"^Zw Committee of the City The opv? interesting themselves in Council hay DrO viding necessary means the »»tter frJi fire in buildings used for ftr «*■*?!. rta« The Committee have public of the City Hall U^&WJ have suggested to to be effected, and ],mi several v*» {Q git t h ose places on M have a c gthat the work has been satis forence to the unfortunate man ffit hretere' his posgess i O ns in ®*\ '1 Hanson, by which two tie «» vtdrS lost their lives, we of I"1?, to acknowledge a generous »* \Tr Mcßride, of the Auckland offer ty r r*L Cu'stoms-streetEast. Mr »bifSSStin 2 that if Clark willcall der from the Star Office, he o"^ m! him with a suit of clothes. 'iliprOiev"hie will be followed by take a delight in relieving S distress. • nnf nlirenolo"-y. it would seem, hasnotyefcbeen electors of the full benefit of its be lice in determining the qualifica jirainflnencai' Teasdale, one of tioflS °fw to the position of M.H.P... fffA gave some interest for tliat- v fh subject at * #$£recent meeting. He one jVt,ot he (Mr Teasdale) had the other Bta te(l hac « ; H . . a vailway carriage, daK aSenmn, one of the Major's met w'l" •» - ter3 That gentleman 4^Jhe had attended a infollß hv P?ofe=sor Leo Medo, the well f*;£sSSat Otahuhu, and that S S f°thai lecture the Professor fiXS"^*l" besfc developed head Z t had vet examined was the ttSaintleman residing at Te tu. &* head was all that was inrf for a-person to be the Governor ?SL or an/colony." The audience {id the name of that person, and (Home pressure the Professor had Zed to his pocket-book, and the name B there, and read out as a fit man to imNw Zealand, was J- B. Teasdale, CkewrofTeAwamutu. (Cheer.,.) He timself however, thought the position of Ste'rof Public Works was a suitable Jtoforhim as a practical man, and if Wed he would be willing to undertake Coffee in the Ministry for £400 a year burner to questions, Mr Teasdale would otfollow Atkinson or Hall. He believed in new blood. Young New Zealand was jo\r coming to the front.

After dragging for four hours yesterday for the body" of the owner of the clothes found on Mr Gouk's slip as reported yester day, the police were informed that the oraeriftd been seen up town. The .search ns discontinued, and Eelia Barrett, to f bom the clothes belonged, was found alive indwell at her home. She explained that duhad stripped to go in search of her lint, which had blown into the water, and the fakaess prevented her finding her clothes. Sle was therefore compelled to make the Ist of her way to Chancery Lane wrapped in an ulster. •

The Harbour Board desire to know how ktbeyare "committed" before they ex peg any opinion as to their liability for tie £707 charged ■by Mr McGuife for '•eitras"onthesea wall. It the Beard's meeting yesterday afternoon, it was re tted, "That the Freezing Company be lied,to supply a copy of the authority rid to have been given to Mr McGuire by tie Engineer for stoppage of reclamation rah1"

Be anniversary soiree of the Auckland fenacla congregation took place last t^i, and was largely attended. At the la je new imported chinaware was used h tip first time. Pastor Spurgeon pre tJtditffie afte'rm'eeting, about 500 persons to» present. The proceedings having kfflojwud with devotional exercises, the Buy (Mr S. H. Matteews) read the •nnoatreport, from which it appeared that Here are 644 members on the roll; Mount Ken affiliated church, 45; Cambridge iitto, 16; pand. total, 745. At Otahuhu the meetings had been well sustained. Ap puragreferenQewasmade to the acceptance «%PonsonbyChurchpastorateby the Rev. ■UGilmore. Statistics of Sunday Schools 34 teachers,s7o scholars; Mint Eden. 14 teachers, 120 scholars ; Wridge, 6 teachers, 42 scholars; 0 tahuhu 5 Were, 44 scholars : total, 79 teachers J« 716 scholars. Sixteen scholars and w teachers from the Tabernacle school Wjomedthechurchduritigtheyear. The •wont raised for Missionary Society work ffljndia was-£66 4s sd. The Ladies' Society closed its meetings in De ™erH and the funds in hand were de ™wl By the ladies to the purchase of a "Wet of tea-meeting chinaware for «?t Tabernacle. The Ladies' Benevolent ««y ; was formed in the beginning of the WWh ft membership of 62, to aid the the church, and, where practi ce, those outside recommended by £ Jff'tee. Addresses were de- E> \ the Chairman on "The ft ~Ork Dmin S the Year;" by J«f- «• J. Lewis on "Principle in •tfrhs" ReV- C- H- Garla»cl on p^7iua];D«tyin Churches;" and the ■» «.v °on another phase of the X Jeoti The Rev- Thos Bray gave Warf? i cong vatu]ation. The usual "jesotthanka were passed. ijr.to'«Heve the public of an. fctZU mJ?f ion ' caused by certain Nth.n.. faailceß of the Harbour «f£J rJ ay■ "fternoon, "We have Ninons inH o u i" 8 havin- incurred an that ri! debtedneß ?' the inference being £500000 « 6 ff^wl the whole of the feff£loo°mn ßl! Ofct fl he case- There £54,000 a f «' ,° J° fioafc- There is open ,L?^ deposifc a™l £2,200 ■^ZSt The balance of the ** Si has been "sed in adjusting which was Partly ttacoslV^P^seof the large dredger ••Jjttlfw^^held on Sunday A ft PWm? rket Hall in con- S 0"- Ci^T 1 Temperance Mis-. L wt PresiaW ?> p attendance Mr G. t .lls? Wlt% opened the Mro,; Bo y v s. ln?inS" Where is My to Night ?'' Mr A. G. fcwfi rlJ? charts i""strating S^i"ai? ,oi alcohol on the SJ^AS "ft interesting ex ?,^caret'? eh were Atoned to M°si°n of' Z i presenfc- At the S^MrDantu lecture the chairman requested him to T^ W«5Sv If meefcings will in evening. M^-I&T T^Perance service S;H wT c1 ers' Hal1' Karanga &•' thSffl" Mr T ' L- Wilcock IJiSee rf / a- r"esfc addvess on 1310"- There Was .&»' B?gi ?;, J, a^s's company of jH^g be held (Wed fei'fe-QIiST » interesting ?4s nXt ?eting Hoiise" of w enin =' entitled, *5S in soulL - e-° es-" AU th°se | jJy«hd.T^ pinilß themes are NiWrfS?* ?8 the coming S^ in S^ 08*.^active.sub- be anticipated .^9SS forth «^Wt

