PARLIAMENTRY GOSSIP.

REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. anart-rly BaUway Tickets. wants to know whether the for Public Works will cause such *Y . *_ tn be made in the Railway u_atio nS l 0 • .ns a 3 will P rovicle! tnat P ers ons ontblyor quarterly tickets shall "quired to pay more in proportion lling on the New Zealand railways persons pay who take annual

.$ state Forests Department. 1 3 askin S tlie Government Mr r ; g commonly reported, it is ** •.'onfcion to abolish the State Forests *_ent a« d if s0 ' do they intend to precautionary measures to take tne . f orests f rom f. re as wero adopted by that Department |0 mer? Also ' whether they intend _'-kins to preserve the young forest iS£rorto P extendthem ? P The San Francisco Service. derstand that the Government will I "thority from the House to enter ** " _otiations for a continuation of the '"'"".rancisco subsidy. The intention H continue the service for another three J* 8, Chatham Islands. if,. McGregor wishes to know if the « Irnmentwill bring under the notice of i presentation Commissioners the fuct . i the Chatham Islands are at present fieally unrepresented, and if steps will {Sen to join them to some electorate. An Awkward Mistake. . ma t.er of fact, the division taken . ._, T_o-islative Council on Wednesday _Muted in the Wellington College School Bill being carried tl vote," the Hon. Mr Wahawaha's I having been improperly recorded ■_ the measure when it was fp4 its favour. The question S. raised in the Council yesterday __»n whether the record could be cor _3 but the Speaker said he felt he was great difficulty on the question, !! at present there was no remedy ; but I f onld like to take till to-day to con- L whether the suggestion made by Mr ___. t hftt tne resolution should be re- Sed'could be carried out. The Coun- Tconcurred, and the matter was left over. : Ma Rabbit - Proof Fence. i,ltnentionedon Wednesday, almost the J_;__a_t of the late Government was to She tender of Mills and Co., of Well -5§ for a wire-netting fence with iron l_ids for the sum of £3,659. No tenders Zinvited, and the expenditure was un thorised. I understand thab this rabbit -3 boundary will require patrolling daily. totends up the Waita-u to the Tasman idsr, The contract (material only) is for files, and the estimated cost of erec - 0 jg■■£ls per mile. An additional wynriles will be necessary to complete faience, which will take £2,000 a year to oiitain,' as it will require substantial gates *tiip at distances, and fence keepers or «jtey rangers. The material arrived ,tiie_-ul-onra a few days ago. Had the M-Vogel Ministry been sincere in their missions of encouragement to local in ktries. they could have intrusted the laufactare of the necessary material to pa colonial firm. jjolng Boundaries of Land Districts. 5» Minister for Lands is inserting in the liadß-l now before the Council a clause ilaing the bonndaries of certain land dis „& in Older to make them co terminus ii the registration districts. The boun llltfithft'larid districts of Auckland, „W. Bay, Otago, and Southland are Our trade with New South Wales. Hr Joyce having represented that the lew South Wales Legislature have formu cd a,proposal to increase their import kftson New Zealand produce, in conse p_-of the motion appearing on the order an import duty on all coal ifrtedinto New Zealand, Mr R. Reeves !_fi_hdrawn the objectionable motion, ~itiiH accordingly be discharged from -arierpaper. Importation of Stock. _i Importation of Stock Committee, ptejl to inquire into and to report on kn-ject of the advisableness or other w_New Zealand ports being opened to -importation of stock, report that they I; that the resolutions arrived ik Conference, held in Sydney 1886, in so far as they mportation of foreign animals, opted by New Zealand, and rnmenb be requested to take ingly, such information to be ie general regulations recom le Conference ; that one, or at orta be declared quarantine ;_-«_ the quarantine ground oases be an island, id Administration Repeat c Land Administration Act as passed through Committee I slight amendment. It was »ed by the Hon. Mr Buckley, iit was an open secret that the measure was simply to enable ins to complete their native ions, as the list laid before the ttietitly showed. An amend by the Hon. Mr Taiaroa, ex- Middle Island and Stewart's the operation of the Act, was the voices, stive Land Boards. iiiery' required for the election ■-Swill be effected by regula ty -he Minister for Lands, and -d,_o that the elections may ,as soon after the first possible. The Boards will ted of the Chief Commis si districts and four elective Of-the latter, three will be j-County Councils in the land [One by boroughs. The prin '?? will be similar to that which selection of Education Boards. *.'..Otago, Central. I 'Central Railway Extension ?»thig with a kindly reception f House. In moving its second f shver said that the bill, if B.,nave the effect of opening mm acres of land.and would B£-a new province to the » bill was also supported by Mr M fas strongly opposed by giandMcLlan, and at 10.30 *wte was adjourned until next M6.B_.nd that the Hon. Mr Intends moving an amendment of the question till n » and this will probably be p« Seadings. feta Council on Wednesday *W Court Act, 1886, Amend ____** Maori Real Estate Jm> were read a third time. MM Loans to Local Bodies mm ; was made on the motion mm Stevens providing that rates as occupiers lands shall be liable under the Act. * Bill Debate. %"__. ° c measure asking «.» i _ mi uion loan occupied M\ Di ? ht - Fitchett limiting the proposal CV&. this the Premier re tpej Mr Scobie McKenzio, on with Opposi- were renewed from time

