POLICE COURT THIS DAY.

_T_»fnre-Messrs R. C. Barstow and D. B. Mc pjcfortJue Ju _ tice3) mir>'KE>'>"E ss- — Mary Richards, a well h-ssed, handsome young woman, against lorn 'however, there were fourteen pro • - convictions for drunkenness, was fined I-^'and costs' or *n c^e*:ttullfc ■*** days imprison t Thomas Hayes, another habitual Sy, was similarly punished. Two et offenders were punished in the usual Indecent Assault Case. 'rhomas McC-tlluni, the lad charged with •decent assault on a little girl at North - was remanded for a week, on tho ap- of Mr Devore, who appeared for fcaccused. The existing bail was en- OF THE MINETO COMPANIES ACT. Poderick McDonald Scott, legal manager Uhe Cambria U.M. Co., was charged with a Si of the Mining Companies Act, ISSG, 17 to publish within the first four days °f the month of January last atruo ta^..iHiful statement of the affairs of the r Dany. The defendant submitted that rt? vas'a new act, and that as soon his attention was drawn to the M .*■_,• he had prepared the required TSent X the Bench woulcf not ILt this plea» he would aPPIv for an ad" • nment till Wednesday to enable the lectors to engage counsel. - Mr Hudson •SiBBWn. who appeared for the Inspector ' ? v£j|g Mr McLaren, said that this action ViJ teea to°uS nt as a test casc > though y every rtmmg company in the Xehadte6ll'^ 11^ of similar- neglect, frLd no objection to the adjournment. The Bend granted the adjournment. ~ry.--jjjyGC_.T-LE, —William McKenzie, rfiarwd iritb permitting a cow to wander t la^e at Devonport, was fined 2s and Lts ■ Jlary Chester, -*-01" a simHax offence, was similarly fined. Wiiarn- Injury to Property.— David Hunter was charged with wilfully damag incr a house at Ellerslie owned by one John Aiiras by demolishing tho back part of the Joase and thereby doing injury to the ex tent of fs.—Dr. Laishley appeared for the prosecutor and Mr * O'Meagher for the defendant. —Dr. Laishley stated the case. Hunter, the defendant, was the tenant of the prosecutor, and despite the fact that no a»reemcnt had been made, had made improvements in the house to the extent of £65. Hunter had been a tad tenant, and had twice caused the pro secute to distrain for rent. On one occa sion when his rent was in arrears seven months, prosecutor agreed to allow him £16 for the improvements, and the rent was paid up, After these proceedings had been taken the defendant offered to reinstate the property if the prosecutor would reduce the rent.—John Angus, tho prosecutor, was examined. - He deposed that the defendant . had been his tenant for nine months, having rented the property at Ll per week. After occupying the house for about four months he objected to pay rent unless an allowance was made for some improvements in the shape of an addition to the back Htchen and some painting. The improve ments were valued by defendant at LSO. ■When asked to make the allowance witness agreed to pay half of the improvements, and then after the defendant had been in occupa tbn seven months witness gave him a receipt for four months' rent to pay for the paint ing. In February last witness had to put in the bailiffs, and afterwards witness put the collection of the rent in the hands of Mir Andrews. Defendant demanded a reduction in the rent, and threatened, if it was not al lowed, to take down aportion of thebuilding^ TVua tibreafc applied to the part the defend mthadp-fcup. Witness visited the pro perty lately- in company with a constable, and found that a carpenter was pulling down tie veiandah and part of the side of th'e'baMngi-'&Y Mr o'2Jeaglier : About the Lime the improvements were going on (.efendaat showed witness a specification of tteiaprovements and accounts, amounting" to £65. The boards removed were from the sde of the house, below the level of the floor.. Some, if not all, of theso boards had been placed there by defendant previously: When defendant took the house it was in habitable repair. The carpenter said he was acting under defendant's orders — George Andrews, agent- for prosecutor, gave corroborative evidence. By prosecu tor's instructions he offered to accept 15s per week, but defendant said he would not paymore than 10s. Defendant then said that _. the reduction was not made he would leave, the house in. the same condition as he found it. -John -Hill, carpenter, deposed that by defendant's instructions he had removed several boards from the side of the house, as he intended to extend the verandah round the side of the house. The timber for the improvement was on the house. When Mr Angus inter fered he ceased to carry on the job. -Mr O'Meagher said there were seven or eight objections to the prosecutor's case, any of which would have been fatal. The prosecution was evidently vindictive, and should never have been brought. — The Bench considered that the defendant had Bo case to answer, and dismissed tlie case. -Mr O'Meagher applied for costs.—Dr. Laishley objected, as from the threats of demolishment, the defendant had laid himself open to the action. Mr O'Meagher said that he would press ™ demand for costs. The Act said "real property," and it had not been P*wed. that the house was affixed to the ground. If this were not proved the ™ac might be a chattel—Dr. Laishley: "hen will my learned friend cease talking lonsense ?—Mr O'Meagher : lam not talk "■g nonsense, and I will not even bow to with so many titles as Mr T^ey on a matter of law.—-The Bench to allow costs.

