Grocers' Association quotes T^Xice of fresh butter Is per lb, S 6d per dozen delivered, 2fiefending J-no ft The above rftoatfers to pri^e q«ahty only. 1"° ,ml of the late Mr S. B. Hughes The f""f of Hughes and George, soli /of the blr Tihro yesterday from bis late tl^tßy Beach, f onsonby. The « e' e eniUn having been a Past decease*1. g Masonic Lodge Ara, and Master o1 ft g pccia i request that his having ?^ ld bo attended by the members fr"1? Si; a large meeting of Masons D [ the wait, he Ma3Onic brethren the lodge-room of Lodge V®® [ SC where the proceedings r«DSOn n'pdbvthoK. W. M. Brother W. ff ere open*- , re tnen handed over to ABder8 °n^fficers of Lodge Ara, Brother fiSt£uo the 2nl and 3rd degree. A *w locoes and Masons present were pother wo g ervice) undor follows •'•L r^cr . 81 . 0 , w . M . Burton, l p'M' fWaies "Lodge; Bro. Farquhar Prince w ' r M Lo(lge Sfc . Andrew's, Bro Dr. Eraon, W.M., Lodge Bro Auger, W.M., Lodge Pf*A. Bro. Kempt, NY.M. Lodge *•*"!?i *i«o the lodges were represented K^vs in addition to their W. Masters. fSbirers were Bro. J. W. Roes, c . Russell, P.G-S.W. ; Suiter, !f L |<;'Hanna,P.G.S.D. Bro P.M. £ officiated as Grand Marshal f first portion of the funeral ?L?as * conducted by the Rev. rCalder, incumbent of the church, Squints' Ponsonby, and chaplain of Beta frr Ti ie procession then reformed and Sedto the Churchof England Cemetery. fonds-street. Here the Rev. Mr Calder ilded the Anglican service and the ph)r Kidd conducted that of the H 'Amongst those present were f Worship the> Mayor, Mr A. E. Sore Mr W. B. Waddel, and a large at- Sjnce of solicitors and barristers of End. At the conclusion of the ser ■l the Masons reformed in processional S and reassembled at the Freemasons' g\hen the lodge was lowered and dosed in form fit 5.30.

HrHudson, district railway manager, is »*jarin<!- a list of cheap fares for railway Eduring 'the Jubilee week. It will be jjyfornotification next week. We cinder -3 that there will be no special trains.but U tho fares' for the ordinary trains will reduced. The fares will be Lpenoughto gladden the heart of even &S Vaile. People will be able to come !m so far afield as Mercer for about 3s. Use trains, too, will have a much larger [inter of carriages than usual.

The Remuera road obstruction case was kin before the Court to-day, when the mlice stated that they were now satisfied Lyonn" Fountain had nothing whatever to 3o with it-' Tne charge was therefore fithdrawn. ■ •

The market is a shade better to-day. Here are buyers of New Zealand and Colo jialß&nks, also Land Mortgage shares, at lunate. A considerable improvement has gen place in Cambrias and Prince Impor ts both stocks being asked for from 3s 9d tofeM. A very hopeful feeling is pro pired about the fut.ure of these two cues, as also of Saxons.

Jfisa Alice Bai-nett, of the Royal Comic teraCompany, is prepared to give lessons ftgin? during her stay in Auckland. Jfess Imperial Hotel.

florkmeiiwere engaged after 12 o'clock y night repairing the roadway adjacent & the tramlines in Hobson, Titfc, and fiesley-streets. ; The lines are all again iiJ flush with the crown of the streets.

Major HC. Dane, although on his first at to this colony,- comes with a host ofm udietions and recommendations. The it. Joseph Cook has written to the Secre s'of tn'e Athenffliim warmly reconimerid &a\nm, and the fact that he is comniis g^nei ty.Messrs Harper Bros., of New iotk,6n4i)iost of influential newspapers, to write articles for them, speaks volumes for iis reputation in the States. There can be no doubt therefore that all who go to hear Ms lecture on the " Sights and Scenes of London," under the auspices of the Auck land itnenffitim, at the City Hall on Tues day next) rail enjoy something as interest ing as it will-be unique.

The complimentary benefit concert to Momßurnham takes place to-night in St James's Hall.

Mr Philip Vanderbyl, of the firm of Red fern, Alexander, and Co.,hasbeen appointed a directorof the National Bank of New Zea land filling the vacancy caused by fie death ofSir TV Gore Browne, formerly Governor oi lew Zealand. The firm of Redfern, Aloander,: and Co. is one of the leading fasih London, and does a large business *ith tie colonies in wool and other prodaets. :.

A facetious correspondent writes:—"l bpeitwill be borne in mind by ladies raiting the opera that no ladies iinder 75 prsof age are allowed to wear tall hats or Wts, to enable the poor men just to have glance at the stage."

