"SPIRITUALISM UNMASKED."

lecture by the' Rev. J. A. Dowic

Thf.be was again a large attendance last .guiijcr at the "faith healing" service in the Choral Hall. The proceedings were oijened with praise and prayer, and Jfrs Dowic read several passages from the Scriptures. Rev. Mr Dowie said they had some precious testimonies that day of Divine healing. One married sister testified that she had been healed last Wed nesday of a long-standing trouble of ten years. Sho and her husband saw him that afternoon, and she told him she did not say anything about it sooner beeau.se sho wished to sec it' the cure was permanent. The speaker proceeded to road .1 number of new petition.", one man praying for the recovery [,i his mother-in-law, and another from a vouig man in Nelson v.-lio wished to bo ]iiade°useful for the- teaching of the truth. Some people, proceeded Air Dowie, asked why lit diil not go to the, hospitals and cum lj lß sick there; but if lie did lie would £rsthave to teach the people the beautiful floctrino of faith in prayer, then lie would K q\iirefrco course to tlo as he pleased and gMak to those in the wards as he liked. Then again, lie would have to do away v jlh the medicines, and that would not be allowed- A slight disturbance here occurred, 'which is referred to elsewhere. Mr Dowie. t l, en proceeded with his lecture on " Spiri hiafein Unmasked," bas-ing it upon the text concluding wit!) the passage "That some s j, a ||fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing doctrines of devils." In his owning remarks, the speaker denounced Jiilneratephen as having laidclaim to piety, j n d yet who was a spiritualist. He then gnbmitted that everyone must be a medium either of (Joel or the devil, and he described himself as a medium of the Lord.lesusChrist. Spiritualism boasted that in English-speak jnff countries it numbered between nine and ton millions. This was not all without some foundation, and no one could doubt, it yho saw how Spiritualistic literature was honeycombing the pulpit, press and Parlia jnent. -With regard to the phenomena of Spiritualism he said it was partly genu ine, partly false, and entirely diabolical. Jsv partly genuine lie meant that it was jeal, and it was a mistake to pooh pooh it and say there was nothing in it. There was a good deal in it. There was bell fire in it, and the devil. He had been there once as an inquirer, and would not lite to go again. He wont as. near the precipice as a man could go without getting shoved over. The speaker proceeded to relate his experiences of a seance in Melbourne, where he heard a coarse, dull, and ignorant woman indulge in flights of eloquence. Then a strange spirit was deseiibed as having made its ap pearance, and they were told that Eliza So and-So, who had been a member of bis Bible Class, and who had died a fortnight previously, was present, and wished to speak to Rev. Mr . That was enough. He knew what was coming, and he called on his will, which had previously been under control, and said. " My God, assist me to stop the mouth of that liar." Instantly that woman fell writhing and could not speak, and the devil was van quished by the name of God. Somebody said,"There is an enemy to Spiritualism here," and he got away as quickly as he conld. Theseance then broke up in con iusion. Thatspirit was not thesspit of Eliza P. It was the spirit of a devil, who knew he ma acquainted with that girl. Another case was mentioned of a Sydney seance, ■where the speaker claimed to have con founded two devils who were impersonating thelate John Graham and Andrew Cairns,

by repeating to them the 14th chapter of John in Greek, In his concluding re mrks, Mr Boivie made several quota tions froni "Dr. A. B. Child's book, " What ever is, is Right," which was, lie said, an example of the low morality taught Fffhei.""'

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEA LAND.

Eesnlt of Examinations

(BY TELECF.APII—OWN' CORTIESPOSPEXT.)

WELTJxnTOX, Monday. At a special meeting of the .Senate of the University to-day the report of the ex aminers in England for the examinations of November, ISSG, and of which telegraphic summaries were received in February, was considered, and it was resolved as follows : —

