f the Crown Land the afternoon, a larg ; \%® talness was transacted MSe^WS» W. B. Peek an cifSipl* for coal an- A » JjSld on Crown lan, d^ 0 ;- James Daly and mate W* for permit to prospect fo Allied from F. Rhode, r €*+& moSer, did not cor Si* TO "country it was pre n&**-\t they were no JSSVISe? was grant., rLei )lr ,f for "old on Grea W&& Ration fmr |.f l^t.purchase Cru-soe Island ffeSdWaikeke, was refused no P offcr t0 dispoS6 ° , f= ana property owners ii still couipJaii toe tually against the n.ght W* j Effusion. A resident it SrlsSthe other day c consisting S ioth o Sandaneight-roo,nec s,ffe3nffefed5 ,ffe3 nffefed for sale by auction, U#S determined to" sacn J"* £" health of his familj !' a < " Srdv from the bad air gene- Si b ? ¥ Tensnre sale, the reserve D i aS lo ff as£3oo; but property i" , ? of Point Chevalier "stink >!;?) of the public, and only for what is well worth the adjutant of Nc f^ nH ifamradeof the Battalion Sound to be an excellent place branches oi the different fruit trees, disposed baches so as to protect "'tL result was that desbrno- completely driven away. the reason is that, the &es kill the moths, and these fflore avoid furze. It would be *£ to learn whether anyone has rre d moths frequenting furze itE country, and whether any Sln ever tried the efficacy ot furze Ripple trees. Wednesday monjinjr tlio Whan-aroa. JJSfiat to a humpbacked whale, Stoo exciting run of half an hour tumid and the whale, half dead, STlhe natives, however, managed Shecalfof the whale, from which Set to obtain about a ton of oil. Sal steamers have lately seen c imW of whales on the coast tie Clansman on lier Inst trij M fonr between Whangaroa and tin ti Hand?. Two were killed at the ■ufoe a short time ajjo by the native: there, but they sank before Kosld be secured. No doubf, one o: Kiiltamupasa" Savory Island " om ■feiiay!, so steamers will have to keer Hfcaasdcantata,,"Queen Esther," is '• Murmed at the Baptist Tabernacle .'.Vfal-room, to-night, on behalf ol Bptol Library. The solo parts an ffifen by leading vocalists, and the BjstiikrinfT fifty voices and embrac- HeTabercacle choir and others, .should HLicfsbtive. The whole will be undoi Hbion of Mr Kilpatriek. B>atjanthori|ies have received a com |Hslwiironi the Commissioner of Police He elect that the police will be mi i js'Oßtinuo the conduct of prose b [ifafcr breaches of by-laws. pv'lji ielburing itorainations are re ■ptylfr Seaman, for Waitakcre I&411:: (he-2nd inst:—-Messrs J. K. Hi, 11, Prohcrt and J. Smyth. I'oi Had Bidinj, on the 3rd :W. T. Hpi J. Mackie and If. E. Sharp. fep •JγThomas has recently, M'ifcli the Hlirendering- the Museum more use- IHp the community, been jjivino ■X:! Natural History lessons at HHtasn,''to a large number of boys Mfa So the fifth and six stand ■Ba is-city schools. The lessons Mfeiiljiisti'ation of the natural his- i fflftjew in the Musemn, and have ] HPttwing the boY-s how to observe ; to infer the habit? of an animal; I .i-'-'-iractare. Yesterday afternoon ' Hpiit abonb 150 boys present to j IBpiM- lesson. In concluding, [-',_ •Tltnmaaasked the boys to apply Uf |S3 method of close observation and I^^J^fc ill the matters of every-day jjßjjkj'Oßi' that such, habits- of ||*itai we the key to success 1 |i ! *leand occupation in life. He I* , ] flat an examination on the Mr"! teon would be held in the llJrHWSchool-room on Saturday iff 13 ! Wow}, and that he would Se'Wfeoprizes to each standard. gfflrfkjJMn named William Ha'fc, em ■PjwatheTamaki Packet cutter, K»ffi«eai-street Wharf last night. 1 V Shcehan, who was on |W«. l tordthespla&h. and vrith sonic BW the man. Finding that i seas over, the con-! W^]f] ral, an<l gavo iinn iree '' \ were received in the Ht» » the Women's Homo, 1 I- J ™ ffllln & £1: MrsT. Morrin, tjK?*l»l!,£l Is ; Mrs Peacock, X l-n,™ £1 Is; Mr .1. J. WmL ;» J - R -> ss ; Mrs ?rit t. 5«; 1 aSi «B Percy Smith, 10s; B]S MIBG - l '- liie roe, £1 : Rev. f.?\ il ;Kev. T; Farley, .-CI 1« r-iifc^ -J afriend - ls ; M«s Keuiß, I 1-ikV! atlons wiU be thankfully »Jn, y !? erab f of the Committce legllJrsCowie, Mm ilcCosh i''a&L ,il " eceive ' l in town to " : l:iiJ°-? th . at there was nothing fflpuCL^ l6 - he I,ad fai!ed t0 ■Jjl : ir :pf^ n tohinemuri property.

BANKRUPTCY NEWS.

