in Vienna. Hesp was a native of W.ibhering sea. and left England in 183.. The death of Tt. Thomas, who rode Lord Lyon to victory in the Two Thousand Guineas in 1866, is also announced.

After bhe race for the Jubilee Handicap ab Canterbury Park, Ellis, who had bhe mount on Leichardb, was called before bhe sbewards bo explain why he dwelb ab bhe post after the fall of the flag, and did nob play his part in bhe race, Ellis's ex planation was to the effect that he did not see the flag drop, and consequently did not know that a start had been effected. r The stewards advised him to be more careful in future.

' The imported pony stallioh Prince, the property of Mr T. G. Hewitb, of the Clarence River (N.S.W.), died recently from some internal complaint. He was imported wibh Gregory's circus, from America, and as a sire of good well-paced ponies has had few equals.

Racehorses are very eccentric in their likes and dislikes. Tom Brown's favourite compan ion is a black cat which comfortably cuddles ibself bebween bhe horse's forelegs as he lies stretched in his box. The great Eng lish Waxy was never happy unless there was a rabbit in his paddock. Old Wan derer (bhe English one) would never allow anyone to catch his eye or see him lie down after he was put out of training. Chilperie used to amuse himself by kick: Ing his box to pieces until a goat was placed in ib wibh him, and he soon grew quiet and fond of his companion.

The Neurzoti or Hungarian Derby Avas run at Pesth on May Day, and was vrr* by Zsupan, who is the property of P de Rothschild. The winner is " bred horse, by Peter out of P:.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(By Act-eon.)

FIXTURES, FOOTBALL.

Senior Cup.

Jnly 2.—Gordon v, Albert; Auckland v. Pon sonby. July U.—Gordon v. North Shore; Auckland v. Grafton. July 16.—Auckland v. Gordon; Grafton v. Al port ; Ponsonby v. NorLh Shore. July 23.-Auckland v. Albert; Gordon v. Pon sonby. July 3u.— Albert v. Ponsonby; Grafton v. North Short). Aufcust.—Auckland v. Otago. August.—Auckland v. Canterbury. Junior Cup. July 2.—Gordon v. United; Auckland v. Pon sonby ; Wuiteni.itu v. Grafton. July 9.— North Shore v. Ponsonby; Waite mala v. United; Auckland v. Grafton. July IC—Auckland v. Gordon ; Grafton v. Uni ted ; Ponsonby v. North Shore. July 23.—Waitematav. North Shore ; Auckland v. Unittd; Gordon v. Ponscnby. July 30.—Waitomata v. Gordon; United v. Ponsonby; Grafton v. North Shore. Second Junior Cup. July 9.-Solwyn v. University ; Itovere v. Gor don ; Rcmuora v. Waitcinata. July l(i.—Sclwyn v. Rcinucra; Waverlcy v Gordon ; Ttovera v. Waitemata. July 23.—Sclwyn v. Rovers: W'averley v. Wai . temata; University v. Gordon. July 30.— Sclwyn v. Gordon; University v. Remuera; W'averley v. Rovers.

AQUATICS.

July. 1887,-Hanlan v. Teenier. United States. October ..-."Thistle" races for the America's .Cup. Nov. 2G.—Beach v. Hanlan for the Champion ship of the world on the Nepean.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Bolton, Beswick, etc—lt is estimated that there were fully 10,000 people present at the Wellington match last year. So many did not pay that it is very hard to judge, but there couid not have been a less number than 8,000.

FOOTBALL.