Captain Edwin advises at 1.35 p.m. : — "Glass further rise, with west to south and south-east gales within next 12 hours."

The kauri gum market continues weak ancl irregular. At last quotations the sup plies for the month to date were 410 tons.

About three months ago Messrs Sims and Brown, shipbuilders, received an order for a new schooner for a Tahitian firm, and this morning the vessel was put into the water almost ready for sea, the launch being a most successful one. The new schooner, which is called the "Ganloise," is described in another column, and from the particulars given it will be seen that .she is intended for a fast sailer. In deed, she is built to compete against the " crack "Californian-built schooners, such as the Lillian, Flora, and others which occasionally visit this port. The Gauloise is without doubt a really fast craft, her fine and neatly designed lines and tall spars, with a general yacht like appearance, being indicative of much above the average sailing powers. The new schooner will probably give an excel lent account of herself, and should bring further orders to tin's port. The christening ceremony was performed by Miss Brown, and after the launch the customary toasts were drunk.

On Wednesday last Drs. Haines, Dawson. Hooper, Girdler and Davy waited on the Hon. Mr Tole and brought under his notice certain matters in the Hospital and.Chari table Aid Act which they considered re quired amendment. The Minister of Jus tice, in reply to the deputation, thought that many of the defects in the admin istration of charitable aid would be removed were the members of the Board brought more into "touch" with the ratepayers, an object which might be achieved by the election of members of Boards by a popular vote, and not by the members of the local bodies. Mr Tole has also received from the Rev. Mr Tebbs several suggested amendments in the Act.

We have received a number of letters advocating the claims of different candi dates, but, as we have twice before stated,if admission were given to one there would bs no end to such communications from the friends and supporters of candidates, whose addresses we have endeavoured to report fully and fairly. "An Elector " must take this answer as the reason for the non-appear ance of his spirited letter supporting Mr Tole, and the same remark applies to " Censor's" attack upon the candidature of Mr Garratt. Mr T. B. Hill writes to say that he thought he had made it plain enough at the nomination why, al though a Protectionist, he supported Mr Withy in preference to Mr Tole or Mr Gar ratt. His reason is that he " looks upon protection or free trade, or local option, and many other questions as perfectly secondary to the vital ques tions of putting ihe colony rijrht finan cially and jithfvrtt'ise, and thinks Mr Withy is the best -^^ to assist in doing so at the present tutor*).'?* Mr John Brame writes to say that he ?s partly responsible for the statement nude by Mr Shera relative to the destruction of Irish nomination papers, as lie had made a statement to Mr Sherii on the subject.

Mr Justice Ward held a short sitting in Chamber's at the Supreme Court yesterday, when Mr Buddie moved for leave to serve a writ out &f jurisdiction in the case of John Edward Grace v. Samuel Matthias Cure. Order wao granted as prayed. In the same case leaA'o wa3 granted to issue changing order nwV

The Council of Auckland Chamber of Commerce have just taken commendable steps to have New Zealand timber intro duced in a piominentaml permanent way to the attention, of people at liome. Mr A. H. Nathan, Pre«ident of the Chamber, at the request of the Council communicated with Sir Julius Vogel asking him, through the Agent-General, to try and arrange for New Zealand timbers being used to some extent in the construction of the Imperial Institute building in London. The object of the Chamber is to demonstrate the general utility of New Zealand timbers for building purposes, as well as for cabinet and ornamental work; but the idea is also deserving of praise that a structure which is meant to be an emblem of Empire should, as far as possible, be composed of materials contributed by every portion of the extensive territory over which Queen Victoria reigns. Sir Julius Vogel has taken up the suggestion very warmly, and in a letter received by the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, he states that he will be pleased to do all in his power to further the views of the Chairman and Council. He encloses a copy of the letter which he has forwarded to the Agent- General on the subject, and in which he states that Auckland people are prepared to forward to London such samples of tim ber, mouldings, polished mottled kauri, etc., as may be desired.

