"""" ~~~ t. a ImDroving in Auckland, A** 8 ™5 the R M. Court was all dis- Tbebun^y^*. to-day. This beats posed yM± & long time past. *" - »Sn«rof the Poultry Association At a meeting <tf ? n M th ' elected last Digbt' Mr Cruickshank Treasurer. Sce«tory,f a hand Son WC re appointed Mess* W^? r; isaacß and Messrs Phillips • •"SrS were appointed a Committee trricketer" writes: »I hope^the City rS will decide this eveningthat Wn or gooDOl wui w' , h v tbe allowed. adMe^ y s ottswampvturf of the Cricket X^Abto^S* the .duty of the GroOD M _2_? Os the Auckland Domain ? 9?'toSu. protecting the ground yearstobring to its present f te)i<?hfc to provide a place for bicycle tfereare P severalhigh and dry places SSSSJK «--Me %r :tfe purp°f • "V.« thevwn do no barm. The gentle vb6re„rSters of England visit Auckland T ° 2Sr the first time, for the credit Irc^P^iaiidis^ct, the iidßhould be in good order. We learn by telegram from Wellington that Superintendent Thomson, late of Sdttawt who has taken over charge o£ the Sdisrict,paraded the men under his £__nd at Wellington to-day. He, ex- SSf-t hope that the friendly relations Shideifited between himself and, the SS'force would be continued^: his S sphere. It .would, he said,, bo SfaoltVhis ifit were not so. He false Leeatbem to assist the detective deriart tffeffl every way in their, power. : , ] The adjourned meeting of the Licensed Victuallers' Association was held in j the _-cc room of the New Zealand Insurance Smpany's Buildings on ■ Tuesday after noon The press was not admitted, ibut «eiave gleaned the following information reearding.the proceedings :-The Assojcia tion is sadly deficient in funds, owing to] the heavy outlay that has taken place in sejnd w delegates to Wellington, contesting]the llMsing elections, and other expenses. Whe &ent, Vice-President, and Secretary re fused to take office again. Mr Suiter accused some of the members of providing the M ew Zealand Alliance with funds to fight against tho granting of the Jubilee Hotel license. There was a good deal of feeling displayed, and several leading members of the Associa tionsigmfiedtheirintentionof retiring there from. :

We would remind our readers in Otahuhu and' the surrounding districts that the annual ball of the Oddfellows takes place to-morrow night (Friday). As it is moon light at night and the country roads are now in a fair state' of repair,there-will sure to be a Buccossful' entertainment.

The American Watch Repairing Com pany, Karangahape Road, are stimulating the hard times by the offer of a hand some present'to their customers. Each cußtomer during the month will be pre sented with a coupon entitling them to a draw is for an excellent Waltham watch; ■ Bi Sadler is wishful to publish an original pamphlet on "Federation"—two copies Is, for expenses. Should enough orders be sent to the Stab office on or be fore Wednesday .morning next, per post or Otherwise, it will be immediately printed, . and ready on Friday- (nopn) following. , Cash either before or after.

Mr A. G. Daniells will lecture this even ing in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road, when a large meeting may be antici pated. Sir Wm. Fox will take the chair. All who desire to hear and see the evil effects of strong drink and tobacco on the kmansystem should attend. Miss Gribble , yjcjndlyoffered to sing, which "will no MM contribute to the entertainment of leavening..... ■" .■

rWmKbft, fit Mount Albert Hall, the M"Aj* J.Smith will deliver bis. enter ing lecture "An Evening with J. B. GongH". •■■■■-;■_ ' ..-*_'

THE KERMADECS.

Trip of the Government Steamer Stella.

T~f6"inal: annexation of- the Kermadec .Wands is an accomplished fact. Messrs fyrcy Smith, Assistant Surveyor-General, WdTvl'. Oheeseman, Curator of the Auck- W Museum, i have returned to town, oaring left the Stella at Kaipara. The steamer reached Sunday Island on the 15th, andremained there till the 23rd. - During the Khole of that time," Messrs Cheeseman and smith were' engaged in the exploration and ««vey 0 f the island, while Captain Fair-; Wild took a series of'soundings, with a flew to the preparation of a chart. An ' ffpy *~d was prevailing, and the Stella mo.to shift her position several times for the benefit of shelter. The area of Sunday , Mate isabout 4,000 acres, and it rises to fjfwon.6oo feet. It is wooded over m whole surface, with the exception of the pound around the extinct crater. The wu is very rich, and will grow all kinds of Srp^?tB, T"e native forest consists w»» "°l«y of a species of pohutukawa, SSfWSS?"* of that thuber to kee P %J»Nding trade of New. Zealand s™g for many years. The island is wholly _* ,mc ! orma«°n. There is one very RhiS^h*' ctater, part idtf?" wit« * water lake, m hpgecond small lake is a crater which CrS.oninlß72' afcwhi°h time the" Si i^f^^^^'ivenawaythrough S'^theirUves. The only inhabi- S*ijke^ndatthe present time dint'T^^'^s'wife, and Sei Ut 0f whom been home ago MS, P°v eaßl? n 'abQUfc WKhfc years Z'& m -^ m fcybales & wodi by fci&l if &°wa fFuit of rSaff^ .and reduce of *2^&\ Whlch k bartereti to the *S isS — Ver>: Plentiful, and H fcriZ? i?"\ S^ch - birdß as the sS2tdu<?k' wMIe in toe season WiUT J? 8 a vare jecuM by, thousands. Ao?H fit fe^S *slai\ d °n the 17ch 1??^ being hoisted °! the «over|or being k;apCfeComPanied thepartyl. ?** MaVSVr 23rd > the St^ KLTnf 8l md' ) vhich is ab°«t Island, which &**%■ & drf y^ic, and L' fe^tfiC'V^ Tbe steamer '■ i Zealand, and had a * mUt9^' to, the No*h Cape bro^ht back with him S* he foatd iT% Plants and ferns t?^ Zealand ft?** .«* species found S»^to&J^^he says, J^iand-uZr" 0"^ 11 this colony ?• common S COVf ed,wifch forest. ■&* pLrti tUpaki tutu), frW*. £ee ß ' and many other New Stt CbTuP^™ on the ft* 1? »»i Wof ? alm. clo«ely fift* evemrw f^ c ' which ~ fe^^STfon^ are very M. b addition rnvLJ tb L of the enthe »> «>** elht n ndßk?bwnin New 5 Ji oUcßd. SI m?ie varie ties 8 if°^^J a Außtr ahan and > n f "d ' th»l^ T^enßthet^wT: T , Polynesian S& dU tKel iZf Pla&t«fouhd on £stfV» which tV,»i' toowa candle-nufr of »*sa\unk 3t trel '«y. or^akty