In our advertising columns appears'the jjtgmmne of the Grafton Road Band of % anniversary, which is being celebrated ty an entertainment to be held in the toolroom to-night, commencing at 7.30. I»address from Sir William Fox, coupled TOariattractive programme, will no doubt very .pleasant evening. The wolrobm will be tastefully decorated in •wrar of the occasion, and as the charge is teely nominal, a full house is confidently uticipated. ■■

T«y satisfactory report has been re fed from the manager of the Cambria *£" Gold i 3 frequently noticed in various J^'of the mine. Yesterday afternoon wired; "Cut leader in cross- Stronggold." A second tele gas received this morning; "15 lbs of "sted stone from leader in cross-cut ]Sfo. 3 ij* ': It is to be hoped that this mine is !■% ready for a jubilee presentation to . jj"ne'suVhfc.nutter amongst the drapers. ■?f expenenced when 'it -was made known

Mvenin* ;that!the.. enterprising city yv Messrs Wilson, Williams, and 3^l''had purchased the entire stock' <* _Wm. Rattray. It had" been an- T^tbat Mr. Rattray was about to S?nom the business, and intended to ?£M clearing out sale. Mr Rattray's SJu *or<many years been specially gßQfor the best class of trade in Auck jjtod'is not only large but in splendid

Vopening lecture of the V.M.C.A. r*jW...lectures will he given by Rev. for* ■ (Friday) evening at AW subject which Mr Chew has- Ado About Nothing, £;fatness of Little Things." The J« and the well-known ability of the bring a large audience. <^°ff (Friday) evening a meeting yty-owners interested in the levels W ■ ' Eden Crescent, Shortland, C*W. other streets, is to be held in Ipf&ainber. WK° over of the stakes won at the Park Queen's Birthday matches Q iii evenm? at the Queen's Ferry W^-Wcre paid, except .the first and |3&fi# -the All-aged" Stakes, re r'" 1™ »Protest has been entered. bj^g of the Committee is to be held tS)S T:w decide the. protest, and to ft r« nexfc coursing stakes. Vi ■ rathern > fruiterer, notifies as per %tif!s inour columns that he has tlnore commodious premises, X.2i aboveMrHume, butcher, Queen er? he will be glad to cater for fe^is in fruit or refreshments. His tyffi-1* knoWn M the "Jubilee

The treasures of the Art Gallery wero a 7hl°A °f § *?* interesfc to the Earl of Aberdeen during his late visit to Auck fes visits Ti a- 81- ighfc mement« °f Mr A I? S 6 mf fcltuti°n the Mayor with 7 JS rC) ? resent«<i the Earl m the form of a bannerette, printed in 2£ ° Then/? "^^ofl: Sow* a Th fi e rq tfcV age(°nri«hfc-hand Bide) shows a iirst-clasa representation of the building itself worked with a chaste n^°wl t bZ derin{?-r fch Wopriate letter me, *hile the opposite corner is embellished by the programme, the centre-piece being a life-like of Sir George Grey Thosottuemr was neatly rolled on rolled made from picked puriri, tied with ribbon. S^V" T atal^ commondably anxious that the Earl should cany with him full in formation upon the commercial position and resources of Auckland. He therefore pre sented him with a handsomely bound copy of Brett's Auckland Almakac in blue _ morocco with gilt edges and lettering. Both gifts were accepted with expressions of thanks for the conrtsey and forethought by which they had been prompted' The workmanship emanated from the Star Office.

The Auckland Pen^y Time Table, es tabhshed 1881. Tho June number, contain ing every information for the travelling public, can be obtained gratis at the office of the proprietor and printer, James Scott, High-street and Vulcan Lane.—Advt.

FIRE AT MOUNT EDEN.

Shortly before two o'clock this morning an alarm of fire was rung out on the Symonds street firebell, and those who obeyed its summons found that the destructive element was at work upon an eight-roomed house situaced in Albert Avenue, just off Victoria Avenue, situated in the Mount Eden dis trict. It was owned by Air Keycs (builder), and occupied by the owner, his wife, and two children. ' The fire, \vhen discovered, had firm possession .of tho building. The roomy were full of Winding smoke, and the inmates had to crawl on their hands and knees to the door in \ order to avoid suffoca tion and make good their escape. Mr Keyes, having placed his family in safety, endeavoured to secure some of the contents of the.house, but only managed to save a few articles of apparel. The rlamds spread rapidly,' and within half-an-bour they had the devoted building pretty well consumed. Captain Field and some other members of the Salvage Corps put in a prompt appearance,' but were too late to do anything. The building was burnt down, and so many sparks were thrown up that had there been any wind it would have been difficult to prevent some of the neigh bouring houses from being ignited. It is hard to say how the fire originated. The family retired to rest about 10 o'clock, leaving everything apparently safe, and Mrs Keyes was the first to discover that the house was in jeopardy. She 'awoke in the night, to! find the bedroom full of smoke, and on arousing her husband it was found that they were in such imminent danger that they had no time to dress. The tire appears to have broken out in a partially completed addition in which the paper hanger had been engaged yesterday, but no tire was used by him.- The house was insured for £250, and the furniture for a like amount, in the Royal. There was also a builder's risk over the premises to protect the owner while the alterations were being effected. \

WELLINGTON NEWS.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

...,-Wellington,' this"day; "■ The annual report of the Athenceum shows that there is a .dsipuJ.ty felt in properly maintaining the institute owing to the want of funds, tind the committee express the opinion that unless the number of subscrip tions is increased they must close the meet ing. It .was decided to raise money by means of debentures value £1, the'total issue not "to exceed 100. ■ Mr Rous Marten was elected President for the year.

■ The Chancellor of New Zealand Univer sity has received Her Majesty's order in Council, making provision for medical frad nates of the University (subject to their iplomas being accepted by the general medical body of Great Britain), to practise as doctors on board merchant ships or in the army and navy. Out of 779 replies to the circular sent out by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, 459 are in favour of voluntary contributions, promising in all L 562. As the amount re auired for charitable purposes is L 2.239, 3e general opinion of the Committee was that/a rate should be struck. A Wellington auxiliary to the New Zea land Alliance has been formed.

