3*"v"; _ o f the Bench of Magistrates Acb, was held at '«&*« Pnurt this mornine. There were h G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M., present 1 "'j Messrs Newman and Ham- Jg Mr Stoney stated that # nd . nno'lications for licenses were »» ''%* County of Eden, and they from ', for renewals, no new licenses ,rere f or . He also read the re i&t,* .-shed by Mr Howard, Inspector port fu»' houses, which stated that the f { glauguw ghnient3 had without excep ?ari ou3e ' j. ejfc j n good and clean order. tion with the regulations, and I** l Ss had been made. The Freezing BocoWP'" B i au crhter-house was again open Conipw. er f eC b order. Applications for and wa ? o f licenses were received and rene ffß j f o ii o wt?, there being no opposi .nteaa? ra —Ebenezer Wood, Mount t' on .n Enoch Wood, Mount Albert; W TTulme, Mount Wellington ; and Frozen Meat and Storage *"* d? St. Ann's Bridge, Otahuhu. fair is a novelty as far as this part is concerned, though displays oft r kind have been held and attracted of W" 9 tice i n Australia. From our adver pf "oiumns it will be seen that one is tislD L g ViPld in the delightful grounds of U J! n court, Parnell, on the 23rd inst. It P l 5? take the form of an open-air fete fr w ' den party with maypole dance, Stomas tree, music, etc It promises 1 k.«(jreat«access, and is already arousing Sde?able interest. cliffht argument ensued at the Supreme /i t "yesterday afternoon between His v nr Hr J ußtice illie3 and iir Hum kvs as to the rights of cross-examination. Cman named Die more was in the box •V evidence in the Bedford case. She fllined to say whether she had been pre •Lv convicted, and also as to how she ■2 a living His Honor ruled that the tfluL was fustified in her action. Mr ? Ihrevs said that he hoped to be able fßTtot the witness had plotted toinst the prisoner, Eedford, because ho kdordered witness to leave his house. ffisHonor said that if Mr Humphreys had >her evidence to prove such an assertion, I would allow the cross-examination to noceed bub not otherwise. His Honor Cher said :"I mu at Beb . m y face in this Lrt against having insinuations made «U)Sta°witnes3's character which there is nothing to support, excepting the insinua ?ni The cross-examination was then ntinued, when witness declined to state whether she was in the habit of taking men to Bedford's house for immoral purposes, flis Honor ruled that the witness need not answer such questions, and the matter dropped In the Bedford case, tried yesterday in the Supreme Court, His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, in his address to the jury, spoke of the able defence made by Mr Humphreys, counsel for the prisoner. As this was Mr Humphreys' first appearance at the Supreme Court as counsel, he is to be con mtulated upon the compliment paid to him by the learned Judge. A burlesque entitled' " Little Red Riding Hood" wa 3 performed at the Helensville Town Hall on Tuesday evening, December 6th and it proved financially and socially a complete success. The llev. Father Keogh and Miss Lorrigan, of Auckland, superin tended, and considering it was strictly an amateur performance it was especially good. The cast was as follows:—Queen oi the Fairies, Miss Lorrigan; Bluette (Little Ked Hiding Hood), Miss Nellie Hand, of Jlakiri; Dame Dorothy, Miss Lizzie Bal lance; i*irs6 Tairy, Miss Sand in ; Second flairy, Miss Tottie Hand : Third Fairy, Miss Edith McLeod ; Dame Monica, Mr J. Griffiths; Prince Hyacinthe, Mr Burrell; Dike Bavensburgh, Mr Joe Roderick; Hobble Gobble Witz, Mr Donovan ; Skip pindolph, Mr W. McManus ; Poggindolph, MrGV MoManus; First Peasant, Mr Joe Bi»naway, in , which also ten demons and iteßity-eight fairies took part. The bfoceeds of the Tuesday's performance Ijnjj to the funds of the Roman Catholic Church, and on Thursday it was 1 a benefit to Miss Lorrigan. The dance music was supplied by Mrs F. Little, aaisted by Mr Harry Walker (pianiet) and Mr Osbaldistin (violinist). It is expected that an amateur dramatic company will be formed at Helensville under the auspices of the Rev. Father Keogh and the Misses Lorrigan.

