* C a ptain Edwin reports.—" Glass further ■•., rise and hard frost to-night. jir- A man named David Henderso*, em . nloyed as a bushman at Whenuakite Bush, "Mercury Bay, met with, a serious accident '' : , o n Tuesday last, nnd died yesterday orn ing. He had been jacking logs on a ii tramway, when the.jack slipped, and he ffaS jammed by the logs. A young man named Dafflel Ensor, in the '.■ employ .of- Mr Palmer, butcher, was {Jirown from his horse in Vincen* -street .. with such force that he was un ; conscious for half-an-hour afterwards. On ooniing to his senses it was found that, though a good deal bruised, he was able to proceed about his business. The Rev. A. J. Smith will deliver in the 1 Alexandra-street Schoolroom to-morrow : "evening a lecture on "The Life and Char li acter of J. B. Gough, the Eminent Tem perance Lecturer." The rev. gentleman Las on more than one occasion had the pleasure of listening to the talented lec turer, and will no doubt pourtray in very f> vivid' style the'impression made upon him at the time by Mr Gough's efforts. The lecture is in aid of the school funds. The , c jiarge for; admission is only 6d, so that there ought to be a crowded house. V A- meeting of delegates of the Junior ;' Football Association will be held this even ing in the club-room of the Young Men's Christian Association at 8 p.m., for the settling of disputes in connection with Cup matches. . ■ .

MEMORANDA.

A concert is announced to be held in All Saints' Schoolroom, Ponsonby, to morrow (Friday) evening. An attractive programme will be presented, and the pro ceeds are to be devoted to the pianoforte fund.

A great treat is in store for those who will be'present in St. Sepulchre's school-room this (Thursday) evening, whfeh, in addition

to a most attractive concert, there will be tlie famous trial scene of " Bar dell v. Pickwick," in character. This bids fair to surpass any performance of this in imitable piece previously witnessed in the colony. The fair though somewhat mature plaintiff, and. the various witnesses, Winkle, Sam Weller, and Mrs Cluppins, •are worth all the entrance money to see; while as for Mrs Clup'pins's phenomenal and colossal bonnet, ifc is simply impiense. As the trial scene does not commence be fore about 9.15, those whose engagements may prevent them from being present at the concert might be able to attend the "Trial."

Mr Scharrer, proprietor of the " Can't B Beat" tobacco store, is again to the fore by. giving a five-pound prize to the, successful competitor forming the most words of the letters contained in the words "Can't B Beat Tobacco Box." This competition is highly instructive, and helps to pass long winter evenings; besides, Mr Seharrer Btates that this competition is opened in order to meet the times, and to give the " unemployed " a, show. All competitors liiust forward their list of words in alpha ' oetical "■ order, and enclose ]s in stamps to the " Can't "■ tobacco stoi - e, Queen street. "Nor is this the only competition ..which. MrScharrer "has on .hand, for he has 'a Jubilee competition, of which particulars can be learned at his shop.; The latter is as easy as the bean-guessing competitions, and everyone who spends 5s at his store is ,r entitled to a chance of winning 150. I j j : ,

RAID ON A CHINESE SHOP.

Acting on information received, Detective Hughes,' accompanied" by Sergeant Prafcfc, made a raid last" evening on a grocery store n Wakefield-street kept by. a Chinaman named Ah Chee, and seized 12 cases of Chinese brandy - and other varieties of spirituous- liquid dear to. the. Celestial palate. Ah Chee's shop has for a long time been a rendezvous for his compatriots, and it has-been an open secret that opium smoking and fan-tan' were amongst the Amusements provided by Ah Chee for his almond-eyed patrons. When the proprietor had recovered from the surprise caused by the descent of the police, he explained that the liquor was Chinese wine, and- was made from the decoction of -a root. He stated that he had received it from Sydney, that it had .passed through t"he?Customs in the' ordinary manner, and that he had paid os per gallon duly on it. In a back room Detective Hughes found an opium den—beds, pipes and all the other ■requisites complete, while down stairs was an apartment apparently used as a gaming room, as "there were a number of faii-tan counters, etc., lying about. The bottles are valued at 4s 2d each.

THE WATERS BANKRUPTCY.

A Sensational Scene

(by telecraph—own correspondent.)

. '"Wellington, this day. A sensational incident occurred in the Bankruptcy Court just before the ad journment for luncheon yesterday. The Official Assignee, who was under ex amination by Mr Bell, ' was asked by that gentleman what reply the v debtor ' (Wl ; K. ■' Waters) had ' made when - spoken to about the _ balance sheets, which were missing until Friday last.. Mr Graham replied that on each occasion when he spoke to the debtor the latter said that the' balance-sheets " must have been taken away from his office. ■Nd sooner had the Official Assignee finished speakino- than the debtor, strik ing his clenched fist on the solicitors table at which he was sitting, exclaimed,. "May Goer have mercy on that liar! The bankrupt, after a painful' pause, left the Chamber, holding his band to his head arid obseving that he - could" not remain "there any longer. Mr Skerret, the debtor's counsel, pointed out that' his client had undergone a trying ; ordeal- during the past few days. His Honor said that he would not take any notice of the debtor's conduct. Ihe debtor he pointed out had no bus iness to leave the Court without permis sion. The examination of Mr Graham was then continued. When the Court resumed, at 2.15, the debtor was not pre sent. wMr Skerrett informed the Court that he had ascertained that the. debtor , had had a fit, and was unwell. His Honor observed that he had been watching the bankrupt for sewrf 1 minutes before he (the debtor) left the chamber; but did nob think it advisable to -interefere. Mr Skerrett said that tne debtor had undergone a painful and trying .. ordealin replying th Mr Bell's questions for two days. He would raise no objection to the case- proceeding in Mβ? ,0 '; . „ sence of the debtor. His Honor said that -as the proceedings were of a criminal :"" character he was not prepared to goon " with the case in the absence of the debtor. I The case was accordingly adjourned.

