OUR GOLDFILDS.

M BiWtal* SoUetVL *jg~ CO^T ED . * 4 Pfl-<» VN CORRESPONDENT.) ! Thames, this day. o f Mcßrinn's holding at enr Sbeenco mP letecl. The Warden diourned Mcßrinn's applica- holding however, until tionfor 8 U cens He gtates thab he will then *?£**»> all tlie necessary r 01 "; "*"* f *n» at last been complied «efs »' H ' "hirrh as 4,000 ounces per ton weight of assorted !^ rcel °, shortly bo tested. We wonder J» rtz , W Ld people of Christchurch would *' th u e Cvs that can be obtained from

Cokomanpel, this day. h,* -The last breaking down of W&Y » k little gold showing in the {fee teen effc a . n " « Th e reef is im- go" o Th^,e wiU be no breaking proving 1 " s t f e 'rise brea ks through into the nun !bove which will take a week.

Thames, this day. '. nvl _Tho drive from No. 3 level MM r A i fin on the Red Queen leader, oftieCaledomaii" feefc [ntQ fche l^ w . Ground The leader is 6or 7 HfSteifthUce, and shows a few occasionally, but scarcely <*fl tf warrant the belief that the ,affi S ptyS- A trial parcel is now the battery.

REEF DISCOVERED AT MATA CREEK.

fflfteen Onnces of Loose Gold. .Mftrraee has reached town that two W S named Baker and Birch, have fPjS from Mate Creek, from fhipr pectsean be washed. Your *iSS emmbev that for years past IShas been searched for reefs with t S theprospectors having been led I ordinarily rich quart/, and even St Sniereek/TlieMataCreek rSXr miles north of Grahamstown. S members of the local police force Sottas have had a man out prospecting finite the past few months, and he Stained about 15 ounces of loose gold. neMclsaac3 and the Lpwrie Bros, have J» been prospecting in this district.

The Waitoa Valley.

KR C. GOULDS V3KDICT. MrChas Gould, the owner of some 10,000 Hβ in the Waitoa district, adjoining Mr Smith's property, and who could easily have feosed of'his land at £10 per acre had jits not been thrown on the genuineness fl'Waitoa as a gold-bearing district, has An the following letter to the Wai hto 11 Times "..-—"Having spent some grin Auckland investigating the nidenoe in support of the charge of do the Waitoa deposit, . I am reluc itlrcompelled to admit that the charge Jj substantiated beyond the possibility ijitobi As to who did it, of course, I jsaynothing. The manner in which it I |been done, is however as evident as if litood by and saw it done. To go into iris would J» unnecessary, as no man aiwrite such a letter as this if any iicould exist; but at the *ame time I ■iiTOhtoiay that there is absolutely the deposit,-as it may even yet jepoved to be payable, which is the ut JStwecan now ho[)e for "

JWtlouß Value of Waltoa Shares. Hwevidence is available of the.attempts ikt tire been , made in Christelnirch to UsWrnpthe value of Waitoa stock. We ra» May shown a letter from a Christ 4ml broker stating that though he has U shares for sale for three weeks he has ret been able to part with a single scrip.

It Pond and the Cbrlstchurch Syndicate. IbCbristcharcK "Press" of Oct. 17.says: -"Ii yiew of the telegrams from Auck- Wtlach appeared lately, conveying Mr Potd'iopitiion of the sand submitted him feisay, .the following certificate, by Mr mof hisf assay of the same stuff' from the * locality will be read with interest. I* sample referred to was sent by Mr MhtoMessfs Frater Bros., of Auckland, *totnbmlfcted ifc to Mr Pond, the Colonial Wmt The following is Mr Pond's re pnitleteon :—. !l ; ; , J. A. Pond, Auckland, KZ., Colonial Analyst. v „ January 22nd, 1887. «asFrater Bros., Auckland. Ga|em?n,-I duly received from you on *W instanta sample of powdered ore ■■Jjw.way. Herewith 1 forward the f : ASSAY. - y. Oz. Dwt. Grs. iuV •■• 22 7 12 per ton • l *Kmggold 17 19 8 „ » silver 4 8 4 hgW% add thac in the event of j of this material JJ 7 a very valuable find. Jalueo the sample, according to the t> I, m 15s 6d P« to", esti -71! to gold at £4 and s il ver at 4s per fine w ? ter - wora S"*"w. ku,ff.^ Hl:,na ? I »eticand-titaniciron qnarta and pumaceous £ I I b t. rec l u " - < 3 d in saving the gold, hne articles in winch .some of &c., J- A.Poxd. iy" Colonial Analyst." *SJ2? r Star Baw Mess™ Crater «ni» S erence t0 fche above this SfiAnfu * lo*I o * of that firm in- , last they re- Si isF*¥ staff from Mr Smith «% the following letter : "aitoa, Piako, rß t ember2Bthlßß6 ' a ~^ c fo ™ r arded by rail to y HtS. t Ckland » this morning, a If- Ihavii t;v ant the contents as i?NtoJSr nitfrom a most peculiar J-SbleZ pUmice - etc -. and which 5? l ? l «'i»vhr!il ,lne ™ distance through a ftlindfc JVhatevertho expense r^Wdfclifr an «l I will remit v ™ lo %ed by sending me % yout Wli estconvenienc - aiKl Y °ara, faithfully, ,W John b. Smith. & W ftjf*>d the parcel tested ?^CP ded the es «lfc to Mr I conne ction with the

