■ ■'_«, «Northern Advocate" says that the mal mine is still closed, and that thore -^Biaovni.babilityifc-will remain so unless V?Jnverninent make concessions. The tbe I >_. bf the Company have resolved on director" pul . dowu tl)0 ai _ Bhaffc liking.? ■■jjy the Government, and -^(f-nt? their expenditure to keeping c° the water, unleas a permanent dofflVn7i of Od por ton; be made on the retlucwo" of t]]e coa v and to fcliia offee . ■I *i,*f „ve"v-itten to the Colonial Secretary. tliey <. Vdvocate " thinks it is incumbent on Tbe a t]ie diKt , ricb to pe , itiou the the F£ nto n the subject, with" the view GoveW" • fche ]mndi . of th _ direct :o fst-ei# nB n

Yr-poue-tion of closing the Dispensary, ■".i,i« to have come up for discussion ffl" lv at the meeting of the Hospi :.e-] Charitable Aids Board, was. further t-1982 i oW i n o- to the absenceof the mover «fifffib_, Mr'R. Udy/who is unwell. '"/ tl,r letter was. read from Dr. Hooper,. 'P!zl o ut how the -mk poor must neccs-: -if the Dispensary wero closed j- consequence his services dispensed ' _D Mr Mays wished it to be thoroughly *, Ifand that the Board wero quite ■ und Tto look after the sick poor. PtritV but not by moans of the Dis-: °.-1" He thought that they were quite to deal with the matter. fvLfo contest took"placo last night in ir trton between Pettengell and Lang. 1 I°tier ffl'o is a nall-caiitc Maori, proved 1* yj after seven rounds had been ft. JT \f. Murphy, the light-weight W£~ f, now in Wellington, and is a match there between Wg^UgorPettengeli: I i miolitije expected, the action of the '_ MFLjCliaritable" Aids Board hire-1 f°f ■ J the designs ' for the pro miPrGfugos at EUerslie- has fj"ttfflflderable indignation amongst ! ftseWwa- Mr Burrows, author of i del- which was awarded second i jat-ially considers that he has some K'to consideration, while Mr Edmonds, wamethh'd, demands the right of his n jjji-crgubmitted to public tender to Lithe point M to whether the design jnot be carried out for the sum named. Safe.,gentleman wrote to the Board fljjjjjthat unless this was done he should t_ action to enforce his claim. The ILd simply decided to receive the letter, to the -writer the right of __a tfhatactions liOpleases. Mr Percy Mt on behalf ofthclnsfcifuto of Archi- Lb also wrote requesting the Board to forward reasons, for their action. As the jojrd.arc not responsible to the Institute [or their actions, this request was declined. Hessi. H- M- Hammond and S. Major lave successfully passed their solicitors' / jjjjinowledge examinations which took placo in March last" v ',-.-.

' ininqaest is proceeding at the Exchange iHoid, Pamell, this afternoon, beforo Dr. 'JbilsOß, Coroner, on the recent fire at ■ Mrs Jodion-residence, Parnell Rise. The Ijolics consider that thero arc suspicious in connection with the fire.

'iciECffl-iii'ai'l of the Roman Catholic Coetay Fond takes placo this evening at ■£VJa__-.- -fall- Messrs Burnham, Knox, I.teiga-i.lhsPryor,.Misse_ Knight and ]__ip_ -Bill sihg. Mr J. J. Walsh will matw recitations—thee, should bo a rare tea and Mr Sheahan'_s band .will supply ijiista_B-Pt_l _a__ic.' .' '.. '

A __&i-g cc the' Auckland Football fie.-ell?- for to-morrow (Wednesday) KB_§ ( _.Sp._-., in the Imperial Hotel.

;'■ Ais___[_iC-tii-g-' bf the members of the te Tee-ball Club is to' be held this |_to) evening at '7.30, in the Glass Mte,P-_na_- Aa the burinesa is iMpisiiiai-i.orksnco, all are requested ;. -__-'; "' ■' ..■•,,.. . , 1 Jeasjtf pretty green limrds in a glass fl?B»a_ view to-day in Mr Glover's _| Qaeen-s__.ee!;. Thoy attracted an lia'tta-iantioa during the day.

USiiegard to the appointment of Dr. Hiss 3, -nnmsber oi the surgical staff of felfasnii____ r Mr W_ddel stated at' the raiajdr __oHospital Board last evening _tDr.: ___e__a_!c_i had requested him to ho applied for the'position -i__3*____-_ that Br. Knight wa_ an ap |__4 s__l S-vW -ha_ Dr. Bond had re tadtoAailaEd.',-.-. -v

____t_y gdfe yisierday 'blew off ono of fesssls e_ iron from the steeple of St. Mkaffillarcb. ia Hobson-street. During fefflaauagrlt -ivhs invaying about in a most .hajjans manner, being held by only one te. Fffifcaaaiisly no pne wa3 hurt.

:-__B:6cspel Temperance meeting last laky tromag,. helcf m tho Foresters' _4'£_!__gasiane Road, tho Rev. A. J. ™S {-ire._■ vesy interesting- account of : fe-___o.y evening out-door service held life jnnctira of Grey anrl Upper Queen W- -_eci_____an of tho Newton com *__.: Resided, and gave an earnest jfeßm"lot far from tho Kingdom."