■l%ltei 9lnpson, wi,ich wero fixed W £* J* Wi »nt of a quorum. . h l -few e S 1 L Waß examined on f ""cial Assignee. He 1 S aJI ji en S!« cd as a fisherman I fil*ft rhame& fop the last l< i|P %7 P/°duce of my labour I BShri + r mon thß' after I mSS- 1 used for fishinff. h HS£! °? t0 ear " enough ■ B^ Wte groundß competition, f- ; losses during the "' Wu ars have seriously eto m y present he P eriod named I T"fiiSw y owned pro- I - -iKSo vf edear - AU thisW ' R^ll'WeS 1,8 to meet pressing; I mSH ! P° sit »'ely nothing 4 Hi^k! 1 gear.-the »" 8"o TT" were P arted atirf L am now out lW>t .)£** wife and I ■.t»* l and t ebta am o« n t I cannofc see an y I |ff three of my

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

I The 'grand double bill was repeated last I night by Miss Georgie Smithson and Com. ' pany to a good house. Tho comedietta ! " The Fairy of the Glen " is an exceedingly • pretty little piece, both in the piot and the i crispness of the dialogue. The scenery i s ' also very enchanting, and does every credit 'to the mechanists of tho Company — ] Messrs Higgins and Ward. The charac . tors were all excellently pourtrayed. i' To Miss Smithson, as Lady Conycrs, . and Mr Dunbar, as Tom Conyers, tall the light comedy of the piece. In fche I wide range of qhai-aeters which Miss Smith son lias impersonated we have never seen her out of place ; both in the heavy and light parts she is the character to the life. To depict—as she has done —the heavy and almost tragical part of " Nancy Sikes " one night, and then bring out the lights and shades of "LadyConyers" the next, is a task that requires no small amount of versatility. In this Miss Sraibhson was quite success ful ; no impersonation loses anything in her hands, for in each her own identity is lost, and she is the character itself. Mr Dunbar also appeai - ed to advantage in the part of " Tom Conyers," depicting the reck less, light-hearted son to the life. "The Green Lanes of Ireland," a Hibernian drama in 3 acts, concluded the performance, and in this everyone played well. In the character of "Judy O'Trot" Miss Smithson kept the audience in roars of merriment, her efforts receiving deserving applause. Mr J. J. as the aged patriot, did exceedingly well, and "Ragged Pat" gave Mr Lachlan McGowan full scope for his abilities as a comedian. Mr Laurie Dunbar played with ability the absentee landlord disguised as Mons. Voyage, a Frenchman, and Mr F. W. Fisher and Mr A. Sherman as "Slang" .and "Stone" respectively did full justice to the villains of the piece. The remainder of the characters were well played by Miss Esdale, Miss Anderson, and Messrs Simmonds, Makininni and Melville. The same pro gramme will be repeated to-night for the last time, and to-morrow night

" Jack Shepherd," that ever popular sensational drama so well known to the British public, will be placed on the boards. Miss Georgie Smithson will play the title role, supported by the whole of the company, and on this occasion there is sure to be a bumper house.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELF.REAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Tramks, this day.

Tlie Kauri Gum Industry.

The Count} , Chairman has received a com munication from Mr J. Baber, member of the Auckland Crown Lands Board, inquir ing whether the Council considers it desir able that the kauri gum industry should be placed under the control of County Councils, the Chairman having the power to prevent digging for or dealing in gum without a license issi el by him ; the fees arising , from such license to be county revenue. As the monthly meeting of the Council has just been held, the matter will have to remain in abeyance unless a special meeting is con vened. Thames Totcblxoto. At tho meeting , of the County Council last night it was decided to giant Mr Tapp the use of half a sluieehead of water to work a jet pump in connection with the tailings deposit on the foreshore. There are now about 250 tons of tailings on hand, and a start to concentrate them was made to-day. The tailings have been obtained •from"a depth of 4ft., and should yield ! satisfactorily, as they contain a good deal of mineral, and are entirely different to the sliuie and mud taken Home sometime ago by Mr Ord-McKenzie, MrTappinfornis me that he lias not yet. decided what tonnage he will concentrate, which will entirely depend upon the results obtained from the present ! test, as assays will be made of the concen- I trates every few hours.

County Elections,

Mr T. A. Dunlop, manager of tho Cale donian mine, has decided to contest the Faravvai seat against Mr Carpenter. Mr Murdoch, the present member, will not seek re-election. The candidates in some of the ridings arc pledged to sweeping re forms, and a keen contest is sure to take place for each seat excepting the VVaiotahi, for which Messrs Brodie. and Coutts will be returned unopposed.

The Waiomo M ines.

The desirability of forming a road from the mines in the neighbourhood of the new "find" ab Waiomo to the Paroquet Com pany's buttery, now in course of erection, is being , urged upon the County Council by Mr Turtle and others interested, in cluding some Auckland gentlemen. They express themselves confident that the field will be a permanont one, and state that operations in the Golden Drop claim are to bo energetically pushed forward by the prospectors, who hope to have .several hundred tons of quart/, to grass by the end of the year. The lenjrth of the road would be 40 or 50 nhain3. The County Engineer visited the spot to-day, and will report to the uouncil on the matter. Lecture. Mr Warden Stratford delivered a lecture entitled " Tough Yarns " in the Academy of Music an evening or two ago, as the re sult of which about £30 will be placed to the credit of St. George's School. Accident. Dr. Payne had a narrow escape from in jury by being thrown from his butrgy, but fortunately only sustained a nasty cut over the eye.

THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

(ZX TELEGRAPH—rRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. The Municipal Conference to-day disap proved of the principle of clauses 7 and 8 in the Auctioneer's Bill. A deputation from the conference will wait on the Premier to-morrow to lay the resolutions of the Conference before Government. The following sug gestions from Napier were* considered : —(1) The necessity of allowing cor porations to apply the funds derived from one reserve to the improvement ot other reserves in the same municipality ; (2) the necessity of further providing for the sale of land to . secure payment of rates; (3) provision for allowing municipalities to take over a private street, although the same may not company with the present requirements as to width of streets (4) to provide that pro ceeds of rates for special purposes, such as water rates, may be devoted to general pur poses when any loan raised for such purpose has been paid off (5) to move an amendment of the Municipal Corpora tions Act so that boroughs shall elect their own auditors if so desired. Nos. 1 and 2 were agreed to, and in reference to No. 3 the conference did not desire to alter the act in the direction named, but recommend in special cases that application be made to the House for redress No. 4.—After discussion was lost and No. 5 was carried. The question as to the desirableness of establishing a per menent Municipal Association was referred to the various Municipalities. The con ference then closed*

THE LAND WE LIVE IN.

[Bγ J. C. Fircrn.]

It may bo permitted me to offer a few observations on some of the conditions now influencing the future of New Zealand for good or for ill.

Which of these two will be the outcome will mainly depend upon ourselves.

The condition which will probably first strike most of us, is tho severe depression, which for some years past has affected, with more or less intensity, this colony, as well as every civilised country. Over ■ production, stimulated, if not caused, by the one - sided free trade policy of England, has been attended naturally by a very freat reduction in tho values ot almost every article in,metals, manufactures, and agri culture. This over-production is, in my mind, one of the chief causes of the depres sion here, as elsewhere.

But in these colonies what is known as the "borrowingpolicy"has intensified thedepres sion. In the colony of New Zoaland this is especially so. Like youth every where, we have more enterprise than experience, more energy than wisdom. If we are not suffering from the follies and cowardice which are degrading to age, we are being punished for the mistimed energy and the misplaced audacity which are not unfrequently found amongst the indiscretions of youth. Let us consider for a moment our circum stances and the way we have dealt with them.

Fifty years ago this colony was occupied by a numerous'and warlike race. It was without a road, a bridge, or a European house. It had no cultivated farms ; practi cally no churches or schools ; no white in habitants, ''Sfcve a few missionaries and run away sailors and convicts; not a single sheep, horse, or cow in the colony. In these fifty years what a mighty change has been wrought ! We had to conquer the country at a heavy cost of blood and treasure, but we have done it. We have covered the colony with farms, schools, and churches. Our horses, cattle and sheep are counted by millions. We have con structed thousands of miles of roads, 1,500 miles of railway, and many thousand miles of telegi-aph line?. We have improved our natural harbours, and constructed harbours where Nature nevet intended them to be. We have filled the colony with villages, towns and cities, and in a country where, little more than fifty years ago, hardly a white settler would be found, over 600,000 white people dwell to-day in safety. Xo such record can be shown by any British colony. Jfc is a record of which we have no reason to be ashamed. To do all this, we have manifested marvellous enterprise and undaunted courage. There is nothing morally wrong about us. We have borrowed largely—far too largely—but we mean to pny our debts, and though we have been too enterprising —too much in a hurry—yet with great economy, wise management, common sense, and courage, vve shall vet make this New Zealand of ours, what Provi dence intended ifc should be, a happy home for millions of industrious people. In the turmoil of the recent elections, so remarkable for clatter and chatter, two re solutions havoeome to the front, viz. - (1) An absolute stoppage of borrowing, and (2) the enforcement of stern rigid economy.

If our representative* now assembled in Parliament do their duty, our safety in the first instance will bo secured, and our ulti mate prosperity rendered certain.

To those who look upon our condition as desperate, if nob ho; elesa, let me say that we have a country with a soil at least of average fertility, a climate far above the average of excellency, and a death rate far lower than in any other country in the Old World or the New, Our yield of wheat per acre far exceeds that of any colony in tho British dominions, and is very far above that of any coun try in the world, with the exception of Eng land and Belgium. We have neither the intense cold of American winters nor the fierce heat of Australian summers. Our cattle and sheep need no winter quarters, and our people wear practically the same clothing all tho year round. The animals and fruits of all temperate climates thrive here in perfection ; {.'.old, silver, iron, coal, and almost every other mineral exist in abundance, whilst our ' forests abound with a great variety of timbers unsurpassed for utility or ornament.

Is a country with such natural ad' vantages to be despaired of?