to time He hostilely criticised the Govern ment financial and works proposals, but when, in conclusion, he announced his in dention of voting against the amendmenb, dis °PP osifcionisfcs looked simply New Plymouth Harbour Loan and Rates. lheNew Plymouth Harbour Committee meet to-day to consider their report. The Committee will find, as to bhe faebs, thab the Board will have greab difficulby in paying interest after May Ist, and will fail to pay alter -November Ist unless assisted; that tne present rate presses heavily on settlers and retards settlement and that the Board nas suffered from the perpetual lease and ; C T c _ P a y ment system. It is antici pated that the Committee will recommend that the Government should devise some plan by which, without loss to the colony, relief may be given to the settlers. Sweeping Retrenchment. I have authority for stating that the State 1< ores. Department, of which Professor Kirk is the head and which costs the colony about £10,000 a year, will be absolutely swept away. A The Loan Bill Debate. Yesterday's debate on the Loan Bill might have been terminated at any moment if the Government would have consented to the demands of the Canterbury members to have the Christchureh-Sumner railway in serted in the schedule of the Loan Bill. The Prorogation. The prorogation has been fixed for Friday next. Jottings. The Hon. G. McLean, whose experience as a successful speculator ought to be worth taking notice of, says he has taken good care not to burn his fingers with invesbmenbs in native land, and could never see the force of the craze in its favour. The Council proposes to sit on bobh Saburday and Monday nexb. No opposition was offered in tho Council to the Christchurch Hospital Bill and Christchurch Drainage Board Reserves Bill, second readings of which were carried on the voices without debate.

The>-e is no regulation prohibiting civil servants from being members of Education Boards and School Committees.

Government will, during the recess, take into considertion the question of increasing the rate of pay allowed to common juries. The Pensions Committee report that Messrs A. D. Austen, Alex. Muir and Bad deley are all legally entitled to their pensions.

Pyke's perennial boutonniere graced the usually unoccupied gallery of the Lords last nighb, while its wearer watched with inter est the progress of his pet bill. Oliver's speech in moving the second reading of the Otago Central Bill was very long and somewhat prosy. Scotland considers that the rising genera tion of New Zealand is getting so effeminate from being cradled by railways that they haven't stomach for a long sea voyage, but must be provided with comfortably cushioned seats in railway carriages. A contractor has informed MrShrimski that tho Government portion of the Otago Central line is the worst line in the colony, and would not provide grease for carriage wheels.

THE A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING.

THIS MORNING'S TRAINING NOTES,

(By Hippona. )

The tracks at Ellerslie were in good order bhis morning, and a lot of serviceable work waß gone through. Nelson put on a couple of circuits on the tan at three quarter pace, getting over the ground in good style. The Son of King Cole is voted by his trainer to be sounder at the present time than he has been this season. Tet ford, who made his re-appearance after an absence of four mornings, went twice round slowly, and Lady Norah accomplished similar work. The last-named is looking well. Sextant accomplished once round at an easy pace, when he was picked up by Tamora, and the pair strode along together for a good working gallop, in which Tamora acquitted herself well. W. E. Gladstone and Cinderella went once round, when the pace was improved. The first named goes very '' proppy " behind. Clogs pub in a sound once round, and the two-year old filly Hilda, who is sore, went once round at half-pace. The Hippocampus horse Shillelagh was tried over a mile and a-halt ab his besb pace, Arbisb bringing him home in the last three-quarters of a mile. The gallop was a fair one. Anbelope, Wapiti, and Lioness can tered to the three-quarter mile post, when the trio jumped off and ran home at top. Antelope pulled up fresh and well. The jumpinc candidates Shotover, Guy Fawke.. Isaac, and Whalebone each put in useful work. Victoria, Bangle, Cannon, and Memorandum were on the course, but merely did walking exercise.

