It is hardly necessary to remind our •readers of Mrs p.ivics's concert in the fhoral Hall to-night. The programme has heen advertised and further remark upon 'to many attractions is not needed.

Trenton are inquired for at 3s 7d, and few sellers; Saxon are dull—there are buyers at 5s 6d, sellers 5s 9d ; Cambria lie quiet at 7s ; Princo Imperial, about J. gd; Caledonians were wanted yester day 'at 4s 6d — sellers holding for Ltter prices. Bank of New Zealand •bares are steady at £12 10s to £12 12s ; Colonial Bank about 43s 6d, and Nationals . re -winked with no quoted sellers ; New Zealand Insurance sellers, 69s to 70s; South British sales, 345. Great satisfaction t expressed on the market in regard to the Mble which has been received re the float ing of the Union mine, ab Waihi, on the London market. It appears to be almost tjrtain that the Company will now be Seessfully floated. Wβ understand that a petition to the House of Representatives in favour of licenses being granted at Hikutaia, tt'hangatnata, and other places on the croldn'elds, i 3 being extensively signed. The petition lies at the office of Mr gaundera, Insurance Buildings, and all those who wish to see our goldfields de veloped an< * s< of titled guaranteed should sign it. It is quite certain that our gold and silver ores require capital to de yelop them, and capital must have security 0 { tenure, which is certainly not secured by the miner's right title.

A church parade of the Royal Irish Volunteers is announced to take place on Sunday next —the muster taking place at tho Drill-shed at 10 a.m. The Royal Irish we also requested to attend at the Opera House at 3 p.m. to-morrow afternoon to re hearse their drill for the play of " Human Nature," in which they, with other local Volunteers, are to take part.

At the concert at Henderson on Friday last Mrs Beach assisted at> the piano with incicbacceptance. Her name wasaccidentaily omitted from our report.

An apology which appears in another column ought to be a warning to those who have nothing bettertodothan to disseminate unfounded rumours regarding the solvency of well-known firms. This is an evil which js rather rife at the present time, and ib is ioped it may be checked. In the R.M. Court yesterday afternoon jadmnent was given for the plaintiff in the"case of Laishley v. Chas. Wilson and Goo. Andrews, with costs 395. K. Fuller claimed 27s from E. W. Morrison for de livering 2,700 copies of the " Echo " at Is ncr hundred during defendant's candida ture of City West. Mr Franklin for plain tiff Dr.Laishley for defendant, who pleaded the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act. Plaintiff was nonsuited with costs 15s 6d. E. Wilson sued Howard for £2 Bs, price of sk'bara of oysters alleged to have been mpplied. Mr Duiaur appeared for plain tiff who obtained judgment for -24s with 263 6d costs.

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church was crowded yesterday on the occasion of the marriage of Miss Rachel Fraser T-eecond daughter of our respected citizen, Mr George Fraser —to Mr Woodhnrst, & gentleman from the South. The Rev. Mr Carrick was the celebrant. The church was tastefully decorated with evergreens; and as the bridal procession passed down the aisles the " Wedding March " pealed forth from the organ. As tie couple left tho church they -were plentifully showered with rice by their ifiany well-wishers.

D. O'Brien's horses, Sextant and Isaac, bound for Auckland passed through Wel- Ijogtofl to-day.

At a meeting of the Mahlsfcick Club on fees Hay last, ib was resolved to ask Mr Siflbrd to allotf a subscription to be started for the purpose of purchasing his painting )f "Auckland from the Wharf," ior pre sentation to the Art Gallery. Mr Gifford (las since consented to this course, »d the various artists of tho Club ire taking the matter in hand with jnthusiasm. Lists are also placed with fading stationers in the city, so that any wizen who may not be personally applied So to contribute can do so by calling , at Sieee 'shops. Subscription of one shilling mdupwards are invited, and there should fe no difficulty in securing this fine paint- Win time for the opening of the gallery. ifrl)rummond is acting &a treasurer.

A resident of Devonport named John Jacob Adkins had a narrow escape from being poisoned yesterday afternoon by dnnking a quantity of ammonia. Accord- Ssrto his own statement he went into his kitchen to get bottles for some child ren. .Jfe took one bottle which con tained something from a shelf, put it to his month, and drank part of its contents. The liquid burned his throat, and then he paid further attention to the bottle and found that it was labelled "Ammonia." He at once drank some hot water and salt, which caused him to vomit, and subsequently silDr.Parkinson at Mrßennett's (chemist). The doctor gave him some medicine, and at latest advices Adkins was in no dang-er. Tbe"ammonia" which Adkins drank was Wiffiams's Excelsior Washing Fluid.

: The Waitemata Naval Artillery are to meet this evening to arrange for class firing to-morrow.