.uiehandicapyachtraceunderthe auspices Jacht Club for May 24th to be a great event. Nine large Jffl.i_.are spoken of as certain competitors, •™ otters are expected to take part. jsjwDavid Goldie, timber merchant, met !f . curious accident on Saturday after- JS| He was going along the Qusen-street »m, when a wire nail, which had some ™*got fixed in the woodwork, point up- J™**. penetrated his boot between the sole j!| upper, inflicting a deep wound on his ~P' toe. Mr Goldie at once went home" ""•ailed in.Dr. Stockwell, who recom ™enaed Mm to rest for four or five days and Pjncethe wound The injury, though t^Bya, is not likely to prove serious.

Association Football Club Fy. their first practice match in the last Saturday afternoon. There Sp good attendance. At the close of Ajp®* it was arranged to hold a general f^g on Wednesday, 4th, in the ft.*! Ro °nis. All interested in the rl6 are requested to attend.

Hen! ilalcolm> a --ady evangelist from "X-wme, commenced her evangelistic MWB in Auckland yesterday, iv the Rev. &R 8 Church > Franklin Road. She jW» i with considerable influence and effect tofe7\?V ana' appreciative congregations. •» Malcolm is a lady of good education r_MWt *' and haa evidently ths gift of fig speech. She is clearly devoted to foll^ 0?' and will doubtless have a large lW g - m Auckland. She will preach on ut*u&y next. wi.;*- S^-" When a board of em.n ---«W«n■ «_?? _and Chemists announced the dis *%iW . b _ combining some well-known *aa nnvi_em J edle3 a most wonderful medicine !%W. which would euro such a wide could hL?| Beaßcs that most all other remedies hat urmf P?nsed with, many were scoplical, Pelted an a 'J? mer-ts by actual .1 rial has dis P i*,.*' <"»* to-day the discoverers o£ P°P Bit£™ edlclnc' Dr. Soule s American Co s WetjQ^'., aro honoured and blessed by all as

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

(by telegraph.—own reporter.)

Wellington, this day.

The Opposition Tactics.

Major Atkinson is very sanguine of the success of his party at the approaching general elections, and it is due to the fact that no hostile demonstration has been

made by the Opposition so far. Tbe Major believes that thoir policy now is to wait and watch, and thus strengthen their own position. It has now been fully arranged that Sir John Hall, who stands tor the Selwyn seat, shall lead the party which at present forms the Opposition, and it is intended that he and Major Atkinson shall " stump the country " in the interests of the party at the closo of the present session.

ftabbit Extermination

Mr George Williams, of Auckland, who is the inventor of a system of rabbit extermin ation, had an interview the other day with a number- of influential Southern run holders, who are also members of the House. He explained to them the working of his scheme, and thoy were greatly inter ested. At their request he has .agreed to erect his models here and give a practical exhibition of their working to-morrow morn ing.

Tiie Payment to a Member's

Wife

The statement by the Government rela tive to the payment of £1,900 to Colonel Fr.iser's wife on account of a land claim has created a great deal of astonishment amongst members. It is currently stated that the matter is to be followed up by further questions to Ministers and there is talk of moving for a select committee to inquire into the whole matter.

The Timber Industry.

Auckland has sent down a first-class niember in Mr Monk. He is well versed in everything pertaining to the timber trade, and is giving this subject a great deal of attention. He is anxious to have something clone to prevent the terrible waste of forest timber by fire. I have his authority for saying that the loss in the Kaihu bush alone from this cause is between 10 and 15 million feet. The Union Sash and Door Company have had a committee of practical men inquiring into the losses which they have sustained in bush from fire, and their letters show de plorable destruction. Mr Monk says he will propose a vote of £10,000 for Professor Kirk's tree-planting department while such terrible' devastation of kauri forests is allowed to continue without hindrance.

Members Unwell

The weather for the last few days has been very bad, rain falling in a constant drizzle. The effect on the health of several members has been very trying, and they are confined to their homes by severe

colds.

Sir Geo. drey's Land Bill

Sir Geo. Grey has been industriously canvassing members for support to his bill providing for the purchase of land for settle ment and for the formation of pioneer special settlements. He has been advised to wait for the arrival of the Auckland member who has not yet put in an appearance, and call a meeting of the whole of the representatives from that part of the colony to ask for their support. It is probable he will follow that course.

The Estimates.

The public estimates are in type, but it is a very significant fact that they have been more than half a dozen-titoes under revision. Votes have been inserted one day and struck out the next, and on each occasion the proof sheet has been almost entirely re-written. The Opposition declare their intention of making extensive reductions by striking out votes when the estimates are under con sideration.

The Late Mr Macandrew.

Mr Bracken has received from Mr R. J. Creighton, of Honolulu, a letter relative to the death of Mr James Macandrew. The writer expresses his gratitude and apprecia tion to Mr Bracken for his touching and sympathetic lines, and proceeds :—" While I did not agree with him on many Eoints, I recognised his great ability, is manly independence of character, his broad human sympathy, and his love of his adopted home — Otago. This last became so intensified as to mar somewhat the breadth and purpose of his policy as a colonial statesman. It was a fault that leaned to virtue's side — a love of home and kindred and neighbours among whom the memory of James Macandrew should be cherished by an abiding and per petual sign."

Proportional Representation

Those hon. members who in their hustings speeches professed to be desirous of seeing the Hare system of representation given a trial will shortly have an opportunity of proving their sincerity. On the motion for goinc into Committee on the Representation Bill Mr Pyke will move "That in the opinion of this House any bill providing for tho future representation of the people of New Zealand should be based on a modified form of the Hare system."