1. That the degree of Doctor of Law be conferred on F. Fitchctt, LL 8., Dunedin. 2. That the Degree of Master of Arts be conferred on. J. S. Wilson, 8.A., Christ church, with third-class honours in Latin with English; W. H. A. Craddock, 8.A., Chrisfchurch, with third-class honours in latin and English ; E. Pitcaithley. 8.A.. Christchureh, °vith second-class honours in latin and English ;P. Levi, B_A., Dunedin, with second-class honours in mental science. 3. That the degree of Bachelor of Law be conferred on J? G. Findley, Dunedin ; W. A. Stout, 8.A., Dunedin. 4. That the degree of Bachelor of Arts be conferred °n A. J. Park, Chris tchurch; M. A. Coletnan, Auckland : A. A. Meek, Christchurch ; I. P. Tindall, Chvistchurch ; I M. French, Auckland ; F. Ballen, Dun- Klin ; J. P,. Montgomery, Dunedin ; J. R. Dow, Dunodin : R. Donald, Dunedin ; A. G. Talbot, Christchnrch : A. Forbes, Dunedin ; J. Methven, Dunedin ; M. Lorimer, Christchureh ; M. V. Gibson, Christchureh ; B. M. Gibson, Christchureh ; J- A t Valentine, Dunedin; W. Mill, Dunedin; J. A. Summers, Dunedin ; W- E. Spencer, Dunedin ; A. Hcndry, Dunedin. 5. That senior scholarships be awarded to A. K. Meek, Chribt chureh, in political science ; A. G. Talbot, Christchureh, in mathematics ; A. Forbes, Dunedin, in Latin and English ; G. M. Summers, Dunedin, in natural science. <>• That the John Tinline scholarship be "Warded to B. M. Gibson, Christchureh. "• That the following be recorded as laving passed examinations towards the dc Sree of Bachelor of Laws:— T. K. Sidey, 8.A., Dunedin, second examina tion; G. Hogben, E.A., Christchureh, first 8n(l second examination ; H. yon TTaast, M.A., Christchnrch, second examination ; «■ McNab, M.A., Dunedin, second ex amination; F. R. Fleming, 8.A., Dun ™in, first examination ; F. E. Baume, Dnnedin, first examination. 8. That the followinij be recorded as havinp- passed the w*section of the examination for thedegree M Bachelor of Arts :—G. Lippiatt, Auck 'fwl: J. L. Field, Dunedin: L. Durrieu, Auckland; II A. Hill, -Auckland ; F. G. Glbbs, Kelson :P. W. Hoddinott, Christ; *«reh ;S. Gillies, Auckland :L. 'M. Ry °»fn, Auckland ; .7. N. Waddel, Dunodin ; JJ. Innes Jones, Nelson : S. C. Owen, ;W. F Ward, Christchureh ; **• Speight, Cln-istchureh: M. Montgomery, ijunedin ; G. \V. Macdonald. Christchureh ; \ McLean, Chistclmrch ; 0. Alpers, Christ chnrch -. E. H. Cox. Auckland ; J. Duncan, ■£?necUn; M. Ferguson, Dunedin ; M. B. Y'-nmond, Nelson • D A. Watt, Chnst ehnroh, J. H. Smith, Christchureh; C. ■^-rab, Ghristclmrch • F. McL.Al!an, Dune n: M. Mills, Christchurch ; S. Mills, ;D. Fribcro- C. Grant, Anck «dflt J. Morgan, Dunedin : H. S. Davis, Auckland ;H. Connon, Christchureh ; F. Jj.f*nric, Dunedin ; G. H. Milton, Christr cimrch ; W. H. HarP-reaves, Christchurch. *W Senate resolved that a meeting of Con- for the purpose of electing a mem lltl \h ° Siinate shouia b9 belcJ On Janvuiry

SPORTING NEWS.

Recteii cables from Sydney that the Auckland-bred colt Niagara, . whe was lately purchased by Air W. Cooper, has been backed for the Victorian Derby at S to 1, and for the double (Derby and Mel bourne Cup) at 1,000 to -20.

SUPREME COURT-IN CHAMBERS.

This Day

(Before His Honour Mr Justice Ward.) Pp.obate, &c.—Probate was granted in re Gco. Symington, Laurence Henry Green, William Head, and Susannah Harriet Fuller (deceased), the probate in this last case being granted to Peter Stuart Brown. Letters of administration were ordered to be issued in re Edward Brown (deceased), the bond for security to be for £200 only. Minister ok Pcbi.io Works v. Wau.ks. —On .Mr Devore'.i application the motion calling upon defendant to show cause why he should not satisfy balance of judgement herein was deferred till next Chamber day.

Bktoiit Smili: (.!.M. Co. - On the motion of Mr James Russell, an order was made fur a c:ill of f>s per share upon the contributorios of the Bright Smile (Coromandel) Cold Mining (Jo., in liquidation, no execution however to issue until further.application is made to the court.

Nkw Zealand Watchman Pkixttxc! and PirjJLrsHJNO Co. (Liaiitko).— Air.lame* Rus sell moved for an order for payment of amounts duo by contributions herein, viz., life lid per share.—Mr S. Hesketh at the same time applied on behalf of Francis AlcKen/.io, of Kawakawa (proprietor of the "Northern Luminary"), to have the register altered so as to renddr him liable for 400 instead of 800 shares.— Mi1 Russell opposed the application, but as he was not prepared to argue the points involved, through want "of notice it was arranged that Mr Hcsketh's applica tion for rectification of register should be renewed, Mr Russell undertaking in the meantime not to enforce the order for pay ment against Mr McKenzie. On this understanding the order was "ranted. Appointment of GuAiu>i.\N~r On the ap plication of MrS. Hosketh, ,7. M. Alexander was appointed guardian of the children of Sirs Susan Durance by her first husband,the Richard Gratten (formerly of the Thames Hotel), for the purpose of consenting to the appointment, ef new trust ees under a certain deed of settlement in which the said child ren are interested,

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Tin: Board met yesterday afternoon at the

Victoria Arcade, under the presidency of Mr W. R. Waddel, Chairman.