Extensive preparations are being made for the performance of " Guy Mannering,' which is to be given by St. Matthew's Dramatic Society in the Opera House for the benefit of Mrs McGowan next Monday and Tuesday evening. Tickets are going off rapidly, and seats arc being marked off in large numbers. The performance is al most wholly musical, and will also be varied by one or two costume country dances. The caste of characters is a large one, and there are also a considerable number of gipsies and other subordinate assistants. The first production is on election night, and with the object of satisfying the curiosity of that portion of the audience which is interested in the results of the contests, Mr McGowan has arranged to have the returns from all parts of the colony announced from the stage during the various intervals.

A full attendance of the members of the chorus and of those who intend to assist in the performance of the cantata •'Britannia and Her Daughters," in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian City Mission, is called for tomorrow evening at St. James's Hall. Mr Edmondes will conduct, and the hour of practice is fixed at 7.30 p.m.

Under the energetic management of Mr Wesley Spragg, the Butter Department of the New Zealand Frozen Meat Company is rapidly widening its borders and proving a very efficient and profitable concern. Arrangements have been made and appli ances procured- for launching out into the business on the most systematic scale. During next month creameries will be estab lished at Hamilton, Paterangi, Ngarua wahia, Tuakau, Pukekohe, Waiuku, and possibly also, Papakura and Wairoa South, and with their new apparatus the Company will be in a position to turn out from 25 to 30 cwt of butter per diem. At the various creameries the milk will be purchased from the settlers and after the cream has been separated from it, the skim milk will be sold back to the settlers at a very low rate. Apropos of these intentions the Whatawhata corres pondent of the " Waikato Times " says : — " There can be no doubt but that the pro posal to establish a creamery at Ngarua wahia and collect the milk along the Waipa by means of a steam launch is one which will be the most suitable to the bulk of the settlers who live principally near the river, andalthoughthepriceonered,2id per gallon, seems at first, sight rather low, yet when it is considered that the skim milk may be bad back for id per gal lon, the price wears a different aspect. . . . . I venture to say that if- the Freezing Company carries out its part of the business with integrity, a large and mutually profitable trade will be done, particularly about Whatawhata, for the land is mostly under good cultivation, and has already obtained a good name for its dairy products. The new creamery may also be the means of benefiting us in another direction, namely, by bringing about a profit-able occupation of those farms i which are for sale and lease,"

ELECTION NOTES.

A stupid report has been set in circulation by interested parties to the effect that Mr Tole's nomination was invalid in conse quence of the elector who jumped up and forestalled the gentleman who was to have nominated him not being qualified. There

is no truth whatever in the rumour. The nominator is on the roll, and therefore fully entitled to make the nomina tion, and beyond that, the question whether he had been regularly. nominated was specifically referred to the Returning Officer by Mr Tole before he proceeded to speak, and a reply was given that the nomination was complete and valid. The roll is absolute for such purposes, and a re ference to it shows that the nominators are on the roll, and the nomination absolutely unassailable. Anyone who may hear the report, therefore, will know that it is one of those canards which are set afloat at times of election to gull fools with.

Mr Moss's Committee meet at the Carl ton Club, Manukau Road, this evening, at 7.30, and to-morrow evening at the same hour at St. Andrew's School, Lower Sy mondsstreet.

Mr Tolc's Committee met last nighfc afc Haslett's hall, Eden Terrace, and com pleted all details for Monday next. Messrs Cousins and Atkin, Carretb Bros, and other gentlemen sent correspondence offer ing traps to Mr Tole's Committee for poll ing day. Votes of thanks to these gentle men for their handsome and considerate offers were agreed to amidst applause. As will be noticed from an announcement else where, Mr Tole will address the electors at St. George's Hall on Friday evening at 8 o'clock.

Mr J. A. Connell's Avondale Committee meet to-night in the Public Hall, at 7.30.

Mr Morrison's Committee will meet this evening at the Committee-rooms, opposite St. James's Church, Wellington-street, at 7.30. It is particularly requested that every member will put in an appearance.

Mr H. W. Farnall, one of the candidates for City North, will address a meeting to morrow (Thursday) evening at St. James's Hall. The meeting is under the auspices of the Trades and Labour Council.

A special committee meeting of Mr J. M. Shera's supporters and friends takes place this evening at half-past seven o'clock. Full muster particularly requested.

Mr J. A. Connell at Three Kings.

A large meeting of electors took place at Three Kings last night, Mr J. \V. Can occupying the chair. Mr Conncll spoke at length upon the chief questions agitating the public mind, viz., retrenchment, land settlement policy, native lands adminis tration, protective duties, encourage ment of native industries, railway re form, education, and local option. His address was received with demonstra tions of approval throughout, and he resumed his seat amidst enthusiastic applause. Mr Connell then answered a number of questions. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Walters and duly seconded. Mr W. J. Connelly moved as an amendment, "That this meeting accords to Mr Connell a vote of thanks and confi dence in him as the future member for Eden." The Chairman put the amendment first, when 25 voted for it; the motion was then put and only 5 hands were held up. The Chairman there upon declared the vote of thanks and confidence carried by a large majority. Subsequently a meeting of the Committee was held, Mr Carr presiding. A number of names were added to the Committee, and a large amount of support to Mr Connell was reported. Final arrangements were made for the polling day, and the meeting adjourned.

Waitemata.

