PONSONBY.

There were about 40 householders present.. tfr Speight"l tho chair. The out-going 3 remittee's report, which was read, by the i-^Sj,Btabed that the schools under ;i?Wr charge had Deen making satisfactory i o« and the Committee signified their ;prO(Son of the work done by Mr SSSmd bis teaching staff. The Rich ' d-Road School was said to bo over '"^•ded, but otherwise progressing Tcfactorilv, and a school opened f*-Bayneld, under Mrs Simpson, ,j ': had '■ to be enlarged to acebm ato 160 pupils. The Church-street fS had been fenced at a cost of C4O. School library was doing a large amount ■i ■ \*A and : the Committee expressed 1-f thanks to Mr T. T. Masefield >n %, the purchase of books. Tho ere nuai'terly attendance at the Bay fKoolAvas 101, and at the Richmond '5 e A qctiool 90. The balance-sheet showed: '5 ir,£s£lv3-18s 10d, expenditure £117 Os 'ff eavin* a credit balance of £56 13s Od. ' iU, ' rcl jorUnd balance-sheot were adopted, ; • ?vy O te of thanks accorded to Messrs r?tas Thorne, Boardman, and Masefield •ir donations in money and books. ■rrL Question1 of school holidays then ;."a up 'for discussion, and Mr ? nrt moved, in order- to ascertain T r wa of the householders, "That in the ' ■ • tooi th^s meeting tho school holidays '■°Frliiiitma3should not exceed one month." '\tr Payne seconded the motion.—Mr :jTT.jaidtiat this was a difficult ques kVJ? fk deal with,' and required unanimous '■ v*,,:on'the part of tho various' school /'* S&" Ho did not think the Board h°d anything to do with the matter, but •4rt it'if^he duty of tno committee's to i"~L ■out' the views of tho house 'frldors Some further discussion en '!ned •"'»nd ifc was eventua°y agreed, jfijlit' the holidays require shorten .„ anc i tliat the incoming Committeo com-, ' munleate with the other committees in the Strand suburbs, in the endeavour to ar-; 'rire at some united action for shortening. :the school holidays throughout the year." Messrs B. Cooper, Speight, Devore, Gitto3, w-jiij^p.'atamerjand Herbert were elected. nComnutuiefqr the ensuing year,and a vote, ofthanksiras passed to the retiring Com mittee-

.-I FARNELL. V ■ . ; i . ®Mf Caleb Wood presided at the annual meeting of • householders of this district, leld atTthe school-room last evening. The' report of tlie outgoing Committee showed that the average attendance of scholars for the past year was 487 daily. The chair man remarked that at;the last year in the matter of passing of standards the school wjs considerably above tho average of tho other schools in the provincial dis trict. The' following gentlemen were elected as School Committee:—Messra W. J; Spei"ht, C. Smith, Kinsey, G. Cozens, j}vT. Keetley, C. Kay, and White. Cor dial totes of thanks were accorded to the outgoing Committee and teaching staff,and the°oustoiaary compliment to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.

NEWMARKET.

' The householders of this district met at ftelfmnnarket Hall last evening. Mr W. Hogg was called to the chair. The re port oi the outgoing Committee expressed the indebtedness of the district to M, Board of .. Education .for school imprawments, but expressed regret Mto attendance of the scholars was not jilirge as it should be. The report having teen adopted, tho following • gentlemen mil elected as School Committee for the inning year:—Messrs C. Goodwill, W. J. injietf;.Bishop, ..Morgan,' Kent, Whyman, S|pry,.\-vf; •■

:)-■:' MOUNT EDEN. , T^in§gting, for the election of the ngw Befool Committee was held last night a"t toe schoolroom, when some thirty house- Mai were present. Mr Ewington hav ing been voted to the chair, Mr William Cole, Chairman of Committee, read the re- M which was to the following effect;: — fe school attendance gave on an average 305. With reference to the compulsory drases of the Act, it was the opinion of the Committee that until sufficient accommoda tion was prepared it would be folly to'set it in motion, the school being overcrowded now. As regards the holiday question, the Committee considered the time allowed was too long. The work time of the scholars was six hours per day, or 36 per week.; .Mr Hbskins (the master) reported that there wew2oQ*volumes in the library, "and the quarterly subscription was 3d per head. Various recommendations followed, em bodied in, motions carried towards tho close of tho meeting. •• , Scholabship.— Last year C. E. Powell1 gained a scholarship. This year George Brown, a scholar attending the school, was awarded the Kawling's Scholarship, which gave him 40 guineas and school fees, etc., eqpal to £100. George Wallage gained, a prize" for drawing—the first drawing prize taken :in the Auckland district. — "Mr Bailey, in a neat sneech, moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded tyrMrCheyne, and carried unanimously.— The' Chairman (Mr Ewington), in speaking of the report, referred to the subject'of the Rev; MrjPlrQlips having been refused when wofffiredjto give religious instruction to the ncholars, He would auk' Mr Cole to explain loths meeting the reason for the Committee ■Wtujg :as they "did.iin the matter.— Mr Cole, in replying, said that the Com mittee in dealing with the religious instrud 'Son"of the scholars, which they deemed joost necessary, had placed the same in the tads of certain - undenominational lady whersappointedbvthe Women's Christian Association to whom they had applied. Mr ™ftpshavingapplied afterwards they could ttotia imore than tell him what they had done, him how undesirable it was that I"? peeson of one denomination should the children perhaps ;of ffiwi? of" another persuasion.-Mr 'Sea 'Wcorroborated,(as secretary) Mr Cole's Amenta. The ' following gentlemen %e,then elected as the new School Com ics:-Messrs Cole, Seabrook',Donaldson, "Hmmer, Bridgman, Granwel?, and Eady. that followed, Messrs Cole, fepherd, Campbell, and others spoke iii *qur of the present length of the holidays, "^Messrs, Bailey and Donaldson, and ;fe against the same. The question r!°S put to the meeting, resulted' in 1?' ■ « for-short and 8 "for long holidays: «Vf ?s%™g- motions • wei-e then put j-?,'£ttned, as ' recommended•; by < the "7 .Committee ;—That" in the opinion ■' ■ ™!8 v meeting it is absolutely wfcaasary that additional Bchool accom -s™*on should be provided by the ?«amof Education, and recommend the ™™«uate qrection of a building near ,the TOnt school, and accommodation 'for mr»lso of the younger children.' *nat the book approved of by the Board of S' 1? 11 to 1^ in the second and third ■j™ That in.the opinion of this S™ nS it is" extremely desirable that a £'™^apubUc school should be pur fatiT T th& Board in the vicinity of tknl -s .corner. ' The usual - votes of jS?!« to the master (Mr -Hoskins), the and the Chairman closed of tho evening. ' fy'.^f. | •- ; ' epsom. .. '.. ifcCi^ 01 meeting for tho election of a '■Hall * mittee was held .in the Public 'ta.'^: evening, when, about 20 honso & were present. Mr Robert Hall, W* P tho One Tree. Hill Road chainL;*oo^ jHe;) chair. ;Mr Lawry, tead v ™c outgoing committee, Kbool^,f ;te.Port, -which stated that the Bo toS^.^'^whly satisfactory stato.. :