CREW OF THE RECAMIA.

[by telegraph.—press association.]

Christchurch, Wednesday. , The following .were the erew^ of tbej ketch Recamia when she left Lyttelton on July 12th last:—E. Hoist (cap-: tain), A. Graham, P. Anderson; C. Petersen, and C. Larsen, all. foreigners.. Captain Hoist had been pro-, posed for life insurance in the Government*. Association for £200, and was accepted, but. had put off paying the premium until his< return from Auckland, the result being that, his widow and children are left.unprovided) for at Lyttelton. Nothing is known of the - circumstances of the rest of the crew.

THE MISSING SCHOONER COLUMBIA.

All hope Mor the safety of the schooner Columbia and .her'crew has now ■ been abandoned,* the vessel having left Mercury Bay on July 6th last for Napier, and never since heard of. She is therefore 56 days out over a few days' journey. The Columbia was owned by Captain Conway (master) and Mr Vautier, of Auckland. She loaded drain pipes here,- and timber at Mercury Bay, making a full cargo for Napier. The pipes were shipped by Mr Clark and consigned to. Mr Dolbell, of Napier, and the timber was shipped by'and consigned to Mr R. Holt.. iNeitner hull nor cargo were insured, and the disappearance of the schooner is . a serious loss to all concerned. Cap tain Conway leaves a wife and four children, whojse ages range from; 2 to 10. years. A corjtage owned by the captain was subject to. a heavy mortgage, and has' been vacated by the family. Captain Con way's life was insured for £200 in the Go vernment Insurance Department, but .this has not yet been obtained owing to the diffi culty of giving proofs of death, etc, and the procuring ;of two bondsmen who will guarantee a refund of the.money in. .the. event of Captain Conway ever turning, up alive.

THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

The Rifle Controversy.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

1 '• Oamaru, this day., .About sixty shooting men of the district, including many members of the Association, met at the Voldnteer Hall last evening, to consider, the circular from Captain Somer ville, Chairman of theGouncil, suggestingcer tain changes inithe programme for the meet ing to be held here. Also the advisability, or otherwise, of using the Remington-Lee rifle at the meeting. Captain Creagh, who presided, said he hoped that those present would consider the whole of the matters to be dealt with from a broad point of view as affectiing the views of the Volunteer force, and not from any individual standpoint. PrivateMiorris moved as follows:—"That the Remington-Lee rifle be the weapon adopted" at the forthcoming meeting of the Associa tion to be Jlheld at Oamaru.", Private Morris, went pretjty fully, into the matter, and pointed outt.that the existence even of the Association was bound up in the adoption of the new rifle. He stated, that those members li'hp attended Christchurch were most earnest in their determination hot' to .attend a., further meeting of the Association unless a different weapon were supplied, with Kynoek's ammu nition substituted by. the best Snider cartridges procurable,.. Jor^eant ~s»*# seconded the motion, "remarkuig that they could not^do better than, go in-For the rifle, bat hdfcHbu&fcfc 150 rounds of ammunition for each rifle-not- sufficient' for practice. There should be plenty for. everyone re quiring it.' The Chairman said-200 rounds would be supplied .with each weapon, and provision would be made for a further supply. As an amendment Captain Rice proposed, " That seeing the adoption of the Remington-Lee rifles for use at the next meeting of the Association would be- likely to prevent! a large number of Volunteers taking part in the -meeting, this meeting suggests that the arms-at present in use, should be used at the next meeting, and that the Association take immediate steps to obtain a better class of ammunition than was used at the last, meeting.". The amendment was duly seconded. One speaker said that as old members of the Association were guaranteed a rifle and only 450 wore available, many young shots de sirous of taking part in it would be debarred. The amondment was carried by 17 to 15. Private Mitchell said in order to show the Government that the Volunteers were not against the adoption of an improved rifle he would propose the follow ing motion:—" That this meeting is of opinion that the Remington-Lee rifle should be adopted, provided the conditions are modified, and the Government guaran tee that everyone applying should receive a rifle." This was seconded and carried un animously.