.^pdiminaiy inquiry into tho charges Efeal by.Captain McDonald against tont-Cblcuel Mahon wa.. continued 5-___el Lyons to-day. Tho proceedings eOss_al at half-past twelve o'clock, of Lieutenant Sr**s continued by Caot. McDonald. W<--_? natter is disposed of, evidence «k; taken xegardiDg tho more serious laid 'by Lieutenant Martelli jN li«_. -Col. Mahon. In th c evont of ,*l'J<__reporting that tho evidence is of |ffi|. warrant further inquiry a pro- P.(_-!tit_ted Board of Inquiry will sit "jreriomly .promised to Captain IvNtL The preliminary action has 2«x_ taken in order to expedite

ifwate letter from Naples contain, the 2-: -If you like dogs you will be pratb the annexod. At Ceriano a Ww who lived by hawking milk was ;?*ler the ruins of his cottage a little i^oftown." As'he usually "set ofi on i^teforofoura.m., cvcryoncbelieved \Hw> hut he, too, had celebrated the mm Carnival by taking a little wine, '^'feptlate. His large dog, which ■J'wag.the milkcart up the mountain -^•uelt out his master, and began to rubbish until he laid his 5J5' head bare, which was covered with {J* 1-Then the dog began to lick jj^nds; but finding that the L,,y continued, and comprehend -12 M could not dig further, he jtJM$ seized by the coat tho first ;|S.. °mot, who, thinking the dog 2;- 0t loose ancl ran away. But a W™". guessing what the animal **»_.. -? v,' ed hiln» and consequently C was released from his Wfc,po'ition- The Minister Genala *.-_ jvmfc'and found him with, his HP uP'wridci- a tbnt, with tho faith- J 0'I^. beside him. " . &'of ths Loyal United Friends' 'invited by advertise %^ lld their annual gathering this aß9nic Hall, Karangahape

-lid.l St 'of tto Thames, is conduct ,*t_i__.'erTiee» at Freoman's Bay Mis i^&?°9tball Club are requested *•* _'__v *wmarkot Railway Bridge -to- ITtw- '"' I«i«hS. CS»AST, g Shell Brand Butter Sulity.' Sslccted,and is of the choicest .W . ■'"■'■"' ISI .Tronton shares continues. Wpmwlb'atls' 9d, and sellers \\ .&. *':'.' Saxons aro ; easier - sellers fffo ° W3 been some inquiry for NSkS- S.les offcci'ed Is. Bank '> J? sharcfJ w"_ offered at £16 ss. 2*lSi T.y?-S of Now Zoaland Insur- NVtJJfij o*-^ftnd Natiomvlltl"

GREAT FLOODS AT THE THAMES.

SHORTLAND SUBMERGED.

Extensive Damage to Property.

(BY TELEGRAPH. - O.VS COKKKSI'OJiDUNT.)

Thames, this day. The heaviest flood which has ever visited thi_ town occurred last night, when the rain, which had fallen intermittently sinco Thursday last and been accompanied by a strong gale, commenced to increase ancl fell in one continual downpour.

By midnight the Karaka Creek had overflowed, as, notwithstanding recent alterations, io was utterly incapable of holding the immense volume of water coming from the various hills and gullies, and, consequently, the whole of Shortland, from Mary-street to Mulligan's Corner, was one sheet of water.

Some of the business places aro covered with the aqueous clement to a depth of nearly 2 feet. •

Grahamstown fared similarly, as almost the whole of tlie streets of this portion of the town are inundated, and business is partly suspended to-day.

Several small land-slips have occurred at Tararu and Waiotahi, while numerous bridges have been destroyed.

The Kaneranga river overflowed its banks and the wholo pf the. land in this direction, including several farms, were covered with water, while the large orphanage bridge across this river has been completely carried away. The immense -" fresh " in the Kaueranga had the effect of bringing down about 4,000 logs to the Parawai booms, and 1,500 have been landed at Kirikiri.

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Despite, the extreme inclemency of the weather last night, the Philharmonic Society's concert took place in St. James's Hall, under the. able conductorship of Herr Carl Schmitt, and passed off very plea santly. The hall was about three-parts full, but a crowded attendance had evidently been expected, for at the outset the Hon. Secretary (Mr George Campbell) announced that as numbers of ticket-holders luid been kept away by the rain, it had been arranged to repeat the performance, and that those already iii attendance would on going away have their ticket's returned to them, so that they. might use them again. This considerate arrangement of course gave general satisfaction.' The work pre sented "was W. H. Birch's pastoral operetta, "The.Merrie Men of Sherwood lorest," and the Society mustered for its perform ance 18 sopranos, 4) contraltos, 5 tenors, 12 basses and baritones, and 23 instru mentalists, while the solo parts were cast a_B follows: — Robin Hood, Mr C. Peaca (tenor); Marian, Mrs Evitt (soprano); Little John, Mr Williams (bass); Will Scarlett, Mr Buckland (baritone); Friar Tuck and Holy Palmer, Mr H. Hollo way (bass) ; Sheriffj Mr G. B. Boulton (bass). As the numbers indicate, the orchestra was relatively far too heavy for the volume of voic», and as it is difficult to con strain instrumental forces to moderate their tone, the chor_«, and, to a greater degree, the soloists, were unduly handicapped. The tenor suffered most from this competition of strength. Hi* voice is rather thin, and in its lower register it could not bo heard at all. To a. lesser extent the bari tone . was also heard at a disadvan tage. Mrs . Evitt sang the soprano solo parts with moderately good effect. Mr Williams and Mr H. Holloway were the best of the basses. Both gentlemen have voices of good quality. The chorus singing was the best feature of the per formance, and the execution of the reci tatives was unquestionably its greatest blemish. In this respect, the soloists Have considerable room for improve ment. Most of the choruses w-ere given with a resolution and crispness '■ that reflect great credit on the aptitude of the Society, and at the same time indicate very careful and assiduous training on the part of the conductor. The instrumentation was, on the whole, very good, although the com ponent parts: of the orchestra manifest an unequal degree of excellence. This is easily accounted for. Somo of the players are also well-known members of the Choral Society's orchestra, while others are mere tyros. Still, they have at tained to a very creditable degree of pro ficiency for the time they have been studying. The- horns and one or two other of the heavier brass instru ments were the weakest soctions of the orchestra last night. Of the instru mental numbers the " Morrice Dance " and the " Dead March " were particularly good, while the well-known "Air Varie " of De Beriot (the great French violinist) was given with capital effect by Miss Buckland as a kind of. , intermezzo. The young lady is a very capable performer on the violin, and was deservedly applauded. Apart altogether from the bad weather, which militate- both artistically and financially against the best of musical performances, the concert was very enjoy able, and the fact that so many peoplo braved the elements in order to attend it affords conclusive proof of the popularity of tho Society. We hope to sco an overflow ing "house "at St. James's Hall on Mon day evening next. . ...