SUPPLY OF NEW RIFLES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wanganui, this day. Correspondence has; been going on for some time between Captain Sornmerville, Chairman of New Zealand Rifle Association, and the Defence. Department, relative to new rifles for the Oamaru meeting. The Department have replied to the effect that Burton-Lee rifles are expected within three months, the jnaJcers having had instruc tions to use despatch and send by ban Francisco. ' A letter'is expected by next mail stating when they will arrive, and if the information is not satisfactory Martim- Henry rifles will probably bo purchased from the New South Wales Government.

CUSTOMS RECEIPTS FOR MAY.

[by telegraph.—p»ess association.]

• • ■ Wellington, Wednesday. The Customs duties collected for May amounted to L-101,401 lGs 9d as against L99,527;9s lid for! the corresponding month of last year. The four principal ports con tributed as follows :-Duuedin, L 25.387 6s 10s; Auckland, L21,G23 17s 3d; Welling ton, L 19,395 16s ; Christchurch, L15,320_10s 8d The total beer dutyfor thecolony during May was L 3.870 Gh 2d, the amount col lected for the same period last yearbeing L 4 069 3s 7d. The amounts collected at the principal centres were : • Chrlstchurch, LB46 P9s 10d; Auckland LBO2 12s 10d; Dunedin, LBO2 5s sd; Wellington, L4dO 2s lOd.

THAMES NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. Tawhiao, the Maori King, is, expected to arrive at Kirikiri, to-morrow from Ohine muri. The County Council has authorised the clerk-to take proceedings -against the owners of the Herald battery"tor recovery of LSO for water supplied. Mr Miller, solicitor, has served a writ against the Shortland Sawmill Company at the instance of the County - Council, for damages sustained ,to the Kaueranga Road by floatage of logs down the river,

VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

Debate in the Mouse. (Br Telegraph, parliamentary kepobteb.)

Wellington, thiß day. TrtERE woe an Interesting and rather lively discussion in the House yesterday after noon relative to Mr John Lundon and the Village Settlements North of Auckland. Captain Sutter brought up the matter by asking when the return of expenditure ordered on hia motion would be laid on the table. Captain Sutter, in the courso of liis remarks, made a bitter personal attack on Mr Lundon. He demanded to know by whoeeautliorityMr Lundou had given orders for free trips or had distributed fruit trees to the settlers. Ho quoted from Mr Lun don's speeches in the Temperance Hall a remark to tho efleet that after winter was over the settlers might take their wives and pianos with them ; and asked if the country was to support families who could afford to keep their pianos. It was said that Mr Lundon was not paid for his services, but ho was standing for Parlia ment.

Mr Fisher said the employment of Mr Lundon had become a grave public scandal. He happened to bo in Auckland when that gentleman got up . political agitations tp harass and worry a gentleman who was nob voting on the side of the Government. This was a sort of terrorism and punishment that members should not be subjected to. It was disas trous that men should.be going about the country at the public expense hounding down members.

Mr Ballance said that tho hon. gentlemen who had spoken were evidently misin formed. Mr Lundon did not make any payment whatever, nor did ho employ any persons. There was not a single payment that had nob been certified by the Commis sioner of Crown Lands. The distribution of fruit trees which he lia.d promised had not yet been made, but it would bo carried out at once. Mr Lundon received no more than his travelling expenses, and his work was con ined to giving information to persons in ;erested in village settlement, and encour aging them to settle. The Government had nothing to with Mr Lundon in his private capacity. His relation to them was simply to give assistance with the object of removing .the unemployed difficulty. The result of this had been to stamp out the unemployed trouble in Auckland—-or at all events it had not assumed such formidable dimensions. He had not seen any thing in the press of Auckland to confirm the statement of the member for Wellington South. If there had been anything wrong the press would have pro tested, but nothing had been done. Mr Lundon's action had. received the approval of all shades of public opinion in Auckland. He had dons good work in inducing four hundred families to take up sections under the Village Settlement scheme. That was very good for one year's work. It had been stated that the scheme was a failure, but he was satisfied thatnot 5 per cent, of the whole number would fail to comply with the con ditions. There was every probability that in less than two years these people would be able to hold their own. Surely it would be better to spend money in settling people on the land in this way than in expending it on unemployed in a way in which no cood was done. When the expenditure on the unemployed ceased they went back to the towns -and intensified the evils. He was satisfied of the ultimate suc cess of this policy of land settle ment, and would atake anything on it. The Government had placed nino nundred families on the laud under Village Settle ment conditions during the lust twelve months. It was absurd tor Sir Geoege Grey to say they were "making slaves of these people. But if so they were willing slaves. There was no doubt that this work must go on, no matter what Government was in power. They must not stop this work. Mr Hobbs endorsed a ereat deal of what had fallon from the Minister of Lands in reference to the Special Settlements, but he adhered to the opinion which ha had previously expressed,that the homestead system was better than this. He believed in the system that prevailed in Canada, where the settlers-were given 200 acres, and their Crown grant at the end of five years. This was beter than perpetual leases. The settlers were prepared to bear him out. Ho had visited Punikatere, Motukaraka, and Herekino, and everywhere he found the settlers to be men of a superior kind and pick of the class of settlers re quired. He objected to the member for Auckland West saying they were from the back slums of Auckland. He repeatedhis former statement, which had been denied, that he had found the settlers in sore straits, and claimed that his telegrams were instrumental in sending Mr D. A. Tole to the district, and subsequently having a steamer full of provisions sent to the relief of settlers. The settlers knew that he had done this for them, and the feelint? towards him was one of gratitude from end to end of the district. Mr Hobbs read a letter from a number of settlers confirming the statement he had previously made. He then proceeded to vindicate himself from personal attacks that had been made upon him by Mr Dargaville, and expressed pride in the fact that he re presented his birth-place, and the' residents therein tho Parliament of New Zealand, He proceeded to condemn the employment of Mr Lundon, He said he (Mr Hobbs) had come forward at the request of the people of the district previously to put Mr Lundon out by 2 to 1, and he did not care what in fluence was brought to bear, he could do it ao-ain. Ho asserted that Mr Ballance travelled his district for the purpose of assisting Mr Lundon's candidature. Mr Ballance denied this, and deolajed that he knew nothing about the candida ture. He visited tho distinct simply in order to inspect the village settlements, and not to introduce Mr Lundon as a candi date. Mr Levestam defended Mr Lundon. Messra.Buckland, Monk and others spoke, and the matter eventually dropped. Cost of Villas© Settlements. Tho return asked for was laid on the table at the evening sitting. It showed : Cost of survey—Village Settlements of Swanson, Omaha, Whanaki, Fernflat, Ta.ka.hue, Karakctere, Motukaraka, Herekino, Kai tara, Akatea, To Aroha, Hukerenui; total, L 2.999 ; paid for houses in above settlements (average L2O each), L 52 2; Is Id ; for clearing, etc., LBS 12s 6d : total, L6OB 10s 7d; remuneration and travelling expenses paid to stewards, village setr.te ments, travelling expenses, L 67 13s 4d ; Lundpn, travelling expenses and allowances, L349s ; ditto, ditto, LSO 2s 4d. The latter amount has not been paid, the voucher having been returned to Lundon on 18 th January last year for explanation. Miscellaneous advertising, LB2 4s 3d ; pro visions, L 199 Bs, A lady's side saddle is included as certified to by Lundon, but the village steward has made arrangements for deducting the amount from t\\% amount to be paid to settlers. Passages t,p village settlers, freight, boa.t hire. I*ool 8s (3d j Mre °f na^s for n^etin Ss) L* s- James Grant's travelling expenses, namely, hotel expenses, buggy, steamer, for general ex penses L2l 12s, are certified to by Lundon, but the voucher is held over by the depart ment, as it is understood Grant h?s-left .the colony. Total expenditure, L5,,0.a2 18,s gd 5 amount of account V e|urne4 to L H ndon f QI , explanation byAudit Department, Lso3s 4d.

