War In Samoa.

GERMANY ANNEXES THE ISLANDS.

ÜBS IMJETOA DEPOSED.'

ÜBBLABAHONOFWAB.

HOSTILITIES IMMINENT.

tfPEAI FOR BRITISH WAR SHIP.

(FROM OUB OWJf CORRESPONDENT.)

Suva, Fiji, September 2.

A SCHOONER arrived this morning from 'Samoa, with startling news. On the German Emperor's birthday it appears that there was a general " drunk," and »free fight took place, in which some Germans were assaulted by Samoans. The fierman squadron came in and the German mail steamer Lubeck left on 23rd August Immediately after she left, the Consul demanded 13,000 dollars from King Malietoa— 3,000 dollars being for the assault and tb rest for Samoaa robberies from the German "plantations. King Malietoa ieplie<Bbat .he could not pay on so ehort nojtice, but he would call his thiefs together. Next day 500 men vere landed from the German*..war ships with Gatlings, and made »•* de cWonof war against Malietoa, as follows:—. "CmzroSOT APIA,-^- !r By order of His Majesty the i Em peror of Gjennany, war has been de clared against the chief Malietoa. The netality of the municipal district will be respected as long* as the security of the German "troops is mot endangered by any agitation within the municipal distnct I call upon the inhabitants to assist me in the maintenance of peace and good order in (Signed) % ' Hensult, Commodore and of h German.Squadron." flu Germans have proclaimed Jiouese king, hoisted'his flag, and fed a royal salute, and wfcen the reel left the opposing t forces were preparingtofight. V. Malietoa musters I,COO men. Hos tilities are expected to 'commence at once/, ---■ D» British Consul is absent through Sl-hueaith. Tlje American consul has "M1 on all American and British subjects to pl?.ce themselves and their Nrty undfer his care, advising them fe^e earotoot to provoke the German tooftwHerhas not a force at hand to protect theijj.: >J'l , brings urgent demands wraßntish.man-of-war; but there is "olle'^ji, the Swinger having left yesterday.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

A SPECIAL COEEESPOMJJSNT.)

to the 2ndinpt, a schooner arrived y*""* rtSavawth intelligence '™ Government of Germany, on August, had proclaimed Kng of Samoa, an<j that AI .were lying at the American Consul CoJ ISOn ' the Acting' British Wm lS su ed a. proclamation that tgtm. 'Tamasese as King of the Sloans to submit Hk H^ lliey «*nnot help and

A MINING DIFFICULTY.

A de pilt4t . GuEriI WTH, this day. %^^ anty Council andiOToked S**£SV W assistan^in en &«« S the Tere mi vkau° V^ others «?n K. i him oufc tbea md « PS' 1 Pl;esent sim Sar, ,d*Wct. Pt? &IJ, nuning It le»al Opininn ° oUnCil wiL" Wi^gtant a P n ' v nio" n as. to Aether

THE SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

Seduction in Freight and

Passenger fares.

The Federated Seamen's Union are push ing on their arrangements in connec tion with the Jubilee Steamship Com pany as rapidly as possible, and anMci pate being able to take up the rum lag with their three chartered steamers about the end of next week. Mr Miller has been appointed manager of the Jubilee Line, and he has secured officers for tho transaction of business at No. 6, Marine Chambers, and in the Harbour Board offices on the Queen-street Wharf. Mr Cook, late of the firm Cook and Culpan, of Whangarei, has been appointed agent. for that port, and proceeded thithr~ last evening for the purpose of a. pointing sub-agencies throughout the d{». tricC and canvassing tor support. Negotia tions are now in progress for the appoint ment of other agencies at Ku3dell, Wlian garoa, Mongonui, \Vaitara and Onehunga. Three popuku- Auckland skippers have been chosen as captains of the three Jubilee steamers. It is rumoured that Captain ; Crawford, formerly iv the employ of the Northern Steamship Company and Kaino Coal Company, will take over the Whan garei trade with the s.s. Coonambara, and that Captain Daniels, late of the Northern Steamship Co.'s s.s. Macgregor, will run the. s.s. Bellinger in tho Onehunga antl W'ai tara trade. Captain Scott, formerly master of the Northern Steamship Co.'s Glenelg", and more recently mate on the s.s. Janet Nicoll, will take charge of the third steamer, which is to run between this port, Russell, Whangaroa, and Mongonui. The Jubilee Steamship Company has now in the hands of the printers all the usual office requirements, such as freight lists, Cus toms papers, tickets, etc., and they announce a greab reduction on the present rates of freight, amounting to a reduction of 2s 6d per ton on cargo and 5s on passen ger rates. To Whangarei it is proposed to charge 7s 6d per ton for dead-weight,and 10s per ton for measurement goods. Passenger rates, saloon,will be 15s single and 22s bd re turn ; passenger rates, steerage, 10s single, and 15s return. A corresponding reduc tion is to be mado in the Northern and Waitara trade, the latter receiving special attention.