AVONDALE ROAD DISTRICT.

The annual meeting of ratepayers of the above district was. held in the Public Hall on Saturday, 7th irist.1, at 7.30 p. m. A large number of ratepayers were present, Mr John Bollard, Chairman of the Road Board, in the chair. The Chairman read the report and balance-sheet, showing tho receipts from all sources to be £-128 16s lid, and the expenditure £29i) Gs lid, leaving a balance of f 129 10s, Great dissatisfaction was expressed at tho manner in which the Minister for Public Works has authorised the Waitemata County Council to levy ■. contributions for New Whau Bridge, the amount levied on Avondale being two hundred pounds (£200). Considerable discussion also aro.e as to the Board, stating its intention of impounding all-cattle straying or depasturing in the district—the Chairman stating -fiat the Board would be guided by a majority of the ratepayers in this matter. A vote of thanks to the Board for their services during the past year terminated the proceedings. ■

(BY TELEGRAPH-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Cambria.—lslb of picked 3tone from the cross leader.

Ou ancl after next Sunday, May l..th, the Tram Company will run 'buses from Three Lamps, Ponsonby, to tho.;. vharf, via Ponsonby -Road; Nowton, and Welleyley street'.West, every half hour, commencing at 10 a.m.. up to 0 p.m, A 'buu will also, ran between "tho.-Throe Lamp.. and Collop Hill to tho Union Bank from 127_0 to ">M p.m. Further particulars wiU ho faundjn a4 vci .iseinoat, . '. '• ' * .«'

GALE AT PAEROA.

Extensive Damage

(BY TELEGRAPH - OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Paeroa,.this day. A gale' of unprecedented fierceness, accom-' panied by heav rain, has just passed over this district, carrying destruction every where. Fences and outbuildings have dis. appeared before its ravages like matchwood, and the country generally wears a desolato aspect this morning.

R.M. COURT. THIS DAY.

(Before IT. (!. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

A UONEV-I.ENDIKO TRANSACTION.

11. C. Hanchard v. Antonio Divtani. — Claim, LGO on a dishonoured promissory note.—Mr Rigby "appeared for the plain till", and Mr O'Meaghor for tho defoiuhint. —H. C. Hanchard, tho plaintiff, doposed that in March last defendant ap plied to him for a loan of LSO with which to start a bakery business in College Road. . YY itness agreed to advance the money, provided ho were paid LIS interest. Dofendant acceptod the condition and gave a p.m. for L 65, promising" to pay this sum by monthly instalments of ,L 5. — George Andrews deposed that he was the agent employed by Diviani to negotiate the loan from Hauchard. Han chard, in an interview with Diviani, told the latter that he could have the monoy, providing Mrs Diviani, Who held pro perty in her own right, endorsed the bill. The bill was to be for three months. Diviani agreed to this,' and witness subsequently submitted the bill to Mrs Diviani, who endorsed it, remarking that sho had no doubt tho business would bo a good one. as her husband was v splendid baker. This was done on the 7th of March.-Cross-examined by MrO'Mcaghor : He had been engaged in collect ing rents for Mr Hanchard. Wit ness got about L 2 commission from Diviani for valuations, etc., but nothing on the loan transaction itself.—This was the plaintiff's case.—Mr O'Meagher then called Antonio Diviani, the defendant, who de posed that ho wont to last witness about a loan, and that Andrews took him to Han chard. Hanchard agreed to let him have LuO charging him LlO interest, and making the bill therefore for LOO payable at L 5 per month. Had he said LIS would be charged for interest, witness would not have proceeded further. He was not told cither that it was a three months' bill. Witness never handled tho bill ; he merely signed it in Hanchard's odicc. Andrews took it to Mrs Diviani for her en dorsement. (Left sitting.)

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs S. Y. Collins and Gilmore,

J.P's.)

