"Brandon Circus Company gave their V*V# performance last evening, winch tf'jff successfully, to a crowded house. pas*B" « The Barber's Shop," caused The and sent the audience i^- ooaA hnmoMT. The company left about midnight last even- V f°ra s^orfc season tnere •"!>' . . es an d batteries are once more at elThe fortnight's interruption has had ffo «n an unfavourable effect on the of c 0" The Saxon is crushing with 15head. *" ire asked for at 2s. The Cambria Sltf^L of retorted gold for the fort- X Bank of New Zealand shares nted at low rates. There are .f £15 ss,and there is an inquiry for at about 3s 3d. The C^continues very dull,.with few trans "itL third meeting of the St. John's ,r fail and Literary Society was held on 'rL, evening, when a large audience -bled. The following is the pro •^-g.lpiano solo, Miss Bambury ; f" Misses Maine and Cook ; If "Hail, Smiling Morn, St. John's gcinb; vocal duefe^ " The Lily lAb Rose, Misses Maine and Black " .:solo, " The little Hero.." Mr Clem. which elicited an encore, but . did not permit his responding. £L the evening the following note ressays (mitten by ladies) were read : tfv o »" The Five Senses," " Reading," (rhurch Choirs," "Tact." A gloom was ?jjsr the evening's entertainment by ** ff3 of the sudden death of Mr R. one of the members of the Society. all o'clock last pig-lit, a man, whose Jjb not yet transpired, was run overby : Patterson's 'busses. The 'bus was 5 the Opera House, and had just 2 the crossing of Wellesley and Queen ft AThen the man was struck by ifflle of the 'bus, which knocked f&D,;and the wheel passed over his The driver of the 'bus pulled his JLijjforafew minutes and then drove :J« «thout getting clown to ascertain :JL. named James Lindsay con- JLj the injured man to the residence !>Lewis, in Symond-sfcreet, who [ jj^dtlie arm and rendered every assist "T'ljhdsa)' then drove the man to his J nce in Vincent-street.

h entertaiument of a very interesting Ajracter w>s given by the Pons.pnby Bap Sjand of Hope on Monday night last, fe Treniain opened with a piano solo, ud songs were rendered by Miss Stephen mjMrfremain, recitations by Messrs J.C.. Bobinson, W. Leyland, and masters H. It* and Hampton ; reading by Mr Boup- SsairW.Tremain playedasolo on the misma' accompanied by Miss Tremain mthepiano. An interesting trio was given jjjfssrs Adams Bros and H. McComish, (jano, violin- and cornet), and they were Lulled to perform twice to satisfy the js«r Miss Scott played several ac- B mniments. Rev. J. H. Gilmore made a B*interestin£ and telling speech on Importance of saying " no " at the right jjjj/ The meeting closed after singing fetology. ' '

THE WRECKS IN POVERTY BAY.

CUTTER SPITFIRE SAFE.

Mt to the Scene of the Sir Donald Wreck

JR mEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

IGiseorne, tliis day. letter Spitfire has arrived safely from item! -/".:

•■'SwtamcVSnarkwent to the scene of tkradd^the steamer Sir Donald yesfwday,,and recovered the mast and rigging. Wed to the mast was the nose of tie, boat; bo the crew had not time to Israeli &c heat when the disaster occurred. h bodies ;haye yet been recovered. The Ktof tleiraU, of the vessel is not to be

THE TAX ON FRUIT.

HemorlalbyDunefiin Fruiterers

(BITELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DuXEDns*, this day. ta following memorial, signed by sixty tedeafersof frtrit in Dunedin and suburbs, %nforwarded to the Treasurer on be. of; the Associated Fruit-dealers of Win; ■

"We respectfully draw attention to the Airing objections to the proposed duty a,«. The consumption of fruit is conditioned by its price. The f'Mi. of course, use it as a luxury wererthe cost, but,,the working and who now consume three 's of-all the fruit in the market, 1% cease to buy when the price goes ¥"dacertain point, and the imposition Nduty, however small, will raise it W that point. As a matter of fact, Jttle fruit is imported during the four Bof the New Zealand season. The Rvalue of ; a ll the'green fruit imported ear was; about L 60,000, and if from what is brought in during *#t months when no locally-grown "« procurable, it will be found that the jj*|j introduced during the four months fit would ' compete with the local i*i3_absolutely infinitesimal, and such ™tion3 merely represent the extent to ttholoeal'supply is unequal to the de -1 ™c tax all local fruit in the market, >* compelled to import any deficiency. the local supply is equal to the ijp-so-soon'will importation cease. ?%> therefore, is not needed for the of home-grown fruit,- and j*% prohibit its general use. In this )fcr '. We mi ont mention that some of pending weekly supplies of imported ii^eviot, Naseby, Lawrenee,and other jgtottgi districts, and this is simply ,7* weir fruit season is over. In sup- statement that local growers do we draw your atten- Jwact that they are already pro- C^ihe extent of 75 .per cent, for jjtoe cost of green fruit is 4s per case )J*i; the freight and charges on the iiPOj average 2s (id per case. su «\per cent., and, in addition to Htef e?an average loss of 25 per cent. 1 .transit. We would further J"'ftat-the duty will operate very ml **'imposed on the full invoice £.&■■ the, port of shipment, and L? lera Ke of 25 per cent, is lost by Ulsit) the actual amount paid on frj mes to hand wiU thus be2s Ik^. more than the nominal duty. B%r jailers are in small business, Wk'; h?a ■ ?ffice and traclc expenses ■!^fer 6is duil and Pron' ts precarious H^ifflf vane'1 convinced as we are that PiJMkmi of ,any duty at all would B^ oufc'6f the reach of our cliief «g,M. keep' our shops empty for M^'tkn" 1 year = w e earnestly Wk I' ( J B;« o?emmemY will not, for the H&M, ?-, Wfling^ amount of revenue W^/f^as the. exports will bo ■&a i revenue must be nominal— H^sp tl]at is unnecessary for pro- M^Tses.and ruinous to us, and one, Hft^ at for eight months-out of the i|.3« fruit unattainable, and all M%rf«. U"h Put ifc beyond the reach of m ,«lno'corflmnnity."