' (BY TELEGEAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, this day. Waters Fails to Appear To-day. ? : There was no appearance of Waters at the Court tins mornings. Atte? eeveraladjournmcnts, he sent a note, stating * that, he had, had another . fit. , Judge Richardson commentfd severely on the way th'd Court had been played with, and finally -Mjqurned the hearing till to-morrow, to >' :.|i}!e-Waters a> last chance.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS DAMAGE.

SEVERAL STREETS BURNED . DOWN.

(BY TELKGB.APFI.--. PR ESS ASSOCIATION.

'Sxjom «VM. t.his rlay,

A most ponflagrat.cn broke oiv in Blenheim shortly before tvo o'clocjc " > morning The fire was first discovered -■;. apart ments occupiedby the family of W. Carter landlord of the Criterion Hotel. The fire soon had a firm hold on the building and spread to the adjoining buildings occupied by Mr Augustus Barber running along Market-street and consuming the shops occupied by Falconer, cabinet-maker; Burns, saddler ; Healy, boot-shop ; Galla way, draper; Adams, bootmaker. The offices of S. J. Macalister, commis sion agent, were pulled down, and this stopped the progress of the fire in that direction. Light nor'-wVstev!? winds fanned the flames across' the street, destroying the Colonial Bank, the Jubilee drapery warehouse, and the shops of Williams, bootmaker; Mckenzie, butcher; Tucker, stationer; Oldershaw, confectioner; Elson, druggist (No. 1 shop); Kingshead.. barber ; . Pigott, clothier ; Mullen, draper; Elson, druggist (No. 2 shop); Griffiths, auctioneer ; Macey, photo grapher ; Mason, watchmaker ; Scott, con fectioner (gutted).. In Alfred street the Oddfellows Hall and two cottages were consumed. It is thought that the value of the property destroyed will amount to about L50,0Q0.

LATER PARTICULARS.

The £r& originated at the Criterion Hotel. It was first discovered by Master George Carter, who was an invalid, and was sleep; ing at the West end of the building, the room he occupied being immediately over the dining-room. Hand grenades and such water as was available, were thrown on; the flames, but without avail. The | firp Brigade were promptly on the spot, steam being got up in the engine in ten minutes. A powerful stream of water was played on the burning pile, but the fire had obtained too great a bold and rapidly spread, with the result previously telegraphed. The 'scene baffled description, arid'the" fire seemed beyond human efforts. The pulling down o|v Mr__ J3. _Macali3.ter's ..office,...sav.edi the National Bank, and prevented the. fire from 'spreading up Higk - street. The Brigade Station was twice on fire, but the engineer and assistants, brave ly stuck to the steam fire - engine, which was stationed inside the shed. Great credit is due to the brigade for the plucky way they stuck to* their duty against heavy odds and intense heat. '

The insurances, so for as at [present can be gathered, are as follows :—South British, L 1,350 ; Standard, L 3,305 ; Liverpool and Globe, L' 2,950 ; Royal, Ll,ooo ;- Norwich Union, L 1,300 : Vic toria, L 875 ; National, L 90 0; Northern, L 800; New Zealand, L 4,200; Equitable, L 1.350 : Colonial, L 1.350 ; Pkcenix, L 5.425. The minor risks are not yet obtainable.

AN ABORTIVE MEETING.

(BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day.

The annual meeting of Wellington Woollen Company was called for last night, but had to be postponed because fourteen days clear notice had not been given. The Company's solicitor said that neither the day of send ino- the notice nor of the meeting could be included in' the fourteen ; this was a most important poinb. Some shareholders grum bled at having come a long distance .for nothing, and asked who was to pay the cost they had incurred. The Chairman said he would pay for it himself.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(BY TKLEGTvAPH.— OWN COEEESPONDENT;)

Thames, this day.

CAMBBiA.-Dunng the. past week 1 83 loads of quartz have been put through the battery for 32465?. of amalgam, while yOlbs. of specimens have accumulated, which will be treated with any other parcels that may come to hand between now and Wed nSky,when the fortnightly *«*« ftjj will take place. The drive -at No. -3 evelto cut No. 1 leader, upon which the winze was sunk from No. 2 level, is in 90 feet and good headway continues to be made The drive west on No. 1 foofcwall Sder hi been extended H j feet.and ; Sours of gold are seen freely distributed Xough quart* when breaking down while fllW nicked-stone- were obtained late yes- KyalSoon. This is the first leader vhlchwas cut during the progress^fJhe drive to meet the winze from but it is entirely distinct -torn- the ||Sm| to-day from the second stope on No. 2 cross leader, No. 2 level. ; .._

A somewhat unusual caSe is set down for hefrinTat the Resident Magistrate's, Court. a " e elec tiOneerin A g ag tft nt a recent licensing election , Amongst at areceu fhebi n %f particulars, are Lll S^<S a B l oiSn b g^o teS P at LI Iβ ? er d a y,» and L 2 10s " secret service money. , T7.OTLY PKOVEN.-It is easily proven that this grcfteers It r epaira the ravages of panye Hot' lg t he food into rich blood. Stipes new Wβ wd vigour to the aged and i always i aflr,a cc * . •

THAMES NEWS.

