The r«£sa2 at Lls ss, g as at L 1 bTX ar e .Tif but sellers are scarce. c!ith British 265, duu thing doing, any of the mines, and there » no_«£* rfth busin ess. i IrWard t« affidavit. In re the of U'f^pSice'purposes at Point Re- fOr P SfcE. Hesketh moved solution. f arnl h t!me an d place of • the <* the fipng ° f Compensation Court sit S Honor directed that the first hetem. M° be held in the Supreme O *Lu H «»the 28th fast Conrtatlia-i - n Cup takes Bifles o J I*J» fc Eden "Rifle Range to kce at th^ 0 ° m efcit ion for the Martini- k rroV Kiffi (Panted by J. C. Firth, Henry Bittes IP time The tlftot match are: 200, 300 *fw Ss, 5 shots at each range, and f ffiS at 300 and 400 yards 10 shots Kchdistance. • Firing commences at 1.30 P ' -ii i,p seen by advertisement, the /i of Auckland will commemorate ?rS of the Boyne by a service in the rS Hall on Sunday night, and a soiree " The Newton Brass Band is, we Sve, engaged for the occasion.. T .. f n ii ow in<r petition, in favour of pen Maj^slmperialService, having read and Zsidered the, proposals of Captain B J. C ny, relating to the introduction to this Auckland district of soldiers with pensions Ekrged from Her Majesty's service, heartily approve of the same and beg to Zrest that in the event of the proposals S entered a nd adopted, provision •Md be made for the inclusion of Lharoed soldiers already in the colony in Ijslof persons who shall be entitled to avail themselves of opportunities oflered. The Association Football Clubs are so evenly matched that it is difficult to tell which will be the successful club. Tne Saracens are leading with a clean record (all wins); the Rangers come next with 1 draff and 2 wins. These clubs have only played three matches; but the Carlton have played four matches, won 3 and lost one, while the Links have lost one, drawn one and won two. The remainder are very dose together. It is not generally known that at the present time the pinch of poverty, owing to want'of employment, is very keenly felt britpatiently borne in many of the homes o tEe working classes of our city. But this is occasionally relieved by kindly and thought fnlacts of true charity, that are worthy of being placed on record. ' During last week a circular was sent to the various city churches and preaching places, asking the people who might require washing, garden fag, or other, work done to communicate A the" committee of the "Helping Hand Mission," Freeman's Bay. The following day ia-.well-known medical gentleman, who is noted for his unostentatious benevo lence,, called i on the superintendant and iiffldeUhei-;L4dddforthe purpose of carry - (rigori the good work done in that district, wluVan additional sum of two guineas was collected around the tea-table of a board figl'ouse"at fhe North Shore, and handed in towards the same .worthy object. • This might well be imitated in hundreds of boarding-houses and private families in AnckUnflJ. Quantities of left-off garments no longer needful to the- owner would also befound invaluable in making up clothing for the poor.: V v

SUPPOSED WRECK.

Quantities of Wreckage Waslied Ashore. .

'" GiSBOENE, this "day. A urge quantity of wreckage is being washed 'ashore. It is hardly possible that it comes from the wreck of the Northumber land at Kapier. ;

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(BY IEtEGEAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day.

Saxo^— 151bs»> apecimens were obtained yesterday, when breaking down the reef to % third stope at No. 4 level. New Mastoai;.— The crushing of 24 wof quartz produced 37 ozs 15 dwts of gold:'-'—•■-■■' ■- ■■■ • Pkhce Imperial.—Stoping is now in full fring on the reef. Colours of gold are seen inthequartz. ..'. ( Caledokiax.— Messrs Lennox, Brown and winders, three directors of the Caledonian, we made a lengthy and careful inspection jjithis grand old mine, accompanied by Mr Inomas Dunlop, .the new mine manager, Wo had, in anticipation of their visit, cleared out some of the old workings JJd prepared to resume work on that sec ton of the mine immediately, adjacent to W«e the rich gold was formerly, got, Mr wnlop explaihing,his scheme for working ™ Caledonian,. which met with the un qualiiied; approval of the directors. It is pPO3ed to open out on the old specimen leader, at an intermediate level between *»• 2 and-3; also to work on the widen .Crown reef, which yielded rich "turns right, up. to the Caledonian boundary, but has not been worked to any «tent by the latter. An extensive crush ygwiU be taken from Nos. 1 and 2 Cale ooman reefs, on which only the rich runs Jf c ™ped put in the early days. New anves have to be carried in to enable these Mportant works to be done, but as the »Pany have; a splendid battery, it « "oped that by keeping ten'"head SL-iiT th ' crushi ng dirt sufficient g»ia -mil be got to defray the greatest part pound C °Ti Of °- pen^ng U P new blocks of wirtrt" 3e;mme has just been connected ™a the battoy by a first-class tramway, H rds t ,l°ng- Mr scheme for rungthis mine is considered excellent, !lf? ieral jy proved by the mining ommamty as being the best calculated to to anxmtput of gold from the mine.

