CHORAL HALL-"THE MESSIAH."

Crimea * 'imo-I>llno»red "^SB- I I! ••» , ;„!,» Bimalisod the advent of 1 * and the opening of another I Christlf s S eas on by performing, last night, I *Th ral Hall, Handel's immortal epic I iß*.,. The Messiah." It goes without I the building was crowded, for I itg norm al condition on concert 1 thStlS When, however, it happens to be I (ightS nnua l performance of the best -1 " o c oratorios, the honorary 1 k°offn ore' obliged to exercise all their I o sber3 aj*5. tbe economising and util m W. PsDace This they did with satis -1 last night. -Amongst those I & ctory f were Admiral and Mrs Fairfax and I P^jL miinber of officers belonging to the 1 »g°^L= now in harbour. The interior | ffBT-vefi W as very artistically decorated I ofKdiWnous foliage, ferns, pungas, fi» ~; c v lent to it quite a festive aspect, {tc "v, effect was considerably enhanced *°h white dresses of the lady members of^°s7 S nU mbers comprised in "The •h "some 32 were given on this occa- Jf e3Siail the more familiar choral and solo 1 Bi?°' Line included. The muster of per il PieCf was about the best we ' :| '""^old this year. They consisted of 52 I b»™ contraltos, 21 tenors, 31 bari || gopranP-» basgeSj an( j 37 instrumentalists, 1 woe 3 8< th the four soloists, a grand I tf> f more than 180 voice 3 and instru i m °\< chns. Hemus leading the orches- I '"■ usual and the entire body being 8 ®i*t i»v the baton of Herr Carl Schmitt. 3 flridea «y t^e momen t ) individual ■ Hes and taking the concert as a whole, 1 KnheFitatingly pronounce it to have 1 *c u"lji v first-class, and we cordially fe i Herr Schmitt upon the achieve- M tcitaW resu it commensurate with his H 0a w fllflreDU tation of the Society, and the I **fi SBS oi the city. The fact 1 i flAfl more welcome and gratifying in H >**" f the fear excited by some recent per -1 ncesthat members were inclined to 1 Sat studious application which is ex -9 ,Ji of them, and to betray a more or less 1 spirit in their work. 1 deeding to apportion the credit for I IDaL been achieved in this latest under i I?<rwe unreservedly assign the place of I Efr'to the chorus, for the choral-singing I Unquestionably the chief factor of A £ It was the feature of the concert. H ? iV"if ever, has the chorus been heard I \*ater uniform advantage. It acquitted I anna manner worthy of cities possessed m Sderably greater resources, and with I i loftier artistic pretensions than we ■ % ■ Tn9 several divisions of the chorus 1 "Stated great spirit, the resolution be -1 SaTof careful training, and, as a rule, ■ f7 m ana precision of attack, while due ■ Sonwas paid to the marks of expression. 9 Hts numerical strength a larger vol- I!Tf sound might probably be ex- I WL and for this reason a little weeding I Sddonbfcless be a good thing ; but the I Ss worked admirably in concert, and ■ 25themselves thoroughly responsive to :| rZt of the conductors baton. The m ■ Korus, "And the Glory," was ren ■ ZAvilh. acrispness and confidence that ■ S the anticipations of the audience— I«Hhe» anticipations were confirmed by ■ s.Ability displayed in the interpretation ■ SSohom, " For Unto Us * despite ■ >.Weof unsteadiness on the part of the I 'login the first run. It was, on the ■ lie, carefully sung, the expression was IB dd and the tenors and altos took their iH^'Mrticularlywell. The forte phrases ■ gS^ive effect. "Glory to God" Mm, marked by animation and joy liSi; and "Behold the Lamb Hlj? a3l" was very nicely and ex- KA. rendered. "All We Like iIiC"WBB one of the best of the choruses, ■Hyulh; recurrent runs being executed : larked exactitude, and the time being I Sngly well kept. The change oi I Sent towards the end to adagio pro -19 Za a momentary indecision, but it was 1 kdbnoticeable. In " He Trusted in God ■ fe tenors dragged a trifle at the outset, ■ jttjiay speedily recovered themselves, i-itt ■ Up Your Heads" was given with much spirit ■ oiTrith satisfactory treatment of its anti ■ pW character. "Their Sound is ■ feOut," a" chorus not so frequently ■ ted aa the others, was interpreted witn fl osttaleffect; while the " Hallelujah was B riaididly sung. The power of the singers, iWtt^foionof time, and the harmony of iflracMand instruments quite thrilled the Hitfaee. -"Worthy is the Lamb was I cotter very acceptable number, and the ■ TBT-difficult " Amen " chorus, so fruitful S of mishaps for inexperienced singers, was Bj orated more successfully than we have H tod it done for some years past. The Jj iacM vent slightly astray in one part of B %ki this was the only fault. I Onning now to the orchestra, we are I jiwed to be able also to compliment its ■ sobers upon the ability with which they .1" Usd the duties which devolved upon ill fa Their time was carefully observed ■M teiigliont; they kept thoroughly in tune, S Bd,morethan all, they gave the soloists every m id% for effective performance by the f| WA manner in which they moderated ■ iarjeeompaniments. For failure in this m ispect.they have frequently been taken to ||M,bttfc<)n this occasion they left no room ■■fr«nt The overture wa? nicely played, ■ adthe "Pastoral Symphony" was per ■ fcnMdwith great artistic taste and sub- H &M expression.. It proved to be one of H fteiHiis of the concert. ■ W'Mas .were allotted to Mrs L. i. ■ «ne»{»prano), Miss Knight (contralto), ■ fc%in Hosking (tenor), and Mr Henry U m (fas). Of course, the major share of Mm solo singing fell to the lot of m h D»vieß, and the lady's professional ■ •Ming and acknowledged ability had ■ «* high expectations.' She was nob, n 7we*,lin such good voice as usual, and I Wore did not do complete justice to ■ »weresources cf vocal power and fexecu ■ wtajent with which, on her two previous H tyflttjffices in public amongst üb, f.he so ■ JJiistakably impressed her hearers. She Mr^1 attempt to exercise her chestvoice II fcJ"id the upper E of the clef, and 1* the head notes were nearly ■ Wakto piano, some of the changes of ■ S*«non were rather abrupt. Mrs U Jliefc most successful numbers were !gg V#eUntoMe"and " IKnow thatMy Re- I S^ Teth;' both of which, and especi- Mffl S^^ter, she sang with deep feeling ■ 111 7 i Tery nice effe°t. " Rejoice Greatly ' MM 2*jef the flexibility of her voice, but the II y Wither hurried. Miss Knight, who ■ $$« contralto airs, "He Shall Feed ■ 2r*''and "He was Despised," pos -1 Z?*lontralto voice of great clearness, 1 ? .^y a°d pleasing timhre. Her 91 was very distinct, herexpression W ".M" and, with one exception, her Hu7* a 8 correct. The slip occurred ■ tuft^^Plß6^" when the A natural 9 ilrinstead of the A Hat in the tran- M SSiT 1" 8 flat on the word " porrowe. • ■ 3r.«PW» the ear. Mr E. Hosking H ?*ard to dcci ded advantage. His ■ Jg^itative, "Comfort Ye," was ■ |Sp°yßome degree of nervousness at the M «tatit wore off and he interpreted ■ SlrVnth well-calculated effect, the 1 beinJs Judicious. In the following ■'d/t^yGalley," his proficiency as A vo- Mm ■ me-mOi' e fully apparent. -"1S ■ <A*r ? vcry accurate, Jiis intonation ■ ® an¥lle manner in which the long Hftje^runs of the number were cxc ■ j^Wiowed | ww completely the ainger |iST 0lcc under control. The touching ■ 55.'"% Rebuke," was given iW-ft* I *' and: the air, "Behojd H^'j Was marked by much taste. ■ |j^ffi ( ;tne boss solos of x" /^' % awing the past 16 years no \ '■■•■-. ' " "'. ■;, '■