Mr Seaman (Returning Officer for Waite mata) states that although by the recent alteration of electoral districts Waitemata has been considerably reduced in area by a transfer to the electorate of Eden of the dis tricts of Waikomiti, Titirangi, Manukau, Waitakerei South, and the greater portion of Waitakerei East and West, with a con siderable part of Waipareira, and the re moval from the roll to-that of Eden of 354 electors, it still maintains a high numerical position—the number of electors now ex ceeding that at the last general election of 1884 by 268. The roll then contained 2,287, and now contains 2,555 ; and notwithstand ing the removal of so many to Eden, and the death and removal co other districts of not a few, it is still within 187 of the num ber to which the roll had attained in December last, before the large area re ferred to was separated, thus showing un mistakably that even in a time of depres sion the population of Waitemata is steadily increasing.

Manukau.

Mr Osborne addressed a crowded meeting of eleotors at Onehunga Public Hall last night, Mr C. V. Hill presiding. Mr Osborne in the course of his remarks said he was accused of being an advocate for a low rate of wages for the working-class. This he strongly denied. He was never a friend of low wages. If the man who accused him was present let him come on the platform and he would answer him. He was, he was sorry to say accused, by Sir G. M. O'Rorke of being a "new chum." He was not a new chum, as he was as long here as Sir G. M. O'Rorke was when he was first brought into a political situation, it was reported also that he had refused to sub scribe to the Public Library. This he would tell them was absolutely false. These reports were all political schemes and false hoods. Retrenchment was dealt with as on a previous occasion, : the speaker further criticising Sir G. M. O'Rorke's remarks on the Governor's salary in his ad dresses at Newmarket, Remuera, and other places. He then dealt with the Civil Ser vice, quoting the salaries received. The big house at Wellington wanted to be com pletely swept and garnished, and this could not be done with an old broom. It would require a new broom to take down all the cobwebs in that building. (Cheers.) He strongly objected to the property tax, but Sir G. M. O'Rorke was strongly in favour of a' property tax. He (Mr Osborne) would oppose the pro perty tax tooth and nail, as he was in favour of a land tax. He had had experi ence of the income tax at. Home, and he did not like it. Should the matter, how ever, come up in the House, he would support it as he believed it was the wish of the majority of the people. After touching upon a variety of other topics, the speaker resumed his seat amid applause. A number of questions were then asked and answered, one being that he would support a Ministry containing Sir Robert Stout and Mr Ballance. Individu ally, he approved of Bible - reading in schools, but he considered this a question that rested solely in the hands of the parents. Mr W. Brierly here proposed .a vote of thanks and confidence, which was seconded by Mr Jones. The motion was put and carried by a large majority.

7ln the course of his remarks at the annual meeting yesterday, the Chairman of the New Zealand Shipping Company stated that last year the Company carried to London 140,202 bales of wool as against 127,707 the previous year, showing an in crease of 12,495 bales. In the steamers for thirteen voyages they carried 1,303 pas sengers, 87 less than the previous year, which was the Colonial Exhibition season, and outwards they had 2,695 passengers, being 115 less.

JUBILEE KINDERGARDEN.

Tue Ladies' Committee of the above insti tution met yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, in the schoolroom. Mrs Dudley Ward, as President, occupied the chair. Amongst those present were Lady Pox, Mesdames Lilly (Secretary), Ashton.Worboys, Philson, Gover, Percy Smith, Chamberlain, Mac lean, and Mimes Barley, Bretfc and Rosk ruge. Mr and Mrs Dilworth also joined the Committee. The report of Miss Gordon (head-teacher) was submitted. It showed that there were 170 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 70, 72 being at dinner yesterday. Their food was varied each day, an d made appro priate to the ages of the children. A quantity of oranges had been donated at various times by Mrs Williamson, of the Pah, and these were given to the children after their dinner, daily. The cooking plant was equal to providing for 300 children. Many of the children were in poor physical condition on coming to the school, butowing to getting wholesome food regularly, soon improved in physical appearance. The children had also improved morally, the practice of using bad language was dying out, and they wore bccomiiigmore docile and orderly. There had been from 40 to 50 babies in the creche, the average being three daily, and the highest number five per day. The report by Miss Brett, of the clothing department, showed that some 40 children had been clothed from the clothing department fund. Large donations of clothing had been re ceived from the public, and a quantity of clothing had been purchased by Judge Ward with a similar object in view. Miss Brett had visited the homes of some of these poor children, if they could be called homes, and on bringing tho little ones to the school it was found necessary to bath and re clothe them before they could be allowed to associate with the other children. Dr. Bond, who was physician to tho Kinder garten, visited the school three times a week, and prescribed for any little ailments of the children. The report on the Sunday school by Mrs Mac Lean was also read. There was a good attendance, and it was increasing in numbers weekly. Miss Brett assisted in this work also.

The statement of receipts and expenditure up to September Ist was as follows :— Annual subscription, £172 6d ; dona tions, £165 l'2s 6d ; ditto small amounts, £11 14s ; concert, gross proceeds, say £20 ; donation boxes, creches, £2 12s 6d ; tocal, £371 19s 6d. Expenditure: Charges, accounts, sundries, £21 3s; gas and coal, £6 6s 2d; renovating school pre mises, £166 6s lid ; provisions, £9 5s 9d; wages and salaries, £20 16s 8d ; concert expenses and tickets unsold, £5; total, £228 19s 6d; balance at Colonial Bank, £143. Judge Ward has just given £10, and some other donations are to come in. Mr Dilworth, who gave £10 at the initia tion of the Kindergarten, and £100 subse quently for renovation of school premise?, on Saturday last gave £100 to defray cost of children's dinners from June last to June, 1883.