Painful Accident.

(BY TELEGRAPH-OWN OOBBKSPOKDEHT.)

Thames, this day. aruamn. accident happened to Mr Thes. Black, late manager of the Paroquet.claim, Waioino. During the last passage of the Rbtoraahana from Auckland to the Thames he was standing on the bridge near the galley, and when turning around made a false step and fell head foremost on to the main deck. He sustained some nasty cuts and bruises cm the face, which were dressed a/i the hospital. Licensing Appeal W '&& William Burton, of *the Junction P ji.oi, has definitely decided, after obtaining one best legal advice in Auckland, to take I proceedings in the Supreme Court in con nection with .the refusal of the renewal of i;his license by the Central Licensing Com mittee at their recent meeting. The Representative" Football Team. ■ ■■-' i The following will probably, represent Thames Football Club in their match with the North Shore Club on Saturday:— Christie (captain), Cantley, Tregonning, Kae, Anderson, Toi-rens, Patterson, Ken rick, Steward, McGregor, Buchan, Payne, Gallagher, Johnston," and Scott. drainage Contributions. At the Warden's Court to-day the case of J. names Drainageßoard v. Moanatairi G. M. Company, claim LI 16, drainage contribu tions, was adjourned until 24th August, it being stated that there was every likelihood of it being settled.

ST. SEPULCHRE'S CHURCH.

Anniversary Services

The anniversary of the dedication of St. Sepulchre's Church was celebrated yester day by special services. The pulpit, font' and various parts of the building were prettily decorated with camellias and over greens. In the morning Holy Communion was celebrated at S. 14, when Bishop Cowie gave a short address. In the even ing a large congregation assembled to even ing service. Within the alter rails were Bishop Cowie, Bishop Seiwyn, and the Revs: Nelson, Sprott, J. S. Hill and others," whilst the Venerable Archdeacon Dudley and the Rev. Dr. Ptirchas conducted the service. The choir sang two anthems during the sirvice, the latter, being " How Lovely are the Messengers,' , from "Mendelssohn's St. Paul,which was splendidly given. At the close, a processional hymn was sung as the clergy filed out in so the vestry. The sermon was preached by Bishop Seiwyn, who, although looking rather, thin after his. laborious duties in the islands, seemed well and strong. Taking his text from "Matthew, sth chap., 16th" versei '' Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." The Missionary ''Bishop preached a most im pressive sermon,' exhorting - his hearers to remember that when they assisted in dedicating, the* ' building in "' which they then" sat Q to the Almighty, they also dedicated themselves to His service. Christians should riot let infidels be able to say " Your religion is a. selfish one," arid do good works only in hope of salvation. The praise of Christians was acceptable, to God and should be rendered constantly; as He needed it, and had expressed His wishes for the tame. The. α-everend gentleman then spoke strongly upon' the need' of everybody finding what their path in life was ; what God had intended them to do. Each person had an ideal of himself in God's mind : it was his duty to try and live up to that ideal. In conclusion, the speaker in voked of God bii the incumbent and his future work, and upon the congre gation. ■ ...

WANGANUI NOTES.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

■ Wanganui, this day. Captain Somerville, of the New Zealand RifleTAs'sociatibh, informs me that General Whitmore expects to have the new repeat ing rifles here next month. They are of the type known as ReniingtdiT : Lee, with de tachable magazine, and judging by the drawing sent out, are handsome weapons. The Borough Council last night voted the Mayor a salary of LIOO to meet the demands made on his purse by the recent jubilations, the cost of which the Council recognise should not fall upon the Mayor.

SPORTING NEWS.

WELIINGTON-' STEEPLECHASE

(by telegraph- own correspondent. )