Ip it not a country to bo proud of? Is it | not a country in which competence, pros perity and happiness ouErhfc to be within the reach of all and a country in which true patriotism ought to flourish '! I do nofc mean that sort of patriotism which consists in log-rolling and axe-grind ing, in sacrificing the public welfare for private advantage, in seeking to become millionaires at the exjDen.se of the millions, in benefiting the "classes" at the ex pense of the "masses." Nor do I mean that kind of patriotism which seeks to make labour an enemy of capital, which sets class against class, which pretends to benefit the many by the robbery of the few; which runs after fads, instead of doing , the work plainly before us: which wants to make us all Government tenants, instead of independent freeholders ; which by over-education ma kesour youths ashamed of work, but not too proud to heg; which makes people depend on Government, in stead of depending upon themselves. Such patriotism is a miserable sham, and a dangerous delusion. If our patriotism has the ring of true metal about it, it will show itself by a de termined and extensive reduction of expen diture both public and pri%'ate; by an abandonment of luxurious living by all classes; by scheming; less, and working more ; by aiming more at a dowmunity of interest, rather than by pursuing mean and selfish ends, careless who sinks, if our small selves do but swim.

That, I think, is the kind of patriotism which will make the people who live in a country love it. If we resolutely practise the virtues embodied in such a patriotism, our future, notwithstanding our past follies and extravagances, is largely in our own hande. We are passing through the fur nace, but if there be the true metal in us, we shall' emerge from the trial, bitter though it be, a wiser, better, nobler and happier people.

CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION.

Scene in Court

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, Thursday. When the man O'Brien, who has just been brought back from Sydney on the charge of wife desertion, appeared before the R.M. Court to-day, he created quite a "scene" by. bringing various charges, in a most excited manner, against the Magistrate, Mr Wardell. Upon the latter asking whether bis wife were present, O'Brien exclaimed that he (Mr Wsrdell) probably knew best where she was. The Magistrate ordered the case to stand over till*counsel for Mrs O'Brien returned from Wanganui, and it will probably go on this afternoon.

Garden-robbing has commenced early this year. On Wednesday night Mr Gil fillan's garden in Grafton Road was visited and two largo rose trees stripped, besides having the beds trampled upon. The police would be doing good service to catch some of the thievea.

SPORTING NEWS.

THE V.R.C SPRING MEETING.

OAKS DAY.

DEFEAT OF ALGERIAN.

(reuter's telegram).

Melbourne, November 2.

The third day's racing in connection with the Victoria Racing Club's Spring Meeting was held to-day. Tho weather was again extremely fine, but there was only a moderate attendance. Their Excellencies Sir Henry Loch and Lord Carrington, with their suites, were present during the day.

The following are details of tho day's events :—

Flyixg Stakes, a sweepstakes of ssovs ca-ih, with 200 added. For two-year-olds and upwards. Weight for age. Seven furlongs.

Mr W. C. Cooper's eh f Lady Betty, 2 yrs, by St. Albans -Pardon

Hon. W. A. Long's eh f Consequence, 2 yrs, by Gang Forward—Haideo

Hon. J. White's eh c Cranbrook, 3yrs, by Chester—La Prineesse 3 Won by a length. Time, lmin W^sec.

The Oaks Stakes, a sweepstakes of 25sovs each, 5 ft, with 375 added ; the second horse to receive 50sovs, and the third 25sovs, out of the stakes. For three-year old fillies, Bst 101b. One mile and a'half. Hon. W. A. Long's b f Dainty, by Grand Flaneur—Aureola ... ... ... 1 Hon. J. White's br f Lava, by Chester- Etna 2 Hon. J. White's by f Enigma, by Chester —Episode 3 Enigma made the running until the field were well into the straight for home, when Dainty and Lava caught her up, and a splendid tinish resulted "in a win for Dainty, who defeated Lava by a head, Enigma being third, only a head behind the second horse. Time, 2min 44;|!sec.

Second Hurdle Race, a handicap sweep stakes of ssovs each, with 200 added. About two miles. Mr M. Loughlin's gr g Dragon (late Barney), by Grandmaster, aged ... 1 Mr S. Martin's eh g Friction, aged ... 2 Mr >S. Wilson's eh g Oculist, aged ... 3 Won by a length, hard held. Time, 3min 54} sec.

Spring Handicap, a sweepstakes of ssovs each, with 200sovs added. One mile and n quarter. Mr D. S. Wallace's be Mentor, 3yrs, by Swiveller—Nightmare 1 Mr W, T. Jones's b h The Levito, aped... 2 Mr M. O'Shanassy's br £ The Ragman, aged .., * 3 Won easily by a length and a half. Time 2min. SAsee. .Spade Guinea, Escutcheon; and others also ran. Royal Paiik Stakes, a sweepstakes of skov«., with 200sovs. added. Two miles. Hon. J. White's b c Carlyon, 3yrs, by Chester—Moonstone ... ... ... 1 Mr G. Osborne's b h Algerian, syrs. ... 2 Only two horses started for the race, which resulted in a victory for Carlyon by a length, after a good finish. Time, 4min. 26* see. Vktkkan Stakes, a handicap sweepstakes of Ssovs, with 200 added. One mile and a-half. Mr W. C. Cooper's blk or pr h Silver mine, 6yrs, by Napoleon—Hilverhair 1 Mr A. Drake's b h l'nsha. 6yra 2 Mr K. Ori-'s b h Recall, syivs ... ... 3 Won splendidly by a length and a-half. Pasha came very fast at the finish, but too late to get up to .Silvermine. Time, 2min 44;,ec.