The House Surgeon reported that there were 73 males and 29 females in the Hospital. It was decided to ad vance £10 towards the cost of a pas. sage to England of John Fleming, of Vic toria-street, who was reduced in circum stances through failing health. In conse quence of a report from the House Steward re supply of wine, diet, etc., it was decided to draw the attention of the medical stall to Rule 34. A report was received from Dr. Wilkie on the improvement of Hospital arrangements. It recommended greater economy in the ordering1 of perishable medicines. The so - called convalescent ward contained live inmates, who did odd jobs about the place, 'but otherwise pawed their time smoking and playing bagatelle. They cost 28s per week each. He sug ges^ed. that the. library be converted into a dining-room and sitting-room for the medical staff. The books "might be kept in the consulting room.—Referred to House Committee, and it was decided that the Board meet on Monday next to consider the matter of the convalescents. On the re commendation of Miss Crispe, it was de cided to call tenders for washing the Hos pital linen, which was at present done in the Gaol. W. H. Tebbs was appointed Hos pital dispenser in place of dispenser Voting, v/hohacl been guilty of misconduct. The position on the honorary staff occupied by Dr. Bond was declared vacant, owing to that gentleman's continued absence. It wan decided to close the lying -in ward at the end of June, admission in the meantime only to be granted on the sanction of the Board. The Relieving Officer was asked to reportquarterly on cases receiv ing relief other than in the City of Auckland. Jlr Eyre, of San Francisco, wrote inti timating that Ferdinand Booth had be queathed £-200 to the Hospital. The Secretary was instructed to obtain par ticulars. A resolution, "That Mr Wade, having failed to comply with the terms of the resolution passed at last meet ing re Refuge plans, his design be now re jected," was held in abeyance, the experts to be consulted respecting any alteration, if any, made by Mr Wade in his specification. It was decided to pay the second prize to Mr Burrows. Mr E. A. Mackechme re signed his seat on the Board. A number of applications for relief (including one from W. G. Garrard) were variously dealt with. Mr Garrard's application was referred Ito the Charitable Aid Committee. Mr Graham resigned the position as Relieving Officer, and the resignation was accepted. MrUdy gave notice to move, •J.natthe Queen-stroet Dispensary be closed, and the services of the surgeon and dispenser be discontinued after the end ot May.™ future the dispensing to be done in the Hospital. This was all the business.

ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, MANGAWAI.

The ceremony of opening the above church took place on the Ist April at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when the Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by Rev. Cubett, Gould and Tobin, conducted the sen-ice. The, church was well filled, some _of the visitors having come fully »<> ™\.J-' The handsome organ, for the procui-acion , of which Miss Tn tin worked soindeiatigainv. , contributed materially to the enjoyment. or . the service. Mr T. H. Webb attended, ac companied by a choir of voices from Aucu- j land. In the course of his sermon, Bisnop | Cowic congratulated all present upon tue | happy results of their strenuously combined action towards the erection of the cnurcn. He also complimented the contractors 101 the building, Messrs Prince and pOMM®1» for the satisfactory manner in which tnej- I had fulfilled their engagements. At seven o'clock in the evening, a lecture and con cert was held in the Hakaru Hall. Hie Bishop spoke upon "The Extent or the British Empire, and the Oppor tunities of Young Men and Women of the Present Day as British Subjects. The hall was filled to its utmost extent, and others were unable to get inside, i'lo Rev. C. Tobin occupied the chair at tne concert, and Mr T. H. Webb, officiated as conductor. The following friends took pare in the programme: - Mesdames Rovitt, Cubett, Bolt ( °and McCready; Misses Down ward. Scrivener, and Odium, and Mr Fordo. The concert terminated with ''God Save the Queen." After the concert the young people spent the time with dancing until the dawn, The whole affair to » decided success,

THE IMPORTED CHINESE.

Their Reception at CJreymoutli

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OW\ CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, this day. The party of Chinamen whose arrival in the colony a fortnight ago was made the subject of a general -scare in certain circles in Auckland, have now been distributed about the alluvial gckifields of the West Coast, It was for this purpose alone that they left the Flowery Land, and the idea of entering a coal mine was never entertained by any of them. Two of them were former! y well-known residents i;i Greymouth. Seme indignation had been excited amongst the coal miners by the report that tho new ar rivals were imported to cheapen labour in the district, and if such had been the ease, the Chinamen would pro bably have been received very warmly. On arrival at Creymouth, the immigrants were taken by the Customs officials into a bonded warehouse, where their persons and luggage were carefully searched for opium or othur contraband goods, but none were found.

THE MYSTERIOUS DISAP. PEARANOP.

Ni)Tinv(! further lias transpired as to the Fate of the missing man, Donald Grant. Naturally such a strange total disappear ance of an almost imbecile man has some what exercised tho police department- Therefore Air Supt. Thomson has put on additional men to continue the search. As the Domain has now been thoroughly beaten twice, the local constables have been brought into requisition in order that the trail of thu wanderer may be picked up. It would almost appear as if siu-h energetic measures must soon result either in discovering tho missing man, or, what is still more likely, his re mains. It seems almost incredible that a man in his condition could have been wandering all this time without having: turned up somewhere to obtain food. Therefore the most natural conclusion is that he must, have ere this died in some out-of-the-way place.

Mr George Wallace, of Arch Hill, re ported to the Wator-polieo to-day that on the night of tho 11th inst., when Donald Grant is reported to have disappeared from the Old .Men's Refuge, lie saw a man answering the description given in last night's Star near the Freezing Com- P'my'.s Works, on 'the Railway Wharf. )ie says the old man wore the Re fuge clothes, and was rather deaf. Mr Wallace asked if he had lost his way, and the man replied " No." As Grant has not been seen since, it is feared that lie may have fallen into the harbour and been drowned.

THOSE VOLUNTEER TROUBLES.

There appears to be no end to those Volun teer troubles in the unfortunate No. 3 battalion. The Veteran Rifles, which have been in shallow water for some time, meet to-night, and we understand it is Captain Hazard's intention to resign. Troubles have also arisen in some way in the Gordon Rifles, the crack corps of the battalion, and the resignation of one of the lieutenants was handed in.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Thames, this day

CAT.rnnvi \x. —The winze on No. 1 reef at No. - level, in the Otago section of this mine, is now in full swing, and excellent progress i.= being made. The reef, which is about 15 inches thick, has already been sunk upon for 7 feet, and shows some nice colours of gold. Saxon:—The seam of dark sandstone and rubbly quartz which took the place of the reef in the hillwnrd drive at No. .'5 level after meeting with tho clay seam, is still being followed, but up to the present the reef has not made again. The country is a favourable sandstone.