A vote of thanks was passed by the com mittee to Mrs Ward (President) and Mrs Lilly (Secretary)for their services during the past year. Mrs Lilly responded on behalf of Mrs Ward and herself. Mrs Ward was desired to continue her services as presi dent, and Mrs Lilly as secretary. After some discussion as to future management it was resolved fiat M:§ Ward should work the institution from the South, aided by Mrs Lilly ; that the members of the Ladies' Committee should visit tho Kindergarten daily in rotation ; and that the Committee should meet on the first Tuesday in every month to receive reports, pass accounts, and review the manage ment.

The Committee expressed their satisfac tion with tho institution. Tho teacheis, Misses Gordon, Holman, and Blaydes, de served praise for tho manner fn which they had fulfilled their duties; also, Mrs Chase, the matron, who had charge of the creche.

WEST END ROWING CLUB.

The annual meeting of the West End Rowing Club was held at the Suffolk Hotel, Ponsonby, last evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr Edwards (captain) oc cupied the chair. The report and balance^ sheet were read by Mr Baxter (Secretary), showing expenditure £207 4s Id and a credit balance of £12. The club's assets amounted to £150, and liabilities £40, the number of members being 84. ' Tho captain stated that the last season had been a most suc cessful one, the Club's crews having been well to the fore in all competitions for which they entered. The Club's record was eight wins out of 12 starts for the past year, and the outlook for the future was a promising one. The report and balance sheet were adopted, and officers were elected as follows: —President, Mr A. Devore ; Vice-Presidents, Messrs T. Pea cock and W. Farquhar ; Secretary, Mr R. Baxter ; Treasurer, Mr J. Fisher ; Captain, Mr F. Edwards; Vice-captain, Mr J. M. Baxter; Managing Committee, Messrs Lumsden, W. Jones, A. Jones, Jack, J. Baxter. Messrs Edwards and Cooke were appointed as delegates to the Rowing As sociation. Several new members were elected, and votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers and the Chairman.

Interesting to Volunteers.

Three cases possessing special interest for Volunteers who are irregular in their atten dance at parade were called on at the Police Court to-day. The defendants were James Gallagher, W. Lockhart, and J. Lockhart, and they were charged with being absent without leave from the parade of the Auck land Royal Dragoons. Mr Buckland ap peared for the defence, and pleaded not guilty. Captain Erson explained that Ser geant Major Evans was unable to be present, and he therefore asked for an adjourmnentof the case. —Mr Buckland opposed the ap plication, and His Worship said he could not adjourn the case on the ground that the informant was absent. He would dismiss the case without prejudice, and further informations might be laid.— Costs were' applied for by Mr Buckland, and refused. Fresh informations were subsequently laid by Captain Erson. It may be said that similar proceedings are likely to be taken by the officers of quite a number of other companies. The regula tions are now very strict, and power is given to enforce attendance.

AN ABUSIVE MINISTER.

[by telegraph.--own correspondent.]

Dunedin, this day. The Minister for Mines was exceedingly abusive at the Peninsula nomination yes terday. Referring to his opponent, he said that he liked when fighting to strike above the belt, but Mr Begg had made state, ments concerning him that were shnpjv untrue. That language was hard y strong enough, and he could only tell his opponent this —he must be either grossly ignorant—(groaning and ap plause)—or he must be an impostor. (Ke newed uproar.) Having made such state ments, he must be a sanguinary perverter of the truth ; and if he had got any intel ligence, then he could reduce those words to two words only. (Great applause, hoot ing, and laughter. }

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M.) Drunkenness.—Six men were charged with first offences of drunkenness, and having pleaded guilty, were each fined 5s and costs.

Alleged Assault. —John Ormistein was charged with assaulting James Thomas Tr'ueman on the 17th inst.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.— Mr 11. Williamson appeared for the prosecution, and called as witnesses the complainant, JohnGleeson, William Swarbrick, Charles King, and Wil liam Grey. The evidence showed that the affair was the result of keen competition, the parties being porters and the occurrence having happened on the arrival of the mail steamer on Saturday. It was asserted by the prosecution that Trueman was engaged to remove some luggage when defendant interfered, and a quarrel was the result.— It was further alleged that defendant used very bad language, struck the informant on the face with his open hand, and kicked him about the body, while at the same time he held him by thcthroat.—-Defendant cross examined some of the witnesses with the object of showing that the informant was frequently quarrelling with the other porters, and that he had one of them before the Court last week.—Defendant went into the box, and deposed that he was engaged in the removal of the. luggage to the shed when Trueman made a rush for witness and caught him by the throat. The informant would not leave the luggage till he got 5s from the gentleman owning it, and then he challenged witness to fight, and struck him with a whip.—A witness named Porter was also examined for the defence. He declared that Trueman was in the habit of putting luggage in his cart before he was engaged for the job, and this practice frequently ledto luggage going astray.— Defendant was fined 20s and costs, or in default fourteen days' imprisonment, and was also bound over to keep the peace for six months, himself in £50 and two sureties of £25 each.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Tim Martini-Henri rifles presented by Mr J. C. Firth for competition by the members of various Volunteer corps are on exhibition in Mr Evitt's Queen-street window. Each rifle has been fitted. with a silver plate, giving the name of the donor and the winner. The Auckland Naval Battalion inspection parade will be held on Friday evening next. On Saturday class-firing will be commenced, and consequently the competition for medals presented by the Insurance Companies and a cup presented by Dr Walker will be post poned till some future date.