The executors of the late Mr Thomas Short draper, announce that they are open in* a now lot of ladies.' jerseys, which are to be"ofiere.d afc low prices, r

THE KINDERGARTEN.

The ordinary working meeting of ladies interested in the Kindergarten was held yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mrs Dudley Ward, the President of the Society, whon there wore some thirty present. Mrs Ward explained to the ladies present the aims and objects of the Kindergarten move ment, and enjoined them to aid in a move mont which had proved itself of such bene fit in many of tho larger towns of Europe, in placing tho little cared for children of the poorest classes in a position to bo guided into the way ot learning to utilise to tho best advantage those natural gifts with which they were endowed. The old" Library Buildings, which the City Council had granted the use of to the Com mittee, would, it was found, cost a lot of money to put it in a proper state of repair. At the request of Mr J. Dttworth (the benevolent subscriber of LIOO towards the initial expenses, in addition to his promise lof tho same amount each year to the school

fund) these repairs had been entrusted to Mr Bartloy, architect, who had estimated the cost at Ll5O. A munificent) present of drapery had been received from Mr Scott, of Queen-street, which would be utilised

in making clothes for the children at the sowing meetings. To those, which aro arranged to take place at Mrs Ward's every second and fourth Wednesday, of each month, all ladies are in vited to assist in. A head-teacher for tho Kindergarten, who has had considerable ex perience in Europe in the system, had been engaged, but as this lady would be married in some six months' time, when she would bo obliged to resign her post, it had been determined that certain other

adiefl should receive instructions from

her, as cadets, meantime, in order to then take her placo. It had been de termined, if possible, to feast 300 chil dren at tho opening of the school, on Jubilee day, with roast beef and plum pud ding ; the children would remember, and thus have the eventful day stamped upon their memories. A creche (manger) would bo opened iv the same building. As re gards funds, Mrs Ward informed those present that there was something over L2OO in the bank to the credit of the school fund.

THE MIKADO.

The Opera House was again crowded last evening by another fashionable assemblage eager to witness Gilbert and Sullivan's Japanese opera, "The Mikado." The various items were enthusiastically re ceived and loudly applauded. At some of the grotesque absurdities and flashes of wit those present were constrained to burst into laughter. At the closo of the first act the leading members of the Company were called before the curtain, after which the curtain was raised and revealed the whole Company, who immediately prostrated themselves be fore the audience and remained in that pos ture until the falling curtain again hid them from sight. Pooh Bab's song, "Young Man, Despair," was encored, as were also Ko-Ko's song1, " He's Got 'Em on the List." The trio, " Three Little Maids from School Are We," " Hero's a How-de-do !" the duet, " The Flowers That Bloom in Spring," and Koko's song, "On a Tree by n River, a Little Tom-Tit." The' madrigal was very effectively sung by Yum-Yum, Pitti- Sing, Nanki-Poo, and Pish-Tush. It was vociferously applauded, and an encore was granted. This is undoubtedly one of the musical gems of the work. It was noticeable last night that some of the sallios of wit were not appreciated by the audience, probably for want of acquaintance with the text. "The Mikado" will be again re peated this evening.