C.J.C. TRAINING NOTES.

C.J.C. TRAINING NOTES.

CtnusTcntrnoir, this day,

There was another uninteresting morning's work at Ricardon to-day. Regina and Fair Nell went a mile fast, the cup mare barely holding her own. Nelson covered two miles at a good pace, Artillery was confined to walking exercise. Hermitage, Sextant and Gipsy King cantered two miles. Moana aid easy work and St. Clair, who ar rived from Dunediti last night, followed Suit, Rviby and Crutchfield each went a milosnuirtly. Lorraine and Torrcntwere not out.

The New Zealand Cup.

CiiTtisTCHUiicii, Thursday. The following are the latest quotations : — Nkw Zealand Cup.—loo to 33 against Lochiel, 100 to 33 against Maxim, 100 to 25 against Kelson, 100 to 15 against Hextant and Gipsy King, 100 to 14 aeainst Artillery, 100 to 10 against Hermitage, 100 to 6 against Torrent, Ruby, and Regina, 100 to 5 against Moaua, St. Clair, and Cruchfield.

OAMARU. J.C. SPRING MEETING.

(BY TELEGRAPIt. —PRESS ASSOCIATION),

Oamaiut, November 3. The first day's racing of the Oamaru Jockey Club's Spring Meeting went off very suc cessfully, the weather being fine, but the attendance rather small. The following are the results so far : — Spring Hurdle Handicap of 25sovs. Mr G. Smith's Dunluce 1 Mr Sew ell's Tenakoe 2 Mr Shalder'.s Forester 3 Dividend £2 Bs. Maiden Plate of 25sovs. — Derby, 1; Windsor, 2 ; Idalia, 3. Oamaeu Sprino- Cup of lOOsovs. Mr A. Cowie's b'r g The Brewer (5 years) 1 Messrs M. and C. Hobbs's bg Jack (aged), ... ••• ■•• " Mr M. Sherwin's b g Quibble (aged) ... 3 Nominations for St. Andrew's Handicap, Sprinf Handicap, Hurdle Race, and Steepfechase, to be run at the Takapuna Jockey Club's Spring Meeting, are due to night at eight o'clock..

SOCIETY OF ARTS , EXHIBITION.

This evening at nine, the drawing of the supplementary art union will take place in the exhibition rooms of the Society of Arts, and a musical programme has been ar ranged, Miss Harding presiding at the piano, and to-monow, being the last day of the exhibition, there will also be music in the evening. It v ill be seen by our adver tising columns that the Committee offer a reward of five pounds for such evidence as will lead to the conviction of the perpe trator or perpetrators of the wilful injury to pictures in.the collection. If discovered, the culprit will find reason to curse the evil instincts which prompted him to such a dastardly outrage, as proceedings will be taken under the Malicious Injury to Pro perty Act. These being the two last nights, there should be a large attendance at the gallery.

At a meeting of the Waitemata Rowing Club held last night, arrangements were made about the use of the boats, crows were picked, and several new members elected.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(by telegraph.—own heporter.)

Wellington, this day.

The Trunk Railway.

Auckland members are awaiting the re turn of Mr SamueljOf New Plymouth, before calling a meeting relative to the proposed diversion of thejNorth Island railway route. Bonus for Treatment of Ores. Mr Peacock gives notice to-day of motion for a bonus of £5,000 for a better method of treating gold and silver ores. The Waipu Licensing Prosecution. As an outcome of the recent prosecutions at Waipu the people are moving for the es tablishment of a Club. Petitions on the subject are on the way to Wellington for presentation by Mr K. Thompson. Costly Keturns. Ministers have set their faces deter minedly against incurring expense for printing unnecessary or costly returns. The Attorney-General in the Council yes terday, with no uncertain sound, inti mated his determination, so far asitlay with in his power, to reduce the Government printer's annual little account as far as related to papers, returns, etc., which the hon. members of the Legislature Council might in future call for. This explanation on the part of the leader of the Council arose through Shrimski having moved that evidence in the Owhaoko and Kaimouawa scandal should be printed. Sii'F. Whitaker said that for years past the country had been put to needless expense in printing unimporant returns, and he proposed in futuro to oppose such expenditure wher ever the expenses sought to be incurred could be avoided without detriment to the public. In the present instance ho would not oppose Mr Shrimski's motion. No Hostile Motion. There is after all to be no hostile motion on the Financial Statement, the Opposition having apparently recognised that it would be futile to attack on the Budget proposals. A prominent member of the party assured me that the programme of the Opposition would be masterly inactivity, and that they would wait, Micawber-like, for something to turn up. The " Post" declares that the reduction of the Governor's salary will injuriously affect the colony in the eyes of people at Home.

The Minister of Works says it is not his intention to compel platelayers to work more than eight hours a day, but their duties occasionally detain them. Notice has already been given of about 20 local bills, providing legislation of a parochial kind.

A bill authorising Oamaru to raise a loan of £38,000 for the repair of the breakwater passed through Us second rending. A number of members are going to Picton by an excursion trip by the Penguin on the Prince of Wales' Birthday.

