'• At tha election of three members of ehe , A' Tgrraee-Road Board—one to fill an f«ordinary vacancy, and the other ordi • . on9»—there were seven candidates: {"fLs Arthur Atkin, Thomas Freeman, J. K. J. & Garre"' W- White, G. Sitorton.-'"" 1 J- ?°,uffhi the fim three {■„_' those selected by the ratepayers to Sen.tW»- At the inquest on the remains ef ths late held at Gleeson'j Hotel on PSi'MrG. Williams, with whom the » Led had been boarding, ? ave evidence ; the effect that recently he had been ■. ..Dinted in consequence of having Sn overcharged for a quantity of timber vy^l purchased in connection with' a uilriinzcontract. Witness feared that he fcSmitted suicide. The jury returned rjUenyerdict. in entertainment under the auspices of ',7o em uera Social Union was given ab tho till Remuera,- on-.Wednesday evening last focroffded house. The programme for the i!nin» -was a laughable .extravaganza eT&< Jack and tho Beanstalk; or " A SS ■ y jo the Moon," and it was carried &With v<"7 ffrßat succei3 by some four' well - known lady and gentle n groateurs. The performance wan so rtliifftly enjoyed „b y >«» young and mha*or«pstition of ib v demanded, and - believe the children may look for it at I i§j/W. Carr presided at the meeting . il l iieniperancc a^ on Saturday evon . Siv«i*' friends who had been expected '•^.avoidably, absent, but friends pre to UP tlie engagements. Miss ■rLyiWeorapanied some of the vocalists. %«naan delivered a good address, and ■kt«i £iv,n by Miss McDcrraitt, W&.' -Mr Marton, Mr C. Marson, if'V. Jlavson, Mr Staunton, Mr Kilpat •Ai Citations by Mis 3E. Hampton, _\l\_\ Leslie, Masters W. Hampton, J. Son/and Mr J. C. Robinson. The diencewas fairly numerous and evidently raVed the pioccedings, responding to the - j.ijf thanks to tho contributors. It was llinced thab a Band of Hope is ex- Sdtoocciipy the platform next. Satur ■■Jpight At St. James's Presbyterian Church yes why morning the Rev. R. F. Macnicol Breached from his text, "Be ye also jeady/'aiid in a very impressive manner jUuW to the death of Mr Thomas Kennedy, *oae'6fthe oldest members of the congrega tion toil brother to Dr. Kennedy, so Trell'-known in this city. The deceased eentleraan, he said, was a typo of thab un jssumiiig and quiet Christian character of a generation now rapidly passing away, and Mg place to a generation whose religion appeared to he of a somewhat excited, and, leieared," iv superficial character. There W| however, the same promise held out to &md lie spoke at some length upon the nwessity'for all being ready to meet death, ffiichmight overtake b,hem when they least expected v . . .. The inspection of vehicles ia not by any mans what it should be, and we are glad toliaro that there is some prospect of the (Ji. Council looking into tbe matter. The fact of the matter is that Mi* Goldie, with bis accumulation of offices, has too much todo to attend properly to all the duties Acedpn his .shoulders. Now that winter % 'commenced many of the suburban tiisii'-are shamefully ' oTercrowded ja ik? and evening trips, sniff ori holidays unlicensed vobicles— many 'of them positively unsafe—arc putted to ply for hire. To this lax iipervirion is no doubt also due the mBDM of several "bad eggs" among the (ifciveisof Auckland as stated by a cor- "Jehu," the other day. We Willy think it is clue to the public safety ■ftifmore stringent oversight of these jiifcishould be maintained by the muni -oj___llt.___or.ties. ;p.^"Keaxy\tnatron of the Parnell Orphan itoj was tho recipient today of a feat from.some former inmates of the Hu'toon', which speaks eloquently" (lithe loving attachment which subsists Wireen her and hei* young charges, and lithe same time affords 'proof of the ftoroughness of the training which she fate and controls. Th ree youths named Joseph, Thbmas and John Thompson, all emplpyed and greatly appreciated ab the 'Auckland Club, determined of their own volition to make the good matron a present iiliich should express the esteem still felt |prhjr, although they aro now beyond her wnMictiohi arid this'expression of feeling ■w ; taken' the' form of a pretty album Containing the lads' photographs. The or .instance, is trivial in itself, but it is Important as typifying the admirable relations subsisting between the matron of an [important institution and the youngsters who have been under her care.' pMr H. 0. Forbes, the New Guinea ex rior«r,"wbo was sent out to explore the wen Stanley Range in 1335 by tbo Royal Society, and who has beon, rineo the failuro of this expedition topenotrate tho country, acting as Assis- J«iitCommissioner of tbo country at Dinor Mi, is going, as wo lately mentioned, :■" to try again." Wo are informed that if :fintVietorian Government's, grant (half praised) of £1,000 is given, an expedition Mtetheßev. MrChalfnors, the well-known nadent missionary at Port Moresby, will attempt to cross from Port Moresby to the psw epast, and tfhat Mr Forbes will, go -*ith him.; Successful as Mr Forbes has .fen elsewhere, he has proved most Mlociy^.in dealing with the natives WswGuinea; this, and not fevor, having m, the..real,cause of the failure of his -^'expedition. With Mr Chalmers at Wcadof the expedition, this new diffi [. *y will be overcome, and * New Guinea /or fAe first time crossed from sea ..•■sea,.we fully believe. It is only a j*r of 110 miles or so ; and .W a- reliable source we learn that Mle crass upland country most likely * be discovered in the centre of the 1 feula.

