Second Edition.

ii«T PARLIAMENTARY f . NEWS.

( B tXELEO«APH.-OWN REPORTER.)

;: ■ Wellington', this afternoon. The So Confidence Proposals. n^nse of your readers who have closely \ hed my Parliamentary notes will have wvetl tbat on bheeve of Parl'amenb as u'ntrl presaged that Ministers would finable to carry any of their policy ™ res bub tbab no hostile vote to tho delivery of the finan- Pfiateroenb would be tabled. Thus tmV predictions have been verified. Oi tl/tliestutementwasdelivered [expressed belief that the tariff proposals would "JLe unsatisfactory to a large section of \ House and that they would be sure to iTmet with a motion to that effect. At the ..fine of Opposition leaders yesterday Soon it was decided to ask JUr Carrick JLjto tho matter. JYbe member for St. Albana was elected iimtisoho was an ardent freetrader, and avLh ho bad consistently voted with f. Governmonb party while tho *'<* 8D(1 e?b Railway was y or g the House, ho_ \va» never ro rd«d M an enthusiastic Ministerialist, U.bis speech Jast session on tho Steward Suture Commission was one of tho ■■L outspoken that was delivered on S'siibjcct. He spared neither Colonial Lorcr nor Major Stewart in tho crush Sjiticisin he mado of the whole alTair.' vjlon Mr Garrick. was asked to act yes- Jjyßiorninc1, ho requested timo for con Stion, and after sleoping on the matter Mr Atkinson this morning L ho declined to take the loading Tsassfened to him, but that; if a voto of Senatnro proposed were moved ho would Jinlly support if- This is the position d jnatters at thefc-present- time, and a meet toof the Opposition is now(clovon o'clock) fcetogheld to consider the situation. Battery Charges at <ooinemuri •iygssrs' Caciman and Fr.iser and Capt. interviewed the Minister of Mines on Saturday, respecting tho subsidy (or the tramway to Hoiley's battery atOhine- The Battery Company wired stating that unless help was granted they will be closed, and Karangahako district, much injured thereby.-' After considerable discussion Mr liimach gave his ultimatum that until .1 definite arrangement had been come to between the "Battery Company and the miners respecting the Battery charges, Is would not grant a subsidy, and [giber, that such agreement must be ledoced to writing and signed by both parties. Mr Carl man wired tho result of interview to Mr Macdonakl Scott, tho man ager, the same evening.

Employment of Barmaids. Ata meeting of tho Petition Committee, several petitions npainst the employment of barmaids,, making serious allegations, nn considered. Jt was agreed that, no proof-being adduced in support- of tho allegations made, the Commilteo havo no recommendation to mako.

WRECK OF THE BRIG NIGHTINGALE.

{raOM OUR OWV OOKRESrOKDE^T.)

Suva, May 12. te brig Nightingale, which mndo the ■ teationaj. tHp from New Zealand to ljij&s%-istt,' ISBS, when ebo was "fedoned. at. sea by Captain Short, WaJlSOTOTkiaken into Sydney by somj of the crew, has como to utter grief. She brought coal to Macro a- month ago, and after discharging left that island^ to return on the afternoon of tho 2Sth ultimo. On the morning of the 29th, at daylight-, tten the first mate was in charge, ?he wan peered Tritb a fair wind and light pen .right on to the Mabniici reef, a detached shoal seW. miles. off the southern end of the island of Gau. Her people took to the boats, and had a very rough time of it in the broken water on the reef, the Ion" boat capsized, and the chief officer (John Johnston), native of England, aged 45, was drowned. The vessel was not insured, and the captain, who was part owner, loses all he possessed. He told the mate overnight to call him when Gau-\vaa in sight, and to his neglect of this order, and gross carelessness, the disaster is due. ■. • ■

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN.

ADDRESS AT WELMfIWTOff.

Wellington, this day. Tn 'Earl of Aberdeen was to have been eitffltaiued.ac a dinner at Bellamy's by % members of both Houses, but as to Auckland this afternoon the jKa'haj been abandoned. His Lordship JMbeen the, guest of the Governor during "™«tyin Wellington. : jie Catholics will present him with an ■•PWb of congratulation. An influential "Homittee—consisting of tho principal *il)«s of the Legislature—has also been ™ed to present an address to the Earl.

Aberdeen, this-afternoon, was the ■^ent of an address;of welcome from the |Nns in ■ the Theatre Royal, which Sir R. Stout, Mr Tole, Sir George Grey, and sovoral of the and in froal citizens occupied the stage. Dr. K6presided. Lord Aberdeen referred at #, length to Home Rule, and ■■? |. ( in •hi 3 opinion the oppo- W; of the proposals would .bo ?.% to carry. on a long resistance, and JJne was on the side of the Irish. The Ration-generally to Home Rule arose of disloyalty to the British Crown, Station from the Empire. He de- S this,, and said the greatest4 en- XTf I would bo' manifested in ft™* were 'the! Queen to visit Dublin "Pen the first Irish Parliament. The £»g broke up "with cheers for ' the En1 %d: aQd Lady Aberdeen, .Mr and Sir Geo. Grey.

has received a telegram W° 'i n? a' fitating that tho new barque wX Chle!) recently built by him, has "5 w tre safely from thi3 P° rfc after a Bteftf. 14days duration. She experi- VjJJJy wl severity of the late gales, and "is^jjation in another colnmn it will ISL^ '^c- Canton Life Insurance njJ^yiiave declared an interim bonus iii te- nt'' The Public will appreciate *ml.- of successful business when pm what office they shall insure. BujlT^arket was very quiet to-day. W, 2s; Trenton, Is 5d ; New % bfl"Burancc abou* 66s ; South %«,.„?! National, 14s; and Colonial 115 j-.f«- Sellers: Bank of New Zealand, iS'G'xS Mortgage, 21s. The Tele- Hulii L°mpany pay a further divi &lß* names were omitted from l Pt 3 _{ ol . tlle Takapuna Hurdles, MkK^on the eighth page : ,H^9.2; Rob Roy, 9.0; Native,

ARRIVAL OF THE ARAWATA.