NORTHERN BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

ANNUAL MEETING,

«E annual meeting of the shareholders of •lie above Company took place at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, about a dozen share' •"Here being present. Mr Tt. C. Carr was tailed to the chair. Mr Thomas Hodgson (Secretary) read the report, and the bal" »Dce-elieeb was taken as read. Both report f<l'balance-sheet appeared'in our last Blue. ■■■■ ll

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of remarked that the report was so olumstive that ifc left very little Z w said. There was only one "une. to be rejjretted—the absence of *WMeni Still, the Company had not Jje backward at all, although the past pywas one of the worst for business they m had. They could congratulate them wes upon the position of the Company. "'Mi regard to the stock there was not the Wtest doubt that everything was in first j!? *wking order. There was nothing i> \ -I coul(i depreciate, and it was use *°! B .witliout any outlay at all. Ample made for bad and doubt- MrR ?" Stone seeon(J ed the motion, tww. rts was surprised to find such an l)S oU^ mount of money as £7,219 -the TV PL • vear ~ nearly all expended, ftel! auman explained that those were yf n oss .Profits, and that considerable de ftlto? to made > as for instance krl? 4 Wa " O3 and sal aries alone. H t\ • y com Pained that the wages had been lumped together. The n, • aye been sfcafced separately. *iial^ airman replied that it was not WVfc li lo,'I o, ' The amounte under each tteS«m!l- "P-ascertained privately from "w-retary, . C? n otion wa .3 then put and carried, luhtri? Pro P° Biti on of the Chairman, Mr J » On?Vas re-elected a director, and e itt% Was als o elected, vice Mr John by of Mr J. Heron, seconded Hwinui • Wilson . Mr John Milne was the business.

SAD FATAL ACCIDENTS.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellinolos, Thursday. The son of a tailor, named Schlereki, was drowned yesterday, by falling off the Foxton wharf in the Manawatu river. The father Nearly succumbed in his attempt to rescue his child.

(by telegraph.— pkess association.)

Nklson, Thursday.

Two accidents at the Table Land, Mount Arthur diggings, Upper Takaka Valley. A young mail, named Fauchelle, was struck by _ a large stone whilst working on his claim., and his thigh was badly smashed. His mates carried him across the range to the Graham river, where he was conveyed to Motueka. The journey across the ranges occupied from four o'clock in t'io evening till four this morning. Another man, named Joseph May, who was engaged packing to the diggings, was kicked by his horse on the stomach. He crawled down to Mr Heath's, at the station, but died this morning.

MAJOR DANE'S LECTURE POSTPONED.

Owixo to representations from alargenum" ber of the citizens anxious to hear Major Dane's lecture on " Constantinople; the Coal of Russian Ambition," but who have already arranged to attend Mrs Davies's concert,or the Mutual Life Association ban quet, Major Dane has requested the com mittee to postpone this lecture till the end of the series, making "Sights and Scenes of London," the opening subject on Tues day next.

SPORTING NEWS.

Information received from Christchurch states that Sextant and the steeplechase 1 ' Isaac were shipped yesterday to Auckland to fulfil their engagements at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting , .

The Auckland Plumpton Park Company intend holding a race-meeting on the 21st January, at Ellerslie. Over £300 will be given in stakes.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs W. Duncan and H. Wilding,

J.IVs.)

Drunkenness.—One person was punished for a first oflence.

Rogue and Vagabond.—Kato Power was charged with being found at night without lawful excuse in an unoccupied house, also with being a rogue and a vagabond.— Prisoner pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Pratt stated that prisoner was found inside a house in Bugden's Alley, and the doors being securely fastened, it was evident that she had broken in.—Sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Stealing Sacks.—John Cox, on remand, was charged with stealing 10 sacks, valued at 3s 6d, the property of Henry Hewin, and was ordered to como up for sentence when called upon, under one surety of £5, to give prisoner an opportunity of tinding employment.

Sugar.—Thomas Williams was charged with stealing one bag of sugar, valued at 12s, the property of Henry Elliott. — Prisoner pleaded not guilty.—Sergeant Pratfc stated that the prisoner was arrested at ah early hour in the morning carrying a bag of sugar, and was unable to give a reasonable account for his possession of the same.— Constab c Kussell deposed that he saw the prisoner about 5 a.m. on the 6th crossing Queen-street with a bag , on his back. He asked what was in the bag, and prisoner said he didn't know. He subsequently said he got the sugar near the Market Hotel.—Henry Elliot, receiving and for warding agent, deposed that he had a con tract from Mr Heather for the removal of certain sugar which came from the Manapouri on the Ist inst. He missed one bag of the same quality and same brand as the bag produced in Court. — John Moorhead, carter, deposed tliat he missed one bag of sugar from bis cart on tiio Ist- inst. similar to that now produced.— Prisoner admitted having found the sugar in the street. —The Bench was of opinion that prisoner was guilty of larceny, and sentenced him to one month's imprison ment.

Obstruction. — Daniel McMahon was charged with obstructing Nelson-street by depositing bricks and scoria there on tho 3rd December. —Defendant pleaded guilty. —Sergeant Pratt stated that the defendant was a contractor, and left a quantity of bricks and stone on the roadway at night without any light being placed thereon.— Fined 10s and costs.

Begging.—An old man named William Burns was charged with soliciting alms in O'Korke-street. — Sergeant Pratt stated that the prisoner was before the Court pre viously for having no visible means, and was then sent to the Refuge.—The Bench thought it of little use to send prisoner baclAo the Refuge, and sentenced him to three months' imprisonment.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT )

Thames, this day.

The Recent Fatal Accident The district is being actively canvassed for subscriptions in aid of the widow and family of the late Richard Bawden, who was accidentally killed in the Saxon mine. The directors of the Saxon G.M. Company have given a donation of £10.