r Jithe meeting of the Law Society,which •wing place, as we go to press, the Hon. T^taiyjMrA.E. Devore, )willbring under sj)otiee of thatbody certain circumstances singnpon the safety of the valuable law ;s? ry now lodged in the Supreme Court. ."appear** that on Saturday afternoon the ptaker of the building, who lives bo pS"11 tbe Survey Office, noticed that the W*J door was open, but thinking the -mm_ was iri, took no trouble to ascertain ■■■-■■"•Wtotifc Early this morning he again *&M_ doorajar, and then found ou* it !", b«m' opera all Sunday. What.: a *" *:':of-sad hearts there will be g^the larrikins of-our city when they ;ff°y«.. hata chance they have missed. :£ 6,suHjßrely trust that this open door will ";;jv.™» cause of the whole quostion of £ *»%,** not only of the law library -2 ?° °f the building itself, ' boing -p.tup,- We refer especially, .to r.^ from fire in which the building £ aßY?he meagre coils of india-rubber ■jT'pTOch grace the passages in various Lifelong since past work, and should what Superintendent Hughes C . ■> especially fitted for such build ___*'einS clean and strong india '__. '. I,ied canva« hose. The severe _W\c_ gbt the matron at Wellington tir^nougb to insure the fire-proven- of all our public buildings — Wauled. . Jj'ttw buildings at the Hospital, which toST. M fche "«w w^rds, have at last firsu' Ranted by fever patients, as at M_lT S9d' It will be remembered that .vieSfnof-Park Road ■ residents inter 'tteie h. ,? ospital Board and triod to get '^__ nsi delegated to accident ■or ■.__ ?nfc cases* There are now lo ,_J 0laoases i„ the new buildings. Ky^CoMPAXY's "Shell" brand butter ■ mWm r^ts, sold everywhere,

SPORTING NEWS.

The jumping tor»e Peter Osbeck was brought from Chriatchureh by the s.s. Waihora whiGh arrived this morning, and was landed safely. He came up in charge of W. Mitchell (R. Mason's head lad).

Spade Guinea nnd Pasha have both been ecratched for the Sydney Birthday Cup.

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

On Saturday Rfternoou the members of the " O " Battery ond Queen's Own Rifles met at the Mount Eden Rifle Range and fired the deciding match between these 'two corps, which resulted in a win for the car bines by 34 points. The conditions were as follows :— 5 shots at 200, 300, and 500 yards, class- firing** position. During the afternoon sevoral sliowers fell, and this.combined with tha high wind, pre cluded any good shooting being made. The following are the scores : —

THE . RIFLE RANGE.

A telegram was received from Major Hamlin on Saturday by Lieutenanb-Coloncl Dignan relative bo the threatened closing of the Mount Eden Riflo Range. It stated thab Major Hamlin bad seen the Defence Minister on the subject, and was informed by him that the Government did not intend to close the range at present. This news, however, in no way lessens the necessity for the monster meeting of Voluteers to-ni3ht.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

The Lynch Family of BcJMngcirs

Those old favourites, Che Lynch family of Bellringers, who during the past 20 years have paid several visits to New Zealand, opened for a season at Abbott's Opera House last evening. The Company on bins occasion is stronger than ever, having been augmented by the engagement of several vocalists and dancers. As campanologists, the Lynch Brothers are uneaualled in ex cellence, the skilful manipulation of the bells being a wonderful instance of what can be accomplished by a combination of musical taste and cxpertness bogotten of long practice. Amongst, the most notice able selections performed on Saturday even ing was " The Bluo Bells of Scotland," with variations, playod as a quartette; "The Marseillaise .and "The Star-Spangled Banner," quintettes. Messrs Harry and Robt. Lynch performed "The Last Rose of Summer '" in a manner that we have never heard excelled on any instrument. Mr VY. W. Lynch contributed a selection from " Les Cloches de Corncvillc" on tbo clock bells, and Mr Harry Lynch gave effective renderings of " A ehe la Morte" ■and " Home, S*iVCet Home" on musical glasses—a really romarkable performance. We haye not space to do full justico to the bell-ringing portion of the performance - it is refined, amusing, and quite in accord ance with the most delicate requirements of musical baste. Of the other members of the Company we can also speak in terms of praise.' Mr Percy Brown, a baritone vocalist, favoured the . audience with a song. "I'll Conqueror Die," and "Tell Her I Love Her So." The first was sung remarkakly well, the vocalist's voice being suitable for the rendition of robust songs. Mr Parlatto,'a comique.of the first order of merit, is exceedingly funny in his particu lar lines. : He was especially happy on Saturday in a song, " It's Only What I've Been Told, You" Know." He is also no mean interpreter of the German son;p mado popular in this colony by " Frits " Emmet, a song and dance, "Tho Deutchor Girl," bein-5 very creditably done. Messrs Crome and t)yston are accomplished pianists, and contribute in no small degree to the excel lence of the performance as a whole. Thero was a full house. The Bellringers will appear again this evening.

GAS VERSUS ELECTRICITY.