The i.B. .Arawata, 1,098 tons, W. L. Cromarty, arrived from Fiji at noon, and berthed afc the Railway Wharf. She left Levuka at midnighc on the 11th inst., arriving in Suva 6 a.m. on tho 12th. Left again afc 5 p.m. Passed Mount Washington 11 p.m. same day. Sighted Poor Knights at 3 a.m., 17th. Passed Moko Hinau at 6.50 a.m, ; Tiri Tiri abeam, 11 a.m., and arrived alongsido wharf at 12.10 p.m. Experienced light northerly winds till noon, 13th,heavy rain,with thunder and lightning, till midnight. Westerly gale with heavy squalls until midnight, loth, thence strong 8. W. and southerly winds with clear wea ther to arrival. Passengers: for Auckland— Mesclames De Susa, Bureau, Miss Turpin, Messrs Moore, Bureau, Oakes, Srnythe, Littlejohn, and 6 in steerage. Per Arawata.—3,o2o bunchei bananas, 112 cases of Fijian tea, 55 cases pine-apples, 25 sacks peanuts, 39 sacks cocoanuts, 40 empty casks, 12 sacks seed, S3 bundles hides, 35 bundles sheepskins, 42 cases brandy, 27 cases fruit, 37 packages sundries, also cargo for Aus tralia and Southern ports.

LATEST POLITICAL NEWS.

(BY TKLEfiBAPtJ.— OWN RKPOMSR),

Wellington, this day. The Opposition bare decided to take action as soon as the Budget proposals are reached, but decline to say what the action will be. Major Atkinson is expected to movo a direct vote of no confidence.

BOOT MANUFACTURERS AND THE TARIFF.

(BY TJSJ.EORAFH —OWN CQRRESPOJs'PE.VT.)

Christchurcii, this day. Thu petition to the Colonial Treasurer and members of the House, sent by persons representing the boot) trade, gets forth that) tho proposed rates show an increase in duty amounting to 250 or 300 per cent. It is also urged that gum and grained leather, knee boots especially for minors; will average an increase of about 500 per cent., the average re quirements of a miner being four pair 3 per annum. Tho amount of duty he pays on boots nlonc will bo more than the cost of miners' rights. The old rate it is added was, in tho opinion of the petitioners, sufficient, enabling local manu facturers to shut outfall classes of goods for which their labour and appliances are suit able.

THE FIRE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

So far nothing has transpired as to the origin of tho tire in tho City Council Cham ber. That it was the work of an incendiary there can bo littlo doubt. It has been disco vered that a black woollen mat beneath the Mayoral chair has entirely disappeared, al though the place where it lay has not been touched by the fire. It would appear from this, that ib must have been thrown on the pilo in order to increase tho firo. Tho damage done is much greater than seems to be generally understood. The whole of the chamber is completely wrecked, and several of the chair 3 and desks entirely consumed, while the hole in tho lioor is about 9ft long and four across. Three holes were also cut through tho floor by tho firemen in order to see how far the Oamcs had spread.,vo'<As the plaster was cracked by frho heat, it is probable- that it will require replacing. It is estimated chat the damage will,bjj nearjy £.200.

TRIAL OF WRECKERS.

Tiie Disasters at Napier.

(DV TEL.eORAI'II..—-OWN COTtRESI'ONDEKT.)

Napteb, this day. A funky f.hing occurred in the R. M. Court yesterday—a lob of men charged separately with stealing articles from the wreck of the Northumberland. Amongst others a Chinaman named A. Sing was charged with having n bag of clothing in his house. A pas senger by the "Northumberland recognised thearticles as his property. The prisoner was fined LlO, or a month's imprisonmeut, but before tho case' concluded it was discovered that the Chinese interpreter, Ah Wong, was wearing a pair of stolen trousers, and he also was placed, in the dock as soon as "tho necessary, warrant was made out. Accused said that La Sing's old woman • bad given the trousers to him and he did nob know they had 'been stolen. The case was dismissed with •a caution. Several other persons accused of stealing wreckage were dealt with sum marily, receiving . taoifi or lea* severe sen tences. ' '■•_.;"" It hasbetn decided by the Jubilee Celebra tion Committee to recommend that the 'Jubilee memorial should take the form of a mariners' relief fund, primarily for the sup port of the men who lost their lives at the wreck of tho Northumberland, bub also for the subsequent relief of dis tressed mariners or their families. To enable this to be' done, several thou sand pounds will be required. Tbo offer tories at St. John's and St>. Andrew's Sunday have been given to the fund.

STRANGE ACCIDENT.

