pvening last a meeting was of the Gospel Temperance 'iS** Bo ? member*, of the Workers' of which was in '•?>__*■/rtle Conference held at at ??ortni"hfc "nee. Twenty <Se° mB B _2,f and the chair was _W*l>f M 1,-Temperance Mission. After % ®°f ATdrifee the Chairman briefly "Lverby Jlr S£BTofthe Workers' Union, -range for •S* the'five weekly meetings now s er9llt Salso to extend the work. 1 5* f_m meetL T in f th ?, countrv * vita for" 01 n ,-__tP(_ bub further con- S> o? finl will be held in a fort #' N6T ft f 12 o'clock, Mr Gabriel for salo at his mart (by ' lift.. uSesinMrD. H. Mc } "W of St.} some valuable shipping the vessels are well-known ¥ Sp#\-„ being first-class sarlers, and '■'iefcrtJ and should command bhe at ■'S*>-fSibowners : and speculators as • wtion <V D 'I fs Full particulars will be ■ tnvestmO"I'"*1 '"* ■'■■'Pr _at sale. ■'?*** -_ m _\ Cochrane and Son held. Sidy sale of property this tleir tn the following prices were ob '■#>?*& and allotment Stanley- Air S cottage and allotment £100; cottage Devon-street, Newton, £70. pd aUotmenbDevon demand for the TH since they „n tho market thab the j£t inviting tenders for a further be done in South ward ■ ° 6 ' fi t dSna-e from Cook-street to -V _«, fA moving the value of Mr besb shots;of llC ' - o0! md also to test the power of the 'WftSrfSes supplied for the next Wl I meeting, it has been suggested could be #___ to take place, say, to breech-loaders and let the shape of a sweee- ISffa» amount as would not pr Wm&g. Wewouldrecomm 8© Sderation of the ha Strict Court case of Wm. Rosser v g&(claim £911057 d), which was iced before Judge Seth Smith on Z continued to-day. Plaintiffs was finished and his ease J with the evidence of Robert Tude andJ. Cleghorn. The defence is pro ij.43we _o to press, the defendant ef being the first witness put into the ,'jdsmand which has set in for Cale j_ mid-mining shares is traceable to a i,&sa_e received from London by Mr L "Wltneford with reference to that .The exact nature of the message not transpired, bub we are given to -refendthafcitis of considerable impor sod may lead to great changes.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

I.ONDENT.) »r ia and specimens so on No. 7 ie were to tope of sea- OATION.) rablo. •eefs at Te ble. tea School .ambridge, Waitoa- to a order to sfiy them party tried mile from me excava- I traces of 8 from Mr i forwarded xmes to be ry. Raniner, of bury and sand from etestM by land. The follows :— •rs. ; value h : Gold, vts. 4gre. ; Die marked ver, 6dwts. 1. Two of hole. The tlace aboub .Times." .—There is resent than ie of action irchGold '"the Piaka easures to mversation was at the ) made of a 4TION

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

THE TRUNK RAILWAY.

PROPOSED CONFERENCE OF

AUCKLAND AND TARANAKI MEMBERS.

SIR GEORGE GREY OFFERS TO TAKE THE LEAD IN THE MATTER.

MITCHELSON LUKEWARM.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PARLIAMENTARY

REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. Nothing further has been done with respect to the proposed alteration of the North Island Railway route. Ib is intended to hold a meeting of Auckland and Taranaki members when bhey have all returned from their holiday trip, and probably ib will bake place about Monday nexb. It is not yet known whab form the movement shall assume, bub

Sir George Grey.

is prepared to bring in a bill to effect the object in view. He says a bill could not be introduced by private members to increase the taxation, but private members could introduce, a bill the effect .of which would be to reduce the taxation, and if the alteration suggested were made in the route, the effect would be to save a large amount in proposed expen diture. The Cabinet havo nob yet considered the matter, but will give it considerabion when ib is brought before them. Hon. Mr Mitchelson has made a promise to Mr Pea cock that he will not make any objection to the change in the route, although he still considers the central route is the best. Mr Mitchelson is of opinion thab the whole work should be stopped until

Purchase of Land on both sides of the line has been effected, and this will probably be done. The reason is that very high prices are boing and will be asked for the land, and that an immense area still remains to be bought. Whether the route is altered or not, I believe the twelve miles already made at Marton will prove very useful and profit able, as the country is already setbled on for fourteen miles as a result of this work, and Mr Mitchelson considers thab ib would be settled upon for a distance of seventy miles if the line were pushed on from "bhis point. In connection with this subject, I may add that, Ballance, who is one with Wellingbon district members, considers that the evidence taken before the Commission was valueless. He considers that Mr Rocheforb was too sanguine, and made light of the difficulties, which were afterwards found to be very serious. He predicts that very great difficulties will be met with on the central route, and will bo found very costly to overcome.