Sir F. Whittaker informed Colonel Brett in the Council yesterday, that Government had no official knowledge of Major Noake's pamphlet. Colonel Brett remarked that this was very unsatisfactory. Government have no indention of intro ducing a bill this session providing for the periodical transfer of school inspectors from one district to another.

The " i'ost" says that in its amended form the Midland Railway contract is one of which the House should approve as fair to the company and satisfactory to the colony. Sir G. Grey's motion for the production of Messrs Sievwrighb and .Stout's corres pondence, relative to the' purchase of Dunedin Insurance Buildings, has been agreed to. Mr Fisher says he will have the details of reductions which Government intend to make, even if he remains here six months for the purpose. Mr Moss has given notice of a Cemeteries Act Amendment Bill, which enables boroughs to authorise private lands aa cemeteries.

Mr Hutchison asks Government if they are prepared to revive the {proclamation prohibiting the export of live stock.

Mr Smith has suggested to Government that he should introduce legislation dealing with absentee land owners by imposing a special extra tax upon them.

Onebunga Woollen Mills.

Mr Moss gave notice to-day to call the attention of the Premier to an account of the Onehunga Woollen Factory pub lished in " Manukau Gazette," in which it is .stated that girls are expected to work in the factory for 48 hours per week and boys for 55 hours undto ask if he will cause an official entmiry to be made as to the correctness of this statement.

State Aid to Catholic Schools.

There were about fifteen present at the meeting of members favourable to State aid to Catholic schools. Excuses were re ccived from others absent at committees and at the Municipal Conference. Mr Pyke was chairman. It was agreed that a bill be brought in dealing directly with the subject with a preamble setting forth why it was necessary to make a concession to Catho lics. Great unanimity prevailed. MrPykewas charged with the drafting of the bill, which will be submitted to another meeting on Monday or Tuesday. It was decided to call it the Roman Catholic School Bill, so as not to interfere with the Bible Heading in Schools Bill.

Miscellaneous Jottings.

The debate on the Midland Railway con tract takes place this afternoon. Five Government policy bills were intro duced and read for the first time yesterday.

The Government intend to remit the question of the prohibition of sheep and cattle from Europe to a Select. Committee. An Imprest Supply Bill of £250,000 for the month's service is to be passed through its stages to-day. , , . . The* "Times" estimates the present strength of the Opposition party at from 37 to 40. The appointment of Frederick John Wil son, solicitor, to the public Trust Office at a salary of £500, is notified in the Civil Service Reform Act returns. Sir Julius Vogel has withdrawn the Christchurch District Drainage . Bill from the order paper. Government decline to extend to school teachers or committees the right of appeal from the decision of Education Boards. Mr Scddon's arguments against the Dutch auction system are backed by the statement that an Americanised Yorkshire man recently cleared £5,000 net proiits from a tour through the colony. Sir G. Grey's bill providing for limitation of votes to one passed its second reading on the voices, without a division, last night. Mr Fulton says that the _ Wellington cemetery is a disgrace to that city. Cbristchurch and Wellington tobacconists petitioned the House yesterday asking that they be licensed, and saying that the smug gling of tobacco is being extensively prac tised. The "Post" says that to limit the number of members of the Legislative Council as proposed would revolutionise the constitution, and be dangerous to the liberty Of the people, because the Govern ment would lose its present power of bring ing the Council to its services. The Premier denies having offered the Attorney-Generalship to Sir R. Stout. . Mr Levestam intends to introduce a, bill to prevent Legislative Councillors inter fering in elections. Mr Fulton asserts that Oamn.ru ia so heavily taxed that the pooplo aro fleeine from the place, and there are now 150 empty bouses there.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

NEW GOLD DISCOVERY.

"Quite a Rush."

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWS CORRESPONDENT.)

Paeeoa, this day.

At a late hour last night quite a crowd of miners , left here en route for Tairua, where a Maori named Taitua made a gold dis covery on Tuesday last. The exact locality is not yet generally known, but it is on the n?ain range between Whangamata and Tairua, and will very likely prove to be near the last - mentioned place. Stone showing gold freely has been exhibited as coming from the new find, and a large num ber of claims have already been marked out all round by the prospectors.

Thames, this day.

The New Discovery at Tairua.

In mining circles great hopes are ex pressed that the new gold discovery at Tairua, reported by our Paeroa correspon dent, will prove of value. This district has for years been known to be gold-bearing, rich prospects being obtainable almost any where in the locality. The great drawback has been the hardness of the country, which on sinking was found to "pinch out" the lodes.

Moanataiari. — We understand that there are again prospects of the mine being disposed of to an English Syndicate. The directors are in receipt of a cable stating that business is likely to be effected, and asking for the terms on which the mine would be sold. A cablegram has been sent to London naming the terms, and a reply is expected shortly. Heports from the mine are somewhat encouraging. In tho rise on the Caledonian boundary, the leader is im proving, and a few stones showing gold have recently been obtained. The leader at Caledonian No. 3 level is in broken coun try.

New Manukatt and Waiotaiii.—The manager says that the last stope on No. 5 is turning out a little better, but is not up to the mark yet. A better return is expected from this week's crushing than from last.

Coromandel, this day.