A yery successful entertainment and fence were given in the Newmarket Hall last evening by the Mississippi Juvenile Mjnetrels tp a- crowded house. The pro gramme consisted of the following:— "Light in the Window," H. Allen ; song (comic), "For the Sake of Sarah," C. Allen (encored); song, " Bring me Back the One ILove," W. Thompson ; song and dance, "lello.Baby," W.Seagar (encored); song, "Little Bright Blue Eyes," A Gossan ; long (comic), "That's What Makes Me Grin," W. Eustace; song, " Last Sweet Words of Mother," M. Edgar. The first part of the programme copCluded with a pand, finale entitled "Scenes from the Circus." Song (comic), "The Masher King," A. Cossan, encored; song, (comic), "The Noble Warrior," C. Allen (encored); doable clog dance, W. Seagar and Robinson (eneorjd); negro sketch, "Deaf Boots, W.Eustace and H. Doran ; negro comicali ties, C. Allen ; song (selected)', M. Edgar. The entertainment was brought to a close tjth , . a side-splitting farce entitled "A Clean- Shave," in which C. Allen, >v. Eustace and J. Gent took part. The fiibteauent dance, for which over 20 couples toyed, was kept up till an early hour this morning, In the Victorian Assembly two weeks •so there was a lively discussion on the Government proposal to place a sum of money on the next estimates to enable the Governor to suitably entertain during the Centennial Exhibition. Mr Shiels entered «s emphatic protest and unqualified dissent against the proposal, because in his opinion >t only meant that so much more money *oald be thrown away to " fill tho bellies otwell-born nobodies and titled snobs with chicken and champagne." It was no part «the duty of the Governor to entertain titled globe-trotters and other men of in- Bl gnifieant position at home who visited the ttlony, two-thirds of whom should be com *( to "hang up their hats " either at whotels or the coffee palaces. He did wtthink that lavish entertainment, sump raotts hospitality, and the vulgar and Wenfetious extravagance of wealth raised * immunity either in its own or in other ' Pole's eateem, and as the working people J™,** participate in or benefit by the JfspitaUties of Government House, and "*.country received no advantage, he "PPosed the vote, more particularly as it "w from the people's pockets that the fney wa ß being "filched." He looked »P«>thewhole thing as a covert attempt "•Permanently increase the Governors fW, and urged that the Government Wt rather to follow the example of South Australia and New Zealand and reduce the "touueration of His Excellency. Mr Shiels JJ:JJBry.engry, and frequently alluded to "w uovernor as "merely an ornamental Whead of the constitution." The other Monenta of the proposal were Messrs ,*MVoods, Cooper, W. M. Clarke, Jones J" 0 Bourchier. Mr Carter likened the "Sements of the members who spoke l&nrttto scheme to the fable of the Belly fj 1 the Limbs, and declared that the Z ve ™°r's- salary should be increased to **W> -without any further delay. In a g« nieoeure, he said, the hundreds ot S. Uo " 8 of money that had been invested in during the last few years had OTtracted i n the first inatanoo by their Jj»Me liberality and hospitality, T** C«» wee allowed to drop without mem onf. n bein g .oeked to express ft definite

BiSv re mak ing your purchases in«*ofc H and Uw&ej's immense stock of

It is now jnsfc on a year since the Xew market Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club was started, and from the manner in which their second season was inaugurated on Saturday it promises to flourish as a healthy institution. Tho grounds were in splendid condition, the green for bowling and the asphalt courts for lawn tennis, and both during the afternoon were fully occupied. There was a large atten dance of friends, and the fair sex were conspicuous by their number. Several games of lawn tennis were played on the asphalt courts, while in bowling a team composed of Messrs King (skip), James, Tait and Goodwill beat another of Messrs Heron (skip), Diunison, Hamilton andThorn tonby2ltol9. Messrs James (skip), King, Goodwill and Tempest beat Messrs Dinni son (skip), Heron, Hamilton and Tidt by 21 points to 8.

"We learn from the report of a discussion by the Christchurch City Council on the vexed question of the maintenance of Muni cipal Fire Brigades and the contributions which fire insurance companies should make thereto, that in Adelaide the insurance companies contribute £1,191, the Corpora tion only £443, and the Government £1,000 ; that in Sydney and Melbourne the insurance companies contribute one-third of the entire cost; and that in Christchurch the Corpora tion contributes £1,200, and the insurance companies about £300. We can supple ment this data by stating that so far as Auckland is concerned the insurance com panies contribute nothing, and the entire cost falls upon the long-suffering ratepayer.

Spurious silver coin is now in circulation here, and tradesmen would do well to be on their guard, especially in dealing with half-crown and shilling pieces. To look at, these imitations are an exact copy of tho real article, and would probably deceive 99 out of 100 unsuspecting persons. If the spurious coin is carefully handled, how ever, its littleness in value is at once per ceptible, and the baseness of the metals used in the composition is exposed.

Tenders are to be called immediately by the City Council for the printing of the catalogue of the Free Library, including the Grey collection.

Our Wellington correspondent states that the Committee of Wellington City Council are so pleased with the recent ex periments made that it has been deter mined to recommend the Council to at once call tenders for lighting the whole city for a term of three or live years,

The Salvation Army Brigade Captain's report of the Home at Scotia Place, to Monday, December 12th, is as follows: — Number of meals given, 193 ; beds sup plied, 47 ; persons admitted, 6 ; discharged, 6 ; still in the Home, 7. Articles received : Meat—Baddeley, C. Garrett, H. Garrett, Tyndall, Hellaby, Hulme, Knight, and Garrett, senior. Bread—Messrs Crowe, Evans, Parsons, Brown, Ford (North Shore), Phillips (Newton), Buchanan, Mrs Howie and 3 friends, and Mrs Phillips. Butter from a friend, and from a friend in Domain street, 5s through Mr D. MePherson, City Missioner. As we are approaching Christ mas, Captain Little hopes that the people who can will assist in giving the hungry ones a good dinner on that day.