Drunkenness.—W. C. Ryland was charged with drunkenness. Sorgt.- Pratt stated that tho prisoner was suffering from the effects of heavy drinking. . When arrested by Sergt. Clarke he stated his intention of drowning himself. Remanded for a week for medical treatment. — Roderick Duke, charged with drunkenness, was fined 5s and costs with the customary alternative. Allt:ged; Larceny.—Edward Foreipan, a spruce young hairdresser, was clmrgod with stealing a brush and coinb.'b'ag, tho property of his landlady, Rachel* Ba-tc'n.—- The de fendant pleaded not guilty. The evidence of Mrs Basten went to show that the article in question was the property of a former boarder named Brooks. She was responsible for it to the owner. The defendant removed it, .and when she spoke to him about it he said that Brooks had given it to him.—Detective Walker deposed to arresting the defendant. When arretted ho said that he had taken nothing belong ing to Mrs Basten.—Defendant made a lengthy statement, to the effect that the person who owned the bag had left for Sydney, and had given his effects into his (defendant's) charge. —W. G. Sustancc deposed that from the relations exist ing between the defendant and Brooks it was likely that the-defendant would have charge of Brooks's things. -Mr Mason, the defendant's employer, stated that Brooks, the owner of the boots, had been in his shop last night with the bag in his possession, and informed witness that he had authorised the defendant to get his bag. —The caso was dismissed.— Thcrenson forßrooks'snon appcarance in court was probably that a bailiff with a summons was waiting for him at the door.

Jane French Again.—Jane French, an old offender, was charged with the larceny of a pair-of boots, the property of one J. Hannah. —Defendant pleaded not aridity.— The prosecutor deposed-that the defendant had been residing at his house. After she left, he missed the boots. -G. W. H. Garrard, assistant at Asher's pawnshop, de posed that the defendant had pawned the boots at his master's placo of business. — Seven days' imprisonment. Prohibition Order. — A prohibition order, under the Licensing Act, was made in respect of Maria Maloney at tho instance of her husband.

THE SEAMEN'S UNION ACTIVE.

Thk Auckland branch of the Seamen's Union havo turned their attention to the" steamer Chelmsford. This handy littlo craft, under command of Captain Charles Hopkins, appears to be becoming very popular oil the East Coast, and notwith standing tho dulness of things in goneral, is picking up a good payable trade. This having attracted the attention of the Secretary to the Seamen's Union, he "called around" to see whether the Society rules were duly adhered to...find .finding one non-Union man on board he proceeded to interview Captain Hopkins on the subject. The skipper, however, received his advances coolly, and declined to make any oompromise; The Chelmsford's crew are all Union !.hieri, excepting one, .and • him Captain Hopkins intends to keep, whatever the rest may do. The Secretary of the Union induced ono young fellow, a member of the Union, who °had Arery recently been engaged' to assist the engineer, to leave tho steamer, but otherwise the crew showed their appreciation of a good steady billet by electing to stick by the boat, come what may. Captain Hop kins is confident of his ability to got forty men if he wants them, and, judging by tbe large number now idle, there is Tittle reason to doubt this. The Union therefore appear to have pressed their claims .„_ a very bad timo, and seem to havo little chance of having them recognised. ■

Tho first of the St. Sepulchre's winter en tortainmcntfj takes placo on Friday. A thoroughly oxcollont ptogtwnmo has beon aot to(?othov, and judging by tho porform ancc last year, wo can con ldontir.ily predict a dolia-htfui ovenlng. The ontev.ju»monl> dosoo'with " 80/ and Cos," hi wh.oh Mes-ro' Robin. Hudson* and P.joo sustain thd cliftVab km, This should ft^ae UxmvQ a buuipe* house.

[The ship Northumberland is an iron vessel ol about 2,000 tons burden, and be longs to the Shaw, Saville, and Albion Line. She has made several trips to this port under her esteemed commander, Cap tain Todd. On her present voyage she had como from London to Lyttelton, thence up the coast to Napier, whore sho was to discharge tho balanco of her cargo and load frozen meat for London. Sho is fitted with the latest and best refrigerating machinery.]

The Northumberland wa3 built at Lon don in 1871 by Messrs Money, Wigram, and Sons for Messrs Shaw, Saville, and Co., and sho is classed 100 Al in Lloyd's last Shipping Register.

LATER.

THE SHIP STILL SAFE.

(BY TEI.KGRAriI-PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

* Tho Northumberland dragged anchors i this morning, and hoisted .dgnals of dis tress. Tho lifoboat went Out, but could make no

headway.

From the shore it appeared that the ship was aground at the stem, but afloat at the bow, on a bank three-quarters of a miile off Petane Beach.

The Sir Donald, steamer, went out tit one o'clock, and steamed round her.

She reports that the vessel is not aground, and her anchors arc holding. The distress signal has been hauled down.

THE SUEZ CANAL.

Proposed Neutralisation

Paris, May 8.

"Lo Temps." to-day states that the •negotiations proceeding between the British and French Government, with a view to the neutralisation of the Suez Canal, are making good progress..

A JUBILEE DEMONSTRATION.

London, May 9. It is announced that at tlie grand naval review, which is to be held at Ports mouth, on 21st July, in connection with the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee. Upwards of a 100 men-of war will take part in the evolutions.

ENGLAND AND THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

The British Government, replying to a communication from the 4

French Government, havo declined to officially tako part in,the Exhibition to be held at Paris in ISS9.