Mr Bracken's Coercion Motion

The statement in the "New Zealand Times" to-day that Mr Bracken will not proceed with his anti-coercion motion -he having merely given notice of it on a sudden impulse of patriotic feeling —is entirely without foundation. The member for Dunedin Central is thoroughly sincere in moving in this matter, and will try to press the question to a division. I fear however that the forms of the House will be used to defeat his ob ject, and that either the previous question will be moved or the matter will be talked out, should it not be kept too low on the rjaper. to allow it to be reached.

The Mare System of Voting.

Mr Pyke's idea with respect to the intro duction of the Hare system of representa tion is the creation of nine'provincial dis tricts, i >,:■■' '"•

Paper Manufacture

To-morrow Mr Bracken will ask whether the Government are prepared to give a bonus for the production of the first twenty-five tons of white printing paper. The Catholic Cemetery Pro-

posal.

Mr Hodge called on the Premier this morning to protest against the Roman Catholic Cemetery Bill. The Premier informed him that it was for the city to oppose it, but the measure had no chance of passing through the House. Mr J. T. Boylan' is here, and it is under stood his visit is in the interests of the Bill.

Electoral iiefonn

,Mr Barron is canvassing members for support for his motion to reduce the number of members of tho House to sixty. Noses have been counted, and it is asserted that there is a substantial majority against tbe amalgamation of city con stituencies.

Kailway Boards.

It is the intention of Mr Monk, when Mr Richardson's Railway Boards Bill gets into Committee, to move an amendment, with tho object of testing the feeling of the House on a proposal ot his that there should be provincial .boards of reference, consisting of the Chairman of County Councils, through which the lines run, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and the Traffic Manager <?f the lioe. 77 .": A

Maori Petition

Sir George Grey has received from' the chiefs of the native tribes of Hauraori and' North of Auckland extending to the North Cape a petition, the outcome of the recent Maori Parliament at Shelly Beach which Sir George is to present to the Home.

THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

A Visit to the 'front

A well-known Auckland gentleman who has just returned from a yisifc to the ex treme end of the line at present laid down, and also to the new works in progress, has handed us the following interesting notes thereon :-After a long and rather tiresome journey from Auckland we arrived at Otorohong-i., in the King Country, at pre sent tho terminus of the main trunk line that is to change things so in this North Island of ours. Otorohonga is vory different to what it w*as when wo visited it some four years ago. The then peaceful Maori village is turned into the most'erowded, liimuered up centre of commotion ono could wish to seo. Trucks full of material for the engineer and the contractor, timber and iron for the mushroom village springing up, and stacks of sleepers and rails aro on every side, whilst snorting engines, over whistling for persons to clear out of -the road, havo frightened the natiyo birds out of tho district. A vory beautiful undula ting country surrounds the new settlement with rich soil and a littlo bush. All' tho place wants is a station-master.* It is, as will easily be seen, a great source of annoy anco to the contractor not to be able to pay the freight on goods as they ' arrive, which is impossible under the present state of things. No, he must pay beforehand at Auckland or elsewhere, and much trouble and loss of time is the result. The energe tic Guard Such acts at present as guard, station-master, and portei, and manages very well considering the manifold things lie has to look after. Five stores have risen, and tho place looks like a small "rush" in the old Thames days. Two years ago thore was only a track through the place, and now some hundreds of men are at -work. Mr Hittel is putting up a grand six-roomed boarding-house in view of the Native Lands Court to be held there next month. Air Tanner has, ot course, the largest accommodation house at present in the place, for the name of Tanner is foremost everywhere along the line. Ever since operations began, Tanner has followed along with his canvas and then timber houses with an energy worthy of the sup port he receives. We found sleeping ac commodation not equal, however, to Cairns's Star or Oram's Prince Arthur for 60 of us, and many (horrid to relate) slopt in the clothes they had been working in all day, and had to " pig down " in the dining room on Hoor, table, and forms. One thing those up at Otorohanga can boast of above the Aucklanders, however. The word has gone round, " Abandon drink (liquor) all ye who enter here," anel oh ! what a little world for Messrs Cox, Garlick, and other knights of the blue ribbon to revel in. No; no liquor can enter the King Country, and let'us hope that this fair portion of New Zealand will be spared the curse of an infringement of this law. The contractors for this section of the line, Messrs Coatesand Metcalf,have completed the line. so far about 115 miles from Auckland. Having refreshed .our selves with a substantial breakfast, after our sleep on the floor, we started on to the advance works, proceeding as far as Hanga tiki on a ballast waggon, which'left us likd!; bruised apples two miles from Te Kuitt, the end of the next section, *at which place, although the rails are not yet laid, the earth works are finished. Here wo found Mr Tanner again to tho fore with buggies to take us passengers to the ballast train on the remaining two miles to Te Kuiti Messrs J. and A. Anderson are contractors for the Waitote section, and Mr Robertson is on in front making arrange ments for getting on with their work immediately. Large numbers of men are camped out waiting for this section work lo begin, also sub-contractors without number.

To give an idea of the energy to be seen up in this part of the world, we may mention that at Te Kuiti, a week or two ago, Mr Tanner commenced building an hotel on a Monday morning.and on Tuesday even ing 35 men sat .down to dinner in the completed building. There are several stores in course of erection, also a temper ance brewery by .Mr Nimiis. It is ex pected that 200 men will find employment for two years of the new section about to be opened, exclusive of the tunnel works be yond. Waitete will be fifteen milesbeyend Te Kuiti by rail,and Mr Simpson (the Govern ment Engineer) is just completing the sur vey of the new section beyond, which com pletes the line as far as Porotaurau.