The Tapu Homestead Settlers.

At the meeting of the County Council a communication was read from the Mines Department stating that Government would be willing to issue Crown grants to the homestead settlers at Tapu, provided the Council held itself liable for any claims for compensation which might arise by any trold-mining company breaking the surface of the lands. It was pointed out by coun cillors that the fault did not rest with the Council, but with the Auckland Waste Lands Board, who had made promises which they could not fulfil because of the land not havW been taken out of the goldheld by proclamation. The Council decided to in form the Government " That under exist ing circumstances, and in yiew of the diffi culties which surround the question, the Council at present declines to accept the responsibilities involved in the issue of Crown grants to the homestead settlers on Crown lands in thisgoldneld." The Kauri Gum Industry. A circular was read at.the meeting of the County Council from Mr Baber, of the Auckland Crown Lands Board, desiring to knW whether the Council considered it do sfrablo that the kauri gum industry should be paced under the control of County Councils, the Chairman having power to nrevent digging for or dealing in gum w thout licenses issued by him the fees SnK from such licenses to be county revenue. The Secretary was instructed to forward the following reply:-" That the nhvsical geography of this peninsula being SSrelydifferenb from that of the gum fields to the North, the Council does not SsidS It advisable to enforce the pay jnent of fees from gum-diggers.

SUPREME COURT.

Yesterday (Concluded)

Criminal Sittings. (Before Mr Justice Gillies.)

TriE Papakura Eviction Case.—The Court was occupied the greater part of yesterday taking evidence in the case of forcible entry preferred against Henry Hensch, Carl and William Eargotte, anil Jean Wallack.-— Evidence in this case was given for the pro secution by Walter Alfred White, Agnes Coles White, Frederick Moschien, Jane White, John La.ng, Walter H. White and Constable McKnight.—Mr Campbell then opened the case for the defence.—His Honor decided that ib was unnecessary to call evidence for the defence, as the indictment must be quashed on the ground that there was no evidence of any entry having been made into the house. He therefore directed the jury to acquit the accused. This was done, and the men discharged. It appears that the indictment merely men tioned the house and not the tenements, and as the evidence showed that the pro secutor walked out of the house to meet the four Germans, the indictment waa necessarily quashed. There is, however, a second count against these men for assault. Thig Day. Breakino and Entering.—John Claud, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of breaking and entering a whare at River head and stealing therefrom some kauri gum, was sentenced to 12 months' imprison ment with hard labour.

Alleged Assault at Papakura Valley. —Henry Henseh, Carl Bargotte, William Bargotte, and Jean Wallack were ar raigned upon nn indictment charging them with assaulting Walter Alfred White and causing him actual bodily harm.—Mr Hugh Campbell appeared for the prisoners, who pleaded not guilty.—The evidence was tho same as that upon which yesterday's charge of forcible entry at Papakura Valley was based . The allegation was that the accused knocked the prosecutor down, strapped his aims, and threw him into a cowbail, where he was allowed to remain for some hours. Walter Alfred White was then sworn, and repeated the evidence he gave yesterday in the forcible entry case.— Under cross-examination by Mr Camp bell the witness also said: — When he went out from the house he had a stick in his hand. When he first saw Wil liam Bargotte witness had nothing in his hand. He told his children that if anyone came to assault him he would use the stick. He did not know the prisoner William Bar gotte then. The men came round the corner of his house. Hensch was there. When he saw the Germans rushing towards him he called for the axe in order to protect himself. Mr Harriswell did not say "Put down that axe ; it is a dangerous man." Neither did witness reply, " Yes ; down in your b skull;" and it was not in con sequence of this thafc ho was laid hold of. Ho did not keep shouting after he was strapped that he Would shoot the prisoners —how could he shoot them with an axe ? Ho went toHunua that night, 12 or 14 miles distan.t after his children, getting home at 12.30. When he waa strapped up Hensoh offered to release him, and witness replied that he did not want to be released by him.—Ro-examined: He had not in the houso any weapons that would shoot. By His Honor : All this took place on the farm of which ho was in occupation.— Agnes Coles White, daughter of last witness, gave evidence as to tha arrival of the prisonors at her father's place. — Jane Anne, a bright and intelligent little girl (siattr of last witness), generally corroborated her father's testimony. Frederick Moschicn and John Laing, settlors at Papakura Valley, also gave evi dence.—This concluded the case for the prosecution.— Thomas Halliwell, owner of the premises occupied by prosecutor in September last, was the tirst witness for the defence. His Honor warned him that he was not bound to answer any ques tions that would criminate himself. The witness gave the same statement of the circumstances that he deposed to yesterday. In cross-examination the wit ness said that he employed thr<e of the prisoners to remove the furniture from White's house ; the fourth came of his own accord. He had not previously desired to engage Moschien to take the roof off the house or to remove the doors or windows. There had been some talk of witness having been guilty of impropriety towards pro secutor's daughters—but it was not true.— Frederick Alien, farmer of Papakura Valley, and Edward Allen were like wise examined for tho defence. — Learned counsel then addressed the jury, after which His Honor summed up. Tho jury returned at 2 p.m, with a verdict of "guilty." Henry Housch, one of the prisoners stated that he went to White's house under instructions from Mr Halliwell who informed him that he would take all responsibility upon himself. A similar ex planation was made by the other prisoners: They pleaded that leni ency should be shown them because of their ignorance of English law. His Honor in sentencing tha prisoners said that they had been found guilty of doing bodily harm against Mr White. He quite recog nised the fact thatprisoners.being foreigners, may not have understood tbo law and that they may have been misled by Hallwell, make their punishment in consideration of these facts and the general good conduct of the accused as light as possible. He would certainly not send these to gaol as the offence committed was not one of those disgraceful offences against morality, but it was an error of judgment which must be punished in order to show that people must not take the law into their own hands. Looking to the ex pense to which the public had been put, such a fine would be imposed as would cover the same, and each of the prisoners would be fined £10.

MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.

AN AUCKLAND SOLICITOR

MISSING.

Considerable anxiety, proceeding from financial reasons, is felt in the community as to the whereabouts of a well-known young solicitor. Ho has not ■ been seen in his accustomed" haunts since Monday last, the day of departure of the mail steamer, and conjecture is,ae usual, busy in suggestingthe causes which are accountable for his abrupt disappearance. It is said that we shall pro bably hear more about the matter next week The outstanding liabilities are re ported to be over £10,000, an Australian Bank being interested to the extent of £1 400. A local oculist has also, it is rumoured, had an eye-opener in connection with the affair to the tune of £1,500, money lent. ,

BRAVERY REWARDED.

(BY TELKGEAriI.—PRESS ASSOCIATION )

Wellington, this day. Mr Levix, chairman of the Manawatu Railway Company, has presented the bronze medal of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia to Wm. Truetnan, engine driver on the line, in recognition of his hay in<* saved the life of a child 18 months old on°the Wairarapa railway line two years aco by jumping off the engine when it was going nine miles aa hour and pulling a child cWof the rails,

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(by telegraph own* REPor.Tnn.)

Wellington', this day

Village Settlers.

The Petitions Committee have had under consideration a request of village settlers at Firewood Creek, Auckland, for employment. The petition has been referred to Govern ment for consideration.

Downle Stowartts Am^'Unent.

Mr ■ Downio Stewart 1 :oived a congratulatory telegram Sir R. Stout and other leading citizens of Dunedin respecting the amendment to be proposed on Wednesday morning. The telegram says that all indepen dent thinking men cordially approve of the amendment, as they regard as uncon stitutional the leaving in th.c hands of the Premier the proposal to reduce the number whenever he ispleased by recommending the Governor to grant a dissolution. Frozen Meat Trade With Franca Mr Joyce is to ask the Government whether they have any information of the result of Sir Francis D. Bell's visit to Paris, whither he intended to go about May last, to discuss with the French Customs authorities certain reciprocal trade advantages, especially the question of the New Zealand' frozen meat— a trade for which has sprung up in France, and is capable of large extension but for the heavy duty recently imposed by the French Government. • The Obstructionists. • The Premier made a scathing denuncia tion of Messrs Seddoh, Fish, Ken*, and other obstructionists at an early hour this morning. He hoped the country would realise the fact that the Opposition are de terminedly doing their utmost to pre vent any business getting through. Govern ment supporters kept quiet in the hope the obstruction would cease, but in vain.; Government had no wish to press business forward. They wished fair dis cussion, but the obstruction was unfair to the country. Sir J. Vogel declared that he was engaged all afternoon in trying to get the obstruction to cease, and facilities giyen for business. The feeling on both sides of the House was very bitter throughout the night, but a more conciliatory tone pre vailed when the House rose at twenty minutes to three, after finally passing the bill. It has now been definitely decided, owing to the loss of time caused by the obstruction offered to public business, that the Public Works Statement shall not be brought down till the beginning of next week. The Land BllL The Waste Lands Committee have finished with the Land Bill, and the follow ing alterations have been agreed to : — Holders of perpetual leases will be allowed to convert their leases into deferred pay ment holdings. The time for completing payment on deferred payment sections has been extended to 14 years, and those who now hold their sections on tho ten years principle may.convert them, in accordance with tho new system. Those who have fully paid up under the old bill will be con sidered as being in credit under the new bill The classification is extohdedover the whole of tho lands of the colony. The greatest amount of land that a selector can take up for cash is to bo 640 acres of first-class, 2,000 acres second-class, and 5,000 acres third-cliiss land. Boat Left Alone. The Secretary of the Wellington Cham ber of Cotninerce has received the following telegram from the Secretary of the Christ churoh Chamber of Commerce :—" A sub committee has been appointed to consider the Railway Bill now before Parliament, and to report to genera] meeting of members on Thursday next. Will your Chamber co - operate ? Reply." The following reply was sent: —"Nothing has been suggested here but that the bill is in the best interests of com munity in general and commercial. If your Committee find otherwise, shall be glad to consider your views and if possible co-operate." Relieving the Depression. Sir George Grey sprang one of his sur prise motions on the House last nighi;, when, on the proposal of going into Committee of Supply, he moved : " That it is desirable that the Government should at once pro ceed to consider what eteps can be taken to relieve the depression existing among the farming labourers and in dustrial classes." He asked Government what facilities they would offer him for proposing his resolution. The Premier replied that inasmuch as the hon. gentle man had not seen fit to consult the Govern ment, he must take bis own course. Hon. members must recollect that the present was not an ordinary question of supply, but that the Government desired imprest supply to enable them to carry on the busi ness of the country. Sir George spoke at length, urging the necessity of some atten tion being paid to the farming and labour ing classes beforo the session terminated, but was informed that the Government had the question to which he had spoken under considerations. Opposition Canons. ThoOppositionheldameetitnglastevening, when it was determined not to oppose the passing through all its stages the Imprest Supply Bill if such was urgently required, but to put certain important questions to the Premier aud to demand an immediate answer with respect to the future conduct of business for the remainder of the session. It was also resolved to ascertain how the Government proposed to deal with the education question and in what form it is intended to pass the Estimates. Tho Obstruction. The shameful obstruction which has characterised the proceedings of the past few days was continued at yesterday after noon and night's meetings, and repeated boasts were made by Messrs Seddon and Fish of the fact that they had obstructed,; and that they had delayed the Representa tion Bill there days. The House did not join in congratulation of the loquacious gentle men. Sir Julius Vogel inquired the.inten tions of the Government with regard to the progress of public business. The Premier said the obstructive tactics of the Opposi tion had lost much valuable time, and in case of extraordinary delay thus caused, it was possible he would have to ask the House to sit after Christmas, and not to break up till they had passed a number of important bills now before the House. Some of the Oppositionists took occasion to disclaim any sympathy with Messrs Seddon and Fish's tactics. The Government Victory. An oversight prevented the transmission of the message detailing the proceedings for 2 hours prior to the Government victory yesterday morning. The telegram was placed in a letter box at the telegraph office ab four o'clock yesterday morn ing, and at six o'clock last even ing it was disoovered that it had not been removed, and was still there. Ob structive tactics .were, continued till 3.30 a.m., and Mr Joyce, who was angry because ' facilities were not given for discussion of his Shop Hours Bill, said if he had teu de termined men to assist he Avould teach the Premier a lesson in obstruction he would not forget. The Government victory was achieved without any demonstration or ap plause- The Representation Bill.