REUTERS TELEGRAM.

Australian News

Sydney, Monday. — The Chinese Com missioners had an interview with Sir Henry Parkes to-day, when the Premier promised that every facility should be given them for furthering the objects of their

mission.

A meeting is being held in Sydney iv op position increase of the tobacco tax.

V.M.C.A. COMPETITIONS.

[CONTINUED.]

The following awards, in addition to those on page eight, have been made : —

Cookery Competition. ■— Judges : Mrs Philson and Mrs Dudley Ward. About twenty competitors. . Best Loaf: Miss Baylis, 1 ; Miss Vickcrs, com mended. Best Scones: Miss Patterson, Ist; Miss Ada Grey, commended. Bes_ Pound Cako: Mrs Stevenson, Ist.^Mr Chal mers, commended. Bost Sponge Cake: Miss Alico Matthews, Ist; Miss Mary E, Wilson, commended. All tho sponge cafees were pronounced exceedingly.good.

POLL ON ONEHUNGA WATER WORKS.

A poll of the burgesses of Onehunga, as duly advertised, took place at the Council Chamber yesterday, on the proposal of the Council to borrow the sum of L 6,000 for the purpose of providing tho necessary funds for the projected waterworks. It will be remembored that this poll is necessi tated by tlio fact that the Government In surance Department have agreed to lend the necessary funds upon a poll of the ratepayers having demonstrated, as required by law, that half thoße entitled to vote were in favour of the same. The interest and sinking fund is to be secured by a special rate of Od in the £, which it is proposed to levy upon all rateable pro perty. The poll resulted as follows :— For tho proposal ... ... 179 Against the proposal... ... 14

Tho number in favour of tho proposal was thus _8 short of the required half, or 207 of tho ratepayers. It is mani festly tha apathy of tho ratepayers of the borough which has caused the failure to carry tlie proposal, as no opposition to speak of has been brought against the work being carried out. As the Council is responsible for tha amount of tho contract which is let, also the charges of tho Borough en-inoers, Messrs Boylan and Lundon, we may expect that at the next taking of the poll the ratepayers will be awakened to the fact of the necessity of attending tho polling-place. ■ Should it be found impossible to obtain the required 207 votes, tho money will have to be borrowed elsewhere at a cost of £100 frcr annum more to tlie ratepayers for interest than that charged by the Government Insurance De partmoiij.

BANKRUPTS' EXAMINATIONS

Arthur Mercer Gravatt said he was a builder, and came out here three years ago with L 1.200 in cash. Ho bought allot ments and built sundry houses, and did fairly well for two years. He built in all 2'J houses, and had LG coming in per week clear after paying all mortgage liabilities and other charges. Tho pro perty was mortgaged to the extent of L.,000, on which liv paid an average of about 10 per cent. During the late de pressed times ho had given .up L 2,000 worth of property to the mortgagees, and somo of his houses had been untenanted for 0 months. Thebankrupt simply filed to avoid being sent to gaol in consequence of a judgment obtained against him by a secured creditor. Liabilities to secured creditors, L' 2,587, against property valued at L 3,000 ; assets being book debts L'2o, household furniture L 25. Unsecured debts amount to LGI4 15s, all for building material. Kept no books; all transactions put down in pocket-book. Did not sec the slightest prospect of retrieving his position. Charles Quiun Hutchinson said he took up 100 acres of land on the Batiki block five years ago. Here, besides farming he carried on business as a storekeeper, but suffered budly from bad debts. Three ago ho backed a promissory note ; this was renewed on payment of interost until hist August, _ Had no alternative, but had to lilo to avoid an execution. Liabilities, loan from his father L&jOos; goods supplied to store, Llßl 3s Gd ; endorsed P.N.. L.7; farm debts and household supplies, L4O 12s : total, L 515 Os Gd. Assets : Freehold farm, L 305 ; live stock and implements, L7l ; book debts, Ll3l 7s Gd, worth about L3O ; and stock in trade, Ll2 : total, L4lB.

NORTHERN MAORI ELECTION.

The following for the election of a Maori representative for the Northern District took place yesterday, but owing to the scattered nature of the district the returns are not yet to hand. They will probably reach us to-morrow.

Sensational Charge BY John Bright.