PLUMPTON PARK COURSING MEETING.

The above Club held tf second monthly meeting of this, the second year of its life, under the most favourable auspices as regards weather and condition of dogs and harea. ■ The opposition attraction of the North Shore races kept the attendance alT\£ f 1 fc. mosV 00 « 500 souls. Perhaps, a Lfl ] nees l Cbai"ged were rather against Thrcf li,l^™l3^ 01 P^on ß turning up. other h i S» lih f ngs entrance, and an- X . bob ,*« the Grand Stand is 2 ffl> mS 1 for many persons these SiHn ' in splendid nh ;i a1 dtehares ran well-so well, HllS ' n °'o y Sonxe ten ot' tllem were Xi m lge I^nderw)n, although he did n thot n *lai£ schino in l»s anxiety to judge I™i T 1 S, mP°rtttnt competition with s, i an^, whlte opponent, Paradox, did ,'tp 'I and gave perfect satisfaction, pntLi • 0 Judß™ents, protest being \Tv vv r" th? above contesfc- Th* slipped ■mx w . Cunningham (as the cords say, but who is marvellously like the old slipper ot last year), and the other officers of the field- Messrs William F. O'Sullivan, B, E. Isaacs H N Abbott, and C. Wallnutt-aro all to be Inghly congratulated on the suc cess attending their efforts, the last men tioned gentleman being literally all over the place looking after things generally. The following is a short description "of the run ning of the twenty-eight dogs (all aged) who competed in the jirst round" of the Birthday Stakes :—Mr A. Cairns's Wk b _ Cliquot beat Mr F. Stafford's br b Victoria, after two uiisighting courses. (2) Mr J. 0. Evitt's br b Bridesmaid v. Mr Dervan's Clarence ; a clever hare, Clarence >eat and killed. . (3) Mr W. C. Griffiths'? 3lk d Coolie v. Mr J. Hunt's blk Sailor Boy ; Coolie led up, Sailor Boy won by one point, hare escaped. (4) Mr Griflitha's Bingo ran against, Mr J. Wheeler's Lady Jane next, but neither sighted the hare. (5) Mr A. Cairns's beat Mr J. Hunt's Black Rose easily ; hare escaped. (6) The first pair, Cliquot and Victoria, after two false starts made at last a short start with a fast hare ; Cliquot won easily. Up to this only one hare was killed. (7) In this race Lassie did not turn up, and Mr Quigley's r d Capital ran a bye. The next event was exciting in that both dogs had a hare, both missing, however. This was of course no race. (8) A splendid start; Mr Stafford's Favo beat Mr Todcl's Musk, in a very close race. (9) Mr A. Cairns's Maraschino won easily, by the run up and a turn; hare escaped. (10) No. S, the tmdecided race, now came off— Mr T. Stafford's Master McGraibh lead ing up, turning twice, and killing, having the race all to himself. This finished the undecided races, and was the second hare killed. (10) In this run, Mr W.G.Griffiths's Caradoc won the lead up and three turns, beating easily Mr Foster's Blue Hat. Six to one was offered on him for the Stakes after the run. (11) Mr M. Dervan's Martini- Henri beat Mr Watson's Kaipai by one turn. The first hare was not killed. (12) After some splendid work, which was uproariously applauded, Mr Quigley's Smuggler turned half-a-dozen times and killed. Third hare killed. (13) Mr A. E. Isaacs's blk Lord Lynn, in this race, beat the favourite, Mr Evitt's Belgravia, easily, turning live times. Hare escaped. (14) This was a short and sweet affair, Mr Evitt's Belfry turning and Belinda killing. Second Round.—(l) Cliquot beat Clarence after the best "run of the day. (2) Sailor Boy beat Dingo. (3) Union Jack beat Capital. This was a very close thing. (4) Favo won over Mischief easily, killing hare. (5) Caradoo beat Maraschino easily, the latter dog being run against in turning by judge's horse. (6) Smuggler beat Martini- Henri, after undecided courses, leading up and killing last run. (7) Lord. Lynne led up and killed, beating Belinda easily. Auckland Slut "Puppy Stake (First round).—(l) Mr J. Martin's Lady Hinemoa led up and turned, beating Mr J. B. Bull's Blue Bell. (2)~Mr J. Gillard's Wild Mint led and turned, beating Mr J. Porter's Cinderella. (3) Mr T. Macready's Market Lass won easily over Mr E. Sherson's Cora Lynne. (4) Mr J. Wheeler's Yatterina won by a run up and two turns over Mr Cutler's Cinderella. (5) Mr J. McCale's Cambria ran up and turned, winning over Mr J. Fergusson's Bangle. (6) Mr. T. Macready's Crocus beat Mr Carter's Lady Norah easily ; in this course Crocus caught the hare and swung it off the ground some feet, losing it after all. (7) Mr Hogah's Kathleen won by run up and three turns over Mr D. Watson's Smut. Mr T. H. Shore's Sylvia ran a bye with another of same owner's dogs, killing her hare. Auckland Boa Puppy Stake (first round). - (1) Mr. J. Martin's Brien O'Lynne beat Mr Foster's Blue Hat after two unde cided courses. (2) Mr E. Kelly's Foul Shot won easily over Mr Watson's No Name. (3) Mr A. E Isaacs's Lynnehurst led all the way and beat Mr Gillard's Petronell. (4) Mr F. Newell's Nelson beat Mr Evett's Emula tion after one no sight course. (5) Mr A. E. Isaacs's Master Crichop beat Mr W. S. Brown's Trenton after an undecicle, (6) Mr G. Cutler's Napi Napi ran a bye. The following are the " rounds " to course :—Birthday Stake (third round): Cliquot v. Sailor Boy, Union Jack v. Favo, Carrodockv. Smuggler, Lord Lynne (a bye). Auckland Bitch Puppy Stake (second round): Lady Hinemoa v. Wild Mint, Market Lass v. Yatterina, Cambria v. Crocus, Kathleen v. Silvia. Auckland Dog Puppy Stake (second round). Brien O'Lynn v. Foul Shot, Lynnehurst v. Nelson, Master Crichop v. Napi Napi. -■