• '•'-' ; . ;CoROMANDEL, this day. WoK, ? AK - The onager reports : _ tht TmTl ,1 contln «ed on the branch of *W Ute i lode which crosses No. 2 cross, The w • ■- L s P ecimen s were taken from. haalS- 18 ■■ abo ? t one'foot in width, and »pon T f p roV A ngil l a PPearance as driven got.W; day ere have been a few stones <KTt? g °n ld freel y- The di stance to which cross reef is about 30ft, WLln ■' f Open . U P' i reef and give I B£d /*■ nsing On No - 2 - wmch

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Iron Shields for Auckland Be fences. Three shields of thick iron for the Auck land defence works, as well as others for Wellington forts, are being manufactured by Robertson and Co., of the Phrenix Foundry. They are on the principle de vised by Lieut. -Col. Boddam, and will be erected on a revolving platform for the pur pose of protecting the look-out man while he makes a survey of any approaching Mr W. H. Draffin, schoolmaster of Wade, who lived in Wellington until April last, has made-a claim of Lls upon the local Harbour Board for damage sustained in con sequence of the injury suffered by his wife through a keg falling upon her leg. Tho Board has decided to offer to pay the medi cal expenses incurred by wriy of compromise. More Police Changes. Detective McGrath, at present in Welling ton is to be stationed for the future at the Bay of Islands. He leaves for Auckland by the s.s. Wairarapa this evening. jg o w to Encourage Local In dustry. The leading directors of the Wellington Woollen Company are the local apostles of protection.' No little surprise and con siderable amusement has therefore been oc casioned by the discovery that the Com pany has just imported from Newcastle, New South Wales,' per Kentish Lass; 100 tons of small coal for uso at the Karo karo Mills. This is a practical exem plification -of their adherence to the principle of protection. The coal is of a description which, in even of a superior quality, could have been procured from Greymouth or Westport at a very slight difference of cost, but encouragement of local industries apparently does not, in their programme, extend to coal. Mr Frauklaud's Home Tour. It is understood that during his present visit to Europe on leave of absence Mr F. W. Frankland, Government statist and actuary, will make it his business to inquire into the system of life insurance as conducted by the leading offices in Great Britain. Mr J. H. Richardson, the secre tary and accountant, who is an associate of the Institute of Actuaries, and a member of other acturial societies, has been gazetted acting statist and actuary, and while Sir Frankland is away Mr Richardson will be assisted in his ordinary duties by Mr Darcy Irvine, Inspector of. Agents.

TELEGRAMS.

DuxEDix, this day.

Criminal Sessions

At the Supreme Court, William Taylor, who was convicted of setting fire to a bridge at Silverstreim, was released on probation, and ordered to pay the costs and damages. Ada Cameron, for abet ting him, was acquitted. Dave Berry, John Hunter, and John Atkinson, were convicted of' highway robbery and sen tence was deferred. Arthur Smart, a boy, was acquitted of indecent assault. The Court adjourned till Monday.

Wellington, this day. The Wellington-Manawatu Railway Com pany are noM , . running a dining car attached to their trains... It was built here. 1 Christchurcii, this day. . A new Parliamentary Union has been formed here by the union of nine Mutual Improvement Societies. Mr John Cook, manager of the Loan and Mercantile Com pany, is to act as Governor.

I Manaia, this day.

Girl Drowned.

A little girl four" years old, daughter of Mr W. M. Hill, was drowned in the Kapa nui stream last night.

SETTING FIRE TO A BRIDGE.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Duuedi>-, this day. A prisoner named William Taylor, who was convicted yesterday of setting lire to a bridse over the Silver Stream with intent to burn it down, was taught the oft-learned lesson that it is impossible for a woman to keep her counsel. The evidence showed that about midnight, on April 21st, the prisoner went to a Mrs Cameron, who was a neighbour, and asked her to go with him down to the bridged Carry some kerosene for the purpose.offsetting fire to tho bridge saying if they burned it down no body would be the wiser who did it. It seemed that the bridge was a nuisance to the prisoner, inasmuch as the river under neath had got siltedup in. the. course of + ,ime, and the bridge was afc the height ib previously had been from the bed of the stream, and the consequence was that when there was a fresh in the stream the water cat'ght against the bridge and was impsdedin its course flow back on prisoner's land. Because' of this this the prisoner objected to the'bridge and, con sidered that one way of getting rid of it was to burn it down. Prisoner and Mrs Cameron carried the kerosene to the bridge. They attempted to' iset'i fire to' it and after they dich' so : at the prisoner's request, Mrs Cameron re turned and got more kerosone. They got some gorae and succeeded ultimately in setting fire to the bridge which they left burning. The bridge would probably have been burned down as the prisoner expected it to be, but that a man named James White discovered it burning; and extin guished the fire. The setting fire to the bridge was a great secret for a long time. It was talked about a good deal in the neMbourhood, but nobody could imagine who had done it, till Mrs Cameron could not keep the secret any longer and told- it.. Jhe police got word, and the whole history of the trans action became public property. Then the prisoner found that he was in a mess. He went to try and get Mrs Cameron to hold her tongue, but could nofe. He appealed to her husband, but it was tieyond her hus band's power to compel his wif e to keep her tongue quiet. -^γ;

AN INSANE TRAVELLER.