The next business taken was theprogramme for 1888. The first clause, \iz. , that the pro gramme should be divided into two stages, was carried unanimously 4, also that the first stage of the programme be adopted with the addition of a fifth prize of £& In the second stage the following alterations were suggested and approved : (1) That the final match for the championship be open to the 25 highest aggregate scorers. Also that there be 15 shots instead of 10, and that the range be limited to 800 yards instead of 1,000.- That with regard to dress, the word "must" fire in plain clothes be altered to * * may." That instead 0f... the proposed team of twenty men for team matches, the number and conditions be as formerly—namely, that team matches for Company Teams of'five men ; that a' new champion belt be procured, and the old ones disposed of as the Council thinks fit. That the time for holding the competition be fixed for the l6th January.

: Blenheim, this day. ■■■ At a largely attended meeting of present andintending members of the New Zealand Rifle Association, resolutions expressing the following opinions were passed:—(l) That the meeting should be held in March. (2) The exclusive use of the Remmington-Lee Rifle with a final stage at 1,000 yards. On the Chairman's proposal, the programme was generally approved of excepting that the district team matches were regarded as a great mistake. (3) That the Company's team matches should be continued as here tofore. (4) A proposal emanating from Dunedin to continue using the Snider rifle was strongly condemned.

COMPULSORY (?) EDUCATION.

How It Is Worked in Welling ton.

(BY TELEGRAPH—EJIESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. It is estimated that there are 1,200 children in Wellington who do not attend school, and there is no accommodation for them. More schools are badly needed, especially in Te Aro distjacb, but the Board.has no funds. It has appointed a committee to deal with the question and report at a future meeting. "

ELECTION NOTES.

The date of "nomination in "Egmont elec torate has been fixed for 19th inst.

. The adjourned meeting of the Hon. Mr Tote's, supporters will be held to-morrow (Friday) evening, at St. Ueorge's Hall, at the..usual hour. The committee should muster in strong force, as important business. has to be gone into. Tne last meeting of Mr Tole's committee at Eden Terrace transacted a considerable amount .of. business which will still further the hon. gentleman'B candidature.

.The adjourned committee meeting of Mr J. M, Shera s supporters and friends will take place this evening at the usual place and time.. Tho last committee meeting was. one. of the most satisfactory yet held, and , the continued increase of support pxbVtes that, the candidate is making good progress in his candidature. Mr Shera will Bhortiy. address another public meeting and further deal with many important public questions. <

Mr Garratt at Eden Hail

• Mr Garratt addressed a large meeting of electors in the Eden Hall last evening, Mr Camp presiding. Mr Garratt's address was a good one, reviewing the burning questions of the houriand dealing also with the alleged abuses-in granting pensions. The usual questions were asked, and at the close of the meeting a vote of thanks and confidence was paused. , , ' •-•

■Mr J. A. Council at Swanson

...Mr Connell addressed a meeting of the Eden electors in the Public Hall, Swanson, last evening. The hall was entirely filled, evon standing space being occupied, and Mr Gibbons was called to the chair. Mr Connell, who was received with applause, made a speech of over an hour and a half's duration, dealing fully with the various public .questions of interest at the present time; 'including, the Government taxation policy,,retrenchment,, protectiveduties, land settlement,, local option, education, encour agement of mining and other native indus tries. Hisaddresswasfrequently applauded throughout its delivery. He expressed his disapproval of land nationalisation and perpetual leasing, as wholly unaoplicable to such, a colony as New Zealand. Freehold tenure .and secure tenure could alone induce satisfactory settlement. He desired to sco settlers of moderate capital able themselves to improve the lands and to employ labour, encouraged by liberal land laws, giving security of tenure and long credit at low rates of interest for the pur chase money, to come to the colony. So long as the fads of land nationalisation and perpetual leasing were kept to the front,. just bo long would settlers with moderate capital be deterred from coming to New Zealand, He approved of pro vision being made for village settlements sO as to provide for- settlers of small .means desirous of taking up land, with, however, freehold tenure and long credit for purchase money at low rates. He, however, condemned entirely the large unauthorised expenditure of the present Government on village settlements, and was not prepared to support advances to settlers of any class upon the public lands out of the public funds* At the close of his address Mr Connell answered a large num ber of questions to the satisfaction of his audience. A vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr W. Hiatt and seconded by Mr J. S. Laurie, was carried with great enthusiasm and applause, no amendment being proposed.

Waiteniata

On Tuesday evening Mr Reader Wood ad dressed a well attended meeting of the elec tor* ab the Public Hall, Kaukapakapa. The business of the meeting was a good deal disarranged by the interference of two or three, inebriates, whose enthusiasm it was impossible to repress ; the proceedings be came at last very much of a conversational character, Mr Wood answering numerous questions of interest to the settlers ; event ually a show of hands was taken, first for thanks only then of thanks and confidence. Tne latter was declared carried by the Chairman, but the number of hands held up for coth'motions was very nearly equal

■(.BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

, . , Hamilton, this day.) Waikato Election Matters.

Major Jackson, a candidate for the Waipa.seat, met the electors at Whata whata on Tuesday evening. His speech was well received, especially the portions referring to education and Mr Vaile's rail way reform scheme. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded him. There are now four candidates in the field for Waipa, namely, the Major, Messrs Teesdale, Campbell and Maxwell.

OPERA HOUSE.—"FEDORA."