The successful trial, en a recent eveningon the Queen-s*r«e» Wharf, of tyro of Bray's flat flaiae shadowless street lanterns, raises afresh the question of gas-lighting versus electric light.. The Bray burner, which so greatly improves gas-light while being very economical, is the invention of Messrs Geo. Bray and Co., of Leeds. The burner which was used at the North Shore Eerry tee is of one hundred candle power, and the other, attheexbreme end of the wharf(eastern side), is of one hundred and'fifty candle power. These Bray lanterns are'now largely used in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glas gow, and in all the principal cities of tho United Kingdom, aud are also being largely used in the United States, Canada, India, China, &C. The advantages claimed by the patentees ar* that they give efficient and powerful light at a moderate cost, and art ready at a moment's notice when required, as they can at once be turned full on, or reduced to a single light. They were introduced to compete with the electric light, and were completely suc cessful, having outrivalled and supperseded the electric light in all parts of Great Britain. The electric light has been tried repeatedly in the streets of..London, but has now been abandoned thore. Messrs Bray havehundreds of their lanterns erected in the principal str'sets and squares of London. These lanterns are eminently adapted for ■ wharves, landing stage's, railway stations, sheds, and street. They light the upper parts of buildings, signboards, Sec, the light being-widely and evenly diffused, in stead of being strongly concentrated round the base of the';plllar. The " Engineer of 23rd, January, 188G, en article re new Mersey Tunnel, states that the engi neers have decided W light the sbation with gas: instead of ylectripity, adding :— "That weighing the comparative merits of gas v. electricity, and providing for an equivalent amount of, light in each case, the cost of establishing the latter_ is still ■ four times that of the former,-whilst the annual expenditure on electricity would have been rathor more than double that of gas." After exhaustive trials aud experi ments ;in Great Britain "alone, over 300 of the', prinoipal municipalities have decided to light their , towns with o-asp. ifi. preference' to electricity. Theso Facts may prove of interest at the present time in .yiew'Of the approaching test -of electric lighting in the streets of Auckland. Mr J. R.'Gray, of High?s_J*eet, has been appointed- N.ew Zealand agent for Bray and Co., and it was on his motion that the lan terns were tried on the Queen-street Wharf.

A HEAVY GALE.

BNtrSBAIIY HIGH TIDES.

A stiff northerly breeze which set in on Saturday afternoon increased in violence during the night, and on Sunday n perfect gale was blowing from the north-east.Small craft had to be promptly looked after, and a number of open bouts either arunk or came to grief along tho southern shore. On Sunday afternoon the yacht Rita car ried away her masb off Northcote, and had to be towed into shelter alongside tha barque Easterhill, where she has "since re mained in snug quarters. Last night was also very stormy, and vessels alongside of tbe wharves and ab anchor put a. very severe strain on their moorings. The shelter afforded by the wharves, however, placed the majority of the craft in comparatively snug quarters, and tha fact;that no large vessels have sustained any serious damage speaks volumes for the safety of this harbour. At high water this morning the tide rose in a. remarkable manner, and was almost level with the decking of tho wharvos, and washed clean over the breakwater walls at Mechanics' Bay and TTi-esman's Bay. Tho s.s. lona dragged her anchors qnd gob closo in ko Pon sonby shore, where she appeared to get good holding ground, and the pilot schooner left her moorings off tho North Head, and came up the harbour almost under bare poles. She found a good anchorage to tbe west ward of tho wharves. Otherwise the larger vessels did not seem to be much affected by the blow. At Mechanics' Bay the yacht Black Swan came ashore and sustained some damage by coming into contact with the stone wall, and other small boats -were sunk. At Ponsonby some^ logs got adrift from St. Mary's Point, and -went spinning up the harbour to the great danger of boats and private landings. Several landings were carried away, and some half-dozen or more boats which broke adrift were saved from total destruction by Mr Reid, who had them hauled up on his slip at College Rock. Ab one timo the Wesb End Rowing Club shed appeared to bo in danger, for the tide rose considerably over the floor, and at Limes the spray went over the roof. Some of tho members effected an entrance through the roof, and made the boats as secure as possible, and the build ing fortunately withstood the force of the water until the tide receded. Tho tides have been so extraordinarily high that the upper*portion of the wharf is constantly swept by sea water, and passengers have to run the blockade at the risk of a drenching. This morning the 8.40 boat, on account of the difficulty of getting alongside the North Shore Wharf, did not leave there till after 0 o'clock, and as a consequence did nob reach the North cote ferry teo of the Queen-streot Wharf until 9.30. Ab the North Shore wharf after several unavailing efforts to make fast—the rope snapping in oneinstance—the Victoria's bow was wedged in to the lesward corner of the wharf, and the passengers had to swarm on board over a gangway swaying so violently between wind and wator that not a few—including several lady teachers in city schools —' declined to make the venture and therefore remained behind. Residents of the Shore declare that much rough weather has not been experienced for many years past.

Ihinir.ge at the North S-iorc

In common with waterside residents on this side tho harbour those denizens of the North Shore who occupy properties abut ting on the foreshore have had a lively ex perience since Saturday. Round at the Cheltenham Beach the water rose so high as to enter Mr Cave's garden gate, and submerge a portion .of Mr Russell's paddock, while several sllliUJ "boats, and notably a small two-majt yacht belong ing to Mi* Townshend were sunk. fn fact, it was at Cheltenham Beach that the full force of the gale was felt. Ab bho north end tho boat sheds of Pro fessors Brown and Thomas were totally wrecked, and several boats followed suit. This end now presents quite a desolate ap pearance, tho only building which with stood the full force of the gale being Mr Wilkinson's bathing-house, which, although some yards below high-water mark, re mains intacb. Captain Armstrong lost a valuablo yacht, wliich made a grave for Itself in the sand. Mr Bunby lost a boat, Mr Smith another, Mr Gascoigne a third, and several others wero also wrecked. Ab the south end, Mr Buddies bathing houso and several others were slewed round and maimed by the force of the wind and tide, and many chains of fencing carried away bodily. Navigation between Auck land and the Shore has been and still is carried on under circumstances of con siderable difficulty^

(BY TELKCRA?H. - OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Tha si ks, this day.

A very heavy S.E. galo has been blowing since Saturday evening, but no serious damage is reported, although numerous fences and large poplar trees hove beon levelled.

BIRKENHEAD ROAD BOARD.