(BY' TELEGEAPH.—PRE^S ! a|6ciATIOX. )

Hokitika; Thursday. R. H. Solomox, traveller ;f or Matheson Brothers, Dunedin, the stern of the steamer Shag in the rip-. ji e i, a( ] heavy clothe3 > on," which kepU him afloat/ Two men on the wharf act, and promptly got a boat and rescued him before he sank, although lie had floatedlα consider able distance in the strpng.« : ciu^ren j ; ie rescuers running no small Uf being swept out to sea. On bein£ broufeht to> Solomon said, What Q ,fw' at <j asked for his hat.- The poling .hhV in charge for attempted suicide} ancl i, e \> V as admitted to.the Lunatic Asylfi^ ;for -. m d&cal treatment, 1 - 1

CITY COUNCIL.

The Council met at 6.30 last evening. Present: His Worship" the Mayor, Crs. Phillipps, Davies, Trenwith, James, Evans, Goldie, Holland, Garratt, Dignan,-Atkin, Crowthe? Swales, La Roche, Parsons, Buchanan, Cooper and Kidd.

Cn. Recovery. — The Mayor, after the reading of the minutes, expressed the gratification of himself and the other members of the Council at Cr. Atkins re storation- to health.

Correspondence.—Letters were received from-r- R. Lupton, complaining that he had been put to L 3 expense in recovering cattle which had strayed from his paddock through Council employes leaving the gate open. —Mr Carlaw sent an explanation of the matter, which was referred to Mr Lup ton. From J. Symons, consenting to act on the Hanging Committee of the Art Gallery—Received. From J. S. Webley, returning thanks for his appointment as night watchman to the Library—Received. Prom the Property Tax Commissioner, ad vising that L 225 balance of subsidy due to the Council under the Local Bodies and Powers Act had been placed to the credit of the Council. - Received. From S. McMaster, asking that his name be placed on the Burgess Roll instead of Mr Whit son's, who Mas merely a weekly tenant.— It was decided to make the alteration. From tho Secretary to the Harbour Board covering resolution of the Board regard ing the deposit of street sweepings in Free man's Bay, but objecting to the deposit of City refuse, etc., there.—Referred to Streets Committee: From the Town Clerk _ of New Plymouth, covering a resolution of the New Plymouth Council to the effect that owners of other property besides land and buildings should contribute to Hospital and Charitable Institutions Fund.—Referred to Finance Committee. From J. Brnce, 'complaining of the con dition of Baker-street. The Engineer re ported that repairs had been completed. — Reply in accordance to be sent. From Wm. Philson, asking that a rate notice in re spect of their buildings in Lorno-street be cancelled; as the buildings had been pulled down, the only reason for this being that they wore an eyesore to the Free Public Library.—Referred to Finance Committee. From J. B. Graham, asking that a footpath be made on the northern side of Duke-street. —It was decided to request Mr Graham to state how much lie would contribute. From J. Scott, complaining of the bad state of Cook-street, between Nelson and Union streets.—Referred to Engineer to report. From certain ratepayers of Nixon-street, asking the Council to have the street kerbedand channelled.-Engineer's report recommended postponementof the work, and it was decided to send a reply in accord ance with the report. From the Secretary to the Charitable Aid Board, offering LIOO for the Small-pox Hospital building. It was decided to ask Ll5O for tho building. From the Hospital Board, asking if tho Council would grant permission to hty pipes for fire service to Hospital and Refuges. —Referred to Waterworks Committee. From Whitaker and Russell, asking, on behalf of George Sage, that damage done to his property through the accumulation of.water thereon beabatcd. - The Engineer's memo denied the allegations of damage.— Reply to be forwarded accordingly. From T. McMaster and others.asking for a cross ing over Ponsonby Road at Karangahapc Road junction.—Referred to South Ward members. From W. P. Sheehan, regarding the condition of Prospect and Blake Streets.—Referred to Streets Committee. From E. Bartley, asking on behalf of the trustees of the Sailors' Home that the foot path fronting same be made.—Referred to Engineer to report. From Hammond and Cotasking permit for signboard in Fort street. - Granted. From W. Foughey, ask ing permission to erect iron shed at the back of his building in Lower Queen-street. - Granted. From A. Otto.complaining of tho noise made at the skating rink in the City Hall, which injured his health and made it impossible to carry on his business.— Referred to Special By-law Committee. Duplicate Telegraph.—A letter was re ceived from Dr. Lemon, Telegraph Depart ment, stating that the oxpense of connect ing Auckland by telegraph direct with the West Coast at present debarred him from arrying such a line. A new line would, however, be stretched from Wellington to Napier—the section on which the greater number of interruptions occurred. — Re ceived. Gladstone Road.—A letter was received from the ratepayers of Gladstone Road, asking that two additional lamps be erected —one at the junction of Newton Road and the other at West-street.—Referred to ward members to report. Hobson-street.—Mr J. A. Pond wrote stating, with reference to the cutting- down of Hobson-street, that all but two of those seriously affected had signed the necessary deed. Possibly within two months the deed would be completed, so far as the sig natories within the colony were concerned. —Referred to Hobson-street Committee. Ponsonby Levels. - Messrs T. H. Hall and H. Sankey wrote, objecting to the levels of Seymour-steeet as fixed. They had been satisfied with the first plans, which showed a cutting of 18 inches, and had not objected, and at the last minute the plans had been departed from and an altered level fixed, making the cutting 4i feet, without their being consulted. Henry Sankey wrote similarly regarding the levels of Cameron-street. J. Banbury and F. J. Bennett objected to any alteration in the levels as fixed at last meeting. — The Mayor moved the reference of tho matter to the Streets Committee, remark ing that the Council had acted with undue halte in making the alteration without cou julting Messrs Hall and Sankey—Discus sion ensued, in the course of which Cr. Cooper said that the objectors to the levels had misled the Council at its last meeting, and he intended to take steps to move that thclevels be annulled,as they had been fixed under the belief that all parties were agree able.—Cr. Crowther moved as an amend ment, " That the matter be referred to the Legal Committee," as it was a matter that would mere properlycome within theirfunc tion."—Cr. Evans, with some little warmth, replied to Cr. Cooper, and added that he did not see how the Council could alter the levels that had been, fixed.—Cr. Cooper interjected that Cr. Evans's property would be improved by the levels as fixed at present. — Cr. Evans retorted that Cr. Cooper was not a proper member for Ponsonby, seeing that he had known nothing about these levels until Mr Hall had come whispering sweetly into the ears of Councillors. —Cr. Laßocho said " Name," whereon Cr. Evans stated that Mr Hall had seen Crs. Cooper and Buchanan. - Mr E. Hesketh.who was present on behalf of Messrs Hall and Sankey, was invited to speak, and asked that the level should be in accordance with the Engineer's original plans. Speaking on the law of the matter, he said that assuming the Council's action at last meeting amounted to fixing the level, should they decide now to alter them they could not be called on to pay compensation unless actual damage had been caused.— Cr. Evans wished to be heard in correction of some of Mr Hesketh's statements. The Mayor ruled Cr. Evans out of order, and the amendment and motion .being put to , the' meeting, the former was carried. „ Grossing.—Cr. Kidd presented a petition, asking for a crossing over Customs-street, near °the Railway Station.—Referred to Streets Committee. Streets Committee.—The Report of this Committee was as follows:— Memo from W. Errington, requesting permission to burn city refuse in Ponsonby Station boilers. —Your Committee have authorised same by way of test. Memo from W. Errington, advising re-boring of cylinders at Western