Intosh, the master; also of Miss Thompson, his able lady assistant. The election of the new Committee resulted as follows:—Messrs G. Worrall, F. Walker, A. ' Worrall, S. Meekham, A. Craig, J. McKay, and R. Neal. Votes of j thanks to the outgoing committee, the chairman, and the master and.;., his • assistants closed the business of theovoning. After the meeting, tho new Committee elected Mr Meekham as chairman, and Mr Worrall treasurer. The Committeo reported that the school opened let July, 1886, with 66 children, and that tho number had since risen to 104. It was absolutely necessary for the school to be enlarged.

REMUERA.

The householders of this district met at *he Mount Hobson Hall last evening, Mr t i, " .Parkins in the chair, and elected the following gentlemen to constitute a school committee: Messrs Ryburn, Monro, Ehodes, bhora, Carr, Rosser and Taylor. Resolutions were passed by the meeting approving of Mr Cooper's two resolutions, £08. 1 and 3, with reference to Globe Reader's; requesting the Board of.Education to provido school books instead of leaving the teachers to do so ; and asking that the date of election of members of the Board of Education be altered to shortly after the annual election of school committees, so that tho ratepayers might be able to instruct committees aB to the candidates whom they should support for election to the Board.

MOUNT ALBERT.

Thero was a good attendance at the schoolroom last night to elect the now Com mittee, and great interest was shown in the proceedings, several very good speeches being made upon 'the vexed questions'of "larrikinism" and "long or short holi days." Mr A. K. Taylor, being;" elected to the chair, congratulated those present upon the efljcipnt' state of. the. school. Mr W. C. Kensington then read the report, which showed that the school must be en larged immediately. The fencing was bad round the school, but there wore no funds available for the purpose of restoring1 same. On the 3lst May Mr French resigned his position as master, in consequence of in creasing age,' and Mr Cronin, 6.A., was appointed in] his!stead. The Board had promised that a master's house should be erectod soon • near the school. The Committee regretted, much the death of one of ..their number, Mr Samuel Stewart, long secretary and treasurer. During the past year a * commencement has been made to provide a library for the school, and a sum of £8 is now to*the credit of the fund. The'vexed question of short ening'the holidays was considered during the year, but'this. Committee do not think that the same objection exists to long holi days in tho suburban schools as it does in, the city. The master's report gave tho number, of children on the roll' 235, an increase of thirteen pupils since the last annual meeting. The following gentleman wore then elected on the new Committee :—Messrs A. K. Taylor, W. Martin, W. Miller, W. C. Kensington, J. Wright, A. Gibson, H.. White. > After the meeting the Committee elected Mr A. K. Taylor chairman.and Mr W. C. Kensing ton.secretaryfor-the ensuing year. ;

NORTHCOTE.

The annual of house holders was held last night in the district school* there being a larsre attendance of residents present j Mr' Alex. Wilson was voted to the.chair, and after reading the circular issued by-the Board of Education for the conduct of these annual meetings, he fcallecl upon Mr Bond, the Secretary.of the out-going Committee, to read the report. From this document it appears that the number" on the roll at Tsorthcote School was 122, and the average "attendance 89. The balance-sheet showed a credit bal ance of £9 123 6d. The examination of the pupils had passed' off .most satisfactorily, and the Inspector's report on the work done by the scholars showed a marked im prouetnent upon the previous year. The following pwsenß were -elected as the Com mittee for the ensuing year : - Messrs Hill, Wernhatn, Boridj Prince, Harris, White man, and Hadfield. Immediately at the close of the public meeting, the Committee met and elected Mr Hill a.s Chairman (pro tern.) and Mr Bond Secretary.

OTAHUEU.

bvening, the report, .of the school committee was read, and the election, of seven householders took place, viz., rMessrs Warren, Day, Brown, Franklyn, Goi-don, W.R. .Wills, and Rev. F. Gould.; Some amusement resulted when Mr Wills i ' took exception to the ruling of the chairman,." that only those E resent at the,reading of,the. report should c allowed to vote." As a number of householders came in before the, balloting took, place, Mr Wills claimed for them the right to vote, which was, however, over ruled,' so many who had been at the meeting at its earlier stage, and;/had retired, and : returned to .record : their votes, were debarred froni that privilege. This is a question '■ for the Board of lEducation to ; solve, for it is -wrong-to expect- householders- to 'attend from 7.30 to near 10- o'clock, and not leave the meeting for the fear of losing their votes.