The election at Birkenhead on Saturday last to fill three vacancies in the Road Board for that district was attended with tha following results :—John G. Kay, 45 votes ; Benjamin T. Hawkins, 40 ; Albert F. Porter, 38 ; Alexander Wilson, 34. The 'Returning Officer, Mr Seaman, declared the first three gentlemen duly elected. At 7 p.m. on the same day the annual meeting of ratepayers -was held. A considerable number were in attendance, Mr Hawkins, Chairman of ehe Board, presiding. After reading and con firming the minutes.pf last meeting the fol lowing balance-shecb for the year ending March 31stlast was presented by the Trea surer. Mr Seaman, the same having been ap proved by the Board at a previous mooting. Receipts: Balance in hand, March 311886, L 334 3s 2d ; rates collected, general, L3S3 10s sd, special, Ll2 3s, on Crown Lands, LI 6s 43 ; Government subsidy, LlO7 13s 9d ; donation from C. E, Button, Esq., L 43 ; total, L9Ol 16s Sd. Expenditure: General Government debenture (being first payment off the L 2,500 loan) L 225 ; Road formation, L 475 12s Id ; road labour, LlO 9s Gd ; Engineers, LlOl Os Cd.; advertising and stationary (including plan of district), Ll4 lls 3d ; commission on. rates collected, L 34 9s 3d (part of bhe amount being for the previous year); electoral expenses, LO 19s Gd ; clerk's salaries, Lls (one third of the amount being due from previous year) ; bank inberesb, L23s 6d • sundries, LI; bal ance in hand, LIS lis Id; Total, L9Ol 16s;8d. Assebs on 31st March :.' unpaid rates, Ll3B 12s 7d ; do on Crown Lands LI 7 10s 5d ; Government subsidy, LI6I 19s 9(1 ; balance in hand, Lls lis Id ; Tobal, L 333 13s lOd. Liabilities L 3 16s 6d. Public debtof the district, L2,3771957d. The treasurer ex plained that the Board had decided to' avail themselves of the Government Loa,ns to Local Bodies Act, IBS 6, whereby the timo for repayment of the loan obtained under "The Roads and Bridges Construction Act" would be extended to 26 yoars, thus re ducing the annual payment from L 225 to LI 18 ISs, and he believed the prevailing feeling in the present Board was to dispenpe -with the special rate this year, the Act giving them power to do so, and to meet- the payment from the general fund. The adoption of the report was,, carried unanimously on the motion of the Chair man, seconded by Mr Porter,

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY,

(Before Messrs S. Y. Collins and G. Frazer,

Justices )

Drunkenness.— Elizabeth Dougherty, Wil liam Grant and Thomas Roe wore each fined 5» and coats, or, in dofauit, 24 hours' hurd labour, for being drunk on Saturday. For being drunk yesterday, John Grogan and John Althpwarth wore each lined 10a and costs, er, in default, 48 hours' hard labour.

Breach of the Peace.— James Eggerton and George Murray pleaded guilty to having committed a breach of the peaco by 'fighting in Queen-street. Sergeant Pratt stated that the men were fighting in tho Waitemata Hotel, and then went into the street and continued fighting until arrested by Constable Rowles.—Tha Bench sentenced the prisoners to pay a lino of 20s and costs, or seven' days imprisonment in default.

Pktty Larceny.— Jano French pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing a pair of boots, value ss, on May 3d.—On tho ap plication of Sergeant Pratt the caso was re manded until to-morrow.