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

This Bny

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Ward.) His Honor took his seat; on the Bench at 10. o'clock. Tet'e Bills.—The Grand Jury returned true bills in the Maori perjury caso and against Hone and Hareata Muraltai for un lawfully wounding. Larceny from a Schooner. — George Smith was sentenced to 12 month's hard labour for larceny from a schooner. The prisoner was previously remanded in order to afford time to product) witnesses as to character. Only one witness was in attend ance, and he had merely known the prisoner for one year. Assault. — Purua was charged with assaulting one George Storey, at Mercer, on the lbth August, with intent to do grievous bodily harm.—Mr W. Hammond officiated as interpreter.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty. —George Storey, settler at Mangatawhare, deposed that on the 16th of August he was engaged building ra haystack. A Mr Melville was also present. The accused crossed witness's paddock in company with two other 'natives. Witness ordered thorn off his paddocks. In reply they swore at him. Witness came down from the haystack, when the prisoner seized him by the chest and pushed him back aboufc two chains. Witness had a small stick in his hand, which the prisoner took from him. Melville regained it, and handed it to witness, who hit the accused across the forehead. It vv*is a sharp blow. Prisoner then soiled tho heavy stake pro duced and swung it round, striking wit ness on the right arm and breaking it. The prisoner then turned on to Mellville, who ran away. Prisoner and his com panions then ran across the fields. Witness was on his own fenced-in property.—Henry Melville gave corroborative evidence. He was present when the assault was com mitted.—Dr. Charles Rowley deposed to attending to Mr Storey's injuries. He found the right arm broken.—Constable Hutchison, stationed at Mercer, de posed to arresting the prisoner. — This concluded the case for the prosecution. —The prisoner stated that he had a small piece of land near Mr Storey's, and it waa to reach that that he was crossing Mr Storey'o land. They visited Mr Pope, and were then going to Mr Storey's house to buy pigs. Having obtained the pigs, they v\ere simply returning to their settlement across Mr Storey's land. He was ordered lo turn back, but did not do so. He did not strike Storey until after he had first struck the prisoner and knocked him down. When he got up he found his face cove«ed with blood. He then seized tho stick and struck Storey. Melville ran at prisoner, who ran away.— His Honor, in summing xrp, pointed out that in the first instance the natives had been trespassing. The jury after a few minutes' deliberation returned a Verdict of guilty. Hia Honor sentenced tho prisoner to nine months' imprisonment with hard labour. Larceny of a Gdn. — George Robert Martyn was charged with the larceny of one double-barrelled shot gun, value £7 10s, the property of Thomas Viret Shepherd, at Mangare, on the 15th of December, 1885. Mr H. Williamson prosecuted on behalf of i the Crown, and Mr J. O'Mcagher appeared for the accused. — Prisoner pleaded not guilty. —: Lieut. -Col. Thomas Viret Shep herd deposed that in July, 1885, he had a 1 iou*6 at Mangare which he occasionally occupied as a dwelling-house. The gun produced was his property. It cost £7 10s. He left the gun in the corner of the room which he used as a bedroom when staying at the house. The door of tho .house was kept by a Maori woman named "Polly," who lived adjacent. Towards the end of 18K> ho missed his srun. — He knew the accused. He had been en gaged on his premises during the potato planting season, 1885. His partner, Bell, was engaged with him. Witness allowed them to use two rooms of the house. — By Mr O'Meagher: The name had been scratched . off the gun. He did not know the number on the gun. He had no private mark on it,, still he knew it. —David Eyitfc, , gunsmith, Queen-street, Auckland, deposed that the gun (produced) had been sold by him. He had six of tho same guns. The name, had been erased off the gun since t\\e rust was upon it. He sold one to Major Shepherd in 1882 for £7 2s. There were peculiarities about the gun by which he could identify. Henry Allan Bell deposed that in company with the accused, he engaged, to plant potatoes for Colonel Shepherd at Mangare in 1885. The accusei once showed him Major Shepherd's gun, and expressed admiration at is. He was wondering whether the Mayor would lend it .to him. The gun was similar to the, one produced, but he could not sAvear to it. Sometime j afterwards the accused told witness to como out to his father's place, and have some rabbit shooting as he had got a gun. Hare Naga (Polly) deposed that she lived near Major Shepherd's house at Mangare. iHe left the key of the house with her in 1885. Tho accused once got the key ircm her, because he was working iliore. The keys of one inside doors