C'aMIUUA. —Good Crushing dirt continues to come to hand from the erossleader. Dabs of gold are frequently seen in the winze, while the precious metal is also pretty freely visible in the quartz being ob tained from thestopes. The usual works are in progress on the hanging-wall lode, but there 5 no change here worthy of mention. The southern crosscut at No. 4 level is pnss in" through a kindly channel of country.

Waiht, this day.

MARTHA Extended. —The interim clean ing nj> thin morning resulted in the re turn of 90'onncos of retorted gold.

SLY-GROG SELLING.

(j:V TELBOKAPir.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CinusTcnrTCCH, this day. Mark Tompkixs, landlord of the Royal Hotel, Woodend, which was closed some time afo by the Licensing Committee, and has since been carried on a? a boarding house, has been fined £2.') for sly-grog sell ing- .

JUBILEE SUGGESTIONS.

Statue, Poorhouse or Cemetery?

(BY TELEGRAPH. -OWN" COEttESfOXDEST.)

Wfxmxgton, this day. The effort made by the " Post " to feel the public pulse on the question of the best means of commemorating the Queen's Jubi lee has not evoked much enthusiasm. Up to the present time only about 100 votes have been registered. The majority of voters are in favour of the endowment of a home for the awed and needy, and a proposal for a Free Library and Art Gallery comes next m order The idea of a statue of, the Queen find'?' only one supporter, and another wants a drinking fountain with it. Several votes are for a gymnasium in connection with the Library and Art Gallery; one wants a new cemetery ; another a park and rricket "-round ; several vote for a Sailors Home -and an Orphan Asylum also has its supporters. The time for closing the noil on the question has been extended to Thursday. The "Post" thinks the sug o-estion that the Jubilee should be ceie britec1 by a partial or complete remission of sentences is well worth the attention of the Government.

Napiek, this day. Capt. Preece, R.M., is conducting the inniiiry into the circumstances attending the death of the man who dashed himself to death in gaol.

Captain Dixon, of the Ada C. Owen, in forms US that thh .schooner Atlantic left Raratonfa for Auckland 15 clays ago, and U now fully due, the Ada having occupied nnlv U days on the voyage. , The Ada brings So passenger: -Mr Cl.?tfi6ld. •We would call attention to the q-ilo of Mr -Tames McLeod's very fine pro ..i-rr tip.t.l- Hclensville township, on Thurs- next by Mcwrs Arthur and Buddie. This is a splendid onoortuni (ov irocm-ing j one of the bes'- " I trict.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. \fc*

(Before D. B. McDonald and D. G. Mac

Donnell, Esqs., J.P.s)