at 6th a e 8 2*ft «T freqT% than he the oratorio U\ Chrisfcmas performances of factorilv £* 1 exec«ted them very satis "WhvTiAM. Xt Who May Abide" and unbroken heNationa"bein? taken witl> " Thu7 « a°curacy. while the recitative, Phraslrl c Lord>" was suitably ffiw « df claimed- It only remains to end of f i S 10rfc towards the ono S « M'°rk were somewhat marred by of C shar °I B taking ° natural insfcead bcnifiV Cerfc wiU be repeated for the noon f « th? P"blic at lar £« on tho after noon of Sunday we ek, and they may look iorward with confidence to a genuine

NEW ZEALAND RADICLL REFORM LEAGUE.

SUGGESTIONS BY MR MOSS, M.H.R.

The members of the above organisation held an adjourned meeting on Monday evening, in the Excelsior Hall, Mr H. W. Farnall in the chair. The correspondence read included letters from Messrs R. Hobbs and F. J. Moss, M.H.R.'s. Mr Hobbs wrote : "I beg to acknowledge the receipt of circular from the New Zealand Radical Reform League, re the clause in Railway Bill, for appointing board to administer the railways. In reply, I may say that the question shall have my serious considera tion. Ido not think the bill will pass this session." Mr F. J. Moss, in his letter, says: "I have to thank you for a copy of the proceedings of the meeting of the 7th of November, with extract from a newspaper thereon. You will have ob served that I have asked a question on the show of hands, and that the Premier pro mises to take this and similar points into consideration. More than this cannot be done, as the Government control the Order Paper, and in so short a session no private member has a chance of such a subject. Not being a member of the League, I feel delicacy in making a sug gestion, but from the turn affairs are taking here I venture to say that in my opinion there is before the people a hard struggle to retain the fruit of the victories won in the past. The political power gained by equal ising the electoral districts, extending the suffrage, and securing the tixed payment of members, are being gradually undermined, anda reactionary policy has decidedly set in. ' Retrenchment' is a powerful weapon for such a purpose. The payment of members has been reduced nearly one-third, and the reduction is very unlikely to stop there. Bad times give too good an opportunity to those who think that none but wealthy men should rule the country, and there are not a few of that opinion in the present Assembly. The reduction of the number of members will probably be attended with a greater disproportion than at pre sent between the town and country mem bers, and will certainly make districts larger and contests more costly. Accom panied by a proper system of local govern ment, such a reduction of the General Assembly would be practicable and very desirable, but with everything centred in Wellington, the result to popular influence may bo disastrous. A bill hks been placed on the Order Paper, also, to restore quinquennial Parliaments. It is placed here by a prominent Ministerial sup porter, although not with th^ir concurrence. Given a known majority of the House in its favour, and that concurrence would not as suredly be withheld. In the name of economy the railways are also to bo handed over to a Board which will consist of men themselves drawing large pay and bound to reduce all others to the lowest possible point. In so doing they will, of course, ex ercise a great influence over the wages earned in every other pursuit. A Land Bill is to be passed in which settlement and production are made completely subordinate to selling the land to fill the Treasury. The spirit of the Ministry and the whole of its proposed legislation are anti-popular, and meet with approbation, openly expressed, from many members. Those who skilfully worked up the retrench ment scare are reaping their harvest. Amono* the most active are men who are largely — very largely, in some cases _ responsible for the waste, wildness and jobbery, which have ren dered this retrenchu-.ent necessary. They now claim to be exclusively the retrenches. Their real purpose i<? to • muzzle the de mocracy.' The men that buy half-a tnillion of worthless district railways one session, and join in parting with two and a half-million acres of land to an English Railway Company, which may or "may not ultimately prove a stock jobbinf concern, assume the role of re trenching saviours with wonderful facility and success. I venture to throw out these few ideas for the consideration of the League, believing that the situation calls for union among all real Liberals, and that future reforms will have to be made sub ordinate to that union for preserving re forms already won." The Secretary was instructed to acknow ledge Mr Moss's letter with the thanks of the° League. The meeting appointed a sub-committee to ascertain in what way the constitution and rules of the League may be amended, and report to a future meeting within not more than three months The Emergency Committee was remitted to arrange with some gentleman to address the members at their next meet inc on the Hare system of representation. A committee of three members was also appointed to examine the replies of mem bSFsof the House to the League's election pfatform circular, and ascertain how far the fction* of members have been in accordance with their replies to the circular. It was agreed that next meeting beheld on Mon day evening, January 9th, 1888.