were kept hanging over the ledge of each door. Witness identified the gun pro duced as the one left in Major Shepherd's room. Just after the prisoner left she went to put the house in order. She then missed tho gun — she missed the gun on a Saturday. She saw it on tho previous VVednesdy in the room. No one but the prisoner had been in the house in between. By Mr O'Meagher : Witness never previously handled the gun. Constable Walker stationed afc Otahuhu de posed to visiting the prisoner's house at Eas'.- Tamaki. Amongst other things he found tie gun (produced) in the house. He took possession of it. Witness saw the prisoner half an hour afterwards and asked him to ac count for having the gun in his possession. Prisoner replied that he had bought the gun from a young man going over a farm ab East Tamaki during the hay harvest. lie could not give the man's name or describe him. Prisoner said he h-\d paid £3 for the gun. Witness then took him under arrest.

(Left sitting.)

FIRE IN A THEATRE.

TERRIBLE PANIC.

180 KILLED.

(Reuter.)

London, September 6,

A most disastrous fire occurred in the theatre at after (sic) during the performance last night.

On the fire breaking out a terrible panic arose, and iv the rush from the building the exits became blocked. Over a hundred persons were crushed to death.

The victims were chiefly those who had occupied seats in the gallery.

Up to the present time a hundred and thirty bodies have been recovered, but it is feared they do not represent the total loss of life.

The fire began on the stage, and spread with great rapidity, the back portion being ablaze within three minutes. The pit exit was cleared with difficulty, thus allowing the audi ence in the lower parts of the house to escape. The gallery exit became blocked, and the peoplo made for the windows and roof, many of them jump ing to the ground, a distance of forty feet, and sustaining serious injuries.

TWO HUNDRED LIVES LOST.

MANY PERSONS INJURED.

(special to press association.)

, • .. Lonpon, September 6. It is supposed that two hundred lives were lost by the fire at the Theatre. (Name of theatre not given as portion of the message has not come through. The conflagration originated on the stage, during the performance of tho fourth act of " Komany Eye." There was only one exit provided for the gallery, and it was in that portion of the building that tho greatest num ber of casualties occurred.

FIJI NEWS.

(Fkom Our Own Correspondent.)

Suva, September 2. Annexation to Victoria. The promoters of the movement for annexa tion to Victoria are pushing it on most vigorously, and have great hopes of ifca ulti mate success. Mr F. H. Pritchard, editor of the Fiji "Times," proceeds within a fortnight to Melbourne with petitions for presentation to both Houses of Parliament, in Victoria, and also to 00-operate with and misinc the locul committee there with his special knowledge of Fiji require, ments. . •

The Sugar Crop.

All the sugar mills are steadily at work, and those at Ba, Penong, Ellington and Mago are getting most excellent results. Owing to frequent heavy rains tho young cane is in splendid condition. The Mausori mill will stop in a few days for a six weeks' spell, which will benefit the cane yet to be crushed, and enable planters to look to the next ratpon crop. Mill mana gers are well satisfied with the prospect, more especially with the alteration in the Victorian tarilT, which admits! sugar pre pared by the ivory proceed into Victoria at £2 10s per ton*

Tea-growing.

Tea is doing well. Growers are confident about its success on any scale. Mr Barratt, of Wainuna (an old Indian grower), declares that the yield is fully 25 per cent, greater than in Assam or on the Diirjceling hills.

Cotton and Copra

The cotton crop at Mago is looking well, and the cocoanuts are recovering troin the efleots of the '86 hurricane. .

War-ship.

H.M.S. Nelson left Levuka for Havanna Harbour and Sandwich Islarids on the 12th ult. She goes. from there to Sydney. The : Admiral joins the Diamond at Havanna for a cruise amongst the Islands. H.M.S. Swinger has been on a ten days' cruise with the Governor amongst the Group. She left; on the Ist instant for Noumea.