By the 9.13 train from Helensville this morning, a man named Thomas Jackson was brought down from Swanson in a very debilitated condition, by a man named Thomas Matthews. Constable Muckie took charge of the man on his arrival, and as he was in destitute circumstances had him removed to the Hospital, where he was at once admitted.

Ratepayers resident in Symonds-streot, between Wakefield-street and the Chorul Hall, complain bitterly of the danger to health and injury to furniture by the clouds of dust in which the thoroughfare is fre quently enveloped. They have addressed a petition to the City Council praying that the street may be regularly watered.

A most unusual occurrence took place on Sundayevenine at the Newton Congrega Clonal Church whilst the Rev. H. J. Lewis was delivering one of his series of lectures, namely on "Conscience." Amongst other celebrated men who had shown by their lives and acts that they were powerfully influenced by "conscience." he mentioned the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, and his disinterested and noble patriotism in his efforts to grant justice to Ireland, and pre dicted that very soon the old love of free dom would assert itself amongst English men, and Ireland would be free. His words were deliverod very earnestly, and to the surprise of many a prolonged cheer stopped the preacher.

The old boys of the Auckland College and Grammar School hold their annual dance on Thursday evening in the school room-

The names of the wrong crew of the West End R.C. were inserted last night as winners of the Senior Bona Fide Gigs. The names should have been : F. W. Edwards (stroke), W. Jones, J. N. Baxter, and J. E. Cooke.

It will be eeen from advertisement else* where that tenders are invited by the City Council for the leasing of the flour mill at tho Western Springs.

The Devonport Borough Council had a very short meeting last night. Mr M. Niccoi occupied the chair. Some routine business was transacted and a time table for Davis's 'buses was approved, and the meeting terminated at 8.15 p.m.

Major Dane will give his audience to night a large amount of information about the greatest of all cities, "London," The metropolis of the world is still increasing at a rapid rate, and it is difficult to predict where it will stop. Its population is over five millions. Houses and new streets are beinf added yearly that measure upwards of 300 miles. Major Dane spent a consider able time in London, and his lecture will be full of interest. Doors open at the City Hall at 7.30 ; chair to be taken at 8.

The usual meeting at the Temperance Hall took place on Saturday evening, the audience being rather smaller than usual. Mr Tremain presided, and the proceedings included P«"»o ■ solo, Miss firame ; song and medley, Mr Harrison, Mr C Marson accompanist; dialogue, Misses Dewes, F. Dewes, and D. Spragg ; song, Miss M. Spragg, Miss fepragg ac companist; recitation, Mr J. 0. Rob -2? song, Mr . John Rvan, M.s S Brame accompanist; address, Mr Brome • song, Miss Buchanan ; dialogue, Mioses IS', and M. Spragg 5 song, Mr Ryan ; *ong, Mr Harrison. The programme.closed with a recitation by a little girl whose name didnot transpire. Itwasannounced that Mr Pook's band will supply the musical portion of next Saturday's meeting. The Gospel Temperance service held in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, was well attended last Sunday evening. Mr R French presided. The Rev. J. Chew o-ave an address of special interest to the vnunff people, giving incidents in his early £ S Wing valuable lessons there from Mr Chew said it was h IS growing Morion that prohibition would be the Ssure New ZeaLid would have to adopt Kβ would rid herself of the terrible in cubus o'the drink traffic. Mr Chew also referred to a conversation he had with one if the passengers of the Mariposa on her kst trip? who told him that prohibition had ' Bed the snake in the four towns of Kansas which bad adopted it. The attention pf those requring ffrrt pd s furniture of superior and artistic finish, S the choicest woods also superior up . V J WU ,-<, called to the sale of Mr C. C. Auckland Savings §Sk As he intends closing his business m Y,M.C.A have refreshed their library by adding a &S3 P v^blebppM S mtabfe for ypung

Capt. Edwin reports at 1.7 p.m.: " Glass fall again soon ; same indications as wived yesterday. '

At the meeting of the shareholders of the New Find Gold Mining Company (Tβ Aroha), held yesterday in the office of the legal manager, Mr D. G. McDonald. It wus resolved that the offer of £2000 net and the paying of all the company's liabilities be accepted as payment for the company's property. This >vili give the shareholders a dividend of 2s per share.

A person who appearsd at the Police Court this morning to explain why he had not left a hoarding sufficiently lighted said, " he would plead guilty if the policeman told the truth." Ho afterwards explained that the lamps were alight when he left work, but considered it probable that the lights had been extinguished by stormy weather, and he was not confident that the policeman would state the case exactly in this light. Small lines were imposed in this and a number of other by-law cases, and three cases were held over because summonses had not been served.

At the meeting of the Parnell Borough Council last evening accounts amounting to £228 were passed for payment. An appli cation from Mr L. Stan ton for the post of sub-registrar of dogs was received. An application from the Parnell Lawn Tennis Club to make th'reo quarterly payments for water instead of four, as they did not use the lawn in winter, was granted. The Under secretary for Crown Lands intimated that Government could not pay rents on endow ment land at Hokianga until a vote of the Assembly was taken. The letter was received. The tender cf Mr Sheffrey for formation work in St. Stephen s Road was accepted, the amount being £7 10s. The question of street watering was discussed and deferred till next meeting.

