rnnl-iin Edwin reports:— -At 1 ?•"?•' 2 O f a luircl north-west to "Every 3 ' ales, with rain and very rise soon." "ld * L« 3 of contributing to the pub- Those Qesir. 0, , 0 j\j r Superintendent lie testifflonw 1 mfty nofc have bc( j n Thomson, om { fcheir su bscriptions to irfteduWgggk chamber of Commerce. theSeCtLclerswillbogrievccltolearn j fany ofourrea' !lbl . ed , o_,r0 _, r occa . ofthe^^r '"Jenny Wren," by the death of haJw» D The decease d was a Paraffai, Tbag ca ,,. ied off ftt the gar dener, at dJ«JJJ a briof mness . early age °£ > ' lace yesterday afternoon. The funeral too^P'a^ nred rf tho Wlll . m JIr3Hr SoS. Sa nds of readers who have S?Sf ■^T? from s E tone=an , ; of t i ie Auckland ThG rSndal Reform Association Political Fina'.c a WfihSSSS that the committee a t 7.30. » c w»w Victoria Arcade, bTtS nit i int-^d to promote the "??rfor which the Association was obJ ect? Si BMt« and determination formed wto Provincial Dis information on the "ft Hvilbe-ivenorelieited at to-night's gubjectwiUDe gon sabscribing one roee," n "'wnmps an annual member, is Sfn and will be supplied with printed ;!ners that may be issued, n n« Minstrels presented their new Hu^ e to a crowded audience at the programme to a { evening, and KiSsiteSs were received with every In festation of thorough satisfaction. Mr AS Sey was encored for his singing of JwffiTWiiigs,'' and so were Miss :ff ™for 'Dublin Bay," Mr Keen f" -Harbour Lights," and Miss Cleve t\ for "Venetia." Will and Chas & 8 comic song* provoked roars of i hter and "The Naval Masher Pamde/'by eight young ladies under the Si n of MS* Priscilfa Verne, fairly took S« by storm. Miss Verne's songs JreSf Uly encored, and Miss Tessle Cleveland created quite a , furore by her £„„ of "Bid me Good-bye."' The two Lcical sketches, " Scenes at Doanybrook and" The Yellow Heroes,' convulsed the audience with uproarious laughter; The same programme will be given to-night, i The usual fortnightly meeting of the Mount Eden Baptist Band of Hope was held iv the chapel on Friday evening last. The building was crowded. A practical BB eech on " Duty " was given by tho .chair man, Mr Grudge. Recitations and songs lff ere given by Misses Webley, Knox, Hill, ■Pinni=on and Hawston, and Messrs Mc -1 Lauffhlin and Farrar. Dialogues, by Misses 'Dew's, Harrison and Pillinger, were well re ceived and creditably rendered. The choir, under Mr Freeman, sang several pieces in a masterly manner.' Mrs Roberts presided at the harmonium. At the close several | came forward to sign the pledge.

A church parade of the Onehunga Naval | Artillery was held yesterday. About fifty I men mustered, under the command of Cap i tain E. Hulse and Lieut. Webb. Headed Iby the Naval Band, the Company marched ! down Queen-street andalong Princess-street Ito Soring-street, where the Catholic con tingent attended St. Mary's Church. The remainder of the Company then proceeded • to the Anglican Church.

Sitting in bankruptcy this morning, Mr Justice Ward adjudicated John Dennison (of Sulpkr Works) a bankrupt, upon the petition of John Robinson, and declared tie bankruptcy of William Newport Clark tote closed. Apropos of the first applica tion, ifcwill be remembered that Robinson muplaintiff and Dennison defendant in a' recent slander case. In re R. H. Bartlett, (le'costF of the Official Assignee's solicitor were allowed as taxed. A motion in re A. j!. Bendy to declare a certain bill of sale mill and void was postponed till to-morrow at2p.m., while a motion'for order of dis charge in re E. P. Donnelly stands over nils die.

A very successful social was held last Friday evening at Miss Shevlin's school rooms, Gladstone-street. The appearance of the rooms reflected great credic on the ladies. The walls were covered with ferns and banting, Mid suspended from the ceil ings were Chinese lanterns, which had • a most brilliant effect. Dancing began at eight, and was kept up until morning. During the evening anumber of choice songs were nicely rendered.

A very instructive and explicit lecture was delivered last night by Pastor A. G. Darnells to a respectable audience. The problem of a definite seventh day on the round world was treated-the speaker undertaking to prove that for a certain period of each day the sun rules or marks the day from eastern to western extremities of our earth. He proceeded to show that a definite seventh day on the world is both scientific and logical. Mr Daniells has been requested to devote Tuesday evening to a a lecture on " Health and Hygenie," illus trated by Dr. Kellogg's physiological charts. This new subject should call forth a full house.