THE HIKUTAIA LEASES.

WARDEN. U -OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Sfcfctfv T,UMES, this day - Wl Mldmel "MeMahon, of and Hummer,

proprietors of the Golden Drop claim, Waiomo, was heard at the Warden's Court yesterday. It was desired that all excess ground should be awarded to complainant; but the Warden decided that he could only give him one man's ground, as he only possessed one miner's right, and those of the four other persons, whose names did not ap pear on the plaint, could not be taken into account by the Court. The Prospector's Claim at IWaritoto. The case of Snell v. Mcßrinn again came before the Warden's Court yesterday after noon. It will be recollected that the case was adjourned from the last Court day, and was an application by Snell for all surplue ground marked out by' Mcßrinn, as he is only allowed 30 acres by the Act. In giving judgment the Warden said : I do not think Section 27 of the Mining Act applies, as we have special sections and regulations for the subject matter before the Court. I do not think that Regulation 210, of the same Act, applies, because ifc makes reference only to what a man is entitled to. and defendant has no title. That Re gulation 220 does not. apply because ex pressio unius est exclusio alterius. That section 194 of the Mining Act does apply very strongly and properly so, and on it hangs the law of the case. That Regulation 8, re licensed holdings, does refer to the extreme limit of 30 acres, but the maxim, " Omnicv' prcesumunlvr rite me acta," &c, &c., applies until the Warden takes evidence under Regulations 14 and 15. That Critchley v. Graham and Barlow v. Hayes refers to forfeiture, and that for feiture cannot apply to ground to which there is at present no title, and the case of Critchley v. Graham has reference to a claim. And I am of opinion that a lease is not a claim unless so made by the appli cant before he applies for it as a lease. [The "Warden here quoted from McFarlane, 1887, page 337.] 1 think that no miners can possess themselves of supposed area until after the Warden's linal decision. [Hookewey v. Muirhead was here quoted, page 113.] With regard to the equity of the case, even if my law is wrong, and as to whether a person who proves that ground in excess of that allowed by law has been pegged out should not be awarded it for having found the defect, I think that no plaintiff should succeed in his application for surplus ground unless in his plaint he discloses what portion of the ground he requires to take - that it should be dismissed for vagueness. [Roscoe v. Webster, page 94, was then quoted.] I also think that in fairness, even if the Court had the power to award surplus ground to the plaintiff, it ought not to exercise its power where there is any reasonable sup position that other persons have at earlier dates commenced proceedings to obtain the same and submitted to the Warden's ruling. They could not main tain action until the final decision of the Warden was given as to the defendant's application, and the area applied for de termined. The case is dismissed.

Mr Button, of Auckland, who appeared for the applicant, said he would probably appeal against the decision.

Another Plaint

Another plaint lodged by M. T. M. Humphreys was also heard, and occupied the Court until after 5 o'clock. . It was to the ef fect that Mcßrinn had not complied with the Regulations when marking out the ground. After hearing evidence, His Worship dismissed the case. In the previous plaint laid by Mr Humphreys, and in which the Warden reserved his decision about a month ago, judgment was now given, the ease being dismissed with costs.

COPPER FIND AT HAWKE'S BAY.