There was a large muster of No. 2 Battalion at the Drill-shed last evening, the companies present being :—Victoria Rifles, Captain Cooper; City Guards, Lieutenant Dormer (Captain Waddel being absent on sick leave); Hobson Rifles, Cap tain Little; Onehunga Rifles, Captain Wasteneys; Queen's Own, Lieutenant Bailey (Captain Keep being on leave); and the Garrison Band under Bandmaster Morris. The parade was under command of Lieut.-Colonel Dignan, the other officers present being Majors Isaacs and Clifton, and Captain-Adjutant Skinner. After parade Colonel Shepherd addressed the Battalion, expressing his pleasure at seeing such a good muster. The Queen's Own, which was the only company poorly repre sented, he hoped would soon resume its former strength. He also stated that the Volunteers would have a grand sham fight at Mangare on November 9. The Battalion then formed into hollow square and Mrs Connelly, widow of the late Mr W. G, Connelly, presented to Sergeant Cantell tho Company's champion belt, the gift of her husband. Sergeant Cantel 1 was loudly cheered, and expressed his thanks for the presentation, and the band played "The Conquering Hero." The parade was then dismissed, and the Onehunga Rifles were escorted to the Railway Station by the Garrison Band.'

NEW ZEALAND FROZEN MEAT AND STORAGE COMPANY.

A special general meeting of the above Company took place at 11 o'clock this morn ing for the purpose of confirming resolu tions passed at the annual meeting on the 31st ult. Six shareholders representing 3,018 shares were present, Mr Arthur Bull (Chairman of Directors) being in the chair. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr A. Buckland, the following resolu tions were confirmed :—(1) That the Articles of Association of the Company be altered by the cancellation of Article 94. (2) That the Articles of Association of the Company be altered by the insertion therein immedi ately after Article 33 of the following article, viz. :—" That the Company may, from time to time, reduce the capital, and may cancel any shares that have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person." It was also resolved on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr L. D. Nathan : " That the capital of the Company be reduced from £200,000 divi ded into 40,000 shares of £5 each to £100,000 divided into shares of £2 10s each, and that such reduction be effected by cancelling capital which is unrepre sented by available assets to the extent of £2 10s per share upon the 20,363 shares, which have been issued and are now out standing, and by reducing the nominal amount of all shades in the Company's capi tal from £5 to £2 10s per share."

This was all the business.

CO-OPERATIVE BOOT MAKING.

Opposition of the Employers

Wellington, this day. At the general meeting of the shareholders of Wellington Operative Boot Manufac. Turing Company, the report of the pro visional directors showed that their efforts to form a Company had been eminently successful. Three-fourths of the capital had been subscribed in Wellington, and support both in shares and trade had been received from various sources. The directors and officers, of the Com pany are going to give their ser vices gratuitously except when they lose working hours. The report further stated that all operatives employed at the various factories who have shares or interest in this Company have received notice from their employers that their services would be dispensed with, and in consequence between 50 and 60 men were now thrown out of employment. The directors have received offers of plant, and expect to have the Company in working order in about a fortnight.

CHANGES IN THE WHITE STAR SERVICE.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. Several changes are announced in the White Star fleet: Captain Cameron is transferred from the lonic to the Adriatic, in the Atlantic trade ; Captain Ridly being promoted to the former. The l-jnic comes out in charge of Captain Bruce, lately chief officer in the service,

OUR GOLDFIELDS

The Reported Mangatautari Gold Find.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. Regarding the gold discovered at Maunga tautari, I have interviewed one of the pros pectors, who declines to give any positive statements about the find. There is no interest taken in Waikato regarding the matter, so many bubbles have burst in that direction before without any good re sulting.

The Waitoa Goldfield.

The interest taken in the " new finds " is very great, and the number of people who call at Mr Witheford's office to inspect the various samples of gold-bearing stuff is quite _ remarkable. To-day the visitors were intent upon the examination of a new parcel containing pumice sand and small grains of quartz received from the Waitoa district. This sample was taken from a spot not far from Mr Smith's farm, and is said to be of a very promising character. Mr Witheford in tends to have a test made, in order to ascertain its value. To the amateur in mining, the stuff has the appearance of good brown sugar. The proprietor of a block of 1500 acres of land, situated in the vicinity of the Waitoa find, has thrown the same open to prospec tors on favourable terms. In the event of gold being discovered, the owner is pre pared to dispose of a certain portion of the property, on terms which can be ascertained from Mr Witheford.

SHOAL BAY IMPROVEMENTS

A most important scheme for the partial reclamation and channelling of Shoal Bay, g ituated opposite the Queen-street Wharf, is to be placed before a meeting of rate payers and others interested in the project to be held at the Takapuna schoolroom to morrow evening, commencing at 7.30. The scheme which it is proposed to adopt is one conceived by Captain Webster, late harbour master at Timaru. The object is to obtain a channel to enable a ferry service to be run between the head of the Bay and Queen - street Wharf and after taking soundings, Captain Webster has com pleted a plan by which he believes the work can be carried out at a moderate cost. The top of the bay being very shallow, he proposes to make an embankment in a line from Barry's wharf, extending for a distance of 2,400 yards. A wall would then be built across the bay and the ground behind it reclaimed. The channel Cap tain Webster proposes to excavate in a slanting direction, and the silt raised will be used in reclamation work. He estimates that the whole work would cost about £6,000. The work is undoubtedly an important one, providing increased means ot communication with Auckland, Northcote, and the Lake dis trict, Lucas's Creek, Long Bay, Wade,Wai vvera, Mahurangi, . Warkworth, etc. The meeting of ratepayers will probably be largely attended, amongst those expected to be present being Messrs O. Mays, A. Porter, G. P. Pierce, W. Thome and J. Graham.