Napier, this day. The following are the weights for the Wei-, lington Steeplechase Meeting on the 9th July:—■ Wellington Steeplechase- Handicap (about 3 miles);— Moody, 12st. 71b ; Belle, list 121b; Orient, list 81b; Owhaoko, list 71b ; Denbigh, list 51b ; Mangaohone, list 41b ; Secretary, list ; Romeo, .lOst; Victor lOst; Mamriioc, 9st J2lb ; Kanga roo Ost 121b ; Erebus, 9st 121b ; Echo, Ust 101b; Maminga, 9st 101b; May wood, -9st 71b ; Zulu, 9st 71b _ ■ Trial STE«PLECHASE,2Jmiles.—Oyvhaoko, 12st • KaWaroo, ltist 121b ; May wood, lOst 71b ; Isaac, lOst j Johnny, l.Ost; Zulu, lOst; Chemist, 9st 121b • Surrey, 9st 101b J lor ward,. 9st 71b ; Kauri, 9st 71b ;, Little Jack, 9st; Romance,' 9st ; Patriot, 9st. Huhdle Handicap, 2miles.—Border-man, 12st71b: Owhaoko, list 101b ; Orient, list 81b : Secretary, list 81b; Kingask, list 71b • Denbigh, list 71b ; Mangaohane, lLst 71b ; Mammoc, lOst 7lb ; Victar, lOst 51b ; Erebus, lOst 31b; Kangaroo, lOst 31b; Maminga, lOst 21b; .Forward, 9st/lb; Othello, 9st 51b ; Zulu, 9st 51b ; Patriot, 9st. '■'. ■■ , '~ _~ ■ Flying Handicap, |. mile.—btrenuous, 9st 101b • Deceive!', 9et 51b; Charmer, Bst 101b • Kano-aroo, Bst 71b; Princess Royal, Bst; Wairmia, 7st 121b;. Voltigeur, 7st 101b ; Fabrication, 7st 71b. ■ Welter Handicap, l|.miles.—btrenuous, list • Borderman. lOst 101b ; Deceiver, lOst 71b •' Kino-ask", 10s slb ; Charmer, lOst; Kangaroo? 9st 121b; Wainina, 9st 71b ; Voltigeur, 9st 71b ; Princess Royal, 9st 71b ; Fabrication, 9st 71b ; Lady Artist, 9st 91b.; Hibernian, 9st; Falsehood, Bst 71b.

Superintendent Hughes ofifers a.re.ward for the recovery of a collie pup. A new patent medicine has found its way to our shores—Dr. Henley's extract of celery, beef, and iron—proved by the lead ing physicians of Europe and America to be nutritive and invigorating,- while the iron is atonic for the blood and food for the brain. Sharland and. Co. are wholesale agents. ' The extract can be had from all chemists. ,v r »' How to Get Sick.—Expose yourself day and night, sit-too much without exercise, work too hard without rest, doctor all thp time, take all the vilo nostrums and imitations adver tised, and then you will want to know

FIRE INQUEST.

*BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIA

Timaru, this day. Ajt inquiry into the recenfe fire at Tiniart*. Woollen Factory was opened yesterday be fore Mr Beswick, coroner, and a jury. The enly. evidence taken was that of Thomas Lodge,lessee, and the inquiry was then ad journed. 'He said he and Gibbott,-his colleague, were last in the factory at seven o'clock on the night of the fire. He ob served some smell of kerosene, but nothing special. There was a considerable amount of rent owing, but no wages. * The stock had been reduced by about £1,100, but while the insurance policy was only *'500, the loss was estimated at t1,028. ;

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

We have been requested to publish' for public information the subjoined copies of the letters of apology from the Bishop of Auckland and Mr Beattie for their absence from the public meeting held on Monday last of persons in favour, of the Bible -in - schools movement. "We doubt not both letters will--'be perused with great interest by many of our readers. The letters are each addressed to a member of the committee subscribing to the adver tisement of the public 'meeting. The. Bishop .of Auckland; it will be seen, like Bishop Stuart, of Waiapu, is a supporter of the Bible : in-schools movement : — Bishopcourt, Auckland, June 27th, 1887. My clear Sir,—l am sorry that I cannot attend the Bible-in-schools meeting this evening. I shall be very glad if our Edu cation Act can be altered so as to admit of selected portions of Holy Scripture being, read without note or comment in the Board Schools of the colony. I encloso a copy of an address given to our Synod in 1879, in which you will find a full statement of;my opinion on the subject of i ; eligious teaching", in our day-schools.—Yours faithfully, tV\j G. Auckland, Bishop.

'St John's College, ParTtiTSll; 27th' June, 1887.—1 regret most sincerely that an un avoidable engagement will-prevent my being present at your meeting. I trust that a combined and earnest effort will be made to secure the regular reading jof certain portions of the Bib o in the public schools The moral and spiritual trainingof the young is, to my mind, a question which involves not merely the welfare and happi ness of individuals, but the honour, pros perity, nay, the very existence of the whole community. To know Gpd, and honour Him, to love and serve put neighbour are, unless the whole verdict' of history be false, the essential and funda mental requisites to national well-being. Any movement .which tends to promote this will command my heartiest sympathy and co-operation. —Yours, etc.,W. Beattie.

THE RETIREMENT OF MR SEED.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OW> T CORRESPONDENT*)