Vessel Capsized la iyttlcton I9oc&>

[BY TELECRAPH. - OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

CniusTOHURCtT, this day. The first accident in connection with the Craving Dock at Lybtelton happened yesterday morning, and the result is that the. iron barque Conference, which was in dock undergoing repairs, now lie 3 on her beam emf with her port bilge resting on the blocks. To obtain correct particulars of the affair is a difficult task, as there are Several st6riea ; bub tho most feasible is as follows :—The Conference is ballasted by water carried in a largo tank, amidships of their entire breadth. When the vessel settled "down on; the block, the water had,: of course, .to be let out. An accident occurred, to the steamer Omapare, at Oamara, which necessitated her being placed in dock at this pprt for repairs. To this end the water was yesterday morn ing being let into the dock. Tho tug Lyttleton was got alongside the paison for the purpose .of pumping water into the Conference. By thetimetnevessel was afloat the tug had (so says report) pumped suffi cient water into the barque tp reach within 12 or 18 inchesof the top. This however was found to be insufficient to keep herself up right for immediately she left the blocks she gradually turned lover until' in the portion stated, • Another account is that the cement had been taken away from between the side of the vessel and the tank while repairs were being carried out on Saturday, and had not been replaced, con sequently, when the vessel lefttheblocks and retaining a slight list she had to port side before being docked, the waterfrom the tank was allowed to escape and run into the hold of the. vessel. Captain Ticohur&t oi the

Underwriters Association immediately thq vessel turned over took the precaution to order tho yards, topmast, and gear off the vessel. The Conference is owned by tho Hon. J. Peacock, Chriatchurch. Tho course to be taken tc put the vessel in proper position is not yet decided upon The affair will probably form a matter for an enquiry on a rather extensive scalo^

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the above body was hejd last evening, in the Borough Offices. Present: The Mayor (Mr J. Winks), Councillors J. McCabe, Gay, Kidd, Geldarb, garage, McConnoll and Lyell.

Correspondence.—The letters were rend and dealt with as follows :—From the Dis trict Inspector, stating that he had caused the removal of one telegraph pole at tho en trance to the Orphan Home In Avenue Road, but he failed to ace that any of tho others could obstruct the lijjhfc from lamps to any appreciable extent, and was there fore unable to comply with fcho request to have them removed to tho other side of the street—lt was agreed to again write to the Telegraph Inspector, pointing out that tho posts not only obstructed the light but obstructed the footpath. From Mr T. Buddie, asking for tho return of a cheque for L 6 lent aa a deposit with a tender belonging to Mr Morley— Resolved that Mr Buddies cheque bo returned.' From J. Morgan, contractor for cutting in Manukau Road, asking for 12 days' exten sion of time, owing to the recent bad weather having delayed the work—Declined. From John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, forwarding designs for an ornamental lamp post, in view of such being erected as a Jubilee memento. The prices ranged up wards . from L 25. The letter was received, the Mayor remarking that anything they required in that lino might be obtained fn the North.

Burgess Uolt,. Town Clerk sub mitted tho burgess list for the borough. The defaulters had been struck off, and the roll was duly signed.

Accounts. Accounts amounting to LlOl 7s 3d were submitted for payment. —Cr Kidd took exception to one item, L3O progress payment to tho contractor for works on Manukau Road. The account was, however, authorised for payment. — Messrs llesketh and Richmond's account was referred to the Finance Committee to go into the items. Streets Committee.-The Mayor verb ally reported on behalf of tho committee, and ib was agreed that the Orphan Home Road, Glanville Terrace, and another not yet named, be taken over. lie fencing vail way allotment, the Mayor said ho had seen the engineer, and ho promised to have it done. Cr Kidd moved that the Streets Committee visit the reserve near Brighton Bridge, in order to bring up a report as to letting it for grazing or other purposes. Foreman or Works.—This official re ported that the drain in Brighton Road was finished. He also asked whether the Newmarket and Remuera districts were to help in repairing Manukau Road. Ho also requested a fow loads of broken metal to repair Avenue Road. It was agreed to prepare an estimate of oost of repairing Manukau Road, and request New market and "Remuera to contribute their share. The foreman also asked if tho con tractor for cutting down Manukau Road would bo allowed to use the same kind of ■ material for bottoming the other half of the road as was used in the first half, as he bolieved It was better than Ecoria. This caused some discussion, and it was finally agreed that the specifications be ad hered to, and clean scoria ash be used. Waterworks. —The turncock reported that all things wore going on satisfactorily. The extension service was laid to Glanville Terrace. He reminded the Council of the necessity there was for a meter being fixed at Dr. Campbell's, and eaid that lust >vook there was an accident to one of the fire plugs, causing ft'leaMgo' to tho extent of 08,000 gallons. The report was received. A report from the Inspector of Nuisances was also laid before tho Council, and ac cepted. Mukcipal Association. — A letter was read from tho Town Clerk-of Newton, ask ing whether the Parnell Council had taken any action re appointing v representative to Muncipal Association at Wellington, or if they would be willing to join Devonport, Newton and Newmarket in appointing a joint representative, and contribute, _if necessary,a fair proportion of theexpensesin curred. The Mayor was of opinion that one representative might do for Auckland city and the suburban borough.—Qnthemotionof Cr. Kidd it was resolved, "That this Council agree to pay a proportion of the expenses of the delegate appointed by the city." It was further agreed, "That Newton be informed that this borough would join in appointing a delegate," and to send letters to tlio same effect to New market and Devonport. General Ratk.— Tho Town Clerk uubmit ted estimate of income and expenditure for the ensuing year as required by the Apt, and on the motion of tho Mayor it was passed. The Mayor then gave notice to levy o general rate commencing from the Ist of July, such rate to bo payable in one suia.