Assault.—James Lowndeswas charged with assaulting one Charles Streera by striking him with his clenched fist on the jaw, and breaking it.—Mr Brassey appeared Icr the accused.—Sergeant Pratt applied for a re mand on the around that- the prosecutor was not yet in~a tit state to appear before the Court.—Remanded until this day week, bail being allowed - defendant in one surety of JL2-3, and one other surety of £25. Railway By-laws.—Thomas Impey was charged with quitting a carriage of a train upon the Auckland and Te Awamutu railway, while the train was in motion, at Otahuhu on March Bth. —Defendant pleaded guilty.—Mr Theo. Cooper, who appeared for the Railway Department, said he wished the public to understand that the action of the depart ment was in the interests of the public. At least once a year n fatal accident occurred on the railway through breaches of the by-laws, and the time had come when the infliction of a nominal fine did not have the effect of compelling persons to obey the re gulations. There wan no oxcuse fortlefend ant.as he was a season ticket holder and had travelled fora long time on tholine. —George Greenland, railway guard, gave evidence. On the date in question lie observed the de fendant standing on the centre platform of a double carriage, leaning out, and looking through ' the window, trying to attract the attention .of _ some one inside. Witness warned him to get back. Subsequently he noticed the defendant and two others jump ofi while the train was in motion. He had previously cautioned the defendant for " larking " on the train.—Fined 20s and costs.—William Day was charged with a similar offence on the same day.— Defendant pleaded guilty. —Mr Theo. Cooper said that this defendant had jumped oil' the train while in motion, but he had not been leaning out from the platform.—Fined '20s and costs. A. MeCullogh was charged with driving a cart across a level crossing when an engine was approaching within half a mile of such crossing.—Defendant pleaded guilty. —Mr Theo. Cooper said that the crossing keeper, Le Brim, had stopped the vehicular traffic, as an engine was shunting to and fro. The dofendent, despite the remonstrances of the crossing-keeper, cross ing the line, and a collision was narrowly avoided. -Le Brun, the crossing-keeper, gave evidence. The defendant rushed past him and crossed between two approaching engines. Defendant was an old railway servant, and knew the regula tions.—The defendant said that no whistles were blown while he was crossing; the en gine eiime up afterwards. The horse shied. — Tc Brun, recalled, deposed that the defendant had flogged the horse across. It was a perfectly quiet horse.—Fined £3 and costs. William Mc- Clt-arywas charged with using disgusting language in a railway carriage »t Kumeu. — Defendant stated that he did not|know anything about it. He had taken too much liquor.—Guard Spratt described the conduct of the accused. Ho had not so much liquor but that he knew what he was doing.— Fined £5 and costs, or 0113 month's im prisonment with hard labour. Illegal Deposit of Is iuhtsoil.— Samuel Green was charged with iliefrally depositing night soil on premises situated in Graham - street, and occupied by Mary Reardon. such premises not being a place ap pointed by the regulation of the City Council on that behalf. Inspector Goldie presecuted, and Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the defence. Mr Goldie sought to lay a fresh or more complete informa tion, and Mr Cooper objected. The Bench thought it sufficient to prove that nightsoil was deposited in an unlawful place.—Mary Reardon deposed that her premises adjourned Mcllale's. She remem bered the morning of the 24th March. Her closet was emptied that morning. She saw nightsoil in her yard at the end of Mc- Hale's house that morning. Mrs McHale drew her attention to the matter, and said she would have to get it removed. She complained to the Inspector. Her yard was clean on the previous day. —By Mr Cooper: The closet had been emptied for five months previously with out any nuisance being caused. — Ann Moore gave corroborative evidence. -■- Joseph Townley, assistant to the Sanitary Inspector; deposed to making aninspection of the yard, and seeing nightsoil there.— Michael McHalo deposed that he was awakened abeut a quarter past two o'clock on the morning of the 24th by the noise of buckets and a horrid smell. The man had thrown a quantity of nightsoil against the side of the house. He dressed and went out in search of the nightmen, and found them in Graham - street. When he came back, the smell was so bad that he almost had to vacate the house. Mrs McHale, in her evidence, said she heard one man in Mrs Reardon's yard saying to the other, "You will get into it."—Maurice Casey deposed that accused was in his employ on the 24th in stant, and should have been with the cart on the Graham-street round. He did not know whether the three men named were engaged in that district, and on being pressed, said that the three names given to Mr Goldie were the result of a surmise. The Bench characterised the story of the witness as an extraordinary one.— Geor°-e H. Brooks, clerk to Mr Casey, and "William Bruce also gave evidence. Mr Goldie introduced a similar charge against John Martin, in order that he imght give evidence for the prosecution.— Mr Coope- insisted on the case against Martin being dismissed if there was no evidence offered, costs being allowed.— The Bench dismissed the case with costs. They also expressed the opinion that Mr Goldie was at a disadvantage in being without the services of a City .Solicitor, and Mr Cooper retorted that it was his own fault.—John Martin was called and deposed that he was not within the city on the night of the 24th March.—Mr Goldie ejaculated, " Well, then, I have been sold by Mr Casey, because he said you were there." The Sanitary In spector then asked permission to with draw the charge, but Mr Cooper insisted on the case being closed and then dealt with. —Mr Goldie said if the Bench did not withdraw the charge, they might dismiss it, and he would then call Green as witness against Knapman, the third defendant. — Tho Bench dismissed the case, with costs, and Green left the Court despite the protesta tion" of Mr Goldie, who said he wanted him as a witness.—The Court then adjourned till a quarter past two o'clock.

A very pleasing vocal and instrumental concert was given in the social hall of the s s Wairarapa on her trip up from the South Island on Monday evening. Mr Gillam acted as M.C., and Mr Ernest Edwards (of London) as musical conductor. The above gentlemen, assisted by some of LV Lynn's Company, formed a most attractive and enjoyable P™g«™™- Messrs Halchard, H. Thompson, Rollen s, Geilam, Glass, and the Revs. M. Berry, and Law, and a number of ladies *«*p»rt in the evening entertainment. A lecita. -t^nbytheßev. M Berry and Mr Massey Sg given in the Lancashire dialect evoked iiuicS amusement.

Messrs King Walker and Co. are again ■riving householders cheap coal, which Shouia be a Boon these hard: times. }\e re fer to their advertisement over bhe leader whore they say that they will save then customers 3s in the £ on current lates , cttali being the order of the day.

FIRE AT PARNELL.