"Wellington , , this day, ; j Mr William Seed, Secretary of Customs, retired to-day (Thursday) on a pension of LGCG per annum, after being connected with the New Zealand Civil Service for. upwards of 41 years. Mr Seed arrived in New Zealand from England at a, very eaijy age in company with his parents, who iandud in Wellington in November, 1840. ... Six years after that, in-February, 18'iO, he entered the service of the New Zealand Company in the oliiice of principal agent of the late Colonel Wakefield, arid he remained in that office until January, 1851, when the affairs of the Company were handed over to the Government. Mi , Seed was then transferred to the office of the Governor, Sir George Grey, and he remained under His Excellencyuntil shortly before Sir George left New Zealand' in 1853. Mr Seed attributes much of his after suc cess in official life to the excellent training he received while serving under Sir George Grey, and we know that Sir George then formed, and has ever since retained, the highest possible opinion of Mr deed's abilities and thorough trustworthiness. In July, 1853, Mr Seed was transferred from the Governor's oflice to the Customs Department, entering- it as clerk and warehousekeeijer in Wellington. In March, 1855, he rose to the position of Sub-Collector at Napier, and in addition to that filled the offices of Sub-Treasurer, Postmaster, and Registrar of Births, Mar riages, and Deaths, and Provincial Sub- Treasurer there. In the commencement of 1557 he returned to Wellington as first landing waiter, and two years later, on Sir George Grey's return to the Governorship of the colony, he secured the services of Mr Seed on his staiF as Private Secretary, and Mr Seed continued to discharge the duties of that position ivritil December, 1863,' when he was selected to fill the re-' sponsible position of Undev-Socretary to the then newly formed Defence Depart ment, an office which lie filled'most satis factorily during the most active operations of the Maori war in the Waikato." Oh the transference of the seat of Government from Auckland to Wellington early in 1565 Mr Seed was appointed Col lector of Customs at Wellington, and in the, following May.thq : then .Premier, Mr, now! Sir, Edward; Stafford^appointed him per manent head of the Customs Department.' In September, 18fi8, he was also appointed ■Deputy Auditors-General during the absence on i leave of the" Auditor - General, Mr Knight.' In 1870, after the death of Mr Bal- 1 four, Marine Engineer,- Mr Seed was ap pointed permanent head of the Marine De-! partment as- well as .of the Cus toms. The combined offices of Secre tary and Inspector of Customs and Secretary to the Marine Department he has retained ever since, to the great benefit of the colony. Mr Seed throughout liis long career has proved himself an able and economical administrator, a man of unwearied energy, unswerving probity, and far more than ordinary intelli gence and ability. His power 0f.,, work has been immense, , and he has filled all his various offices with credit to himself and advantage to the colony. With the exception .of Under-Secretary G.S. Cooper, Mr Seed is the oldest officer of the New Zealand' Public Service.

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

A meeting" of creditoi's in bhes.bahkrupt estate of George Baker (otherwise known as Smith) was held at the Official Assignee's office to-day. < There: were . present' the debtor and his solicitor, and Messrs Collins, Sheldrick, Wasteneys, andNolan(creditors). After the debtor's sworn statement had been read the question of • giving the debtor more time was discussed, The. creditors present expressed their, willingness to do so on their own" account. ..On", further con sideration it was, however, deemed advis able to realise the live .stock in-the estate, also the logs' and v freehoid section, and leave-the farm and ife imrovements in the hands of Mr Schnawer, the title" being in his name subject to a loan of Ll6l [7s. It was also agreed that 'Messrs Hunter and Nolan realise the assets named. ■ : fy | 1

We believe thai if every one would use American Co.'s Hop Bitters freely there would be umch less sickness and misery in the world, and people are fast finding this out; whole families keeping well at atrifling cost by its use. We advise all tp try it,. Kqad. . Sit ' i '•■

ELECTORAL NOTES.

Deputation to Mr E. Withy.

At 11 o'clock this morning, a deputation consisting of; Messrs F. Jeune, S. J. Ambury, J. A. Jickell, and T. Hobson, waited upon Mr B. Withy at the Auckland Club.) Mr F. Jeune introduced the deputa tion, and in doing so, said that they were appointed by a meeting called by him last night, in which the advisability of asking Mr .Withy to'become a candidate for the new electoral district of N6wtoh was discussed. He had .been astonished at the large atten dance that had resulted upon his calling the meeting; instead of a few people, between (X) and 70 persons were- present, and they had appointed this deputation to ask Mr Withy . whether he would be pleased to attend a conference on Friday evening in the Excelsior Hall. It would not be a public meeting, but merely a conference, as some of them wished to know more about Mr Withy before they pledged themselves to work for him. They seeing that the country, like themselves, was going to the bad, thought it was time to infuse some new blood into the Houseof Representatives. It had been decided to submit four ques-. tiorisfor Mr Withy's consideration. They were - Retrenchment, local industries, taxa tion, and the Village Settlement Scheme. They would ask him. to take these, four points into his consideration between this and Friday.evening, when they would be pleased to listen to his ideas upon these questions, Mr Withy said that he understood they did not want a definite answer at once, and that to-morrow meeting would not be a formal public one. * ■ j , Mr Jeuiie said .that:; was so, The object of last night's meeting had been to form a committee, but as.'Mr'Withy was compara tively a stranger in Auckland, it had been decided to adopt tho present course. Mr Withy said that lie thought that they had acted wisely in so doing, and he would be qriite willing to attend .the meeting as requested.' Mr Hobson pointed out.that at present they did n»t know definitely where the elec torate might really be, so, that some were not sure what district they would be in. Mr 'Withy said' that he would be vary pleased to attend'the.meeting. He felt it considerable honour for his fellow townsmen to'makojsuch a request to him ; at the same time he might tell them that it was a matter upon, which he had not the sligli test ambition whatever. But he felt that as tho'colony was in such a critical condition, it was time for someone to come forward, and he had no right to expect others to take up workothat.he did not care to do'himself. '■" Mr Ambury remarked that it was a good sign that Mr. Withy was not eager for office. Mr Withy said that such were.his feeling upon the matter that lie would rather beat home attending tp'his family, but he could not help seeing that if the colony went on for! the next five years as it was at present, there would be nothing for* his family to remain in the, country 10r,,, and it was for that and other reasons that he was prepared if required to come forward. He warned them that there might be some things in which he would make a poor candidate, for he should not be prepared to vary from any which he held, and therefore other oandidates willing to promise more might prove more successful. • ": ' V- ,,- The deputation- then thanked Mr Withy and withdrew. ■ ! ....' .--,' .«-_, -~-...„'jjj—-_ - Mr J. Aitken Conncll is the most inde fatigable. of candidates. He has already issued two long addresses to the electors of Eden, and ho,now announces that copies' of both addresses are to be obtained at various places in the district. ' ■ * . €ity West. A meeting of supporters, of Mr E. W. Morrison in his candidature for Auckland West met; hist evening ih the Burns Club Room, Karangahape Road. There was a good attendance, and the majority of tliose present consented to act on the Committee, and make every exertion to secure the can-, didate's return. Marsdea. . For ,-Marsden seat, -Mr Alderton has re tired from the field, and a public meeting lifti unanimously requested Mr R. Thompson to come out in the interest of the Oppesition, which he has done. South 'Frattklin.' M a job Harris announces a series of meet ings, commencing at Pukehohe on Saturday next. ,'''■■' '. '