ALBERTLAND ANNIVERSARY.

On the 20th inst. it is intended to hold a reunion of the Albertland settlers at Port Albert, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their arrival in the colony. A meeting of Albert-landers- resident tn Auckland was held at .Robspn's rooms . last night, when a committee was appointed to make arrangements for the attendance of as many of these settlers resident in Auckland as possible at this interesting gathering. It is proposed to arrange for a steamer to leave Helensville for Port Albert on the 27th instant. Those desirous of joining the party are requested to forward their names to Mr Theo. Cooper, A. Camp bell, stationer, Mr Baker (as W. McArthur & Co's) or Mr Cranwell (as Garlick and Crap well's)- A further meeting will be held at Mesars Devore and Cooper's office at 5 p.m. on Thursday. .

CONCERT AND BALL.

A fair audience gathered in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, last night, to attend tho concert and dano» which was held under the auspices of the St. Benedict's Christian Doctrino Society. The concert wasprocededby the comedietta "Potts' Perplexities," of which thofollow ing w«r© the dramatis -person® :-Mr Walsington Potts, Mr James Montague; Mr Jobstick, Mr Morrow ; Mr Tittlebatt, MrGoldwater; Mr Jobsfcielc, MlbS Willis ; Fanny, Miss O'Meara ; Luoy, Miss Pannie Danzie. The programme of the court Avas also interesting. MHs Pannie Danzie sang "Only to See Her Face Again," Miss Jenkinson " Novel-more." The vocal duet "From Our Merry Swiss Home" was sung by Mrs, McManus and Miss Willis. Songs were also rendered by Messrs O'Hare and Murphy. The American shoe dance, by Messrs Burke and Roberts, was well rendered, as was also the Ameri can sand jig by the , same performers. Mr C. Good sang by request "A Rolling Stone gathers no Moss," and Mr J. Ibbotson "The Beautiful Girl of Kildare." A song was also nicely rendered by Miss McManus. The first song and. Jig by Mr C. Mason plea&ed the audi ence. The programme concluded with the recitation, " Courtship of the Widow," by Mr J. F. Montague. Dancing then com menced, and was kept uptUJ a late bow.

THE ONEHUNGA MYSTERY.

SUSS G&INteAR-fr -FOUND.

Miss CLijrKAfcb, tho young lady whole mysterious disappearance from Onehunga, has occasioned considerable- excitement in that usually quiet neighbourhood, has turned up all right, and has been restored to her relatiyea through the instrumentality of a friend, It would appear that while in a ttate of despondency, she wandered to Auckland, where last night she was found in a private lodging house.

THE BELLRINGERS.

The performance of the feellringers at tho Opera House last evening attracted a largo and enthusiastic audience. There is no cvi" dence of waning patronage. The new pro framme, which is to be presented for the rst time to-night, comprises a choico selection of songs, comic duets, and airs for performance on the hand and clock belk and musical glasses. Tho entertainment will conclude with a farce- entitled Employe's' Revenge."

THE UNEMPLOYED.

'A mpvemekt i* on foot to got a full register of all the unemployed workmen in Auckland district, and signatures aro being takon at 304, Victoria Arcade. Up to the present tune tho total of those who have signod and their trades and. occupations is as follows: 02 carpenters, 30 navvies, 14 painters, 8 plasterers, 5 bricklayers, 4 plumbors. Total, 123. It ia believed that there aro hundreds of labourers and navvies out; of work, or only partially employed in tho city and neighbourhood, and, if such bo tho caso, it is very desirable that they should give their names. The object is to put pressuro upon the Govern ment and Municipality to proceed with public works authorised, amounting to over £50,000, and unless it can bo shown that there aro a large number of labouring men out of employment, there is little hope of success.

OPPOSITION TO THE TARIFF PROPOSALS.

Sir Julius Vooel, telegraphing to Mr A. H. Nathan last night regarding tho in crease of duty on under-proof spirits, stated that ho had agreed to givo six months' grace from to-day. It will bo ob served that a meeting of coachbuilders is to be hold on Thursday ovoning, at Messrs Cousins and Atkins, to consider how tho trade is affected by the proposed changes.

(by telegraph.—tress association.)

Napier, Monday,

The licensed victuallers, brewora, and spirit merchants met to-day, and passed resolutions condemning tho new turiff on spirits. Ono resolution was to tho effect that after tho goods in bond and on transit are used, none put proof spirits will bo im ported ; and there will bo no increaso in the revenue.

Wellington, Monday,

The proprietors of tho throo largest boot factories in Wellington havo written to tho Colonial Treasurer, asking him to recon sider tho proposal to raise a duty on leather.

Afc a meeting of tho Clmmbor of Oom merce to-night a committee was appointed to consider the tariff proposals, and report to the Chamber of Commerce to-morrow night.

CimisTCUURCU, Monday.