SrEAK- TNC! at the Westminster Friends' Meeting-house, St. Martin's Lane, Mr Blight, in the course of a long speech on the evil of w«J. mado tho following state ment :—" I heard a story the other day which I know to be true. lam not able to give the name- of the officer who told it. I do not know "what would happen to him. He would not be able to go up the ladder any more if it was known; but it was stated, , ancl it is true, that after one of the battles—l think that battle called Abu Klea, in which some persons whoso names are well known wove killed on the English side—that in the evening, after tho battle was over, this gentleman heard shots and somo noise which surprised him. He did not know what was going on, but when ho made inquiry he found that the Eng lish soldiers were going about the field ~f battle, after the hot blood was gono and tho battle was over, and they were bayoneting and shooting tho poor Arab soldiers lying wounded upon the field. I [Cries of " shame," and hisses.] Why.these people have all got a chaplain with them. ([Laughter.] They arc supposed to have a I religious servico at least onco a week if they aro not lighting on that day. [Re | newed laughter.] And yet these horrors 1 aro perpetrated, and men como home ancl they are put into tho House of Lords and are "ranted a largo sum of money, and you sco in tho newspapers wholo columns of I persons on whom promotions and decora- I tions of ono kind, or another have been conferred, and we go along enjoying these •occasional pieces ocf rapine which M. 10l- Vtan spoke of in ths French Chamber. And I do not know but wo may bo on the no'ujt of doing it almost any day." 1,-t consequence of the above startling state .netifc so positively made by Mr Bright, arS tentative of the "Pall Mall Gazette" white. - »P°" Lord Wolseley, as the person most u'kely to be acquainted with every detail m'the management of our forces during the Egyptian campaign. Lord Wolseley reac\ the paragraph with indig nation and authorises the most emphatic 'contmSrtcX: W B* fc,% sfcaS e tv "T was not of COCrse,'* Lord Wolseley added, "present *Wffl_F^J!£^ but 1 am perfectly -certain, first, that such practices could t_c* ty™ taken place I withoutsome report of .'treochingme at some time ; and, second, that the statement is in direct and flagrant contra diction £*°. Ul£ vcrsal tendoiTcy of our m ™, .)vhich » to run even unwise risk in doi.ng friendly ser vices to wounded enemies. ■ Altu "10 battle of Te-el-Kebir more thai * one sokliei was treacherously killed, and an officer was dangerously wounded, win {& g"™g water to wounded Arabs. Any.™ who knows anything about soldiers kno^ Pel' fcctly well that they have no such ,1100a thirsty instincts as are attributed to. l hem by Mr Bright. While you're fighting, d» man resists you he's shot, of course ; b-fj when the battle's over, and with wourtdeci men - never ! Indeed, the very details' 01 Mr Brieht's story make it preposterous t\> a military man. You may. contradict it in my name in tho most emphatic manner."

£100 Rkwaui., • Thoy euro all diseases of the stomaoli, bowels. l>lopd, liver, jwvob, and Mdnoyw, tnui iUIOO will ho pflid for a oaeo they WM hot euro or h-hi. or for anything impuwo or inj urloua found In them -Hop BHtors, Gop-Ulno qnly mado by American Co.

A PRECIOUS SCOUNDREL.

Extraordinary Trial in Sydney.

An action of a very extraordinary cha racter, in which some surprising dis closures were mado, was hoard at Sydney on the 13th ult., before District Judge Wil kinson. A coloured person, calling him self the "reverend" S. C. Anderson, sued the Bey. Andrew Gardiner, minister of tho Presbyterian Church at Glebe Point Road.for £200 damages for libel. Tho slander waa contained in a lotter published by Mr Gar diner, in which he cautioned the publio against the coloured gentleman, who was, prone to evoke sympathy and support by piteous tales of distress, and declared him to be an impostor. The " Sydney Morning Herald," whose report of the trial wo abridge, says that Anderson is of diminu tive stature, with short, black curly beard. Plaintiff said he was a Mauritian by birth —half Creole, half Indian—and produced his certificates as a clergyman. Ono of these was written in a language that the Court could not understand. Ho had brought this action in ordor to get back again his character as a Christian clergy man, which had been seriously injured by the publication of Mr Gardinoi's letter. The statement in tho letter he com plained of was the one which said that lie was an impostor, and not the right Anderson. In crosa-examination the following replies were given by the witness :—

Did you ever tell an unfortunate girl whom you ruined that if she would not bring you up in the Polico Court for maintenance you would get enough money out of Mr Gardiner to keep her ?—No ; I deny that. I never said so to her. Were you ever a Christian minister. ?—I am a regular Christian minister, and have passed through all my studies. Were you — a regular Christian minister — brought up in the Police Court a few months ago for seduction ? —I object to that ques tion.