THAMES

i Meetings of householders in various dis tricts wore held last night for the annual election" of school* committees, and resulted as follows :—Waiotahi: Messrs McGowan, ■Reid,; Smith, Einlay, Moroney, Fletcher, and Goutts. : Kauaeranga:' Messrs Mc- Donald, Pitkethley, Gibb, Renshaw, Mc- Andrew, Scott, and Whitehead. " ■■: ]

G. 6. Black Wires from the Prince • Im perinljniue :—(?'Banked Si ounces retorted golcL" • - _ •" ': .' ,'

Professor. Brown is to lecture on Thurs day evening next at the lecture-room of the University College, on the subject, of gold saving processes. He will discuss the ques tion of how. the precious metals in Thames quartz can best- be conserved, and, as ad mittance to the lecture is free, there will no doubt .h@ a: large attendance of those in terested. • ■..-■■ • • ~ • *■),',;

Tho Devonport Lawn Tennis Club's con cert takes place in the District Hall on Thursday night: A capital programme which has been prepared appears in our ad vertising columns. The first part includes a fine selection of music, and in the second partSt Matthew's Dramatic Club will ap pear in " The Little Sentinel."

Auckland Art Gallery is likely to be well supplied-with- good pictures, "through' the1 numerous donations, given by people .in imitation of Mr. J.M. Clark's gift of Mr Atkinson's.; ;fine: painting, ''A Spanish Soldierj.of ttio' 16th-: Century." A' visitor to tho city, who was much impressed with the Art Exhibition, has pur chased Mr Payfcon'B picture, " The AVai wera River," No. 122, in the catalogue, at the price of'£ls 15s; and presented it to ■ the Gallery. Dr."' Campbell * has "also' re: turned his prize, Mrßlomfield's "picture of • St. Thomas' Chapel, Tamaki, to the Society fi a. gift for tho Gallery, and Mr McCosh Clark has made a second presentation, viz., .Mr R. AtkinsJ3n|s "A Life School Study," jNo 49 in catalogue.

Captain Braddick, who \yas connected with the , Shaw-SaviU Shipping Company fpr ■ about twenty years .has declared his preference for this iport overfall.others that he''has visited,'arid they are by no means few, by settling down' here. Capt. Braddick has ahigh,opinion of Auckland harbour, arid' the climate ho considers splendid, so for the futijre he has", decided to cast in his lot with the shipping commu nity, ashdre.; JIo has started in business'as marine surveyor, ] and can be •, found at Mr Wmi Cruickshank's office: on.the wharf, or at -Mr'H.rF; Anderson's store'r His lengthy" .oxperienee,-in: .-shippin^; matters:; should on'siu^ liim-a f#;ghai'« of puliUc paiirohagb.

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

7 —*-t- — . <■ ••'->-■- ".'THE'"" *'* • GOVERNOR'S c SPEEeH.-.' '

(by telegraph.—press association-)

' ', '' Wellington, this day. , THE fourth session of the ninth Parliament of New Zealand was this day opened by the Governor, when His Excellency was pleased to make the following speech :— ' .

Honourable Gentlemen of the Legisla tive Council and Gentlemen of the House of. Eepkesentatives, —

I have again to express . the pleasure I feel in meeting you in Parliament assembled. You will join in re gretting that since last session so many members of both Houses have been removed by the hand of death. Tho loss of Mr Macandrews is widely mourned. Ifc is unnecessary that to you who know him so well, I should dwell on his great qualities as a statesman and a patriot. The proper manner of celebrating the Jubilee of our Most Gracious Sove reign has been considered by Her Majesty, and she has intimated tliat tho ■founding of an Institute that will re main a permanent exhibition' of the wealth and industries of her wide dominion will bo most pleasing to her. Steps have been taken in England to carry thi3 project to a successful issue, and the colonies have, been invited to join in this modo of celebrating her Jubilee. My advisers in -accordance with tho wish: of his Royal Highness the; Prince of .Wales have asked the local bodies to invite assistance from private1 individuals; ancl::-,it : will be for you to consider what further steps should betaken to testify v,; the way desired by, our sovereign, or in such other 'manner us you may approve; the'''love and: loyalty of thU colony to the Crown. A conference convened to discuss im- P ol'fcant subjects nflecbing all parts of tue Empire is now being held in Lon-. {'°n. This is the 'first meeting of tho kind in the history of our country, and it marks a new era in the great work °f colonization I have no doubt that e i'cn*:- should its results appear to bo meagre, the very fact of such a conference • will lielp forward' that close union of tho empire which the citi zens of a; great State must desii'O to see maintained and developed. The more firmly the bonds of relationship be tween Eu'elish-speaking people are drawn together the better itjnust bo for every colony and dependency of the Empire. The question of naval defenco has necessarily been discussed by the dele gates. lam «lad to be able to inform you there seems cvci y £>rospect that a rea sonable and fair arrangement will be con cluded between the MothervCountry and her colonies.

A propostl has beon made which will bo duly submitted tp you, by winch, at a compnrntivcly small cost "to the colqey, the fleet in the Australasian waters will be increased and due provision made in time of war for the protection of the coasts and shipping. Perhaps, however, the most gratifying announcement that can be made in refer ence to the subject is that the firmness of my advisers in urging the claims of New Zealand to be regarded to some ex tent as a distinct naval station has been crowned with success. "New Zealand subject to your approval of the proposed arrangement, is therefore to be head quarters of a portion of the fleet with a peace establishment of two vessels of war. Much a recognition of her. .Maritime position cannot fail to be of service to her corjrirnercially; and my Ministers desire toexpress their sense'of thegenerosity with 'which the,; other colonies supported this,proposal. '-"'.% Sofar asth& Conference has paoceeded all may. rejoice at tlie harmony that has characterised its proceedings and the evi dent feeling in favour of union that has been displayed.by"Her MayeetyV subjects in'iallparts of the Empire.' .".' -> : •■■