The Chamber of Commerce to-day passed the following resolution re the Customs pro posals :— (]) That in the opinion of this Chamberthealtcrationsin the tariff proposed in tho Financial Statement are, from an economic (standpoint, nob such as should bo adopted for the avowed pur poses of securing additional revenue and tho promotion of local industries; (2) that presuming it to bo necessary to raise increased revenue by means of Customs duties, the object could bo attained in a manner to fall most equitably and easily on all classes of the community ; and to inter fere least with general trade by imposing additional duties on tea, sugar, wines, cigars, and tobacco, together with articles strictly in the nature ofluxuries, increased duties upon articles that can bo made locallymust necessarily restrict importation and reduce the revenue; (3) that in any case where it may be deemed politic to afford incentive assistanco to any local in dustry under the tariff for rovonuo purposes, it is in the opinion of this Chamber unwise to fix any higher duty than' 15 per cent, ad valorem as tho maximum, or its equiva lent where duty is charged by weight; (4) that the proposal to impose duties on certain articles and implements used in tho principal natural industries, viz., agricul , tural, sheep, farming, and mining, is es pecially bardensome to those interests, and is on the face of it an economic in consistency, seeing that the tools used in the trade in secondary and incidental industries oro admitted free; (5) that it is inadvißablo and unjust to alter the basis of the application of the duty on spirits from proof to liquid gallon ; (6) that if there were fewer classifications the interpretation would bo made easier, tho cost of collection of duties reduced ; (7) that in the opiniou of this Chamber the Colonial Treasurer's proposal that there shall be no exemption on properties exceed ing £2,500 in value, and that the tax on them shall be one penny, is inequitable,and if it becomes law will causo tho incidence of taxation to press unfairly upon all classes of the community ; (8) that if it is necessary to obtain additional revenue from the pro perty tax, a more equitable method than that now proposed would be to reduce the ' exemption .to £200, aud to allow tuo same in all classes.

The Protection Association passed resolu tions to night approving of the proposed Customs .duties on articles which can bo manufactured or grown intho colony; but disapproving of the duties on raw materials or articles which cannot bo grown or made here. Tho Industrial Association resolved, "That as a revenue. tariff, tho proposals are fairly satisfactory; and that raw material and articles not produced in tbe colony, be admitted free."

Captain Edwin advises glass further rise and weather will continue vary cold.

A meeting of ladies interested in the introduction of the Kindergarten system pf education, in Auckland will be held to morrow afternoon at the residence of Mrs Dudley Ward, and on Friday evening Mrs Ward will deliver a lecture on the subject at the City Hall. The Mayor will preside, and a number of musical selections will be given during the course of the evening.

A meeting of the committee of the Auck land Burns Club was held last night, when the accounts of the late concert were sub mitted, and it was found that after all expenses were paid a neb balance of about £40 remained on hand. This handsome contribution to tho Burns Statue Fund has been forwarded by post to-day, and should arrive in time to be acknowledged at the unveiling gerernony 9» the Queen's Pirthday r , ~ . ■ .;• • ■

AUSTRALIAN MEWS.

(PerMararoa.)

WHOLESALE POISING AT A WEDDING.

On Friday afternoon Dr. Khowle?, of In verell received a telogram from Mr R. White, Kangaroo Camp, asking him to pro ceed thero immediately, and stating that a number of people bad been poisoned. Ho ub once went out and found 18 persons ill, come seriously. He learned that a marriage had takon place that morning, at which a largo number of gueste were present, nearly all of whom took tea. Tho tea was served about 9 o'clock, and two hours afterwards the guests wore takon ill. The doctor was in attendance all night and gave the suf ferers medicine, uy Saturday morning many had recovered, though others remained ill, but not dangerously. Tho tea has since been examined and slight traces of arsenic havo been found. The police aro now making inquiries, but nothing further has been gleaned as yet.

Wreck of the Schooner Amoy.

Mr Justtco Scharff, importer, Sydney, received intelligence by cable of the loss of the Amoy, a German threo-masted schooner, whilst on a voyago from tho South Sea Islands, to Hamburg with a freight of copra. The vessel, it is believed, drove ashoro in the vicinity of Yap, one of tho Caroline Group, on December 2 last year. The captain and crew were saved and taken on to Hamburg. The first shipment of copra was takon in at Now Britain, and thence the vessel pro ceododto Jaluit Island (Majrshall group), and Yap (Caroline group). On completing her loading at the latter place she started for Hamburg, and had only got a few miles away when she went ashore on a reef and be came a total wreck. The crew landed with difficulty, and it is presumed were picked up by a passing vessel and taken home.

ASYLUM SCANDAL IN SYDNEY.