The Supreme Court was occupied the whole of yesterday afternoon taking evi dence in the case of Patrick and Margaret Bedford, who were charged with robbery from the person. No evidence was called for the defence, Mr Humphreys simply ad dressing the Court on behalf of the prisoners. He attempted to save the female prisoner on the grounds that she acted under the instruction of her husband, but His Honor overruled that objection, pointing out that there was no evidence of coercion on the part of the husband. The jury returned a verdict of guilty against both prisoners, and each was sentenced to 18 months' im prisonment with hard labour. By a singular coincidence, one of the judges who committed the prisoners from the lower court was summoned as a juryman ac the Suprome Court, and by a strange freak of the ballot box, he happened to be on the jury which brought in a verdict of guilty. It will no doubt be remembered that this Margaret Bedford is the female whose delicacy was so shocked at the CD. Act that she succeeded in getting Professor and Mrs Aldis to interest themselves in her behalf, in order to escape coming under the provisions of the Act. Judging by the evidence adduced yesterday, the woman is scarcely what may bo considered a thoroughly reformed character yet.

A very satisfactory rehearsal of Offen bach's comic operetta, "The Barber of Bath," was held last night at North Shore. The production of this operetta about tho middle of January is to be attended with some eclat. The principal soloists are Miss Quereo and Messrs A. Bartley, Hookey, and Hipkins. It is intended to devote the proceeds of the performance to the Trinity Church funds.

Through the unexpected illness of her agent (Mr F. W. Fisher) and his conse quent inability to make tho necessary arrangements, Miss Georgio Smithson has been obliged to defer her projected Waikato tour until after Christmas. The lady has just returned from Whangarei.

Rev, Mr Scott West will to-morrow (Wednesday) evening give the second of his course of lectures on " The Pilgrim's Pro gress" at St. David's church, Symond streefc. The public are admitted free.

Mr H. E. Crofts, of the Deaf Muto In stitution at Sumner, proceeds to Sydney by the s.s. Rotomahaua to-day, en route for England. Mr Crofts, who has obtained leave of absence till April next, intends to travel and obtain information regarding the treatment of deaf mutes in Europe.

A correspondent in another column criticises the action of the Dovonport Borough Council in prohibiting bathing; on Cheltenham Beach after seven o'clock in the morning, Wo are informed that the notice posted did not fully express the inten tion of the Council. They desire to preserve the beach for the use of ladies and children during the day, from which they have been driven by men. Another notice was framed by the Council lust night filing tho hours of bathing on tho beach for men before 7 a.m. and fov ladies and children from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The impropriety of men bathing on the beach during the day must be obvious to everyone. The pro. hibition would not, of course, apply to retired parts of the shore, Under the Municipal Corporation Act, tho Corpor ation have full power to fix the hours for bathing within the borders of the borough, which in the case oi Devonport extend to low water.

A few days hence the police force will make their appearance in summer uniform which is to include a white cork helmet and white trousers. Offenders against the laws of the country will therefore look out for " the man in white instead of <f the map in blue " as heretofore.

'•Doctors, and How to Avoid Them." seems rather a strange subject for a medical man to lecture on. It looks like trying to tumble out with one's own bread and butter, but, nevertheless, Pr. Erson, tj,t\, and newly-elected Mayor of Onehunga, In tends on Wednesday night to show the public of Onehunga how to live without contributing to the support of himself or his fellow medicos. When we consider that this self-sacrifice on the part of Or, Erson is made solely for the purpose of lending a helpine hand to the languishing Public Library of Onehunga, the funds of which are at low water mark, we feel confident that all and every evenly balanced mind, will re6pond to the dootor'a muniiicenee by crowding en massf to tho Public Hall on the night of the lecture. Roth's Hot and Cold Bath?, Victoria streefc East, are now in- full swing. Being in the heart of the city, they are con venient to business men to run in and have a most comfortable hath at a reasonable cost. No doubt, now that the summer is upon us, these baths will find plenty of custom. A select plain and fancy dress ball will be held in Lind's Hall, Northcote, on Friday, December 16th, 1887, under tho manage ment Of tho Northcote Quadrille Assembly. Several friends from town are expected, and there will no doubt be a good muster.

The Auckland Kegatta Coinpiittee meet this everting, when the programme of prizes will be arranged for the forthcoming regatta. The Auckland Rowing Club shed is in course of erection, Sowe sixty subscrip tions to the Club have already been re ceived.

Onehunga tweed trouses to-measure, at 21s ; Smith and Caugbey'g,— (Apr?)

SAD ACCIDENT AT HUNUA.

A sad accident occurred to a ma.n. named Smith, of South Wajroa, on Saturday morn, intr. Jle was removing timber at Hunua on a sledge, when one of the horses became restive, and the sledge overturned, knocking Smith down and breaking his arm.. The poor fellow was some hours in the bush before help o ame i and he was sent> on to Qtnh.uhu, where Dr. Bewe attended to the ei^fferer.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

DELIVERING THE STATEMENT.

INTEREST IN THE PROCEEDINGS,

THE PROPOSALS

FAVOURABLY

RECEIVED,

[by telegraph.—own reporter.]