Bligcellaneous

The new lighthouse on Solo Reef is pro ceeding slowly.. The " Polynesian Gazette" has again made its appearance in Levuka. The new proprietor is Mr Whitefield. Rumours of more gold discoveries art. rife, and specimens are being shown, but many people are sceptical about their being found in the district alleged.

Mr Adam Porter, whose intimate ac quaintance \vith metallurgy and lengthy experience in pursuit of gout-mining entitle him to rafik as an expert, has just returned from a visit to the Hikutaia find. He is greatly impressed with its value, and says that some of the stone showing in the face was fully pne-third bullion.

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

There now only remains ten days prior to to the first of the nominations for the Auck land seats in the new House of Representa tives. The greater part of the nominations take place on Saturday, the 17th in stant, at noon. These are for Parnell, Eden, Franklin South, Auckland North, Manukau, Rodney, and Waitemata. On the following: Monday the nominations for City West, Newton, City Central, and Franklin North take place, and that for Ponsonby on Tuesday, tho 20th. The elections all take place on Monday, the 26th, and according to an Act passed last session the poll remahiß open till 7p.m. i

THE SUPPOSED CASE OF LOST IN THE BUSH.

An Unexpected Discovery.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

New Plymouth, this day. It is reported at Inglewood that tho dead body of Mr Milne has been found. The search party organised has just returned. The body was found with its throat cut across from the left ear. No weapon can be found at present.

CITY COUNCIL ELECTION.

Out of the six City Council ward vacancies no less than four are contested thus afford ing signal proof that muncipal honours, although they carry no emolument, ara ris ing in public esteem. This is as it should be. The polling takes takes place in the four wards referred to between the hours Of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to-morrow. For the East Ward Mr W" Crowther (the late member and Chairman of the gtreets Committee) is opposed by Mr H. E. Brabazon, a well known builder. In the North Ward Mr Chaa. Atkin (who has proved himself one of the most active and useful mem born of our City Council) will measure his strength with Mr F. Gleeson (a popular hotel-keeper) and Capt. JohnNearinp (sofavorablyknown in shipping circles). At Grafton Mr James Paterson [will try conclusions with Mr E. Parsons (late member), and at Karangahape Mr James Davies (late member) has to fight a pitched battle with no lees a personage than Lieut.-Col. Mahon. Messrs D. Goldie (for the South Ward) and E. Cooper (for the Ponsonby Ward) have secured re-elec tion unopposed. . .

AUCKLAND REGATTA COM MITTEE.

The Auckland Reeatta Committee met last evening at tho Club Room, Waitemata Hotel, to arrange a preliminary programmo for January 29th, 1888. Mr T. Henderson -was elected Chairman of Committee, and Mr J. B. Morpeth was elected a member of Committee in the place of Mr C. B. Stone, resigned. It was decided to allow the Champion Whalcboat Race and prizes to .stand the same as at the 1887 Jlegatta, and a champion schooner race was added to the programme, the first prize being fixed at .€75. The large cutter race was al«o rein stated, and it wua decided to largely in crease the prizes for other deserving events. The preliminary programme will be pub lished in* our advertising columns at un early dute.

CITY EAST LICENSING COURT.

(Before Messrs H. F. Anderson, Chairman pro tern., Ceo. Harper, and <J. M, Shera, Licensing Commissioners.)

The- quarterly Bitting of the above Licen sing Committee was held at noon to-day, when the following business was disposed of.

Transfers.

Provincial Hotel, Shorfcland-street.— Jame Lang to Edward Bradford.—Mr F. Baume appears in support; of t<his applica tion, and there being no opposition, it was granted. Park Hotel, Wellesley-street Bast. — David Twohill to John L. Kean.—The parties appeared in person, and as no op position was offered the application waa granted. The sitting did not last more than five miuutes. ■ -

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(dv telegraph.—own cokhespohdent,)

Wellington, this day^ A well-known Thames mining expert, writing to Mr Gordon, Inspecting1 Engineer of the Mines Department, gives the result of two private assays of ore from tho new find at Ilikutaia, ono of which yielded, bullion afc the rate of 26670zs to the ton, and the.other, which was made at Bank of New Zealand, proved thattheHtnall sample which was tested contained bullion to the extent of one third of its bulk. The writer utates that the silver is easily brought to nurfuco of the ore in the metallic state by means of the blow pipe without the aid of charcoal or fluxes. The First Oftenderfi Probation Act lias so far worked satisfactorily' ■ ir» Wellington district, tho conduct under surveillance being quite exemplary. m • ~:>