Tin: splendid weather last Saturday, and bhe prospecb of a good match, induced a large crowd of spectators to journey bo Epsom bo wibness the Grafton and Ponsonby Clubs meeb for bhe firsb bime bhis season. Both fifteens were very strong, the blue and blacks having if anybhing the advantage in backs. As usual, bhe mabch was very excibing, and every piece of play on bobh sides was eagerly nobed by bhe partisans of eibher side. Afber a hard struggle bhe, game finished in a draw, Whiteside obtaining a try for Pon sonby, and McKenzie one for Grafton. The kick in bobh ca.es was at a very diffi cult angle, and no goal resulbed, bub Wooller should have placed a goal bo Pon sonby's record from a . mark by Albie Braund. Whiteside obtained another try, bulb ib was disallowed on the score of offside play. Ponsonby had the best of bhe back •play throughout, bub bhe maroon forwards were too good for their opponents. Madigan, for Grafton, played the best among bhe backs, and I do nob suppose Barlow has ever.shone so well before, and if he had only been as eager in the match with Tara naki, the game might have resulted slightly different. Elliott made two or three good runs, bub he missed a certain score once by being unable to pick up the ball when he had a clean run in. George Johnston was very good at three-quarter punting, and kicked well. Twiname did the besb work among the forwards, while' Leckie and McKenzie may also be mentioned. Muir and Smith on the wings did good service, but they were cflside nearly the whole game, while Smith, on two occasions by kicking too hard on the goal line, spoiled all the hard grafting of bhe forwards. Whiteside, as usual, played a good game, bub did nob seem bo be in quite such form as he has displayed in past seasons, and for a three quarter back played albogether boo close up to the forwards. Danks was passable, while Stephenson, although he ran well and with judgment, neutralised all his work by careless passing. Albie Braund played tho best game, and he has become simply indispensable to tho fifteen. Arneil and Wooller had few shows, but they made the most of them. Keefe and Otway worked the best among bhe forwards. The blue and black forwards have nob learnt to pack their scrum properly yet, and some of them indulge too much in pffside tactics. The Graf tons have protested against Whiteside's try on account of his knocking bhe posb down, and the question will come up for decision after this has gone bo press. If the match is given to Grafton, it means an almost certain win for them in the Cup con test, while, if it remains as at present, the position of the Clubs will be the reverse to what it was, lasb year ab bhe end of the first round —Grafton a win and a draw ahead of Ponsonby. ..,; • , ........

All Auckland footballers, and athletes generally, learnt with deep regret the sudden death of Mr It. Woods through the sudden discharge of his gun. The deceased was well known here as a prominent mem per of the Gordon Football and Cricket Clubs, and of the Auckland Amateur Abhlebic Club, and during bhe many years he played here made many friends.

I hear Johnsbon of the Grafton F.C. will be shortly removed to Wellington. He is a very promising player, and his club.will miss him. , His place will, in all probabiliby, be filled by a young brother of W. War brick's, who is ab presenb in Tauranga. I hear he is a splendid kick and collar, and a dangerous runner. Grey, of bhe labe Waitemata, left for Melbourne this week.

Ponsonby,lL pub Grafton 11. bhrough by 7 poinbs bo nil. The match was,; very rough, and Cleaver, the captain of the Ponsonby, had his, nose broken during the first twenty minutes and had to retire, the team playing a man short for bhe rest of bhe game. ~ An old Canterbury representabive foot baller writes to the " New Zealand Referee" suggesting that, as bhe dribbling game is so much in vogue now, a, round bail should be substituted for the oval. He says—" This would give the backs a chance to pob straight, and, consequently, many matches thab are now left drawn would be accom panied by a more sabisfacbory verdict." Speaking of the inbroduction of .the Association game in bo New Zealand, a Newcastle paper lias the following : — " As is well-known, bhe New Zeolanders ore en thusiastic footballers ;. hitherto, however, bhey have known only the Rugby game, which seems bo be gradually giving place bo bhe other in.bhe colonies."

The Universiby F. C. smote the Gordons hip and thigh to the tune of 20 points to 2 in bhe match in Sydney on Jubilee Day. The Gordons went to pieces after the first twenty minutes'play. North Shore had great difficulty in scoring a win against twelve men of the Alberts by a try, obtained by Patterson.

Auckland 2nd beat Waibemaba 2nd by bhree bries bb nil. The losers played a man short.

ATHLETICS, ETC.

I am glad to hear bhat the idea of having long distance road races for pedestrians is to receive encouragement from those in aubhority.-" The race from Onehunga was started by aprivabe sporb, and proved very successful, and when another is gob up, I have no doubb bhab fully 20 insbead of 7 will face bhe sbarte. I am told the A. A. A. Club and the Waitemata B. C. will both hold one at an oavly da be.. I would suggest to. the former the advisability of making the race an open amateur one. It will be the means of bringing now blood forward. ' Crfcket' states that it has been definitely decided by the trustees of the Association Ground ab Sydney bo send a beam to Eng land, in 18.S, under the management of '.'harlesW. Beale. Percy M'Donnell is, ib ~ expected, to go as capbain ; aud bhe beam

will include Turn_r, Ferris, Moses, Alien, G. Giffen, Palmer, Blackham, Boyle,'and Jones. Garrett and Spofforth are dper bain, bub A. Bannerman will go if wanted. Lyons, \V. F. Giffen, and Godfrey are t1011" bio'ned as being held in reserve. Sir Joseph Banks Eleventh Grand Handi cap was won by McDonald off the 19 jards mark in 13 1 -sth sees. The disbance h* hud to run was 131 yards. Wilkinson,lß yf^'ds, was second ; Ashworbh, 20 yards, bhirii- A. E. Sboddarb, who, ib will be remem bered, holds the record for the highest in dividual score ever made, compiled 173 in bhe opening mabch of bhe Blackheabh Club (England) on April 30. Neil Mabberson and Peter Kemp have a sculling match on the Parramatta this after noon for L2OO. A grand race is Antici pated.