EXTENSIVE FIRE.

(BY TELEGRAPH - PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Invercargili., Sunday,

A fire broke out in a large two-story block of wooden buildings at the comer of Yarrow and Deveron street at 4.30 p. m., and is now burning fiercely. No water was avail able in the vicinity, and as the premises were mostly occupied by carpenters' and painters' shops, the flames speedily de molished the whole structure, and will probably destroy a cottage adjoining. The block belonged to Hewlett, painter, and a portion was occupied by Captain Whyborn as a residence. He saved most of his efFects. but little or nothing was saved from Hew-f lett's. Insurance : New Zealand, building, LSOO, L 250 re-insured in the Phoenix. The cause of the firo has not been ascertained, but the first smoke was very d ense, as i from varnish. * <

At the close of the lecture which was listened to with great attention a Mr White (lately from London) got up and endorsed Mr Button's views, besides quoting a passage from one of the prophets n support of them.

The City Council, we understand, con templates passing a by-law dealing with the lighting of private vehicles.

Captain Edwin reports: "Bad weather approaching between north-east and north and west; glass fall; wind backing and much rain."

The inquest is to bo held to-morrow on the fire that occurred on Good Friday morn ing at the Brittania Brash Works, Stanley street. - - —--■ - ' ' ' ,' ' Mr,W. L. Walsh, the well-known pedes trian, challenges Mr S. Goodman or any other local athlete to walk two hours on boards or turf, for £20 a-sido and the cham pionship of Auckland

The quarterly election of officers of the Victoria Lodge, 1.0. G.T.,.T., • Newmarket, took place on Friday night, when the followino* were elected :—W.C.T., Bro. E Allan ; W.V.T., Sis. Cameron ; W.S., Bro. J. S. Allan: W.F.S., Bro. Bennet; W.T., Sis. Jenkins ; W..C, Sis. Tierney ; WM Sis. Reid; W.G., .Bro. Boyle; wV Sis. Heard; W.D.M., Bro. H Kent'; W.F.S., Sis. Tierney; P,W.C,T„ Bro. W. B. Fordyce.

You Cax Be Happy if you will stop all voux doctoring yourself and yonr Jtmilics with expensive doctors or cure-alls that do only harm, and use nature's simple remedies for all your ailments ; you will be well and happy and sayo rrrnnt extionse. The greatest remedy for this, ffigrS-TSriS. and good will tell .you, is Am. Co.'s Hop Bitters.

ELECTION MEETINGS.

School Committees.

The annual meeting of householders of West Tamaki washeldatthe school-house on Mon >day_iight last to receivereport andand elect new committee, when the following gentle men were elected :—Robt. Menzies, Thos. Norris.Thos. Atkinson, Richard Newcombe, Wm. Ireland, P. Corrigan, J. L. Clark. Mr J. L. Clark was elected chairman of tlie Committeo.

A meeting of householders of tho East Tamaki district was held in the school room on Monday, 25th inst. There was a fair attendance, and Mr A. R. Harris was appointed chairman. After a re view of the proceedings of the late committee, which met with satisfaction from those present, a ballot for the election of a new committee was taken. The following were elected a committee to serve during the ensuing year:—Messrs Murphy, Cowsill, Hemmincs, Whitton, Harris, Baverstock and Brown! At a sub sequent meeting Mr Harris was appointed Chairman, and Mr Hemmingo, Treasurer of the new committee.

The meeting of householders for the elec tion of Aratapu School Committee was not attended so well as on previous years. Only ten persons put in an appearance. The reports and balance-sheet of the out going committee were read and approved. The latter shewed an expenditure of L 57 lGs 9d, leaving a balance of Ll 9s 3d in hand. Mr Thomas Bassctt was appointed Chairman of the house holders' meeting. Tho nomination and election of the new committee was carried out in due form, with the following result: — Bassett, 14 ; Underwood, 10 ; Wilson, 10 ; Herrick, 9; Barker, 9; Nield, G; Mc- Gowan, 3 ; Avery, 2. The first seven were elected. Mr Bassett was afterwards appointed Chairman of the School Com mittee.

KOAD BOARDS

Messrs Benjamin T. Hawkins, John G. Kay, Alfred F. Porter, and Alexander Wil son were on Saturday last nominated at the Zion Hill schoolroom, Birkenhead, to fill the three vacancies in the district Road Board, aud being more than the required number, a poll will be taken on Saturday next, May 7. •) -[Newton West So'icolroom:—-Messrs Jol.fc O'Hara and John Scullen were nominated to fill the two vacant seats in the Arch Hill Road Board, and being only the number required, Mr Seaman, the returning officer, declared them duly elected.

The Public Hall, Avondale : — Messrs Robert Garrett and George Thomas were nominated to the vacant seats in the local Board, and being only the number required, the gentlemen named were declared elected. For Remuera Road Board only two gen tlemen - .Messrs David Nolan and J. L. Wilson—were proposed; they were declared duly elected.

THE FAITH-HEALING MISSION.