Como along, let us have it. Was a main tenance order made against you for seducing a servant girl ?—Yes. I premised to marry her. I passed under the name of Samuel Challon. I dropped the " Anderson" when I dropped the style of "Rev." to go into service. As a Christian minister, you would not think it right to seduce her without promis ing to marry her ?—No reply. Did you lead her to believe that you were a man of some means, and did you show ber a forged bank-book ?—I had some money in the bank, but I have spent it all. Did you tell this poor unfortunate girl that the bank-book represented your wealth? —As sure as there is a God before whom I stand, I did not tell her anything of the kind. If I Hid, may God Almighty strike me dead. Is it not a fact that you stated to the girl whom you seduced, when you knew that she was likely to give evidence against you here to-day : "It is no good your going to the Court, because the Judge is a hree mason, and I.am a Freemason, too, and I have only to look at tho Judgo and ho -will decide in my favour."—l never made any such statement, and if the girl says so, may she be struck down like, Ananias and Sapphira. And you «ay that yovir only objoct in bringing this action is to establish your character ? —I can never get my character again. Shakespeare sa,ys that you can never get your character back when you lose it. In the course of a letter written by witness to the girl in February last these passages occur :—" It is useless for you to nave me before the Court. I know I will get three months'; but after that you can not do anything more, so it would be better fpr you not to : appear before the Court. Biit let my case which I have preferred against Mr Gardiner come off, and thou if I win of course Jl shall be able to support you and the child. 1' In Melbourne he called on Bishop Moorhouse, but did not tell him that before he could do anything with him he would have to communicate with the Bishop of Mauritius. Mr Wise (defendant's counsel) here drew the attention of the Court to certain state ments which had been published in a Syd ney paper with regard to plaintiff's con nection with the Coloured Vigilance Com mittee of New South Wales. The object of the Society, according to these state ments, was to suppress crime among its class, and to bring to justice any one of tho coloured race who might commit offences against the laws of the land. The suspect was first brought before a tribunal com posed of '' dark " gentlemen, and if after patient inquiry they found him guilty, he was handed over to the authorities to bo dealt with. It was to protect the " honour of the coloured citizens of Sydney" that they had taken this form of ascertaining the delinquencies of any of their number, so that no shamo or slur should be cast on those who could claimfor themselves the dis tinction of holding honourable positions in tho Colony. " The Rev. "S. C. Anderson has preached at the Protestant Hall, and been introduced to the Society as anxious to carry on a coloured mission in Sydney. The prospect was hailed with delight, but after the brethren had listened to Mr Ander son's ministrations for a time doubts arose in the minds of somo regarding him, and communications from Victoria and Tas mania were placed before the meeting. The meeting was of a very stormy charac ter, so far as Anderson himself was_ con cerned, and he was asked a series of questions, and the production of his papers insisted on, but ho declined to comply with the request. In reply to the newspaper report of this meeting, Anderson wrote : ~ lam a regular ordained minister of the Church of Christ. I admit that I was im prisoned in Launceston, and suffered a month's imprisonment for tho atrocious crime of asking for a little assistance to buy a meal with ! and I consider the disgrace is attached to the authorities and not to me, an innocent man, whose only crimo was his poverty. On inquiry it will be found that I have preached in the Rev. Dr. Steel's church, and also at the Rev. Mr Gardiner's, Globe Road, Sydney. Before joining, this present mission it is quite true that I called on Archbishop Moran and offered my services, and told him all my circumstances and as I could find no other church at the timo I was quite willing to preach the Gospel of the Church of Christ in the Catholic Church as readily ns in any other church. I believe in Christ as the Saviour of mankind, and I believe that Catholics are as good Chtistians as anyone else. My object is to do good, and I care not where I proclaim Christ. I think no one but a bigot would object to Christianity outside of fhnr own church. It will be a happy day when all Christian churches will sink all petty differences, and come to issue at stake. I am a foreigner, and in a strange land. I have received many kindnesses from the members of my late congregation, but their mind, havo been poisonod by malicious, evil persons. It is cruel and unjust of those persons who are, with dogged perseverance, trying to write me down to the grave simply because I suffered a month's imprisonment for being poor. Is this Christianity ? Is such treatment as this meted out to a Christian the outcome of Christianity? God forbid ! for I know it is tho want of Christianity in my accusers.—S. C. Ander son, minister of the Gospel. P.S. — I have mever claimed to be an ordained minister of the Church of England. ' Plaintiff was further cross-examined. • Did you go to Cardinal Moran and ask him to *_.ke you as apriest ?— I don't deny having gono to the Cardinal, but I never naked him to take me as. a priest. I told, him I was • willing to do anything for Christ, and ho j sympathised with me, and gavo mo a few shillings, telling me that I had boon badly • treated by toy own brethren,

Is it true that when in Melbourne you re presented yourself to be a Baptist ?-—I waa brought up in the Church of England, and when I became a man I found that there were better doctrines than those taught by that Church. I thought that as the Saviour was baptised by going into the water I would be baptised in the same way. Did you not, aiter Cardinal Moran de olined to have anything to do with you as a' priest, offer to become connected with tha Salvation Army?-I wanted to got some-' thing to do, but they said that I was too much of the parson for thorn. ; Did you not aftor that join the Blue: Ribbon Army, with the same results ?-I ■ spoke to one of them about becoming con-: nected with it. — In the course of his further; examination it transpired that he had bceis. turned out of a private house in Brisbane for addressing highly improper language to j young ladies in a neighbouring house ; that i ho had advertised for a " highly-educated j Christian young lady as house-keeper, up. country ;" that one Anno Johnstone, who ho-, declared on his oath had been "put up": to answer it, had met him, ancl that after • their interview he wrote this lotter to her:—• j

"My dear Anne.—lt is with feelings of groat pleasure I take this opportunity of, writing this opistle to you, hoping it will; find you in good health. How susceptible ' must your heart be to the tender, passion, since a few words as they, were, can inspire you with affection. The long pent-up tenderness of my nature has at last found a worthy object of devotion. But there are forms which Time to touch forbear, and turns aside his scythe to vulgar things. Hope to receive a few lines by return.—Yours sincerely, C. S. Ander son. P.S.—Don't 'forget to send the measure which you promised.—C.S. A." The facts of this interview got into one Of

the Brisbane papers, ancl he found it necessary to interview the editor. The paper, however,spitefully published a report of the interview, concluding thus: "He was advised to clear out of the office at once and with this advice ringing in his dusky ears the scamp slunk out of the office, his chances of victimising his fellow men, in Brisbane at least, having irrevocably disappeared. Having now clone our duty in exposing thi3 imposter, we have much pleasure in recom mending him to the kindly attentions of the police and detective department." Witness did not bring any action against that paper because he was too poor. For the defence the girl referred to stated the relations between her and plaintiff, and gave the substance of conversations he had denied ; the Rev. Andrew Gardiner, moder ator of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales, stated that a letter which Anderson had declared was written by him (Mr Gardiner) was never so waitten ; and the Rev. U. J. Anderson, secretary of the Franco^Australian mission, who has resided at Mauritius, said there was no Free Union Church in that island such as the plaihtiff, alleged he belonged to. ■ j The Judge ruled that the letter written i by Mr Gardiner was clearly a libel. Justi- j fication was absolutely complete ; but justi- j