Wellington, this day. The galleries were well filled last night on the occasion of the delivery of the Public Works Statement;, and there was also a a large attendance of members. The State ment occupied about an hour and a half in delivery, and at the close Mr Mitchelson was cheered by all sides of the House. Opinion in the House is very favourable to the Statement, and the Minister of Works has since been warmly congratulated on his efforts. Sumner Railway. 6 Some of the Canterbury members wer chagrined by the fact that no mention was made of the Sumner Railway, notwithstand ing the fact that the Minister had expressed himself favourable to it, in reply to a depu tation recently. As soon as the Statement had been delivered, Mr W. P. Reeves made an allusion to this fact, and Mr Taylor made a protest against Canterbury not re ceiving a better share of the loan. He dc cl α-ed we were over-railroaded already (A voice : Midland railway !), and he objected to many of these votes. Mr Mitchelson ad mitted that he had expiessed himself favour able to the Sumner Railway, but it was a new line, and Government did not think they were justified in asking the House to undertake any new railways. Select Committee. A Select Committee, consisting of Messrs E. Richardson, Goldic, Samuel, Peacock, Guinness, Dr. Fitchett and Mr W.D. Stewart, were appointed to inquire into and report on applications for pensions from Messrs Austen, Baddeley and Muir. Elective Land Boards. The important principle of Elective Land Boards was introduced into the Land Bill last night. According to the new clause, three members are to be elected by the County Council and one by boroughs. When progress was reported the Council were considering the proposal by Mr Seddon that 6d per mile one way should be paid as travelling allowance, and 10s per day as expenses. Civil Service Reform Act Amendment. This measure was read a second time last night on the motion of Hon. Mr Fergus. It is drafted for the purpose of enabling policemen to be appointed clerks of Courts in outlying districts. There was no opposition to the measure, and at a later stage of the proceedings the bill passed through committee without amend ment. Wellington Girls' High Sohool. The bill which has been introduced for the purpose of raising money to defray the cost of the new Wellington Girls' High School passed its second reading without opposition, and subsequently got through committee. The building has already been erected at the contractor's own risk, on the agreement entered into with the last Minis ter of Education. Mr Peacock and Sir G. Grey.took exception to the action of Go vernment in not placing on the Order Paper the Auckland Girls' High School Bill for a similar object. Sir G. Grey said the site of the Wellington School was on the hospital site, and should not have been taken for any other purpose. In answer to Mr Cad man, who also urged the claims of the Auckland Bill, the Premier promised to bring up that bill to-day. Second Readings. The second readings last night were the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill, and Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill. They will be com mitted to-day. Raising School Age. Mr lurnbull drew the attention of the House, yesterday, to the fact than an Order in-Council had been issued from January next, raising the school age to six years, and dieallowing those who had passed the Sixth Standard'from participating in the advantage of State education. Mr Turn bull and Pr. Fitehett both denounced the proceeding as arbitrarily interfering with the privileges of the House. The Pre mier promised an opportunity for disoussion of the question, and said if the House de sired to rescind the Order in-Council they were at liberty to do so. Auckland Waste Land Board. Mr R. Thompson yesterday criticised very adversely the administration of the Auckland Land Board, declaring that its legislation had been the means of driving hundreds of settlers out of the district. Mr Lawry also dealt with the maladminis tration of the Auckland Board, attributing the fact to political appointments, and men having no knowledge of land matters being appointed. End of Session. The Government are satisfied at the dis« position now shown by both sides of the House to hasten business through. They expect to conclude the financial debate and get the estimates completely through this week, They hope to finish the bulk of the business by Saturday next, and are con* fident they will be able to prorogue next Tuesday. Land Boards Retained. The House yesterday afternoon, by 33 to 29' confirmed the Waste Lands Committee's decision that Land Boards should bo re tained. A majority of those favouring the continuance of the Boards admitted that the present system of nomination by the Ministry ot the day was objectionable, .and with the idea of having elective bodies substituted in lieu thereof, voted as they did. The Minister for Lands pointed out that the machinery necessary to ensure elective Land Boards could nob be provided this session, and at his request the present system will be continued till Parliament assembles. Country Schools. Ifc is the intention of Mr Smith to move on going into Committee of Supply, " That in the opinion of this House the Order-in- Council altering the school age from 5 to 6 years should be altered so as nob to apply to country schools outside of boroughs." This is likely to be accepted by the Govern ment. The Auckland Islands. A fear of the recurrence of shipwrecks at the above place has probably induced Mr Ward to give notice of his intention of ask ing th,v Government the following ques tion :—lf they will open up negotiations with the other Australian colonies with a view to establishing a lighthouse on the Auckland Islands. A Black List. After the House had affirmed the reten tion of the Land Boards, Mr Hobbs drew attention to the fact that the following hon. members who were also members qtf Lflnd Boards had voted on the question : Messrs Beetham, J, McKerme, Kerr, O'Callaghan, Moat, and Cqwaa, The Chair man of Committees yvwed that though no member could, vaiu an the question in which he wa.3 privately or personally interest* and his vote could be challenged ja event of his doing so, there was nothing in the Standing Orders prevents them voting on questions of pu.b.Jio policy. A Vote of Censure. A c an outcome of yesterday ajffceTßeon'a debate on the educational Question Sir Geo. Grey announces his Ration of moving when the under consideration : " That $9 Government ought not to have, advieed tjbft Governor t» Jesue the pww&w*'

tion depriving a large number of children of the right of education which the existing law gives them." As the resolution implies a direct vote of censure on the Government it will almost assuredly occasion a party fight, resulting in the defeat of the hon. gentleman proposing it.