NEWMARKET BOROUGH COUNCIL

ANNUAL MEETING.

THE statutory annual meeting of the New market Borough Council took place to-day at noon, in the Council Chamber* Pre ent:-His Worship the Mayor (Mr Suiter , this was the i»« Mayoral chair, officially occupy J?f h;^ea y. e of it after and he could ™*™*\" ithoub first expres three years' occupancy wt a)tfe]fc fcQ sing Ins «ra. tudo an th forma . those Councilloi . ™ \, d abl Bup . tion of the borongh^ -wioy y ported him in hial enae market what 1 o«g > fc th k ing suburban Dorouen. , d of to g his support el^ praise was a so a d dunng who deemed «JJ w f his mayoralty, to the first two y^ s £ on . Some people be always m °PP° oug h to say that had been .unkind en<M, r the opposition1 «a*^ ft bHc position think any manwj fa a factioug op . WO uld allow him?J" p Ur pose than display position for no otheP^P do }ig ng spite. .-".;!. f savin" that during the had been last yeartho AJay he presume d, Hke.one happy to tbei -e being that was cl' ieHy d a nd a desire on the no money t0 s^'councillors to be his part of wo of to^ fcheunanim ity of feel successor. H« "°P d wo uld continue. It in g that now *xl*T, im Mayors to give a

of office, but in this instance ifc was un necessary to recapitulate the various im provements. Suflioe it to say that some gentleman who had passed through during the last week and who had not been through tor three or four years previously, had ex pressed surprise at the vast improve ments that were everywhere noticeable. •Lhe question of drainage wae an important one and should not be lost sight of. hitherto portions here and there had been aone, but he regretted to say that with one exception, viz., oiaremont - street, there was none ol it part of a general scheme ; but a main sewer having been put down through the heart of the borough by the City Council, means were now available when any portion ot drainage was undertaken to make it form parb of a permanent system. ■tsy doing a little at a time, ultimately the whole borough would become drained with out the aid of a loan. His successor in his place in the Council had shown strong signs ot retrenchment and economy, and he had no doubt that in a few years sufficient funds would be reserved to complete the sewerage. During the past two years, many items of expenditure had taken place that would not ae ai£ bo necessai T. such, for instance, as t"e Fire Brigade station, the equipment of the .brigade, widening tho main thorough fare, taking the levels, preparing plans,etc., all of which cost a good deal of money. The coßfc of the waterworks, too, had exceeded the loan by a considerable amount, the de nciency having to bo met out of the general rate.which had left them in a little arrears say some £250—with their bankers ; but as there was a considerable amount more than that of overdue rates, he claimed that he had handed over to his successor a perfectly solvent borough, possessing a good water supply and all the machinery necessary for carrying on economically. In conclusion, he hoped tho day was not iar distant when Newmarket would form a portion of the city of Auckland, and share in her rich and valuable endowments as well as in her per manent scheme of progress. Mr Morgan was then duly installed into the Mayoral chair. The ex-Mayor said : " May it please your Worship, allow me to congratulate you on your elevation to the Chief Magistracy of the borough. The Mayor thanked the ox-Mayor and councillors for their congratulations, and hoped the same feeling that now existed would continue and that the coun cillors would do all in their power to assist him in the discharge of his duties. He would endeavour to follow up the actions of his predecessor as well as possible. The thanks of the whole borough were due to Mr Suiter for his exertions to promote its interests and concluded by moving " that a hearty vote of thanks be rendered to Mr Suiter for his indefatigable exertions in promoting the interests of the borough." Mr Whisker seconded, and said he was proud of the way Mr Suiter had conducted the business. Tho only fault he had to to find with him was that he was too go ahead ism for this small place. Undoubtedly Mr Suiter had grand ideas, but ho wanted plenty of money at his back. There was no doubt, however, but that property in the borough had increased 75 per cent, through Mr Suiter's exertions in getting a water supply and other improvements. Mr Bishop ably supported the motion, and stated that though he had differed some times with Mr Suiter, yet he waa a good fellow to differ with, as he never thought any more of any matter after he left the meetings. Ho always when he took any thing n hand carried it through. The motion was unanimously carried.