This measure, which provides that future Parliaments shall consist of seventy Euro pean members in place of ninety-one as is now the case, and leaves the Maori repre sentation unaltered, has almost become law after determined obstruction on the part of leading members of the OppositioiXi On the

Premier moving that the amendments made in Committee be agreed to, Sir Julius Vogel appealed to the Government not to press the question till the evening sitting. He denied that the expressed wish of the coun try in favour of immediate reduction of the number of members had been given effect to, and said that as the measure now stood the Government would be able to coerce a large number of the members of the House whoaeseats were threatened with extinction. The Premier failed to see that any good could come from the adjournment, and therefore opposed the proposal. After long I speeches by Messrs Seddon, Fish, Kerr, and others on the same side of the House, the amendments made in committee wore agreed to on the voices. When the third reading of the bill was proposed Sir J. Vogel made his final protest by moving, "That the third reading be deferred for three months." Mr Fish failed to see why the measure should be proceeded with till next session, and expressed the opinion that the Premier was riding a high horse for no other purpose than the gratification of his own strong will. Several members on either side of the House having explained the reason of votes they intended to give, Sir Julius Vogel's amendment was negatived on the voices, and on division the third reading of the bill was affirmed by 38 to 13. Before the measure was finally passed, Mr Whyte said that in consequence of the obstruction displayed during the past three days by the members for Kumara, St. Albane and others, the most moderate and reasonable men among the Ministerial supporters threatened to block the passage of the Mid land Railway Bill. Stifling Obstruction. Even the native members are profoundly disgusted with the obstruction of the past few days. Sydney Taiwhanga in tends to ask Government whether they will propose alterations of the Standing Orders of the House, so as to facilitate the despatch of business, and providing that if the House is counted three times during the speech of an hon. member his re marks shall be deemed to have terminated. While Mr Kerrwas speaking yesterday after noon, attention had to be repeatedly called to the state of the House. land Boards to be Retained. The Waste Lands Committee have struck out of the Land Bill the clause providing for the abolition of Land Boards. If this de cision is confirmed by the House the Go vernment will propose that the travelling expenses only of members oftheßoards will be allowed. The nice little pickings made by certain gentlemen will thus be curtailed. Tbe Late Colonel Lyon. The Petition Committee has had under consideration the petiton of Sophia Lyon, widow of the late Colonel Lyon, recounting his services, and asking for consideration at the hands of the Government. It was shown in evidence that during his con nection with the Government he had been in receipt of a good salary, and had compulsorily retired from the service with a compensation allowance of £900 in 1886, and had been receiving £50 per annum since as instructor — under these circum stances the committee could not see their way to recommend any further allowance.

WAITOTARA ELECTION PETITION.

THE ACTION DISMISSED.

(by telegrapit.—press association.)