VFedora" was repeated last night with thrilling effect, and the audience were deeply impressed by the realism of the re* presentation. "Wanda" To-night ilr George Leitch'B adaptation of Ouida's novel " Wanda" will be produced at the Opera House,, and should prove a trump card. It has had a successful run both in Melbourne, and Sydney. We subjoin a synopsis of the plot:—The natural son of Paul Zabaroff by a female serf, adopted by a poof and childless French noble, the Marquis, de Sabran, becomes possessed of, the . family papers on the death of: his. protector, and assumes , his narhe and title. £ Accident throws him in the' way of, Wanda yon Szalras, who is living with, her mother, the Princess Ottalie, in their Castle of Schloss Hohens zalrassi He becomes an inmate of the castle and falls in love with its yOung mistress, who is fascinated by the visitor, as is also the Countess Olga Brancha, a married ad venturess; The arrival of Prince tgon Vasarhely, the cousin and lover of Wanda, is announced, and as he possesses the secret .of-'.the pseudo-Marquis s real origin, and knows .that his name is Vassia Kazau, the latter is anxious to quit the castle in order: to escape recognition. But its beautiful-chatelaine prevents this by volun tarily offering her hand to the son of the serf,' and the first act closes with this highly. effective situation, Six years are supposed to elapse, and two children have befco'bqrh to Wanda and her husband, their home, being a singularly happy one; but Prince Fgon conies to visit them, and for the first .time learns who his cousin's husband really is. He, however, resolves not to betray the secret., but of regard for her honour and happiness. Unfortunately, the Princess Olga has overheard just enough to give her the clue. to . mystery, and she manages to make the. Marquis acknowledge the im posture .he. has practised. Yet if he will .only*'return her affection, she promises that she;will never divulge the secret. He repels her. advances,.and the result is the revela tion to Wanda of the ignoble antecedents of h,er husband. Her proud nature recoils from his deceit and she dismisses him for ever... The discarded husband goes to live in a lonely hut on the mountains, from whence he can see the castle which contains the wife and children he adores;s His' eldest eon Bela, hearing that his father has been on the Hintere Umbal thoral sets out in quest of him in the middle of .winter, and would have perished but for the:.;timely interposition of the father. Meanwhile an alarm has been raised in..the castle* and .Wanda starts- in search of her boy. She finds him safe with her husband, and by this incident a reconciliation is brought abouw.

THE SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

Three Opposition Steamers

Chartered.

The public, and even the Auckland seamen themselves,were becoming somewhat doubt tul as to the earnestness of the Union: in their declaration that steamers Would be chartered to run in opposition to the Northern Steamship Company, owing to the prolonged delay in giving .practical effect to • that resolution. It. appears that the management at Port Chalmers came to the conclusion that the manner in which wo kept our readers ' posted, up •as to the progress of-' negotia tions for the charter Of steamers .was detrimental to their interests, and; ac cordingly strict secrecy has .'been..of late observed with respect to all transactions. Matters have now, however, . been so far advanced that the Union is pre-^ pared to " show its hand," to. some extent at least, and we learn.., that negotiations for the charter of three steamers have been carried to a .successful issue. Mr Millar, Secretary of the Port Chalmers (head) branch of the Union, ar rived here by the steamer, Wanaka to-day, and was interviewed by a Star, reporter. Mr Millar stated that matters were now working snioothly with the Union in. re spect tbthestrikeagainstlowwage^ imposed by the Northern Company,, and although some difficulty had arisen with .respect to the charter of certain New Zealand owhed steamers, this had been overcome. There werej he said, some thirty ateamerß in Aus tralia placed at the disposal of the Union, to pick and choose from. They, required three,' and selected the Collaroy, Coonam barra, and a New Zealand steamer. ~ ,

The Coonambarraisah iron paddlesteamer of 901 tons gross,'and 667 tons net, regis ter, and her dimensions are 223,2x27'2x 12-7. Her engines are 240 h.p. She was built at Blackwall in 1862,' and is owned by the Newcastle Steam-Shipping Company, Limited. The Collaroy is an irou paddle steamer of 419 tons tons gross, and 264 tons net register, and her engines one 140 h.p. Her dimensions are 180-9 x 233 x Hi; She was built at Liverpool in 1859, and is owned by Mr John Robertson, of Sydney. The Collaroy, according to the " Shipping Register," was wrecked in Janu ary, 1881, and recovered iv September, 1884. • - ■ • '

The Coonambarra was to have loaded coal at Newcastle, and left for Auck land" about this date, and the Col laroy was co have followed ' her as speedily as possible. The former steamer is intended for the Wharigarei trade, now run by the s.s. Wellington, and the Collaroy for tho trade between this port, Russell, WhangarOa, and MongpnUi, now run by the s. s. Clansman.

The third steamer is to run in opposition to the B.s. Gairloch in the Waitara trade, but concerning this vessel the Union desire to say very . little at present, except that she will be in readi ness to take up the trade from tlie Manu kau end next week. It is rumoured that tho Stormbird is the " dark horse." She is at New Plymouth to day, and due to arrive in the Manukau about Saturday next. The Stormbird is an iron screw steamer of 94 tons register, and her dimensions are 130"3 x 19 6 x 8-8. She was built at White inch, Lan. in 1854, and is owned by C. Seager and others of Wellington. . Air Millar has come up to this port to appoint agencies and make other arrange ments for the regular running of these three steamers all of which lie expects will be in active work here within a very brief space of time. Ho has no intention of offering to re-open negotia tions . with tho Northern Steamshp Com pany for settlement of the strike, and any fur thee dealings with.that body must come from them. The Union have no doubt as to tho outcome of the Struggle now fully entered upon and have made arrange ments for the owners of tlie. steamers' now chartered to continue in. the coastal trade here after the Northern Steam ships . Company have . been | rur>~ -off. The latter of course do not recognise the possibility of such a conclusion, and intend to carry out the course already indicated in the management of their-.steamers and pay ment of seamen. ~

R.M. COURT.