Law Practitioners BUI.

Sir George Grey has made a very im portanb alberabion in his Law Practi tioners Bill this session in hope of getting it through the two Houses. He has left out the clause giving power to appoint any person of good character to appear on behalf of one of tho parties to a suit. As the bill now stands, the general knowledge examination is done away with altogether, and it is only neces sary for a candidate to pass examination in law.

Tho 'Frisco Servlco in Danger,

There is now no doubt that the statement in the "Post" that the San Francisco ser vice would be done away with wa3 simply a counter move against tho agitation in Auck land for a change of railway route. Tho Government have no intention whatever of interfering with the vote for the service, but when the Estimates aro brought down a debermined abtempb will be made by some of the Southern members to have the vote struck out. Auckland members are alive to the danger, and Mr Peacock has the matter in hand at the presenb time.

LOAN EXPENDITURE.

J-arge Sams Diverted to Road illakine.

An important disclosure with respect to the North Island Trunk Railway Loan will be made in the House next week. It appears that a sum of £40,000 has been spent from this fund in making roads towards the line in the Wanganui district, afld snagging the Wanganui River, £3,000 being devoted to the latter purpose. No wonder the "Post" was anxious that the new Ministers should not waste the time of the country in wash ing dirty linen in public.

ROBBERY AT PONSONBY.

At a late hour last night or very early thi g morninc a most impudent robbery was per, petrated at Mr J, Whale's shop, near the Three Lamps, Ponsonby, W T hen Mr Whale retired last evening he left in the shop window about a hundred packets of crackers, for which there appears to be a great de mand at present, and this morning he dis covered that some 50 or 60 packets had dis appeared. It was easy to see how they had gone, for one of the large panes of glass was broken and the broken portion was inside of the window. Mr Whale got on the track of the robbers during the forenoon, and re covered seven packets of the missing crackers from a youth, who is supposed to be one of a large number concerned in the robbery. There appears little doubt that the offenders will be dis covered and punished for their misdeeds. C6nstable Graham subsequently arrested two boys named Gill and Rogers, a portion of the missing fireworks being found in their possession. Gill is*a Kohimarama School boy, employed by a Ponsonby resi dent, and Rogers is a lad 12 years of age. A third boy concerned in the robbery is still at large. ■.■■■ ■ ■■■■■. ,

A MAORI LOVE IDYLL.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

~ Wellington, Tuesday. The " Evening Post's " special wires from Palmerston North the following particulars of a Maori stabbing affray at Marton:—A native named Ngarape had warned the natives that he would kill any man who took his wife. The threat was evidently aimed at one Warena. Notwithstanding thi3, Warena had the woman away on Thurs day night, bringing her back to the meeting house on Friday morning. He was sitting there beside her, when Ngarape went for him with a spear blade, which he had concealed up* his sleeve. Warena put up his left arm to shield himself, when the cold steel entered his arm above' the wrist, making its way almost to the elbow, making a hideons ■ gash, about four inches long. Warena defended himself with a billet of wood, and then with a eun, Ngarape still attacking him. Even tually the Maoris overpowered the latter and eiected hhn from the building. The wounded man is in a dangerous condition, and unable to appear in Court.

The principals and members of the chorus are reminded of the advertisment in last nieht's Stab re a practice of VBrittannia and Her Daughters," 8 Hall at 8 p.m.

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

THE EXPERIENCES OF TWO LADIES WHO KEPT A BOARDING-HOUSE.

At 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon a meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Mrs Elizabeth Fletcher and her sister, Mrs Grace Adelaide Roy (a widow), was held in the Official Assignee's office. There were three creditors present. Mr Farquhar Mac rae represented- the debtors, Mrs Roy was also in attendance. She stated thab her sister was unable to be present.

The sworn statement of the debtors has already been published. It shows that the two ladies some' time ago purchased a boarding-house in Shortland-street known as Harbour View House. They gave £60 for the goodwill and £123 for the furniture, the money being provided by Mr Fletcher, who subsequently went away from Auck land. The venture did not prove a success, as boarders left without paying their ac counts, and the result'was that they gob be hind, £5110s being due from the boarders. Under the circumstances, they decided to sell out, and accordingly the furniture and effects weresubmitted for sale by auction, Mr J. Leydon being engaged as auctioneer. The goods realised £65, but the ladies received nothing on account of the goods sold, as the landlord claimed £35 due for rent and the remaining £30 -was set down as having been swallowed up in the expenses consequent upon the sale.