Wellington, this day.

Major Atkinson.

A largely-signed requisition lias been presented to the Hon. Major Atkinson, asking him to address a public meeting in Wellington. It is, understood that the Major has consented to do so, but. owing , to his numerous engagements/he is at pre sent unable-to fix a date.

Waxganui, this day,

In matters political there is not much doing here afc present. Mi* Carson, Mr Balliince's opponent for.Wanganui, speaks on Wednesday next, and Mr Hutchinson, one of the candidates for Waitotara, speaks on Saturday., Mr Bryce has not.fixed date yet. ■.

Otago Seats.

Mr James Allen, who ! is opposing the Premier tor Dunedin East, addressed the electors this evening, and received a vote of confidence, the meeting cheering both himself and the Premier. ■

■Mr Hufcchinson, : who is a candidate for Roslyn, - also' received a vote.of confidence, some twenty only pronouncing in favour of a vote of thanks only. ! ■•■- •■■■;■• ■■. ;, ■■■■ . -~-.

The ■ Peninsula electors have decided to ask Mr John Roberts to contest the Penin sula withMrLarnach. ; L.v , .

Mr E. B. Cargill is definitely put for Duriediri Cen':rall 'Mr,Hallenstein is'also out for the same seat in the protection in-' terests.. . ■ ■■■ -. . - .. ! . -

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Tlie Rebel. King and the Germans- :

In "L'6ce"anie Fraiieaise," of June the 11th, received' by the s.s.. Janet Nicoll, there is published, the text of the treaty entered into- between' the "King of Samoa and the King of the Sandwich Islands, to.which reference has already been made .in' our columns. According to the journal' named, the ratification of the treaty ' was followed by a vigorous counter - demonstration on the part' of the Germans. The Vice-King, Tamasese, having been induced not to sign the treaty, the officers of the German war ship Adler, ! theri in Apia Harbour, pre sented him, with ,a jnew; standard, closely resembling, the Royal Standard of; Ger many. The uniurling of this banner was the for the firing,of .a royal,,salute from the ; guns of the Adler. Not much importance is, however, attached to this action,,,which, divested of the inevitable 'bounce and. bragy simply amounts to a pro test for the preservation of the status, quo in Samoa, pending the" decision of- the Inter national .:Conference that is to meet in Washington shortly, '

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS. Yesterday («3onelude<li

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Ward). Aftek our isßue of yesterday went to press the following business was transacted : — Assault.—Charles. Patterson, who was found nob guilty the day before of throwing vitrol upon one Isabella Cowderoy, was brought up charged with assault. The same evidence as in the vitrol throwing case was produced, and at ten o'clock p.m., after several hours' adjourn ment, the prisoner was found guilty,: and, after producing witnesses ,as to good character, was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour. Unlawfully Wounding. — Hoera Mimiha, a native, was charged with unlaw fully wounding Charles Henry Wight at Ohinemuri.—Mr O'Meagher appeared, for the prisoner, and renewed, the application for postponement of the trial till next ses sions, and put in an affidavit signed by the prisoner that he could procure important evidence for the defence. .There was a chaz'ge of perjury against him, but as far as he (Mr O'Meagher) knew no information had been laid against him.-His Honor intimated that he had himself directed the charge to be made against the prisoner.— Mr Cotter, for the Crown, said he felt diffi dent about pressing that the case be. taken up at once, as the prisoner would be pre judiced thereby, but he felt there,had been ample time for the prisoner to have had all his witnesses to hand, if he had wanted to. After further argument the prisoner was admitted to bail in two- sureties of £100 each.—The Court then adjourned till Fri day morning.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs G. P. Pierce and P. L. Prime, Justices.) ■■ ■ Drunkenness.—Elizabeth Kennedy, James Gprman, and Nicholas Staunton were pun ished in the usual manner for this offence. By-laws. — James Mclhdoe was charged with leaving a cart • unattended without securing the wheel witli a chain. Defend ant pleaded guilty, but stated that he had chained the wheel. Fined 5s and costs.— William Doonan was charged with riding a horse on the footpath of Church-street. Defendant pleaded guilty, but under ex tenuating circumstances. - Sergeant Pratt stated that the constable who had laid the information was not in attendance.—Ad journed till to-morrow, i : This was all the business. :: ''

WELLINGTON NOTES.