Otago Central Railway. When the Otago Central Railway ■wae in Committee Mr Pyke was obliged t° accept Middlemarch for the Taieri Lake' which will mean co the syndicate con' strncting the line an additional twenty-five miles, at a cost of one hundred thousand. Strong opposition to the measure will be shown in the Council by the Hons. Messrs Holmes and Shrimski. Canterbury Dissatisfied. The Canterbury members are sore in consequence of only one small railway work being provided for that provincial district in the Public Works Statement. They say they are being punished for opposition to the Government. Otago Central Railway. The bill is certain to meet with very active opposition in the Council, and its passage is by no means assured.

ANOTHER WAR-SHIP.

H.M.S. RAPID FOR AUCKLAND,

(ISY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Russell, this day. H.M.S. Rapid arrived to-day from Cook, town, Queensland. She experienced head winds all the way across. She will coal and leave for Auckland about Thursday.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., KM.) Drunkenness. — James French was fined 10s and costs for a second offence, and three others were fined 5s and costs for first offences. .

Obscene Language.—David Stewart was charged with allowing a horse to wander in Queen-street, and also with using obscene language.—He did not put in an appear ance, and a warrant was ordered to be issued for his arrest.

By-Law Cases.—A large number of these cases were disposed of as follows: —Alfred Jury pleaded guilty to failing to provide sufficient light on a suaffoldins in Rokeby street, and was fined 10s and costs. Patrick Gleeson pleaded guilty to a charge of fail ing to keep a quantity of bricks deposited in Hobson-street lighted, and was fined 10s and costs. Arthur Cooper was charged with wilfully obstruct ivj Tlobson - street footpath by depositing ' iiuber there. —He pleaded not guilty, tii.il stated that he never put the timber there himself. Evi dence was given by Sergeant Kiely and Constables liowles and Keeny, and a fine of 20e and costs was imposed. Samuel Sheldon and Henry Mion were charged with failing to keep a hoarding in Hobson street sufficiently lighted on tho night of the 4th.—Defendants pleadedthatthe lamps were extinguished by stormy weather, and were fined 5s and costs.

POINT RESOLUTION.

REPORT OF PETITIONS

COMMITTEE,

THE PROPERTY SHOULD BE

RESTORED.

BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.

Wellington, this day. The Petitions Committee had under con sideration to-day the Kissling land pur chase affair at Point Resolution, in Auck' land. They have come to the follow ing decision : —" As the evidence ap pears to show that a larger area than was required for defence purposes was taken by the Government by a» rangement with the lessee, and the balancenot wanted conveyed to him to the injury of the trust, and that thereby the trust lost the whole of the property, receiving in compensation a sum of £632, the Committee is of opinion that the case should be inquired Into by the Government with a view to restoring if possible the trust to the position ifc would have occupied had the Government taken only the portion of the land actually required for defence purposes." Sir George Grey now intends to bring in a bill if the Government will not do so.

TAURANGA RAILWAY.

UNFAVOURABLE REPORT.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

Tauranga, this day. A letter has been received from Mr Mc- Candlish, the delegate who was sent home from here recently to endeavour to float the Tauranga-Rotorua railway, in which he states that there is no chance of floating the railway owing to the depreciation of land in New Zealand.

SEAMEN'S WAGES.

Henry Harwick, master of the scow Ruakaka, was charged at the Police Court this morning with a breach, of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, by unlawfully neglecting and refusing to pay ta Charles Hanson, formerly mate of the Vessel, wages amount ing to £11, from tide Bth of October to the 25th of November, at the rate of £7 per month, and also £5, being the amount for two days' pay for each day over the period of ten days during which payment had been delayed. Mr Cotter appeared for the plaintifij and there was no appearance of defendant. Mr Cotter stated that the owner and master of the scow were equally responsible for wages due, but in this instance he had proceeded against the master with whom the agreement had been made. After that of course the vessel her gelf was liable. Evidence was given by Charles Hanson respecting his engagement by Harwick on the 10th August. There was £11 due, which defendant had declined to pay, and a sum of £2 per day was claimed under the terms of the Act» being double pay for each day. not ex ceeding ten days during which payment was unlawfully withheld. His Worship ordered that the defendant should pay £15 10s and Costs within a week.

THAMES NOTES.

(prom our own coekespondext.)

Serious Accident.

Thames, this day. A lad about eleven years of ago, named Waite* a pupil at Kauaeranga Boys' School, met with a eerious accident yesterday afternoon. He was standing on the shoulders of another lad for the purpose of endeavouring to reach the bough of a tree, when he clipped and fell upon his head, It was found that his head had been badly cut, and it is feared he has sustained concussion of the brain. Hβ was taken to *ho hoapiWUn au inewstibl* state. ■

CABLEGRAMS.