Mr Lawson pointed out that according to the bill submitted the salo occupied two days, although only £65 resulted from the goods sold. He also thought that the auctioneer's bill seemed rather high. Mr Macrae said that at the first he had mentioned the fact that the charges were extravagant. Mr Lawson referred to the fact that the advertising for the sale was set down at £23105.

The bill was then put in. It was headed by Messrs Andrews and Cooper's account of sales of goods sold by John Leydon. Then followed a list of the chattels sold and the prices realised, the total being £65 Is lld. The account for costs of sale was made up as follows :—Advertising:, £23 10s ; book used at sale, one shilling, clerk for two days, £1; an assistant for two days, 10s ; Mr Leydon _ auctioneer's fees for two days, £4'4s; carting, 6s; commission on goods sold privately in auction room, 4s 6d; " Money for which Mr Andrews is re sponsible, £14 lis 3d (Mr Andrews, £7 ; and Mr Bradford, £7 lis 3d):" Total costs, £44 6s 9d, leaving a balance over of £20 15s 2d. The debtor s total liabilities amounted to £44 15s 9d, and her only assets were the book debts, £57 10s.

The creditors present all expressed as tonishment at the heavy bill of costs sub mitted by Messrs Andrews and Cooper, who had arranged the sale for the debtors. Mr Lawson a«ked Mrs Roy if she could explain the amount for which Mr Andrews had set himself down as responsible. Mrs Roy said that Mr Andrews had ad vanced her £5 for a fortnight. Mr Lawson said that the whole sale ought to have been got through in three hours, instead of prolonging it over two days. Mr Waters : " Oh, they must havo had quite a jolly time of ib. ■' -, Afber somo dosultory discussion, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Hopkins, seconded by Mr Waters, " That we, the creditors of Mesdames Fletcher and Roy, call the attention of the Official Assignee to the fact that in order to sell £65 worth of furniture tho parties who real ised ib charged over £30, and we deem this an extortionate chafge. Particularly do we think the charges for advertising, viz., £23 10s, and that for refreshments, £3 10s, open to the charge of extortion." It was also resolved on tho motion of Mr Waters, seconded by Mr Hopkins, " That the Official Assignee be requested to facili tate the debtors' discharge." Some of the creditors expressed the opinion that all tho circumstances con nected with the affair should be made public. Mr Lawson promised that he would make the fullest inquiries into the matter. He pointed out that the main trouble was that there were no funds in the estate wherewith to fight the question. One of the creditors said that he would willingly contribute towards the cost of in quiring into the whole affair. They might, perhaps, make somebody disgorge. The meoting then separated.

BELLIGERENT JOCKEYS.

DISPUTE BETWEEN KNIGHTS OF

THE PIGSKIN.

At the Police Court this morning the well known jockey John Rae appeared to answer two charges made against him by a fellow jockey and an owner of racehorses.. In the first instance he was charged with having on the 15th inst., at Onehunga, unlawfully assaulted one James Laing by striking him in the face with his clenched fist; and in the second he was charged with using insulting language to Joseph S. Williams at Ellers lie on the same date. Mr' Whitaker appeared for complainants, and Mr W. J. Napier for the defendant, and at Mr Whitaker's request the hearing of the case was adjourned till Tuesday next. It appears- -that ever since the Summer Meeting there has been some rivalry between Rae and Laing. They were rivals at the last Onehunga Meeting, Rae riding Orangeman and Laing Wideawake in the Hurdle Race. The race was closely con tested for part of the course, and Orange man won. It was alleged that Rae rode Laing off the last hurdle, and a protest was made by the owner of Wideawake, but was dismissed. The alleged insulting language is said to. have been used when; Rae was on the scales,'and the pugilistic ex hibition referred to is reported as having eventuated in the jockeys' room, where tbe rivals had a "set-to" in settlement of a rather exciting dispute with reference to the event. Rae is charged with both of fences, and further particulars will no doubt be elicited when the cases are heard*

THE KINGITE NATIVES.