Mr Suiter returned thanks and the Mayor invited the Councillors and leading citizens to a sumptious repast at host Buck's, in the Newmarket Hotel, where they are now at the time of writing this, doing their utmost to clear the table of the good things.

LARRIKINISM.

PUNISHMENT OF JUVENILE

OFFENDERS.

The difficulty that is ropeatedlyexperienced in dealing with juvenile offenders, especially in cases where they are not under proper parental control, was again brought into prominence at tho Police Court before Mr H. C. Baddeley, R.M., and Mr H. Wilding, J.P., this morning.

Further evidence was taken in the ad" journed case, in which two lads named Simmons were charged with throwing stones, beating, kicking, and biting two other children, viz., Alice Smerdon and James Smerdon. Alfred Crossley deposed that he saw the elder of the accused boys throwing stones at James Smerdon. Ho also used bad lan guage to witness, and witness boxed his ears. E. M. C. Harrison, head.master of the Berosford-street Public School, deposed that the children attended school some times. They were very good boys in school, but had not a very good character outside. He thought the boys would be well behaved if kept under proper control. Witness had seen the mother of the accused boys very drunk and had sent the elder boy to attend to her. Mr Buckland pointed out that there was no evidence of stone-throwing against the younger boy. Tho father of the children was very anxious that the children should not be sent to the Training School. His Worship said that the evidence showed the boys were good children, and it was the duty of the State to save them, from the control of a drunken mother. If ever there was a case which came under the Industrial Schools Act, this was surely one. Mr Buckland said that at a meeting of the Charitable Aid Board there was a discussion on this subject, and it was considered very wrong that children of drunken parents should be cared for in the Industrial School while the parents escaped punishment. He believed that every child in the Industrial School cost 10s or 12s 6d per week. His Worship said that Mr Buckland must show what arrangements could be made for the care of the children. As a matter of fact the children would not be a burden to the State, because the father would have to pay for their maintenance. At this stage the mother of th« child left the Court and was seized with a fit. She was cared for by tho police and the case Buekland said that. the father would like to pay a fine of some sort. His- Worship said he did not care to impose a fine in cases of this sort. He would prefer to see the father of the children and hear what he had to say. The case would be adjourned till Wcduesday next for that purpose.

WAIKATO NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. Ox Monday night after practice Mr R. F. Sandes, on behalf of the members of the Hamilton Choral Society, presented Mr Templar, the conductor, who is about leaving Hamilton, with a silver-mounted baton," Mr Templar responded in feeling terms. ■ . . ~ . «,. The performance given in aid 01 do. John's Church, Te Awamutu, on Friday, was an unqualified success. The anniver sary tea meeting in connection with lnnity Weslevan Church this evening was largely attended. At the close of the tea several interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Dellow and others. Sacred solos were also sung during the evening.

VICTORIA ARCADE ON FIRE.

An-alarming outbreak of fire occurred late yesterday afternoon in the shop of Kidd and Wildraan, in tho Victoria Ar_ cade. The New Zealand Insuranc e Company's bell was at once rung, and the hose which is kept in readiness in the passage leading to the elevator was run out, but it was not found necessary t° turn the water on. The flames were as cending to the ceiling of the shop, when buckets of water were brought into requisition, and suppressed the flames as far as they had made their appearance. It was found that the fire had broken out between the wainscot and a chimney which passes up from a fireplace in the basement floor, where waste paper is burnt. The smoke was first observed in the shop by Mr Robert son, who drew Mr Kidd's attention to it, and no time was lost in giving the alarm, although the immediate application of water and some of Babcock's patent fire extinsruisher suppressed the fire in the shop, it was feared for a time that it was burning behind the wains cot on the first, second and third floors. It was proved, however, that this was cot so, although the intense heat of the panelling on the third floor showed that the flames had ascended even to that height, but had died out when the seat oi: the fire was dealt with. Very little damage was paused to Kidd and Wildman's stock, which was insured for £600 in tho South British Office and a similar amount in the New Zealand Office. They resumed business this morning. There is bub little doubt that if the fire had nob made its appearance until after the premises had been closed, a very serious fire would have been the r3sult, and one of our finest blocks of building, would have been seriously damaged, if not destroyed. The fire places under Kidd and Wildman's shops had, it appears, been used during the day for burning rubbish.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

"I^^SKBW*

Thames, this day. Trenton.—Good progress is being made with the drive, which is passing through an excellent sandstone. Colours. of gold are seen when breaking down the quartz.

Cambria.—The fortnightly cleaning up to-day produced 3930zs of gold, obtained as follows :—242 loads quartz, 2630z5;1191bs specimens, 130ozs.

Puriri.—The treatment of one ton of quartz from the prospectors' claim at Puriri (Messrs Wright and Bedford's) has been finished at tho Mi^ataiari battery for the excellent yield of ,3ozs gold. A trial crush ing of a similar tonnage is now being put through for Murray and party, and it is shaping for even a better return than that of the prospectors.