A destructive fire occurred early this morning at Cracroft-strset, Parnell, from which a family narrowly escaped with their lives. The house where the fire broke out, tenanted by Mr William Hudson and his family, was a seven-roomed dwelling at the e.orner of the above-named street and the Parnell Rue, and immediately opposite the fire-bell. It was gutted, and the next building, occupied by Mr W. Hogan, about ei^ht feet distant, was scorched, and its "contents slightly damaged (to the amount of about £5) with water. That the lire did not prove one of the largest and most dire that have visited Auckland of late was due, firstly, to the promptitude of the splendidly active brigade which Captain Judge has under his able command ; secondly, to the grand pressure of water (Mount Eden residents please note), equal to lOOlbs to the inch ; and thirdly to the fact of the neighbouring roofs being damp with a smart shower of rain that fell about an hour before the fire. Mr Hudson was sleeping in hi 3 little daughter's room, as she had been frightened by some one in the yard about two hours before the fire. He awoke suddenly about five o'clock from a pain in his hand, which he found on opening his eyes was occasioned by flames rising up from tho iloor alongside of hi* bed. An instant afterwards the curtains were on fire, and, spring ingl out of bed, he seized his child and lushed oil' to waken the other members of his family—his wife and boys. The tiro thus left unchecked in a few seconds had possession of the room, and after a vain endeavour to save some books and clothes he had to beat a retreat. Miss Hudson meanwhile with great presence of mind went round the balcony, as the fire had possession of the house, and getting in at a window, saved tho ledger, cashbook, &c, from a room used as an office. All saved from the house were these books and two suits of clothes, the inhabitants escaping in their night-dresses. When our representative readied the scene of the firo, the Brigade was just arriving, and it seemed ten to one that the neigh bouring' house of Mr Hogan would go too. Clouds of spark* fell upon the other houses of the row in a continuous shower, and the flames were just firing the roof and corner posts of the balcony of the next house (which was to leeward of the burning building) when the brigade got to work. Mr Briggs and another neighbour pluckily went to assist at removingl some goods from the apparently doomed house of Mr Hogan, but on the crowd assuring them that they need not trouble, "now the brigade's here," they joined in the implicit faith in the fire fighters' prowess, and left them in safety. In ten minutes the fire was well in hand, but it is worth reminding the Parnellites that had tho roofs of the other houses of the row not been damp, the small body of firemen present could hardly have hoped to have coped with the flames. After viewing the labours of the gallant men of the brigade, it was next our duty to inquire into the cause of the fire, and a tale was unfolded which will cause a rise in the price of bull-dogs in Parnell, not a buying of pistols in that usually quiet neighbourhood. We found the same facts pointing to a human demon having been the cause of the loss, as we discovered at the late Mount Eden fires—a prowling incendiary having clearly been the cause of it. Three months ngo, Mr Hudson smelt smoke in his house one night, and going out, found that tho floor of his building was on lire under neath. The house, standing on a hill, allows of a person stooping to move about under the floor. It had evidently been fired by a candle or something similar placed upon one of the beams. A bucket of water and the timely arrival of the Brigade put it out before hardly any damage was done. He reported the matter to the Grammar School Board, and asked to bo allowed to leave and take another of their houses, as someone evi dently wanted to burn that one down. Nothing, however, came of it, when three weeks ago the next neighbour's house was discovered to be on fire, and. the remains of a candle found placed in position under it. A fortnight since, Mr Tom Scallan, who lives close by and is a baker, when going to work about 1.30 a.m., saw a man down between, the two houses and evidently up to no good. Ho chased him, but could not catch the runaway, who wore a soft hat, was about sft 9in in height, and wore a dark dress. He was young and had no beard. The police have been informed of all these occurrences, but nothing has been done to trace the midnight incendiary, and the cir cumstances are so similar to those of the Mount Eden fires that one cannot help fancying they have a common origin. The house destroyed was insured by the Grammar School Board, as was the adjoin ing house, which is scorched. Mr Hudson was insured for £240 in tlie North German Office, but estimatss the loss at £, r)00. The remains of piano, violin, music, sewing machine, and some valuable mottled kauri furniture are to be seen amongst the ruins of the house.

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

[BY TELKCKAPn — I-KEPS ASSOCIATION.]

"Weluxgtox, Monday. As Parliament meets on a Tuesday, the usual adjournment for two or three days will not take place this session, but business will proceed at once. The Government have not decided what Bills will be laid before the House' first ; but they state that the measure dealing with representation will be among the earliest.

(by TELEGBAPH—own cokkespoxdext.)

Wellington, this day.

The usual influx of printers to Welling ton, in anticipation of a busy time at the Government Printing Office, has taken place within the last week or two. Mr Didsbury has been obliged _to turn away about f»rty applicants having already engaged the usual complement of casual hands which he requires. An un usually large staff has been employed during the recess in the production of pearl volumes of "Hansard," and these almost suffice for sessional requirements.

To-day Mr William Hodge established himself at the foot of Victoria-street, ad joining the Bank of Australasia, with a table and inkhorn, in order to obtain signatures to the Female Fran chise Petition. Young, impulsive men who wished to be married _ readily ap pended their signatures, as did also more elderly men who had nothing to fear. Many there were, however, who, upon being asked to sign, smiled sadly, shook their heads and passed on, evidently thinking that some women whom they knew had already got more power than themselves.

Last evening the Exhibition of the Art Society at the Municipal Buildings was crowded, as many as 450 persons being present in the room at one time. The Choral Society discoursed some beautiful instrumental music during the evening. To-day there was also a good number of visitors.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln your report upon the " New Beacon " in yesterday's issue, yon say the base is of solid masonry. This is misleading, ns the whole structure is of concrete, and made principally from our cement.-Yours, respectfully, J. Wilson as» U>., Cement Manufacturers,

COMPENSATION COURT.

Yesterday (Concluded). .

; '^. _ . i.y Before Mr Justice Ward and Messrs W, Cameron (assessor for claimant) and H. G. Wade (assessor for defendants). -

CLAIM OF £500 DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY COUNCIL.

RICIIAUD LVNAS V. CITY CORPORATION.—

Claim of £500 for loss and damage caused by alleged alteration of fixed levels in Norfolk - street, Ponsonby. Mr S. Hesketh for claimant; Mr Thomas Cotter (City Solicitor) for defendants. — After Mr Hesketh had intimated yesterday afternoon that he would raise the question of jurisdiction, His Honor replied that the learned gentleman must apply for a nonsuit. —Mr Cotter pointed out that the whole damage was caused by the action of the claimant, and he quoted authorities to show that the Council was not liable.— Mr Hesketh replied, and quoted other authorities. — His Honor said he did not think the respondents had the right to Construct a water-table, and shoot the water on to the claimant's land.—Mr Cotter contended that the Council had the right to carry out the work as they thought best, and that this water only went on to the claimant's land while the road was unfinished. The whole question was, whether the Council was or was not bound to build a retaining-wall. His Honor said lie did not think the Council was bound to build retaining walls all over the city. If so, it would cost more than their revenue.