TO-DAY'S MEETING.

.An account of to-day's sport will be found on our eighth page.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWS COBItESPONDENT.)

■■ Thames, this day. Football MatcSa.

The football match United Club v. Waite mata (Auckland) resulted in a victory for the latter by six points to two.- The match Nelson (Thames) v. Wanderers (Auckland) was won by the former by two points. ~,. Wew Bridge. Endeavours are being made to erect a bridge suitable for vehicular traffic in place of the Orphanage suspension bridge which was carried away by a recent flood, and was practically only a foot bridge. Settlers on both sides of Kauaeranga River have promised to subscribe £100 towards tho cost of erecting the new bridge,,;pro vided it is built lower down the river.

A MARRIED WOMAN ELOPES WITH A CHINAMAN.

(33Y TELEGBAriI.— PRESS ASSOCIATION),

Wellington, Tuesday.' A Chinaman .named Thomas Lee,- ancUa woman named Jane Perreau, were charged to-day with stealing a quantity of clothing, the property of Frederick Perreau, fisher man, of Foxton. The "case was ono -of elopement, and the woman was'adviSQcl fcb return to her husbancl. but positively re fused. The case was remanded, and- it is understood that tho charge against the female prisoner will bo withdrawn, w

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB'S RACES.

The Winter Meeting.

We append the results, together with a brief description, •of thoso races whioh transpired after we had gone to press yes terday afternoon : —

BIRTHDAY HANDICAP of 75 soys, second horso to receivo lOsovs out of stakes. Dis tance, one milo and a half. ' Mr W. Bobbett's br h Libeller, a°-ed 7st 81b (Hickton) ... ,;. . ° ... 3 Tamora, Ma Petite Fille, Bangalore Bri tannia, and Turquoise also ran. Wat Tyler was scratched. In turning into the straight nrst time round Turquoise, Ma Petito FiTle, and Britannia (the latter a favourite) slipped and fell. Bangalore then took the lead, and while racing Friendship in the turn for the straight last time round, also slipped and fell. None of the jockeys were much hurt. The dividend was £3 ss, but payment was delayed for a time on accountbf a pro test that the jockeys of Tamora and Friend ship had been deliberately exchanged, after boing weighed out, the heavier weight be ing put on the less likely horse. If'so, thoy must have taken their proper mounts before the race started, as they weighed in cor rectly enough afterwards.

NOyBL RAGE of 30sovs, the winner to be sold immediately after tho race, and tho wholo of the proceeds.to go to the Club. Lowest weight, bst7lb. Distance, ono mile. Ms,^ih S? nf S ? h 6 Sirloin, 3yrs. osb 71b (Hodson)... j Msik% 0£? b S Yankee, aged, Bst 71b (McMimmin) 2

Uncas and Empress were scratched. Sir loin won rather easily, Yankee not being pushed. Mignonette was never in tho race. Dividend, £4 Bs.

HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of 75 sovs second horse to receive lOsovs out of stake* iNonnnatiou lJeovß ; acceptance, 2sovs. Dis tanco, about three miles. M^",,? lean' s eh S Victory, Gyrs, 9st 71b (Collins) 1 Mr Brown's b g Orangeman", 6yrs,"9st 71b (Hadfield) 2 Mr J. Chadwick ns blk c Fair Play aged, 9st 81b (G. Laing) ■ ... ... 3 Falcon (list 31b), Quilp (lOst 21b), Now Year lOst 21b), Torpedo (lOst 21b), Magnesia (lOst), Native (list 71b), and Tawhiao (9sb lib) also ran. Belle and Zip were scratched. Falcon and Fair Play led for the first half of the journey, and Torpedo, while going fifth, in the second time round stumbled and threw bis rider at the back of the course. Victory went to the front in the last round, and won with comparative ease. Dividend, £14 3s. A'

VICTORIA HANDICAP of I'sovs; socond ? v, s u t?,. re.? e, lye ssovs out of stakos. Winner ot tho Birthday Handicap to carry a penalty of olb extra. Distance, 1 mile.