No Light.- Charles Olson plaaded guilty to having no'light affixed to an oxcavation in Lake Koad, and was fined 5s and costs. AILEOKD IXDKCILYT ASSAULT AT NOKTII cote.—A lad named Thomas McCallum was charged with indecently assaulting a girl named Annie Roper at Northcote on the 21st April.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for tho accused. — On the application of Sergeant Pratt, tho Court was cleared, He then briefly recounted the evidence he proposed to call. —Annie Roper, a little girl aged about six years, deposed, when questioned by her father, that she wont to Sunday-school, and knew the nature of an oath.—Mr Cooper objected to such a stabe ment from a child of such an age.—Ser geant Pratt conbended thab it was not necessary that the child should bo sworn provided that her evidence was corroborated by other witnesses. Ho quoted from the English law upon tho subject. - Mr Cooper in reply quoted the caso of the charge against a man named Reid which was dismissed by Mr Justice Ward in the Supreme Court in January, ISS7, because the girl could nob state what was tho nature of an oath.—Sergeant Pratt- said that, this was a late Act in England, and it was a question of justice.—Mr Cooper said ib was nob a question of justice, bub of law. — Sergeant, Pratt said that for all that ib was really a matfe'r of justice.— Mr Cooper suggested thab the Bench should take the child into the room and question her privately, and satisfy thomse'ves whether she understood the nature of an oath, —The Bench decided thab they could not take the statement of the child. —Eliza Roper, mother of tho child, deposed that sho was a married woman rosiduig at Lake Road, Northcote. She had a daughter named Annie, who was now in Court. She was six years old to-morrow. Sho attended tho Northcote School, which was between a mile and a half and two miles from her home. On the April 21 [she went to school as usual in company with her two brothors and hor sister. She returned between lo and 20 minutes past 3 o'clock in tho afternoon. Upon coming home Annie made a com plaint to her, in consequence of which witness examined her. She found that she had been tampered with. She was swollen and inflamed. The child complained of pain when witness bathed her. Two even ings before witness noticed no signs of inflammation when sho attended to the child. There was a very slight stain on the child's underclothing. On tho follow iii£ day the child was taken to a doctor for medical examination. Witness examined her about twenty-four hoars beforo the doctor. The child's hob was also bent.— Dr. Charles Emmerson Ferment deposed to examining the child .Annie Roper on the 22nd April, at tho request of tho father, who produced a note from Detective Walker. He described tlio nature of the injuries, and said tha* an attempt to violate must have been committed, bub tho child had not besn violated.—Minnie Crooks, Minnie Crooks, aged six, was the next wit ness. She stated that she went to Sunday school, and would ga to " firo " if she told a lie. Tho Bench elected to take the ovidenco oi the child. The child exhibited great inbelligence, and answered the questions clearly. She stated that she lived with her parents at Birkenhead. She knew Annie Rogers, and went to the same school as her. She knew that boy (the accused). She had seen him before, alcng the road, about 4.30 o'clock,as she was caning from school. Annie Rogers and another littlo girl was withe her. Thoy were, near Mr Jones's house when they saw tho boy.. Tho chemist's was close by. He did nob speak to witness, but he spoko to Annio Roper. Ho said to her, " Will you have x ride ?" He was on horse back. It was a, white horse, lie had on groy clothes and a whito hat. Annie Roper said "_o," when asked to have a rid*. The boy did not then say anything else to any of them. They then went inside ft fence for fear be would run over them. Afterwards they went homo. They could sec that the boy turned off up Mr Roper's road. The three went on to where nc turned off, when Annie Roper went along that road. When they left Annie Roper they could not see the boy.— Tottie Thompson, aged seven, said she did •not go to Sunday-school. She did not know ths nature of an oath.—The Bench elected not to take the evidence of the child.— William Thompson deposed that he re sided at Birkenhead. He knew Mr Jones's house ou Lucas's Creek Road. He lived not very far away. On the 21st of last month he was in his stockyard, close by tbe road. Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon he saw a lad ride past on a grey horse. He would just meet the children coming from school. The childron had not returned from school when he rode past. He could not swear how the rider was dressed. Ho believed be had on a felt hab. Ho would not like to swear positively that the prisoner was the rider, as he has a brother very much liko him. The horse was going towards the school.—By the Bench : Witness, was sure thab the rider of the horse was either the accused or his brobher. He could not swear to the hat. —Mary Roberts deposed that sho was in sorvico ab Mr Whiteman's, Lucas Creek Road, opposite the Wesley, n Chapel. ; Three roads joined thore. Tho Ropers lived down the Lake Road, somo distance from the junction. Mr Jones lived close to their place, on the right-hand side. She saw the children coming home from school on the 21st, bub did not recognise them. Ib was between 2.30 and 3 o'clock. Sho saw a young man pass along on a grey horse. He went towards the Lake Road, .he did not see him overtake the children. The children wero a little ahead of him. She noticed that the rider of the horse wore a white straw hat with a black band. Ho looked quite young to her. She thought thab the accused looked like the rider of the horse.-—Sarah McLeod, wife of Murdoch McLeod, deposed that sho went out nursing. On the 21st- of last month she was at Mr pmaile's, near Mr McCallum-'s. Sho saw a young irian ride by on a white horse, be tween 3 and 4 in the afternoon. Ho had on a white hab with a black band. He was goino- towards Mr McCallum's place. She saw him go back again towards Birken head just about dusk.—Detective James Joseph Tuohy deposed to proceeding to Northcote to make enquiries on i\\. April in consequence of information received, He called at the residence pf Mr McCallum, and had a conversation with him relative to tho assault won tho girl Annie Roper. Subsequently ne again visited Mr McCal lum aocompaniod by Sergeant Gilhes about 20 minutes to six o'clock. The accused, in the ( presence oi his brother and the others made a statement

as to what he had done on the 21st from the time he left his father's house unbil he returned. He denied having been on fclje Lake Road, but said he bad returned via the Puriri Gully Road, except that he crossed bhe Lake Rond. After he had finished his statement, witness formally charged him with bhe offence. After that tho accused said. " You need not bother any further. I haven't told you all lies. I'm.the person who assaulted th® child." At that time the accused* father and Sergeant Gillies came into the room whan hia father asked what was the matter. Witness told him to aak his son Thompson. The accused then said, "Father, I com mitted the indecent assault on the child.," And in consequence of a remark made by his father the accused said he would have giAen himself up before only to have sa*red his father. He also said hat bo deeply regretted his action, and begged his fathers pardon, and said that he could nob help it. In r«ply to his father ho said that ho was sitting on the side of the road near Mr Rogors place, when the child came and sat beside him. He then com mitted the assault. The accused also said also said that on the 21st ho wore a white straw hat with a black band. Sergeant Gillies also heard this statemeub. Mr MoCallum gave wibnees every assistance to discover the perpetrator of the crime. - Sorgeant Pratt, ac this stage of the proceed ings, got the charge amended from Thomas to Thompson MeCullum.—Sergt. Gillies cor roborated the evidence of previous witness. The accused said in witness's presence that ho would have admitbed the offence earlier had it nob been for disgracing his father. He also bogged his fabher's pardon on his knees.

This closed the evidence for the prosecu tion.

The accused reserved his defence, and was committed for trial. Bail allowed in awo snreties of .26.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Thames, this day. Trenton.— The southern cross-cub abNo. '1 level of the Cambria will reach this Com pany'-p- boundary to-morrow (Tuesday). The sandstone is of a very favourable nature for gold, and there arc now several nice-looking voiiis crossing- the face.

Saxon.—There arc about twenty loads of quartz on hand, and crushing will be started shortly. The stuff should yield payably. Cambria.— The No. 2 cross-loader which, runs parallel with bhe No. 1 leader in the cross-cut at No. 2 level, has been driven on aboub .'piOfb. Its characteristics are similar to that of No. 1, as ib carries a quantity of silica, whilo gold is seen pretty freely. Quartz of payablo grade is being obtained from the various other workings.

COROMANDEL.

[From Our Own Correspondent.)