(BY TELECfHATH—-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Nafiek, this day. The " Telegraph " gives the following ac count of the discovery of copper:—" The prospectors who have discovered copper just beyond the Maharahara have been at work for a long' time. For the last 12 months or so several men have been out on the ranges prospecting for god in the interests of some Woodville residents who have found the' sinews of war. The Maharahara men caught the fever, but found no traces of gold, though now and again a piece of mwndic was got which is apt to deceive a novice. At each find of mundic a capital specipnen of that useless mineral all the way from Ballarat was produced, and the gol'drinders' hopes were scotched. Some time in February the copper was dis covered in small pieces in the stream, and on being analysed gave only fair results. But no matter how small the pieces, the ore was always present, and on several occasions, with the aid of a blowpipe, a piece smaller than a pea was melted and served to coat a penknife unmistakably, and the green colour was also present. Some weeks were then spent in searching for the reaf, which was not found till late in March. Several additional tests were made, which gave satisfactory re?ults. Then all tracks and traces of their work were ob literated topreventanyone finding the plant. The prospectors now state that a large parcel will be tested. The. stone is to be picked one half to be the best that can be got from the face, and the other half the most unlikely looking stone. This is done in order that they may know exactly the value of the find. Any experienced miner will know that where a reef is of great width, it must vary in quality, and if the selection were con fined to one particular spot the return might be very misleading. The men apparently arc determined neither to deceive nor be deceived, and we can only hope their expec tations will be realised."

LIABILITY OF COMPANIES.

AN IMPORTANT DECISION.

Mb H. G. Seth Smith, R.M., gave judgment in the case, Railway Department v. the Helensville Timber Company. It had been argued last week in the Police Court by Mr Theo. Cooper for the Department,and Mr Hesketh for the defendant Company.— His Worship, in giving judgment, held that (1) the statement made by Cheriton in the consignment notes was false, in fact the quantity of timber carried being some 24,000 feet in excess of that stated ; (2) that it 'was made recklessly and without any reasonable grounds for believing it to be true • (3) that it was therefore made within the 'meaning of the Public Works Act " knowingly and wilfully " ; (4) that Chen ton-would have been liable to be convicted, and (5) that as the statement was made by Cheriton in the course of his duty as the Company's servant, the Company was also responsible, and he must therefore convict them upon the information. As a heavy penalty was not pressed for, he fined them 20s and costs.

The members of A Battery are notified in another column that there will be no class firing tomorrow afternoon. The first meet ing for class firing will take place on Wed nesday morning next.

The opening of the boating season to morrow by the St. George's and North Shore Rowing Clubs is only a club turn out. It is in no way connected with the formal opening of the boating season, and each club will act independently of the other,

LATE CABLES.

THE HOME RULE QUESTION.

MR GLADSTONE'S PROPOSALS.

WILLING TO COMPROMISE,

MORE COERCION THREATENED,

(SPECIAL )

Londox, October 20. Speaking at the Liberal Conference at Nottingham, Mr Gladstone explained the concessions which he believed should be granted to Ireland. He advocated the establishment of an Irish Parliament but the statutes passed by it should be subject to the control of the Imperial Parliament.

On questions of general policy he expressed himself in favour of single votes, freetrade in land, the abolition of the law of entail, and the disestab ment of the Welsh and Scottish churches. Hβ declined to conform to the ap peal made by Mr Chamberlain at Bel fast for a clear exposition of his (Mr Gladstone's) plans for Ulster, or to committ himself to the Irish bill; but he declared that he would not impede the settlement of the question by making objections to matters of detail, if the proposals were satisfactory to Ireland. Referring to the recent disturbances at Mitchellstown and elsewhere, Mr Gladatone said that the action of the police was abominable. The Irish nation had a grave account to settle with the English Government. He also condemned the action of the Go vernment in suppressing the .National League. Mr Goschen, in the course of an ad dress at Bradford, referred to the Irish question, and admitted that dif ficulties had undoubtedly occurred in the pacification of that country, but the Government were in no sense dis couraged in their attempts to secure that end. True, secret midnight meetings were still being held, but the action of the Government had had the effect of decreasing the practice of boy.

cotting.

FIGHTING IN BURMAH.

TWO BRITISH OFFICERS KILLED.

fei'ECIAL TO PBE9B ASSOCIATION.]

London, October 20,

There has been further fighting in Burmah between the British forces and the rebels. In a recent engagement, Major Kennedy, Captain Bevilie and forty natives were killed.

NOBLE VISITORS.

Hobart, this day.

The Earl and Countess Carnarvon, during their stay in Tasmania, will be the guests of the Governor.

A SERIOUS CHARGE

John Shekhy, on remand, was charged with indecently assaulting Margaret Lynch, a child 3 years of age, with intent to ravish and carnally know her, at Auckland on the 13th inst.