The Gospel Temperance Mission held a meeting at the Newmarket Hall last even- H- It was opened with devotional exer cises. Mr J. T. Garlick, who presided, in tne course of his remarks urged the resi dents to render practical support to the cat.se. The Rev. C. Worboys delivered an interesting address, showing Scripture au honty for total abstinence. This was followed by Miss Worboys singing " I have »«tt of a Beautiful City," the audience Pmng m the chorus. Mr W. E. Cook made an earnest appeal to the audience to Bast by volunteering their services to visit ™» house to house, and hoped business operations would not deter them from S 9ltP The Rev. G. B. Monro Prayed for the success of the mission. . Mr SlS'' took charS° of the musical JoSwiU be continued next Sunday even -6'

The Ponsonby Choral Society's third eon- Zklt T" takes Place knight, the SI, » PerfOrmed bein * C°W?f" Rose

»&?S, proof fchat there «" People fanklv nnl- i j also who are ready to «n yacknowledge_ its worth, the follow «£" w"?,yeceived bythe editor °f 'fato tl> e ™L ,/£ unknown subscriber ''"estoshmvWv Blr '-Allow me a few in atlea,Unl i y°l-r R aper is appreciated broa°ht 2w Papei' since ib ™* fii* and ib 13 mHZ gerl>; for each hwVj rSltti, 860 6 Whole °f Us (fou7> 13 read aloud mi a t f tnkl »S paragraph ?o Rea^ that \y f *th! other' wifch etc- I can Jfc f ys about Jerseys'' aP?l*rinmvi&2A aVC ,never bou^t T [ fa'-ther thauT, -Ivaluelike y°«™, b^eoftß£r iS °ften ™ than J° Gained SSST 8 B? bscriP«on'to you to Public, ??? ?lcle- l should like ; vill f beS^^^f thehope that it [ D. the dark, £n^, wll° are still working

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.

Claild Drowned in a Cistern

LiST Monday it was our sad duty to record the death by drowning of two children at Eden Terrace, the sons of a carter named White, and to-day, by a somewhat remark able coincidence, we have to announce the death under similar circumstances, and in almost the same locality, of a son of Mr Son, carter, Wynyard Roa<.Mount HV> rhis pl?a&sa^dcS back door of Jus d there yesterday forenoon > is a large sunken Ifc containing about six *** Annie was not securely covdod. find the inanimate body o*>« she floating on the surface o - *« sintr^Xa^:^ all efforts proved unavailing. ■ s< >, u

BURGLARY AT WAIPAWA.

(by telegraph—press association.)

Napier, this clay. A burglary occurred at Moroney's Hotel, Waipawa, last night. The burglar entered th 3 barman's bedroom, taking three one pound notes and the keys. He then ran sacked the bar, taking 80s in cash', but leaving £80 in cheques behind. Both outer doors of the hotel were found open this morning. *>*•*"?*

ALLEGED LARRIKINISM AT ELLERSLIE

A Serious Charge.

At the Police Court this morning, before H. Brett and A. Boardman, Esqs., Justices, James Carey and Frank C4reen, two jockeys, were charged with maliciously damaging the door of the EllersJie Hotel. The same prisoners were charged with placing a two wheeled truck on the lineatEllerslie with in tent to obstruct the engine.—MrO'Meagher, who appeared for the prisoners, said he had considered all the circumstances, and had decided to'plead guilty to the first charge. He admitted that the men had gone to the hotel, and thinking that the landlord was acting in an improper manner in refusing them admission, they burst open the door. The damage was very trifling, and half-a-crown would prob ably repair it, and as there was no malicious intent, Mr Campbell, complain ant,, did not desire to proceed further.— Sergeant Pratt stated that it was not a matter for Mr Campbell to deal with—it was a question of law and order. The men proceeded to the hotel, and after shouting out, " One, two, three !" deliber ately broke open.the door, in consequence of which the hotel had to be closed up. The Bench remarked that the case was a sei'ious one, and in the interests of law and order they would require to inflict a salutary fine. The prisoners would have to pay a fine of 40s and costs, and make good the damage done to the door, or, in' default, 14 days' imprisonment Svith hard labour. With regard to the second case, Sergeant Pratt said that the station-master had been suddenly transferred to Morrinsville, and three days' notice -would be required to obtain his attendance to give evidence. It was decided to proceed with the case as far as possible. William Donaldson, engine-driver, gave evidence of the placing of the truck on the line, the particulars of -which have al ready appeared in print. The only thing new Avas that the train was travelling at the rate of 12 miles an hour' at the time it came into collision with the truck.

James Campbell, licensee of the Ellerslie Hotel, deposed that on the night of July 29th the two prisoners came to his hotel on that date "a little bit elevated." The.result of their elevation was that he closed the hotel at ten minutes to ten. The accused went away> bub re turned some time after, and broke his door open. Prior to this occurrence.he heard the prisoners talking loud outside the hotel. The train from Onehunga had not then passed Ellerslie at the time. Subsequently three mcn,Sutherland,Frewin andCarmody, came to the, house and wanted to get in, but he would not admit them. On the follow ing morning the prisoner Green came round and apologised for his conduct, and offered to pay the damage done to the door. Witness also saw Carey and spoke to him of his conduct, but Carey made no remark. The hotel was 70 yards from the railway-station. Under cross examination by JVJr O'Meagher witness said that prisoners were not the only persons about the Ellerslie Hotel that night. By the Bench : The prisoners were sup plied with liquor by him. They were nob drunk ; they were full of mischief. George Durston, horse trainer, deposed that on the night in question he saw the accused at the Ellerslie Hotel. They were very merry and light hearted, like they always were. He was about the platform for some hours that night with some other men, whose names he did not remember. When the train came up he saw either the engineer or tho guard take a, trolly from underneath the engine. He saw ho one place it there. The night was dark.