Sale of Sextant and Gipsy King.

Negotiations have been in progress for several days past between Mr D. O'Brien and Mr G. G. Stead for the purchase of Sextant and Gipsy King, and ib has concluded by Mr O Bnen parting with the pair for the sum of £2 400. Sextant will race in his new owner's colours at the A. R.C. Meeting, and Mason arrives by next Mondays steamer from the South to take charge of the colt,

Maxim Shipped to Auckland.

A private telegram received in town from Christchurch states that the Derby favour ite Maxim was shipped to Auckland yester day evening to fulfil his A.R.C. engage ments.

To-morrow's Races at Otahuhu.

The Summer Meebing of the Otahuhu Racine Club bakes place to-morrow, and ib wffl no doubb abbracb bhe usual number of Visitors from town. Trains leave the rail ™y st r :tion m at 12.20 and 1 20, seno-e'rsattheracecoursegate. Thebigei,ent nf the day, bhe Suburban Handicap, pro • I ♦___ .rftct a large field, andonall hands mises toattract a large fancy cSn Twho rsi 7 nrare P buckle just now and %££s£ M a Peg Torpedo's g . S? beat in tbe Flying Stakes. .- . . Sale of tbe Privileges. _t " :o _-"__ TonksandCo. sold the privi- MessrS B. - Lon .^"'"". da y. There was a leges for tbe meeting to day { Uowing prices were realised d iiartin, ____ Dining- room U> ■»• ■« g No 2 booth, No. 1. bo ot s; O Z ;i d o a Tbooth, Whitehead, Gillander, £50; Wo. o v £44 *" V N d Templar s '&£, Mrs Hunt £7 Adams, £200; sbabhng, Gorman, £810 s - .

SELLING DRINK TO A DRUNKEN MAN.

, ByTE __GRArH-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. ~ n „,. _>day James Thomson, Hotel, __._---1 ready intoxicated.

ARRIVAL OF H.M.S. NELSON.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Russell, this day. The H.M.S. Nelson passed South at noon The wind is light from the S.W.

REAR-ADMIRAL FAIRFAX, C.8., COMMANDING THE AUSTRALASIAN SQUADRON.

REAR-ADMIRAL H. FAIRFAX, R.N., C.B.

H.M.S. Nelson, under bhe command of Rear-Admiral H. Fairfax, R.N., C.8., passed Russell ab noon to-day, and will be at anchor in our harbour to-morrow. Rear- Admiral H. Fairfax, who is in command of H.M. Squadron on the Australian station, is the third and youngest son of the late Colonel Sir Henry Fairfax, who served with bhe old 95bh (Rifle Brigade) in the Penin sula, 1812-13, and was promoted to a com pany in the 85th Light Infanbry on his return to England, retiring from the army in 1841, after a service of more than 30 years. He was created a baronet on the 21st February, 1836, as a tribute to the.gallanb conduct of his father, Vice-Ad miraTSir Wm. George Fairfax, as flag-captain to Admiral Lord Duncan ab the battle of Camperdown, in 1797, on board H.M.S. Venerable. Rear-Admiral Fairfax was born in 1837, his mother having been third daughter of Thomas Williamson, Esq. (afterwards Williamson - Ramsay), of Lixmount, County Edinburgh, and of Mnxton, in Roxburghshire, which latter estate was inherited by his eldest brother, Sir William G. H. T. Fairfax, Bart., on the death of his aunt, Miss Williamson-Ramsay, in 1876, whereupon Sir William assumed the additional surname of Ramsay. He entered the Royal Navy in 1805, and the following are the dates of his com missions, according to the . Royal Navy List:" — Sub-lieutenant, sth December, 1856 ; lieutenant, 25th August, 1858 ; com mander, 4th November, 1862; and cap tain, 3rd April, 1868. Early in his naval career he served on board the Amphitrite on two voyages to Behring's Straits and to the Arctic Sea, to communicate with bhe Arctic ship Plover, reaching latitute 70 de grees 40 minutes N., within 40 miles of Port Barrow. As lieutenant of tbe Ariel, on the South East Coast of Africa, he was constantly employed on coast service, and for his dis tinguished conduct on several occasions, especially in the capture of a piratical slaver, "their Lordships, wishing to express their high sense of Lieutenant Fairfax's great gallantry," promoted him to the rank of com mander in November, 1862. He commanded H.M.S. Boscawen 1867-68, and sat on a committee ab bhe Foreign Office on bhe Easb African Slave Trade, 1869-70. On the 9th September, 1870, he was ap pointed captain of the Forte, of 24 guns, the flagship of Rear-Admiral James H. Cockburn in the East Indies, where he served till 1872; and on the 21 sb November of bhab year he was nominated naval attache to Sir Bartle Frere's special mission to the Sultans of Zanzibar and Muscat, returning to England on the 12th June, 1873. In the following October he wasappointed PrivateSecretaryto the Right Hon. G. J. Goschen, M.P., First Lord of the Admiralty, which office he held till the change of Ministry in February, 1874. On the 6th July of that year he was appointed captain of the Volage, of 18 guns, stationed on South-East Coast of America, conveyed the astronomical expedition to, Kerguelen (Desolation Island), for observation of the transit of Venus, 1874-75, and was elec ted a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He continued in command of: the Volage till 1877, and on the 31st August he became a captain of bhe Bfibannia, training ship for naval cadets, in which capacity he has had the superintendence of the nautical education of the two sons of the Prince of Wales, and in recognition of thab service he was created a civil -Companion of the Bath. He was appointed A.D.C. to the, Queen in 1881. As captain of the Monarch, he was present during the bombardment of Alexandria, July, 1882, arid during the Egyptian War; and received the Egyptian Medal, the Khedive's Bronze Star, and the Order of Osmanieh 111. class. For his dis tinguished services he was created Com panion of the Bath, Military Division. Rear-Admiral Fairfax married, on the 25th April, 1872, Harrieb, youngest daughter of Sir David Kinloch, Bart., of Gilmerton, Haddingtonshire, by his mar riage with Eleanor Hyndford, eldest; daughter of Sir Thomas Gibson Carmichael, Bart. His appointment to the command of the Australian station dates from February Ist, 1887. The Admiralis a tall, well built Scotchman of about 45 years of age, with a handsome and imposing coun tenance.