Messrs Lyons and Blakie's b c Catesbv. 7st(Kidd) ... _ 1 Mr M. R. Halcrow's eh g Snake, Bst 51b (Pearson) ... ... . . 2 Mr E. Mitchelson's b m Reproach, Cst Clb (Myers) ... ... ... ... 3 Tamora (Bst 41b), Wat Tyler (7st 61b), An telope (7st 21b), Britannia (6st 81b), Pink Rose (6st 51b), Empress'(6st), and Tip (sst 71b) also ran. Friendship, Libeller, Banga lore, and Roeie were scratched. Tamora and Wat Tyler were favourites, at 2 to 1 each. Reproach was first to the front when the flag fell, followed by Snake, and up to the last the race was a very open one, but at the finish Catesby, who had held a commanding position for some time, took the front, and won without much effort. Dividend, £4 12s.

The Devonport, Ferry Go. deserve very great credit for., the highly successful manner in' which, under Mr. A Ali son's direction, their boats were worked. Many thousands of people were transported to and fro across the water during the day, and yet not the slightest; mishap or un pleasantness occurred. This is conclusive proof of the efficiency of the ferry service.

WAIROA RIFLES CONCERT AND BALL.

Waiboa South was in holiday attire yester day, the- "Rifles" having decided to cele brate the Queen's Birthday by a concert and ball on a grand scale. A large number of visitors came from Auckland both by rail and by steamer, and the assemblage at the district hall must have totalled about four hundred. The building was neatly decorated in honour of the occasion, and the arrangements, which were of a most satisfac tory description, reflected great credit on Captain Crawford, Lieutenant Creighton, and the following members! of Committee : —Corporals WaTlis and Coutts, Sergeant Walker, Volunteers Aitcheson and Stephens and Bugler Prascr, the latter holding the onerous position of M.C. The concert was a firsts-class one, and opened with the over ture "Summer of Love " by Messrs Adams Bros, and H. McComish. Mr Reid rendered " True Till Death " and " O'er Moor and Meadow," with violin obligate, and, with LieutenantF. Creighton, gave "Larboard Watch," all three items being well received. Mr S.-• Adams , played a pianoforte solo, "Faust," and Mr H. McComish a cornet polka, the execution in each instance being of a first-class order. Miss M. Moncur gave '"Caller Herrin'" in nice style, and recited with fine effect "The Wreck of the Royal Helen." Miss Moncur sang." The Meeting of the Waters," and a fen tleman.in Highland costume gave "the ing", in true Scottish style. Mr R. Adams; made quite a hit in the comic songs "Wellington Boots" and "Louisa," and" in each instance had to respond to aii emphatic encore. '" The Band played the "Rifle Polka" as an overture to the Bocond half of the programme, and Messrs R. and S. Adams contributed a pianoforte duet. Lieutenant F. Creighton gavo a fine interpretation of the song "Anchored," and-Miss.McMillan was re warded' with great applause and an em phatic recall for her rendition of " Tit for Tat'"'arid' "-Auntie."/ s After the concert the hall was cleared, and the " ball" was kept rolling until daylight, first-class music being provided by the Me3srs~Adams Bros., H. McComish, and J. ]Edwards.;_ During the evening a hearty vote of thanks to the visitors was moved by Lieutenant 3, Creighton, and carried y by acclamation.

FATAL, BOAT ACCIDENT.

(BY TELEOEAPH.-^-PEESS ASSOCIATION.)

,„, . . ■ Napier, Tuesday. A TOtJNa man named Joseph Williams, sign painter, was drowned at Clive to-day. Ho formed on©-of a party of sixteen Naval Vol unteer* who, took out the Navala' boat and sailed ' from Napier for' Give. In crossing tho bar at Ngarurpro, the sea struck the boatpbrcaliing four' oars and* pitching Williams overboard. Tho bar was shallow, and he was seen to recover his feet, but a breaker came in carrying the boat on thirty yards, and sweeping Williams away, The boat was, beached, and several; volunteere endeiyywirecl to render aidT&fc the peril of their Uves-r-WilUains'e brother having a very ■narrow escape^ being saved by-two cotu« panions, who entered the surf with a rope. The body has nofe-been reqayered,

BANDS OF HOPE ANNUAL GATHERING.

As we anticipated, the Choral Hall was crowded to excess last evening on the occasion of the annual gathering of the members of the Bands of Hope. The chorus consisted of 400 children, who were led by Mr Frith, An orchestra was also in attendance, numbering about 30 instru ments, conducted by Mr ' Townhend. They played an excellent opening selection, after which the Chairman (Sir William Fox) ascended the platform, accompanied by Mr D. Goldie, President of the Band of Hope Union, and the Reva, Messrs Chew, Bray, Spurgeon, Gilmore, and Hamer. The Rev. T. Spurgeon engaged in prayer, after which the opening chorus, " Praise ye the Lord," was sung by the choir, another band of musicians accompanying the choir. The Chairman then made a few remarks upon the great evils of intemperance. He referred to the queer idea of a resident ma gistrate trying to reform poor drunkards by inflicting a fine of 5s and costs. Such things made them feel downhearted, but such meetings as the present renewed their courage to proceed onward with tho good work. He believed in Bands of Hope. To the Bands of Hope was mainly owing the great wave of temperance that had lately passed over the world. There was nothing liko catching children while they were young. Once get the principles of temperance fully grounded in the children, and he had no lear for the results in the future.

The choir then sang "Friends of Freo dom," to the well-known strains of " Scots wha hae." The choir sang with great precision, and tho words were pleasingly distinct. Miss Maude Bur foot next recited " Out in die Snow." Miss McDermott then sang, by special request, " That Littlo Bow of Blue,'' in a mannor that called forth applause. The choir followed with"the spirited chorus, " Merrily tho Time Glides By," after which Mr Reid played his selections upon " Fairy Be'ls."