Goldfields Inspection.

(by telegraph.— own correspondent.)

« . Wellington, this day. Mb Gordon, Inspecting Engineer of the Mines Department, will not be able to pay another visit to Auckland goldfields until the end of the, year. , : He has just started on a. tour of the West Coast,goldfields, and after completing it he will visit each of the other mining centres in the South Island. Cabinet Meetings. . . Several meetings of the Cabinet have been held this week, and have been attended by every Minister except the Premier and the Hon. Mr Reynolds, both of, whom are still in the South. I have excellent authority for stating that the question of retrenchment in the Ciyil Service has been discussed at 'considerable , length by Minis ters'lately. ■' '•■■' ■'.'•'' IWTr Pargavillc. A local politician, who pretends to " know a thing or two," tells me not to be surprised if I hear in the course of a few days that Mr Dargaville has been called to the Upper House. .My informant assures me he has reason to believe that the member for Auckland West will be the next new lord, and that the dignity; will be conferred in a very short time. Mr Dargaville is still in Wellington. The Ball Wredger Company. I learn from the Mines Department that Mr Brook Smith, the New Zealand repre sentative of the Ball Dredger Company, has been permitted to take up two leases on the Five Mile Beach, below flokitika, on con dition that he places a dredge cost ing a thousand pounds upon each area. Mr Brook Smith has taken up two claims of 1,00 acres each, and is now forming a large company in the South to work them. For years past a number of men with the aid of Calif or nian pumps have been making fair wages by sluicing the gold out of the black sand in the locality referred to, But as the Ball dredger is better suited for that kind of work than the appliances now in use, it is thought the Company which is being formed will make a very good thing out of their enterprise.

Jubilee Sovereigns.

On Jubilee Day, the Sydney Mint' struck 250 sovereigns from a new die in which Her Majesty's head appears in widowed garb and of mature age.. The sovereigns were of course in great demand, and from 25s up wards, was freely paid for them as curios. Captain Wheeler, of the s.B. Wakatipu, secured one of them and brought it over to Wellington. ■ , . ,

North Auckland Railways.

. Mr Dargaville, who has been in Welling ton for some days arranging matters fn connection with the Kaihu Valley Railway, leaves for Auckland this afternoon. He in forms me that he has been urging upon the Government the desirability of letting another section of ■ the Kaipara E ail way , north of, Kaukapakapa, to which place the contract is already in progress. He has been assured that the surveys are being'made with all despatch, arid that tenders will-be called as soon as possible out of .the vote of L 70,000 which was made the session before last. The Proposed * Police Changes. Inspector Shearman has not yet decided whether or not to accept the proffered charge of Auckland police district.

POWER OF VETO.

Action Against a Licensing Com inittee.

■ (BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

. : ' Ddnedin, Wednesday. A case under the Licensing Act came before the Supreme Court to-day, in which Harold; late holder of a license for the Ravensbourne Hotel, sought for a mandamus, to compel the Licensing Committeee to issue a license. The : Committee, in their defence, said the reason which "actuated them in refusing it was their Belief that the house was not required inthe neighbourhood. Mr Justice Williams, in giving his decision, said a mandamus was out of the question. When a license was t opposed, the licensee, had notice of it, although the ground of objec tion was not stated;, but that was done after wards in Court. , The licensee had waived his right to -an adjournment, and the Committee had deliberated arid given their decision, and it must be, assumed in doing •so they made use of their own ) knowledge, and acted on their own opinions. To issue a_ mandamus would only be to put the plain tiff in.the same position as if the case'had been adjourned. Jiidgment for the- de fendants with cosi^. .

THE YACHT THISTLE.

Defeats of the Ircx and Cienesta. ,\f, y,i •■;.'