THEIR"LANDS PASSING THROUGH

THE COURT.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

■ Hamilton, Tuesday. Mr G. T. Wilkinson, native officer, has sent in a lengthyreport to the Department, and in speaking of the disposition lately shown by the natives of the King Country to pass.their lands through the Courts, says :— " It is sincerely to be hoped that this great change which has been brought about,' partly by their own wishes, but principally at our own investigation, may not result in,disastrous. consequences to them as a race, or to,their land, which is an inheri tance. Now, if ever, is surely the time when, they are entitled, to our best en** deavours to see that, whilst we as a civi lised people reap benefits from their action, they shall not be allowed, if we can help it, to suffer either physically, socially, or finan cially." • . - .■ ■■ . ■-. -' ..... : ;

Attention should be given to the Tram way Company's announcement in another column of alterations in their time table and notice of additional omnibuses on Sun day to Onslwng . and So.- U .lier's Bay.

SPORTING NEWS.

[SPEdAL.]

THE V.R.C. MEETING.

Melbourne, this day

Late last night Abercorn was backed to win the V.R.C. Derby ror all the money in the market at evens, and a shade of odds is now laid on his winning. Tranter is easier, and sto 1 is on offer about him.

A considerable amount of money has been invested on Australian Peer at 5 to 1. Pakeha was backed to win £2,000 at 100 to 5, after which he ad vanced to 100 to 6.

For the Cup, Oakleigh has been, backed for all the money in the market at 100 to 12; Algerian and Silver Prince, 100 to 20 (taken.) Trident has been backed for at 100 to 7, and is now quoted 100 to 8 ; was taken about Abercorn _ chance at 100 to 8. Dunlop has been supported to win ,£2,000 at 100 to 5. Meteor was backed to win at 100 to 6, and his best price is now 100 to 8; ;£2,000 to 40 has been taken about Recall.

The usual number of horses were training this- morning, but no impor tant work was done.

(FROM OOR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

W_3_L_NaTOK, this day.

DRAKE'S TIP FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Drake has not left for New Zealand as recently cabled but remains on the other side to see the Melbourne Cup run. A well-known sport in Welling ton on Monday received a Commis sion from the owner of Spade Guinea and Pasha to back Silver Prince for the Melbourne Cup, and three centuries were obtained at five to one.

The Waikato Hunt Club races take place to-morrow (Thursday) ab Gwynnelancls. Although the entries are not quite so numerous as in previous years, in quality they are infinitely superior. For the Hurdles Coral is allotted top weight, whilst for the Hunt Steeplechase Daybreak heads the list with 12.15.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

A meeting of those interested in the reform ing of the Auckland Rowing Club will be held to-morrow night at the Imperial Hotel, when it is t0..b0., hoped that there will be a large attendance.

The members of tho North Shore Athletic Club give a gymnastic display this evening in the local hall, when the medals won ab bho recenb competitions will be presented to the winners. '.•*The performance will con clude with a fancy dress boxing melee. Tho annual display in connection with All Saints Athletic Club is announced to take place to-morrow (Thursday) evening. Professor Carrollo is instructor of this Club, and an excellent entertainment will doubt less be provided on this occasion.

Auckland Kowius Association-

The annual meeting of the Auckland Rowing Association was held last night in the Club-room, Queen-street Wharf. There were over 40 members present, and the President, Mr T. Henderson, was in the chair.

Before entering on tho business of the general meeting the Chairman presented the medals to the winning crews in the last Association Regatta, the following being the prize winners:— Maidens over lOst—West End R.C.: Messrs F. Clutsam, G. K. Webb, J. Fisher, R. M. Jack, Junior-Senior Whaleboats— Waitemata R.C.: J. Waite, W.Nottingham, W. Bailey, A Bailey, J. Brennan ; Cox, E. Moore. Senior Bona Fide Amateurs- West End R.C. ; J. E. Cooke, J. N. Baxter, W. Jones, F. W; Edwards. Maidens under lOst—West End B.C. : F. Clutsam, G. K. Webb, J. Fisher, R. M. Jack. Junior- Senior Gigs-—Ponsonby R.C. : W, Scott, J. Stichbury, J. Payne, C. Graham. Maiden Whaleboats—Waitemataß.C. : H. Barton, J. Murray, J. Curtis, G. Barrett, W. George. Senior Amateur Gigs—West End R.C. : J. E. Cooke, J. M. Baxter, W. Jones, F. W. Edwards. Canoe Race: T. G. Carmichael. Scullers' Race: W. Bailey. Senior Whaleboats—North Shore R.C.: M. McKenzie, J. Marks, G. Wyn yard, 0. Wells, T. Sullivan. A medal was also presented to Mr G. Moore, on behalf of his Club, as steer oar of tho Waitemata Whalcboat crew. „