NEW FIND AT TE MATA.

(l'.Y TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. The discovery made by Whitley and party at Te Mata, which is situated a short dis tance beyond Tapu, is attracting a good deal of attention here, as the prospectors are men of integrity and have had consider able experience in mining. They have been working in the neighbourhood of Te Mata for about nine months, and during the greator portion of that period have been engaged sluicing the creek and its branches, with a view to following up the rich quartz which is mixed with the rubbish deposited for many years past, and ascer taining, if possible, the exact locale of the reef which has shed the numerous pieces of rich fragmentaiy quartz with which tho debris aboundi?. It has always been con tended by mining experts and others who havo worked in this district that a lode of great richness must bo hidden somewhere in the hills near the head of the creek, but all efforts to find, it have in the past proved futile, although many enter prising speculators have lost considerably in the attempts. Under these circumstances it is only natural that tho discovery of a reef or leader which lias any sign of per manency should attract public attention, but tho many small bodies of quartz that have hitherto been found, have proved of comparatively little value, since they have invariably pinched out down wards. The " find" made yesterday by Whitley and' party is more promis ing than anything that has yet been unearthed, as'thc leader, which is well de fined, is six inches thick, and shows dabs of gold pretty freely. It has only been cut on the surface, so that it is impossible yet to form an estimate of its value with any degree of accuracy, but it must be admitted that the prospects are most en couraging. The quartz is of a brownish description, and hard, while there are several small stringers striking into the main body of stone. Whitley and party have pegged out a claim of nine men's ground, embracing a considerable length of the leader, which is situated at the junction of the Te Mata and Gentle Annie creeks, and a mile or two distant from any previous workings. Another area of ten men's ground has been marked out adjoin ing the prospectors. '

VOLUNTEER NOTES

Ho. 2 Battalion

The inspection parade of the companies composing this Battalion took place on the open ground at the rear of the Drill-shed last evening. There was a fair muster, the Guards having by far the greatest number present. Lieut. -Colonel Shepherd Avas the inspecting officer, and Lieut.-Colonel Dig nan was also present. The companies were put through a number of evolutions, which were very creditably perfoi-med. It is a great pity when a company musters early for the purpose of a daylight parade, as in the case of the Guards, the parade is dis allowed through the non-arrival at the time of falling in of" the inspecting officer. City Guards: There was a very large muster of this fine company for inspection last evening, Lieutenant Dormer in command. After the battalion parade had been dismissed the Company marched into the shed for the purpose of having the prizes won for shooting presented. There was a num ber of the fair sex present, and Mrs Waddel, in presenting the prizes, gave the winners a few well-chosen words of encour agement. The Rev. Mr Tebbs, chaplain to the company, thanked Mrs Waddel,.on behalf of the Company, for her kindness in making the presentation?, adding that the presence of ladies on such an occasion as this did a great deal to infuse enthusiasm and do good to Volunteering. After the close of parade three cheers were given for Mrs and Captain Waddel. It is contem plated by the members of the Company to hold a picnic by water early in the New Year. No. 3 Battalion- The companies of this battalion, under Lieut.-Col. Mahon. mustered for inspection, at the Drill-shed, the Newton Rifles having the best muster. Col. Mahon exercised the men in a number of movements.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

|B.i (BY TELEGRAPH.—PARLIAMENTARY :i* p-> REPORTER.) jJjg

Wellington, this day.