An extraordinary story was told in the Magistrates' Court today by an elderly woman named Mary Jones, who was charged with having1 been found in a stable without lawful excuse. She stated that she was seized last night by four men who dragged hef in to*the place where she was founof, silencing her screams by placing their hands over her mouth. Tboy trieato'insult her, but she was too much for them and they then left her. She knew no more until she waa in custody. The arresting constable swore that seeing three men leave the stable, he went inside and found Jones on the ground with a fourth man, who decamped. She was in a dazed condition and as she had no friends in Wellington he arrested her. The Magistrate declared his belief that. the woman's story wat a groundless yarn. As however, deceased professed to be able to produce evidence of character she was re manded until this afternoon. ' . •

Captain Edwin advises at 12;20 p.m.— " Heavy gale between north-east and north and west with heavy rain within the next, 12 hours* Glass falling again soon," . At a meeting of the Committee of the forthcoming fancy dress ball, held last night at Dr. Walker's, the report as to the safe of tickets was most satisfactory; and in order that visitors should not be incon venienced ib was resolved to limit the sale of tickets to one. ;hundred couples. The Committee; also call attention to the fact that no ball.room tickets will be sold at the door. Arrangements are being made for a lime-light display, which should prove very effective on the various costumes. Spectators are reminded that they can re serve their seats at Messrs Kjdd and .Wild man's... . . i ■ , . fiu&sziM v i '■ &A ■ ;;

CABLEGRAMS.

(fi? ELECTRIC TELEORABB—COPTBIOHT.)

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONFERENCE.

A FEMALE DELEGATE.

(SPECIAL.)

London, September 6th. The International Medical Congress, now meeting at Washington, was opened by President Cleveland. Fiv6 thousand physicians are present, and among them is Miss Fanny Dickenson, the first female delegate who has ever attended the congress.

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

MR HIGGISON'S INTRIGUE.

(SPECIAL TO PSKSS ASSOCIATION},

London/September 6. Mr John Higgison, Chairman of the French New Hebrides' Company, is ! intriguing with the Government at Paris in the interests of the Company. He asserts that the French occupation of the New Hebrides was meant to be permanent. Sydney, September 7. CIVIL SERVICE HOURS. The office hours of the civil servant 8 haye been fixed at 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., not 5 p.m.j as previously announced.

REVOLT IN BULGARIA.

THE ARMY AND PRINCE FER

DINAtfD.

GERMANY'S ATTITUDE.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.) >

London, September 6. It is reported that the Bulgarian army has revolted against Prince Ferdinand.

The " North German Gazette" which is understood to be the organ of Prince Bismarck, has published an article, at tacking the new Prince of Bulgaria..

London, September 6. It is reported that fifteen officers have been arrestedin Bulgaria forendeavour. ing to cause a revolution. The new Sobranje will be elected on October'■Biu^i»U"^«4< '■^^ ■■■•.,

CONTRADICTED.

[reuter's telegram.]

Berlin, September 5.

The semi-official <* North German Gazette," referring to the announce ment that a meeting would shortly take place between the Emperor Wil liam and the Czar at Stettin, declares the statement to bo pure conjecture, and that no such meeting has been arranged.

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

EXPECTED SETTLEMENT.

[reuter's telegram.]

Paris, September 5

"Le Temps," in an article- this morning on the New Hebrides, says the settlement of the question may be expected shortly after the Parlianflpn tary recess.

Melbourne, September 6,

The Government have been asked to establish a mail service between Vic toria au.d the New Hebrides.

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

[REUTERS TFXEGIIAM,]

London, September 5. Consols have declined by £ to 101|. New Zealand inscribed stock remains at 99Jk Adelaide wheat, off coast cargoes, are realising 30s 4|d; New Zealand wheat, ex store, is quoted at 31b to 325, according to quality j Ade laide flour, 245. The market rate of; discount has advanced to 3| per cent; the bank rate remains at 4 per cent Australian tallow; Quality beef, 23s 6d; mutton, 25a.

AUSTRALIAN.

QUEENSLAND REVENUE,

Brisbane, September 6.

The revenue of the colony for the past two months shows an increase of £62,000 as compared with the corres ponding period of last year.

ELECTORAL REFORM.

Jn the Assembly to-day a Bill for the redistribution of seats was intro duced and read a first time. The Bill alters the representation of the Parlia mentary divisions by addingmine mem bers to the present Assembly f

JUBILEE STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

Sydney, September 6.