The Rev. James Chew then camo for ward and dolivered an interesting addross. He expressed pleasure at seeing such a large audience. Such an assembly as that in a comparatively small town augured well for the future of the colony. Life was not worth living if it was not honourable and useful. He must congratulate the young people who had not acquired the taste for strong drink. Temperance would bless them physically—that was settled by science; now there was no need to argue that point. Abstinence from alcohol was better both in sickness and health. Intellectually and morally, abstinence would bless the young people ; socially, it would help them by causing them to be respected and trusted. Why, the very people who manufactured tho drink preferred total abstainers to work for them. But they wanted them to be more than teetotallers. They wanted them to be great in the sight of tho Lord. He must confess, even in tho presenco of tho Chairman, that he had littlo respect for titles, but when an carl came to the city and spoke to the young people he would say all honour to them. (Applause.) But he wished to see tho young men great in the sight of the Lord. He hoped yet to see Bands of Hope in connection with all their Sunday-schools, and he was sorry that temperance was not added to tho curri culum of the public schools. He concluded by saying that there was nothing so good for the youthful blood as " cold, bright, sparkling water."

The choir then rendered the action song, the' refrain of which was "John Browns Knapsack's Number 41." This item caused great amusement, the various actions hav ing a peculiar appearance. Its completion was tho signal lor loud applause, and the last verse had to be repeated. Miss Gindrod next recited, "How Jano iConquest Rang the Bell," in a manner that showed considerable elocutionary ability. Miss Maud Hampshire followed with the beautiful solo, " Angel Echoes," but the effect was marred by tho.accompanist, who evidently was not accustomed to the man ipulation of the American organ. The chorus, " The Gay Rider," was next sung by the boys. Miss1 Ruth Jones—a little lady who had to be placed on a chair in order to be seen—then recited in excellent style "My Teetotal Dolls." This quite took the audience by storm, and the performer was compelled to return and recite "That Cruel Business." This juvenile reciter is only six years of age, and is undoubtedly a credit to her parents. The choir rendered another action song, which also caused considerable laughter.

The Rev. J. G. Gilmore next addressed the meeting. , As the hour was late, he did not speak at any length. He expressed un bounded conlidence in the Bands of Hope. The pledge was a silent power for good. In dulgence in drink must bring people either to the asylums or penury or want. He urged all to become members of the Bands of Hope, and help to stem tho course of this dreadful tide and sweep it from New Zealand. The choir then sang the-chorus, "To the Tap of the Drum." Master Fred Mason, attired as a boot black, then came forward and said that he had come in order to give Sir William Fox a good shine before all the people. He then, amidst great laughter, brushed the chair man's boots, after which ho recited " The Shoe-black" in a creditable manner. Mr Macdermott then came forward and announced that the annual report would be published by the press. He also made a few other announcements. The National Anthem was then sung, after which the meeting terminated.

CONFERENCE OF TEMPER ANCE WORKERS.

At the Temperance Conference yesterday* in the Alexandra-street Schoolroom, Mr W. J. Speight presided, tho Rev. T. Carr opened with prayer, and Mr F. G. Ewington gave an address on "individual Effort." Tho speaker commenced with remarking that temperance work was important as af fecting tho children and wives of drunkards, and that temperance reform would have a beneficial effect on the mercantile com munity and the State. Much of tho money now spent in liquor ought to be ussd to pay the legitimate debts oi butchers and bakers, and the £2,000,000 odd spent in drink in New Zealand would, if devoted to bene-. ficial trade, relieve the present depression. Mr Ewington then proceeded to urgo the responsibility devolving on all those who believed intoxicants to be injurious to indi viduals and the State, and contended if teetotallers really believed that intemper ance induced crime, lunacy, poverty, and national degeneracy, they are morally bound, to do all they can to minimise, if not eradicate, the evil. The rescue of drunkards from the habit of intemperance he claimed to be a noble work—a work in which the good and great of all religious and political !creeds were helping., The speaker then dwelt on the tendency' of trusting to committees, and masses to carry out reforms, and showed 'from illustration !of the army and navy that collective work 'can be good only in proportion to the work of individual co-operation. One defective small wheel in a watch would render it use less, one weak link in a cable would sacri fice life and property, and the loss of one vote would sometimes defeat an election. He then argued that the world owed more to individual workprs than to maesos or organisations,' Jewish heroes like David and Gideon had defeated the national enemies of Ismail 5 twelve poor apostles had infused new light upoir heathen darkness ; Martin Luther had secured liberty of speech arid, 'conscience 'from q frowning world j

persons like John .B. Gough, Canon l^arror, Canon Wilberforce, Miss Wesfcon, and W. J. llacderinott had done the work of a host in the temperance cause. It was the silent workers who did most good. He then showed the necessity for individual courage and individual consistency in their work, and urged the workers to get all young men to claim their right to be entered on the electoral roll. Several gentlemen present criticised the address, amongst whom were Messrs Spragg, J. Newman, G. B. Lilly, Macdermofct, Tremain, D. Goldie, Sir Wm. Fox, and W. J Speight. In con soquence of the discussion evoked by Mr Ewington's address, the essay which was to have been read was deferred until Saturday evening. The Rev. J. Smith brought the meeting to a close with the Benediction.

SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Two Men Injured at ©torohanga

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. At Otorohanga yesterday evening, a ballast engine ran into a trolly, severely injuring two men, named McKenzie and Pearson.

THE "MIKADO" OPERA COMPANY.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hawera, this day. Mk R. S. Smytiie, Manager of tho Royal Comic Opera Company, leaves New Ply mouth to-night by the s.s. Wanaka for Auckland, where the Company give their opening ro.-formance of the " Mikado " next Monday. The manager has come overland from Napier as he was unable to board the Tarawera there on Sunday.

A QUEER STORY.

Five Hundred Pounds Con

science Money

A local insurance company has lately had an unexpected slice of luck. Several years ago a '' lady " of questionable character, in a Southern city, " had " a very suspicious fire, and though there were strong grounds to justify the belief that the fire was not accidental, the Company in which the house was insured paid tho policy, amounting to some LSOO. Tho other day two females of bad character were arrested for some disturbance, and while in durance vile sent for the manager of tho Insur ance Company referred to, and offered to give him certain information about an almost forgotten fire if he would bail them out. This the insurance official did, but it transpired that their information was only circumstantial, and not by any means conclusive proof of tho commission of the crime of arson. The information was used so skilfully, however, that the Insuranco Company have just had LSOO returned to them in tho shape of " con science money,'lthe policy holder statingthat she had enjoyed no peace of mind since she got it.

CHILD BURNED TO DEATH.

[BT TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Invehcargill, Tuesday. A stocking case of fatal burning occurred this forenoon. Mrs Hyde, wife of a settler at West Plains, wont to a field for turnips, leaving two children in tho house. On re turning sho found tho youngesb, Hannah, aged one year and ten months, lying at the door dead, and fearfully burnt The other child,' aged five, says that the baby sat down on the hob of the fireplace, whore her clothes took fire, and that she then ran across the room and lay down at tho door.

SIR G. GREY ASKED TO CON TEST DUNEDIN.

[by telegraph, —press association.]

Dunedin, this day. TtiTj " Times " states that a number of elec tors of Dunedin waited on Sir George Grey yesterday, and asked him to stand for that constituency at the General Election, but he declined for the sake of Auckland East.

THE WANGANUI CHAMBER AND THE TARIFF.

(by telegraph—press association.)

Wanganui, this day. TnE Council of the Chamber of Commerce met on Monday to discuss the tariff, but nothing was decidod on. A resolution favouring the new tariff on Protective grounds was lost, and an amendment in favour of collecting the extra duty from sugar, tea, and spirits was also lost. After the vote, a motion expressing qualified dis approval of the tariff was withdrawn.

OPERA HOUSE- "UNCLE TOM'S CABIN."

Quoting the playbill, "an entirely new, moral and religious dramatisation " of the above celebrated tale of negro life in tho United States before tho war was producod at the Opera House last night. It proved a very successful " draw," for the building was crowded to such excess that many persons had to stand throughout the performance. The Company is an ama teur and professional combination of con siderable numerical strength, and in view of tho fact that the piece had been got up and staged in less than a week; very great, credit is due the stage manager (Mr Lachlan McGowan), under whoso personal direction the entire enterprise was carried out. Mr W. H. Pulford had painted a capital set of scenes for the drama, and tho whole mine en sce?ie was very successful. The chief episodes of the play, which, by the way, was liberally interspersed with singing and step dancing, depicted the flight of George and Eliza Harris, the affecting death of little Eva, the sale of St. Glair's slaves, the ill-usage of Uncle Tom by Legree, and this scoundrel's death, to § ether with that of his patient victim, 'requcnt and hearty applause mai-ked the progressof the performance, which evidently highly pleased the audience. A bibulous individual in the dress-circle attracted at tention to himself by some drunken inter ruptions, which; but for the crowded state of the house, would have ensured his forcible expulsion. Mr J. J. Walsh made a satis factory Uncle Tom, and Miss Rosa An drews (a very intelligent .child of six years)' played the part of Eva with re markable aptitude. She spoke her lines clearly and well, and comported herself very naturally. .Miss Nolly Simmonds made a decided "hit" as Topsy, and one of hor songs was loudly encored, Mv MoGowan c-bly sustained tho r6lo of Mr Wilson, and Mr Chas; M, Berkley gave a good account of himself as Geo. Harris, bat costumed the .part rather too stylishly. The play will bo repeated to-night,-and is well-calculated to obtain a large share of public patronage.

TWO SHIPS IN COLLISION.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. Arrived yesterday evening: Port Sonachon, barque, Watt, 113 days from London, and West Eiding, barque, Thomas, 128 days from Liverpool. Both passages were un. eventful. While the vessels were beating into the harbour in charge of pilots they came into collision, but as far as can be ascertained neither sustained injury. The matter is being inquired into.

LATEST POLITICAL NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPII —OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day, The No Confidence Hesolutioa.

The attitude of matters has not changed since Friday, save that the Opposition claim to have strengthened their position, and their whips now avow that they can command a majority of at least four, after giving the Government the benefit of any doubtful votes. It has been defi nitely arranged that on the House meet ing this afternoon Major Atkinson will give notice that on the second reading of the Customs Tariff Bill, he will move as fol lows : —- '(That the tariff and the other financial proposals of tho Government are unsatisfactory."

Of course this is a direct no-confidence motion, and the probabilities are that the debate will bo commenced at 7.30 to-night, and is likely to extend well into next week. I understand that the following members who have hitherto given a modified support to the Government have promised to vote for Major Atkinson's resolutions viz., Messrs. Pearson, Hursthouse, Reese, Allright Mont gomneryand Ross, while Messrs Cowan, Reid, Garrick and Mills may bo set down as doubtf-jls with opposition leanings. It is just possible that the vote of Kateno and Taipua, may bo cast in with the Opposition.