R.M. COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.) Judgment for the plaintiff was given in the following undefended cases :—\V. Thome v. J. McLeod and A. McLeod, claim L 5 10s (as against J. McLeod); J. Mc lntyre v. IT. Barrett, claim LI 10s 2d, judg ment for 17s Id ; J. A. Beale v. IT. Patrone, claim LI 7s 8d ; S. Mason v. H. P. Bluett, claim L 7 7s 8d ; Morrin and Co. v. D. Telfor, claim L 3 17s 3d; C. Wood v. D. Maxwell, claim L 2 7s 3J ; Gas Company v. H. Fuller, claim 10s ; J. Smith v. G. Dower, claim L 4 14s; W. E. Payne v. J. Chambers, claim L 4 Is Sd. ; A. Eady v. F. E. Rosser, claim L 2; L. Moses v. li. IT. Bartlett, claim, L 9 8s lid; ISTew Zealand Stud and Pedigree Company v. J. Chambers, claim LI 2 10s ; same y. G. Fraser, claim Ll2 10s 2d ; Hepburn v. J. Cantell, L 2 15s 4d ; J. H. Field v. J. N. Reid, claim LI ; Mc- Cullogh and Co. v. E. C. M. Morris, claim L 24 5s lid.

Defended Casks. —W. H. Tucker v. J. J. Craig, claim L 39 17s Cd.—Mr Mahoney appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Theo. Cooper for defendant. —This case, one of disputed estimation of the value of work done in erecting a verandah, has already been in part heard, and reported in our columns, —Mr Page, builder, and Mr John Waddingham were called in support of the olaini, after which Mr Cooper ad dressed the Court for the defence, and called the defendant, who gave evidence as to the work done. — Thomas Searell, architect gave evidence as to having examined the verandah iii quag tion, and estimated the work as. worth L3O os. C. G. Hill, of the. firm of C, G. Hill and Co., and Thomas Bell, builder was also examined, The latter estimated the work as worth LSI, gross cost. . (Left sitting.)

POLICE COURT.

(Before Messrs Si Y. Collins and A. Board'

man, Justices.) Drunkenness/—-Eliza Lestrange, James Gorman, and M. O'Brien were punj.§h.«* far drunkenness. Tiik Remueba Qutiuob. -The youug man Fgunteinj charged with participation in the outrage, was discharged, Sergeant Pratt statins that the police had reason to believe that he was not concerned, in the affair,

Bicycle Riding ox ,thk Foo'i^ath.— Alexander Suthie was ch.aj'ged with riding a bicycle on the footpath at Epsom —De fendant pleaded guilty. — Fined 5s and costs' Bertram Nokes, charged with ft similar offence, pleaded guilty, and, wfts, a.lso fined 5s and costs.

A Youthful Pe.l.w?pbn-t, —Victor Oliver, a small fepVj Wa charged with breaking a window in a building in Centre-street, the property of Christopher Greenway. - TUfc defendant pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Pratt said that the building in, question was the old Rob Roy Hotel and. sjriee it had been empty the b@ys. in WQ neighbourhood had ftmusfcd, themselves, discharging " shang h'aesj1 at ihe windows, and had done dam age to the extent of £7.— Mr Spoe.4, who appeared for Mr Greenwav, suggested that the defendant shouj^ be whipped as an ex* ample.—Finsd 1$ and' costs'. By-laws.—Nathaniel Low, for permitting cattle tq%andeV on M,u,yd.p,<?h-Btreet, Surrey Hills, was fined 5s &ntl costs. Walter Lewis, for riding, ft jiorae on the footpath of Rich m,QPtl "lioad, was fined 5s and costs. Robert Wright, for permitting a horse to wander in Williamson Avenue, was fined 5s and costs. Herman Mattson, fPV- depasturing a horse in unenclosed land near Beresford street, fip.eid 5s and costs. George CppH, for permitting a horse to wander in was fined 5s and costs.

Pugnacious.—John Murphy, who did not appear, was chai-ged with behaving in Ryber Pass in such a manner that a breach of the peace was occasioned.—On the ap plication of Sergeant Pratt a warrant was ordered to issue for his apprehension.