Springs Station. Your Committee recom mend that work be authorised, and that tenders be called for in terms of plans and specifications submitted. Letter from Edwd. Bartley, re drainage from Sailors' Rest. Your Committee recommend a reply in effect of Engineer's report, viz., that application should be made to the Har bour Board for permission to drain auress Quay-street into the harbour. Letter from Thomas Searell, re Hobson-street Works. — Committee recommend a reply that Council are using all pos sible despatch in getting the matter of works in Hobs on - street ready for tender. Jie Electric Lighting Con tract. Your Committee have decided, and Messrs Ashcroft and Co. have been so in formed, that the positions of the arc lights be as follows : — (a,J At junction of Queen street and Karangahape Road (Davies' Corner); (b) junction of Wakeficld and Queen-street; (c) junction Victoria and Queen-street, (d) 'junction of Customs and Queen-streets (Palmerston Buildings), (c) That the six incandescent lights be placed (3 each) in Wellesley streets E. and "• , (f) That a site for the necessary machinery and storage will be provided.— The report was adopted. Legal Committee.—This Committee re ported : Re. repairs Council Chamber. —Re- port by H. G. Wade: Your Committee recommend that Mr Wade's estimate be adopted ; and that tenders bo called for in tho usual way. Letter from Secretary, Tost Odico Telegraph Department, re fumi gating house at Wynyard Pier. — Your Coininitteo recommend that tho per mission asked for be granted, subject to tho house being enclosed by fencing. Memo from Engineer, re asphalted foot paths destroyed by iire.—Committee re commend that Engineer's suggestion be not adopted. Letter from Dignan and Armstrong, re valuations, Gleeson'.s pro perties.-—Committee have no recouimenda ti'aii to make. Letter from W. R. Cook, re catalogue of Library.—Committee re commend that Mr Cook's offer, with the help of an assistant, to complete catalogue within six months for the sum of LIOO be accepted, and that an agreement be prepared to protect the Council. Letter from Alfred Kidd,re transfer to C. J. Berry. Committee recommend that transfer bo granted in terms of Act. Memo from Engineer, enclosing tenders for bars to windows on the ground floors of Municipal Building; and that tenders bo called for such bars. — Your Committee have accepted with thanks the following works for Free Library:—"Report on State Education " ('2 copies), Laishley, presented by Dr. Laishley; "Tho Great Giant Arithmos," M. 8. Aldis; " Solid Geometry" and "Elementary,, Geometrical Optics," Aldis, presented by Professor Aldis. The report was adopted. Fixanck Committee's Ruport.— Letter from Mrs Shea re. drainage account, L 4 10s 6d, Scotland-street. — Your Committee re commend that Council, not having ordered tho work, decline any liability. Letter from David Hunter re offer to erect dividing fence between Lots IS and 14, Section 53.— Your Committee recommend that the offer be declined. Petition from butchers (Cr. Davies), requesting reduction of abattoir fees.—Your Committee recommend that prayer of petition bo granted, as from Ist proximo, t.'e., bullocks from Is Od.to Is; sheep, calves, etc., 3d to 2d ; pigs, 6d to id. Letter from Thorno and Rigby, requesting refund of rates to Captain Harrison.—Your Committee recommend that the sum of LI 0s sd, paid in error by Captain Harrison, be refui? led.—The report was adopted. • Conv/kactoks' PftiCKS.—Cr. Davies with drew his motion regarding the engineering scheduling work from contractors' different prices of different works that have been done. Storage Reservoir.—On Cr. Crowther's motion, it was resolved that the Consulting Engineer be instructed to report within one month on the advisability ot increasing the storeage capacity of the reservoir at the pumping station. Wellksley - street Gratixos. — The matter of placing half-circular topped grat ings at the junction of Wellesley and Lome streets was referred to the Streets Com mittee. Emily Place.—Cr. Crowther moved, " That the City Engineer be instructed to grade Emily Place to Shortland-street at an estimate cost of £70." Cr. Evans seconded.—Cr. Kidd moved as an amend ment, " That tenders bo called for cutting down .Shortland-street to its permanent level."—This was seconded by Cr. Holland. —Crs. Goldie and Phillips having spoken in support of the amendment, the question was put and the motion was carried. Miscellaneous. - The tender of Sheldon and Co. was accepted for channelling in West-street. Mr Murphy's tender of Ll4B 4s was • accepted for works in Burgoyne street. It was decided to instruct Mr Errington to prepare plans and specifications for Mount Eden pipe track. The Council declined to accept -any responsibility in connection with the claim for damages for a recent ac cident in Richmond Roud, but referred the matter to the Legal Committee. It was de cided to call tenders for certain repairs to Gaol Road. Mr Errington was instructed to report on tho new Ponsonby Reservoir. The Engineer was instructed to have a chimney erected at the Karangahape F. B. station. This was all the business.