The Scotch champion Thistle sailed hei maiden race on May 28th from South End to Harwich, 50 miles, having as rivals such famous cracks as the Irex, Genesta and Sleuthhoiind. The contest proved' very un satisfaotory, the weather resernblinginevery respect justsuch weather as thatinwhichthe Puritan and Genesta made so many unsuc cessful attempts to race two years ago. The Thistle moved through the water with out creating a ripple, and five minutes after the start all other starters were oub of the race, so far as beating the Scotch yachtwas concerned. Sha showed wonderful speed, and finished "more than seven miles ahead of the Genesta, while the Geriesta.led the Irex by half a mile. The Foxhound, 'Neptune and Queen Mab did not finish until |7 o'clock on May 29 (morning), having anchored; off Cork lightship over night on account of the Another Victory. On June Ist the Thistle won. the royal Thames match from Lower, Hope to the Mouse lightship and return, fifty miles, with the greatest ease. The Irex, Genesta, and Sleuth-hound were the ThistWs .'competi tors, the time allowance being,as follows: Irex, 6.15, Genesta, 6.44, Sleuth-hound, 23.16. The start was effected at 11.39 a.rz., ZI& Genesta getting over the line first, the Thistle second, the Irex third and .the Sleuth-hound last. After getting over the line the Genesta held first place as long as a sharp luffing match between the Irex and Thistle continued, but when the Thistle got the better .of . the, Irex, arid was unhampered, the Genesta was nowhere, and dropped behind like a log., There was a fine easterly wind blowing, making the first" twenty-five miles a dead beat to windward. There was a very short chop of a sea, but not enough to prevent the yachts carrying club topsails and kites. The Thistle made a fine showing in wind ward work and even better in running. On reaching the Mouse and going about for the run before the wind home she was six minutes ahead of the Genesta and eight minutes ahead of the Irex. On going down the wind she was simply a marvel, especi ally after it lightened somewhat, when the spinnakers were shifted and the wind hauled northerly. The other yachts were not in the race at all. The finish at Graveaendwas as follows:— Thistle, 6 hours 15 seconds; Irex, 6 hours 23 minutes and 50 seconds; Genesta, 6 hours 25 minutes and 2 seconds ; Sleuth hound, not' timed. The Scotch yacht won the race on its merits, and proved better than in any previous match her great superi ority over any English yacht ever built. Victorious Again. The match of the Eoyal Thames Club from the Lower Hope around the Mouse lightship and return, 50 miles, on' June 2nd. was sailed in a s.tiff northeast breeze and a fair chopping sea. The' Thistle again won, outsailing the Irex on every point, and proving very stiff and powerful with a beam wind. The first twenty-five miles; was windward work and was with a .free wind. On the latter point' the Thistle beat the Irex more than in the for mer, though the Irex -was greatly inferior to the Scotch yacht on both points. The Genesta.madeabad showing. There was some trouble between the yachts in crossing the line, and it is rumoured that the Irex disputes the Thistle winning, from-the fact that the Thames Committee refuse to announce the winner's official time. The matter is supposed to be under advisement, though there is no doubt in the minds of many members that the Thistle won fairly and squarely, This performance confirmed . the /uni versal opinion of the Thistle's splendid capacity. Some experienced English yachts men say that she is the finest racing yachb afloat. The Wendur takes first prize, and the Thistle, although first in, takes third place under the time allowance. The Thistle was built by D. and W. Hen derson, of <jhe Meadowside shipyard, at) Partick, near Glasgow, on the River Clyde, from the design of G. L. Fletcher. She i 3 owned by a syndicate of British yachtsmen, and is intended to outsail any American yacht in a race for the America's Cup. ■ Her, dimensions, as stated in "Lloyd's Maritime Journal," are as follows : Length over »all on load-water line, So feet; breadth, 20 feet 3 inches,; depth of hold, 14 feet 1 inch; hei 1 tonnage by surveyors' measurement is 1005 tons. She hds a flare in both stem and stern, which is of advantage in enabling her to cany plenty of canvas. Her stern is of the clipper type that characterises the ships formerly; en gaged in; the China tea trade before the advent of steamers. Both stem and stern have overhang, giving- room for the spread of a large mainsail. The hull up to the covering board is plated with steel, while her deck and, fittings are constructed of selected timbers. In racing, the Thistle is rigged as a carrying a mainsail, a large topsail with yard and gaff, and head sails with the addition of a balloon jib.

Defeats.

".-- On May 31st the Thistle came* in four minutes ahead of the Irex, but the latter took first prize by time allowance. * Thi3 made ■ the second defeat; for the : Scotch yacht, but the circumstances are spoken of as [ unfavourable for a fair trial; and this ia borne.out by her other performances.' ";

; Freezing Company's butterin half-pound pats is branded vyith the words " Freezing Company " on the margin around the shell. — [Advt.] , <.v

Those ladies who have not yet purchased one o£ my guinea dresses for 6s 9d should do so at once. Value unheard of. A special line in flannels and blankets. All other dra'pfery goods at equally low prices for cash.- J. H. Hannah Victoria-street.—[Advt.] *

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Agricultural Hall—Royal Jubilee Burlesone and Pantomime Company, 8. ; ■ Bell's Buiklings, Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition. City Hatt-Skating Rink, 2 to 5 and 7.30 to 10. Auckland Tabernacle- Lecture, " Up the Rhine I?So?Fan??l IPS " ith a '^«." b° S*. Sepulchre's Schcol-room—Entertainment, 8, V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30.' Choral Hall-Final Rehearsal of Jubilee Service ot bong, 7.<>y» ci ■ ™?I»rfem ea - Sal 4 ° £ oa - Beresford-street Hall - Lecture, "Much Ado

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

July I—Messrs A. G. Purchas and C. Ring.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur arid Buddie-Weekly Poultry' and Pro. Hunter and Nolan,' Darhain Yards—Horsesfetc, W. J. Dowden-Weekly Produce Saiefll °' ? 11 a n d Son - Hou ) ehoia ;Furniture and Hesketh, Aitkin,and Co.—Two WorkshoDs fop , Removal, 11; Poultry, Produce, Fruit/°?c 12 Paget and Kalston—Produce , ; Furniture, 10.30^* A. Buckland, Haymarket—Horses, etc, 12. : i" B. Tonksand Co. —Merchandise, etc<jli. E. Leydon—Produce, Furniture, etc 1L

THE AUCKLAND /EVENING SSTAR f .THURSDAY, (ffls^lMsMT*'i f

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