GREAT STORM IN SCOTLAND.

FISHING FLEET WRECKED.

MANY LIVES LOST.

(reuter.)

London, December 12. A terrific storm raged off the north of Scotland on Friday. The Shetland fishing fleet,which was out at the time, was almost entirely wrecked. Twenty, four fishermen were drowned.

THE FRENCH TROUBLES.

M. FERRY'S WOUND,

HIS ASSAILANT'S ARREST.

(SPECIAL.)

London; December 12. It is expected that Samuel who shot M. Jules Ferry, is insane. Aubertin threatens to reveal his asso ciates unless M. Rouvier and General Ferron are promptly killed. A con. tused wound inflicted near the heart is giving some trouble to M. Ferry.

(reuter.)

Paris, December 12.

M. Tirard, who was a member of the Freycinet Cabinet in 1882, has en deavoured to form a new Ministry, but

without success,

The injuries sustained by M. Ferry in the recent attack upon him by Aubertin have proved of a more serious nature than was at firstsconjec. tured, the symptoms having become less favourable.

THE FRENCH MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

(reuter.)

Pakis, December 10. M. Falmeres has withdrawn from the task 1, of forming a Ministry, as he is unable to effect a union of the Moderate and Re publican parties.

WAR EXPECTED.

RUSSIAN DESIGNS ON

BULGARIA.

(special.)

Londox, December 12. It is expected that in the spring the , action of Russia in Bulgaria will have the effect of provoking a war with

Russia,

(SPECIAL.)

CLERICAL ITEMS.

London, December 12.

Rev. Mr Berry has declined an invi tation to succeed the late Rev. Henry 1 Ward Beecher. i

Monsignore Navarre, of New Guinea has been ordained Bishop of Pent.

courm,

OBITUARY.

Col. Culme-Seymour is dead.

THE WELSH GOLDFIELD,

A party of colonists have inspected the Gwynfynydd estate in Wales, where gold was discovered recently. In most of the stone gold is plainly

visible,

NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY CO. (LIMITED).

LONDON MARKET TELEGRAM,

London , , December 10.

Wool.—The sales closed firmly this day at the level of last series. Long staple merino, light in grease, and greasy market firmer, especially new clip. The sales comprise about

155,000 bales. 85,000 bales have been taken for the Continent, 1,500 bales have been taken for America, and

11,000 bales have been held over for 'uture disposal.

New Zealand Hemp. —In sympathy with the decline of per ton i n Manila. New Zealand has declined £2 10s per ton.

ALLEGED LIBEL ON A POLITICIAN.

(reuter.)

Sydney, this day.

Mr Dibbs has commenced an action for damages against the " Daily Tele graph " in connection with the Thomp son episode, wherein Mr Thompson, referring to Mr Dibbs's financial state ment, charged that gentleman with converting a deficit into a surplus.

WELLS'S HAIR BALSAM.

If grey, rostores to original colour. An elegant dressing, softens and beautitles. No oil nor proasc. A Tonio Restorative. Stoos hair ooming out; strengthens, cleanses, hoals scalp.

Jensen's Cod Liver Oil is made on board a large steamer, fitted up aa & float* Ing faotory, ■yrhleh follows the ttehing boat , *, and on board TvM<?h. the oil is made from, the frosh livers, <mt o/ut ot the Cod »a fast aatbey are caught, This ia why Jengen's oil pmaesses bo aweet and pleasant a taste that Af cb.ildren like it," A apeoiflo for Asthma, Bronchitis, and Ooneumpton, recommended by the chief English and German, physicians aa * K Nourish- men tin ita most digestihleform. , * London prices; Is, ?s, and 5a fed, &old everywhere. Trade Mark, aq Jceberg-, Wholesale agents; Sharland & Co,. Auckland,

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. Trenton.- The drive at No 4 level of the Saxon is now into this company's ground , about 11 feet. The leader is over a foofa wide, and has been broken down nearly up to the face. Colours and dabs of gold are seen, but no picked stone has been bagged. New Prince Imperial.—The cleaning out and repairing of the old No. 1 level is proceeding, and is now within 67 feet of tho point where the crosscut te connect ■with the stope will be started. A few pounds of picked stone are sometimes obtained from the leading stopc over the intermediate drive at No. 2 level.

AN OIL WELL ON FIRE.

(by telegraph—press association.)