Mining Votes,

Mb Peacock on Monday night received a telegram from the President of the Auck land Chamber of Commerce complaining of the votes for the Northern goldfields being neglected by the Government. The hon, gentleman waited on the Minister for Mines, who replied as follows: —That Minis ters' hands were^tied by reason of want of funds, owing to previous excessive expendi ture, and that several of the items re Southern goldfields, such as water races, yielded surplus revenue. A deputation in connection with the matter waited on the Hons. Messrs G. F. Richardson and E. Mitchelson yesterday. There were present Major Jackson, Messrs R. Thompson, Goldie, Withy, Moss, Monk, Lawry, Cad man, T. Thompson, Whyte, Fraser, Kelly, and Peacock. Mr Peacock recalled to the Minister of Mines the nature of the telegram he had shown him on the previous night, and stated the answer he had received, viz., that the estimates were those of the late Govern ment, and that most of the money had been already spent. The Minister stated that such was the case, and to show that it was so he produced the old estimates for this year, and pointed out especially to Mr Cadman that all the votes on the present estimates for Southern goldfields were also on the other, and payments and engage ments had been made to the full amount. Mr Peacock pointed out that assistance was wanted in regard to the opening of tracks and assisting deep prospecting. The Minister for Public Worksremarked that after next month they would have more money to spend, and the Minister of Mines the promise that the Northern gold nelds would receive substantial justice. Colonel Fraser brought under the notice of the Minister the doubts about the Government fulfilling the undertaking about assistance in altering the Big Pump, but the Minister promised to carry out any engagement made. Mr Peacock brought under the noticeof MinisterforPublic Works the subject of finding employment to miners who were unemployed and leaving the field that he had done the day before. Mr Mitchelson stated that there was a road to be made between Te Aroha and Tau ranga. In conclusion, the Minister for Mines agreed that the goldfields roads in the South had been got Dy the pressure of Southern goldfields members there ; that ho did not expect that there would be so many votes for roads on the West Coast next year, and he would see that justice was done to the North. Onehunga Cemetery. In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, tho Onehunga Cemetery Reserve Bill was discharged from the order paper at the request of the Hon. Mr Dignan, who as member in charge added that it should be laid aside for the present session. Auckland Girls' High School. As the Auckland Girls High School Bill ip a measure with similar provisions to the Wellington College Bill, which was so emas culated in the Council as to become ab solutely useless, the Minister for Education has determined not to persevere with his motion for the third reading of the first named bill. It will accordingly be dis charged from the order paper. Tamaki West Licensing District. The Tamaki Wesfc Licensing District Bill is a measure of four clauses constituting the Tamaki West licensing district. It merely defines the district, provides that the Panmure Road Board is deemed to have had licensing authority therein, and validates the elections and' poll of rate payers already held. Being a measure of urgency it has passed both Houses without opposition. Wellington Jealousy Again. Under the heading "A Cool Request," the '•'Post", says "The action of Auckland people in demanding that because a certain sum of money is voted for the Southern goldfields, an equal sum must be given for the Northern gohlfields, affords a delightful commentary on the previous demands from the same quarter for retrench ment. It is also an apt "illustration of the local jealousy and greed which has caused so much shameful extravagance in the Go vernment of the colony. The money voted for the Southern goldfields is presumably for necessary purposes. Auckland does not pretend even that works of a corresponding value are required on its goldfields. It only wants money not the works and because so much money is to be spent in the South an equal amount must, it insists, be squandered in the North. While such a system exists economy in public adminis tration is, of course, impossible." Auckland Petitions. Two Auckland petitions were reported on yesterday. i?e Ann Robertson, who asked that relief may be afforded her for losses sustained by her in prosecuting Robert Graham and Alex ander Campbell, the Native Affairs Com mittee report recommending 'that this peti tion, which apparently discloses a case of great hardship, should be referred for the consideration of the Government. As to the petition of Patrick McCroy, of Tikitere, asking for relief on account of losses sus tained through the Tarawera eruption, the Petitions Committee report that he has no claim against the colony.'

Otago Central Railway Bill.

The Attorney-General, in Council yes terday afternoon, moved that this measure be discharged from the order paper. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse asked for infor mation as to the negotiations which had led to this arrangement with the Govern ment, and the Attorney-General replied that the bill had not received either the assent of the Opposition or the Govern ment, but every member of the Ministry had been left at liberty to act as he chose. No arrangement had been made between the Government and promoters. All that he (the Attorney-General) had promised was that if the measure was not carried further this session he would sketch what lie should consider a suitable bill and sup port it next session. The Government was nob committed in any way whatever, but each member of it would continue to act upon his own opinions. The motion for discharging the bill was agreed to. This Morning's Sitting. The House sat from 10 to 3 putting 12 bills through their final stages at lightning speed. ..,:■. A Native Stonewall. At 11 last nighb Paora Tuhaere, Tai whanga, Taiapua, Majors Kemp and Kopata waited on the Premier, and de manded that the Government should this session pass through the Lower House Sydney Taiwhanga's Compensation Bill. Major Atkinson replied that the question was too large, and the deputation left threatening to stonewall till Christmas. There are three native bills on the order paper. A Good Plea. In his anxiety to emancipate the legisla tion of the country from the influence of the legal element in Parliament, Mr Scobie McKenzie has evolved a noble idea, which he presented to the House last night, and declared that he would soon carry out. It is that a committee of newspaper men should be appointed within the House, whose duty it should be to translate the laws " out, of the vile jargon of the lawyers into purity of Queen's English." Mr'Mc- Kenzie declares if the lawyers have much more to do with it nobody in the colony will understand our laws at all.

Thol-Prorofifatlon. ~-^->';; ™ ■ Parliament will be prorogued by commis sion on Tuesday. The commissioners are: —Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, Speaker of the Legislative Council; Hon. Mr Bailhe, Chairman of Committees; Sir F. Whitaker and Hon. Mr Stevens, members of the Go vernment. Melbourne Exhibition. A vote for £3,500 will be asked for the re presentation of New Zealand at the Vic toria Exhibition. A local commission will j be appointed including Dr. Hector (Chair man), Messrs Seed, Levin and othors. Southern Members Leaving. The s.s. Takapuna has been delayed till eleven to-night for the' conveyance of Southern members to their homes. The Property Tax and Mining Shares" Mr Cadman brought under the notice of the Premier this morning, when the Pro perty Tax Bill was under consideration, the fact that the difficulty of obtaining English capital for the goldfields of this colony at present was increased by the manner in which the property tax is calculated, namely, upon the market value of com panies' shares at a certain date. The Pre mier said the matter seemed one of import ance, and if he could provide relief he would be glad to do so, but as it would entail an amendment of the Property Assessment Act,* it would be impossible to do anything this session. Proposed Land and Income Tax. Mr Tanner has given notice to move at an early opportunity next session "That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that a change should be made in the form of direct taxation, and that the Government be requested to repeal the Property Tax Act, and bring forward a Land Tax Act, and an Income Tax Act in lieu thereof; the land tax to be on the improved value of land without exemption, and the amount de rived therefrom to be treated as land re venue and paid into the land fundate ; the income tax to have exemption and to be treated as ordinary revenue." Military Land Claims. Mr Moss tells me that he has seen the Premier about military land claims. Major Atkinson statod that he will appoint local commissioners to enquire into the cases on the spot not included in the bill passed last night

POLICE COURT. This Day.