Tokatka Co.—Tho manager reports as follows :—I have been driving from each sido on tho No. 3 level crosscut on tho course of the Excelsior reof. Tho westward is in 10ft., but the two branches havo not yet come together. The stone looks -favour able, being full of mineral. When the junction is reached, I hope gold will b-3 found. Tho reef ab the east end looks very poor and small. The total distance driven since January is 70ft. Tributcrs Knox and party saw strong colours of gold in the stone on Fridrty, this being tho first gold seen hero since starting tho work at this level, so I hope to have good news to send you soon. Dick and party, from No. 5 block, arc going to crush two tons general quartz, but they have no picked stone. They expect lOozs. of gold from tho two tons. Hornibrooko and party, working between the van level and the No. 7, aro bringing to grass stono showing gold every shift. Wo havo about lfdbs picked. atone on hand. This party have produced 77 ozs lCdwts of melted gold sinco January last. Roberts and parby have obtained 31ba of specimen stono this week ; they have now ten tons delivered at the Battery for treatment. This is well mineralised, and gold is occa sionally seen in tho stone upon examina tion witli tho naked oyo. Tho molted gold returns since January last from tri butcrs are shown here : —Dick's Tribute, 22ozs. sdwts. ; Knox's Tribute, 43ozs. lOdwts. ; Roberts's Tribute, 306zs. lCdwts.i; Halpin's Tribute, Sozs. 3dwts. ; Stewart's Tribute, 2ozs. 3dwts. ; Carlsen's Tribute, IJSozs. lodwts. ; Hornibrook's ''Tribute, 77ozs. Ridwts. ; Martin's Tribute, 23ozs. Odwts.

Roy ai. Oak. — The manager reports : I havo put the rise up two feet, to uncover tho gold showing in tne roof of drive on tho No. 1 reef, bub ib did not. break down up to my expectations, although a, few stones were picked down allowing blotches of gold. The reef hero looks well enough for a big patch, it being fully ono foot in thick neys, and well mineralised. Should my prognostications prove correct in this matter, I have IQO feet of backs ready to fctope down.

TKiiHTTERS.--T.ylayne and party are in full work, but not getting gold at present. Luhers and party, on the Little and Good section, still f;ee a few colours of gold as the reef is broken down, but nothing worthy of being picked out as tpecimens.

THE COLONIAL RIFLE COMPETITION.

(by telegraph— own correspondent.)

Wanganui, this day. Captain Sommerville, Chairman of the New Zealand Riflo Association, informs me thab from information he has received steps aro already being taken at Oamaru with a view of rendering the next year's meeting a ' success. He states further thab no definite information at present is obtainable rospect- i ing new rifles, andthatifit appears likely that the Martini-Henri will nob be oub in time, ho will make an application to,the Defence Departmenb for 400 of tho new Snider rifles lately out from Home to be served out to members of New Zealand Riile Association. A change is likely to be made in the firing of tho final match for the be4ts next year —25 being allowed bo firo for,- each ii> place of twenty, and if only one '"belt, fifty fire for the final stage. ......

MOUNT EDEN RIFLE GRANGE.

(BY TELEGRAM!— O^VN REPORTER.)

- Ellington, this, day. Major-General Wihtmor? has. written to[ Mr T. Thompson informing him that the! Government recognises tho dauger to the: public arising from the use of Mount Ecjen Rifle Range, and that it- is desirable! to remove it as soon as another suitable site i is found. The letter proceeds:.-"-" In the,; past eighteen months officers of the Volun- * teer force and permanent staff have been searching for such asite and examining sites thab have been offered. Money has been appropriated both last year and this fo. tho purpose, but up to elate no site at .once fitted for the.-'use of the Volunteers and not dangerous, to the public has been found. Efforts ' are, however, being made by inviting offevs by advertisement to ensure a ne\v range b/feing obtained.

William Montgomery Gossett, of New market, railway time-keeper, vfile. a petition in bankruptcy to-day. The meeting of J. J. Kelly's creditors.'has been adjourned till Wednesday,

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(uy telegraph.—special reporter.)

. . Wellington, this day. hosum to Local Bodies. It would appear from a return which is to be circulated that no less a sum than £300,000 wae applied for by local authoritie sunder the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act. The greater part of this money has boon provisionally granted, but the ratepayers have in many eases rejoo&ed the proposal to

borrow.

Tke libraries Act.

Sir Robert Stout promised when he was in Auckland some time ago to oxtand the operationsof the Libraries Acttopubliehalls, bo that owners may bo incorporated with out the great expense atprosent involved. Mr Moat waited on Sir Robert on Friday evening relative to the matter, and he said he was engaged in preparing a Bill to carry the object in question into effect

©id Soldiers' Claim*.

Mr Moss suggests to me that it would bo well for volunteers and old soldiers whose claims for allowances have been refused to send full particulars of their claims to their members. Sir George Grey wade a strong effort in tbe House to have a full report printed so that applicants, might know why their claims were not recognizee!, and he is annoyed that the ruling oi! the Speaker prevented him from making this explana tion because the discussion was closed.

The Representation Bill.

The following bable shows loss and gains of Provincial Districb by Representation Bill as now amended, and for a House of 71 members :— . Present Number District. Loss. Gain of members.

The repre3'inbabion of bhe North Island is nob affected either in a house of 91 or 71 members by the amendment mado as to percentage. In a9l House the North island gains three members equally by the bill as amended in percentages. There is practically no change in the position of the deadlock wibh respect to the Representation Bill. There is a prevalent idea bhafc the Opposition will insist on bheir demands, bub no stone is being left un burned by the Premier's friends to effecb a compromise. Ib is believed that if this is nob arranged the Premier will give way rather* than be placed in bhe awkward posi tion i»f dropping the bill and giving his op pononbs chance bo bake it up. It is impos sible to say what the result of the difficulty may be.

ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD AT ONEHUNGA.