The Rev. J. A. Dowie held a long series of services yesterday at the close of his faith healing mission. At an early hour a con secration meeting was held, this being fol lowed at 11 o'clock by a baptismal service in the Temperance Hall, several persons being immersed. A praiseand testimony meeting -.was* held at the Choral 'Hall at 3 o'clock, and in. the evening Mr Dowio held forth upon "The Privileges,. Duties, and Re sponsibilities of Christians in Regard to Public Matters." This lecture was de nunciatory of tlie whole Government of *New Zealand from the Premier down wards. A man who trampled upon the Bible like the Premier was not a fit man to control the education of tho youth of the colony ; and if New Zetland was a Christian country she should have a Christian Premier. Tho lecturer then attacked the Minister of Justice, who, as a Roman "Catholic,, was naturally anxious to help his. church in the grasp ing for power that she always showed. Ho wound up by saying that a .Tow and two infidels made up the Government of the country. But the manner of speaking of tho Ministry was mild compared to the abuse poured upon tlie newspapers of the colony. They were. vile, mercenary, mean and perfectly unscrupulous, their sole object being, not thecause of righteousness on public good, but to fill tbe proprietors' pockets. The lecturer then officiated at an ordinance of the Lord's Supper, when he ordered about 150 persons from the hall, as they would not partake of the Sacrament. To-night Mr Dowie delivers a lecture upon " Scenes and Stories from My Australian Life."

NEWMARKET BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB.

The winter tennis court which has been con structed for the above Club, mainly through the instrumentality of the energetic Secretary (Mr Jesso King), was opened on Saturday afternoon with becom ing eclat. Invitations had beon issued for tho occasion, and upwards of 200 ladies and gentlemen were present. The inau gural games were of an exhibition character the leading players of the Auckland district taking part hi them. Messrs Barton and Carr were matched against Messrs Morrison and Hudson, and after a well-contested game won by two sets to one, the scores being 6—2, 6—4. 4—6. On the second court Messrs Goodhue and Morey played a losing game against Messrs Ridings an_t Pollen, the scores being 6—5, 6-5, 5-— G. The players were highly pleased, -with the asphalted court,'and the experiment bids fair to be multiplied throughout the colony. The Gisborno Club have already resolved to follow suit, and some Mount Eden players _ have also inti mated their determination ' to. havo an asphalted court in that district. Mais, revenons a nos moulons. While law n tennis was engaging attention in one par fc of the grounds, several scratch games Of bowls were proceeding upon tho green and the Newmarket. Brass Band,, under Mr Hunter, was busily en gaged in discoursing selections of music. At the conclusion of the games Mr W. J. Suiter, President of the Club, made some remarks upon the occasion of the after noon's meeting. He then called on Mr Graves Aickin, Vice-President, to pre sent to Mr C. F. James the prize bowls given for competition by Mr! Speight, of Dunedin,. during his recent visit. Mr Aickin, in _ making the presenta tion, said that this was tlio second pair of bowls won by Mr James this season. He also remarked upon the public spirit dis played by the donor, Mr Speight, who, being in Auckland on a visit, had left be hind him such an elegant memento of the interest he felt in the Newmarket Club. Cheers were then given for Mr Speight, Mr James, and Mr King (secretary). The priae bowls are beautifully finished, and are provided with a neat varnished tJ» caso, suitably lined and finished." Bach of the bowls bears on one tjjdOi a silver plate with the inscription _ « Presented by Mr J, Speight President of Cale*> donian Quo. Tkuiedln,1' and on the op posite side similiar silver plate inscribed,' "Won by C. P. Jax«e*s. New market Club, Auckland." In the course of the afternoon the eight l?wn tennis players mentioned above w _*.■<% photographed. Re treshments we.r^i. d-STOnged to tlio visitors in the payiUcafc

SPORTING NEWS.

Weielits for Wanganni Eaces

(BY TELEGKAPH-PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wanganui, Friday. The following weights have been declared by Mr Evett :—

Wanganui Handicap Steeplechase. — Faugh-a-hallagh, list 121b; "Denbigh, list 101b; Orient, list ; Victor, lOat 101b; Omata, 10st 71b; Kangaroo, lOst 31b; Bluebell, lOst; The Jilt, lOst; Dusk, 9et 111b; Torpedo, 9st 101b ; Merrylegs, 9st 81b ; Waitangi, 9st 81b ; Reform, Landseer and Pathfinder, 96t 71b each. Flyisg Handicap.— Tho Shah, 9at 121b ; Deceiver, 9st 51b; Strenuous, Bst 71b; Rumour, Bst Gib ; Laurel, Bst 41b ; Charmer, Bst 31b; Ruapchu, Bst 21b; Kangaroo, 7st 131b; Tim Whiffler, 7-st 121b; Hagar, 7st 111b; Armourer, 7st 101b; Voltigeur, 7st 91b; Tongariro, 7st 91b; Okato, 7st • Rimu, 7st; Rufus, The Gem, Semiramis, and Mermaid, 6st 71b each. Winter Oats Handicap.—The Shah, Bst 91b ; Deceiver, Bst 121b ; Rumour, Sst 51b ;. Strenuous, Sst 21b ; Laurel and Charmer, Sst; Ruapehu, 7st 101b; Kangaroo, ;st 71b ; Tim Whiffler, 7st Gib ; Armourer and Hagar, 7st 51b ; Voltigeur and Tongariro, 7fcfc 41b ; Okato, 6st 101b ; Rimu and Goth, Gst 81b; Rufus, Gst 31b; Steelbone, The Gem, and Semiramis, Gst.