(Before Mr H. C. Baddeley, R.M., and Mr

H. Wilding, J.P.) Drttnkenness.—William Kinnerney was charged with this offence, and, being in a very bad state, he was remanded for a week for medical treatment. John Symonds was fined 30s and costs or four days for being drunk and disorderly, and Keven Mason 20s and costs or 48 hours for being drunk. Two first offences were each fined 5s and costs.

Failing to Support.—William Charles Bell was charged with disobeying a main tenance order for the support of his wife and with allowing the sum of £33 15s to be in arrears. —An application for a remand till Saturday was made on behalf of the de fendant, and was granted.

Adjourned. — The charge of failing to provide for the support of his wife, against James Bennett, was further adjourned till Saturday, evidence having been heard before Judge Smith.

ST. MATTHEW'S DAY-SCHOOL.

PRESENTATION" OF PRIZES.

The children attending St. Matthew's day school were entertained at a breaking-up party in the schoolroom last evening by Miss Morrin, the lady principal, and ad vantage was taken of the occasion to present the prizes awarded for the year's work. Upwards of one hundred little ones sat down to a bountiful tea, and their wants were attended to by teachers and other friends. The presenta tion of prizes was made subsequently by the Rev. W. Tebbs, who spoke in terms oi high commendation of Miss Morrin's management of the school, and of the satis factory results which she had achieved in conjunction with her assistant, Miss Shortt. The prize list was as follows : — Claps lll.—Eveline Halstead, reading; Lily Mac Gill, ai'ithmetic; Ethel Teague, geography ; Cora Teague, Scripture ; Edith Smith, conduct and sewing. Class 11. — Clarence Smith, reading; Horace Smith, arithmetic and writing; Robert Corles, geography j William Foss, Scripture. Class I. —Bertha Keene, reading; Adolph Nelson, arithmetic; Nellie Todd, arith metic ; Mary Meek, writing; Regment Halstead, writing ; Amy Collings, sewing ; Minnie Hart, general improvement. In fants : Louie Meek, Frank Nearing, and Emily Langley. A special prize which had been offered by Rev. Mr Tebbs for the best essay on " The Life of Our Lord," was awarded to Miss Eveline Halstead, whose literary production was a very creditable one. The judge of the compositions was Rev. Mr Davis. Mr Tebbs encouraged those who had not suc ceeded in obtaining prizes to pursue their studies with greater diligence next year, when they would probably be more successful. The presentation of prizes having concluded, the children, through Mr Tebbs, very gracefully presented Miss Morrin with two beautiful vases in token of the esteem in which she is held by them. The remainder of the evening was devoted to games, into which guests and children alike entered with enthusiasm. The be haviour and discipline of the pupils during the evening were excellent.

HORSE AND SHEEP-STEALING.

INVERCARGILL CRIMINAL

SESSIONS,

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Invekcargill, this day. At the Supreme Court, Colin McLauchlan, for larceny as a bailee, was sentenced to two years', and John Scott, for horse-steal ing, to four years' imprisonment. John James Meikle, for sheep-stealing, was brought up for sentence. He made a long statement, alleging that he and his son were innocent. His Honor re gretted that he could not give any ci*e dence to the accused's statement. He had been the head centre of a ring of plunderers in his district, and relied for immunity from the consequences on the hard swearing he was able to procure. He had trained his son to perjury and his servants to plunder, and in His Honor's opinion there was no honest farmer within ten miles of-Meikle's neighbourhood but would sleep sounder because of his . conviction. The sentence to be passed would relieve them of fear of his depredations for some years to come, and enable his son to reform. Prisoner was sentenced to seven years'penal servitude. Meikle has a large family of young children, and his wife is suffering from heart disease. In the case of Arthur Meikle, eon of the last prisoner, who Avas also charged with sheep stealing, a nolle proseqni was entered, the Crown Pro secutor stating that he regarded the son as the tool of the father. This concluded the criminal business.

THE A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING

This Morning's Training Net«s

This morning was beautifully fine fo* training purposes, and a very largo numbei of horses were out. Though the course proper was thrown open, no one availed himself of it, and the whole of the work was done either on the tan or plough gallops, Nelson, looking wonderfully well, was sent two circuits in sweaters,_the Cup favourite bowling over the ground in a very takingstyle. SextantandMaxim (separate) accomplished two circuits at almost half pace, both moving very free, though they appeared a little thick in their wind. Clogs, Tetford and Lady Norah put in a fast once round in company, when Paddy joined in, and the four ran round almost at top. Lady Norah and Clogs finished very well, but Tetford appeared to have had quite enough at the finish. Antelope went once round by herself, shaping nicely, while Cinderella also moved in good style over two circuits. The jumpers Uranus, Isaac, Shotover and Guy Fawkes performed satisfactory tasks.

Orangeman was scratched for the Steeple chase to-day at 12.30 p.m.

Special attention is directed to the sale of Mr P. J. Buxton's horses which takes placejafc Thorpe's Harp of Erin Hotel to-morrow. The sale commences at 3 o'clock. Full particulars of the lots to be submitted can be seen by referring to the auction ad vertisements on page eight.

PUKEKOHE RACES.