The Court was cleared during the hear ing of the case. Catherine Lynch, licensee of the Occi dental Hotel, wife of Dennis Lynch, de posed that the child in Court, which prisoner was charged with assaulting, was her daughter, aged 3 years and 3 months. On the morning of the 13th the child was bathed, and was seen to be well. About 1.30 that day her attention was drawn to the prisoner and the child. The child was very pale and frightened, and prisoner was at the back of the hotel. In consequence of what she heard she examined the child, and did not notice anything wrong just then. She called in Dr. Erson to examine the child. The child had not been well since, and had been attended by Dr. Erson. She was not sure whether she had seen prisoner prior to the alleged offence. Edward G. L. Erson, medical prac titioner, deposed that on October 13th Mrs Lynch brought a child to him. She stated that the child had been assaulted, and asked to have it examined. He found on examination that the child had sustained injuries, and came to the conclusion that she had been tampered with. He prescribed for the child, and gave directions that she should be brought to him in three days' time. Hβ saw the child on the following Monday. She was then suffering from a disease which had made its appearance on the previous day. He also examined the prisoner, and found that he was suffering from a similar disease. The prisoner could have caused the. injury from which the child was suffering.

Jane Ferguson, housemaid at the Occi dental Hotel, deposed that between 1 and 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 13th she saw the prisoner sitting on a window-sill near the gate of the Queen's Ferry Hotel with a child on his lap. She became alarmed and called the other girl, and they told Mrs Lynch and Mr Keats of what they had seen. The child afterwards was very frightened, and had nob been well since. Mary Cavanagh gave corroborative cvi dence. rt , Benjamin Keats, manager of the Occi dental Hotel, stated that owing to informa tion received from the previous witness on the ' 13th, he went into the back yard of the hotel. Saw the prisoner sittino , on the window sill with the child" on his lap. Hβ took the child from the prisoner, who was exposed. Constable Lamb gave evidence as to the arrest of the prisoner at the Occidental Hotel; Prisoner was then bleeding from the face, and was making a groat noise. He arrested the prisoner and charged him with indecent assault. Prisoner denied the charge, and said he had been drinking at the hotel and playing with the children. The evidence was read over to prisoner, who was cautioned in the usual manner. Prisoner said he had nothing to say, and was committed to take his trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court on a charge of rape. .

Terrible Disaster.

WRECK OF A STEAMER.

40 LIVES LOST.

MANY NARROW ESCAPES,

THRILLING SCENES ON THE

AUSTRALIAN COAST.

[reuter's cablegram.]

Melbourne, Oct. 20.

It is reported here that the steamer Cheviot, belonging to Messrs Howard, Smith, and Sons, which sailed from this port yesterday afternoon for Syd.ney and Brisbane, was wrecked outside the Heads near Point Nepean at 9 o'clock last evening.

The Cheviot, on leaving, had 11 saloon and 22 steerage passengers.

Later news has been received from Sorrento that one of the crew of the Cheviot reached that place at 2.40 this morning. He states that the vessel struck on a rock about 9 o'clock last evening. He jumped into the water, and nucceeded in getting ashore.

It is surmised at Queenscliffe that the steamer broke down in the southerly gale.

On the news becoming known, erew 8 and lifeboats proceeded to the scene of the disaster, and set up a life-saving apparatus, by means of which a num ber of persons safely landed from the vessel this morning.

It is evident that the ship is break ing up, as the cargo is coming ashore.

QtTEENscLiFFE, 1 a.m.

A fishing boat has just arrived here from Portsea, bringing news that 24 persons have been saved from the Cheviot, and that between 35 and 40 are supposed to have been drowned.

LATER DETAILS.

Melboubne, this day.

Further particulars regarding the wreck of the Cheviot are to hand. I fc appears the vessel lost her propelle r when passing through the Rip last night. She drifted on to the rocks which she struck with great force. The crash broke her in two, all the passen gers and crew on the forepart of the vessel being drowned. Only the saloon passengers, the captain, chief cook, third engineer, and two firemen wei e rescued.

COOLNESS AND COURAGE.

EIGHT BODIES RECOVERED

Further particulars of the wreck of the s.s. Cheviot state that the captain behaved splendidly, and that the pas sengers and crew showed great cool ness.

Eight bodies have been recovered from the wreck.

The latest accounts give the number of .the saved at twenty whilst thirty nine arc said to have been drowned.

The Cheviot was an iron screw steamer of 1,226 tons gross, and 764 tons net register. She was built at Low Walker, Newcastle, England, by C. Mitchell and Go. in 1870. Her engines are registered as 120 horse power, andare by T. Clarke <fc Co., of New castle. Since her arrival in the colonies she had been employed in the coasting trades of Victoria and New South Wales. She was owned by Messrs Wm. J3oward Smith and Sons (Limited), of Melbourne, to whose order she had been built.

ADVERTISING SCREENS.