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

The meeting of the members of the Auck land Industrial Association will bo held to-morrow evening, when the following re port will be submitted by the Committee for the past year: —Your Committee, in presenting this thoir third report, have much pleasure in informing you that tho interest taken by the public at large, and on tho part of our legis lators, in promoting and fostering local industries, has steadily increased, although much remains to be done yet bcforo any alteration for the better can be achieved. Prejudices against colonial-made articles are by degrees disappearing, and would disappear quicker yet if it was not pre vented by those whose interest it is to de cry everything made hero to further their own selfish interests. The imports of last year show a marked decrease in the amount of such articles as can and ought to lie manufactured here to advantage, both jas regards producer and consumer, and it is most desirable that public opinion make a step ill that direction. With this view your Committee havo taken some pains to put before our Parliament the urgent necessity to revise the tariff, not with a view as to ways and means of raising a re venue, but impressing on them the necessity and duty of fostering and promoting our local manufuoturee, not only to enable them to employ our present population, but, which is of more importance still, to instruct and employ at the same timo our growing up youths to acquire the ability to earn an honest livelihood, and become useful citizens. Our adopeed country possesses na tural resources and healthy climate, so that the state wo have drifted into during the last years must in some measure be due to our own mismanagement. As regards tho tariff, tho Committee have paid particular attention to the following industries, which have become already a matter of impor tanco, viz : —Agricultural implements, fur niture, brushware, boots, woollen clotlis, carriage factories, soap and candle making, varnish and paints, baskets, mats and rugs, condiments such as sauces, preserved meats, jams, fruit, engines, woodware of all descrip tions, worked marble, perfumes, biscuits, etc. It cannot be too much impressed on all well-wishers to their adopted country to assist tlie Association with all their power, not only by becoming members, but to im press on their friends and acquaintances to do the same, and help to carry out the ob jects of the Association. In this respect much remains to be done, and for that pur pose the assistance of everyone is wanted. A most lamentable want in this vespect is shown by our farmers. Tho Association spared neither labour nor expense to interest them in our common object, but the response to our invitation was small indeed. This is to be the more regretted, as it was and is now the Association's intention to diffuse somo knowledge in regard to plants which could be grown in this province, and manufactured at once into a marketable merchandise. Wo hear on all sides com plaints fcliat it does not pay to carry produce and grain long distances by rail to the ports, and this is only too true with the im mense influx of cheap Indian wheat into England. Yet it is a fact, testified and ac knowledged by botanists and experts of world - wide reputation, that over 600 plants, many of them of great commercial and technological value, could and ought to be cultivated here. The major part of them have been selected on account of the quick return they yield, an advantage not to be despised by tho struggling beginner with small means at his command, and the product they yield finds a ready remunera tive Bale in England, as in many instances the demand exceeds the supply. To give information on theeo industries, which are possible of successful introduction, is tho desiro of our Association, not only to the manufacturer, but also to the farmer, workman, or youth choosing a walk in life; and, to carry out this desire, we have, in the first instance, decided to open an exhibition of articles made in New Zealand. This exhibition will be open to the public on Jubilee Day, tho 21st of June. Other cities—in fact every one but Auckland have done so in the past, and with the best results. An exhibition of this kind will diffuse no small amount of information, and be the means of removing the- prejudice which is, unfortunately, so noticeable in regard to almost all colonial productions, and wo thereforo invite the cordial co-operation of all to carry outthis ob ject. Tho secretary has prepared a balance sheet of income and liabilities, which isavail ableforyourinformation ; and,asitmay be of interest to many here, also a list of those articles which show a decrease in the im ports last year in regard to colonial indus tries. The Committee, also desiro to draw your attention to. the necessity which exists regarding technical education for our apprentices and youths, and shall bo glad to receive any suggestions thereon. In most European countries this matter has received careful nursing from the State, but with our impoverished finances not more aid can bo expected from that source at present, Thafc some means must be devised, and that very shortly, to enable our young men to hold their own aga\n§,t newcomers, nobody can shut their oyes to, and steps will have to be taken to provide class teachings in drawing, chemistry, mineralogy, botany, and applied science, as these branches are quite ignored in our public schools, England has recognised tho imperative necessity of these tQA6^l»g«*, and has established techm"oa\ schools in most of the larger tflw-«s, We shall do well to follow this ex ample. Our colonial youths aye by no means behind those of the old country in general intelligence, and employers of skilled workman, will do well to give this matter their §erious attention. Should the. Agscj&j&iion receive such support as this matter warrants, a commencement can be made at once in obtaining a regular supply of publications on new inventions, etc.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(BY TEfcRGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.

,' , I , " •Thames, this day. Saxon.—About 60 loads of quartz have been crushed up to the present for 2280zs of amalgam, which should produce SOozs of gold. The picked stone has not yet been treated.: Crushing is being continued. Waiotahi. -As the result of a months operations the manager has banked 231 ozs Odwts gold from 200 tons quartz. Trenton. —Quartz vein 2 inches thick has been passed through in the crosscut at No. 4 level. No gold was seen. The country is dark sandstone,but it is ex pected that a reef will shortly be inter sected. „ Cambria.—A very promising leader has been cut in the cross-cut at No. 3 level. As far as is ascertained it is two inches thick, and some nice colours of gold have been seen.

Dunediit, this day.

Mr Hackworth, on retiring from the Col lectorship of the Customs, was presented with a gold chronometer from the mercan tile community. Mr Keith Ramsay's can didature for Dunedin Central is announced.

ELECTION NEWS.

Election rumours are rife. Mr A. P.. Bennett is said to have under consideration a request that has been made to him to contest Parnell. Mr Bennett is an out-and out Protectionist. Mr H. R. Jury has been requested to " stand " for Newton, and will probably consent. Mr G. W. Russell, of Cambridge, will in all likelihood contest the Waikato seat on the railway reform and protective "ticket." Mr Wm. Kelly, of Ohinomutu, has consented to oppose Mr Grace for Tau rauga. (BY TELEORArH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Thames, this day. The "Star" this evening says :•" It is understood that strong efforts are being made to induce Mr John Brown, late Of Tararu, to contest the Thpmes constituency at the coming general election. Mr Brown is now a resident of Auckland. He was formerly one of the representatives of this district on the Auckland Pro vincial Council and subquently a member of the County Council Harbour Board, and High School Board of Governors. Mr ' Fraser, the present member, is certain to again stand. No other names are at pre sent mentioned. . •

US* Hamilton, this day., The defeat of the Government has been received with general satisfaction through out Waikato. There appears to be some doubt whether Mr Lake will retire from Waipa, but if he does, it is probable that Major Jackson will have a walk over. In the event of a contest, it would be a keen fight between the two, as Major Jackson has gained support in Hamilton. Mr Ger manns, of Paterangi, late Chairman of Waipa County Council, and Mr Graham, late Mayor of Hamilton, have been men tioned, bub it is not known yet whether they will stand. It has also been whis pered that Mr Vaile will be asked to stand. Mr F. A. Whitaker, I understand, has no intention of coming forward this time. Mr Vaile is also spoken of for Waikato, but Mr J. B. Why to will be too tough a nut to crack for anybody. In the event of Mr Vaile de clining, Mr G. W. Russell, of Cambridge, will not improbably woo the electors, and one or two others are spoken of. Wanganui, this day. It is rumoured that Mr Carson, editor of the " Chronicle," will oppose Mr Ballance at next election. (BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, this day. Mr Henry Bunny is announced as a can didate for South Wairarapa. Dunedin, this day. Mr Keith Ramsay's candidature for Dun edin Central is announced.