Wanoanui, this day. At 11 this forenoon the Chief Justice gave judgment in the Bryco-Hutchison case. He said, that the petitioner had failed to establish his case, and Mr Hutchison was thei efore declared duly elected. ' •

Briefly the judgment of the Court was in effect that no single charge had been sus tained and that the charges of treating on polling day, and days other than polling did not come within the statute of New Zealand or Common Law treating. An ap plication that re3pondentshouldpay his own cost was not entertained as the Court held that there was a large number of charges abandoned and many utterly failed. If they had been confined to the few suspicious circumstances he might have ordered respondent to pay his own cests but under the cii'cumstances he would not do so.

MARINE CONCERT.

Mr Pooley's first Marine Concert came off last evening with marked success. Tb e Eagle was well filled with an appreciative audience, and tbe manner in which the different pieces were given by this fine band elicited frequent applause. The principle item, and one which taxed the capabilities of the performers to their utmost, was the overture to Zampa, capitally played, the clarinettes particularly distinguish ing themselves. Mr Pooley's valse "Ethel," "The Red Cross Knight," and the " War March of Priests " provoked en thusiasm* tbe former being played a second time. Two four-part songs arranged, as was all the music, by Mr Pooley, were ren dered with correctness and taste, particu larly "The Hunter's Farewell" which was chamingly played, the Ist horn and euphonium being conspicuous for their faith ful playing and nice equal tone. The con cert concluded with the "National Anthem," and the large audience dispersed on the Queen-street Wharf ehortly before ten o'clock. These concerts, given fine weather, should become highly popular. The steamer was brilliantly illuminated by the electric light. The next entertainment under Mr Pooley's direction will be on to morrow evening, at the same hour.

ACCIDENT AT THE HOBSON STREET WORKS.

A CONTRACTOR'S LEG FRACTURED.

About twenty minutes to 11 o'clock this morning a distressing accident occurred in Customs-street West, at thefootofHobson. street, fronting Gleeson's Hotel. It appears that one of the contractors for the drainage works, named Henry Hewin, was engaged in cutting and removing one of the pipes. Suddenly a small bit of the side gave way, and falling into the trench, jammed his right leg against the pipe. Although the earth was not very weiphby, and only fell about two feet, still, owing to the position of Mr Hewin's leg, it was fractured just above the ankie. A number of the workmen speedily came to the assistance of Mr Hewin, and by means of some planks soon prised back the earth from his leg and released him from his un pleasant predicament. It wa« then dis covered that his. leg was broken, and a messenger was at once despatched for medical aid- Dr. Tennent was promptly in attendance. A cab was procured and the unfortunate man was removed to his residence, where the fractured limb was at tended to. Hewin is a man about forty years of age, and is a partner with Mr Sheldrick.

The Newton Rifles are to muster at 3 p.m. to-morrow, to rehearse their part in the drama ot " Human Nature " at the Opera House. Only those who attend will be eligible to compete for Mr Leitch's trophies. ' ■■

ATHLETIC NOTES.

CRICKET.

The following matches, which were to have been played last Saturday, will be played to-morrow :•— Senior Cap. Parnell v. Gordon. —Gordon: C. Z. Clayton, J. Down, H. P. Kissling, H. B. Lusk, A. L. Meldrum, D. Meldrum, T. M. Moresby, —Newton, J. W. Ryburn, J. K. Sykes, and N. Williams. Auckland B v. Holland.—Auckland B: E. C. Beale, J. Gill, W. A. E. Clen dinnen, F. Earl. F. A. Harrison, M. H. Laird, D. M. Martin, C. Gardiner, J. J. Roach, H. A. Morey, W. W. Robinson. Holland: W. Beard, D. Berry, F. Brighton, Holle, King, E. Mills, G. Mills, H.Thomas, G. Walker, J. Hobson, R.. Whiteside. Auckland A y. United.—Auckland A: J. Arneil, R. Atkinson, W. E. Barton, A. M. Beale, A. Howard, A. Morrison, R. Neill, A. O'Brien, C. F. Reid, Rev. I. Richards, A. C. Stewart. United : Yates, Testro, Mumford, Lynch, MacCormick, Harvie (2), Bowden, Stemson, Clayton, Hawkins. Junior Cup. Waitemata v. Gordon. —Gordon Second: Ansenne, Cato, Hogan, Kenderdine, Kelly, McCausland, McLeod, Lusk (2), Neill, Ryburn ; emergency, Macky. Waitemata: Potter, Pritchard, Ross, Mackie, McHugh, Stichbury, Service, Leatham, Johnson (W. H.), Johnson (W.) andPeet; emergency, Andrews. Holland v. National. — Holland: A. Rowe, W. Rowe, E. Mell, J. Mills, J. B. Mell, G. Sexton, Wright, J. Murphy, Morgan, W. Verney, F. Willstead. United V. Auckland. —United : Cotton, Gleeson, Swanson, Fripp, MacCormick, Braund, Spreckley, Naylor, Newcomb, Hatton, Ken ward and Lankham. Second Junior Cnp. Wanpekers v. Holland (No. 10 wicket). —Wanderers: J. Whelan (captain), E. Fricker, P. White, E. White, J. Stanton, E. Johnson, R. Bleakley, J. Clarke, L. Sanderson, A. Edmonds and W. Whelan. Emergencies : W. Farrell and M. Chappell. Holland: H. Beard, G. Austin, R. Wheeler, S. Holt, J. Wakerly, Payne, E. Waring, H. Henn. Robertson, Breeze, Cantefl. Emergency: W. Watson. National v. Holland 11. (No. 7 wicket).; —National: Ambury, Baker, lirummond, Kelly, Laxon, Nicholson (2}, Pilcher, Spence, Wilkinson and Waters. Oilier Matches. Onehunga v. Standard.—Standard: Walton, Pillinger, Clarke, Corfrett, White, Rowe, N. Murray, Way, Stevens, Chat field, Fielder, McKinlay. Grammar School v. Gordon.—Gordon: Aubin, Battley, Ball, Burtoii, Cox, GoMie, Gorrie, Gould, Kissling, G. B. Lusk, E. Shorb, Emergencies: Howard, Poll en. Albertv. Britannia.—Albert: Ramsey (Captain), Jaggs, Head, Holland, Hayis, Laird, Burns, Johnston, Crabfcree, Walker, Cheshire. Emergencies: Watts, Kilfoyle,. Blcwden, Brown.