Mr Moss who has hitherto beon pricked ofi with the " doubtfuls " has definitely de cided to vote with the Government. Tho idea in opposition circles is that the Govern ment arc defeated, a dissolution will not follow, but that Major Atkinson will be sent for, and that should he form a Cabinet it will contain a proportion of new blood. The Ministerial whips are tossing every nerve to improve the position of their party.

Ministers were never in worse odour with the House than they are at present, and some of their most consistent supporters openly state that were it not for the expense oi a second session, they would support any resolution having for its object change of Government. My own impres sion is that, if defeated, Ministers will ask for a dissolution. They imagine that they are stroiig with the county, but will probably realise their mistake when the re sult of the ballot box is disclosed. Village Settlements Cost £65,000. It is calculated that the Government has committed the country to an expendi ture of £65,000 in connection with the Vil lage Settlement scheme. Some 900 persons have been settled and been given advances to the extent of L 55. House only voted L 6,000 for this purpose. Wooing the Maoris. Mr Ballance entertained the four Maoii members at a dinner last evening. Five members of Cabinet were present.

THE DIRECT MAIL.

(Per E.M.S. Kaikoura.)

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

(From our London Correspondent. )

London, April 7. Illness of the Duchess of Cum-

berland

The serious illness of the Duchess of Cumberland is causing great anxiety, not merely at Court, but in social and trade circles, as, should the worst happen, the Jubilee festivities would of necessity be seriously interfered with. The Duchess, who k better known as the Princess Thyrn of Denmark (the Princess of Wales's sister), has become quite insane, and refuses to t.ake nourishment. It seems that to relievo rheumatism, the poor lady (like many other sufferers) had recourse to nar cotics, whiefo told fatally on her nerves. The Princess of Wales is in great troublo about her sister's illness, and won't go out anywhere. The Duchess is the King of Denmark's youngest daughter, and has [ always been the pet of the family. It was ;at one time pro posed she should marry tho Duke of Connau.ght, but the younorpeople didn't take to one another. The Duke of Cumberland is devoted to his wife, but his morbid misanthropic wayshavedoneher alot of harm. Like a sensible woman, she tried hard to persuade him to come to terms with Bismarck and be recognised as a mediatised sovereign ; but he' never would. The Duchess's mind finally gave way on hearing of tho attempt on her brother-in-law the Czar's life. Thte Jublilec. A perfect swarm of royalties are expected in London for the Jubilee. Buckingham Palace will only hold a tithe of them, consequently two or three large hotels in tho neighbourhood have been hired for tho tirao being by the Lord Steward, whoso office is no sinecure just now. The Ifoxton Murder. The Hoxton murder has ended, as most people foresaw, in the conviction of Currell, j though the evidence was, from first to last, purely circumstantial. Little public in terest would have been taken in the case but for the unaccountable bungling of the police in arresting the man. Judge Gran - tham, when summing up, commented forcibly on the almost childish inefficiency of the Detective Department, but acquitted the two constables of negligence who de clined to take Currell into custody upon the ' suggestions of passers-by. When a notorious murderer was " wanted " (His Lordship shrewdly pointed out), people were con stantly thinking they recognised the man, and if constables accepted every Dick, Tom, and Harry's hints under these circumstances very painful blunders would certainly even tuate., It was the business of the Detective Department, and not of local constables, to hunt down criminals. The apparent absence of motive on Currell's part must have puzzled the Jury a good deal. The pair had been sweethearts for 12 years, and seemingly were the best of friends. That all the witnesses agreed. The girl had simply refused to marry .Cur rell till he lived a steadier life. The sug gestion of tho prosecution is that poor Lydia had discovered some in • fidelity of Currell's, and when they, mot the night before the murder broke off the engagement. .He went to her early in tha morning with the pistol merely meaning to frighton her into a retraction, but either the weapon -Mont off accidentally or ho shot her in a moment of frenzy,. During the speech of his o\ra counsel, tho prisoner seemed much moved, but he-took no notice either of verdict or sentence of death, and left the dock without atterhjg a word,

DESTRUTIVE FIRE IN FREEMAN'S BAY.