CHRiSTcnr/RCH. this day.

The Avon Election.

The following is the result of the ' Avon election :—-Blake, 255 ; Dunlop, 252. Mr Blake is a Government supporter.

INTENTIONS OF SITTING MEM BERS.

Wellington, this afternoon.

I have ascertained from the following members their intention to stand for re election :— Wellington District. Thorndon, Dr. Newman; Wairarapa South, Mr Buchanan; Manawata, Mr McArthur. Auckland District. Rodney, Mr Moat; Parnell, Mr Moss ; Franklyn, Major Hamlin ; Franklyn Mr Buckland ; Bay of Islands, Mr Holies ; Waitemata, Mr Monk. > Kelson District Motneka, Mr Hursthouse ; Buller, yMr O'Gonnor. Otafro District Sir Robert Stout, Messrs Downie Stew art, Bracken, Gore, Duncan, Hislop, Mc- Kenzie, Reid, J. C. Buckland, Hatch, E_ F. Richardson, J. W. Thomson, Hutchinijon, Fulton, Barron, Fergus, Pyke, J. M. S. McKenzie, and Mills. Canterbury District. Messrs Turnbull, Ivess, Pearson, and Allwright. ! Maori Districts. Taipua and Katene. Mr Dargavillo has decided not t^seekthe suffrages of City West again, and believing that Mr Mitchelson will not stand he means to offer himself for Marsden.

Mr Samuel (New Plymouth) has not? yet made up his mind.

From others replies are not yet to hand.

AUCKLAND FIBRE COMPANY.

TnE adjourned annual meeting of the sha ire holders of the above Company took pi; ice this morning. There were pi- esent: Messrs J. M. Clark (Chairman), C. T. Wren, J. PR. Carter, P. W. Mason, Thos. Morriri, Gowl sfcone, and Captain Anderson.

The Chairman explained that the qua s tion before the meeting Was the adoption of the report and balance-sheet,which virtual! y meant the confirmation of the directors' pre >- posed policy. That was, not to open thi 3 works immediately, but to reduce stocki s for a time, and during this time the e» penses they would incur would not' amount to more than the commission upon the sale of manufactured stock. If th c works were opened they would only manu \ facture on a small scale, producing merel; r rope to meet sales. This would enable | them to vay all expenses other than in-• terest. They saw no prospect of meeting •, interest in the meantime, but by keeping the | thing together they would be enabled to i make a fresh, start when a favourable op- ' portunity presented itself. There was no other course for them except liquidation. In answer to Mr Wren, the Chairman further said that the expenses had been so cut down that only the manager and another man would be retained." Their salaries and the insurance would be the only expense; After some questions had been asked and | answered, the report and balance-sheet 41 were adopted. , Mr Thos. Morrin was re-elected director,) and Mr John Milne was re-appointed auditor a£ a fee of L 5. - ' On the motion of Mr Mason a vote/ q'f thanks was passed to the Chairmae an d directors, and the chairman duly acknow ledged the compliment.

EXTENSIVE FIRE.