The Secretary (Mr Cooke) read the minutes of the last general meeting, which were confirmed, also the report of the Com mittee for tbe year and the balance sheet. The report congrabulated the members on the increased interest evinced in rowing matters during the past sbason. The accounts show a deficit of £913s 3d, but as a sum of £5 2s was paid at bhe com mencement of operations to liquidate old debts of the Association, the actual loss on the past season's operations is £4 lis 3d. The total receipts amounted to £79 Os 6d. The disbursements amounted to £73 16a 9d,and there was a liability of £14 17s 6d, with £5 3s 9d in hand towards the settlement of the debt. The.report and ' balance-sheet were adopted. Election of! officers was then proceeded with, the; following gentlemen being elected: — Patron: Chairman of Auckland Harbour Board. Vice-Patron: Hia Worship the Mayor. President: Mr Thomas Hen derson. Vice-Presidents: Captain W. Farquhar and Mr J. M. Brigham. Eon. Secretary; Mr J. A. Cooke. Hon. Treasurer: Mr D. Miller.; Auditors: Messrs E. Burgess and F. Saunderson. Mr E. Burgess then proposed, and Mr Saunderson seconded, " That in the opinion of this meeting the kindred associations be invited to consider the advisability of com bining to pay a secretary for the purpose of undertaking the secretaryship for all the associations." < It was sebblod that the opening of the season should be brought off next Saturday, in the afternoon. A long discussion then ensued upon tile advisability of giving prizes to coxswains, the feeling of tWineet ing being in favour of prizes being given, and a suggestion was made to the Commit tee. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close. -

Oh accountof the Caledonian Ball taking place on Friday night, Mr.R. M.MunrO in timates that his usual Friday evening class will be held to-morrow 1 (Thursday) evening at St. George _ Hall. Those intending to be present at the ball are invited to attend to-morrow evening to practise thg Scottish dances. " '"" '" ■

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY BLECTRIO OTLEGRAt-H—COPYRIGHT.)

THE LONDON UNEMPLOYED.

ADVICE FROM MR GLASTONE.

A MONSTER DEMONSTATION.

(special to press association. )

London, October 25.

Over 15,000 people attended the open air demonstration of the London unemployed with a procession to Rotherhithe. The speakers at the meeting sharply denounced Sir Charles Warren, the head of the London Police Department.

(REUTER)

London, October 24.

Acting upon advice tendered them by Mr Gladstone, the organisers of the torchlight procession to Rotherhithe have decided to abandon the idea of carrying torches at the demonstration.

ANOTHER PRINCESS.

BIRTH OF A BATTENBERG.

[reuter's telegram.]

London. Ootober 25. Princess Beatrice (the consorb of Prince Henry of Battenberg) has given birth to a daughter. Roth mother and child are progressing favourably.

ANNEXATION OF FIJI.

VICTORIA'S REFUSAL,

(Reuters telegram. )

Melbourne, October 25. An influential deputation from the Fij 1 Annexation Committee waited upon the Premier to-day to urge the ad vantages which would result from tho annexation of Fiji by Victoria. Mr Gillies, in reply to the arguments o* the deputation, said that, while not throw ing cold water upon the project, ho failed to see the advantages to bo gained by Victoria should annexation be effected. He suggested that a policy of reciprocity would be a greater benefit to both colonies.

THE IRISH AGITATION.

NEWSPAPER PROPRIETOR

IMPRISONED.

HARTINGTON CRITICISES

GLADSTONE

(special.)

London, October 25.

The proprietor of the " Wexford People" has been sentenced to a month's imprisonmedt, for advising the Irish people to attend a meeting of the National League that had been pro hibited by the Government.

[REUTERS TELEGRAM.]

The Marquis of Hartington, in ad dressing a public meeting at Notting ham yesterday, strongly condemned the language used by Mr Glad stone in, his' recent speeches in that city, which he declared would weaken tho arm of the Government

i ■ in its efforts firmly uphold law and order. His Lordship strongly urged the Loyalists of Ireland not to be betrayed by false statements expressed by Mr Gladstone.

Mr Wilfred Blunt, who was arrested while presiding at a proclaimed meet ing of the English Homo Rule Union, has been remanded, bail being allowed.

ANOTHER ENGLISH SCANDAL.