Regarding the delay in the issuing of the above weights, the " Wanganui Herald' of Thursday last makes the "following explana tion :—The weights for the handicaps at the W.J.C. Birthday meeting were due on Tuesday evening, and a large number of sporting folks put in an appearance at the Rutland Hotel expecting that, as usual, the weights would be posted up there at 9 o'clock. They were doomed to disappoint ment, however, as it was announced that they had come to hand so "mixed up that the secretary had been instructed to refer them back to Mr Evett for correction. The weights were sent by wire.

CimisTcnußCii, Saturday. — 52 nominations have been received for the C.J.C. Derby and 46 for the Champagne and 32 for the Oaks of 1888.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

FOOTBALL.

The popularity of this pastime was, evidenced on Saturday afternoon by' t. l)e largo number of persons who congre gated in the outer domain '.or- the purpose of watching tho scratch tice matches that wero held there. Some four or five matches were got up, end played with considerable spirit. That which engaged the largest share of iute.-est was one between Grafton (the champion senior club) and captained respectively by T. Brown and Dixon. The teams, of course, were by no means of a repre sentative character, and this account.-! for the fact that Albert won by nine points to love. Lewis kicked a goal from the field, and Ridings got a try, which Mac kune converted into a goal. > Tho Selwyn and Victoria Clubs played an indec'.'sive match, no points being scored, but Selwyn having rather the bestx of the game. Teams picked at random from the Uni versity and Rcmuera Clubs, and captained by Messrs Rich and Moresby, completed in tho hollow. Rich's side won by five) points to two.

Up on the ridge, where the'observatory used to stand, the Y.M.C.A.'s Club played its first match under the Association rules, sides being picked by the Rev. J. S. Hill and'Mr Wyse. Mr Wyse's team sofcured a goal and won. At Potter's paddock the Gordorf Club played a scratch match, the sides beino* chosen by Messrs J. R. Reed and J. j. Poland. The game resulted in Reed's side winning by 23 points to 13, tries boing ob tained by Jordan (3) and Meldrum, while Reed potted a goal from the field. For tho losing side Crowe, Collins, Harington, and Poland scored. Great satisfaction was expressed with tho ground, which is well adapted for football, besides being not far from Dilworth's. A practice match between teams picked from the North Shore Club, viz, Ist fifteen

versus 2nd twenty, was played on the Recreation Ground, Devonport, and resulted in a win for the first fifteen by a goal to love. W. Wynyaid secured the try by a run, and Somerfield converted it into a goal. The junior 20 made a .stub-j born defence the whole game. The first I spell was very evenly plajed. no score • being obtained, but in tho Seconal spell th <j seniors kept the ball pretty well all the time in the juniors' 25. The members of all footbal. clnbs aro ro minded'that the Rugby Unioi will meet on Thursday next to. arrange the annual pro gramme. / CRICKET. '

The match, Alpha v. EderjCrickr^ club was won by the Alpha Ch.b >a.i]-." Eden only scored 20, Rowe anri G«ot> a^e bein°* too good for them. The f jTme _, took £ wickets for 11 runs and the i, v tter 3 for 6 Alpha had 6 wickets down ' lor C 7 runs when play stopped, Collins* 2 3 not out, and Goodacre, 14 not ou£. doing tes twith the bat. The Alpha.- club navil -g won the becond Junior o*; ip two se asons in succes sion, it now be--_ omes fche i r prepay.

"Wa_rel»' ouaomon > g challenge Cap.

.srr' 'ac commencement of the season, 18SP,_S7 J tho commercial . travellers re presenting the different wholesale drapery warehouses in Auckland, pre sented a Cup to be played for by teams irom the five warehouses, viz., W. McArthur and Co., A, Clark and Son, Owen and Graham, Sargood, Ewen, and Co., and Macky, Logan, Steen,| and Co. After a very exciting contest Owen and Graham have succeeded in carryiug off the trophy for the first ye'tt'ft;". For the final match last Saturday, Owen and Graham v. McArthur, the former secured a deci sive victory.! * Taking tbo field firs^ they quickly disposed of their opponents lor 56 runs—W. Doughty, 22, and W. Day, 15, being the only two that reached double figures. The bowling of Newcomb and Anderson was very good. Owen and Gra ham's men on goings to'the wickets quickly ran up the required number of runs, and whon time was called had scored 86 runs, for the loss of 2 wickets, winning the match by 20 runs, and 8 wickets to spare. ' Hat tley, 26 (not out), Newcomb 16, Burgess 22, Banfield, 19 (not.out ]\ The following shows position of the respective houses :— •Owen and Graham, played 8, lost 2, elbow 7 matches ; Macky, Logan and Co., played 8, lost 2, elbow,6 matches; W, McArthur and Co, played 8 lost 5, elbow 5 matches ; Sargood, Ewen and Co., played S, lost 6, elbow .2 matches; A. Clarke and Son, played 8, lost S, elbow 0 matches. FOOT RACE, j ! There, was a large attendance on the Cricket Ground on Saturday afternoon t' 0 sco the race for members of the Ponsor'jby F, C. *Fifteen started, aid, after tv oa t tem,pfcs they were got away well tor .-ether. R, Whiteside, (scratch) Ddadett ign g p aC g warm at, the start, but bqeouW not reach the leaders, and died away X)Q yards f rom the tape. After the : fiisfe 3cr an( -i Baxter 35 yards took the lead from $1 limit man , an d won comfortably by, 15} y^rds. Healy 25 yards who ran we«, ■ C anie second, and Poulson 30 yards; by p. g am( j effort just beat Stephenson. 7 yards jon the, tape for third place. Mr A. H. CVrf-er officiated as starter, and Mr J. Arncii jud.o*e..