ROWING.

Bowing Association Regatta.

The Rowing Association have made thte mistake this year of not giving: sufficients publicity to the programme of their re gatta, and but a small number of the general public are aware of the aquatic treat in store for them to-morrow. The Rowing Association during tp-morro\?; afternoon hold the first repatta of the season, and a splendid programme of events is put down on the card. The Committee have hired the Britannia for the afternoon, arid she will follow the various races as flagship. Mr C. C. Dacro is to act as starter, Mr J. M. Brigham as umpire, and Mr H. Parker as judge. The courses are to be past the two wharves. The first race oa the programme is the Maiden Whaleboats, which is to start at 2.30. Each of the Rowing Clubs have entered a crew. The result, I think, lies between the Waitemata, St. George's and Ponsonby, and I expect them to finish in the order named.;

Ponsonby, Sfc. George's, North Shore, and West End, have each a crew in for the Champion Gig Race, the race of the day. The St. George's crew will pull in their new boat, and if it answers as well as is expected they will be close up at the finish. J. expect Ponsonby to furnish the winners. Entries for the Canoe Race will be taken during the afternoon. In the Maiden Gigs under lOst Ponsonby, North Shore, St. George's, and two crews of the West End will race, and the order at the finish should be: Ponsonby, 1; West End, No. 2. crew, 2, and St. George's, 3.

Sfc. George's or Waitemata should furnish the winners in the Junior Whaleboats, for which North Shore and Ponsonby have also gob crews entered. There are four entries for the Scullers' Race, and the finish should be : M. Keefe, 1; A. Bailey, 2 ; and J. W. Dickson, 3. West End have two crews in for the Junior Gigs ; Ponsonby, North Shore, and St. George's have one each. This will be a close race, and I fancy the West End will be first and Ponsonby second.

The Senior Whaleboats is simply a match between Waitemata and North Shore, and I expect North Shore to keep up the reputation they made last season. For the Maiden Gigs six crews will start— two from West End, one from North Shore, and Ponsonby, and two from St. George's West End No 1 to win.

In the Senior bona fide Gigs, West End have two crews entered, and St. George's one, and as the latter have had at the last minute to make alterations in their crew, I expect Wesfa End No. 1 to win.

BOWLING.

At a meeting of the match committee of the Auckland Bowling Club held on the 7th inst., Mr Billington in the chair, it was resolved that the entries for the following matches close on Saturday, the 17th inst:— Club Cup, Champion Bowls, Subscription Cups, J. Paterson's silver medals, President Kirkwood's prize, Vice-President Mirfin's prize, Mr Billington , s prize, Mr J. Lyell's prize, and Major Isaacs prize. The Newmarket Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club open the season to-morrow with a tournament. The green looks splendid, and the asphalt court should be in good order for playing in. A large atten dance of members and visitors is expected, and the numerous lady friends of the club are cordially invited to be present and help to make the meeting a success.

EXTENSIVE FIRE.

Borough Offices Destroyed.

(BY TELEGRAPH—-KRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchitiich, this day. Shortly after 12 last nighfc, McDonald's boarding-house and the Borough Council offices at Kaiapoi were burned down. The fire began in McDonald's from the bursting of a kerosene lamp. Most of the Municipal archives were saved. The offices were in sured for £360 in the Liverpool, London and Globe Company. Mr Webster, city surveyor, had an insurance of £1,000 in the South British office on his instruments. The total damage is estimated at £1,000.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(BY CTLEaRAPH.—OWH OORKKSFONDEIW.)