Sergeant Pratt put in " Brett's Almanac " to show that the night had been moonlight. Examination continued : After the train passed he continued for some time on the platform talking to Fergus. Mr O'Meagher said that neither this nor the previous witness had given evidence against the accused. Sam Fergus,. jockey, who had also been on the platform before and after the cram, was also examined, but could give no evi dence connecting the accused with the placing of the truck on the line. At this stage Sergt Pratt said he had come to the conclusion that it was no use pro ceeding further with the case. He would, therefore, ask that the charge be with drawn.

THE WATERS BANKRUPTCY.

Important Legal Point

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. The public have not yet heard the : last of the Waters frauds. The Official Assignee has rejected proof of claim of L 1,900 lodged . against his estate by the City Advance and Deposit Company, on the grounds that there is prima jacie evidence of felony by Waters, and that the Company have re frained from instituting a prosecution. The Company are appealing, and argument will be taken by Judge Richmond on the 29th inst. The best legal talent in' Wellin gton has been engaged, and the case will be vigorously contested,

SPORTING NEWS.

New Zealand Cup Acceptances

The following acceptances were received on Saturday night:— St. lb. ' r/ 6t. lb. Nelson ... 9 10 Gipsy King... 7 0 Stoneyhurst 9 2 Bangle ... 612 Fusilade ... S 7 Ruby 012 Artillery ... 8 4 British Lion... 012 Silence ... S 3 Silver Mark... 6 9 Locliiel ... 7 12 Regina ... 6 9 Lady Norah... 7 9 Crutch field ... 6 7 Fair Nell ... 7 8 Derwenter ... 6 7 Turquoise ... 7 8 Teredo ... 6 C Torrent ... 7 7 Capfc. Wheeler 6 5 Hermitage ... 7 7 Bronte ... 6 5 Capt. Webster 7 7 Wakatipu ... 6 5 Maxim ... 7 6 St. Swithin... 0 0 Sextant ... 7 G Leon ... ... 6 0 Moana ..... 7 5 Sultan •• ... 6 0 Titbit ... 7 5 Meta... "t- ... C 0 Captain Cook 7 0 Lorraine ... 6 0 St. Clair ... 7 0 Beresford ... 6 0 The Hon. W. Rebinson arrived by the Manapouri this morning, en route foi1 Sydney. A requisition has been going the rounds. of the Auckland horse-owners asking the Committee of the Auckland Racing Club to supervise all handicaps framed during the forthcoming season. The following appears in a recent issue of the " Sydney Telegraph" :—A rumour has reached Sydney to the effect that Mr W. C. Cooper's colt Niagara is a trifle "off colour." Whether there is any foundation for the bad tidings it is impossible to say, but the colt's market price for the V.R.C. Derby certainly points to the reverse as being the case. Mr Cooper's luck on the turf has been what it ought not to have been, and all those who admire a straight goer will join in wishing that there is no more than rumour in the report relative to Niagara being amiss. Australian papers to hand to-day state that a wager of 500 to 15'haa been taken about Spade Guinea and Pasha for the Melbourne Cup, and 1000 to 20 has been written against Thunderbolt. The following appears in last Friday's " Canterbury Times " w—Major George has been in Chri.stchurch during the week, but has not yet made up his mind as to the future movements of Nelson. The Major was at Riccarton, on Wednesday morning, and saw Nelson worked. The horse is un doubtedly lame, but although several veterinary surgeons have been consulted, the seat of the trouble is still undiscovered. He looks wonderfully well, and after a brisk canter his lamenesskihardlyperceptible, but we would again advise backers to stand off until ■ tho horse's .soundness and future movements are better assured. Major George states that ho has-nob yet backed the horse for a single shilling, and that ho will accept for both the Melbourne and ■New Zealand Cups. Although quite in tho elark as to the intentions of the stable, wo have a fancy that Nelson if sound and well a month hence will be sent to Melbourne.

MINING NEWS.

(from our owx qounEsroNDEXT.)

CokoAiandtsl, August 6.

The Kapaxga.— Mr Hodge is to be con gratulated upon the result of the first crushing from this mine, under bis manage ment. The crushing of- specimens and general stuff was completed this week, and gave the handsome return of 25Goz gold, which, it is estimated, will yield about L 750. As your readers are no doubt aware, this mine is now exclusively owned by an English syndicate. Royal Oak.—Mr Peter Reid, the new manager, reports:—Since my last report I have broken through on the branch reef without meeting with any gold except what was got about ten feet after starting. There has been a good-looking lode all the way to where the two faces met. The reef is about 18 inches of solid stone and cross veins running into it, carrying splendid mineral indications. The distance driven on the reef is 50 feet. At present the rise is being lengthened and prepared for timber, when a start will be made where the gold is showing. The tributers have about 1001b of good specimens on hand, valued at GOoz of gold.

Thames, this day.

Saxon.— 251b of picked stone was gob to day from the leading stopo on the reef be tween the two breaks on the hill side of the winze at No. 4 level.

New Manukau.—Cleaning-up took place to-day for the payable: return of 370z of gold from 30 tons of quartz obtained from No. 4 level,where the reef continues to look well.

New Maxukait. —The reef in the' stojpe of No. 4 level continues to look well, good colours of gold being seen in the quartz. Prixce Imperial. - Satisfactory progress is being made with the winze on the hill ward size of the break, Which is down about 30 feet. A nice-leader 4 inches wide is being carried down, and has produced a few pounds of fair picked stone. Colours of gold are observed when breaking down the reef in the stopes.