A GENTLEMANLY WIFE BEATER SENT TO GAOL.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, October 25,

Mrs Trevannion (Sir Daniel Cooper's daughter), laid a charge against her hus band of assaulting her and blackening her eyes. He was sentenced to six months' im prisonment.

(special association. )

THE MISSING GUNBOAT.

London, October 25.

It is reported that the Calliope has saved the crew Of the gunboat; Wasp> who were supposed to have been lost by the foundering of the last-named vessel at sea, on her voyage from Singapore to London.

SUGAR BOUNTIES.

London, October 25.

(special.)

Despite the proposal of the Aus trian Government to increase • the sugar bounties, the export duties are likely to be abolished if the Sugar Bounties Conference at London proves

successful

ROYALTY AND MEASLES.

[recters telegram.]

', Copenhagen, October 24.

The medical attendants of the Princesses 1 Victoria, Maude, aud Louise of Wales, re port that their are recovering from their illness. „ '"„ '" ■

PENDING DIVORCE ACTIONS.

AS AMOEOUS DUTCHMAN.

THE SEQUEL TO A DOUBLE

ELOPEMENT.

CULMINATION OF THE LYNCH

-MARITAL TROUBLES

MRS LYNCH PRAYS FOR DIVORCE.

It is now some litbletime since the Supreme Court in Auckland was called upon to sunder any of bhose conjugal bonds which the Marriage Registrar does his best to tie fast, and which the priest is ever ready to solemnise with the rites of Holy Church. This respite, however, is aboub to be broken in upon. Two mabrhnonial cases are pending for the untiemenb of the Hy meneal knot. In one the husband seeks re lief on the ground of his wife's frailty, and in the other case the wife comes forward as the aggrieved party. Some of the circumstances of the former case have already supplied material for newspaper sensation and afforded cause for mirth to bhe outside public. The parties to ib are Edward Campton (petitioner), a store man ab Morrin and Co.'s, Jessie Brown Hardy Campton (respondent), and Hans Peter Christian Matiersce Hansen (co respondenb), formerly a contractor of Auck land. It is more than two j'ears Since their domestic infelicities first obtruded themselves on public notice. In the Star of July 16th, 1884, appeared the following article under bhe heading of " Strange Elopement" : — "An excibed couple have been moving round in the vicinity of the Police Station last nteht and bo-day. The man complains bhat his wife levanted to Sydney by.the Arawata yesterday afternoon, while the woman is aggrieved because of similar infelicity on the part of her husband, and to make matters moi*e complicated it would appear bhab bhe couple eloped together. The sor rowing husband and wife are anxious that bhe departed couple should be brought' back again ; but an irreverent policeman suggested that bhe ' lonesome pair' should make ib up bogebher, and leb the unfaithful ones go. Ib has nob yeb transpired whab proceedings are to betaken in the matter." It appears thab the police very_ promptly ran their quarry to earth, for on Friday, bhe 18bh of July, 1884, the following additional particulars appeared in the Star: "We mentioned in our Wednesday evening's issue thau a married man had eloped with a married woman, and bhab they were supposed to have gone to Syd ney. The case was placed in the hands of the police, and steps 'were taken to trace the runaway couple. Tlie result of the official investigation is satisfactory, bhe levanters having .been arrested ab Nelson, whither they would appear to have pro ceeded by the Hawea, which left the Manu-. kau last Tuesday. Intelligence of their arrest was received to-day by Supt. Thom son, who is further informed by telegram that the prisoners have been remanded, pending receipt of bhe warrants, which have been posted. We understand that the names of the couple are Hans Peter Hansen, a contractor, of Grey-street and Mrs Campton, of Freeman's Bay. The man left a wife to whom he was only married some six months ago. while the woman appears to have deserted her husband and three children, baking one child with her,. It is probable that bhe runaway pair will, be brought back by the steamer which arrives* here next Tuesday oron bhefollo wing Sunday. The public interesb in bhe matter was not allowed to flag, Star of Monday, July 28, 1884, contained a long and graphic account of the return of the eloped pair, of which the head-lines will suffice to in-, dicate the nature. They are, as follows :— " The Elopement." " Return of the Truant Lovers." "Mrs Hansen endeavours to throw herself under the carriage wheels." " MrsHansenonthescenes." "Fightforpos session." (This refers to between Mrs Hansen and Mrs Campbon to obtain possession of the faithless Hansen's arm.) "Mrs Hansen Attempts Suicide," "Scene ab the Police Station," "Prisoner in Court," "Later Particulars." ,The ensuing course of events is indicated: (1) by Edward Campton's advertisement in the Star of July 30, 1884, notifying that he would hot be responsible for any debts con tracted by his wife, as she had again left her home without has .onsenb, and (2) byHansen'sappearancein the Police Court on Augusb 2,1884, bo answer a charge of de sertion preferred by his wife. Th is charge, however, was withdrawn, Sergt. White ex plaining to the Bench that the parties had amicably settled their differences. ~ The arrangement could nob h&ve been Jong ob served, for shbrbly afterwards Hansen and Mrs uampbon disappeared from bhe scene and all trace of them was lost. Campton, during the interim, has steadily prosecuted his inquiries with the object of obtaining a dissolution of marriage from his infatuated wife. He has at length obtained which he believes will enable him to carry out this object. On Monday last Campton applied to and obtained leave from Mr Justice Gillies to serve the petition and citation outside the colony, and His Honor directed that the respondent and - co respondent should have 40 days within which to file their answers to the petition and citation, and to make an appearance. The Camptons w ere married at St. Mat thew's Church in May, 1877, and have had issue—three girls and one boy. Mrs Camp ton's maiden name was Jessie Brown Hardy Anderson.