IBIS DAY.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, R.M.)

UNDEFENDED cases,

Judgmknt went by default iv the following cases:—E. C. Cross v. W. H. Hamley.claim, £1 16s lOd ; costs £1 2s 6d. Frederick Shelton v. E. K. Carr, claim, £2 2s; Costs £1 Is 6d. Percy and Co. v. W. H. Patter son, claim £2 ; costs, £1 Is 6d. Hesketh and Richmond v. W. Hodgson, claim, £1 18s 6d ; costs lis. J. Niccol v. F. C. Smitherton, claim, £7 2s; costs £117s Od. H. Dean v. Flewcllyn, claim for payment of £17 13s wages from Mr Hanchard, as em ployer, under the sth section' of the Workmen's Wages Act. Judgment was given as prayed. Hamee Nahdeen v. Adra j Morgan, claim 16s ; costs £1 lis 6d. Same v. Grace Graham.claim 10s ; costs £1 llsbd. | Mrs C. Sermon v. H. Smith, claim £10 3s j costs £2 6s. P.- Hutchison v. Campbell, claim £719s 9d ; costs £1 lis. C. Laßoclie (as agent) v. Cooper and Williams, claim £3 ss; costs £1 6s. W. G. Allen v. A.? Fairburn, claim £1 4s 6d ; costs £l 17s.' H. F. Hanchard v. L. D. Evans,' claim £47; costs £4 18s. R. F. Roth v. C. E. Madden, claim £9 16s; costs £116s. DEFENDED CASES. j;, T. Jackson v. W. T. Raymond, .claim,. £1 Is 6d, for advertising and; mainten ance of a dog!—Mr Alfred .Whitaker appeared on behalf of" the ' plain tiff. — - The defendant conducted his own case. —Mr Morton deposed, that he. had been a member of the firm of Morton and Jackson, dairyingon business in Auck-, land as auctioneers. The defendant's wife' left a dog with their firhi for sale. It: was duly advertised, • and' maintained, but was not sold j " ultimately it was returned to the defendant. The claim was for' £1 Is 6d ..ppsts.-', in-, curred in connection with the 40g.-^ By the defendant:; Witnes ..was not. now a member of the firm of Mprton and, Jackson, but had transferred the accounts to Mr Jackson by power of attorney.— His Worship pointed out that this nullified the claim, as the defendant had hot ac cepted the transference of the debt to Mr Jackson.—Mr Whitaker contended that the power of attorney and the deed1 ofdiasolu-, tion of partnership set that matter right. - His Worship thought otherwise, and. asked Mr Whitaker to quote authori ties in support of his contention. \ Oh the application of Mr Whitaker the Court adjourned for an hour to afford time for him to look up the authorities. — Upon the Court resuming the question was, further considered, and His Worship ulti mately decided that the plaintiff must be. non-suited. ' '.'.'■...-.. -

EXAMINATION MADE EASY.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this'day: A curious story is being told in Volun teer circles. Recently an. examination of Volunteer officers was held in Wellington, the greater number of the candidates in which were " plucked." Among th'efn were a number of gentlemen from a oountry district. Naturally they were, not highly delighted at their failure,, and it ia freely stated that entirely owing to the represen tations of these unsuccessful candidates, the examination has been considerably altered and made much easier.

POLICE COURT—THIS Day.

(Before Messrs W. Thomas and T. Thomp son. J.P.s).

Drunkenness.—Three persons were pun ished for this offence.

No REMnTASCE.—George Henry Adams was charged with imposing on William t>eacon, of Kumeu, by fraudulently repre senting himself as a remittance man. Mr Clendon appeared for the prosecution, but as he hod only been instructed last night, a remand was allowed till to-morrow.

Alleged Larceny. — Pvobert Murray, charged with tlie larceny of a silver Waltham watch arid silver chain, value £3, the property of John Francis, was remanded till to-morrow. :

By-Laws.—The following penalties were inflicted for breaches of the city by-laws : — Alfred Jowitt, trotting a horse around the corner.of Wellesley and Queen-streets, 3s and costs ; Hugh Heir, plying for hire as the driyer of a hackney carriage without being licensed, 5s and costs ; Andrew John Guy, for employing Andrew Phillips, an unlicensed person, as driver of his carriage, 6s and costs; Luke Webber, failing to secure, the wheel of his vehicle before leaving it unattended, 5s and costs ; Albert Watts, writing On the footpath in Karangahape Road, 2s 6d and costs ; Joseph Eady, allow ing a horse to wander in Chancery-street, 5s and costs; William Burtonshaw, having no light on his cart,; summons not servea and case adjourned.

SPORTING NEWS.