Richard Lynas, the claimant, then gave evidence. He said that he had written to the City Council protesting against the levels, but he could not say whether or not he received any reply. About a month before the work commenced he had a con versation with Mr Anderson (City Engi neer), who asked him whether he would allow the Council tofillinonhisproperty.and if not that he would put a wooden hoarding against the fence. Witness asked why not give him a retaining wall. Mr Shanaghan, the inspector of works, afterwards asked him whether he would allow his fence to be taken up, and fill in on the property, and he refused, for a slope of 1£ in 1 would bring it to his verandah floor. He was also examined as tothedamage by water. Mr James Baber, C.E., also Mve evidence as to this latter point, as did likewise Mr Edmund Bel.i. The last-named witness thought the water might be carried in a temporary shoot across the cap at Lynas's property, and that would have prevented the water going on to Lynas's pro perty. He considerd the water being turned on the land depreciated its value. One house was damaged to the extent of £25 by the water and the pressure of the em bankment, but he could not answer as to what proportion of the damage was caused by the water. He had examined the house last week, and found that the plates were almost off the blocks, and the building was a long way out of plumb.—Samuel Vaile, auctioneer and land agent, de posed that the flow of water on to Lynas's property would materially affect the value of the property. He estimated the damage done by the water at from £100 to £150, but in cross-examination he said he could give no reason for arriving at that amount. It was only his opinion. Learned counsel having been heard, His Honor intimated that further evidence would be desirable, and the Court therefore adjourned tho further hearing of the claim till to-day at noon.

This Day.

Tho Claim Dismissed with Coats.

The Court met !to day at nttbn for the purpose of considering and deciding before any further oviiience were adduced —the legal question whether tho plaintiff could claim compensation under the provisions of the Publia Works Act for injury alleged by him to have been sustained in consequence of the improper or negligent manner in \Vhich the Council had constructed the street.

Mr Cotter opened his argument by sub mitting that the Public Works Act evidently contemplated claims for compensation being made by persons who were injuriously affected by the proper exercise of the power 3 given the Council by the Act, but leaving the persons open to their remedy at common law in the event of the Council improperly, wilfully, or negligently executing the works and thereby causing damage. After care fully considering the Public Works Act, and the authorities bearing upon it, the conclusion he had come to was that if°the damage was the natural result of a proper exercise of the work M'hich the Council was authorised to perform it was outside a claim for compensation within the meaning of the Public Works Act. But if, on the other hand, it was outside the proper execution of the work by reafon of negligence or wilful ness then it was a proper subject of an action for damages. It had struck him as strange if a plea of contributory negligence could be made to a compensation claim. His Honor : A man can't claim for com pensation for damage which by reasonable care on his own part could have been avoided.

Mr. Cotter : That is the point of my con tention.

His Honor: Mr Hesketh contended yes terday that this was not a compensation claim. Mr Hesketh : No, your Honor. ' His Honor : Well, you suggested it. Mr Hesketh: Hardly that. I had some doubt whether the damage by water was a subject for compensation or not. I had in my mind at this time, however, a recorded case in which compensation was claimed for damages which seemed to be beyond the pro vince of the Court and vet the Appeal Court on being appealed to held the Compensation Court's award thereon to be good, although I had a doubt whether this Compensation Court could deal with the damage by water, I did not know, nor do I yet, how far, if at all, its award would be disturbed by the Supreme Court. —Mr Hesketh then quoted the case to which he had referred, viz :— Uttley v Local Board of Health, of Tod morden, 44 L.J.C.P. 10.—Mr Cotter also quoted a case bearing on the point, viz :— Shire of Ballarat v Beaton 3 A. J.R. 75.

His Honour said that assuming Mr Cotter's contention to be correct that the Council legally exercised its powers by leaving the water channel where, it did, there was an end to the compensation and the matter of injury by water became a subject for action by com mon law. His ruling was the case was one of that nature. At the same _ time he thought it a pity that the claimant did not consent like other residents in the street to allow the Corporation to till in sufficient of his land to support the road to its lull width, and thereby have enabled the Council to continue the kerbing, draining, and formation of the footpath. The earth rilling could have been passed over, and would have been an actual iriUfSrovement to the property. Mr Hesketh remarked that the earth filling would injuriously affect one of the plaintiff's cottages At the same time he thought an amicqjrte settlement- of the difficulty would have been possible had there been no friction between the parties. Mr Cotter (laughingly): The friction was Lynas's claim for £500. At first he asked for £700.

Mr Cotter then applied for costs on the middle scale.

Mr Hesketh opposed the application. The Court, however, allowed £25 costs and the assessors' fees, viz., £8 Bsj which make* tb" total ctfcts £33 Bs,

THE MURDERER MAXWELL.

WHY THE EXECUTION IS DELAYED.