Gisborne, Monday. Great excitement prevailed on the receipt of the news that there was an overflow of 25 feet of oil from the South Pacific Com pany's wells. The pipe is 4J inch diameter, and the volume of oil is the size of the pipe. The intelligence sent the shares up, and none are now purchasable in the local market. On Wednesday the full depth of bore was 1,321 feet, with 1,205 feet, pipe. From Wednesday until Friday work was at a standstill, bub on the latter day steam was got up an:l Mr Weaver, the manager, proceeded to measure the depth of the well. When the tools had reached the surface they were again sent down, an r l a stream of oil shot up 25 feet into the air, and immediately the oil ignited. Mr Weaver, who was at the mouth of the well at the time, made a rapid flight from the spot. The fire took place at half-past ten and burned till half-past four. It is calculated that £100 will repair the damage by fire. An opinion is expressed that the igni tion was caused by the rush of gas in the direction of the boiler house, and that com ing in contact with the furnace it caused the oil which came simultaneously from the mouth of the pipe to ignite, as a sudden flash appeared to pass from the furnace to the mouth of the pipe. Mr Frank Weaver had a narrow escape from injury, as the burning oil in its descent set fire to the bank of his waistcoat, burning it and the shirt. Mr Weaver does not expect the oil to flow for any consider able length of time out of the 4£-ineh pipe. The weight of liquid in the pipe is over four tons, and it is not expected that such a volume will be continuously raised to the surface by gas alone. He intends, as soon as the first flow ceases, to insert a 2-inch tube within the 4£-inch pipe. To the bottom of this 2-inch pipe an indiarub ber packer screws on, and the pressure of gas inside expands the rubber to the full extent of the 4Hnch pipe. He anticipates that by this means there will be a steady flow of oil for a considerable period.

SPORTING NEWS.

The ABC. Summer Meeting:.

Good useful work was got through at Ellerslie this morning. Sextant made his first appearance and created a most favour able impression. He cantered twice round, and his stable companion Isaac was treated to a similar work. Nelson was sent a strong gallop twice round, and acquitted himself well. ...... _ . It i 3 understood that Maiim leaves Christ cburch for Auckland to-day. He will be taken overland from Wellington to Taranaki, thence to Auckland.

Northern Jockey Club. The following weights have been declared or the Summer Meeting of the Northern Jockey Club, which will take place at Kensington Park, Whangarei, on December 26th and 27th:—

Trial Stakes Handicap.—Squire, 10st; Wat Tyler, 9st 31b ; Weazel, Bst 61b ; Bees win"-, Bst; Prince, 7st 101b ; Una, 7st 21b ; Te Aroha, 7st; Blue Bell, 6st 121b ; Totara, 6st 101b ; No Name, 6st 101b. Kensington Park Handicap.—Squire, 9st 121b ; Wat Tyler, 9st; Weazel, Bst 61b ; Beeswing, Bst; Barb, 7st 101b ; Prince, 7st 101b; Te Aroha, 7st; Kitten, 6st 121b; Totara, 6st 81b. Northern Jockey Club Cup Handicap. —Squire, 9st 101b; Woodpecker, 9st; Wat Tyler, Bst 101b ; Worm, Bst; Beeswing, Bst- Barb, 7st 101b; Prince, 7st 101b; kitten, 6st 121b; Totara, 6st 71b. Handicap Hurdles.—Kangaroo, 12st; ■UWoodpecker, list 121b; Hawthorn, list 911%; Trovatore, list 41b ; Wat Tyler, 10st 121 b ; Worm, lOst 91b ; Amateur, lOst 41b; Traveller, lOst; Dandy, 9st 121b. N "okthern Steeplechase Handicap. — Kan'*aroo, list 101b; Woodpecker, list lOlbV Hawthorn, list 71b ; Trovatore, list ; Amat war, lOst; Traveller, 9stl2lb; Dandy, 9st 71L- , - -- y* ,? oßnim Handicappers. A. M. Rust \ Lt^

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — Leitch. Company in " Human Nature,' 8 City Hall—Lecture by Major Dane, on " Sights and Scenes in London." 8 Freemasons' Hall—Union Lodge of Mark Master Masons, E.G., 7.30. Drill-elied— Newton Rifles, fe,3o, Protestant Hall—Loyal United Brothers- L odge, Drill-shed— No.' 2 Battalion, f 3Q

Rota of Justices at Police Courts.

December 1 14.—Messrs W.. R, Wadded aad H G» Wade,

Auction Sales To-morrow.

E. Ley don.—English, and ColonM-mad&Fiwnfc. ture, etc., 11, B. Tonks and Co.—Ales, Winea, Spirits* etc, 1L G, Lewis,—lronmonger*. IVunke, ' ' S. Cochrane and Son.- Properties, etc', i2i D. F. etc., 12 ' B, Tonks and Co.—Californian Onions. 11. Edward Leyd on.—Sailing Boat, at 10.3b. Paget and Balston-Poultry,, feoduce,. etc.,m Arthw %nd; Middle—Poultry, Rc^uo^et*,!!^

EDUCATIONAL RETRENCHMENT.

IMPORTANT LEGAL OPINION.

( L Q- TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. Sir Ro wsrt Stout - ftdviees the Education Board tlVa* the Governor in Council has no power to make any alteration in the Act) without le Relative authority. He submits that the envious intention of the Act is that all chiSdinett between five and fifteen shall be adiiut*ed free, and is of opinion thac regulations for defining the principle tor the calcuvtoti.on of the average daily attendance cannot declare that children of school age are not to be deemed enrolled. The regu. lation is therefore ultra, vires. If the Acb bt> nob altered and the proposals are attemp ted td be carried out, they will be given c flfect td without the sanction of the law. H.» hardly thinks such steps will be taken Ity any Board.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13. 1887,

5