Second Edition.

LATE CABLES.

AKGLO-AUSTRALIAN MAUL CONTRACT.

[special.]

■~' . London, May I. A. final offer has been submitted to the steamship companies of £70,000 a year for seven years'; penalties to be enforced for non-delivery of mails in time, but no premiums to be given for early delivery. The companies have nob yet replied.

THE EXHIBITION SURPLUS.

Six thousand pounds sterling of tKe Indian Colonial Exhibition surplus goes to defray the deficiate on, the Inventions Exhibition, and four/ thou sand is reserved for unforseen claims.

RUSSIAN LOAN.

The Russian loan is boing largely subscribed.

QUEENSLAND SEPARATIONISTS.

The delegates sen _ from Queensland to agitate for th?; separation of the northern portion, of the colony will have an interview* with Holland next week. He does not intend writing a reply to Sir 3. Griffiths.

MAIL SUBSIDY.

Loris Dumaven, CamavOn, and Grar.ville are in favour of a subsidy be''.ng granted to a mail line to Hong via the Canadian Pacific railway. Lord Ornslow stated that the company had offered a monthly service for £60,000 a year, but no decision hsyi

been come to.

THE IRISH CRIMES BILL.

The Liberal Unionists have agredthat the clause in the Crimes Bill permiting a change of yenue to England, shall remain an open question*. The majority, however, approve of the clause. The Opposition are seeking to limit the operation of the Bill to three

years

THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION.

( Sir H. D. Wolff's offer of the evacua tion of Egypt was coupled with condi tions including other powers, and per mitting England's return whenever she may judge it necessary. . #~

NAVAL DEFENCE OF THE COLONIES.

Lora Geo. Hamilton, speaking at the' Academy banquet, praised the states manlike attitude of the colonies in agreeing to the financial naval partner ship without haggling or discussing the question in a parochial spirit

SUICIDE BY POISONING.

(by telegraph—press associaton.)

Oamaru, this day. •Mr DeLambert, a merchant, has com mitted suicide by taking prussic acid. Ho was found by his oflice boy this morning quite dead on a sofa in the office. Ho leaves a wifo (who is near her confine ment) and eight children. The supposed cause is business trouble. His life 'was insured six months ago in the Government Office, but as the j rule of the office is that on the case of suicide within 12 months the policy is not paid, it is feared his family will get I nothing.

FIRE AT ONEHUNGA.

A house in course of construction for Mr Burton, at Pah Form, : was destroyed by fire last night. It was in sured for £175 in the New Zealand Insur ance Company's Office.

THE PARNELL POISONING CASE.

Mr Pond, the Government analyst, has re ported to Supt. Thomson the result) of the exhaustive analysis of the stomach of the deceased Renata, of Mongonui- Mr Pond has failed to find any tfface of mineral poison or of any alkaloid—and thinks that the probable cause of Renata's fatal illness arose from the putrefactive action of tbe meat giving rise to a septic alkaloid or ptomaine, the symptoms of which are severe vomiting, diarrhcea and prostration.

LATE SHIPPING.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.);

- Christchurch, this day. THE ARAWA. The s,s. Arawa sailed again for London at 11,30 a.m t to-day.

Port Chalmers, this day. — Sailed : Caberfaiott, barque, Captain Hughes, with' cargo. ; ". •. ,

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Agricultural Hall—London Circus, 8. • ' Choral Hall—Farewell Address by the Rev.; X A. Dowie. 7.45. ' • ■' ■ All Saints' Schoolroom — Ppnsonby Choral Society Concert, 8. • Freemasons' Hall—Ara Lodge, No. 317, T.C.,7 30, Pitt-street "Wesleyan Church—Annual Meeting of British and Foreign Bible Society, 7.30. -J

Rota of Justices at Police Court. May ?-]Vlessrs F. Battley and A. Boardman.

Auoflon Bftleß pu Monday.

Arthur & Buddie—Household Furniture and Effects, Harness, eto, 11. '" ! G. W. Blnney & Sons—lron Barque Alexa, a S. Cochrane & Son, Synioud.etroct—Houschiild • Furniture and Effefl-3,11.: l_ 'A G. Lewis—English and Colonial-made Furr.i turo, 11.

His Royal Highness Albert Edward Prince op Wales, a cut of whom heads this article is, we believe we aro correct in stating, the most popular Prince of the present age, and there fore a fitting compeer for that Prince of Watches, the "Waterbury." Scrupu lously punctual in all his court engagements he is naturally severe on those members of committee and deputationists who habitu ally arrive ten minutes late, and waste another ten minutes in fruitless endeavours to account or apologise for their dilatoriness. If any weight can be attached to the private letters of some of our commissioners at the late Indian and Colonial Exhibition, more than one of our title hunters incurred the displeasure of the autocrat of Marlborough House, and clogged the wheels of the "Colindries" by habits of unpunctuality. This is unexcusable' in these days of correct time for thirteen shillings and sixpence, and H.R.H. can well be pardoned for advising them to consign their costly toys to "the melting pot, and to regulate the practical affairs, of their live 3by the "Waterbury." The testimony as to the reliability of this watch is overwhelming, and admits of no dispute. Old "Father Time," who for centuries has been depicted with the scythe and hour-glass, will in future carry a " Water bury, —not that he is in sympathy with change, but simply that he may reap his harvest with unerring accuracy. THE JUBILEE.