In the other divorce action to which we have referred, Mrs Catherine Lynch, of the Occidental Hotel, is the petitioner, and she seeks a dissolution of her marriage wibh Dennis Lynch on the threefold alleged grounds of repeated acts of cruelty, adultery with one Mary Cassidy, and desertion. The circumstances, set forth in the petition and advertised so that they may reach bhe eye of bhe respondent, whose present address is unknown, are as follows : That on Feburary sth, 1879, the petitioner (then Miss Catherine Keates) was married at St. Patrick's Cabhedral by the Reverend Father Walter Macdonald to the respon dent (Dennis Lynch) and, that they subs_ quently lived together at Northern Wairoa, Kaipara, Dargaville, Mercury Bay and the city of Aucklanct and had issue bhree children viz., Patrick, now 7 years; Catherine, now 5 years; and Margaret Spell man, now 3 years. That 12 months after the marriage began the acts of alleged cruelty of which the following instances are cited : -—(l)That at Dargavile'in 1882 petitioner in consequence of .respondent's ill-treatment was laid up for a.perjod pf.l4 days,, and was compelled to leave hhn. ..(2-5 That.ul-out three months later she returhesd to him, bub was knocked clown and kicked, and again compelled in the night-time to leave her home to escape further illtreatment. (3) Thab respondent broke an umbrella over petitioner's back whilst striking her. (4) That about three o'clock on the morning of the 17th Marehv 1883;' respondent striick petitioner's infant child, 7 months Old, and struck petitioner several violent blows in the face and eyes,, blackening the lattery and'ako attempted to choice her. (5) That subsequently he struck petitioner in the eyes and jumped upon her. (6) That owing to respondent's intemperance, peti tioner has frequently been compelled to sleep under her bed ,on the floor, and seek refuge at other places for safety! * (7) That three days after petitioner's youngest child was born, rcspondenbthreatened bnehightto beat petitioner, and thenawoke the twoeldest children out of their sleep, and _6gged th-in. (8) That upon pne pecawow ab .he City

Hotel, respondent beat petitioner behind the ears'with an iron poker, and sho has since suffered from deafness in consequence. (9) That on another occasion respondent dragged petitioner and her baby off her bed, and smashed the child's feeding bottle, and struck petitioner across the face. Mrs Lynch lias nob lived Avibh her husband since Augusb, 1885, and he is alleged to have committed adultery with Mary Cassidy during 1886 and 1887. In February last he lefb for Ireland,- and the petitioner is wholly supporting herself and two of her children.

CABINET DELIBERATIONS.

REDUCTIONS OF A QUARTER OF A MILLION DECIDED ON.

ANOTHER LOAN CERTAIN

(BY telegraph—own reporter.)

We-jugtgtox, this day. The Cabinet are rather more than half through with the preparation of their scheme of retrenchment. I have authority for saying that the reduction 8 made amount to between a quarter of a million and three hundred thousand pounds. The amounts have been taken off Departments, and the details have not yet been worked out, so. that it is impossible to say how salaries.. are affected. The reductions are, however, of a most sweeping character, and ex tend- over the whole colony. Educa tion suffer., jvith the rest. .

The Midland Railway business has been a hard nut to crack, and this;wiU probably be dealt with at some.-length.