A meeting of the Committee of tho Auck land Racing Club was held yesterday after noon to consider Mr Evett's letter declining the position of handicapper under the condi tions proposed. The proceedings were entirely of a private nature, but it has transpired that the Committee are anxious to retain Mr Evett's services, and the Secretary waß instructed to put himself in communication with Mr Evctt so that some fresh arrangement may be come to. '

Tho Otahuhu Racing Club held their annual meeting at the Star Hotel, Otahuhu, last night. There was a tpod attendance, and Mr A. Harris occupied the chair. After a lerigthy discussion, it was proposed, "That the present so-called Otahuhu Racing Club be wound up, and that a new club be iormed to be called the Otahuhu Racing Club." It was further resolved that the nucleus of a new club be now formed, and that the following gentlemen form the officers of the new club :—President, Mr W. F. Buck land ; vice-president, Mr R. Garrett; judge, Mr .W. P. Buckland; and a com mittee consisting of the president and Messrs A. Harris, R. McGee, P. Perry, W. Laxon, and It. Garrett, the additional mem bers of committee to be elected at a future meeting. It was determined to hold a spring meeting, to take place on Saturday, the 24th of September. A vote of thanks to Mr T. Rogers (late vice-president), the chairman, and to the press for its generous treatment of the club, with expressions of satisfaction with the management of affairs by the secretary, terminated the meeting.

(by telegraph, —own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

The annual meeting of the Thames Jockey Club was held last night. Tlie Club has £200 to its credit.

FOOTBALL.

Beef y. Beer.—The annual competition between representatives of Beef artd Beer took place at Potter's Paddbek, Ep^bm, yesterday, and after an exciting contest the latter won by 8 points to nil. The teams were driven to and from the ground in brakes, accompanied by a brass band, and the contest was witnessed by a fair sprink ling of spectators. . Messrs Parker and Steele-we're umpires, and Mr Ryan referee. Wellington v. Otago.—The following team bas been chosen to play for Welling ton against Otago on Saturday :—Full back—Dixon ; three-quarters—Gage, Moor house, and Fairbrother ; halves—Merlet and Richardson ; forwards — Smith, Taiaroa, Ellison, Crowell, Cockroft, Mcln tyro, Storey; and Williams. The only new men are Dixon and Williamsj Cooper being left out; and King being unable to play.

SIR GEORGE GREY AT INTER. CARGILL.

The Peculiar Physical Effects

ot Porridge

(by telkgbaph—own cokkebpondent. )

Invekcakgill, this day. In the course of a speech on Tuesday, Sir George Grey scored several, points against the Government,particularly with regard to what he termed the tyrannical conditions of the village settlement scheme, under which settlers could not leave their hold ings in search of work, and were in this respect worse off than the Irish peasant who was allowed to go hop-pick ing and harvesting in England. The following passages dealing with retrench ment fairly brought down the house: •'There is no other petty nation that has so many Ministers as this in proportion to the population and in proportion to magni tude of the House.. Why not reduce their salaries ? The Premier says 'No ;' that what he gets is not enough to pay himself (laughter); not what he ought to have. I was utterly astounded: Seventeen hundred and fifty pounds a year, a furnished house, v: large travelling expense, making up almost the total paid to some of tho Ministers in j England. Some of them receive- £6,000 yearly, but the majority only get about £3,000; that is what the Premier's salary and allowances would very nearly come to, and besides that he has bis prac tice, and be says that is not sufficient. I was astounded, and whenT found that be stated with just pride that he had come from the poorest part of Scotland (laugh ter), where they only had wheaten bread perhaps three times in the year (laughter), and consequently as I know must-have lived principally on porridge (laughter). I thought, with a sort of pleasure, that por ridge did not agree with some of my own relatives. It seems to fill a man with great aspirations after wealth and honour. (Roars of laughter.) Now, I believe that in "retrenchment you can reduce the number of Ministers, and reduce salaries, and that if you will only.bring up your children on bread and avoid porridge, you will raise a thrifty population."

TELEGRAMS.

. Wanganui, this day. Mr Henry Churton, one of the oldest resi dents, died this morning. He was the founder of the college for educating Maoris, and some years ago, at the time of the war, was instrumental in procuring from the House of Commons compensation for losses, to.the settlers by the Maoris.

Wellington, thla day.

The average cost of supplies for patients in the hospital this year is £21 4s 3d. Last year it was £25 7s lid*

THE WELLINGTON ELOPE MENT CASE.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Wellington,-this day.

The Newtown elopement case, in which Godfrey H. Sheppard, a person whose ap pearance was. certainly not that of tho ideal popular hero of romance, was charged with the larceny of a quantity of cash and goods, valued in' all at £11 2s, came before Mr Wardell, R.M., yesterday. George Wyatt, the prosecutor, deposed that ho resided in King-street. One day last week, when he returned home from work, ho found that his wife was gone, and so also was the accused, who lodged in the house, and a .quantity of goods. On the mantelpiece be found a note written by the accused stating that after the dreadful, occurrence of the previous night he (Wyatt) would not be sur prised that he had left for the North a week earlier than he had intended. The writer reproached the husband for " gross cruelty" to his "devoted wife,"stating that she had started for, Home via Australia, whore some friends would see her safely off In conclusion, Sheppard asked that any letters that might arrive for him should be re-directed to an address in Taranaki. Witness found that all the food in the house was gone-with the exception of a small part of a sandwich and some stale beef. Witness identified the goode produced as having been in his house. He missed £2 10s out of his waistcoat pocket. For several days he was unable to gain any ridings of his "friend'Sheppard," or his " loving and dutiful wife," but at midnight on Friday, the large box, which seemed to have been a bugbear to them, was sent back empty and left at his door. On Saturday he ascertained that " the pair" were at Tinakori Road, and obtaining a search warrant he proceeded with Detective Chrystal to the house which they occupied, and there found the goods produced, which were brought with accused to the police station.