OBSTRUCTING THE STREETS.

RAID ON THE HAY CARTS.

The police have recently been making a raid on vehicles left sbariding in bhe publi streets, and thereby causing public in convenience. Tho most recent obstruction of this description brought under notice was some thirty or forty carts laden wibh hay bhab are allowed bo sband ab the corner of Wyndham and Albert - street every market day. These carts - are usually drawn up in a line or double lino, thereby almost pubting a sbop bo traffic. At the Police Court this morn ing three of the obstructionists were charged with this offence. The first case called was one against Nock Speedily, in defence of whom Mr Bucklnnd appeared. Evidence was given by Constable Hansen, who de posed that on the 4th inst. an obstruction was caused in Albert-street by a large number of hay carts standing in double line. He asked the carters to move on and the defendant refused to do so. Evidence was also given by bhe defendant,who stated thab his care had only one horse and was drawn up alongside of tho footpath. The constable spoke to him once and he moved, and subsequently the constable took his name. charges were, preferred against" Thomas Dixon and Samuel Boyant, who were stated to have had their carts drawn across the top of Albert - street, completely stopping the traffic. A cart coming up Albert-street had to wait until tho de fendants removed their carts before it could pass into Wyndham-streot. Mr Buckland submitted that there was no wilful obstruc tion and the Bench,.taking a lenient view of the cases, imposed fines of 5s and costs in each instance.

FIRES AT NAPIER.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Napier, this day. A six-roomed cottage near Taradale was totally destroyed by fire at an early hour this morning; iusurance, £125 in the New Zealand Office. An alarm of fire occurred at 2 a.m. in town, bub proved to be only a window curtain in a blaze, and the flames were put out before much damage was done.

AUCKLAND YACHT CLUB.

EVOLUTIONS TO-MORROW.

The Auckland Yacht Club will rendezvous off the Queen-street: Wharf at 2.30 p.m. to morrow, for the purpose of going through a series of evolutions in company. It is expected bhere will be a large musber of yachts belonging to the Club, and with a nice breeze the evolutions, if well executed, should prove an interesting sight. The sailing signals will be given from the com modore's yacht,-Matangi, and also from the vice-commodore*s new yacht Ariel. The following code will be used :—lst, in line, Ensign abpeak ; 3rd, in line 4 abreasb, two flags at mast head: 2nd, abreast, 2 divisions, two flags at peak : 4th, go about, flag at peak, and flag at mast head ; sth, all abreast, flag at mast head; 6th, dis missal, dipping Ensign from peak. Yachts then pass to windward of Commodore and salute while passing.

ENGLISH CAPITAL.