Cambria. - The number of men em ployed •in this mine has been re duced by ten or twelve, but about 40 are still employed, being ample to keep the battery going now that the various leaders have been opened up. There is no change to .report in the several workings, which continue to yield payable quartz.

BISHOP NEVILLE AND THE SCHOOLS.

The Bishop's Reply.

(by telegraph—own correspondent. )

Dunedin, this day. Bishop Neville-thus replies :—"I cannot be surprised at the anxiety which has been manifested tp prove that the few remarks I thought it my duty to make onja very deli cate subject recently were without suffi cient foundation.' It is well that there should be such anxiety, and I am not so- devoid of all right feeling and magnanimity as to prefer to prove myself correct rather than that the conduct of our young people should be so. lam glad to give full weight to the statements of the teachers, and to such letters' as that of Dr. Stuart. At the same time iVis only justice to myself to say that my few words upon this subject were not so lightly made as might appear from the manner in which I introduced them in the lecture itself, and though one gentle man wrote to me immediately there after, begging that I would not connect ■him with the matter as thinking he was my sole informant upon it, such was by no mean 3 the case. My conclusions were based on evidence extending over many years. I may add that since my address I have had to liston to many tales of woe relating to girls of tender yeara, and that I am still receiving letters of thanks for having spoken, from poraous who assure me that I did not say too • much. Of course, it would be easy for me to reply that I never supposed that such conduct as 1 referred to was ojlibited to any great extent in the publicity of large schools, nor necessarily in school buildings at all; but I have no wish whatever to press the subject. The argument I had in hand will stand very well wit houtit, and though I do not regret having snid what I did, because I have r.eason to believe that it was too: well founded, and that to have spoken will do good, yet I would be the foremost to declare that I believe a majority of our* young girls to be all that we can desire."

FOOTBALL MATCHES.

The Auckland- Canterbury Match

Probables v. Possibles. — The second match between Probable and Possible re presentatives in the approaching contest with Canterbury took place at Epsom on Saturday afternoon, and tended to confirm the remarks we made the other day about the unwisdom of putting oft to the last moment the selection of the repre sentative team. Lack of combination and a decided jn-oneness to sellish and individual play were the leading characteristics of the game. Unless these traits are corrected we shall not have much faith in Auckland's ability to defeat the sister province. Still, the game was a decided improvement upon that of the pre vious week, and the Probable team was a much superior one. The chief defects were looseness and want of system in packing the scrums, frequent wild and reckless passing, and an indisposition on the part of some of the half-backs to pass at all. A. _ Braiftid was tho greatest sinner in tttif respect, \opro especially in ther^irst sjrcll. As editsWrialf-fesipK £or the Possibles McKeown played a far more -consistent game, bub his weak ness in kicking is a serious drawback. Danks also played a good game, and Elliott worked hard among the Possibles. For the Probables Lusk filled the dual role of full and three<iuarter back, and marred his stylo of play considerably by attempt ing to " speel" tit every oppor tunity, and holdsng the ball until col lared. Madigan was in capital form, and made no mistakes, while Mar shall, Keefe, Twiname and O'Connor dis tinguished themselves among the forwards. In fact, it was a_ capital body of forwards. Arneil was at his best, and kicked with a precision that is not often manifested in our football contests. He potted no less than three goals from the field, and also kicked a goal from a try by Wooller. Madigan and Stone also obtained one try each, the Probables thus winning by 21 points to nil. Up to the present tho following seems to us to be the most effective selection for the representative team:—Full-back, Lusk; three-quarter backs, Whitesido and Madigan, half backs, Conway, A. Braund (centre), Elliott; forwards, Arneil, Marshall, Keefe, Lecky, Twiname, O'Connor, Lindsay, Wooller, and either Murphy or Stone. We have omitted J. J. Poland, as we aro given to understand that a poisoned hand will prevent him from playing. Should ho be fit he will doubtless find a place in the team.

Auckland Representatives.—The soloc fcion Committeo have decided to make the final selection of the Auckland team from the following players :—Backs: R. Lusk, J. Braund, T. Brown, Whiteside, Madigan, J. J. Poland, Elliott, Conway, McKeown, A. Braund ; ( nvnrds: Arniel. Wooller, W. Meldruin, Marshall, Twiname, 11. Poland, Lindsay, Keefe, O'Connor, Stone, Lecky, Murphy, G. Wynward. As it was evidentl'rom Saturday's match thatanumber of players were decidedly out of condition, the committee desire that those named above will take every opportunity of attending the practices which have already been notilied. The committee will be largely guided by condition in making the final selection.

A practice match has been arranged to take place on the Metropolitan Ground on Wednesday afternoon at half-past four, when the attendanco of the abovenamed players is expected. It is requested that other players will attend so as to make the match interesting. The Canterbury Team.—The following football team has been picked by the Rev. J. Hoatson to go North on Monday :—For wards : Bean, Beswick, Dow, Fuller, Haast, Harris, Homer, Moir, Sutherland. Backs : Helmore, Roberts, Donnelly, Allardyce, Francis, Wilson, Richards. Emergencies : — Forwards: Torlesse, Weeks. Backs: Mountfort. Donnelly takes Helmore's place after the Wellington-match.