For the defence Mr Skerrett submitted that there-was no case, as it had not been proved that accused took the prosecutor's goods with a knowledge that they belonged to him. If the maitterwere gone into he would prove that Mrs Wyatt was quite justified by law and' in morals in quitting her husband's household. It was true that she might have left otherwise than in Shep pard's company, but foolish acts of this character were often brought about not so much by tne conduct of the third person as that of the husband.

The prosecutor said his wife had a private banking account unknown to him, and had saved money from his wages,with which she had now paid for furnishing her house. • .

His Worship' said that in the present state of the law there was nothing to pre vent a woman, if she had private means, from furnishing another man's house. The story was a very sad one to be told in this way. He did hOt think he ought to deal with the case as a criminal charge.

After some argument as to the responsi bility incurred by one who runs away with another man's wife, His Worship said it was necessary that he should so deal with the case that it would be a warning to other people that the step was one of great danger. Harriet i Wyatt was placed in the box, and swore to ill treatment on the part of her husband, stating that on the night before she left her home he threatened to murder her, broke into her bedroom after she had locked it.hnd ill treated her again after she went downstairs. Next morning she found herself all bruised, and as Wyatt use? brutal lapguage towards her she determined to leave him. She told Sheppard that she would go away before, her husband came home, as he would' beat her, and asked Sheppard whether he would go with her. He replied, '.'l'll go and take you away from the brute. I'm disgusted with the brute." She sent; him to engage rooms for her, and while- he was absent "she packed up the goods, believing- at the time that she was entitled to all the things she took. His Worship put a question to prosecutor whether having probably other proceedings in view, he still desired to press the 'case, which, however, resolved itself into that of taking a couple of knives and forks and rings. Wyatt said he would leave the matter in the hands of tho Court.

, His Worship dismissed the charge of larceny, but said he felt bound to remark that prior to the night before the tight there must have been some conduct on the part of the wife to justify the return which Wyatt had made. Wyatt asked for an order giving him possession of the goods that were in Court. His Worship declined to make any order,: as he had already de cided that they nearly all belonged to the womau.

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

' -Wellington, this day. The Fine Arts Association has resolved to itself under the title of the " New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts." It is proposed to ; provide instructions for students, and possibly a building may be erected on a site granted by the Govern ment on thp reclaimed land. The Society is importing statuary and models from London.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

• Thames, this day. The friends of' Mr George Black, at one time manager of the Queen of Beauty mine, will be pleased to learn that he has taken charge of an extensive tin mine in Silver ton, New South Wales. The reef, which is 6 feet wide, and very rich, has been traced on the surface for fully a mile, which is the extent of the claim. Mr Black has written to Mr R. Morrison, late of the Queen pf Beauty, inviting him to take charge of the pumps, and that gentle man will leave for Silverton on Wednesday next. . , '

A child about eighteen months old, be longing to Captain Rayner, was rather badly bruised yesterday afternoon by fall ing from the HapeCreek bridge—a distance of ten feet—and sustained concussion of the brain. ~«'/.... -

Mr George Hawkes, bootmaker, who has been iv business here almost since the open ing of the gold field, died yesterday, aged 43.

WAIKATO NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. Native Lands Courts.

The Native Lands Department are again adjourning Courts at the last moment. Yesterday information was received in Cambridge that the Land Court that was to have opened yesterday morning at Taupo has been adjourned until the Bth inst. This is a great injustice to the natives, who are there ay hundreds, as provisions are very scarce. Cambridge Election. Sixteen candidates were nominated yes terday for the office of Councillors for the Cambridge Council. There are only nine vacancies to be filled. i

"STRUCK OIL."

Success of Boring Operations.

(by telegraph—press association,)

Gisborne, Wednesday. Owing to there being 137 feet of oil in the bore at the South Pacific Works, Mr Fleming, the Chairman of directors at Sydney, who is an American oil-borer of many years' experience, has come Over to decide on the measures to be taken. The'

bore is down over 1,200 feet. On Monday a! party of 17 of the principal settlers and business men here, and Mr Fleming, went' up to the works, where it was found that! the oil in the bore, which had been partly! emptied a few days ago, had risen 163 feet] in the pipe. It was decided to empty \ the bore, and a 36-gallon barrel was placed! alongside the pipe to receive the oil,] and as each bailer was withdrawn, thef oil was allowed to ran in until the barrel^ was over-flowing. Various tests were made-j to show those present that the oil was in a-1 fair state, and the addition of a drop of| water, however slight, to the oil in a glass'] was immediately seen, clearly proving that j the oil was brought from the bottom of the; bore (depth of 1,218 feet)in its perfectly un-j adulterated condition. As each bailer was emptied into the barrel the oil came out; with great force, being accompanied by ai percentage of gas which made it froth in the barrel like yeast. Mr Fleming pro-, nounces the oil an exceedingly rich product,. and he will remain at the works tor somer days to further test the value of the find; but I what he has seen fully justifies the report j that was sent to Sydney, and confirms thej belief that the district is rich as an oil-1 bearing one. The first barrel of 36 gallons brought up was emptied out and allowed toJ run to waste. The barrel alone, in the esti- j mation of the experts present, represented' a value of £6. it will be only after a few' days' work, the bore being in the mean-! time carefully emptied, and the incoming' flow gauged, that the value of this well oanj be arrived at, though certain facts have: now clearly placed beyond doubt its being; an oil-bearing one. Those present watched everything that was done with a. keen interest, to set at rest the doubts that}' existed in their minds. The testing of oil,! and of the amount flowing in, will continue; some days. The oil is of extraordinary rich quality. It has been decided to sink; the bore a few feet further, to cause the inflow of oil to be more rapid. •

COAL MINERS' GRIEVANCES AT WHANGAREI.