WRECK OF THE REWARD.

Cai-tain E. and the crew of the schooner Reward arrived here by the s.s. Clansman this morning. Captain McDonald informs us that he left Whangaroa at 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday last, with a full load of sawn timber. The weather was fair, and ho was off Cavalli Islands on the same night. The schooner's dingy, which was being towed astern, got adrift through the painter carrying away, and it was in endeavouring to recover tho boat that the schooner got ashore. Sho wore once or twice before the dingy was picked up, and then Captain McDonald discovered that she . was too close to Goat Island to be safe. They tried to get clear, but the vessel struck on some rocks and immediately commenced to break up. At high water she lifted again and was carried on to the Islands and became a com plete wreck. All hands got ashore in the dingy, but were unable to save anything excepting some clothes. They remained on the island that night, and next day Sullcd over to Mataura Beach. Captain IcDonaH rode over to Whangaroa and arrived with tho Clansman to pick up his crew, which she did in the Cavalli passage and brought them into Auckland. They speak in terms of praise respecting the kindness of Captain W. Farquliar and his oflicers. An oflicial inquiring into the wreck of the schooner will be held before Mr' T. Hill, Collector of Customs, on Monday next.

At the usual meeting of tho Newmarket Borough Council last evening, the Mayor mentioned that he was about to light the new Jubilee Hotel by electricity, and sug gested that the borough should join with him in order that the streets might bo lighted in the same manner. . The matter was referred to a com mittee to report upon. In consequence of the waste of water it was resolved to turn off all taps from 10 p.m. on Sunday until 5 a.m. on Monday, the turncock to make an inspection of the main. The other business was of minor importance. , ~ Messrs Fowler and Co., butchers, corner of Rutland and Queen-streets, call attention tp their notice in another column of a grand show of meat, &c.

The Floods in the South.

GREYMOUTH AND KAIAPOI UNDER WATER.

Mucin Property Destroyed.