The police have been making another raid on persons offending against the by-laws by allowing "advertising screens " in front of the verandahs of their business premises. Five persons were charged before the Police Court this morning with offences of this description, and with the exception of one who did not appeal - , the defendants pleaded not guilty. They pleaded that the objectionable articles were " sun shades," and not advertising screens. Evidence was given as to the screens ob jected to, each having lettering thereon. Fines were imposed in several cases 'but were subsequently remitted owing to the uncertainty that existed with reference* to the " intention " of the City Council. Mr P. A. Philips, Town Clerk, came iiuto Court at a late stage and stated that the in tention of the by-law w>l3 to prevent tihe erection of advertising screens. Advertising screens were screens containing lettering anid put up permanently. Permission had been given by the Council for the erection of sunshades, which were to be before veran dahs between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m. daily, and not lower than 6ft. from the kerb ing. The by-law was an old one, and had only been acted upon lately. He also spoke of the action of the police as " spasmodic." Sergeant Pratt took objection to the onus of these proceedings being thrown upon the police, and stated that , the proceedings were taken in consequence of instructions received from the Town Clerk. The Bench decided that under the circum stances all the cases would be dismissed, and cautioned defendants against future breaches of the by-law, recommending that they should put no lettering on the screens.

The Art Exhibition at the Library Baild ing3 continues to receive patronage from the public that it deserves. It will con tinue open until the end of the month.

LATEST SPORTING.

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

(special cable.)

Melbourne, this day,

Late last night Affluence was backed for the Melbourne Cup to win .£5,000 at 100 to 2. Slight showers fell during the night, and nothing was done of any importance either at Flemington or Caulfield. Algerian and Australian Peer, who arrived yesterday from Sydney, merely took walking exercise.

The following additional scratohings for the Melbourne Cup hare been posted :—Bedouin, Bangle, Mozart, and Ringmaster.

Melbourne, this afternoon.

The following additional scratchings for the Melbourne Cup has been posted :—Sextant and Nelson. Little business is doing on the Cup, the bet ting being 10 to 1 Australian Peer, 18 to 1 Meteor.

NIAGARA ALL RIGHT.

Backers of the Anteros-Frailty coJ* Niagara will be glad to learn that a local gentleman largely interested in sport received the following cablegram from Melbourne :— " Niagara is doing sound work again and looking well." The person who sends the information is a heavy backer ot the colt and is in the " know " of the Cooper stable.

PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB MEETING.

(By Saunterer.)

The race meeting of the Pakura«ga Hunt Club at Ellerslie to-morrow is bound to attract a large and fashionable attendance. Considerable interest is being taken in the various races, the majority of which are very openly. There is, at present, every prospect of a tine day, though the recent rain may make the going rather heavy. The acceptances are as a whole very good and in one race, the Farmers' Plate, fully eighteen will face the starter. Orangeman was scratched for the big steeplechase at 3.40 p.m. yesterday, while the pen was also run through the name of Torpedo for the light-weight steeplechase. I will now essay to lay my readers on to one or two good things as they will be it my tips are correct. The first race of the day will be the Light Weight Hurdles and it -will be found very open. Orangeman (list 41b), Ma Petite Fill© (lOst 101b), and Master (lOst) are the ones I like boat, and I will plump for the game little mar Mα Pjetitk Fille. The Hunt Club Cup Steeplechase comes next, and in it I like nothing better than Hawthorn (list 101b),with Mr J. S. Buck land up. Falcon is greatly fancied, but if anything puts down niy fanoy it should be Torpedo (12st 41b), The Farmers' Plate will bring out a field of close on twenty,and the task of selecting the winner is naturally one of extreme diffi culty. Falcon is in it, but I hear he is un likely to start; if he does there is nothing in it but him. Falcon out, the next beet are Ngata, Dundee, Sir Isaac and Fly, while Melrose if fit should be another, as he has come in first twice before, but I hear he is not himself. My selection will therefore be Fly or Ncata.

The Novel Steeplechase looks a moral for HuxtsmAjS (lpst. lllb), having only Whale bone (9st 41b), and Hatpeg (9st 41b) to run against. The Members' Hurdles is the most open event of the afternoon, and there is bound to be a good run for it. If Lone Hand could be guaranteed to go over the sticks straight I would have no hesitation in going for him, but will now look somewhere eke for the winner. Orangeman (12st 41b) is, I believe, to have theservices of Mr Watt, tho amateur rider from Wanganui. Quilp (list 41b), Ma Petite Fille (list), Fisherman (list) and Orangemen are the best in it, and of these I fancy Orangeman and Mα Petite Fille.—Five should saddle up for the Light Weight Steeplechase, and I like nothing better than Hawthorn (lOst 121b), with Masher as a saver.