CHARGES OF STARVATION AND ILL-TREATMENT,

Sydney, May 11

Nearly tho whole of last night's sitting of the Legislative Assembly was devoted to tho discussion of a report (recently brought up by tho board appointed some months ago to inquire into tho management of certain charitable asylums. The report was receivod by tho Colonial Secretary lust Saturday,and a copy was courteously forwarded by him to Mr Dibbs, by whom tho board was ap pointed. Mr Dibbs was so startled by tho rovolations contained in 'tho report and ovidenco that ho lust night brought tho mattor boforo tho House and requested to know from the Colonial Secretary whether ho would not at onco suspend tho officials who woro charged by the board with tho gross cases of cruelty and neglect set out in the report. Sir Henry Farkes appeared indisposed to accept tho roport of tho Board without further in vestigation, and declined to suapond tho officials roforrod to until ho had satisfied himsolf that such an extrerao courso waß necessary. This led to a lengthened debate, in which several members took part, and in tho courso of which somo very startling allegations wcro made against tho nmnagouaent of somo of our public asylums. Tho report of tho board is ono of tho most strongly-worded documents ever prosontod to any Government, and if its substantial truth bo granted, reveals tho oxistonco of such cruolty and brutality in tho management of tho asylums for our helpless poor and sick as is almost without precedent. Tho board chargo certain officials with having permitted more than ono inmato of theso osylumo bo bo olowly ofearved Lv tluulil, mill particulars of severaj of theso cases aro gi'von.' A portion of tho report also goes to show that men woro kicked, tortured and beaten to death at ono of the asylums. Tho ovidenco is of a shocking character and diffi cult of belief. Referring to the evidence on this mattor, tho report states that if it bo true (and the board have no doubt of its truth) it discloses a " most terrible state of things." Such portions of Ihis evidence" as aro capable of being quoted in a public print refer to cases in which ono man was dragged from his bed by the hair, thrown on tho floor and mopped with cold water; another, who was raving, the night beforo he died, was beaten unmercifully with a mop ; anothor was struck in the face and kicked and beaten with a mop ; and several others of a similar character. Tho board calls upon tho Govornment to interfere to prevont the perpetration of tho present state of affairs, of which they say:— <pln view of the existence of such atrocities as those, your board therefore urge that im modiato stops may bo taken to better the condition 01 those unfortunates and end a system of ill-treatment and neglect which, although existing under the name of charity and in tno midsfc of a Christian community, would bo degrading to tho moat inhuman race of savages." Tho dobato last night lod to no definite result, as the Colonial Socretary declared that he had received the report so recently as not to be able to say yet what steps he would take upon it. Although members generally were not in prosossion of tho re port, it appeared that somo were familiar with its contents, while others had already acquainted themselves with tho system of management of the institution referred to, and were very outspoken in their con demnation. Ono member, for instance, stated that it had been tho practice for tho doctor to give death certificates in blank so that tho wardsmon or other hospital ser vants could fill in any cause of death they chose. Tho Minister for Lands, however, and somo others, protested against tho matter being debated, or any foregone con clusions arrivod at, until the Colonial Secretary had had an opportunity of deal ing with the report. ' ■

Sydney, May 12. The alteration made by' tlio Government in the tariff, retaining the duties on a num ber of articles, baa somewhat perplexed the ultra-freetraders, and caused rejoicing to the protectionists. The Treasurer ex plained that after reducing the beer duty by threepence it was necessary in ordei* to meet some unforseen expenses to obtain furtner revenue. Mr McMillan said that the Government should have told their supporters what would have followed from their consenting to forego 25 per cent, of the beer revenue. Mr Trickett accused the Premier of Belling his party and selling the country, which brought up Sir Ilenry Parkes, who said the Govern ment had not been unfaithful to any pro mises they had made. These duties were simply retained for revenue purposes. In his opinion the time was not yet arrived for a property tar.

Scene In the Mouse

A disgraceful scene occurred in tho House between Mr McElhone and Mr Tpobey, The former wa3 the aggres sor, as when Mr Toohey rose to complain about something having refer ence to the duties, Mr McElhone aaid, " Don't mind him ; be is drunk, with his own tanglefoot." Mr Toohey retorted : " You are a low blackguard." Then said Mr McElhone : " You are a low Fenian and a dynamiter." The Speaker commented on the disgraceful words uttered, and called on Mr McTlhone to withdraw and apologise. Thia he declined to do, And reiterated the expression: The Speaker was powerless, and said he considered it a case in which the leader of the House should take action. Sir H. Parkes thought that Mr Toohey should be first dealt with, but I the Speaker said he had pnly beard

Mr McElhone. Mr Toohey at once apolo gised, and said that the expression was used under the greatest provocation. Mr McElhone then very reluctantly withdrew. Mr Dibbs and others mado complaint that Sir H. Parkes did not support the Speaker. Tho royalty paid by lessees of oyster beds is to bo removed, as there is no reason why those cultivating oysters here should bo ab disadvantage with those whoicultivafced them in New Zealand.

John Haynea, freetrader, has been elected for Mudgee. The Chinese Commissioners arc being feted in various quarters.

SHIP'S CREW MASSACRED.

The Trucanini, which arrived recently at Thursday liland, brings intelligence of the wreck of the Frin of Looan on Moresby Island, and the massacre of all her crew, consisting of sue Chinese. The vessel went ashore during a N.W. gale, and the crew were kindly treated by the natives for a few days and then brutally murdered. Tho vessel was also stripped and broken up. The Trucanini, visited the scene of the massacre, but the natives had all cleared into the mountains.

CRUISE OF M.M.S. OPAL

KTDHAPPmQ IN ttOE NEW HEB 'Harass.