Narrow Escapes.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Greymouth, Thursday. This town has been visited by a terrific flood. On Wednesday morning the whole town was under water, which was 3 feet deep on Mawhera Quay. Great damage was done to goods. No houses were swept away, but people had to fly from their houses, and take refuge in the churches, tho State schools, and other places. Nothing but the protective works saved the town. Had the river broken through where it did in 1872, the town would have been swept away. Between six and ten o'clock the flood rose several feet. The people were rescued by boats. Evory house is full of sludge, and the streets are piled with thousands of loads of gravel in some places, and scoured away in others. It was ten last night before the flood went down sufficiently to enablo people to move about. At half-past ten o'clock last night the County Council adjourned, as tho water was gradually surrounding the Chamber. All tho Coal Creek flat was under water, and some of the settlers had to seek refuge on the tops of the houses. Finally thoy were rescued by the boats, but about 80 head of cattle are lost.

THE FLOOD AT KAIAPOI.

People Rescued by Boats

Christchurcii, Thursday,

The flood at Kaiapoi reached the greatest height at 12.15 last night, when almost every house was flooded. No lives were lost, but several families were saved by boats at great risk. There was great destruction of house, hold goods, as they could not be got out in time. The flood was the highest ever known. The water is subsiding, but fears are en tertained that the warm weather now pre vailing will melt the snow, causing further trouble. Railway communication is restored, ex cept on the Eyretown branch lino. There was a report that Lake Briinner had broken out, and thus swelled the flood, though the report is not verified; but the statement does not seem ho very improbable, as it was between six and seven o'clock in the morning, and quite unexpectedly, that the river rose higher than ever known be fore, submerging the principal parts of the town from 3 to 5 feet. All business was of course suspended during the clay, even the telegraph and post office being in the same predicament as all the neighbouring premises. All the horses in the town had to be removed to the hill. Every stable in the town is flooded. The gas mains got full of water, and consequently there was no light in, the streets, except what camo from upstairs windows, and the town was dismal in the extreme. Thcro is very little news from up country. The latest from the Brunnerton was that the river at Wallsend was 20 feet higher than when the Cobden bridge piers were carried away. The magazine, with three tons of powder, was also swept away by the floods, while a carpenter's shop and some outhouses disappeared. The flood was also within two feet of the Wallsend shaft. A number of pigs and sheep in the butchers pens at the, slaughter yards were drowned, but the chief damage, so far, was to tho stocks of grocers, drapers, and mer chants of all kinds. An enormous quantity of goods in bond has been destroyed, one merchant alone having £500 worth of tea destroyed. The crews of the Rosamond and St. Kilda left the vessels to-day, only the anchor watch remaining. Both vessels are riding at their moorings uninjured so far.

Large Tract of Country In undated.

HoKiTiKA, Thursday. A heavy north-westerly gale has been blowing since Monday night, accompanied with torrents of rain. The rivers aro in high flood. The damage aboutHokifcika and the South is slight at present reported, but at Ahaura it is very serious. Telegraphic communication has been interrupted since Tuesday, and the roads have been impass able. The flood reached its highest at Ahaura at eifrht o'clock on Wednesday morning, when there was the heaviest flood known for eighteen years. The river broke through Miller's farm, and a large body of water came down the creek on the south side of Quinn's Hotel, cutting away the road from the hotel, and carrying away two foot bridges, and covering the grass paddocks with sand and shingle. Another stream down the old Church Road carried four or five chains away. The Railway Bridge, in course of erection, is uninjured. The draw bridge also escaped uninjured, but the river cut away an immense slice of Maori settlo ment, and all the temporary protection works were swept out to sea. The floods are now subsiding, although tho weather is squally. ■Wellington, Thursday. The northerly gale blowing the last three days subsided to-day. No damage is re ported. There was heavy rain last night, and it was feared that the Ilutt River would overflow. It is still very high, but has not broken over the banks. •> ...

A SINGULAR CASE.

Bogus Charge Against Two Thames Constables.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, tkfe day. The case preferred by James Koycrofb against Constables Bern and O'Brien, charg. ing them with breaking and entering his workshop and feloniously stealing therefrom a stillgad, an awl, and two quartz speci mens, came before Mr Stratford, R.M., at the Police Court yesterday, and occupied all day.

Mr Nutter defended the accused, while Inspector Goodall watched the proceedings on behalf of the Department. Evidence was given by the wife of com plainant and her daughter (aged eight years) to the effect that the constables sus pected her husband of having stolen an axe, and visited his workshop without her sanction. She accompanied them, however, and the only objection she made was by telling them they ought to go and find her husband.

For the defence, two children stated that they saw. Mrs Roycrofb unlock the work shop door herself, and accompany the con stables through the place. She stood by while they were inspecting the articles in it and searching for the stolen axe, and did not seem to oiler any objection. This testimony was also confirmed by a young man named. White. There was not the slightest attempt made by the prosecu tion to prove that anything had been stolen, nor even that there were any such articles as a gad, awl, or quartz specimens in Koy croft's workshop.