Wellington, this day.

The Wellington - Canterbury Match.

The following team will represent Wel lington against Canterbury (it was only chosen last night) :— Backs: Gage, Cooper, Fairbrother, Moorhouse, Merlet, and Richardson. Forwards : Cockroft, dwell, Ellison, King, Moore, Mclntyre, Smith, Storey, and Taiaroa. It is considered the best team that could have been selected. It has been raining heavily since yester day evening, with no sign of clearing, and unless the weather is fine by to-morrow, the state of the ground will certainly spoil the match.

Junior matches

Teams selected from the offices of the Auckland Stak and New Zealand "Herald" met on the Metropolitan Ground. The latter team win by 8 points two goals from the field scored by P. Mackie—against nil. Ponsonby Second defeated Waitemata at Epsom by 4 points to nil. Auckland 11. met North Shore 11. at Devonport, and won by 2 points to love. Gordon Second defeated Graftoh Second by 9 points to 2. Macky, Logan, Steen, and Co. playsd a team from the Post, Telegraph, and Cus toms. The match resulted in a draw, each side scoring 4 points. Clarence v. Black Rose resulted in a draw, Clarence obtaining a disputed try. Waitemata v. Gordon lll.—Ended in a draw, each side scoring a try. Waitemata played 2 men short. Imperial y. Oriext.—The former won by 13 points to nil. Home Bay v. Black Rose ll.—The former claim the match on the ground that the latter could not muster a team.

Association Matches.

Wanderers v. Beresford 11. — This match resulted in an easy victory for the Wanderers by 5 goals. Courteney and Whelan played a fine game for the Wan derers, dribbling well and rushing the ball up the field repeatedly. For the Beresford Jones played a fast game, dribbling in good style. Goals were scored for the winners by Courtney (3), Mills (1), Michael (1), and Whelan (1). Links v. Carlton.—The Links won by a goal to nil.

OPENING OF A BIG BRIDGE.

(by telegraph—press association.)

Ciiristchurch, this day. On Saturday, Mr J. D. Lance opened tho Upper Waiau traffic 'bridge on the Kan mer Plains Road. It cost L 14.000, and was built by Mr J. Anderson, Christchurch. It is 255 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 102 feet above the river. A very large gather ing was present at the opening, including many visitors from Christchurch.

IMPORTANT CASE TO PUBLI CANS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

•Wellington, this day. The question whether a temporary license can be issued by a Licensing Committee to publicans carrying on business out of their own district will be tested in the R.M Court on Wednesday. The licensee of a hotel in Wellington had a booth at the late Hutt Races under a license granted by the Hutt Licensing Committee, and the police challenging the legality of thelicense, hay« summoned him for unlawful trading.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before H. Brett and A. Boar-dman, Esqs.,

Justices.) Drunkenness.—John Farqnhar, Robert Hill, James Pollock, Francis Ryan, Thomas Downing, Peter Thomson, John Murphy, James Connell, James Bentley, and Thomas Rogers were punished for this offence. Larceny.—Thomas Rogers, a previous defendant, was also charged with stealing a sovereign, the property of a servant girl named Mary Rowncr. It appeared that the girl had been endeavouring to get change of the sovereign, and prisoner offered to go into an hotel and obtain the change. In the sim plicity of her heart she handed him the " thick 'un," and ho entered the hotel and spent the money in drink.—Sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour.

PRESENTATION TO MRS J. B. THOMSON.

The deputation which waited on Mrs Thomson on Saturday afternoon, to make a presentation on behalf of the police force of tofaje- dielricfc, consisted o? Senior -Sergeant Pratt, Sergeants Gamble -and Gillies, syjij Constables Aferams, Kelly** an«f fatten. They were received by Superintendent and Mrs Thomson. Sergeant Pratt, in opening the proceedings, said that the police force of the district were anxious to show tire regard in which Superintendent and Mrs Thomson were held by them. In making a presentation with this object in view, they did bo with mingled feelings of regret and pleasure—regret that the exigencies of the service should have required Superinten dent Thomson to proceed to another dis trict, and pleasure at Mrs Thomson's acceptance of the testimonial, which in after years would call to her recollection the members of the police force who had served under her husband in Auckland. He would now call upon Sergeant Gamble, as the oldest member of the force 1511k*1 Superintendent Thomsan, to make the presentation.

In discharging this duty, Sergfc. Gamble remarked that Superintendent Thomson had been more than an officer ; he had been a father to the men. Many of the subscribers to the gift were men who were now under other officers and in other districts, but all who had circulars sent to them were pleased to have the opportunity of joining with their comrades in paying a parting token of respect to Mr Thomson and his family. He had much pleasure, on behalf of the members of the force, in presenting the silver tea and coffee seta, of which ho begged Mrs Thorn son's acceptance.

They were in handsome oak case, lined with blue velvet, and on the case was a shield, bearing the following inscription :— " Presented by the Auckland police to Mrs J. Bell Thomson, aa a token of the respect and esteem in which herself and her hus band, Superintendent Thomson, are held by them. July, 1887." On the shield out side the oaken case is the monogram "A. J.T." The sets cost over 50 guineas. Sergeant Pratt then stepped forward, and said the force desired also to present Miss Thomson with a small token of respect, namely, a gold brooch and set of gold ear rings. It gave him much pleasure to make the presentation on their behalf.