Royal Oak.—During the past week there has been but little of importance to report irom the mine. In breaking down the reef it did not come up to expectation, only a few stones showing blotches of gold in the cross lead, which still shows that the gold is going up. At present the reef is much larger than usual, being about one foot of solid stone and showing good indications of making gold. I intend to follow No. 2up about iO feet more before opening out be tween Nos. 2 and 3 lodes. In the tribute there is a change for the better. In rising near the junction of the branch reef blotches are met with showing indications of another run.—Peter Hew, Manager.

The Caledonian. The shareholders of the Caledonian Gold" mining Company meet to-morrow to con" sider the tentative decision of their direc tors to dispose of the mine loan to an Eng lish syndicate. We understand that there is every probability of the share holders approving 6f the sale, all the principal shareholders with one exception having signed a paper signifying there willingness to do so. The price mentioned £10,000 should give the share holders over 16s per share. Before the cable was received by Mr Witheford the shares stood in the local. market at 3s 6d, and on the probability of the mine being sold the stock rose to 6s. As the introduction of English capital is the only means available for working the Thames deep levels we sincerely hope that the negotiation now pending will be satis factorily completed.

R.M. COURT.

(Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M..)

After we went to pres.g yesterday the following cases were heard :— North New Zealand Farmers' Associa tion v. D. Elliot :—Claim £4 15s. — Evi denco was given by Messrs Fraser, one of the liquidators, Barron, a shareholder, after we went to press yesterday, and counsel having addressed, His Worship reserved his decision.

Gibbons v. Erickson. —Mr Campbell ap peared for the plaintiff.—Mr Naprer drew attention to the fact that the summons was irregular, having been issued on a blank form, and not passed by an oiiicer to the Court.—His Woi-ehip held that the sum mons was a nullity.

This Day.

JUDGMENT SUMMONS CASES. W. C. Dknnts v. Hiooins.—Claim, £5 14s 6d.—Defendant did not appear, and was ordered to pay the amount in one week. E. Williams v. J. Cooper.—Claim, £2 4s.— Djfendant was ordered to pay by in stalments of 8s per month.. C C. Fleming v. Sherky.—Claim, 12s— In this case 11s and costs were allowed the defendant, who appeared, no notice of with drawal being given to defendant. Amknuddken v. M. Graham. —Claim, £1 14s 6d. - Ordered to pay the amount by instalments of 5s per week. T. Steadman v. Captain' Handi/ey.— Claim, 5s 6d. —Judgment for plaintiff for 5s 6d, costs Us. Ufton and Co. v. A. C. Walker.—Claim, £4 4s sd.—Evidence as to the supply of goods was. given by VV. Gorrie, and judg ment was given for plaintiffs with costs. ■ DEFENDED CASES. T. Steadman v. Watso>\—Claim, £14.— Air Keetley tor plaintiff and Mr Campbell for defendant.—Evidence was given by plaintiff that the defendant received goods on credit whilst in his employment on July Ist.—Defendant agreed to pay £1 per month, and paid £2 7s Id in this way. Subsequently he declined to pay further, stating that the goods were obtained for his brother. — By Mr Campbell: Did not know that the goods were supplied to defendant's brother in the first instance, and did not know defen dant's Christian name all the time he was in his employment.—Charles Watson deposed that the goods were supplied to his brother, and that Mr Steadman made no personal demand on witness until a few months back. He paid Mr Steadman £2 7s Id on account of his brother.—His Worship said lie thought plaintiff was entitled to recover in a case of the kind, although he had mis taken the initials of the defendant.—Judg ment for plaintiff with costs £2 6s. J. Reid v. H. C. Hanchard.—Claim, £20 4s.—Mr O'Meagher for plaintiff, and Mr Theo. Cooper for defendant.—This was a claim for 48 days' wages for services as a bailiff over goods seized at the Great Bai-rier. —Evidence was given by George Taylor as to his appointment as bailiff. He proceeded to refer to a conversation he had with a Mr Andrews, when Mr Cooper took objection to this being received as evidence until Mr Andrews' authority was proved.—Mr O'Meagher then askee Taylor to leave the Court and placed Andrews in the box.— This witness remem bered the issue of a distress warrant in the case of Hanchard against Mood. He got the warrant signed for Mr Brassey, and considered that from that stage the matter was out of his hands. He received £5 4s as freight by the Tamaki Packet, but did not know that he was specially appointed to act as agent by the master of that vessel. Reid never applied to him (witness) for payment, and ho did not engage the Tamaki Packet. He was net acting as Mr

Hanchard's agent at Charles* Hanehard deposed thai tlie previous witness had onoe oollooted the itenfc of a cottage l&i' him, but had not otherwise acted as agenb on his behalf. Hβ know nothing of money advanced by Andrews on hist behalfi — John Reid was recalled and examined ad to'a conversation with Andrews.—Mr Coopel* again objected, Andrews's agency nob having been proved.'—Hie Worship uphold the objection and Mr O'Meagher eaid ife was useless to proceed.—Plaintiff was notl* suited with costs £3 13s.