LATEST SPORTING.

(REUTERS. SCELEGRASI.)

Sydney, this day.

Cardigan's win in the Metropolitan is stated to have been bad for the ring. ,

General entries and acceptances for the Otahuhu Racing Club's Spring Meeting close to-night at 8 o'clock.

SOCIETY FOE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

The annual meeting of the above Society is taking place as we go to press. The Com mittee submitted the following report:—

In presenting their fourth annual report your Committee regret that while the Society has not abated its. efforts in pre venting cruelty, their endeavours have not been seconded by a corresponding support on the part of the general public, as shown by the financial statement now submitted to you; indeed, had it not been for the liberal and timely assistance afforded by two or three members, the Society could not have continued its operations. They there fore make an earnest appeal for contribu tions, whichareimmediatelyneeded, notonly for the existenceof the Society, but to relieve it from financial embarrassments. In accordance with suggestions made at the last annual meeting, circulars were ad dressed to the ministers of the various de nominations, inviting their advocacy and co-operation, but the result has not realised our expectations, and the indebtedness of the Society now amounts to £50 8s 4d. During the year a branch society has been inaugurated at Onehunga, where consider able interest in the work has been inaiiijj fested, under the presidency of Dr. Scott, the Mayor, and the sum of £5 2s 6d has been contributed to the funds. The Com mittee have again to acknowledge their in debtedness to the hon. solicitors, for their valuable services, and also for the fees which have invariably been given to the Society ; also to Mr G. Harper for the use of an office without charge. The following donations also deserve special acknowledgment : —Judge Mann, £5 ; C. 1. Hutchinson, £5 ; a friend, "R. 8.," has also advanced to the Society the sum of £14, on loan, to relieve a pressing demand. During the past year the Inspector has cautioned 235 persons offending against the act, and 16 prosecutions resulted in 11 con victions, as per schedule. The subscrip tions, donations and solicitor's fees amount to £156 5s 9d, of which total the Ladies Committee collected £26 3s 9d. The present indebtedness of the Society amounts to £50 8s 4d. The Society have to deplore the death of Mr Brown, who was a most indefatigable supporter. In conclu sion the Committee earnestly appeal to all persons feeling an interest in the Society to provide the necessary funds, as the very existence of the Society is in jeopardy, and the collapse of it would be a lasting dis grace to the whole community. The statement of accounts showed £156 5s 9d of receipts, of which £88 4s Cd repre sented subscriptions, and £26 3s 9d the amount collected by the Ladies' Committee. The whole of the receipts had been dis bursed, the largest item being £136 5s 9d for the Inspector's salary. 16 prosecutions had been undertaken, and the Government, as a consequence, had received £23 5s in fines.

The following is a list of cautions given and animals destroyed :—Sore shoulders, 63; sore backs, 16; lame, 50; horses and cattle destroyed, 15; horses unfifc to work, 25; cruelty to sheep, pigs and calves, 7 ; over driving, flogging and spurring, 17; horses neglected, 7: cruelty and neglect to.poul try, 29; dogs and cats illtreated and de stoyed, 6 j total, 235.

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

NOMINATIONS,

Peninsula.—The show of hands wast —Larnach, 76; Begg, 78. Personalities were employed by the speakers, and oc casionally strong feeling was shown. Hoslyx (Otago).—Messrs Ross, Carlfcon, and Hutchison were nominated. The show of hands was: — Carl ton, 58; Hutchison. 51; Ross, 19.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day.

Messrs Cochrane and Son sold to-day a dwelling-house and £ acre of land at One hunga for £155. Properties at Tauranga and Maketu were also offered, but did nob find purchasers.