Suggestions havebeen offered for a suitable method of celebrating the Jubilee,.some of which have been reasonable, others the re verse, but, all so far short of the mark. Purchaseraof art and statuary certainly have ,-nuch to recommend them, whilst exhibi tions of fireworks are simply puerile and absurd. Fire in any capacity destroys what it touches, and in such connections leaves only a pleasant recollection of something that has' been consumed. and has vanished — wealth deliberately' annihilated. Our suggestion is that any /unds in hand be promptly applied to tIW purchase of " Wateßbukys," for presenta*lo"_ to e^fr^ school-boy in the'colony, in o ,rf« ™*. habits of punctuality be early ins. ,lUealn their minds, and the next generation .'*?' 0J V Up to* value their minutes and, t-3el£_ " Waterbuuys," .and to keep their pro* • fessnonal and social appointments. The " Waterbury " too, in addition to its value in this direction, is an apt illus tration of scientific and mechanical experi ment and research. Twenty-five years ago, with wages at about a third of their present value, and the hours of labour considera'oly prolonged, only a wealthy man could afford to own a watch, and this frequently passed from generation to generation as an heir loom— occasiprsllly excepted from the just debts o-the testator. The first step towara reducing their cost was made in Switzerland, and a great num beroi Geneva movements were sent to Bir mincL'am to be cased, and sold as English p ro( j U c. vions. Althoughafewof thesecertainly proved fairly reliable timekeepers. They were the e^eptions, and permanent injury to the trade resulted therefrom. Early in the seventies an attempt was made to mar keta similar movement in a cheap metal case; but this *oo proved unsuccessful, the roughness of finish and excessive dupli-. cation of parts at once ensuring its failure. Somo of these goo.!* are etill in the posses sion of dealers who jjWd no sale for them, while the " WATi^tTEY "—a new and patented movement i; nvented by a patient and painstaking.meoha «»ie m.Goanecticut— demonstrated the praci'icab-lit.y of » cheap and reliable watch at ii pnee previously undreamt of, and * these foave now been searched up and are: reg.*4-?,,.offere!r various prices from a few' shillings to a couple of pounds. Somevhaifc similar in appearance, they are calcnlfcted to deceive the public in their search for t4_e correct time, and as they are son retimes -sold for less money a great many hay !?.*■■, e®S disposed of, especially as their owners _ '*fjr--J, gsaran" tee them genuine "Watekbur^"*s ' or equal to the "Waterbury." ' _ . Care is necessary to prevent t^eceP*:ion« a,nd purchasers should examine clo e -v any ■watch offered at any other price th*.,,n thir- ; teen and sixpence. The "aWATEK'Bu"Rr Watch Co." brand every dial with .'"heir name and monogram, and as the principle of their movement is protected by letters patent no other production can offer th© same absolute accuracy or the same facility for repair. Possessing less than half tho . number of parts—all of which, like, the Sewing Machine, are interchangeable—it S rarelyjjets out of order, and can always be repaired at cost never exceeding half-a- , crown. This, too, accounts for its dura bility, and the question frequently asked, *,_' Can a watch produced for so little money . last." finds its readiest answer in the fact : that over ... :, ;'.".' ;i

2,000,000 " Waterbury's " have already been sold, and the Factory, with the unequalledbiit-put of one thousand per day, can barely keepjpace with the demand.. A watch that did ; not combine durability with absolute accuracy would neither be cheap nor secure-a permanent sale, and none, of our Teaders need hesitate on this account.

We have; neverl heard of a man losing his train, train, or ferry through. trusting one '-, of these watches, although.we have fre- s quently seen citizens,k who ought to have. known better, left behind through the short coming of more expensive rivals., The '" Waterbury" has acquired a universal.; reputation for accuracy, simplicity, and durability, and acy of our readers having watches in which the utmost reliance cannot be placed WUI do well to. consider whether it would n.it be .better and cheaper, to discard tbemVhai once, and purchase a. ", Waterbury.*''' * 'V' ./■.'•' !'. '.'■■

These watbhe. are admirably suited for' presentations, aaid thousands of ■ lads and" working, men, wbose means will not admit of heavy outlays, can thus afford to hay the time. The '' Manchester Examiner " sums lip an article published on the 22nd December as follows :— V The Waterbury is a splendid time-keeper. - .Wej have sub-. jectecL it to tests few watches can endure,1 and similar statements haveemanated from the leading English-speaking Journals all; over the world; It'matters not whether the "Waterbury" falls into fche.han.ds of the .merchant or .the gumdigger, the banker or tihe miner,' v tbe ship-owner or the stoker, the enlployer or employ.;, the report is the Same —-i.t'is dust-proof andwater-proof, accurate' bec_uise simple and constructed on correct, principles.; too stvong to derange, and too. cheap, to,be.without. It is welcome alike in paid cc and cottage, and no invention of modern time has done so much to inculcate habit _ay - punctuality, ias the '." Water-.. •Rrji>A,T-.-;th- >aprinct.pf .Watches. Price I3s 6d, ---bv regime, eel post Ms'3d. '"'"__)'. Porter' &R_r Co., Agents for Province of Auckland.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, MONDAY, MAT 4 1887,

5