An American journalist, writing with reference to the delay in the execution of Hugh Brooks, alias Maxwell, who was ar rested at Auckland for the murder of his travelling companion, Preller, at St. Louis, whose remains he concealed in a box, says : — From the comnftnts in the English news papers upon the continued respite of Hugh Brooks, alias Maxwell, an Englishman who was sentenced to death at St. Loui3 some two years ago for the murder of a compan ion named Preller, it would seem to be con sidered something strange that in the United States a convicted murderer should be allowed to occupy a cell for many months after he has been ordered to the gallows. Such criticism shows a peculiar want of acquaintance with the ways of American justice. The law of the Republic holds as a first principle that every possible chanceshould be given to a suspect to prove his innocence. It may be, as in the Maxwell - Preller case, that the evidence is of the most circum stantial character, or, as it was in. Guiteau's murder of President Garficld, so clear that no mortal could doubt the prisoner's guilt. But the law will not take a mean advantage of the suspect simply because circumstances are cruel towards him. Ho might have a chance of convinc ing a jury that it was all a mistake. In a few years witnesses might forget points of evidence, or might; die, or might become Aldermen, or in some other way make themselves unworthy of trust. The prisoner himself in the interval might succumb to high living or old age, or some thing, but that would be his own lookout, and the law would only pity his misfortune in thus untimely dropping off when there was a good prospect of a flaw being dis covered in the Supreme Court decision against his appeal against the State attorney's successful application against the territorial judge's order in favour of an entire retrial. Brooks, alias Maxwell, haa till next April to wait for the decision of the St. Louis Court with regard to hia appeal for a fourth trial. If he gains hia case he will be safe for another year or so, while he sends out exploring expedi tions to hunt up suppositions persons who might know something about it. After that there will be the spell of waiting for trial, with all the openings for post ponements. Should the district attorney win the day, the prisoner will cither be rushed off to the gallows or just as likely be allowed to go on appealing. There is nothing unusual in all this. Some months ago Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity began throwing bombs in Chicago, to the destruction of a good deal of property and life, plotting to ransack the houses of the rich, and generally giving the Porkopolitans a foretaste of the anarchical millennium. Seven of _ the anarchists were tried in the Chicago Courts fpr inciting to murder, and five were sentenced to death. When the December morning fixed by the Court for the execution came round, Chicago was not ready to begin hanging Anarchists or anyone jelse. ft wanted an armed camp first. Its citizens were not going to fool about with bomb throwers, so long as there was only a body of 8,000 or 9,000 police and a few thousands of the State militia to look after things. The leading citizens put their heads together, subscribed £60,000, pur chased some 600 acres of land lying north of the city, and donated it to the nation for military purposes. This square mile 13 planned to be laid out in 75 structures, each block to accommodate 100 men of the United States Army. The camp will have to be fully garrisoned and fortified before the Chicago public run any risk of these five Anarchists waving red handkerchiefs or shouting phrases as they go to the gallows. " 3 The condemned Anarchists, it must be oonffisaed, are not ready either. Their leader, Ernest Spios, was busy with pre parations to get married as the day of execution passed. He took out the neces sary license last month, and is now occupied with his honeymoon. His wife 1» a ynung; and beautiful girl, of excellent family, great wealth, and influential connections. Spies was not going to be frightened by any of the State attorney's whims from going on with the more interesting duties of life. In no part of the world has crime or breach of the law a better chance of escap ing with impunity than in the great Re public It is rampant and defiant, the knowledge of it is no barrier to acceptance in business circles, and a known criminal is apt to be regarded as a little above the rest. The bail system and the theory that a sus pected man should be provided with facili ties for proving his possible or impossible innocence, are at the bottom of this state of things. It works in this way:—A man flagrantly violates the law ; he is convicted on ample evidence and sentenced; his lawyer moves the Court to allow him to appeal on the ground of a lack of evidence ; a writ of habeas corpus is issued, and he is ad mitted to bail ; the necessary bond is pro duced, and he is set free ; out on bail 13 practically out for good. The District At torney's office is filled with indictments, and the parties have never been brought to trial. They go on with their crimes. He is a poor man who for political, sentimental, or some other consideration cannot work up a bail. . ~ So the merry farce goes on. Occasionally there is a noise about it. The New York " Herald " usually leads the way with an exposure of some exceptionally hideous travesty. It calls attention to the hard fact that justice is crippled and all kinds of devilry are wandering loose ; that rascals snap their fingers at the law, as though they owned the city— not a far-fetched supposition — and expresses itself convinced that when the people understand the situation they will at once institute vigorous remedial measures, and show criminals that "our laws" are made of triple steel, and that law breakers will be handled so roughly and so justly that the United States will quickly be rid of them. The people do nothing of the kind. They turn over to the columns where the diabolical outrages and the Wall-street reports are writ large. „____,

A charge of depositing nightsoil within the City boundaries, which was before the Court to-day, dragged out to an inordinate leno-th. Mr Theo. Cooper objected to the action of Mr Goldie in attempting to hand in documents fsHf^y to the Bench -when they wer*^s§kinpfevidence. He added that, the case voulorhave been finished a long time previously if the City Solicitor had appeared for the prosecu tion. Mr Goldie retorted that the City Solicitor would probably have "squared " ife if he had appeared. Mr Cooper asked the Inspector what he meant to imply, and ob jected to the reflection on Mr Cotter. Mr Goldie, after some hesitation, said he meant that there would have been less trouble if Mr Cotter had been there. Mr Cooper replied that that was not what was meant. He would object to appear in future in cases with 'Mr Goldie, if he sought to make such reflections on Mr Cotter. Mr Goldie only appeared at the table by the consideration of the Bench, and had really no right there. Mr Goldie explained that the remark was made in the heat of the moment, and he was prepared to apologise to the Bench for. making it.

We believe that if every one -would use American Co.'s Hop Bitterß freely there would be much less sickness and misery, in the world, and people are fast finding this out, whole families keeping well at a trifling cost by its ÜBO. We advise &il to try it, KeftO. , •.: ,' '

THE AUCKLAND J^VENING STAR, TUESDAY, APEIL 19/ 1887,

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