Presentation of Addresses

At half-past six last night, an evening service, consisting of Rosary and Solemn Benediction, at which Archbishop Redwood and Bishop Luck were present, took place in the old Roman Catholic Church at One hvmga. Prior to the commencement of tho office, and when the Archbishop had taken his seat on the throne erected for him in the sanctuary, Mr Wasteneya, .barrister, ac companied by Messrs Donovan and O'Sulli van, camo forward and approached the i^rchiepiscopal chair. Mr Wasteneya said: My Lord Arch bishop, — Tho Catholics of Onehunga deeply sensible of the debt of gratitude they owe your Grace' for having left tho multibudinous caree of your large and important diocese, and undertaking a long and tedious journey to help them on thjs oc casion, have deputed as to tender these thanks to your Grace. Mibdful of tho fact thab liUera vcripla viane7.,thoy have reduced thoso sentiments' to writing and embodied them in an address, whicib, through the kindness and skill of Lieutenant Leahy, a member of Uie congregation,- has been' illu minated in a style we trust will please your Grace. Mr Wasteneys then read tho ad dress, which was as follows :—

"To the Right Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Wellington. Most Reverend and Dear Father, —We (the undersigned), on behalf of ourselves and the Catholics of Onehunga, desire to tender to Your Lord ship our sincere and grateful thanks for as well the honour you have done ns by being presetit with us at this ceremony of laying bhe foundation stone of our new church as tho great and practical assistance you have afforded by your eloquonce in so warmly and successfully appealing to the faithful for their almi in aid of tho building fund. Your presence amongst us has been of the utmost practical value, has served as an encouragement tp ourselves,and has also we are assured ooen a satisfaction to our be loved Bishop, and no small consolation to our revered and venerable pastor. This day, in which we have had the privilege'of welcoming you and listening to your dis course, will bo long remombered as a red letter day in this our town of Onehunga. It is with no small joy that we have heard that 2b has seemed good to the Holy Father tho Most Illustrious Leo XIII, to elevate Wellington into an Archiepiscopal See. We are also in no small measure gratified that the 'first Archbishop in.New Zealand will be a New Zealander by birth, and we humbly ask the blessing and prayers of you, Most Reverend Father—the tirst fruits of our I*, and iv thq Apostolic rank, and assure you thab you shall ever be remembered in pur o\vn most unworthy ones that the Giver of all good gifts may long* pre serve you to grace the exalted throne which has how been allotted to your Lordship by the wisdom of the Holy See." Mr Waste tneys then introduced to the Archbishop •"Miss Moran, who presented a very pleasing address on the part pf the children of One hunga, vhiee she read in a remarkably clear and distinct voice.

His Grace,, in thanking the deputations, referred to the fact that although the pre valent idea that he was born in New Zealand was a mistake, yet he might almost consider bimself,as such as he arrived when only three years old, and had no prior re membrance of any other country,that he re ceivedhisedueabionand his call to bhe'priest hpod in T.«\v Zealand, and might, therefore, look upon bipiself as a real New Zealander. His Grace referred very tauchingly to the address of the children, ana, calling to mind the ta.pt that his elevation to the Archiepis copate invQlved very serious responsibilities, begged the prayers of the children, which he chp-ragterised as mp?t efficacious. After rosary the Archbishop preaphed an eloquent sermon on the text, "He that is mighty has don? groat things to me, and Holy is His Namp." The service con cluded with Benediction, which was given by his Lp^dship Bishop Luck.

Captain Edwifi reports :, "Bad weather approaching between north and east and south-east. Glass further fall, and very heavy rain. Indications floods and heavy gale soon."

A meeting of ihe unemployed- convened for to-day was postponed till to-morrow at lQ a.m. owiaig tp the inclemency of the weather. ,The mdn turned out in consider able numbers to-day, but appear to have no leader and were in consequence "like sheep without a, shepherd,'*'

DISTRICT COURT TO-DAY.

;Be£ore H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., District

Judge).

ADJOURNED,

De. Laishley v. W. and T. Cole.— Ciaim, L3_ 2a. —This was a judgment sum mons ease, and after the debtors had been examined tho case waa adjourned till bhe Sth of August. C, Petersen v. A. McLeod. —Claim, £45 6s Sd, for wages in respect of bush work ab Holensvflle.—Mr Dewes appeared for bhe plaintiff.—ln order to admib of bhe correc tion of a defective affidavit bhe case was adjourned till Wednesday. , This was all tbe business.

R.M. COURT. THIS DAY.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.) DEFENDED OASES.

A. Kay v. Goixan.— Claim, L6os, damages for detinue, &c.—Mr O'Meagher appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr J. P. Campbell for the defendant.—Mr O'Meagher. in open ing, explained that the action was brought to recover a cavalry saddle and saddle-cloth, together with damages for detention of the same by defendant. Plaintiff was a member of the North Shore troop of cavalry, and he had left the saddle and cloth in question (valued at five guineas) with a saddler to be lent to a friend. This friend subsequently did " the Pacific slope," and plaintiff noxt saw his property in the possession of a man who took it to Hunter and Nolan's, where it was sold to defendant, Gollan. Plaintiff had asked Gollan bo return the articles, and as he had refused, the present prjeeedings were taken.—The defence was thab no de mand was made for the return of the saddle. —The plaintiff, Andrew Anderson Kay, who is a sbockman residing ab Norbhcote, gavo evidence in support- of the claim, and tho defendanb, Henry Gollan, was examined in defence.—His Worship considered bhe claim proved and gave judgment accordingly, with £2 lGs costs, damages to bo reduced to 15s upon return of the saddle within __ hours. Defendant intimated that he would return bhe saddle bo-day.

F. G. Ewinoton and W. H. Skinner v. Chas. Williams.—Claim, £26 16s 9d for land sold at Wairuku.—Mr J. P. Campbell for plaintiffs, Mr O'Meagher for defendant. Mi* O'Meagher confessed judgment for £14 wibhout cosbs, and by consent judgment was entered up for this amounb.

VOLUNTEER TROUBLES.

Captain McßonaM's Demand

for Inquiry.

(BY TELEGRAPH OWN REPORTER.)