Despite many statements made to the contrary I reiterate my already ex pressed opinion that no attempt will be made at a revision of the tariff this session, although additional taxation in some form is almost sure to be imposed if the reductions do not cover the de" ficiency. ~ Strong opposition will be made to a further issue of Treasury Bills, owing to the large amount that would be re quired to carry the country over till April or May, when the House meets again. Nothing has been decided by the Cabinet with regard to the new loan, but the fact is recognised that it can not be done without. The amount has not yet been discussed in Cabinet. ,

THE CANING FOR SON PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES.

WHAT DR. LEWIS THINKS OF KATE

SHEARD'S CASE,

NO MEAN WIELDER.OFJTHE ROD.

On our second page to : day we publish soma interesting correspondence relative to the caning administered to Kate Sheard in Newton East School, owing to the non-pay ment of the " quarter money." The follows ing interesting letter by Dr. Lewis contains some important information bearing upon the facbs of the case, and the'punishment of hand-caning generally;-— ■~■>;, * (To the Editor.) Sir,—l confess when Kate Sheard came to my surgery to show me the result'of the yOung lady-teacher's caning on her hands and I had heard from the child'-thb reason why the 'punishment was inflicted, I was, whab I ato nob often, considerably as tonished.

The caning was not a very severe one, but one cut on the left hand had lefb a characteristic weal and bruise which is well known to boys. It is not in ihy province to discuss the crime, but, Mr Editor,'! should like to say a word about tho punish ment. It is only a few years since Doxing. the ears was a favourite mode of punish ment among certain schoolmasters, and_ ib was only on the very strong representation of the medical profession that that custom was abolished. ...-■ -

-Though the practice of-caning on the hands is not so dangerous to life as a'box On the ear, which, be ib known, has in more than one instance resulted in fatal consequences, it may. be-fraught with danger to the future usefulness of the hand. Now I happen to have seen this said Kate Sheard compelled to do the whole of bhe housework of bhe Sheard family, cook ing, Washing and nursing while the mother was confined bo bed through illness. Sup pose that on the afternoon of the caning— and I must say, judging by the results ob tained, the lady-pupil teacher is no mean wielder of the rod. — the whole, of the household duties devolved on the said Kate Sheard. You must agree with me Mr Editor that the housework would come very heavily on the child. ' Such work would be Quite enough to set up inflammation in the palm and sheaths of the tendons, and result probably ill a long illness and a stiff finger or two. What I wish respectfully to suggest to the authori ties that govern schools, is 1 that, corporal punishment should be administered in the way that experience teaches is least'likely to be followed by untoward consequences, and that is birching on the seats. /, The salutary effect of corporal pumsh ment has been manifest to parents and pedagogues since the time of Solomon, and as most procedures have been reduced to a scientific level in this century why should not scholastic correction keep pace with the times?—l am, etc., • T. Ho__ Lewi§, Surgeon, I Symond-street, 25th October 1887. '

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-nlg-t.

Abbott's Opera House—"Uncle Tom's Gabin,''iß Agricultural'Hall—Mohnwk Minstrels, &'.'•.. Art Gallery—Auckland Society of Arte Eshibi~ tion, 7.30. Temperance Hall—Auckland Operative-Boot makers'Union. 8. K.i .Onehunga Debating Society—Lecturer, Mr C *' _W.T_-1L7.30 Choral Hall-Skating Rink, 7.30.' St-..Taiiicto Hall—Practice _or." Britannia and fceriDaxtSite.!-),'' P. ; ••■ , ... . i Drill Rifle Association, 8. ■■•.." '~ I. : ' V 3SS"M's& ■ ';.: ;.,.., ■; " '::''■■- ry-'

Kota of Justices at PoUoo Court.

October 27—The President Magistrate sits.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

6. W. Binttby, Westlln _Th"ings—StOck-in-trade ' of-Flauriuul. property. See, 11. Arthur and Bnddle--Tiancy Goods, Clothing, &c.. 11; Hepburn-Street, Household Furni ture and Effects, 11.. _ D. FJ Evans, I*\_nklin Read—Household Furni ture.etc., 11. . •" , . B. Tonka aid Co., Parnell—Housohold Furni andEfttects, 11. :. G. Lawis—Brigantines, Schooner, Barque, etc,, ~ -12. ' ;'. ;••.■■ ■; -■,■■. :;•' < • --•,•':" .< >'■■:■ ",.' ' ;' ".■''.•«' ! ; 3 , " S. Cocfeane jß^dSoa-Sftddler'aStO-k-in-trnfif,

5

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STA_V W___s_H_S.DlT, OCTOBER 26. 1887,