The Flying Stakes ($ mile) will bring out a good field, and backing public form I fancy Antelope (7.10) with Capella with six pounds less as the next best thing. The day's sport will finish with the Ladies' Bracelet, which has now been won two years in succession by Lone Hand, who heads the weights with 12st 101b. Mr Laxon will ride the old horee again, and I fancy when the winning number is hoisted it will be that of Lose Haxd, while I will take Woodpecker (12.4) as a saver. The first race will start at 12.30, so those who wish to see it should catch the 12 o'clock train.

EDUCATIONAL RETRENCH MENT.

Dunedin, this day. The Education Board appointed a Com mittee, who have reported that retrench ment can be effected in the expenditure of the education vote in Otago district with out impairing the efficiency of the service. Mr Fraser, the mover, indicated that it ■was possible to save £10, COO in this district by knocking off the bonus for the classifica tion of teachers, and at least £60,000 in the colony. It was pointed out that in bonuses alone the amount was originally £100, whereas it has risen now to £700.

ANTI-GAS.

PUBLIC MOVEMENT IN

WELLINGTON.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. An agitation has been set on foot to rartail the excessive privileges enjoyed by the Gas Company, and a petition, has been largely signed praying for the amendment of the Act. In view of the meeting of the Municipal Conference here on Monday week, the Mayor has been directed by the Council to bring before it the advisableness of introducing legislation with a view to protecting consumers of gas against defec tive meters and gas of inferior quality.

A local industry that is coming to the front is the cultivation of black wattle bark for tanning purposes. Up to the present time this material has had to be imported from Australia, but it is now proved that the bai'k can be equally well produced here, and in course of time the import will cease. We have just been shown an excellent sample of bark grown •on Mr Redshaw's farm at Avondale, for Messrs Gittos and Co., tanners, etc. This is the result of five years' growth, and the .success of the experiment should encourag qther farmers to plant more of these trees, c

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

A FUNNY TOEPEDO STORY.

DIVORCE MADE EASY.

THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONY.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. The only subject of gossip in political circles yesterday was regarding the prob able mover of the want of confidence motion, if one is brought forward. There appears to be a eeneral impression that one of the rank and tile of the Opposition party will be put up to move the resolution, and the name of Mr Walker is freely mentioned. This is, however, simply lobby-talk. Tho Lost Torpedo. Though a careful search has been made for the torpedo which was lost during the demonstration in the harbour on Satur day last, it has not yet been recovered. Curios stories are afloat as to the circum stances which led to the disappearance of this engine of war, which, though a dummy, was worth somewhere about £400. It is said that Captain Faulkner advised that neither of the torpedoes should be launched, owing to the roughness of the sea and the growing darkness of the evening, but Sir G. S. Whitinore insisted that they should be sent out, and his orders were obeyed. Those who were present state that both would have been lost had not Captain Faulkner left the duty in which he was engaged, jumped on board a steam launch and secured one of them. For doing so he was sharply reproved by the Commander of the Forces on his return to port. The missing torpedo has probably been swept into the Straits by the nor' wcsterly weather, in which case there is little chance of its recovery. The crew of the steamer Mana passed it when inside the Heads, but were afraid to pick it up for fear that it might be charged with explosives. The Government Steamers. It is generally regarded as certain that one of the Government steamers will be disposed of, and the question is which is to be retained. Captain Fairchild has urged Government to keep the Hinemoa, as with her he can better attend to lighthouse ser vices and carry a portion of the Government merchandise than with the Stella, which latter is the more saleable vessel. It is believed his suggestion will be acted upon. The Hinemoa's new boilers will soon be ready to be placed on board. The Financial Condition ot the Colony. Members who have gone to Ministers with the object of getting small rates for works in their districts have been met with the invariable response that there is absolutely no money for any purpose whatever. It is said, on good authority, that the finances are so bad that the Treasurer is at his wit's end to know how he is going to make both end 3 meet till the close of the financial year. It now transpires that Major Atkinson was right last session when he declared that the £800,000 which thelate Government claimed to have, had really no existence. Whltmore's Plan of Defence. It is understood that in view of the pro bable retrenchment in the Defence Depart ment, Sir G. S. Whitmore has brought be fore the Cabinet the plan of working the Volunteer forces which he suggested at the time of the Russian scare. He con siders that Volunteers between 18 an.l 21 should serve three years in the first line, that for the four yeai-s following they should be in the second'line, retaining their arms and appearing four times in the year for inspection of arms. He thinks that for 12 years after that they should be in the third line, having no arms, and not being re quired to attend for inspection, but liable to be called out at any time for active service. By this system, he says militia would not be necessary, and twelve thousand drilled men would be available whenever their services were required. Position of the Opposition. The " Press" says : " With all his defects Sir J. Vogel towers head and shoulders above all other members of his party. It is his leadership whether they liked it or not which alone makes them a party worth con sidering, and to displace him is tantamount to effacing themselves. Mr Ballance is no leader, and never can be."