SUCCESSFUL • OF: THE WAITRI: GOLD MINING COMPANY,

The following cablegram was received yesbei'day by Mr J. Russell, Chairman of bhe Union Gold Mining Company from Mr Thomas ' Russell, C.M.G. :— " Company floated. Capital. 100,000.' Union get 30,000 paid up shares; Rosemont £11,000 cash. Mines floated under name of Waihi G.M. Co. Limited. Shares will bo. saleable here shortly." We understand thab £30*000 from bhe capibal of bhe company will be available for developing the mine: The cash payment to the shareholders of the Rosemont will be equal to about 9s per share, which is not a bad return for an outlay of about Is per share.

The Christmas tree and the sale of work now open in the Forresters Hall, Karangh hape Road, is worthy of special mention. The tree itself is decorated with Canadian cornucopia, filled with sweets, etc., etc., and, during the evening, will be lighted with innumerable coloured candles. It is loaded with useful and fancy articles, toys both for girls and boys), and parents will find a great deal of useful clothing pro curable at very moderate prices, to meet the times,

POLICE COURT-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs S. Y. CollihsandH. Wilding.) Drunkenness. — William Montgomery was fined £5 and costs, or 7 days, for a third offence, and three others were fined 5s and costs for first offences.

Obscene Lanouach;. Dob Sullivan pleaded guilty to beingd .nk and disorderly, and also to the use of obscene language at Lucas Creek on 6th inst.—Constable O'Brien deposed that he went to Lucas Creek on special duty. He found the accused acting in a very disorderly manner and anxious to fight with the Maoris. The accused was drunk, and used obscene language in the hearing of several persons. —The Bench imposed a fine of 20s and costs for the drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and one month's imprisonment for the use of obscene language. Obstructionists.—Nock Speedily, Thos. Dixon, and Samuel Boyant were fined Is and costs for obstructing Albert-street with carts.

Assault.—David Simmonds and Louis Simmonds were charged with a breach Of the peace by throwing stones to the danger of one James Smerdon, and also with assaulting Agnes Smerdon by kicking and striking her on the 30th November last. The accused, the eldest being only about 10 years of age, pleaded not guilty. Mrs Simmonds applied for a remand till Mon day to enable her to obtain legal defence, and the requesb was granted. A Railway Crossing,—Henry G. Payne was charged with knowingly and wilfully driving a buggy across the Te Papapa rail way crossing, on November 30th, when an engine was approaching and within a Suarter of a mile.—Mr Cooper appeared for ie Railway Department, and Mr Cotter for the defendant.—Mr Cooper stated at the outset that it was claimed by the defence that Mr Payne was not driving the vehicle and that ib was driven by a Mr Bow ring. If bhab was the case, he would not proceed further in the matter. George Bow ringgave evidenceand admitted that he, and not Mr Payne, was driving the buggy in question, and thereupon Mr Cooper agreed to withdraw the charge, which was dis missed.

VOLCANIC PHENOMENON.

SUDDEN OUTBURST OF AN

EXTINCT GEYSER.

FISH READY BOILED.

On Sunday last a wonderful phenomenan occurred at Te Wairoa, or Long Waters, as it is called. Since the eruption last year the Te Wairoa has been classed as an extincb geyser, but during bhe prevalence of heavy wind and rain on bhe above-mentioned day, the geyser started to play most furi ously, in some instances casting up boiling water nearly 200 feet high. , This was continued at intervals throughout the day, which, in spite of the adverse elements, attracted nearly everyone to see. The most sensational part of the affair was the casting up of large quantities of small eyeless fish cooked to a turn. There being a scarcity of food amongst the natives, these came most opportunely. The fish were eagerly gathered up from the boiling water, and a feast ensued, until one of the natives, who considers him self a bit of a prophet, told them they had done wrong in eating the fish—not before he had secured a fair share—and that they ought to<be sacred .or tapti. This was demurred to by some natives, who arrived upon the scene late, and the baskets of fish were put in the sacred place of which the prophet had custody. A party of pig hunters who had been scouring the ranges for two days joined in the argument, and after a time the prophet gavo way, and the feast was resumed, apparently to the satisfaction of all.. »

SERIOUS BUGGY ACCIDENT.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Hamilton, this day. A buggy accident occurred last evening, whereby Mrs Gwynne and Mrs Carr, of Auckland, were thrown out of the trap in going down the cutting :,by Calderwoods. The horse, from some cause or other, com menced to kick, and bolted, upsetting bhe trap and pitching both occupants out. Both ladies received a severe shaking. The shafts of the trap were broken as well as one bf the wheels. The horse was nob in jured.