We have received complaints re the non»; payment of coal-miners' wages in the; Whangarei district. On inquiry, we find] the facts to be these : The Kamo mine haaj stopped working for about four months,! and a fortnight's pay is owing to the workmen, who have consequently, been' put to much inconvenience and hardship. J The Kamo Coal Company has gone into liquidation, and Mr 11. R. Hunt has been] appointed liquidator. That gentleman is; doing his best to realise on the properties of; the Company, and as soon as he can ha will pay the miners' claims, which' are of course preferential and there fore secure. So far it appears that), the estate will be a meagre one, and will' not probably realise 10s in the £ for the miners alone. An endeavour has been made to float a new company, and' under this arrangement it was pro posed to pay the miners at once in full.' A certain number of shares were sold in; Auckland and the balance sent to New Sputh Wales, and Mr Hunt expects to hear, during the next two or three weeks; whether the new company will be floated or not.

With respect to the complaints pf the Whauwhau miners, we learn that their j wages are somewhat in arrear. The miners; were informed that finances were "nob; iv a flourishing condition, and were! asked to wait for payment until money earner in, but declined to do so and struck work; last Saturday. We are assured,and have no' ddubt of the matter, that the men will bo^ paid, and that the delay is unavoidable and' much regretted by thodirectors. The miners have not a monopoly oi the troubles amp losses arising from the opening up of a new. and important industry. The share holders in these coal mines could doubtless fill considerable space -in our columns with the ventilation of their grievances, but they will, we believe, stick manfully to the task they have under taken, and will yet succeed in opening up the rich coal seams of the Whangarei dis trict, to the advantage of themselves, the miners, and the colony. ' ' •'V'

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) i

Thames, this day.

Saxon.—The reef in the drive at. No. 3 level is 15 or 18 inches wide, and is com posed of favourable - looking quartz. Good dabs of gold are seen in the hanging wall portion. A leading stope is being carried along over the drive, and colours of gold are also seen here when breaking down. A trial crushing of 8 loads of quartz from the reef at No. 4 level has produced about 8 oz. gold, or about 16 dwt. per load. - This is the reef being driven on towards the Trenton boundary, from which the face is now 140 feet distant.

New spring dress fabrics, etc. Smith and Caughey have just received ex s-s.^ ToogarirO, first consignment of above.' Newest shades and good values.—(Advt). i

COMING EVENTS.

Meetlngs, &c, To-night

Abbott's Opera House—Majeroni Company in " y> Hilda," 8 Bell's Buildinacs. Wyndham-street — Industrial i' Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 Olympia Hall, Grey-street-Skating Rink, 7.30 to 10 ' St. Luke's and Onehunga Presbyterian Churches —Evangelistic Services, 7.30 1 V.M.C.A. Roomr—Evangelistic Service, 7.30 Waite's Hall, Mount Eden—Fruit Conversazl-

one, 7.30 ; j Auckland Tabernacle-Service at 7.30 ! Wealeyan School-room, Grafton Road—Enter-/

tainment, 7.30 -I Mount Albert Public Hall—" An Evening with! J. B. Gougb," by Rev. A. J. Smith, 7.30 j Avondale Public Hall—Committee and Sup-,' porters of Mr J. A. Connell, 7.30 ■■' -\ Foresters' Hall—Juvenile Tent of Foresters,

6.30 Foresters' Hall—Lecture by Pastor A. G. DanieMs on " The Physical Effects of Alcohol

on the Human System," 8. Mount Albert Public Hall—Committee of Mr E. Mitchelson, 8 St Mary's Schoolroom—Quarterly Meeting of S.S. Teachers of Auckland Diocesan Sunday school Board, 7.30 . •; Robson's Rcoms—General Meeting of Burns1 Club, 8

Auotlon Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro-

duce Sale, 11 '' ' Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horses,

etc., 11 ' ._•■: :''•: W. J. Dowden-Weekly Poultry and Produce

Sale. 11 , _ 8. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture and

Eifects jj Paget and Ralston — Poultry, Produce, Furni ture, 10.30 ivf. ~ _ , A. Buckland, Haymarket—Horses, Buggies,

Harness, etc., 12 J. Leydon—Poultry. Produce, etc., 11 B. Tonks and Co.—Merchandise, etc., 11. E. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture, .eta.

A. Aitken-Poultry, Produce, etc.. 12 _. . ! T. M. Jackson-Shrubs, Fruit^Trees, Haatj: etc., 11; Newmarket—Household Furniture. and Effects, 2. _ '':!_' „,, Al Morton-Shrubs, Fr nit Trees. e__ll. 1), F» Evans—Trees, Plants, etc, »**

r .TOJB I jUi^UHD I EYPOG STAR, THffRSpAIY SEPTEMBER 1, 1887,

5



Mr James McGowan, candidate for the Thames seat, addressed a most enthusiastic meeting of Shertland electors last night, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.