Lieutenant Henn, of the Galabea, pS re newed his challenge bo bhe Yankees f°r a yacht race from New York round tie Ber mudas.

Anobher English sculler named George Warwick sailed for Sydney on May J6th. Mr A. E. Stoddarb, the giant hitter, will mosb probably visib Ausbralia next season' with the team banded together by the Melbourne Cricket Club.

SONG.

[Written for and suns; at supper tocelebrate the completion of the work of levelling Brent wood Common and making it into Eccreation Ground.] To-night we meet to celebrate ~ ~ A common cause, and one , Which somewhat puzzled us of febe; But now the work is done, In spite of jeers, and sneers, and chaff Since first we did begin, And so we meet to sing _nd laugh, For "let those laugh who win' ' : We sometimes worked quite late at night And in the early morn, By moonlight rays and candle light, At sunset and at dawn. - Pick-axes, barrows, spades, an. planks Were freely lent and brought By friends to whom our hearty thanks We tender, as we ought. You see we made a level ground Where cricket can be played/ For skaters, too, a lake is founi Of larger area made. . ,-,-.. For summer and for winter, too, We have provided thus;. The townsfolk see what we call do Without much brag or fuss. Who wonders, then, that we rejoice And speak of this with pride,. The chorus swell with lusty voice To echo far and wide? Each helping friend has donehis best, : - And though the job was long. It's done at last, and now werest '" !' And sing our triumph son_f. Moral. '.' j "; Now Auckland Footballers decide ' With one consent to make: ' :■ For yourselves a level matcl-ground. For season '88 Heed not the aimless jeers «nd scoffs . Of those "who you deride, > Heed only him that Jersey, doffs And shoulders spade witl pride. If you only work together,-; .. And use both hand and .rain, You'd soon make level ground on top Of the outer Domain. ... . Chorus— ■ . ' And then our triumph song will be We did it, we did it; j.7 .-.,-■ Although it took us long, We did it, we did it,; Thoughfolks thoushtve'dgone wrong. In spite of all theirsneers and chaff We did not strive in vain, For we've made a letel match-ground On the outer domain/ T T. Charter.

Grafton Road, June 21th, ISST.

STAGS AND STUDIO.

(By Euterpe.)

The Choral Society held its first rehearsal of " The Bride of Dunkerrori " on Monday last. The work is very rrplodious. There are only three solo party .in it; and bhey have been allobbed as follows-.—Soprano- Miss Whibaker; tenor, Mr Edwin Hos, kings ; bass, Mr WorralL

News from the court of Hymen finds its way so readily to bhe ladies, and obbains such rapid currency.amongst them, that I presume I retail a well-discussed,item when I mention that at AUJSaints', Church on Thursday week, two of the leading musical amateurs of Auckland (Miss Culpan and Mr Archdale Tayler) are to be united in the bonds of holy matrimony, Both lady and gentleman are deservedly popular, and I fully expect'to hear of, a crowded-atten dance. Afternoon tea will be served in the schoolroom. !■ • - .-. ' ; - :, . yr, j