Intimately related to naval protection are the defences of the principal -ports, which are also the chief, centres of the wealth of the country. I am'glad to bo able to state that the defence works are gradually ap proaching completion, and that the Government-•. is ; now in a position to entrust their execution to the permanent forces of the colony. When the forts and batteries are finished, the harbour defences of New. Zealand will redound to the credit of the colony, and will be of the utmost, service to her'shouldwar. arise;" The culti vation of friendly feelings amongst the colonies cannot be too strongly urged. The'colony of Victoria is about to cele brate th'<b Australian* centenary by holding an International Exhibition, and you will be asked to consider whether New Zealand '■ shall be,represented,on suchi an important occasion: An exhibition of this character cannot fail to be of immense service to the colonies infringing before visitors ;from all parts of world, the products' and resources of;;these ■:'vast ■ territories ' that' only require capitaland labour for their further development, and the increase in the price of.wool, and the, bountiful'grain harvest' that has just been reaped must have a beneficial effect on all the : industries of the' 'colony. Though the price of agricultural produce has been low, the work of settlement has made great progress and You will be pleased to learn' that large nnmbers of families have been attached to the soil during the past year under the various scheme? of the Land settlement that are provided 'for in the Land Act. ..When the large areas that have been recently acquired from natives on the route of -the North Island main trunk railway, have been made avail able for occupation by the construc tion of the line; there will no doubt be further extension ; of' settlement in the interior of this Island.: The.difficulties in the past in arranging with the natives for obtaining .suitable land, are daily lessened, and the recent adjudications by; the' Native Land Court ,on some millions of : acres proves that the Maories are awakening to the advantages to be derived from the profitable occupa tion of their lands,. Papers will be laid before you regarding the conference held in, Sydney relating to the importation, of stock into the colonies. Gentlemen of ; ehe ,House of kepre-, sentatives,—The estimate of' revenue and expenditure for the current.,. financial year will ''be brought before you atNa'n early''date. The revenue has beeiv^diminished .to;-a considerable ex tent, partly by the fall in the price_ of goods and partly-, also by the happily-increased habits of temperance amongst the people. MY :advisers recognise the necessity of limiting the expenditure as far as the wants of the colony will'•permit,, and I have no doubts that when the financial .position and requirements ,of the countryare placed beforeyo'ii they will receive yonr most care ful consideration. i. t * , ■• TTov Gentlemen of : the Legislative' •Council and Gentlemen of the/House

i OF PiEPBES!-:XTATIVKS :,. A Representation Bill will be brought before you.. Its purpose will be so to deal, Vith the subject thafaftcr every census the 9f :vl»i W10.,y «:ili:bc self-. ncljvistcU;':" &f> .'•■>» je<i(M

i The reform of the Legislative Council has been frequently before Parliament. My advisers believe that it may be fittingly when a measure for the repre sentation of the people is being discussed: •A Bill on the subject will be brought before you.

The Loans to Local Bodies and Govern ment Loans to Local Bodies Acts which wore passed by Parliament last year have given general satisfaction throughout the colony. Experience, however, has shown that some amondments may bo necessary in order more effectively- to carry out their provisions, These will be submitted to you. \ .My advisers believe that one of the main aids to the progres? of the colony is the Sromoting of Agricultural Settlement luch has already been done in .this direc tion. It will be for you to consider whether exceptional legislatien .is not desirable to establish small farm settlements where there are no Crown lands available.

My advisers believe that together with agricultural and pastoral settlement it iB of the utmost importance that other industries should be encouraged. You will be invited to consider how this object can bo accomp lished.

The good feeling that ie being exhibited by tho Maoris towards the Government has been evidenced in a marked manner by the generous offer to the colony of the Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngaruahoa Moun tains by the Ngatimoharetoatribo.who desire that a largo area of land should be set aside aa a national park. You will be asked to legislate on tho subject in order that effect may be given to their wishes. Efforts have been made to further and dovelop the mining industries of tho colony, the pressing want at the present seeming to be some mode of treating tho rich and varied ores that are to bo found in many parts of the Country. It is hoped that new methods may bo applied which will turn to account the, valuable mineral resources of tho gold fields that are now left unproductive. The question as to the assistance that can properly be devoted to such a purpose will, no doubt, receive your close attention.

You will be asked to consider bills pro viding for amendments in the electoral laws, the Government Insurance Act, tho Crimi nal Law, and the Guardianship of Infants, and for the Constitution of Railway Boards of Ad vice

Various other bills will also be submitted for your consideration.

I commend to your attention the impor tant questions that will be brought before you and I hope that under the blessing of God your labours may prove of great service to the colony. . *

WRECK OF THE WAITAKI.

Report hy Captain Mclntosh

The After-bold and Engine room

Full of Water.

Captain Mclntosh, of tho s.s. Te Anau, which arrived from Melbourne, via Southern ports, this afternoon, informs us that after rounding Cape Palliser and when abreast of Black Head at 7.30 p.m. on tho 23rd,he saw rockets fired and a continual fire kept burning. Tho To Anau bore up and steamed inshore as close as she could with-safety, and thon Captain Mclntosh despatched a boat in charge of tho second officer .on shore to discover by whom and for what reason the distress signals were shown. When the second officer returned it was learned that the steamer Waitaki had gone ashore morning at 1.15 o'clock. Tho crew were safe nshoro and sheltered by a tent on tho beach. In answer to a message sent by Captain Mclntosh, proffering assist ance, Captain Pennel, master of tho Wai taki, Btated that ho expected a steamer from Wellington on the following morning, as he had wired there particulars of tho mishap. Tho after-hold and online-room of the Waitaki were said to bo full of water. The, Te Anau was thus detained 2J hours, and being unable to render any assistance, Cant. Mclntosh got her under weigh again and continued the voyage. The second officer of the Te Anau is unable to give any fresh particulars, except that nothing was said whilst he was ashore as to how tho Waitaki got on the beach, and received no information' as to the likelihood of the vessel being got off. She is ashore about •six miles to the northward of Capo Pal- User. . . • .'.

Another bicycle road race is being arranged to take place on the 14th May. The race will be from Onehunga to Parnell, and th« prizes gold, silvor, and bronze medals. Mr J. A. Walker i 3 the promoter, and the entries close on Saturday, The race is open to all cyclists who have never won a bicycle race.

At a meeting of the Wellington Rugby Union last night, it was' decided to adopt the English rules in regard to scoring, viz. : A match shall be decided by a majority of points ; a goal shall equal three points, and a try one point. When a goal is kicked from a try, a goal only is scored. It was further decided that none but bona fide resident members of Ja competing club be allowed to play for such club in any cup match. It was also decided if on the date of'a cup match any competing club be found in arrears with any money due to the Union, it shall be declared to have lost the match by default.