The Federated Seamen's Union has completed negotiations for . chartering tie' steamship Bellinger, : v ;

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION BILL.

Melbourne, September 6.

The Melbourne Exhibition Bill has passed through all stages in both. Houses of Parliament, ; ; :,,.;,.. j

SPORTING NEWS.

Hawkesbury Guineas iB run to-morrow. According to last week's "Referee" there has t#»n another aplit-up between the Hon. W. Robinson and the jockey Denitfi.

Wellington Racing Club.

{BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION^

Wellington', Tuesday. The stewards of the Wellington Racing Club this afternoon drew up their Spring, Summer, and Automn programmes- The! amount of added money.as divided over the three meetings, is as follows: —Spring Meet ing (30th November and lsb.December), first day, £305 ; second day, £300 : Totalj £605. Summer Meeting (2nd and 4th February), first day, £770 ; second day, £490 : Total, £1,260. Autumn Meeting (date not fixed), first day, £275; second day, £260: Total, £535. Grand total, £2,400, which shows a reduction of £320 as compared with the meetings last season. The Wellington Cup has been reduced from £500 to £4*00.' „

A SHIPPING CASE.

(BY TELEGRAPH—QWX CQKRKSPONDENT,)

Wanqanoi, this day,

At the R.M. Court yesterday rather an im portant decision was given by-Mr Ward, R.M. A market gardener' sued MrMasefieid, owner of the. steamer '.Qreti,' for some vegetables supplied to the steward of the boat at various times. Plaintiff, in his evidence, stated that he, had nofc ,giveii the steward credit on. their own ac count, but understood that tho owner of tho vessel was to be responsible for pay ment. On the other sicta, Mr Maseneld gave evidence thathe took no active in terest in the boat's running, other parties having chartered her, though he was the registered owner, He' had not given any one authority to pledge his credit for stores for the vessel. Evidence was also given to show that the steward was providore, and was paid by the charterers at so mu'eh peT head for boarding the crew and passengers. Counsel for the defence argued that as ib was shown that tho contract had been entered into with the 'steward, he was t^e only person responsible, and as no agency was provided, tho rejaristered owner could not be held responsible for debts contracted on behalf of the charterers. Plaintiff's counsel contended that aa the goods were supplied to the ship the owner Y/ii»irrimafnat>. responsible. Plaintiff was nonsuited, the magistrate looking on ib aa a contruet boLweou tho providoro aud the plaintiffs. .

OPERA HOUSE.-"The Corsican Brothers."

Bocoicault'9 ■well-known adaptation of Dumas's novol« "Th« Corsican Brothers,' 1 was product*! ab the Opera House last nighb, and drew a capital attendance. The play was mounted in really first-class stylo, no pains having/been spared to. en sure for it a most successful representation. This object was fully accomplished. Upon the curtain' being raised'in the first scene Miss HanVood sang froiff the left wingart Italian sorig: entitled " Tempo Paseato,- to which the orchestra played a pretty pizzi cato accompaniment sug'gestivo of the guitar. The lady Was a well-trained voice of nice quality, arid she sang with much swyetnetiß and tastei The scenory mci dental to the play was exceedingly elective. That for the'first act repre sented faithfully the hall of the Dei Frahchi chateau in Corsica, while:the second act depicted a masked ball at thoOftertt House, Paris, the four galleries being_ shown crowded ,wtth a gay: and, fafenionable throng. Equally* good'arid reran more striking in its effect was the glade in the forest of Fontainebleau, where the dud and its accompanying ghostly apparition takes place. Oeneral msappdinraient waft felt at the non-inclusion of Signora Majeroni in the cast, and the fact attests the signal popularity which this talented actress has already won for herself with the public of Auckland. Signer Majeroni gave a power ful impersonation of the brothers Dei Franchi, and Mr H. R. Jewetb did full jus tice to the part of the cynical Chateau Beriaud. The fatal duel between this character and Fabien Dei Franchi gave the audience oni9 of the best displays of fencing ever seen upon *«be local -stage. Both Sig oor Majeroni and Mr Jewitt are clever awoxdsmen, and the duel was carried through with thrilling effect. Miss Lucia Harwood gave a very acceptable portraiture of Emilio do Lesparro, and MraCJeo. Gordon played th« role of Matlarii« Dei Franchi with much dignity and mutttrual tenderness. The lv* »:ouieily uiwnoiii? waa supplied by We»a«(» Ijivrrericu aird Miiß{{ruv«, who sus tained th« jai ta of; fcliw hetula of the cotiteatioua Oflundi a«d Colouu* Mtt y amusingly.