Superintendent Thomson expressed his wife's and daughter's acknowledgments in a neat speech. Tire handsojne gifts would often remind them of the pleasant days they had spent in Auckland, and would be a valued lieirloom and souvenir in the family. In cricketing phrase, he had had "a good innings" in Auckland—having been here nearly 18 years, and in the nature of things must expect in the tour of duty to be shifted. When his time came to retire from the force, he hoped tl\af; he and his wife would return to Auckland to end their days and find their last resting place. He had served in the Australian colonies, and in various parts of this colony, and he could. say, without flattery, that the police force of the Auckland district constituted a body of men whom any officer might be proud to command, and who enjoyed the con fidence and respect of the public. He had put his opinions on that head on record in the district orders, and Mr Shearman, his successor, he had no doubt, would soon find that out for himself.

Tho health of Mrs Thomson was then drunk in bumpers of champagne, and the deputation wishing Mr and Mrs Thomson prosperity in life, and God-speed on their voyage to their new home, took their leave.

A SINGULAR CASE.

4 Youth Charges Himself With

Embezzling L 640.

By the steamer Manappuri to-day arrived a youth named William Dunbar Birrel, who, although not actually in custody, was ac" companicd here en route for Sydney by several police officers, under whose sur veillance he was. The Napier '' Advertiser" thus narrates the circumstances attending Birrel's arrest at that place :

" A youth named William Dunba-r BirreL about 19 years of age, walked into the police station oh Sunday afternoon, and confessed to having embezzled the sum of L64o' from the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, N.S.W., in September last, lie being then employed as clerk in a branch bank at Molong, and he got away to New Zealand without being caught. Having told his story, the Inspector looked up the " Police Gazette," and found that a man of the name given by his visitor had been " wanted" for some time, and the youth was accordingly taken into custody. It was a very curious thing for him to do, some will think—to give himself up to the authorities, but as he had no money when ar rested, it is surmised that he wanted to gefc back to the scenes of his childhood. Birrel was brought before the Court this morning and charged with the offence, and on the application of Inspector Bullen, was re manded for eight days, pending the receipt of information respecting the case from Sydney. This bright youth has been a resident of Napier for some time past; he is of the average height, cross eyedj respect ably attired, and did no work ; he probably could get none to do. He got through his ill-gotten LG4O quickly." With regard to BirrePs departure for Sydney, the Napier Telegraph of Saturday last says: "The youth William Dunbar Birrel, who is charged with having em bezzled the sum of L 640 from the Commercial Banking Company, Molong, N.S.W., was brought up, on remand, before Mr J. C. McCausland, J.P., this after noon. At the request of the police, the information laid against him here w»3 withdrawn by leave of the Court. Accused will be forwarded to Sydney by the steamer leaving Napier to-day, where on arrival at Sydney he will be handed over to the authorities."

EDUCATIONAL RETRENCH MENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. Thk Educational Institute has referred to a Committee the question of considering in what manner economies may be effected. The opinion was generally expressed that teachers must submit to a reduction of their salaries the same as ether branches of the service. " .'"->"'- '~. -, ;•'• '.'-M^Z '•

ELECTION NOTES.

Major Harris addressed a crowded meet ing of the Franklin South electors in the Harrisville School on Saturday evening. Mr T. J. Wallis occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the speaker, who was received with loud cheers. The Major spoke for two hours, and was listened to with marked attention, being frequently applauded. At the close of the speech several questions were asked and satisfactorily answered. Mr Eskotb proposed a vote of thanks to Major Harris. Thepropositiondidnotmeetwitha seconder, and Mr J. Watson proposed as an amend ment that " This meeting has every confi dence in Major Harris, and that he is the proper person to represent Franklin South " This was seconded by Mr Wilcox, and carried with loud cheers. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.—(Ow nCorrespondent.)

The Western Maori District.

Wahanui having definitely declined to contest the Western Maori District, Mr John Ormsby, Chairman of the Native Com mittee <nofc Arthur, as staced in our paper '# Saturday, and neither of them acts as adviser to Tawiiiao), a most intelligent and respected half-caste, residing atOtorohanga, has now, with Wahanui's consent, entered for the contest. Ho has stepped outside the usual routine of Maori elections by visiting the different centres of population, addressing the natives and expounding his views on different subjects. He arrived from the Thames on Saturday, and left this niorning for Waikato. This district is

likely to bring out a number of candidates, as there are over twenty thousand electors, extending as it does from Auckland to Wel lington.

Mr Jackson Palmer at Aratapu.

Mr Jackson Palmer addressed the Rod ney electors in the Aratapu Hall on Thurs day last. There was a good attendance, and the candidate was well received. He

had been given to understand that this was Mr Moat's stronghold, but he was glad to find that there were many in the place who desired a change. His speech went very fully into the matter of retrenchment. Reckless borrowing and expenditure were main causes of depression in New Zealand, whereas (the world-wide depression was due to the appreciation of gold. It was necessary to remonetise silver to relieve the latter, and to remove the former it was necessary to return members pledged to thorough retrenchment. Those who could not point out modes, of retrenchment, or allowed small inconveniences to stand in the way of it, were not to be trusted. In reply to questions Mr Palmer favoured the Alliance platform, agreed to abstain from voting an the Law Practitioners' Bill if he could not get it amended, as he was an in terested party. LIOO he considered a suffi cient honorarium. Bellamy's should be abolished. He approved of the Eight Hours Bill. The truck system was an iniquity that should be done away with, A vote of thanks was accorded the candidate.