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs Gordon and Wilding, J.P.'s.) Drunkenness. —One person was fined 5s and costs for a first ofl'ence.

Advertising Screens. —John M. Mc- Lachlan, Benjamin McKerras, Richard Edward Finch, Joseph Fitzsiinons (manager for Hallenstein Bros.), &nd Wm. Beale were charged with allowing adver tising screens in front of their verandahs. Owing to a misunderstanding as to the by law, the cases were dismissed.

Chimneys on Fire. — John Moslem and Alfred Boonstra pleaded guilty, and were fined 5s and costs.

Carriage Unattended.— Richard Mud ford was charged with leaving a carriage unattended and with wheel unchained.—He pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and costs. Insulting Language.—Margaret Lyons was charged with using insulting language against Francis Berry.—There was no ap pearance of defendant, and a warrant was ordered to be issued for her arrest.

Ditto.—Henry Loffcus was charged with using , insulting language towards his wife, Marion Loftus.—The charge in the first in stance was read to the effect that the de fendant had threatened to haunt the plain tiff and to kill her. Owing to an " error in the summons, this was reduced by consent to a charge for using insulting language. Mr OMeagher appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Whitaker for defendant. —Marion Loftus deposed that she was the wife of the defendant. Had been married for six years, and in conse quence of ill-treatment left him on the 4th of July of this year. After leaving defen dant she went to the Criterion Hotel until the £3 which she had were exhausted. She then wrote to a Mr Jackson, who was a friend to her, and got him to take a house for her in the suburbs. Her husband dis covered her at Mount Roskill on Thursday last, and threatened to murder her if she would not go back and live with him again. When crossing Syinonds-street bridge de fendant threatened to throw her over the bridge. On the 17th inst. defen dant used horrible names to her. She feared defendant would murder her yet if she had not the protection of the Court.— By Mr Whitaker : Jackson did not pay for her board at Otahuhu. At Mount Roskill she and her children went under the name of Jackson, but that was through a mistake. Mr Jackson had paid rent for the house. She had three children, and begged the law to give him her children. When coming into town she walked on one side of the street and he walked on the other. She was now living in Nelson-street. — Ellen Loftus was but her evidence was ruled inadmissible on the charge as alleged. —Wm Jackson deposed that he had been providing for the support of complainant until the latter end of July. Had known Mrs Loftus since a little girl, and had befriended her for that reason only.—Mr Whitaker submitted that the words used in the summons had not been proved in evidence, and submitted there was no case to answer, and that the plaintiff had not asked that defendant should be bound over to pre vent a breach of the peace. —Mr O'Meagber submitted that the Bench had power to deal with the case on the evidence given,

and was supported by the Bench.—Henry Loftus, husband of Marion Loftus, deposed that he was an engineer by trade, now em ployed as a stoker. He went to Mount Roskill on October 17 to look for his wife and children, and was told where a Mrs Jackson lived. He found his wife, and said "The long-lost bird is found at last." Hβ asked his wife why she took the name of Jackson, and she said she did so in order that he should not be able to find her. Hβ asked his wife why she left him, and she said she did not know. Defendant asked witness to have a cup of tea, and he had dinner with her. He asked one of the little girls her name, and she said " Cassie Jack son." She asked him to go to town with her, and he did so, bringing the two children with them. He did not abuse his wife or call her bad names on the 17th inst. He was quite willing to let his wife go if she would give him the three children.—By Mr O'Meagher: No angry words were used during his interview with his wife. He heard from Constable Hobson that his wife was living at Mount Roskill as a Mrs Jackson. Constable Hobson had never seen his wife, but obtained the in formation from other parties.—Defendant was ordered to keep the peace for six months in his own surety of £50.

DISPUTED WILL CASE.

EXTRAORDINARY ALLEGATIONS.

A WIFE CUT OFF WITH A

PITTANCE.

A DRINK BILL OF FROM £15 TO £20

A WEEK.

In Chambers this morning Mr W. J. Napier appeared before Mr Justice Gillies on be half of Mrs F. W. Foley, of Devohport, to show cause at the instance of the executor (Mr S. Jackson, jun.) why probate of her husband's will should not be granted. Mr Napier read affidavits by the wife, Mrs Gerrard (her mother), and Mr Alfred Fen ton, adducing circumstances of a very re markable character.