Captain Edwin advises every indication very, cold or frosty to-night, and very low tides; for 24 hours from now.

To-morrow evening the fortunate winners in the Art Society competitions will receive their prizes. On the same occasion the new Art Union will be drawn for. As it is tho last opportunity the public will have of see ing the pictures, a large number of persons may be expected, on that evening. 28 pic tures have been sold up to tho present time, including Mr Atkinson's "Life School Study," several of Mr Payton's, one of Mr Drummond's, Mr Blomfield's "On the Nihotopu," and Mr Sladere " Study of Ti-Tree."

The attendance last night at the weekly meeting of the Eden Quadrille Assembly was tho largest that has been seen since the opening of the season—there being in some dance 3 twenty-four couples on the floor. Everything was conducted in a most ordorly and satisfactory manner, Mr Bassett's ser viceß as M.C. being much appreciated. It has been resolved to have a special social fathering in the Eden Hall on Monday, 9th lay, when a variety of parlour games will be introduced, with musical and literary selections. • I

His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint the undersigned medical officers to the general list in accordance with paragraphs 52 to 65 volunteer regula tions in force Ist January 1887 :—To be Brigade Surgeons, Surgeon, Thomas M. Philson Assistant-Surgeon, Dr. B. C. Beale, to be Surgeon Majors ; Assisted Surgeon, J. Elmsley, Hon. Surgeon, Frederick AY. E. Dawson, to be surgeon ; Hon. Surgeon Charles E. Tennant.

An enormous whale, between 60 and /0 feet long, was seen on Sunday morning last by a number of local fishermen near the Three Sisters, in the passage between Waiheke and Chamberlain's Island.

Members of the Gospel Temperance Mis sion are reminded that the adjourned annual meeting takes places this evening at 9.30 in the V.M.C.A. Social Hall, ,when the general council, executive comuiittco ami ?QGrctaiyore to bq oloctcd,

POLICE COURT.

THIS OAt.

(Before' 6! P. Pierce and F. L^-Prime

J.P.s),

Drunkenness. — A young man, charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct, was fined 20s and costs, or in dofauljj. 48 hours' imprisonment. • .

BEaaiNa.—Arthur Kirk, alias Quirk, was charged with wandering abroad to gather alms at Auckland on April 25th. Tho de fendant said that he had not bogged; tho gentleman must have misunderstood—P. G. Lwington deposed that yesterday the de fendant came into his office and asked two pence, as he wanted a drink. Witness ordered him out, but as he did not seem disposed to ge he rang the telephone for the police. When thoconstablecame ho gave him in charge, as this class of persona were be coming a nusanco to tradespeople in tho city.— Constable Kearny deposed to ar resting the defendant, and said he had" been previously convicted.—Sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

Bueglatiy.—John Duncan, charged with burglariously entering the dwelling of Charles Spranz, and stealing therefrem a quantity of "kauri gum and a silver ring, was committed for trial.

Alleged Violent Assault.—James Lowndes, a powerful-looking young man, was charged with unlawfully assaulting one Charles Streen at Ellerslie, by Btriking him on the jaw and breaking it. ■ Mr Brassey appeared for the accused. —Charles Streen, a seafaring man, who appeared in Court with hiß jaw tied up, deposed that on April 11th he went to the Ellerslio racecourse in company with two boys named Fernandez and two others. He had a drink at the bar at the back of the grand stand, and had just left it when two men rushed by him, one of thorn exclaiming, "There he is," and some one knocked him down and broke his jaw in two places. He wa3 subsequently taken to Dr. Hooper's residence, where his jaw was set, and since then he had been under the care of that medical man. He did not see the man who struck him.. While he was drinking at the bar three men came to the bar and asked for a drink, but the barman refused to supply them. Witness had no quarrel with any one on the course, nor had he struck' any one.—By Mr Brassey: After he was struck, he did not point out anyone as the man who struck him. He did not know Taylor or "Cockney." He was not certain if he was struck with a man's hand.. The prisoner's brother went to him the other .day, and wanted to pay the expenses and settle the coso without going to law. Mr Brassoy said that if the accused's brother had done this it was quite without the authority of the accused.—Constable Mc- Connell deposed that he was on the Ellerslie racecourse on the date in question, and observed the accused strike the last witness on the jaw. Just prior to this another man had been struck, and was sitting down amongst a crowd of persons. The man, the' accused told him, waa his brother. Witness did not arrest the accused in consequence of certain cir cumstances. The accused asked, a man who had boon with his brother if the man who had been following his brother about was the man who had struck him. The man said "Yes," and the accused re marked, "Wait till I get hold of him." This was about seven minutes before the complainant! was assaulted. Wit ness was lengthily cross - oxamined by Mr Brassey, and a man named Foster, who vory much resombled the accußed, was called into Court and asked, if he might not hayo been the person who assaulted tho complainant.—The witness, howover, stronuously maintained that the accused was the person who committed tho assault. Accused was perfectly sober. Tho complainant did not accuse a man named Phil. Turner of having struck him, nor did lie accuse anyone else.— Constable Carroll gave corroborative evi donco. He was certain that tho accused committed the assault.—Sergeant Clark arid Dr. Hooper wore also examined fojiijhe prosecution, , ,%. T?^ ■ ? . • (Loft sitting) 4j&gft l •: ,_ ' t&CP

PROFESSOR CARROLLO'S ATHLETIC CARNIVAL.