Coromandel, this day.

Mr Cadman addressed a large meeting at the Upper Township on Saturday night, Captain Hodge being chairman. His views are moderate protection and retrenchment, the finishing of all public works now begun, subsidised capital to be actually spent in the mines on the goldfield3 at the rate of L 5 per cent. ; to have small testing plants put up at various places to enable prospectors to teat the different ores; and the Government to acquire native lands for mining purposes. He also touched* on education, Waste Land Boards, and other matters of public interest. An almost unanimous vote of confidence was accorded. Kamo, this day. Mr Dargaville held a meeting at Waikeikie on Friday afternoon, and one at Maunga karamea on Saturday, receiving unanimous votes of confidence at both places. Napier, this day. Mr George Playford, of Invercargill, offers himself as a candidate for Napier. He has been invited by the better class of Liberals, who are not satisfied with Mr Ivess. Greymouth, Sunday. Mr Richard Reeves addressed a largely attended meeting at Nelson Creek last evening. He was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. Christchubch, Saturday. It is stated that Mr Henry Thomson, who represented Christchurch North in Parlia ment in 1881-4, opposes Mr Ayers for Christ church South on the Opposition ticket. Invercargill, this day. Dr. McLachlan has retired from the con test for Hokonui through ill-health, leaving Mr Cowan the (old member) and leaving H. Baldey to run for it. A requisition is being signed asking Sir Julius vogel to deliver an address.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CON CERT.

Yesterday's concert was well attended and a capital programme was placed before the audience. The effect, however, of some of the selections was much marred by the almost phenomenal darkness which pre vailed, and indeed Mr Pooley had to beg the indulgence of the audience at one period of the concert until a cloud of unusual density passed over. In Mr Bush's singing of " Pro Peccatis " both vocalist and ac companist were unable to see the copies, and had to trust to memory ; nevertheless the solo was well received. Mendelssohn's " ValeofKest" was nicely rendered, thelight and shade being well observed. A trio for violin, 'cello and pianoforte deserves a word of commendation, its rendering being sympathetic and conscientious. The anthem " They have taken away my Lord " was fall of dramatic instinct, the opening bars being of a conversational kind between Mary, the disciples, and Christ, and taken by Madame Pooley, Messrs Bush and Burnnam; the brisk chorus "0 Death where is thy Sting " was attacked and carried through with much vigour and excellence. The singing of " The Lost Chord " by Madame Pooley was marked by musicianlike and tender feeling which evoked from the audience ap proval amounting almost to enthusiasm. Mr Burnham sang " Come Unto Me " a new song by Coenan, which we do not remember to have heard before. He rendered it care fully, and although perhaps lacking some what in expression, yet it pleased the audi ence, who applauded it vigorously.

Remember This.

If you are sick Hop Bitters will surely aid Nature in making you well when all else fails. If you are costive or dyspeptic, or are suffer ing from any other of the numerous diseases of the stomaoh or bowels, it is your own fault if you remain ill, for Hop Bitters is a sovereign remedy in all such complaints.

If you are nervous use Hop Bitters. If you have rough, pimply, or sallow skin, bad breath, pains and aches, and feel miserable gonerally. Hop Bitters will give you fair skin, rich blood, and sweetest breath and health. That poOr, bedridden, invalid, wife, sister, mother, or daughter can be made the picture of health; by American Co.'s Hop Bitters, cost ing but a trifle. Will you let them suffer ? In short, they cure all diseases of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, kidneys, Bright's disease. £500 will be paid for a case they will not cure or help, Druggists and chejais. ta cpu

DISTRICT COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M.) JUDGMENT SUMMONS CASES.

D. A. Tole (Crown Lands Commissioner) v. R. J. Duncan.—Claim, L7o.—Mr Buddie for the plaintiff, and Mr E. W. Burton for the defence.—The judgment debtor de posed that he had no income whatever, and during the last few years he had been living through the kindness of Mends, and he was sorry to say by also getting into debt. His wife had separate property of her own settled on her before marriage. He had no property whatever.—By Mr Burton : Since 1886 he had no employment, and but fcr his wife's marriage settlement he would no1; have been able to have existed.—Hiv Worship declined to make any order.

The Epiphany Church Dispute.

T. Holder v. Dr. O'Callaghan and Others.—Claim,Lso, for services rendered. Mr Mahony for the plaintifF and Mr Gover for the defence.—The evidence in this case was continued this morning. This is now the fourth week that this case has been, before the District Court. There is still the counter case of O'Callaghan and Others v. T. Holder to be heard.—Mr Usher was the first witness called. His cross-examination was continued at some length by Mr Mahony. He said that Mr Holder was most positive that the sketched plan of the Church could be erected for L 1,250, including the tower and spire. The chancel was first spoken of as a temporary structure, but afterwards it was made permanent, which would of course somewhat increase the cost, i Dr. O'Cal laghan did not exert a large influence in the Building Committee. He was only ex officio chairman of the Building Committee. The Church had been admired for its beauty since its erection. He was not aware that; the pulpit was a present from the architect. He did remember that Mr Holder asked

him to subscribe towards the pulpit. He did not do so. — Walter Flicker, master painter and decorator, deposed to inspect- j ing the Epiphany Church last Saturday, j He found the roof, boards and walls were' stained down to the dado. There were 1,596 yards of staining, the value of which was from 3d to 4d per yard. To have done the work according to the specitia tion would have cost about Is per yard. —Mr Mahony cross-examined this wit-' ness, and ateo called rebutting evidence.; Mr Thomas Holder, the plaintiff, was also recalled. He produced the original plan of the church, previously thought to be lost. This closed the evidence. The addresses of the counsel then lasted until the ad journment. •..,-.£