Mr A. Aitken reports of sales as follows : —Hides and skins: No marked change. Friday's sale of poultry, produce, etc., was largely attended, and competition keen for all descriptions. Produce and poultry: Fowls (ordinary), Is 3d to Is 8d each; heavy laying fowls in good condition, Is 6d to 2s; cockrels, Is 9d to 2s 3d each ; Cochin China fowls, 4s each; game, 3a each ; bantams, Is each ; ducks (ordinary), 2s to 2s 6d each, demand not satisfied. Rouen and Aylesbury were bad in condi tion, 2s 6d to 3s each ; geese, 5s 6d each ; turkeys, large numbers offering each Friday, 3s 6d to 5s each, according to con dition. First class demand for poultry of all descriptions. Sucking pigs. 5a to 7s 6d each; well-bred young pigs, 8s to 10s each ; porkers, 9s to 12s each ; dressed pork, 2Jd and 3d per lb; rabbits IOJd and Is per pair in lines. Fruit: apples, 3d per lb; peanuts, 2^d per lb ; cocoanuts,ss 6d to 7s per sack; pine apple in syrup, 9s per dozen 21b tins. Produce : Potatoes, table, £2 15s to £3 5s per ton, and 3s 6d to 4s per cwt; kidney seed, 5s 6d to 7s per cwt; Hobart seed, 6s 6d per cwt; ordinary seed, local, £2 17s 6d to £3 10s per ton ; Oamaru seed, £3 10s to £4 per ton, large demand for good seed ; onions from l§d to 2£d per lb (scarce); pumpkins, 2s 6d to 4b per cwt. ; turnips, 20s to 30s per ton ; carrots, 2s to 3s 6d per cwt.; cabbages, Is to Is 6d per sack; oats, 2s to 2s 6d per bushel; maize, 3s 6d to 3s 9d per bushel; fowl wheat, 3s 8d to 4s per bushel; maize apd good sample wheat very scarce ; chaff, 2s to 2s 6d per sack ; best oaten sheaf, £3 10s to £4 per ton ; bran, £4 per ton; sharps, £5 per ton ; butter, pi'ime fresh, lOd to Is per lb ; prime salt, 6d to 7^d per lb ; inferior sorts, l^d to 3d per lb ; bacon, Canterbury prime, 7d per lb; local, well cured, 6Jd to 7d per lb; Canterbury, second quality, 4d to 5d per lb; local, second quality, 3d to 4d per lb ; hams (Canterbury), prime quality, 8d per lb; second quality do., 5d per lb,; local cured hams, first-class, well cut, 7£d per lb; second quality, od per lb ; inferior qualities, hams and bacon, 2|d to 3kl per lb; beef hams, 2d per lb ; cheese, prime factory, 4d to 4^d per lb, very scarce, medium, 2sd to 3Jd per lb ; inferior, Id to 2d per lb ; honey, in comb, 3d to 4d per lb ; honey in 6 and 101b tins, 3d to 4d per lb ; in bulk, 2d to 2£d per lb ; tea sugar, etc., at current prices. A large collection of fruit trees and orna mental shrubs were disposed of at satisfac tory prices. 1 have to report business in all lines for the week brisk and steadily in creasing.

THE POLICE AND THE ELECTIONS.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

•' f*l j - - day. Major Gudgeon,-Commissioner of Police, has ordered an inquiry into the conduct of a constable who is alleged to have behaved officiously at Mr Ivess's election meet ing, Napier, on Saturday night. If the charge is brought home to the constable he will be severely dealt with, aa instructions were issued by the Commis sioner some weeks ago that members of the force were not to interfere in next Monday's elections, except in so far as to record their votes. _____

AN UNFOUNDED CHARGE.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Lizzie Brady, the Auckland girl who was arrested for alleged larceny of a watch, was discharged this morning by the Resident Magistrate.

The Sir Henry Havelock Band of Hope gave the last but one of their winter even ing entertainments, in the schoolroom, on Monday evening last. Mr W. Thompson presided, and those present spent a very enjoyable hour in listening to the various items. Among the principal of these were a reading and a recitation by Miss Grindrod (Mount Eden Band of Hope), and a piano solo and also a song by Miss Lilly Brame (Tabernacle Band of Hope). This.young lady presided at the instrument during the evening. Readings and recitations were given by various members, who acquitted themselves creditably. Mr Knott, from the Auckland Band of Hope Union, was present and gave an interesting and amus ing address, which was listened to with at tention throughout. After a hearty vote of thanks to the friends who had helped, the meeting concluded with the Benediction by the Chairman.

The next dance of the Remuera Social Union takes place on Thursday, October 6th, instead of 22nd inst., as previously announced..

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings. &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Moore and Ashton's Mammoth Minstrels, 8 Bell's Buildings. Wyndham-street — Industrial

Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 p.m. Howick Presbyterian Church — Evangelistic

Service, 7.20 Avondale Public Hall—Committee and Sup porters of Mr J. A. Connell, 7.30 Chamber of Commerce Room—Society for Pre-

vention of Cruelty to Animals, 3 St. Andrew's Schoolroom—Mr S. T. George and the Electors of Parhell, 8 Christians' Meeting House. New North Road- Mr H. Exley on •• In the Footsteps of Heroes," 7.30

V.M.C.A. Roomr—Hornets Football Club, 7.30. Devonport Hall-Address to Electors of Waite mata by Mr R. Wood. 8 Waite's Mount Eden Hall—Committee of Mr E. Mitchelson, 7.30

Choral Hall—Skating Rink, 7.30 to 10 Committee-room, Victoria-street—Committee of Mr S. Vaile, 7.30

JT.M.C.A. Rooms-Adjourned Meeting of City ■Rowing Club, 8 St. George's Hall—Committee and Supporters of Mr E. Withy, 7.30 School-house, near Scotch Church, Otara, Otahuhu—Address by Mr W. F. Buckland to Electors of Franklin North, 7.30

Newton Congregational Church—Rev. H. J, Lewis on " Christian Citizenship," 7.30 Carlton Club, Parnell—Committee and Sup* porters of Mr F. J. Moss, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

September 22—Messrs S. Macfarlane and W. McCullough

Auction Sales Tomorrow.

E. and A. Isaacs—l,44o Waterbury Watches Jewellery, 12. E. Leydon, Grey-street — Groceries, Show Glasses, &c, 12 J. M. Jackson, Grey-street—Household Furni ture and Effects, 10.30 Arthur and Buddie-Household Furniture and Streets, U

THE AUCKLAND EVEMNG- STAR, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 21, 188?.

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