Thkre was a large audience at the Opera House last evoning, when Professor Carrollo's athletic carnival took place, under most auspicious circumstances. After an orchestral performance by Impoy's band, the curtain rose, and showed the Professor's pupil from his town gymnasium, and also from tho 'All Saints' Church and Holy . Trinity Church Athletic Clubs, the pupils wenb through dumbell exercise in excellent time, and Messrs F. \V. Edwards and Professor Carollo mado a good display in fencing, with grand salute, vaulting and military horse followed^ and Messrs Edwards and J. YV, Dickson en gaged in a singlestick bout. , Some clever clever parallel bar performances followed, and • after an interval, the second part of the entertainment was opened with tho Profossqr's three-bar performance, in which he was assisted by Messrs. P. \V. Ekwards, H. A. Keesing, T. H. Keesing, W. Barker, G. Bock and J. B. Buchanan. This performance was a very clever one and was received with much applaufe. Mr. H. A. .Keesing handled the heavy Indian club, and Messrs. G. Bock and W. Parker made a creditable display with the gloves. The pupils then next went shrou^h exercises on the Roman rings, and Professor Carollo astonished tho audience by a daring feat, swinging with tho rings right over the orchestra stalls, he "cut and caught again with confidence, and was received with.a.hearty ring of applause. Messrs J. Buchannafy J. Bruce, and T. Williams then tried their strength with the 1001b ball which was lifted with ease, and Mr. Buch anan held a: 1431b weight overhead with one hand, apparently without any great effort. The second . part ; of'the performance concluded with, quarterstaff by Messrs Edwards and Dixon,' ; arid in the. third part, after an Indian club performance by tha whole of i the pupils, Mr W. R. WaddeL President of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, presented the prizes won ab the recent sprorts. ' After this Professor Carrollo and H. A. Keesing gave an artistic boxing display, and i the per formce concluded with an amusing boxing melee, in "which all the poi'fpn^fs^QjjJi: part. ' ' '. ' '.V

THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.

'Tire "Complaints Disposed of.

Tiife public will be gratified fc> know that the threatened "trouble" at the Luna tic Asylum has been averted, and that the allegatibria of neglecb of a pabient h&vo been effectually disproved. The Visiting Justices, Messrs Ewington and Stevenson, do not feel at liberty to make public the letter of Dr. Macgregor on .the snbjeet, without obtain ing that gentleman's consent, but we learn that it exonerates Dr. Cremonini from all blame. The Inspector states that he had made a separate investigation of McGarry's case while in Auckland on a complaint made to him by a patient, and that he examined all the attendants who knew anything about the matter except Humphries; and 'he • had come to tho conclusion that it was simply ono of those cases, of common occurrence in asylums, where the patient will sometimes refuse all food for days, and suddenly begin again to eat. Dr. McGregor concluded by stating that he is glad that the matter has now come to a head, and he hopes tho Justices will give their moral support to the doctor when he la exposed to 'unscrupulous at tacks.

With reference to the complaint of two citizens that they went out to visit the Asylum last week and wore told that the doctor's orders were that no one should be allowed to go through the establishment, we learn that the regulations with regard to visit ing at the institution are as follows. Friends aro afc liberty to visit any inmate on any day of the week between the hours of 2 and 4 in the afternoon, unless the Medical Superintendent is of opinion that the mental condition of the patient is such that the excitement of receiving a visitor would be injurious. With reference to persons who go out to the Asylum from mere curiosity with the expec tation of being permitted to wander at pleasure through the establishment, Dr. Crernonini holds a very strong opinion that such a custom is neither in the interests of the patients nor in accordance with the feelings and wishes of their friends. The right of grant ing admission vests solely in himself and the Inspector-General, and while he is_ willing to meeb in every way the wishes and convenience of those who desire to co-operate in contributing to the comfort, amusement and well-being of the patients, he would decline to sanction any visit that is prompted by a morbid curiosity. . • ■'„*+■'Jr

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

\:-.(BV TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) ">•■''' r ' Wellington, this day.

PASSAGE OF THE HINERSOA.

Tiib passage of the Hinemoa from One hunga was anything bub a pleasant one, and occupied the unusually long time of 92 hours. Ib was nob tho roughest on record, but Captain Fairchild says tho weather ex perienced was the worst he has seen for the lastsixmonths. The steamer had a lively timo of it crossingManukau Bar, and encountered a heavy cross sea all the way to Cape Eg-; mont. Things were pleasanter during the| forenoon, bub approaching Wellington wo met a strong south-easterly gale, and nearly all the passengers succumbed to Bea sickness. . Probably tho greatest sufferer was tho irrepressible Hodge, who was hors de combat during the whole of the passage notwithstanding the fact that he came on board -with his pockets filled with lemons. Wellington wharf was reached about seven o'clock lasis evening.

818 WALTBK BtTLLKS.

Sir Walter Buller has again addressed the Premier on the subject of the Owhaoko scandal. His letter is dated 28th February, and it deals mainly with the contentsof Mi F. D. Fenton'o letter to the " New Zea land Herald" of 31st December, accus ing him of "a most flagrant breach of faith" in the publicatien !of the lat ter's original letter to Mr Studholicne. This imputafion Sir Walter Buller most strongly resents and justifies his own conduct as not only being in accordance with his own sense of right but as also being approved by tho Hon. Gisborne Sir F. Dillon Bell and H. D. Bell.

He now states that " tho first part of it re flected on members of the Committee who were supposed to be hostile to him (Mr Fenton) and are mentioned by name, and then girea a forecast of the probable result. Sir Walter Buller asks the Premier to lay the letter on the table of the Honso with his former statement, from ■which, however, he de sires to withdraw bhe suggestion that " Mr Bell was apparently only too ready to care Mb client at any expense," as he is now satisfied thai h« was quite mistaken on that point. . ' - . • .

KNIGHTHOOD FdR MAJ«?R ATKIN SON. .