The Ponsonby Choral Society will produce Cowan's " Rose Maiden." towards the e_t„ tjf July, and will subsequently repeat it in the Choral Hall.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of two "Jubilee" pieces' of'inusic cbtiiposed and published withni the'colony—one at Dune din and the obher it Wellihgton'. , Both display musicianly .kill and baste. The first is entitled " Th.New' Zealand Jubilee TMarch," was composed By A: J5. Wilson, of Dunedin, and is dedicated to' His Excellency the Governor. It las been published by Charles Beg^and Co., of Dunedin, and the price is 2s. It is bitten in the'key of A flab, bhe rhybhrn ii well-marked, arid the effect is inspiriting. ;j Ibis well adapted for performance by' a .volunteer brass band;' The accompainmen. to the second figure is rather peculiar fora; ma,rch, being more suggestive of a berdxise. ;Ab bhe end of the second figure a progression is made into bhe key of D. flat,- from which the march soon, re verts to the original key. Toward^ the end a few phrases of me National Antheta, are worked in, but the.time is unduly 'interrup ted'therfeby. V' The other original mc&ceau. is of astil more " taking "cEaracter. Like the march, t is iiisci-bed to the O'overhor, and is en: titled" "The Zealaridia Jubilee Waltz.'?; The composer is r.W. Jones, of .Wellington (who . also composed '', The Exhibibiori Walbz "); ib has been neatly lithographed at the " E'veningtPress" office, Wellington, _hd bhe price if 2s, The introdu'ctiori, which is in C major, has been unmistakably inspired by Wagher . " Tannhauser "March and the predormnarib walbz air in 0 major disbantly reminds one of the celebrated " Venetia." Tile second and third figures, bub particularly bhe labber, are very nice in deed, and reflect great credit upon the com-, poser. I regard the scherzo at bhe end of the third figure? as the gem of the compo sition. The third and last figure is a repeti tion of the opening of the waltz proper. I should think tHis Jiibilee "Waltz"ought to sell well in Auckland.

Miss Maggie Knight is off. for America for a rest. I . ! .

The Italian Opera Company are playing to crowded houses at Brisbane.

Miss Genevieve Ward and Mr W. H. Vernon were at latesb accounbs appearing in New York in farewell performances.

Liddy is returning to New Zealand very shortly, bub whab he is bringing with him has not'so far transpired.

" The Mikado " has returned to Berlin, and is again; drawing crowded houses of enthusiastic Teutons.;

Madame Offenbach, widow of the cele brated composer, died in Paris in April lasb.

, G. B. Allen", the husband, of Miss Alice May, the operatic vocalist, is back again in Melbourne after 12 years' absence and wants pupils.

Mr H. Alexander, who went home some time ago to secure some novelties for the colonies, haspurchased an automabon called '' Ali." .He was bo leave for New Zealand by the Tainui on May 19, and consequently is duo in the,'colony to-morrow. He opens firsb in Dunedin on or aboub July 11, and then, goesto Australia for the Exhibition.

THE GARDEN.

[By Hortus.]

sESBsS=»&

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Iflflifi __sS_i__w«w_____ XTZ1", yo,ur lrees t0 srow with a £__.__ss_ww_afc :§slfl§tl fo___c Tl & « not a"owed to make .„-t _,_-,? loot 3 cannot bo'luxuriant.! taking off foliage reduces root power ' special attention must be given to _lak. t£_ ___Vi_ fff c yt"?ng assumo ««>. -shape r best adapted for giving good fruit. , The habit w_U vary according to the varieties dealt7v]_i The pear generally take's a pyraniidal form For most apples a cup form is be™; peSa the same. After pruning this winter?____f after -priming should bo done during _h a summer while the, tree is growing I

Kitchen Garden.