The lecture this evening by Major Dane is his last lecture before proceeding North on Monday next. The subject is an in teresting one, and should command a large attendance. The Mohawk Minstrels returned to Auck land to-day, after a most successful season of six nights at Thames. They open at the Agricultural Hall to-morrow night, in another now programme,

A MISSIONARY EXPELLED.

HIGH-HANDED CONDUCT OF FRENCH AUTHORITIES.

(reuter.)

Sydney, this day. Rev. J. Jones, an English missionary at Mare, (?) arrived in this city last night, having been expelled by the French from the island at half-an-hour's notice, after a residence of 34 years.

THE POINT RESOLUTION PURCHASE.

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

CORRESPONDENCE,

(by telegraph.—own reporter.)

Wellington, this day.

I am enabled now to give you some extracts from the correspondence re garding the now celebrated Point Resolution purchase. Some verbal nego tiations had evidently taken place between Mr Kissling and Mr Brewer, the Government Land Purchase Officer, before the dateof the first letter which is November 20th, 1885, and is from Mr Kissling to Mr Mr Brewer. In this letter Mr Kissling defines the position as follows : — " The Government have taken the whole of my property, for which bhey are to pay £6,000 for freehold and leasehold interests. Of this sum I am to receive £5,368, and the trustees £632; total, £6,000. The Govern ment undertakes to hand me back as a freehold, portion of the property not required by them, say about three and a-half acres, for which I am to pay them £4,250; the total cost of com pensation will, therefore, be £1,750. Should ib be found in sebtlemenb with the trustees that, the Government have to pay a larger sum than £632 for their freehold interest, I undertake to reimburse them the excess. Ie is understood that the boundary of my property and the forts is bhe fence erected by the Government." .

On November 28, 1885, Mr Brewer wrote to Mr Cochrane, Secretary to the General Trustee Board, diocese of Auckland, say ing :—" lam directed by the Hon. Defence Minister to state that it is proposed to take the whole of the land at present in the occupation of Mr. G. A. Kissling. The property being let for such a long berm bo bhab genbleman ab a nominal rental, the principal part of the compensa tion money will be awarded to him. As, however, the Government wish your Board to be treated with every considera tion, I am requested to state that the sum of £632 will be awarded for your interest. Will you please let me know at your earliest convenience if you accept this offer, so that arrangements can be made for pay ing over the money ? If you do not accept, the case will have to goto the Supreme Court."

The next letter, dated Dec. 4th, 1885, is from Mr Cochrane to Mr Brewer, in which the writer states that the Board accepted the offer of £632.

On Nov. 21st 31 r Brewer wrote to the Under-Secretary of the Public Works De par tmenb :—" The cosb of the whole pro perty will be £6,000, and I have a wribben undertaking from Mr Kissling thab he will give bhe Government £4,250 for the portion nob required. The properby is a very choice one, in fact one of the pretbiesb spots in Auckland. There are many wealthy members who would not consider the price if they could. get-such a plage. , If we took the case to Court we should certainly lose, so if we settle the matter on the proposed basis we shall be well out of an awkward claim."

A telegram from the Under-Secretary for Defence, to Mr Brewer stated, "MrßaDance strongly approves of your action in the matter."

A letter from Bishop Cowie raises the points(l)whet_ertheGovernmenthadaraght to take from St. Stephen's estate more land than was needed for defence purposes, and (2) whether they had a right to sell land so taken. ..j, ; ........

FATAL BUSH ACCIDENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Fielding, this day. A man who was known only by the name of " Tommy," agedl9,waskilledatAwahuri yesterday afternoon. He was engaged with a native carting-wood out of the bush, and in assisting to get the cart out of a rut, was crushed between the cart and a tree and died about two hours afterwards. His father is believed to be employed on the railway. ;:,.. ,

R.M. COURT-THIS DAY.

(Before H. G. Sebh Smibh, Esq., R. M.) Judgment Summons Cases.—L. Moses- v. J. Yon Brackle, £7 12s, defendant examfined, ordered to pay by 17th February; E. Langley v. Mrs Townsend. £2 18s lid, order made for payment by instalment, s of 2s per week. W. Wilson v, W. Quiiilan, £6 15s 7d, order made for payment by instalments of 2s 6d per week. H.Walker v. L. L. Levy, £8; 9s, no order made. H. Walker v. J, Maxwell, £2 18s 6d; order for payment by the 20th of January. J Little v, Henry. J. Pratt, £3 10s lid; order made for pay ment by February Ist. C. H. Green v. P. Miller, £5 4s Od ; no order made. P, H. Davies v. H. Handley, £510s; noordermade. F. H. Elliott v. D. Z. Campbell, £7 18s; struck out. Auckland Dairy Co. v. W.-sHj, Pulford, £1 6s lid ; adjourned to 6th Jan. E. G. S. Erson v. Wm. Higgins, claim £9 Us 6d; order made for payment by weekly instalments of ss. R. Rew v. F. Brown, £2 6s 4d; ordered to pay by weekly instalments of 4s. J. Rae v. H. A. Hitchens, claim £15; defendant examined and case adjourned to 27th January. A. E. Spence v. J. M. Haslett, £7 15s; ordered to pay £7 14s 3d by insbalments of 20s a month. ,