The " Post" to-night says it cannot be doubted that if Major Atkinson had gone Home, his nam* would have been included in the creation of K.C.M.G. Australian representatives whose position and services are not to bo mentioned in the same breath with Major Atkinson's have been decorated or offered decorations in connection with this Conference. /v • MEMBERS PRESENT. t-^* There are not very many legislators in town as yet, but doubtless by to-morrow the bulk of members, of both Houses will have put in an appearance. ' ' Notice of the Representation Bill will be given by the Premier to-day. The bill is ready for introduction as soon as leave is granted. It provides, among other things, for amalgamation of the city electorates. SIR "W, FITZHERBERT, The Governor has formally accepted by cable the resignation of Sir VVilliam Fitzherberfc as Speaker of the Legislative Council, and has signed a commissib'n appointing the Hon. George Marsrlen Waterhouse to fill the office of Speaker."* v THE OPPOSITION. .^ A meeting of the Opposition is.to be held immediately on the arrival of Major. Atkin son, who is expected to-night. , It is in-, tended to form a compagfc party, which will act unitedly. ' ; Mr Peacock returned from tne South to day. ~*-,; ' • m< ,•; . JUBILEE RELEASE OF PRISONERS. The Minister for Justice is carefully con sidering the advisabilty of celebrating the : Queen's Jubilee by releasing a number of, prisoners serving long sentences for'first offences of a serious nature where their con duct has been exemplary since conviction.. . The prison authorities are understood to be strongly in favour of releasingseveral who do not belong to the habitual criminal class.' The Government are likely to communi cate with the Home Government. before' taking any action in the matter., ?-,■*'■*v, .RETRENCHMENT. ;' Mr Reynolds has been endeavouring, to prevail on the Cabinet to effect considerable retrenchment in the cost of the Civil ser: vice. I hear he proposed an all round reduction of 15 per cent., but this was not favourably received by his brother; Minis ters. It is likely that the hours of civil servants will be. extended to from nine, till five. ■ : ' ' : -': :' '. •;' ,; ' : ! >'' lt

NEWTON BOROUGH.

The usual meeting of the members of th3 above-body was held last evening.' iVesent t • Mayor. Warnock and Councillors Riggs,! Billington, Ambury, Lee, Prime, Laing/i Buckley, Morrison, and Hastings. ' *^

CoRRKSPdHDENOn.-i-The following letters: were read and referred.to a committee for, consideration :•—From Dr. Lawry, reporting; a case of typhoid fever in the Borough :Re-j ceived. — Prom the Arch Hillßoad Board,; stating that they were unable to pay an! account for £84 6s 7d for half-cost of repairs to the Great North Road.—From Sir Julius "Vogel, forwarding circular asking/for con tributions to ' tho Imperial Institute. I Received.—From the Hospital and Chari-J table Aid Board, requesting payment oiw the Newton Borough's contributions of £152 ] Is 2d : Received.—From Colonel Haultain, j onbehalf CostleyTraininglnstitute trustees, i stating that they were prepared to pay £1 per allotment towards the formation of the * footpath in Richmond Road. Carters' Licenses.—The delegates of* the Invercargill. suburban borough for-,1 warded a circular re section 422, clause B, of the Municipal Corporations Act, sugges ting an amendment of the clause re carters' j licenses, by striking out the. word% <! "where he mostly plies." The circular j was received, and tne Council expressed their concurrence with the resolution of the Invercargill boroughs. , i '■ \ Richmond Road. "-Tenders were opened J for the formation of th'efootpath in Rich- ' mond Road, but-consideration of the same ' was deferred for the ' present, jiendincr j arrangements being made with the Surrey ! Hills Co. Lovett's was the lowest tender. 1 £63 10s.

New Rate.—The Mayor gave notice that ! at next meeting of the Council he intended \ to move, " That a general rate of Is in the j £ be struck upon the value of the rateable property in the borough ; and that the sama I be payable on or before Monday, June 27." / Tghjs was all the business. ! ' r

VOLUNTEER TROUBLES.

Officers Released from Custody. I

Col. Lyqh, the,, officer commanding the Auckland Volunteers,. sent to-day for, Mr D. . B. McDonald, late captain of the Ponsohby;^ Rifles &nd intimated, to him the decision of ! the Major-General* with regard, to the j charges preferred against the captain and '. Lieutenants Martelli and Jackson Palmer '! by Lieutenant-Colonel. Mahon. Sir J. ;S. • Whitawre has telegraphed that none of the \ charges having been proved the three j officers named must at once bo released i from custody. The friends of these gentle- i men will therefore be glad to know that have j got ou* of the figurative " chokey " to which j they w«re consigned some weeks ago. It is J stated that the captain and two iieutenants j are now to have their innings,l arid that an ! inquiry will shortly be held into the ! charges laid by Captain MoDonald ; against Lieutenant - Colonel Mahon,' as ' well as into the question of promotions 1 which was tho real origin of the "trouble." ,' We learn from Wellington that Captain' j McDonald's letter &c. have been,, laid ■ before the Defence. Minister, and the j matters will be discussed by questions ; raised in the House of Representatives, j

The first annual general meeting of sub- ! scribers of the Auckland Reformatory and j Women's Home Association will be held ; this evening afc 7.30,. in the V.M.C.A. i Rooms. . : .. , : [ i,t ■■..,.•-

Use colonial . productions. Try .our 4 Portland Cement and Hydraulic Lime. Infor-": ination free on concrete—J Wilson & Co., Cu3- i tonis-strcetWost ..■:■■•--■ /; , !

COMING EVENTS.

meetings, &o, To-night,

Agricultural Hall—Royal Acromantia Temple i of Wonders, B. -■:■■- - ■ , Religious Meeting ip the Tent on Surrey Hills . Estate. Ponsonby Road, 7.30. j New Art .Gallery—Auckland Society of Arts, 12 noon to 10 p.m. Crescent Hall, Shortland-street—Forming of a - Quadrille Assembly, 7.33. : • , ; ■; -\ V.M.C.A. Rooms—.Gospel Temperance, Union, Drill-shed—Newton Rifles. 7.30. ,j w, Masonic Hall, Newton—Eden Lodge, No. 1530, E.C..7.30. . :,:.[ ;ijg '.... : ; i.«J !>. ■■:';:;,}, Drill-shed—Waitemata Naval Artillery, 7.30. J Newton West Schoolroom—Annual Meeting of Arch Hill Ratepayers, 7.50. ; ;• Newton Congregational Church — Reception ■ Soiree, 6.30. ;'; •. v;-; ;•'.;.>.:■■ /

' ' Kota of Jufotloes at Police Court.