■ His Worship, in giving judgment, said that Roycroft had been guilty—grossly guilty—of taking the Bible in his hand and swearing that he suspected the con stables of larceny, when lie knew that the charge "was a false one. He appeared to have had a feeling of resentment towards some pereon who set the law in motion, and allowed his feelings to lead him away in taking steps for which lie had not the slightest grounds. He exceedingly re gretted that Constables Bern and O'Brien should have been placed in such a humili ating position, but the case would do them no harm. There was not a tittle of evidence to show that they had attempted to steal anything, or had the least felonious intent in visiting Roycroft's premises, while no attempt was even made to show that they committed a larceny. What they" had done had been in the performance of their duty as constables, and it was shameful to endeavour to cast blame upon them by Roy croft in laying such a malicious information. He wished his remarks to be clearly under stood. Anyone was entitled to swear an information againsi a person whom he sincerely thought had committed an offence against him, but to act like Roy croft, and deliberately swear what he knew was not true, was a gross shame. Address ing the constables, His Worship then said : " Thomas O'Brien, and you, William Bern, have no business whatever to be placed in that dock on this charge. You are now discharged without the slightest stain what ever upon your characters. The case brings no shame upon you, but upon the man who swore that you were guilty. You are dis charged. "

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs C. D. Whifccombe, J. P. King and J. Duncan, Justices.) DnuxKENXESs. —William Montgomery was fined 10s and costs. Alleged MatAcious Injury —Mrs Peter son, who was charged with breaking six panes of glass in the house of James True man, did not appear, and a warrant for her apprehension was ordered to be issued. SniFPiKQ and Seamen's Act. — John Chalmers was charged with a breach of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, being the owner ot the s.s. Lalla Rookh, wrecked at the Great Barrier, that he did unlawfully neglect and refuse to pay Charles H. Roods the sum of LI3 9s, due to him as wages as engineer, and L 7ls 8d as payment due to him since the 14th May, 1887.—Mr IT. Campbell appeared for the defendant find pleaded not guilty. —Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the complainant.— John Chambers deposed that he was the registered owner of the Lalla Rookh.— James Dickson, an officer of H.M. Cus toms, deposed that up to the wreck of the steamer Mr Chambers was the owner of the vessel.—By Mr Campbell: He knew nothing of an application for registration of a change of ownership.—The complainant deposed that he had been engineer to the steamer. He had received L 7; wages, and there was LI3 9s 2d still due.—By Mr Campbell: He was engaged by Mr Fleming, who acted as a sort of agent. He had sued Mr Daniels for the amount claimed over, but the case was withdrawn. He had re ceived an 1.0. CJ. from Mr Daniels.—Mr Campbell submitted that the complainant showed no ground of complaint according to the statute.—Mr Cooper having replied, the BenchruledagainstMrCampbell—Mr Camp bell then urged that there was no evidenceof any agreement with Mr Chambers. It was incumbent on the complainant to show that Mr Chambers was a consenting party to his employment.—Mr Cooper having replied, the Bench ruled against Mr Campbell's con tention.—Ml , Campbell then called Mr Chambers, who deposed that in January last he made an agreement for the sale of the Lalla Rookh with Mr Fleming. Mr J. B. Russell was interested with him (Mr Cham bers) in the vessel. Fleming asked him for permission to take the vessel out of the harbour. Witness told Fleming that Mr Russell was the mortgaeee, and he would require to see him before he took it out of port. This Mr Russell refused to permit, and without permission the vessel was taken to Gisborne, and lost.—By Mr Cooper: Witness handed over the vessel to Fleming, but there was a question of insurance. —By Mr Campbell: The question of insur ance was never settled.— J. B. Russell tiave corroborative evidence. He, as mort gagee, refused to permit the removal of the vessel from port unless she was insured. She was removed by Fleming without his or Chambers'a consent. He was astonished that the Customs authorities, should have permitted this without his consent. The result of that removal was that he lost the benefit of his mortgage.—By Mr Cooper: Witness seized the vessel at Gisborne, but took no steps to have her brought up from Gisborne to Auckland.—The Bench gave judgment for the amountclaimed, with costs, the register being conclusive evidence of the ownership of the vessel.—Mr H. Campbell gave notice, of. appeal.—An order for the payment of the money by Monday next was, made.

In accordance with a resolution passed unanimously,theFederated Seamen's Union, Auckland branch, Mr Ellison, Secretary, has forwarded to Mr F. J. Moss an expres sion of the thanks of the Union for the satis factory manner in which he had, during last session, brought under the notice of the Government the grievance oi seamen with reference-to a shipping agent in Auckland. It is stated that an outrage was per petrated in; Lower Symonds-street last night which calls for attention at the hands of the police. A message boy with about L 5 wqrth of boots in his care was set upon by three youths, and the goods taken from him by force; but on a man approaching, the ruffians dropped the goods and decamped. It is hope they will be caught and receive , the treatment tjhey deserve.

CABLEGRAMS.

(by electric telegraph—copyright).

(reuter's tklegbawl)

LATEST ISLAND NEWS.

Annexation of Samoa.

WEECK OP A BRIGANTINfe; ' J

(reuter's telegram.)