G. Bailey v. Williamson.—Claim, £!•— Plaintiff did not appear and judgment was given for defendant.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

WHAT THE "OTAGO TIMES" SA?3.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWK CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. The "Otago Daily Times," reviewing the Statement, says : "It amply justifies the in terval required by the Premier for its pre. paration. Major Atkinson and his colleagues have spent a most laborious fortnight. If they have worked hard they have worked well. The example of self-sacrifice which Ministers set will not be losb upon the Parliament or the country. Tho way Atkinson and his colleagues put themselves in the fore front of battle and iieshed the knife of retrenchment upon their own persons, will not only make their scheme of reductions more easily accepted by their fellow sufferers, but stands forth as a credit both to themselves personally and to our piiblie life. Generally the reduction on the Governor's salary exactly meets the requirements of the colony, and the same prudent, moderate spirit has presided over the proposals with regard to the members of the Houses and legislative expenditure. We are especially glad to note the proposal for placing the Service under non-political boards. This is the way to make the Civil Service reform per manent. The reduction of grants - ma id and repeal of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act is not more than was expected ; indeed, we believe that local bodies will be thankful to be left with the same provisions as they received lasb year, whilst the placing of these subsidies entirely upon the revenue separating them from the ordinary finance and paying them from a definite fund (the property tax, and for a definite period), will really provide • assured local finance '* ol moderate dimensions, but as large as the* colony can afford. Upon the loan and Public Works proposals we do not feel satisfied. They are not sufficiently definite in regard to the possibilities of expenditure. It is here chiefly Ministers will need care ful watching and prudent pressure from their own side of the House. It must be admitted that taking the policy as a whole they have risen to the occasion in a manner which reflects the greatest credit upon them all, and particularly upon Major Atkinson. There can be little doubb that the policy will produce a most favour able impression upon the country, and that the country will insist upon its advisers being given an opportunity of carrying it out. It is a policy of energy without impatience; of activity without restless ness : and of inflexibility with harshness.

The Opposition have arranged not to table any want of confidence motion on the Budget proposals.

Mr Pearson is asking Government to introduce most ."stringent legislation to pro tect candidates and members of the House from insult or annoyance when addressing public meetings. ~

MR RIGBY'S CASE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Will you kindly allow me through your columns to acknowledge receipt of the address presented to me yesterday, which I also ask you to publish, and to express my deep and lasting gratitude not only to those gentle men who have signed it, but also to the many others who, either personally, or by letter, have expressed their sympathy with me in the great and anxious trial through which I am passing, and their confidence and support for the future. Dark as the clouds Were about me when this -cruel attack was made, the silver lining has appeared with the unexpected and over whelming sympathy which I have met with from aH quarters, from friends and strangers. It was indeed unnecessary for mo to receive any incentive to pursue the inflexible path of duty which I had mapped out for myself to recompense for past errors, but the great kindness which has been shewn, and the promises of support which have been given encourage me in the determination that without delay and at any sacrifice every effort shall be made by me to adjust my affaire at Home. lam taking the best advice I can get with that end in view, and I confidently anticipate that' ab no distant time I shall be able to claim agjtfn that position of respect and esteem amongst the citizens of Auckland which I have striven so assidu ously to attain, and which 1 value so highly. —I am, yours faithfully, W. Rigby.

Auckland, November 3, ISB7.

To W. Rigby, Esq.

Dear Sir,—We, the tindersigned clients and citizens residing in Auckland, having noticed the remarks which have been pub lished concerning you in the Herald "of this beg herewith to tender you our sympathy under, your present trial, and to express our confidence in your ability satisfac torily to explain any of the charges, made against you, aud we do this" more confidently because the present movement has originated, not with the parties alleged to *be aggrieved, bub from a member of the legal profession, whose zeal in this matter has, in our opinion, been prompted by per sonal feelings,—(Signed) H. C. Hanchard, R K. Sinclair, Gabriel Lewis, S. E. Hughes, D. F. Evans, Sampei, Cohen, W. L. Mitchell, John Scott, Bernard Brown, R. Harris, T. Stephens, T. McMaster, J. Tonsou GarlicK, J. Abbott, M. L. Possenes kie, Edward Waters, Jamks P. King, J. Wiseman, Heinrich Kohn, Walter J. Dowdkn, W. J. Boylak, James Brown, F. Winter, Pierce Lanigan, Boylan and Tanfield, E. Porter and Co., Brown, Barkett and Co., W. E. Mears, R. M. Cranwell, G. Winstone.

At the Police Court this morning before Mr F. L. Prime, J. P. one person was fined 5s and costs for drunkenness. This was all the business.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings. &&, To-nlgat,

Abbott's Opera House—" The Fairy of the Glen " and ■' The Green Lanos of Erin," 8 Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. Art Gallery—Auckland Society of Arts* Exhibi tion. 7.50. St. James's Hall—Berosford-street Congrega tional Church Sale of Work, ? to -9.30 Choral Hall—Annual Church of England Meet* ing, 3 ■ - ;: Olympia Hall—Fanoy Dress SocMjl?*3o Forrester's Hall—Musical and Eiooutionary Contests, 7.30.

jßotn of Jastlooß at Felloe Cotwt, Nov. 5-Messsife S. Kcwtoort anA T, H, SwUtfc

THE AtrCKLMD EVENING STAfi, FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 188?,

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