, . Napieb, this day;. The residence of Mr. R. Weelwood, near Hastings, was totally destroyed by fire JJast nighc. The house and furniture "wtere insured in the South British office /for 1,2,000. The house was the handsome jstin the district, and was splendidly furir shed! The loss above insurances is L 1,500. ' Owing to the calm state of the weather the i stables were saved.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. lir the Legislative Council yesterday the Opposition, headed by Dr. Pollen, took the Representation Bill out of the hands of the Ministerial representative, the Hon. M r Reynolds, and.ran it right through at one sitting. The Hon. P. Buckley, Colonial Secretary, said it was the in tention of the Government to ask for the committal of the bill to-morrow,'and begged the Council not to follow Dr. Pollen's lead- Mr McLean, however, stated that the Go vernment had got a dissolution condi tional, on passing the Representation Bill, and so far as he was concerned, he would do all in his power to allow it to go through without alteration. The second reading was carried on the voices. Mr Reynolds moved that the Bill be committed to-morrow. Dr. Pollen moved as an amendment that the Bill be committed presently. Mr Oliver said the position taken would bo unusual at the commence nent of the session, but was not so at the end. The present Representation Act expired at the end of August;, unless a new Representation Act was passed before the Ist of December, the Con 's titution of New Zealand would ■ cease, and could not be renewed without on Imperial Aot. . He had this opinion on the highest authority. He considered the dissolution was conditional, and he fancied that the Government were inclined to allow the Bill to pass only on a decision being arrived at in another place to accept the Government proposals. After further dis cussion the amendment was carried by 21 to 14. Mr Buckley asked in what position he and his colleagues were. He would take charge of the Bill to-morrow, but not to night. The Speaker said it was for the Council to say. The position was certainly a most unusual one. Dr Pol len said the spectacle was presented, of a Government setting themselves ob stinately against the will of the Council. If the Government would not go on with the measure some one else must take it up. The Council went into Committee. Mr Buckley pointed out that no one was in charge of the bill. Dr. Pollen offered to accept the position, and there being no opposition, did so. The whole of the clauses were immediately passed without amend ment or comment, and the bill was read a third time. The Electoral Act Amendment Bill also was passed through all its stages, and the Council rose at 9 p.m., Local Industries Beport. The report of the Local Industries Com* mittee was laid on the table of the House yesterday. The Committeee report that they have taken some oral evidence, and have received much valuable infor mation by way of correspondence. They express a hope that their labours may be followed up by a similar committee in next parliament. A lengthy discussion took place on the question whether or not the correspondence attached to the report should be printed. Free traders opposed the pro posal that it should be printed, and pro tectionists took the other view. The corres pondence was ultimately referred to a select committee, and the evidence and minutes were ordered to be printed with the report. Quinquennial Parliaments. Mr Samuel and others intend asking their constituents to affirm the necessity of re verting to quinquennial Parliament, in place of triennial meeting. They hold that the system of short parliaments has not been an unmixed blessing. The Tariff Rescinded. The Colonial Treasurer's motion to res cind the resolution under" which increased Customs duties are levied, took the wind out of. the sails of the Opposition. A feel ing of relief was, however, apparent in the House when the motion was introduced, and it was passed on the voices. Dr Pollen's Pension. The question of Dr Pollen's pension claim has been revived. The Public Accounts Committee met yesterday afternoon. Mr Moss was elected Chairman. It is said they are called together to consider Dr Pollen's claim for arrears of pension, ; which was re fused by the Committee last year on the casting" vote of the Chairman, but which the doctor has again sent to the Govern ment. State of Parties. : To indicate the state of parties in the House I send the division list on the motion to.go into Supply :-Ayes, 23 : Messrs Bal lance, Bracken, Cadman, Duncan, F. H. Fraser, W. Fraser, Hatch, Ivess, Jones, Kerr, Larnach, J. McKenzie, O'Callaghan, Pratt, Reid, E. Richardson, Seddon, Smith, W. J. Stewart, Stout, Taylor, Tole, Walker. Noes r 30: Messrs All wright, Atkinson, Beetham, Bruce, Buchanan, Connolly, Dodson, Fergus, Fisher, Fulton, Hamlin, Hirst, Hislop, Hobbs, Hursthouse, Lake, Mills, Mitchel son, Moat, Monk, Newman, Peacock, G. F. Richardson, Rolleston, Ross, J. W. Thompson, Trimble, Wilson, Katene, Recce, McArthur. Pairs : For Gore, Fitz herbert, Samuel, Bevan, Holmes, Lance, Turnbull, Menteith, Levestam, Stewart, Pere, Grace, O'Connor, Joyce, Cowan, s Uargaville, Vogel. Against:—T. Thomp i son, Tyke, W. F. Buckland, Russell, Whyte, Bryce, Locke, Wakefield, J. C. Buckland, Pearson, Taipua, Grey, Sutter, Barron, ■ Ormond, ! Montgomery, and Scobie Mc- Kenzie. • ' Changes In Portfolios. • The Government now give <an official ' denial that any change in the adjustment ■of portfolios . has been projected. > All I say is that, the Ministers ' must have changed their minds, • as the statement wired by me a few days ■ ago was on unimpeachable authority.-

American-dried yeast, which is being in troduced to Auckland by Mr J. L. Johns, Sentinel Road, Ponsonby, is advertised, as superior to baking powder for bread, scones, and cakes. Directions for use ai-e given in. each packet,-and these, judging by the ex cellent bread produced, are of the most complete descripti6n. The dried yeast is Ailso very convenient for making hop beer, He. Seeadvt. '

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, <&o , To-night,

I Abbotts Opera House—Royal Opera Company in i frfhe Mikado," 8. ; , I Cisty"B\iflfet, Queen-street—AmericanMidgetand I (^irca^ian Youth, 2to 5 and 7to 10 p.m. / OpPQsite'-.City Market, Queen-street— 'Thauma,' 7 to'lOp-m. Gted tdvp Road Schoolrooms-Entertainment, 7.50. , Drill-slScd—" A" Battery. Artillery, 7.30. V.M.C.A . Booms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Auckland*. Tabernacle—Addresses by various Clergym en, 7.30. St. Matthew's Schoolroom—Teachers' Confer ence, 7.30. St. James's L tall—Concert, 8.

Auction -Sales To-morrow.

•Arthur & Buddies-Weekly Poultry and Pro" duce, Sale, 11. Hunter & Nolan, Durham Yards—Horses, etc.

W. J. Dowden—Wetekly Produce Sale, 11. E. Leydon—Produce, Furniture, etc., 11. S. Cochrane & Son—Household Furniture and Effects, 11; Photographs, etc., 3. Hesketh, Aitken & Co.— Poultry, Produce Fruit, etc., 12. B. Tonka & Co.—Fruit and Merchandise 11 Paget & Ralston-Produce, Furniture, etc 10 30 A. Buckland, Haymarket—Horses, etc., 12, Qt. Lewis—Saddlery*.Harness, etc., 11,

Rota of <Aastlces at Pollco Court.

June 3—Messrs Bt Brett and J. F. Buddie.

5

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAK/THtTiKSDAY, JCWE t'tSSSf,