BAY OF ISLANDS COAL COMP PANY.

j Half-Yearly Meeting

Tiie half-yearly meeting of the Bay ol Islands Coal Company was proceeding this afternoon when we went to press. In the absence of Mr J. C. Firth, Mr Thos. Peacock presided. The secretary, Mr Gil iillan, read the report of the directors,which was to the following effect:—The coal sold during the half-year amounted to 15,382 tons, being a decrease of 1,255 tons as com pared with the output of the previous six months. The seam in No. 3 level had lately improved in thickness. A reduction had been made in the cost of winning the coal, from which the company was beginning to derive some advantage,' and a diminution in the haulage rates had . been arranged for with the Government. Mr G. B. Owen resigned his seat at the Board of Directors in February last, after 19 years of continued service in assisting to direct the operations of the Company. ] The Directors had elected .Mr G. P. j Pierce to lill the vacancy thus caused. Th« usual statement of accounts .was appended, from which it would be seen, by the Profit: and Loss Account, th,aj},last half-year's debit balance of L 447 Us 6d has been cleared ofi^ and that there is now a credit balance of L 175 Id. The Directors hoped thab this may be still further augmented during the half-year now current. The Profit and Loss account, as on July 30th, 1887, was :—To balance profit and loss old account, 31st December, 1886, L 447 Us 6d; to winning coal, pumping expenses, stores and labour at colliery, L 6,352 6s 6d'; to carriage of coal by railway, 1,845 10s 8d; to forage, L 241 16s Id; freight on goods to colliery, L 43 5s 4d; general charges and expenses, L 371 19s ; Id; interest and discount, L 123 6s Id ; royalty fee, L 256 7s 4d ; salaries, L 431, 5s ; balance, L 175 Os Id; Total, L 10,288 7a, 8d ; by sales of 15,382 tons coal, L 10,012 3a 4d; by rent of cottages and land, LSI 19s ; by profit on stores and timber sold, and^ work done at colliery, LIBB 16s 5d ; by p.s. \ "Black Diamond," L5 6s 5d ; by transfer'< fee, 2s 6d; total, L 10,288 7s 8d; by , balance L 175 0s Id.

THAMES NOTES.

(by telegraph—owir correspondent.)

Thames, this day. Mr Thomas Harris, of Parawai, husband. of the well-known literary contribiiter \ "Jenny Wren," several of whose poems J and stories have appeared in the Auckland i Star and other papers, died on Saturday, after a short illness.

Mr T. L. Murray has returned from, Hamilton, and resumed his duties to-day as manager of the local branch of the Bank of j New Zealand,

TELEGRAM'S.

Invehcaegill, this day. A Fast Passage.

The schooner Spray made a remarkably j quick passage from Lyttelton to Invergar- { gill. She, left the former port on Thurs-1 day, and was moored alongside Invercar- \ gill jetty on Sunday. „ 'i

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Hugo's Buffalo Mm« • Btrels, 8. t Bell's Buildings. Wyndham-street — Industrial 8 Association's Exhibition, 7.30 to 10 p.m. i Olympia Hall, Grey-street^-Skating Rink, ©pen: daily. Hall, Wairoa South—Mr E. Hamlin and Elector 3 of Franklin South, 7.30. 3 Mauku Public School—Mr .T. Campbell and j Electors of Waipa, 7. •' r . I Papakura Hall—Major Harris and the Electoral of Franklin South, 7.30. St. George's Hall-Hon. J. A. Tole and th»| Electors of N owton, 8. I Robson's Booms—Auckland Political Financial i Reform Association, 7.30. Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell—Auckland Working j men's Friendly Aid Society, 7. School-house, Three Kings—Address to Elector*' of Eden by Mr ?>. A. Connell, 8. Burns Club Room — Supporters wishing to add J their names to Mr E. W. Morrison's Com-i mittee, 7.30. ' St. Peter's Church, Surrey Hills—Evangelistic i Service, 7.30. ' , Ponsonby Choral Society Concert, 8. i n *<»«' Lodge-room—Lodge Pousonby, U.A.0.D., 8,

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

August 9-Messrs J. F. Buddie and F. G. Clayton. ■ I

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Drapery, Clothing, etc. $' Ponsonby, Household Furniture and Effects;,, B. Tonks and Co.-Oilmen's Stores, Groceries, \ Dried Fruits, etc., 11. ■ J G. Lewis—Hobart Apples and Boots and! { Shoes, 11. I D ,F. Evans-Household Furniture ar^Fffeptq, j E, Leydon—Jewellery, &c, 11, G, Lewis-Fruit, &0., 11,

"THE AUCKLAND ' EVENING STAR/ MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1887, >

5