In this department the work must nearly " be ab a standstill through the prolonged ' 'spell of web, showery weabher. Ib;is only on light soils that; anyimportant: wi>i_7 - can be done as long as the present,weather... continues. In cold, wet1 soils it is better to defer operations till the weather' becomes m better. Keep weeds in'check with the ho. as' soon as they ' make: their appearance. Thin out all advancing crops; before tliey '"'' become too large, and whenever a favour able opportunity occurs earth upisuch. crops - as may require ii All pieces of ground ,','j that may have become bare of crops during the last month should be;well manured and! . dug as soon as it becomes dry enough. .11, . dug and manured early bhey will-bein a sweeb . well-pulverised sbabe' for-'cropping as t_e7 ■ season ; advances! 7 The : siraiWberry'. break ,; should receive attention;; ran thehoebe- ~:".. tween the rows to keep weeds under; __l •f. blank spaces shoitld also be filldd up from >- the reserve stocks. Gooseberry bushes can.;' now be pruned, and root-pruned. , Insert 7 bhe spade perperidicularly all round the plants.at a .moderate distance from eacby cutbing.some of;the foots-,..this willcause,7 them to ripen off the; \v6qd better. Rasp- ". berries should also be pruned, diifihg TtmS - - nidnth. cut out.all the old shoots, leaving "■" only: a few of the best "'of., last "season's -.. shoots. Make occasional^.^gs 61 peas and.broad beans. . Plant ;"a ■'. few .early. ." potatoes indiy warm situations.." Keep the; . soil'frequently stirred Between the. rows of' - growing crops.7' All debris of.crops should' be: moved off the ground at once, and taken ... to the rot heap.. Rubbish about the garden' only : provides hiding and: breeding places ,7 •for snails ;and slugs. - The rubbish heap.,.; should occasionally receive a dusting .'of ".'I lime,' and .'.. salt.' Where slugs are trouble-/.''. some bo! seeds ,cotmng"bhr6ugh the ground,.... give dustings of lime in the evenings.. .. ' „ , Flower Garden. As in bhe kitchen-.garden,, ; many irappr; „. ; tant operations must be deferred till .the... v weabher. gets better. -, Whenever, a favour-. able opportunity occurs, all herbaceous and ,-. evergreen 'shrubs that it is intended to move •' should-Be lifted and : planted in„tHeir,per-,'-,, r m.nenb positions, i. They'should.be-planted as'soon as possible, as those,,, that, are. de..._j f erred till the spring will, neyer. succeed so , well.as the early-planted ones. -, Never plant, -;_ mi wet weather, ,or when the, .soil is .wet. . Always wait, for a few fine days, before, ' pl___t_ng. ' Afber planting stake, -firmly,,.-; so; .as -to. prevent..wind-waving,, which. is * very injurious- to ,the, .young-roofer,,; as they begin .to -grow/;, .Boxes may,,.i now be planted when, the weather . is favourable. . When-planting, give.each, plant a .gooddose, of iwell-robted manure,,,,. or'afterrSantingmuick with manure.; cq%,..j manure is the best. Pruning,pi the. roses.,,, is 'better deferred 'till., the .spring,,- -Early.-. spring, flowering.',bulbs ...should. receive: a ,; little attention. Stir the surface soil; fre-, .. quenbly: so to .keep ; -ib .free and loose;, 'on poor soils'use a little liquid manure.,;: Camellias' should also, receiver.little Jiquid, ;i manure; it will give better flowers; 3 here.,;, too many flowers,are bursting.,thin, ptt ; ;. some of .Hem; the quality of the others,;, will thus.be improved. .Plant -,put. a,,fw, more giadiblus.'buibs for, early ''flowermg ;__-: only use bhe second .quality for ,pl« 7 now. Lawns, tennis and, other, well-kepD parts that haTd their, surface broken W season should have.bhe.parts cut,out..ana A .'.turfedaUsoonab possible, so. as to.m them into good order before the SpriPg,, ; sets in. It is still time to .top-dress..^ttor-, pki-ts of the grass-ground. All WSgh': now be kept as short as ppssible.randroiiea - frequently with' a heavy roller. In Tpt, showery .weabher, the. soil swells.consider--: ably, and the rolling.has .bhKeffeofc of co^. , pressing' it and making.it.set^eyeLm W^. spring No matter how well *WmJfc: made?if ib is nob frequenbly rolled, it .will, soon get.out of. order. , : .;•.»,,,;.; 7 ■' ''Notes'.,'' " - ko thrifty' farmer will permit cbira' ' weeds, thistles, briars.br bushes otany kind to grow by the roadside f J«™ fields. One orTtwo days .work^eac^; for two or three i years i with a^ stout'hrasa Sythe will cause these unprofiteWe^g; of vegetation to give place to wluawe gr Acb_ig upon the fact, as stated.by B*/ . feasor Tyndall, that all pu refaction^. caused by bacteria in the .air, that these could nob penetrate , cot»» . batting, an experimenter,claims-to a , | ' thus succeeded in' preserving allJg^,J fruit in crocks, cans, and _other open i£ | ' sels. The fruit is cooked the same^sr I elnning, the vessels filled, and oojjj . I unglazed batting put over '^gj .-I tied on. The experiment is easdy^, ■ and, if successful, is valuable. >f<#*^, § certainly be available for all *****£.: | tomaboos, usually preserved The prevention of mildew on th P»£, | vine by using stakes fo'W n Sf bl»^ I been soaked in a saturobed.^tiojg | ■ vitriol, as-suggested by. the .^^ I Monthly," is worthy ol trial. +&&,;: | : nenbytotheeffecb that a recent^« | ment, where such stakes I -other, nob soaked, throughout the nJS^ | , showed that in every case wnere not sosj^, | , all the'leaves were en^'^J % m . I e A ff Sivt lSTho effect.£ f^f^% 1 ally dies out, but will last from ww g years. :.- M

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY. 2, 1887.