Sydney, July 7. The latest news from Tonga reports, that the Government had had the eastern entrance to Tongatabu Har bour marked with buoys. A Hawaiian man-oi-vvar has arrived at Apia, with, the object, it is sup posed, of annexing the Samoan Islands. The German warship Adler is said to be watching her movements. j The total wreck of the German ; brigantine Tokelau, at the Ellice Group, ' is confirmed. The crew were rescued : after living six months on an island. \

MR GOSCHEN ON THE CLOTURE.

LEGISLATING AGAINST THE £>£ \ PEESSION.

(Special).

London, July 7. j Mr Goschen, in an article in the " St. j James's Gazette,"def ends the application ' of the cloture, and contends that legis lation for England hitherto has been impossible, owing to obstruction in Parliament. He states the Govern ment has prepared measures for the relief of the prevailing commercial de pression, which he is anxious to present to the present Parliament.

THE BRENNAN TORPEDO.

London, July 7.—Mr Stanhope, in the House of Commons, denied that the secret of the Brennan torpedo was divulged in the description published by " Engineering."

ILLNESS OF MR PARNELL Mr Parnell is seriously ill.

SIR PATRICK JENNINGS ON HOME RULE.

Sir Patrick Jenning3, in an inter-1 view with a representative of the j " Freeman's Journal, ,, stated that the! colonists believed it would tend to strengthen the integrity of the Empire ': if each portion were allowed to freely manage its individual affairs. i

THE NEW PRINCE OF BUL GARIA.

Ifc is understood that Prince Ferdi* : nand's election to Bulgaria is impro bable, and an unknown candidate W likely to be chosen.

UNIVERSITY CRICKET MATCH.

The inter-University cricket match,' Oxford versus Cambridge, was won by Oxford by seven wickets.

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION.

The Belgian Government have re turned a favourable answer to Sir Graham Berry's request that Belgium should be represented at the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition, and will pro bably appoint a Royal Commission for that purpose.

CARRIAGE OF COLONIAL MAILS.

It is hoped that the transit rates on mails across the Continent will be re duced to a penny for letters.

PECULIAR LEGAL DISPUTE.

The hearing of the case Beyfus v. Jonas and others lasted thirteen days. The jury found that Jonas and Saville conspired to get Palmer to prosecute Beyfus in order to extort money. 40s damages were given against Saville.

GOLD-MINING VENTURES.

Several more Australian gold mining companies are about to be placed on the London market.

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

London, July s.—Consols remain at 100£. New Zealand 4 per cent, inscribed stock is unchanged at 98|. The market for colonial breadstuffs is without quotable change. Adelaide wheat, ex store, is 35s ; New Zealand ditto, 34s to 365. Adelaide flour, ex store, is 24s 6d. Australian tallow, average quality: Beef is 22s 6d; mutton 245. Brandy: Hennessy and Martell are quoted at. 16s. Wool: The wool market remains firm. The catalogue for to-day's auction comprised 11,500 bales. London, July G. — At to-day'a wool sales a firm tone again prevailed. 11,100 were offered. Sydney, July 7.—The total number of stud sheep sold at the recent salea were 1,950, more than half the flock being rams. The amount realised was Meubourne, July 7.—Sir H. and Lady Loch returned to Melbourne this morning from Adelaide.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — Address by Mr J, Maekay, a. Agricultural Hall—Royal Jubilee Burlesque and Pantomime Company, 8. ; V.< : Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7 ta 10 p. m City Hall—Skating Rink, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7.30 to 10 p.m. V.M.C.A. Kooms—Lecture on " Dry Bones " by- Rev. C. H. Garland, 7.30. i Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-street — Lectu?e, ' Sub-tropical Industries and Small Holdings, i by_ Mr G. B. Federli, 7.30. Waito's Hall. Mount Eden—Electors favourable to the candidature of Mr J. A. Connell, 7.30. ■

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

July 9—Messrs A. Boardman and H. Brett,

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Hunter and Nolan, Otahuhu-Timber. etc, 11. .Ti™ etfl,,io.3(j

THE" EVENING STAR,** f B^XBB7,

5



A lady, in speaking the; other day of the Jubilee celebrations, said that if instead of illuminating and flying flags we had hung from the bank windows across Queen-street a few pairs of old pants with pockets turned inside out it would have been more in keeping with our circumstances and ex pressive of our financial condition. *■' If it were not for the Auckland Provision Company's Cheap Bacon Shop," she continued, "1 dont know what the people would do." Wo don't know either, but we are instructed to say that they have a splendid show again this week of hams, bacon, butter, cheese,. e"tc., which will be sold to-morrow at less than last week's prices. Note the address : Whichever way you are going we ate on the rujht side of Karangahape Road— right opposite the Ris ing Sun Hotel and right opposite McPher son's drapery establishment.—A. Bettasjy, manager.—[Advt. ] Freezing Cpmpany's bufcfcer in half-pound eats is branded with the words "Freezing ompany " on the margin around the shell. — [Advt.] " ■'■'.'.'■■' Meat Exhibition;— Grand display, Friday and Saturday, the only, one ; prices low. Come early and see the fun. -G. Hume, Butcher, Queen-street.—[Advt]. ■