OUR GOLDFIELDS

Thames, this day. I Cambria.—Another parcel of 201bs picked V stone was obtained yesterday afternoon when breaking down the No. 6 leader in j the sixth stope over No. 3 level. There is no change to report in the other workings- The band of mineral on the hangingwall of the main reef in the No. 4 drive, at No. 3 level, is scarcely as large as on the oc casion of my last; but there is still an abundance of stratamata and iron pyrites visible, while dabs of pretty coarse gold are observed almost every breaking down. Excellent progress is being made with the crosscut at No. 4 level by the aid of the rock borer, and it is now in 80 feeb from the shaft. The country is a favourable sandstone.' Trenton.—Colours of gold are still seen when breaking down the reef in the drive. Good headway is being made, as the sand stone is excellent., There are about two tons of quartz in the paddock. Saxon.—3olbs of picked stone were got to-day fromNos.2 and 1 4 stope e_awarcf of I the rise at No 4 level.

CONTROL OF GUMDIGGERS.

Mr Baber's motion re. bhe control of gum diggers by the various County Councils came up for consideration yesterday after noon ab the meeting of the Crown Lands Board. Nine replies were received to the circulars forwarded by Mr Baber to the County Councils for their opinion upon the matter. The Mongonui Council stated thab several years ago that Council had applied to the Government to have the control of the gum industry vested in them for the purpose of issuing licenses something after the same . fashion as miners' rights were issued. This plan would prevent illegal taking of gum, would be a source of revenue to the county, and a protection to the gumdiggers themselves. The Council agreed with this, and suggested the issue of a license for a fee of 10s to gum diggers. The Hokianga Council thought thab ib would be advisable bo conbrol the kauri gum industry by issuing licenses to diggers. The Whangaroa Council con sidered it would be advisable to control the industry but did not, at presenb, see how ib could be done. The Hobson County County thought Crown lands should be thrown open without any restriction to gumdiggers, except so far as might prevenb danger to kauri forests from fire. Tbe Whangarei Council thought it) desirable that control of the industry should be in the hands of the Councils, and that spme means should be devised to tnako gumdiggers contribute to the mainten ance of the roads. The Waitemata Council thought ib desirable bhat bhe gum industry • should be controlled by the various County' Councils, while the Thames Council de clined to take control of the gumfields, and deemed it inadvisable at present to enforce payment of a fee for the digging of gum.. NO reply was received from either the! Rodney County Council or the Bay of: Islands Council..

Mr Baber moved. "In ordertocomplywithi the wishes expressed by theMongonui, Hoki-' anga, Whangarei, and Waitemata County Councils, it is advisable that the control of the kauri gum industry, outside of boroughs, be in the hands of County Councils, witK the power to prevent digging for or dealing in kauri gum without license issued by them for their respective counties, to charge for such licenses and appropriate the proceeds for county purposes; it being optional for any county to use or decline: such control as it thinks fit. It is further advisable that an Act to effect this purpose be submitted for the consideration of Par liament next session." MrPearce opposed the motion, but eventually it was adopted.

AQUATICS.

Tho St. George's Rowing Club hold their trial fives to-morrow afternoon round in Judge's Bay and some interesting races are promised. The following are the crews to compete: —Gibbons, Lusk, Cooper, Marriner, E. St. Claybon, A. Carmichael (Steeroar), T. Car michael, Johnston, Tizard, Stuarb, Sanders, D. Bews (Steeroar), Lees, Moore, McKenzie, Lynch, Adlington, Woodhouse (Steeroar), ftobins, Kilfoyle, HartweU, Clarkson, Hart well, Winks (Steeroar), O'Rielly, C. Z. Clayton, Walker, Philson, Ashton (Steer oar). ."_■-, ■ . (~.. f . : i.' :: \