iication had not been pleaded, only " not j guilty." It was a misfortune that justifica-< tion had not been pleaded, for, after the plaintiffs own admissions in cross-examina tion, there could be no doubt that it had been pleaded up to the hilt. Mr Gardiner had not only done a duty to society, but a very useful duty, by coming into Court at some expense to defend this action. He would give verdict for the plaintiff for one farthing damages, but not one penny costs.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Bro Bono Publico.—The question of sub marine engineering and diving is treated at length in the various encyclopaedias at ■ the Free Library, and we must refer you to same for general information upon the subject. As the pressure of water at 100 feet, is 501b. to tho square inch, it will be readily grasped by our correspondent that a human being could hardly work at much below that depth. At the great works at the St. Loufe bridge, in America, divers worked at the eastbuttressata depth of 110 ft., but could only do so for some two hours per day. The pressure at so great a depth would prove fatal to most men in a very short time, ancl constant practice only enables divers to work under such conditions. In bridge-work caissons aro used, as doubtless you know, and a. the Hawkesbury Bridge we find that at 180 feet it was deemed impos sible to use clivers, patent dredging caissons being used. As regards the sus pension of a sinking ship, all depends upon what kind of material the ship ia composed of, also what cargo she carries. ' A wood ship with a cargo of timber would remain suspended about three miles from the surface, the greatest depth known being 4_ miles.

THE. "ATTcntLAND .'EVENING. "STAB, "TUESDAY, "MAT 10, 1887,

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Second Edition. HEAVY GALE AT NAPIER. SHIP NORTHUMBERLAND STRANDED. INEFFECTUAL EFFORTS TQ REACH HER. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Napier, this day. The ship Northumberland, which arrived on Sunday, is reported stranded out in the bay. Both her cables parted; The lifeboat went out, but it is doubtful if it will be able to reach her. Tho small steam launches are getting up steam to go to tho assistance of tho Northumberland. A strong galo is blowing with very heavy sea. A distress signal was hoisted shortly after eleven, but no communication with her is yet possible.



WANTED, a re. poo tablo-Boy to rut. oviwid. anil make hluwoK ( ronortji f iiH-ful,_..Ai)tilyaJ-,'Quoon.Btroot, W. J. Bm,. I'ork Butcher.



IKTOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR XI A PUBLICAN'S LICENSE. AUCKLAND EAST. I, PETER FRANCIS PURCELL, of Auck land, Publican, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next Licensing Meeting to be holden at Auckland, on tlie Ist day ot June, 18S7, apply for a Certificate author ising tho issue of a Publican's License for a House situate at Upper Qneen-strect, Auckland, and known as the Queen's Head Hotel, con taining thirteen rooms, exclusive of those re uired for the use of tho family. Dated the 9th day of May, ISB7. P. F. PURNJiLL. T^TOTICE OF. APPLICATION FOR _Ll TRANSFER OF LICENSE. AUCKLAND NORTH. I, JOSEPH BOULTER of Auckland Publi can do horoby glvs notice that I do'siro to ohtain, and will, at the noxt Licensing Meeting to be holden at Auckland on tho Cth day bf Juno, 188", apply |or a certificate authorising the issuo of a pubdoan's license (or a houso situate at Wellosley street, Auckland, and known as tho "Shamrock Hotel," containing 13 rooms, ex clusive of those required for tho use of tho family. Dated the 9th day of May. 1887. JOSEPH BOULTER.



COMING_EVENTS. Meetings, &c; To-night. Ahbott's dpera House—Lynch Family of Bell . ringers, 8. , Agricultural Hall—London Oirous Company, 8, YiM.C.A. Koonis-Salo of Work, 2 till 10. Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell — Sorvieo of Song, '• Little' Mim's One Talent," 7,30. Newmarket Wesleyan. Churoh — Anniversary Soiree of Sunday School, G. 30. Drill-shed—Auckland Veteran Rifl 03; 7.30. Freemasons' Hall—Union Lodge of Mark Mas ' ter Masons. E.C.. 7.50. Drill-shed-No 8 Battalion, A.R.V., 7.-0. St. James's Hall—Vocal and Instrumental Con cert, 8. . . Otahuhu Public Hall—Annual Soiree of Otahuhu Baptist, Church, G.SO Masonic. Hall, Newton—Annual Social Gather ing of Lodge United Friends, li.i)o. Mount Albert Wesleyan Church—Anniversary Soiree of School, 630. • Rota of Justices at Polico Court. May 11—Messrs R. W. Hammond and, O. A, Harris, jr. - '' -..{•, Auction Salon To-morrow, G.'Lowia, Arch Hill-Maohlnory, Engineers* Material, &0., 11. , ' B. Tonics & Co.—S.B, RotolU and two Bartios, 12. i ' O. W. Blimey- 7fl ea-os Stout, 12, D, I<\ -Evn-.-Housdioli.■ Furniture, *.?,. Hi Propcri.--'.'"' ■ .. A.Bu'okli---- --iv.-wn—Cattle, Pttlry'£ten. . tills, &c., J ' .... . Hunter &'_.. •.•uuekehe Vft.A_-ef.ll.ej f-so,,