Thames, tbie day*

Cambria.—There is a alight improvement in the main reef in No. 4 drive at No. 3 level, as colours of gold are seen more fre quently,, although the mineral seam is scarcely as thick as heretofore. It is now three inches wide. 251bs ot picked stone were obtained to-day from the sixth stope west on No. 1 leader. Maritoto.—About 2501bs ore from Mc- Brinn's claim, Maritoto, have been treated by Messrs Price Bros., who state the result to be an average of £79 per ton. Saxon. —Operations in this mine are being energetically prosecuted, and the quartz in course of treatment is shaping for more than a payable return. At No. 4 level, the drive on the reef has reached the boundary, and consequently work here has been sus pended, and the men removed to the stopes. There is a block of ground about 300 feeb in length on which stoping is in full swing, both hiliward and seaward of the rise. In the first stope hiliward the reef is 15 or 18 inches thick, and also of a similar size in the second stope. __ The quartz carries a good deal of mineral, and colours of gold are frequently seen when breaking down. The same characteristics, as regards mineral, are noticeable in the third and fourth stopes, the latter being now along a distance of about 45ft. from the rise. The quartz is of a nice rubbly description in places, and the lode may be said to average between 12 and 18 inches wide. A commencement has been made to carry along a fifth stope, and here the reef looks even better than in those previously mentioned, showing gold almost every time the quartz is taken down, and now and then producing small parcels of picked stone, varying in weight from 15 to 201bs. To detail the work in progress in. the four stopes on the same reef seaward of the rise would be merely a recapitula tion of what has already been said regard ing the stopes hiliward. The quartz is payable, which is abundantly proved by the way in which it shapes at the battery, and there is certainly a vast supply of stuff available, as beyond the works mentioned nothing has been done upon the lode from No. 4 to No. 3 level, while above that there is every reason to believe that it is intact to the surface. It will thus be seen at a glance that there is work here for many months to come, and if the quartz should only prove profitable above Nos. 3 and 2 levels there will undoubtedly be ample to keep the stampers employed for. a considerable period. There is nothing which calls for special mention at No. 3 level. In the drive back on the reef the lode is of fair size, about a foot thick, and colours of gold are occasionally observed, although no picked stone comes to hand. However, the quartz is of remunerative grade both here and in the other two stopes on the same reef. Taken alto gether, the outlook of the mine is mosto encouraging, and it may safely be predicted that further" dividends are in store for shareholders.

TkeNton. —I also visited this mine to day in consequence of the prominence it has attained in the sharemarket, and be cause operations have just been started from No. 4 level of the Saxon. Up to the present only about 4 feet of the reef has been stripped in the Trenton ground, so that there is very little to say concerning it, The sandstone is of a splendid description, and the reef, which was rather pinched a .few feet back from the face, has again opened out to its usual size. If anything, it looks even better than it did in the Saxon ground, titng <T C)f my visit some strong colours of gold were plainly visible in the face. It is probable that Bor 10 feeto will be driven before breaking down takes place. A paddock has been excavated near the Saxon hoppers, and two or three small trucks of quartz were hauled to the surface *o-day.

COROMANDEL.

CoBOMANDELj this day. ToKA tea.—Since last report, L. Roberts and pVvrty have obtained 501bs. of fair picked stone, which make on hand 801bs and fully 1 ton ot good general quartz. The reef Iβ again loO.king poor, and no gold can be seen at present, but there is every reason to expect tjhat gold will be met with again soon. The lode still looks well, and is fully 18in. wide, Tvith several nice mineral veins crossing the. reef, which is the best indica tion for gold. William Duncan and party on No. 3 na»ve been getting a few colours of gold, and h;*ve accumulated a little general quartz. Th ey intend to crush what they have before Christmas. — John Benny, manager. Royal improvement looked for last week did not come up to expecta tion. In breaking down the reef, only about 41bs. of .fair specimens were ob tained. The reeif continues to look well, getting more regular the length of the rise. In the tribute they tire still getting a little gold overhead. There is nothing new to report from the workings on No. 2 reef.— Peter Reid, manager.

R.M. COURT.

(Before H, G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.) JUDGMENT SUMMONS a \SES.

Nelson & Moate v. J. E. Tholvke.— Claim, £1 14s 7d.—Defendant was exiunined, bub no order was made.

P. Hutcrinson v. John BellV —Claim, £9113 6d.— Defendant was examined, but no order was made.

W. Buchanan v. W. Claeki:.--Claim, £4 10s 2d.—Defendant did not appt»r, and was ordered to pay £4 10s 2d, on or before January 9th, with the alternative of 7 days' imprisonment.

J. Close v. H. H. Chadwick.— Claim, £4 4s 3d.—By consent defendant waa ordered to pay £2 by instalments of 2s per week, and costs Bs.

H. & J. BINSTEAD V. J. CONWAY.— Claim, £13 13s sd.—Defendant was ex amined, but no order was made.

C. McDonald v. W. Seager, claim £5 3s. —Defendant did not appear, and was ordered to pay by instalments of 5s per week.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — Leitch Company in " Harbour Lights. '8 * Choral Hall—Mrs L. F. Davies's Concert, 8 Waito's Hall, Mount Eden—St. Barnabas's Church Concert, 8 St. James's Hall-Lecture, " A Visit to the Islands of Staffa and lona." 8 Newmarket Hall-School Entertainment, 8 All Saints' School-room—Ponsonby Choral Society's Practice. 7.30 Mount Eden United Methodist Church—Cantata, " St. George and the Dragon," 7.30. Drill shed— Waitemata Naval Artillery, 7

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

Dec. 10—Messrs F. L. Prime and A. G. Purchiig

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur & Buddie, Mount Eden—Groceries. Cart, and Harness, &c, 11 «*<«<««»*

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER \\ 1887,

5



It is reported that the Newton Boob Warehouse has received a shipment of new stylish and durable goods. The attractive windows will be beautifully arranged to morrow night. Ladies should call here and see the exquisite styles. (Advt.)