At 20 minutes past ten o'clock lost night a fire was discovered in the residenoe of Mrs Margaret Beeth in Patteson-street, Free man's Bay, by Mr Alexander Eagloton, who was on his way home. In company with a young man named Georgo Wright, Eagleton ran down from Drake-street, and upon arriving at the house he saw flames issuing through the weather boards at the side of the house next to the kitchen. Mr Eagleton at once gave the alarm and ran to the Freeman's Bay lire bell, which he rang vigorously for a few minutes. By this time the fkunes spread up the side of the house. Mr Eagleton finding that the alarm was not taken up by the central bell, decided to run to the Fire Brigade Station, where he arrived just as the big bell began to ring. It appears that Con stable Bernard was on duty in Drake-street, and seeing the smoke, also ran down to Patteson-street. Being more acquainted with the district, he promptly knocked the occupants of Mr Billington's shop and telephoned the alarm to the central station. The value of the Freeman's Bay bell as an alarm may be judged from the fact that it is just opposite Mr Bellington's shop, and yet the occu pants required arousing after the bell had been ringing several minutes. It was fully a quarter of an hour after the fire was first discovered before the Fire Brigade arrived owing to the alarm nob having reached the station earlier. It is needless to state that by the time the hose was run out and the water turned on, the residence of Mrsßeethwas onemassof flames and the fire had also been communicated to the adjoining buildings on either side. i Owing to the low level of Patteson-streeb there was a splendid pressure of water ; in fact it was almost too powerful, as it re quired all the exertions of four branch men to direct the streams of water where it was required. Some of the early arrivals on the scene willingly assisted to remove the effects from the adjoining shops #nd dwell ing-house, and as these goods were piled out on the road Constable Bernard was fully occupied in looking after them until the arrival of Sergeant Lyons and some con stables. Later on Senior' Sergeant Pratt and Detectives Walker and Doolan also appeared on the scene, and made full enquiries into the possible cause of the fire. The members of he Fire Brigade, skil fully directed by Superintendent Hughes, got the fire under after a sharp struggle and in almost a quarter of an hour all danger of the further spread of the fire was at an end, but not until Mr Mackay's stationers shop, and Mrs C. Wclls's fruiterer's shop, on the east side, and Mr Collins's residence on the west side, had been gutted by the fire. While Mr Eagleton was running to the Brigade-station to give the alarm Mr Wright tried to enter Mrs Beeth'a house, but found that there was no one at home. They then smashed a window and succeeded in saving a few articles of furni ture from the front room. Mr M. Dervan, licensee of the Freeman's Bay Hotel, entered Mrs Wells' premises by the back door, and assisted the occupant to get downstairs, the residence being two storied.' During the height of the fare the flames wero driven up the hill at the back of the burning- buildings, and in consequence sparks were carried across the street, and the roofs of severs | two-storey houses were ignited. Captain Field and the members of the Salvage Corps ascended the roofs with the baby engine, and a bucket brigade being formed by the neighbours, the in cipient fires were quenched and the roofs thoroughly saturated with water. The Origin of the Fire. Mrs Beeth,. in whose residence the fire was discovered, is a "widow. She states that she left her house about 8.30 last even ing. Subsequently she passed her house about 10 o'clock, when she was ac companying a friend up Victoria-street. She says that when she left there was neither a light nor a fire burning in the house, and when she passed the house a second time all was in darkness. When she went out a sheet was left hanging ovor a chair near the fireplace in order to bo aired. It is therefore probable that the fir* may have revived- and become communi' cated to the sheet and thence to the re mainder of the house. Constable Bernard had also passed the residence of Mrs Beeth shortly before the outbreak, and did not notice any trace Of fire. Insurances.. All the buildings destroyed were the property of Mr Thomas Bellington, senior. Mrs Beeth's residence was in sured fox L 175 in the Sun office. This was totally destroyed. Mr Mackay's shop and Mrs Well's shop were insure,d for L2OO in the Sun Office. Mackay's shop was completely gutted, as was also Mr Wollin's residence, which was insured for Ll5O in the Sun Office. Mrs Wells's shop was partially damaged. As Mrs Wells is entirely unin sured she will still be a heavy looser. Un fortunately for herself, she lately re fused to insure her stock on account of the increased premium demanded. Mrs Beeth's furniture is insured for LIOO, piano LSO, and sewing-machine LlO, all in the Imperial Office, Mr Samuel Collins, who was also uninsured, while Mr Mackay had only LSO upon his stock. This gentle man is most unfortunate, as he was driven out from Hobson-sreet by one fire and is now burned out in Patterson-street. As usual, a large crowd congregated, and it required the attention of the police to prevent them impeding the working of tho Fire Brigade by pressing too near the build ings

The bad practice of furious riding in the streets- after dark is on the in crease, and sooner or later some serious accident will be chronicled as a result. Dr. Tennent had a very narrow escape from receiving serious injury last night shortly after 6 o'clock. He had left his residence in Syrnonds-streefo and was crossing the road to thetram car when he noticed the norsemen coining at a rapid pace along the street. He stepped out of the way of the one that apeared nearest to him, when ho was twisted right round by the other horse as it dashed past him. Very fortunately, the animal did not strike the doctor fair, but only glanced past, otnerwiso he must have suf fered severely from the collision. Several gentlemen who were on the platform of the tram car congratulated Dr. Tennant upon his narrow escape from being killed.

COMING EVENTS.

Meotings, &c, To-night,

Abbott's Opera House—" Undo Tom's Cabin," 8. City Buffet, Queen-street—American Midgetand Circassian Youth, lo a.m. to 10 p.m. Victoria-street East-" Thauma," S. , Temperance Hall - Explanationa re VillaffQ Settlements at Victoria Vallcj- and Wainia. muku, 7,30. Y.M.O.A. Rooms-Auckland Association EVjofr ball Club, 8. Beresford-sti'eot Hafll—Thoso tfesiroua of form, ing Association Footf&sU Club, 8,30.

Auction, Sales To-mawo'w*

B, lieydon Stock; <tf » Country- Ste»»fce<»peri, 11. S, Oochrane & Sou- Properties c^q, x ■ Arthur- & Buddies Basque Road Jlousalioia PHmitur6 ?ind Effects,, 12.. Propvytfi \ B, 'Tonka and ,Qq..—Artvrare,. Cb^aW<v CSasa ■\varo, Paintings, Photographs?etcT, l^

Sofa of Justices at PcJSco Court

May 26-F. L. Prime and .A, O. Purohas.

THE . AUCKI AM)- lEVmetSfQ' STAR/. WEDNESDAY, MIT jBS, 1887;

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