Thr following weights have been declared in connection with the Pukekohe Racing Club Races:—

Hurdles.—Ma Petite Fille, list 7lb; Larrikin, 9st 121b ; Jedwater, 9st; Patch work, 9st; Stringtest, 9st; Raukau, 9st; Young Kingfisher, Bst; Bull's Eye, Bst; Demon, Bst.

Pukekohe Handicap.—Ma Petite Fille, 9st 71b; Highland Mary, 9st 21b; Larrikin, 7st 71b; Patchwork, 7st 61b; St. Michael, 7st; Signa, 7st; Dan, 6sb 71b.

Pony Race. — Little Nell, 9st 71b ; Emblem, Bst 71b ; Tandereiver, Bst; Little Minnie, 7st 91b ; Pinfire, 7st.

William Morrow, Secretary.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day.

Thames J.C. Summer Meeting.

The following acceptances for the Thames Jockey Club's Summer Meeting weie an nounced to-day : —Trial Stakes : Pretender, Haricot, Greenmount. Stewards Handicap: Clogs, Haricot, Greenmount. Hurdles: Shotover, Falcon, Fairplay, Pipi* Tawhiao, Recruit. Steeplechase : Falcon, Shotover, Fairplay, Tawhiao, Pipi, Recruit. Thames Plate : Pretender, Clogs, Greenmount.

Entries for the Tradesmen's Handicap, run on the second day, are as follows :— Tennyson, Brown Rose, Lioness, Pre tender, Clogs, Greenmount, Volunteer, Haricot, Colonist.

Wanganui Cup Nominations.

The following nominations were received last night for the Wanganui Cup:—Ton gariro, Strenuous, Ruapehu, St. Clair, Mokoia, Sweetie, Figurehead, Wanda, Petroleum, Balista, Falconet, Lady Florin, Wapiti, Artillery, Victoria, Cannon, The Shah, Administrator, Lochiel, Beresford, Gipsy King, Flintlock, Tetford, Lady Norah, Laurel, Serpentine, Dauphin, Cruchfield, Silence, Leorina, Pearl, Rivulet, Waitiri, Rumour, Escapade L Dudu.

AUCKLAND COLLEGE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

The usual meeting of the Board of Go vernors of the Auckland College and Gram mar School was held yesterday afternoon in the Victoria Arcade. Present: Colonel Haultain (chairman), Messrs J. Upton, J. A. Tole, Graves Aickin, S. Luke, and the Rev. C. M. Nelson.

' Insurance Returns,—Mr O. Ma w re ported that he had re-arranged the nsur ances of the property of the Board. In some instances, he had to submit to reduction, owing to depreciation of property. —The re port was adopted, Mr Mays being em powered to insure the Grammar School for £6,000.

Free Night School. —Mr Carson re ported upon the attendance at the science classes of the Newton East School. For last month the average attendance was 958, and for the present month 78 "5. It was re solved to present the prizes to-morrow even ing.

Excluding Defaulters.—A letter was received fiom the head-master asking for a list of the defaulters whom the Board wished him to exclude from attendance, also asking what grace should be allowed. It was resolved that the Treasurer should forward a list as required, also that notice of such action be printed. It was further decided that no grace should be allowed, one quarter beingquiteenough to get behind. Some discussion ensued, when it was stated that it was not the sons of poor parents who neglected to pay the fees, but the sons, of the more well-to-do people. It was in cidentally mentioned that the sons of two late M.II.R.'s were amongst the defaulters. Freeßoys.—Mrßournereported upon the progress made by the free boys in the Grammar School. In two instances he was dissatisfied with the work done. The re mainder he considered fairly diligent. In tho case of one boy, it was stated that he had already been twice warned. Some discussion ensued as to the advisa bility of discontinuing the scholarship.— Mr Tole moved that the consideration of the matter be postponed until next meeting, meanwhile the boy's father to be communi cated with.—This was seconded by Mr Luke and adopted by the meeting. Some other unimportant business was also transacted.

The following is the prize list for th« Newton Grammar School: For general proficiency, Richard Arthur, W. and G. Hamley ; English history, A. Trenwith ; arithmetic, A. Trenwith, J. Redshaw, J. Crombie; geography, C. Hewlett, W. Red shaw, J. Dickey; grammar, J. Redshaw, W. Redshaw; writing, T. Scott; good conduct, John McMurray.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8 Seventh Day Adventist Church, Surrey Hills— Prayer Meeting, 7.50 Protestant Hall—Enniskillen L.0.L,, No. 37. 30 Gladstone Hall, Northcote—Christmas Tree and Concert, 7 Next Tuttlc's, Photographer, Queen-street — Kindergarten Christmas Tree ana Sale of Work, St. James's Hall—Christmas Tree and Gift Auction, 7

Rota at Justices at Police Court.

December 22-Messrs J. G. Corbett and W. Duncan

Auction Sales To-morrow.

F. J. Jones—Drapery, Millinery, &c, 11 D. F. Evans—Furniture, 11 E. Leydon—Watches, Jewellery, etc., 11 Arthur and Buddle-1,000 Vols. Books; Great North Road — Household Furniture and Jinects, 11 k fSSmS^ ThOr°UShl3re<i Stook«3

g THIr AUCKLAND EVENING STAR,: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBJOtf-ffir 188*.

5



Billiards 6d the game at Wyndham-street Billiard Saloon, the coolest room in Auck land.—(Ad vt.)