AkilJJrJVlQSsrfl A. C. Pufchas and C. Ring...

'• AuoMon Sales To-morrov7. ■' " i

B. : Tonka and Co.^Sharea, etc.,-11.30: Pro- A porty. 11 t i•■ - - i ■"■ • v'l O^ v \Binne?~ Pro£ert3V12; Mechanics' Bay— \ Timber,. Saddles, Collars, etc.; 2.'' ■; ( : /r ;Vj

Births.

CDNLEY.-On the 13th April,.flt DoTOcpbrt.tho I XJJ^gf J. Conley, ofa son. ' v t ■.'

Deaths.

KELL.*-pn Tuesday, at his, residence, Alberf Btreet,DavidKell; aged 76.' Deeply regretted'

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

(Continued from Page 2.) >•-

THE AnCKMD' .EV^NINO' STAR T TUESDA^::APRI^'M'IBBt. ..,—,,

5



The Rev. Thos. Adams (formerly of the Newton Congregational Church) has been engaged till the end of the year-by the United Presbyterian Congregationalists of Mangare, Onehunga, at a salary of £250 per annum with a, manse. To-day, the Presby tery approved the arrangement. : m\ Some business,has been done on 'Change to-day in Saxons at 2s 5d,. bub little or nothing in other kinds of stock.. The Rev. Mr and Mrs Dowie held another meeting in connection with the faith-healing mission last night, at the Choral Hall, when there was a good 'attendance. There will not be a meeting to-night. ChSwDREN STARVING TO DEATH OD account of their inability to digest food, will hnd a. most marvellous food and remedy in Scott's Emulsion of Pure Cod Livik On. with HYroi'iiosPHiTES. Very palatabl* and easily digested. Kead the following testimonial: '• I have prescribed 1 SCOTT'S EMULSION' : in cases of children suffering from wasting and 'mal-nutrition, and can report most favorably of its good effect; it has , been in each case taken most readily." ' .■ , . .'. ■•.'■W. 'Pkrkins, M.R.C.S., '•<* ■ : Medical Supt,, Hurlelgh Hospital; Eng. Large and small botiles »tiJJ CbeaiKii >» 6d and 3) od.



Ladies ahonld Buy their 'Dresses, j Miiiioery and. aianUcs (a'clioico sclecUonh



WANTED, a Boy, used ! t6! tinsmith ing; * -Apply. J. : Noblo, Tinsmitli J Kticii-J Terrace. , . . ........ ;■, i. .M OARD AND RESIDENCE wanted \ near Lower Symond-strect by .2 business' men ; must be moderate ;state terms.—Address vr*Jr.O.i u()X, IS2. - r ■ . 'o "ANTED—A first-class Mantle-maker. ■- —Apply with references to M.M., Stajc J-^ Y EgNESDAY, May 4th,> for tno, Erection of a Sbc-roomcd Cottage at Rcmucra. '} ■ Plans and specifications at bur office, siiorc- * -land-street. -~..:;> ~..: |v? STEWART AXP'^UNTER, C.X.. '.','.'[', *i; ■ ■ ■•-, '■-. : ;.'; V ■■''' - Architects.1'I'"' Hfe^ ■ \-' ■ ..-.-'.'" —ii-'.'v ■'■■■■. ,/. ' — - — .:.:■ i/j IN . -BrAiN X R U P T C Y. IN i i THE SUPREME COURT' OK H \S" li-) ;i RUPTCYHOLDJiN.AT.AUCIvUANi). ■ ij In the matter ■ "of !!''Tno r Bankruplcv! K'dtf 1 1883," and of the Bankruptcy, of John- ! ' Thomas Lilley. of Henderson, Auckland, in '•] ■ tho Provincial of' Auckland, in KtHv J Zealand, Storekeeper, a Bankrupt .-..» •'■■■■; i ii Notice is hereby eiven that,tho first Gcncrn1 meeting of preditorg will bo 'held at my nili6«" ' BTAS, T^lff dl^Ss. •<■ Fort-sti-cet, rAucklanrtM on TUESDAY, . the Si'd day of May, ISS?, !at.,2.30 o'clock:-p.m.liPi-oofs of debt miis: ' be furnished- prior to, the, meeting. .Prosy, I forms can bo'obtamod at my office. No proof !can be admitted; except tinder order,! of Ui>j I Court, after the espii'ation oi' four nionths frcva i the date of the filing of the petition. AccbufA" sent; in -unsupported .by-.-proof of debt, ,y, -<r'. eoribed by law, cannot be recognised. ",'".. i. ;■ - irii i-- r^i.'i.'-^n^j'oHN^^A'WSby', ' °":! Auckland, AprU, 2(5,1887. ...... J ' Napikr &SiiKßA,'ShortJand-streßt. ecMO'icr* ' for the Bankrupt, o >;,\ -j-jii ■;.-■■■. ■ ,u'-iv f .Vv ;y */>u^'.,■;'' '■«;•:■■ V'i:.c'f v, ,■ n-.r.':.) ■T.y^ ,ba,ijjk; c v r' '? c v.) ~m ,TBE COURT~oi r »BANKHi;i"i;c\'-:'iV ; ../-.HOLDEN ATjAUCKLAXp..;,.^^ 3. ' In tho mattotfiof "The Bankruptcy Act, ISSiJ '''' ■' and the Amendments .thcroof. and of tn.'» i •j Bankruptcy .of Jqhn Thomas Lir.i.icv' -fci Henderson, vitti-the iPr.ovincinl iDistrict, c{ :■ Auckland, in New, Zealand,. Stordkecpcr,.■ ~,:r Notice is hereby given'tliat I Jpnx,TiiOMAi.' Lillet; of Auckland; in-the Proviuciul District' of Auckland, in, New Zealand. Storekeeper hay» ; this day filed in the said :C6iirt at li.p'cilar.'lV petition to be adjudged d Bankrupt.: < J; <*r i : , ;Pdtcd f {hi3 2gth day of April, iss;,. ~,,.; ~,f j-f