The wife's affidavit was as follows

I, Alice Maud Foley, of Devonport, in the Provincial District of Auckland and colony of New Zealand, widow of the said Frank William Foley, deceased, make oath and say: 1. That 1 was married to the said de ceased at Devonport aforesaid on or about the 27th day of July, 1886. 2. That at the time of his marriage to me, this de ponent, the said deceased was possessed of money and property to the best of my knowledge and belief of upwards of the value of £4,000. 3. That shortly after my marriage to the said deceased he in dulged to excess in the use of in toxicating liquor. 4. That the habits of intemperance of the said deceased increased rapidly, until for a period of nine months before his death he was in a continuous state of intoxication and rarely eoberfor more than one hour at a time. 5. That the said deceased died on or about the 21st day of September 1887. 6. That in consequence of the in temperate habits .of the said deceased his mind became affected in or about the month of January 1887, and subsequently to that date his conduct and habits were not those of a sape person. 7. For about five months before the death of the said de ceased he consumed liquors of the value of £15 to £20 sterling per week. 8. For five months before the death of the said de ceased it had been necessary that he should be constantly attended by a man servant, who attended to his wants, and out of doore paid and disbursed whatever sums were necessary for the payment of expenses. 9. That in or. about the month of August, 1886 the said deceased made a will under the provisions of which I was to receive a life interest in his estate and the remainder to his brother. 10. That oh or about the 14th day of May, 1887, the said deceased made a second will revoking the will in the > last paragraph hereof mentioned and bequeathing to me instead of a life interest in his ...estate,.,. as in the former will, the sum of fifty-two pounds per annum during my widowhood, and also a sum of £5 for mourning. 11. That I know than the said deceased wa3 wholly opposed to the practice of wearing mourning for the dead, and I verily believe that he did not assent to the bequest to me in the said will of the sum of £5 for mourning. 12. That for many months be fore the said 14th day of May, 1887, and con tinuously up to his death, the deceased, when present at my father's house at Devon portaforesaid, believed himself to beandcon ducted himself as if he were then in an hotel called the City Club Hotel in the city of Auckland, where shortly previously he had been induced temporarily to take lodgings. 13. That I lived with the said de ceased at the said City Club Hotel, and the said deceased frequently, while there, belisved himself to be and conducted himself as if he were in my father's house at Devonport. 14. That fre quently, for many months before the 14th day of May, 1887, and continuously up to his death, the said deceased failed to recog nise who I was until I spoke to him. 15. That for seven months before the 14th day of May, 1887, and up to the time of his death, the said deceased was incapable of distinguishing coins of different values, and could not tell the difference between a sovereign and a shilling. 16. That on the day of the date' when the said second will purports to. have been made to wit the 14th day of May, 1887, the said deceased was incapable of recognising friends with whom he had been intimate for a very long period. 17. That since the month of January, 1887, and up to the date of his death the «aid de ceased could not tell the day of the"week." 18. That a few days prior to the 14th day of May, 1887, the said deceased was wandering about Queen-street, in the City of Auckland, at about 9 o'clock in the morning, and was apprehended by the police arid taken to the watch-house for his own safety, and that though he had par taken of little or no drink that morning he believed the watch-house to be his own home, and refused to leave it, and could nob tell that the constables in attendance were conscables."

His Honor considered that in view of such allegations/ desirable that the execu tor should propeed by civil action to ts tablish the,will, aabjd Mr Theo. Cooper, who appeared for Mr-Jackson, admitted that tnis course was expedient. His Honor there* fore directed that the action should be set down for trial during the December sittings of the Supreme Court.

How to Get Sick.—Expose yourself day and night, sit too much -without exercise, work too hard without rest, doctor all the time, take all the vile nostrums and imitations adver ised, and then you will want to know

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &a. To-night. Agricultural Hall - MohPM'k Minstrols, 8 Art Gallery-Aucklt n I S jciety of Arts Exhibi tion. 7.30 St. Sepulchre's Church, Kybcr Pass-Sacred Concert, 8 Club-shed—North Shore. Rowing Club, 7.30 Drill-shed—Auckland, Ponsonby, and Waite* niata Naval Artillery, 7.30 St. James's Hall-Cantata, "Belshaazars Feast,"B : : ■■'■■ :.' ■ -' : -; ' Rota of Justices at Police Court. Oct. 22—Messrs C. La Koehe and T.B. Lewis Auction Sales To-morrow. F.J. Jones, Lincoln-street—Household Furni ture and Effects, 2 s ;>?

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAif, OCTOBER 21, 1087,

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