Siguora Bfajeroid's Benwlit Xv

JKielit

" Goodwill* needs no b«j»h,° and for pre cisely the same reason 'Sigayro Majerora re quires no pies* eulogium^ to convince the publia ot iier rare talents as an aetresa or to bespeak' for hei;, their warm aud un stinted patronage ab her benefit perfor mance to night. '.If she had not already earned such a recognition by -the series of splendid characterisations which she has presented since her arrival in Auckland, the manifold attractions of the programme drawn" up for thi^ evening's performance should of i*self ensure a crowded house. The piece <U resistama 13 Schiller's fine his torical play of " Marie Stuart;" iii wbicb the beneficiaire will take the titlßrflle, and then, as an afterpiece; the -corned iotta of ♦• A Kiss " will bo given by Sijjm»r»nd Hig nora Majeioni and Mr Musgrave. Wi con fidently look for a hou»« crowded t» the du&TH. .

A CLERGYMAN ARRESTED.

(BY TEIiEORAriT- CBESS A&SOCUIUON.)

; CHRiSTCinniCH, this (Jay, litvoKßUTloN has hecn received that the Rev. W. Radcliffe, wbo^e house at New Brighton w.as burnt, down a, shorb while since, and who left the colony soon after wards, was arrested at Adelaide yesterday under the Bankruptcy Act, on a warrant issued by the police authorities here. Mr Kadcliffe. wa* adjudicated a bankrap> yes terday. .

TELEGRAMS.

.[' ; Thames* tbfe day. Mr1 John Wilson has retired from the contest? for the North Ward in the Borough Council. Messrs' Btpfnand Crawford still remain in. ■ . ' _, Hamu-tos, Monday. The squad firing of Hamilton Light In' fantry Volunteers on Saturday was, on the whole, highly satisfactory. Servant Pear son made the top ecore, 62, at 100 and 200 yards. There was a church parade of the above corps on Sunday, over 60 o\ alj ra&Ks being preeenp,

A PAINFUL CASE.

Scene in a Police Court

(by telegraph—press association.)

Cmristchurch, this day. At the .Resident Magistrate's Court yfcS' terday, Alice O'Neill, an eiderly married woman, was charged with assaulting F. Wagschall, a German bootmaker, on Mon day." Accused had threatened to stab Wag schall for- the wrong he had done her daughter, a girl of fourteen years. The bootmaker took refuge in a back- room of his shop, whilst Mrs O'Neill thundered and threatened at the door. The husband of the accused tried, in vain to get his wife away, and at last the police had to take her into custody. This morning, when Wagscball appeared in the witness-box, the accused could not over come her feelings and burst out crying. In the course of his evidence Wagsohall was frequently interrupted by.Mrs O'Neill calling out "Oh, you villain! you ruined my daughter!" InspectorPenderstated that, accusedcharged Wagschall with seducingher daughter,and that was the reason why, she had assaulted him. Mr Beetham ordered that inquiries should be made into the matter, and adjourned the further hearing of the case until the following morning. Accused on leaving the dock asked that WagscL*li might be taken out of. her sight, as she could not contain herself, and she might " go for him " again.

CITY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

This Committee met last evening, MrW. Gorrie presiding.

The Blincoe Dispute.—Mr Blincoe again wrote concerning the difficulty with Mr' Harrison relative to his son. He said' ib would appear to the public from Mr Harri son's report that he (the father) was solely" to blame for the expulsion of his son from the school.' He regretted that the Com mittee had not expressed an opinion on the three points submitted, to them. He admitted that his boys had been irregu* lar in their attendance, but not because of carelessness on the, part of the parents. Wet weather, arid ill-health were assigned as the causes. He declined to attend the meeting unless Mr Harrison was also pre sent.—le was agreed that the* Committee should inform Mr Blincoe that they regret the disagreement with Mr Harrison, and fchafc if fie wishes his son reinstated, ho would require to confer with the Chairman, and Mr Harrison on the subject.

Class Room.—Mr T. Cranwell applied for theuse of aclase-room inNelson-stieetsehool for the use of his pupils on Friday evenings from five till six. Tne request was granted. An explanation from Mr Cranwell relative to the use of a room in Wcllesley : sCreet) school was received.