Ponsonby Volunteer troubles are still un settled. Mr Ballance has received a telegram from Captain McDonald, explaining that the sole answor he has got to' his request for an inquiry is a request from Col. Shep herd to attend at the Defence Office and bring any witnesses he may have .to oall. The telegram proceeds :—" lam in formed that this course is ordered by Major! General Whitmore, 1 have no power to procure tho attendance of witnesses, and tne Acb or Regulations do nob provide for any inquiry into charges laid against an officf. except by a' Board of Inquiry, so ib is impossible to proceed with the case in this way. I cannot understand departure from the usual custom in thiscaae. There was greab promptitude in convening a Board to try Messrs Martelli, .Palmer and myself on unf6uhded charges*. I respect fully solicit that you cause a Board to be convened. Ib is bhe only n/ipans of procuring necessary evidence to sustain the charge." This telegram has been sent by the Defence Minister to Major-General Whitmore, who, I may add, supports Lieutenanb-Colonel Mahon.

AUCKLAND SAILORS' REST.

The sailors and fishermen who attended the concert on Saturday evening last, given by members of the Grafton Orpheus Gleo Club, lately formed by Mr Charter and friends, enjoyed a musical treat. The quartettes by male voices were well re ceived, and much appreciated by the largo audience. The programme consisted of: quartettes, viz., " The Chapel," " Banish 0 Maiden,'' " Soldier's Love," " 0 Sanctissima ;" trip, " The Wreath ;" solos, "The Gauntlet," "Fairy Jane." "Mignonette," "Last Watch," "Jack's Yarn," " Come Where My Love Lies Dream ing," " Take Back the Heart." The follow ing members of the Club took part, viz., Ist tenors, Messrs Martin and Cooke ; second tenors, A. L. Edwards and W. E. Baxter ; Ist bass, P. C. Hamerton and H. White; 2nd bass, T. Charter and W. A. ; Ryan ; accompanist, Mr W. E. Baxter, and Mr C. W. Hemery kindly undertook tho duties of Chairman. A vote of thanks to the performers was proposed by Mr Scobb, and carriod with applause. The entertain menb concluded with the hymn, . Ebernal I Father." ". ' .

MOUNT EDEN RIFLE RANGE.

(BY ?ELEGRAPU. — OWN REPORTER).

Wellington, this day. Mb Dargaville arrived from Taupo on Saturday hight. He informs me that he had a long interview with the defence Minister. The latter gentleman does not contemplate the removal of the Rifle Range from Mount Eden at present, nor in any case unless a suitable site can be got elsewhere. Even then, the Auckland volunteers will be con sulted befoae anything is done.

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT TO-NIGHT.

In St. James's Hall to-night the Philhar monic Society, under the conducborship of Hen* Schmibt, will perform the attractive cantaba entible.d " The Merry Men of Sher wood Forest." The rehearsals have been very satisfactory, and an enjoyable concert should be the result.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-nifiht.

Abbott's Opera House—Lynch Family of Bell ringers; 8. ■ ■ * • . a Agricultural Hall—London Circus Company, 8. Trinity School-room. Devonport—Meeting of Devonport "Lawn Tennis Club, 8. St. George's Hall, Newton-Lecture on " General Gordon," S. Masopic Hall, Newton—Elementary Singing Class, 7.30. Drill-shed—Newton Rifl C 3,7.30. ■ : > ■ V.M.C.A. Rooms—Association for Teaching of ppivine Healing-, etc, 7.30. DriH-shed—o Battery N.?. Artillery, B. Gladstone Hall, Northcote—Address By Mr T. W. Glover. 7.30. Drill-shed—Volunteers of Auckland District, 8. Oddfellows' Hall, Farnell-Auckland Working .- Men's Friendly Aid Society, 7. St. James's Hall-Cantata, "Merrle Men of Sherwood Forest, 8. * ■■ ■ .

Rota of Justices at Police Court. May W-Mcssre H. Gilfillari and J. Gilmour.

Auction Bales To-morrow.

S. Cochrane and Son—Boots, Shoes, Station erf. etc., 11. Arthur;and. Buddie, North Shore—Household Furniture and Effects, in. * Q. Lewis-Parisian Birds a?,il. Wings, English and Color.ial-madeFurniture, etc., 11. B. Tonks and Co,~Oilmcn'i Stores, Groceries etc., 11,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAK., MONDAY, MAT 9. 1887,

5



'*O y BATTERY. 200yds 300yds 500yds. Tl. Gunnar E. C. Boala .. 17 7 19—43 Gunner BrooU. ..13 IS 15—41 Cor. Yourighusband.. U 17 8— 39 Sercrt. Hodgkinson ..13 9 13- 35 Gunner O'Brien ..13 12 9— 31 Captain George ..10 13 7—30 Gunner Harding .. 13 11 5-20 Sergeant Haultalh *.. 11 ' 6 11— 28 Scrgt. f. M. Beale .. 5 14 9-28 Sergeant. Kallender ,. 11 7 4-22

GrandTotal ".. .. ,-.. .. 329 QUEEN'S OWN R.IFI*£*S. Volunteer A. Kelly .. 17 8 15-40 Volunteer P. V. Kelly 16 12 11—39 Volunteor Lewis .. 12 9 16— 37 Volunteer Anderson.. 17 9 11 - S7 Volunteer Preston ..9 fi 11—29 Volunteer Arthur .. 9 13 7—29 Volunteer McCallum 1(5 6 5-27 Lieutenant .lo'wbray 5 3 IG — 21 Volunteer Hammond 4 12 5— 21 Volunteer Bumby ..6 2 4— 12

GrandTotal 295



19 3 11 3 3 S 3 '20 '24 Total

Auckland 3,28 .. Taranaki 0 70 .. Wellington 1.67 .. Hawkes Bay .. 0.01 Marlborough 1 G2 Nelspn 1.20 .. VVestland 1.04 .. Canterbury 4.89 .. Otago .. 5.65 -.-. '. 20.05 .. 0.01