H.M.B. Opal.Captain DayH. Bosanquofc, has arrived at Port Jackson after an absence of a little over four months. The prin cipal part of her time on this occasion has been taken up in the New Heb rides, \yhero Captain Bosanqueb and his staff of officers have been actively engaged looking after the interests of the British subjects there, and at the same time keeping an eye on the Frenah troops stationed in the group. The labour traffic was also under the supervision of theofficers of the Opal and called forth special attention in consequence of a report having been made that a brig named the AUero, belong ing to Honolulu and sailed by a Captain Phillips, had been at the group kidnapping natives. The Opal went in search of the brig, but failed to come across her .she having left the islands for Honolulu. Inquiries were, however, instituted at the different islands visited, with the result that the Opal came across several of the crew of the brig Havan nah Harbour, The men stated that they had been discharged from the ship for some unknown reason and that the vessel had set sail for Honolulu with a large number of DAtives on board. The cook of the brig—a Frenchman.—it was alleged had been marooned. Captain Bosanquet had the seamen brought on board the Opal, and gained some important information regard ing tho proceedings of the captain of the brig. This has been communicated to the Rear Admiral on the station and reported to the Imperial authorities, who will no doubt take some action in th? mattar. It waa alleged by tbo sailors belonging to the AUero that Captain Phillips had taken the natives by force and brutally ill-treated them if they refused to go on board the vessel. At Boko Boko one of tho mon said ho saw the captain take ten natives by force. Five of these were mere girls. Another pf the men alleged thab the captain adopted similar tactics on the north side of Ambrym, where the natives in their own canoes were ordoroAtogo alongsldo the brig under a threat of being Bhot. One native girl tried to effect her escape by diving, but she waa secured and taken on board the brig with the others and the canoes wore sunk along side.

THE TONGA INQUIRY.

Report of the nigh Conimls

sioners

(Pbosi Pop Qvtp <?yitRE9PON*DENT.)

Suva, May 12, H.M.S. Diamond returned from Tonga on tho afternoon of 30th ult., bringing His Excellency the High Commissioner, and tho Chief Judicial Commissioner, and the Secretary to the Commission, She left Nukulofa, -\vbero the enquiry into tho Tongan disturbances-has been in progress, on tho 28th. A short oilicial account of proceedings has been furnished to the " Fiji Times " from which 1 extract tho following as an addition %q what has reached you via Sydney:— The inquiry extended over 18 sitting days, and over ICOwltnessed wore examined. Tho Tongan Government gave every assist ance, Tho charges of persecution have to some extent been proved, but his Excel lency considers that many of the state ments -whioh have appeared in colonial papers are exaggerations, though in many cases they navo a basis of truth. Ho exornates tho Minister of Police from tho charges made of indecent behaviour at the Malinoa executions. Six prisoners, all more or less concerned in the attack on Boiser's life, where, at the instauco of the High Com missioner released and pardoned on the con dition of their quitting Tonga. They were brought up by the High Commissioner in the Diamond to Frji. Hanslip, tho European trader, tried for complicity in the attaclt on Baker, as an accessory before the fact, and acquitted, was called on to show cause why he should not be bound over to be of good behaviour, and aa for inquiry ib appeared to tho Chief. Judicial Commissioner that Hanslips interference in native quarters was dangerous to the peace and gxiod order of Tonga,. he was bound over in the sum of £100, with the two securetios at £50 each, to be pf good behaviour for six months.

Meeting: «f British Subjects

On Aprfl 24th, a number of British sub jects and other Europeans met His Ex cellency by general invitation at the British Consulate, when Sir Charles addressed them, and counselled moderation, concilia tion, and forbearance. From private sources, I learn that the Europeans asked Hie Excellency if hecould relieve their minds of the dread that as soon as the Diamond had left the harbour the persecution of the Wesleyans would re-commence. This threat had been openly made by certain Government! officials, and even during His Excellency's stay, officials had stood at the Church door taking down the names of those who had attended the WeslGyan places' of ' worship. His Ex cellency said their minds might be qt rest, as before leaving he would obtain assurance from tho futuro tho "VYesleyans should not bo molested. When the Diamond left, a disquieting impression was abroad that those assurances have not been given; that tho King had refnsed to allow Wesleyanism to exist In Tonga, and that the departure of the war vessel would be the signal for a renewed outbreak of fanaticism. The official report corrects this impression and states that the King gave the required assurance, and has promised to protect the adherents of the Wesleyan Mission Church in tho freo exercise of their religious liberty.

As a meeting of tho members of the Newton. Schools Committee held, last night it was resolved to bring into operation the compulsory clauses of the Education Act within the district. It was also decided to a»k for united action in the matter on tho part ■of the suburban school committees, in order that a second truant officer might be appointed. At present the officer acting for tlie City Schools Committee has jurisdiction on one side of Karangahape Road, while tho truants may sit on the kerb at the side and jeer at him.. It is to remedy this that action has been taken,

SOUTH SEA ISLAND NEWS.

[Peb s.a. Janet Nicoll].

The Burning Steamer Ralatea* From Rarotonga we learn thafc the French mail steamer, which, according to pre vious advices, had caught fire at sea and been abandoned by officers and crew, hoa since been boarded by a boat from tho California mail steamer "Tropic Bird." They found tho Raiatea still floating, but she proved to be so hot that the men could not remain on board. Having took her bearings they left, and after the arrival of the Tropic Bird in P.arotonga it was arranged that a steamer should pa cent out to tow tho Raiatea into port.

Stimoan News. When the steamer Janet Nicoll was at Samoa the Hawaiian Embassy, which had been appointed for the purpose of inducing the natives there to accept protection, were busily engaged spending the 35,000 dollars voted for the purpose. As a matter of fact fche natives appeared in reality to be drinking the money out and consequently too probably accepted whatever terms had been proposed.

The Ruquesnc ia a Storm. The French warship Duqueene had a long and tempestuous voyage between Auckland and Tahiti. On one occasion she was ■ hove-to for five , days, with a terrific N. W. gale blowing, and one sea which boarded her was estimated to re present 14,000 tone of water. No damage was reported.