Irkjsgclaiuty.—The question of irregular attendance arose in connection with Mr Blincoe's letter, and after some discussion \ the Committee resolved that it should be an' instruction to head-teachers that in the case of any child's name being about to .be struck off the roll, notification be serib to the parents of euch intention a week pre viously. . . BeJiesfokd-stkekt. — The Board wrote authorising the a(>(x)intuieut of Mr Bishop rick as an assistant at the Beresford-atreeb school. ' i

New School.—The Board wrote forward ing the. plan prepared of the proposed new school-building in Napier-street. They re gretted that the limited funds at, their dis posal would not allow the erection of a permanent building in brick. They suggeM&T for adoption a plan in wood-, with an iron roof, estimated to cost' £2,050. The design ..for plain building in brick with (Jfimen 6 facings and. slate, roof would cost about £4,200. The same plan in wood with iron roof would cost £2100. Tlie No. 2 design in plain red brick wou^d cost £4,100, and in wood aud iron roof £2050. Ifr was decided tv holda special meeting for conaideration of the plans, tho head-master* of, the city schools to be pre scnti and the piaiis to be handed to them for inspection. Certificates ok Discharge.—Samuel Brooking, on behalf of the Newton Schools Committee, wrote stating that his Com mittee did not concur in the desirability of requiring from children applying for ad mission a certificate of discharge from the head teacher of the school from which: they were about to be transferred.and declining to cooperate with the Committee in the matter.—•'The letter was received. > i:. ; •

ARCHDIACONAL CONFERENCE AT HAMILTON.

The Bible in Schools.

(by TELirr.KArJt—own cokuespondent.) i

Hamilton, this day.' . Thb Archdiaconal Conference held theit quarterly meeting. Huiuiltoii on Monday afternoon tin Uioi-I'ublic Uall, under the presidency of the Yen. Archdeacon VViliU. There was a good attendance of clergy and lay members. After the minutes of the previous meeting had: been con firmfid, the subjects for discussion 'were briefly touched upon by : the Chairman. Regarding;tho subject 'of Bible-reading in State Bohobls. the Chairman pointed riut that' the children were growing up without any knowledge :of the Scriptnres, and'he contended that a syllabus should be pre pared from the llible acceptable to all classes, leaving the literal interpre tation to the clergy. With regard to denominationaiism, he did not think they could go back to it, though he defended tho system. . Several petitions-, were read :in favour of the movement. It was eventually resolved, " That in the opinion of this Conference it ia highly, desirable that the Education Act be. so amended as to admib of selected portions of the Bible being read in schools, with only'literaryvand hiitoriqHl remarks thereon." At six o'clock those present, sat down to an excellent tea. After * short service in St. Peter?s. the Con ferenco again assembleil in thejmll^ to further discusN u-.aU«rs in contiection With the wel fareot Uie (Jhuicli- . ' ; . i\

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.' .

Abbott'B Opera House—Majerbrii Company in "Mary Stuart" and "A Kiss," 8 :■ Bell's Buildings. Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 , V ■ Olympia Hall. Grey-street-Skatin^ .Rink, 7.30 to 10 ' North Shore Presbyterian Church—Evangelis tic Service, 7.30 ' ; ■ - .. St James's Church—Annual Congregational Soiree. 6.30 Hobson Hall, Remuera m Lecture, " John Plouffhman jPicturea" by, Rev, T. Spurgeon. 8 OddfellCws' Hall, Ponsouby—Lodge Ponsonby, No, 708, S.C., 7.30 Club-room, Masonic Hotel—North Shore 11. Football Club, 7.20 " Pooley's Chambers.—Ladies' and Gentlemen's Elementary VocahO^ass. 7.30 Club-room, Albert Hotel-Annual Meeting of Auckland Cricket Club, 8 Avondale Public Hall-rSupporters and Com i niitte'e of Mr J. A. Connelly 7.30 Newmarket Hall—Address to Electors of Par " nell by Mr F. J. Moss,B' Waite's Hall, Mount Eden—Committee ot Mr E. Mitehelsbn, 7.30 ,i , Agricultural Hall—Entertainment by Bonsmian 8 • '•■

Bota of Justices at Police Court.

September B—Messrs F. G. Clayton, and S. Y. Collins

Auction Sales To-morrow. EdwardLeydou—lronmongery ;cto., 11 Arthur and Buddie-Kruit, etc.. 2.30 Arthur & Buddie- Bananas, Pineapples, &c, *»... ' ;. '~ - -

THE AUCKLAIS D E VJiiJN ING STAK, WEBNES D*. i , SEPTEMBER 7, 1887

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