An error occurred in the advertisement of the property to be sold by public auction on Wednesday next, fit] should have read ■-' the property of Thomas Boylan, Esq;?' i . Human Nature" attracted another large audience at the Opera House 'last evening, and met with a most .flattering reception. This great drama Will be presented only on two more evenings, and those who .have, riot yet seen it should take this opportunity of doing so. ' '.".,.''..','._ * ;,: . , A meeting of the shareholders of the Paroquet mine, Waiomo, was held ab Mr. D. G. MacDonnelFs office bo day, <at which Messrs R. T. Douglas, Speers, J. Buchanan, Campbell and Steadman were re-elected directors. Stone from different portions of the reef, all showing more or less gold, was exhibited, and a highly-satisfactory - report on the workings was read from the manager, Mr, Ralph. ■_.-'•.. : : The old boys of the Auckland College and Grammar School gave a very enjoyable dance in the school buildings last evening. There was a large attendance, and dancing was kept up till one o'clock this morning. As some misapprehension seems to exist with regard to the working of the Old Caledonia mine, the subjoined extract from the mine manager's report, dated Decem ber 12th, explains the true state of affairs," by which it will be seen that there are ab present six men working — four under-' neath the* old shot of gold arid, two in the Otago section. ' The mis hap to the engine is of small'im portance, but necessitated ten of the men leaving until after Christmas.' . The e__rae_' is as follows :—" I discharged 10 of the hands ori Saturday, at least till after Christ mas, as it will take the most of the present week to complete the repairs of the engine, so that the only men at work now are 4 ab cross-cut between No. 2 and No. 3 levd, and 2 in-Otago section.'' . •]' Tenders for printng are called by t__ City Council up to ,22nd insti at 3 p.m.; ialso tenders for works in Grafton Ward up to the same date. A little girl, two years old, with light hair and dressed in a blue-checked dress, has been reported to the police as lost by her parent, Mr Hall of Livingstone-street. - ;

We notice that the agents of the s.b. Oreti have advertised excursions for the coming week. On Monday the Oreti leaves for Hokianga and Northern ports, return tickets (available for 14 days) being fixed at 255. On Wednesday she leaves for New Plymouth and Wanganui, return tickets fop New' Plymouth, 255; for Wanganui, 30s. Monday's excursion to Hokianga will be; a good chance for the friends ofthe village settlers to pay a visit to them, Elsd to visitors to have a' look at the district Vhichjis destined to be the garden.Of New Zealand. ) " ' ' 7'

Thomas King, baker, was examined by the Officual Assignee to-day as to his affairs,. and stated that his assets consisted of hen-ses, carts, etc., £150: worth of; book dejbts, worth about £20 and furniture worth £16. His liabilities amounted to £440i155<

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &C., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — __eitch Company hi " Human Nature," 8 n_ ►. . Choral Hall—Cantata, " Flower 8 , Temperance Hall — Gem of the Sea Lodge, H.M.S. Diamond, 1.0 0.T.. 7.30 '■•■ St. Andrew's Schoolroom, Symonds-st—Xmas

Tree Entertainment,. 8 , ••_,.-. St. Sepulchre's Church—Confirmation, 7.30,. St Mary's Hall, Onehunga—Fancy Fair arid Bazaar, 7. St. sepulchre's Schoolroom—St; David's Christ-. mas Tree and Concert. 4 to 10 p.m. Mackelvie-street Church—Pastor A. G. Daniells will preach, 7.30 "",-j ■ All Saints' Schoolroom—Performance of "The

Messiah," 8 ■ , ... , •• , . Foresters' Hall, Newton—Xmas Tree and Sale of Work U.M.F. Church, Pitt -and Vincent ■<Streets— Xmas Tree and Concert. 7.30 Imperial Hotel—Aucklsaid Rowing Club, 8 City Hall—Major D___e on "The Hawaiian Islandß,"B , < i : —■. Drill-shed—Ponsonby Naval Artillery. 6.30 .-~ - Lind's Hall, Northcote—Fancy Dress Ball, 8

Bota of Justices at Police Court.

;. i__,wm» w_ uu_»ns.itv j-vxi-o vuar . ' December 17 — Messrs F. and A, ' Boordman ; :_-.__.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

F. J. Jones, Newton—Paperhangings. &a. 2 D. F, Evans-Blectroplajted Ware, 11

THE AUCKLAND EVENING" STAR, FRIDATr DECEMBER 16. 1887.

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Two prisoners named Charles August and William Brent were brought from Russell this morning by Constable Sefton. They were conveyed to Mount Eden Gaol, August having been sentenced to two months' and Brent to one month's im prisonment for obscene language and malicious injury to property. Onehunga tweed .rouses to-measure, at 21s; Smith and Caughey's.-(ADVT)