Auckland Reminiscences- At Tahiti the Admiral expressed himsel greatly pleased at the manner in which him self and the officers of the Duquesne were received and treated ' during their n stay at this port. He is reported in the local paper as having given a rather amusing account of the frigate's arrival in Auckland. He saluted the port in the usual manner, and was surprised that the compliment was not returned un till the following day. This was, however, subsequently explained when he learned that in the first place there were no guns in readiness, in the second place no gunpowder available, and in the third place no men in readiness to man the guns. The Admiral also bore testimony to the excellent charac ter of the supplies received by the frigate when in Auckland.

Tahiti Mail Service. We are also informed that the Admiral intends to recommend that in future the French mail services with Tahiti be carried by way of Auckland instead of via California as at present, and under such an arrange ment the mails would be conveyed hence by the 8.8. Janet Nicoll. Chilian Mano-Wap for Auckland. The Chilian man-o'-war Plicomayo, a school ship, was expected to come on to this porb from Tahiti and go hence to Japan. The Plicomayo was originally a Peruvian ship, and was captured during the last war in which that country was engaged.

A full rehearsal of the members of fche Band of Hope Choir will take place this evening In the Newton Congregational schoolroom, Edinburgh-street. A grand performance ie anticipated to be given ia the Choral Hall on the Queen's birthday. The mysterious affair at' Eden Terrace still remains unexplained. Mr Badger con tinues in a semie unconscious state, though there are evident signs that he is coming round at last. Yesterday he recognised sortie friends, but so far has not sufficiently recovered to make It possible to obtain any explanation from him.-,, J iWjyjftta &tosW j3»d John Mo- Redmond were this day at MessrßTartingu«rs mill, as candidates to fill theiwo occurred in the Poinb Chevalier Road Board, and being only the number required, Mr Seaman, the Returning Officer, declared them duly elected. Mr J. C. Lindsay, who arrived this morn' ing by the steamer Mararoa, from Sydney* has brought with him two human wonders* who will shortly be exhibited in Auckland* These are the American midget, " General Mite," and the wonderful Circassian youth. The latter is a young man with a pheno menal head of white hair and pink-coloured eyes. Ho is the first of this particular race that has ever been exhibited in this part of tho world. Mr Lindsay is also bringing over to this colony C. Richardson, a man of colour, who is' the champion, middle-weight boxer of Victoria, and he ia willing to match him with any middle weight in New Zealand, or even with Matthews.

Messrs R. H. Abbott and Co., Karanga hap'o Road and Upper Synionds-street, are again to the front with a wonderful line of ladies' and .maids' hats, as per advertise ment in another column. They will doubt less create a sensation. John McDougal Simpson, of Auckland, has to-day tiled a petition of bankruptcy with the Deputy-Registrar of the District Court.

A late arrival from Melbourne, named Faulkner, was charged, at the Police Courb this morning with forgery of a cheque for £9 on the Bank of New Zealand, the. said cheque purporting to be drawn by Mr Sarah, storekeeper, Mangawai. The prisionor was remanded. It would appear that Faulkner gave the cheque to Mr Humphries, of the British Hotel, that gentleman giving him£3 on account, and he was to call again for the balance of the money. On presenting the cheque to the bank, Mr Humphreys was in formed that they believed it was a forgery. The cheque form, it is alleged had been ob tained by the accused from Mr Woodroffe, of the Melbourne Drapory Company, on the pretext that ho wanted to pay a .bill to Mr Partridge. • .. £ -j,. u

Attention is directed to the auction sale of city and suburban property, to be held to-morrow at noon, by Mr D. IVEvansy ab his mart, Queen-street,; next the Bank of Australasia. The.lots, to be submitted comprises several very valuable city and, suburban properties. . ' The police are still busily engaged mak ing inquiries into the incendiarism in Free man's Bay at Smith's Mill. It is gratifying to knpw that there is a possibility of the miscreant being detected on this occasion, and the * f rat ' will thus escape being maligned.

COMING EVENTS.

Meeting, &c., To-night.

Abbottfe Opera House—Lynch Family of Bell ringers, 8. , ;•. .... Agricultural Hall—London Circus Company, 8. Museum, Princes-street—Conversaziono, 7.45. Robson's.Rooms — Shareholders of "Leader" Company, 7.30. . ... ; "Waite's Hall, Mt. Eden—Weekly. Social, 8. Drill-shed-No. 2 Battalion, A.R.V.,.7.30., Court Victoria, A.0.F., No. 6,699, 7.30. Oddfellows' Hall, Ponsonby—Temperance Meet ing, 7.00. Drill-shed-Hobson R.V., 7.30. KSoSISISj?m I School-rool°-B>nd 3 of

Auction Sales To-morrow.

iack?on' Upper Symonda-streot-Houso hold Furniture and Effects, U. ™"so- BPtam. k etcnii C°' ~ Paintings' Photographs, S. Cochrane and Son—Saddlery,1 Shovels, Man. gles.etc., 11. Hof kCa^tetb tur> np^to Ces; jj"*"*^"*** P. F, Evana-Properties, etc., 12.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

May 18-Messrs W. C. Lyon and D. B, McDonald

THK"atrqKMy-EV£yiNg MAT" 17, 1887.

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