CABLEGRAMS.

„**>» la^P*™ 1

THE IRISH AGITATION.

WSNIANS PKEPARING- TO ' FIGHT.

,IBK RESISTANCE 1 COUNSELLED.

¥IL LIAM O'BRIEN SENTENCED,

(SPECIAL TO PBESS ASSOCIATION),

London, September 25. MteEtfLDAvnr has suddenly sailed wNewYorlcAitisbeheved^he U*» oi ascertaining to what ex it the Irish National League may 11 on American moral and physi- Fenian section of the 1;2 are reported to be procuring £ and are being assisted by large Lnbutions of revolvers. The leaders of the Irish party advise rtalrish people to adopt a simultaneous resistance to the suppression of the Xhes of the Nation*l Land League J, the Counties of Clare Gal way, £ OTy Cork, and Waterford, as they consider such a course will be the Lansof compelling the Government to abandon the attempt as impossible.

(reuter's telegram.)

London, September 25.

Tho trial of Win. O'Brien took place «t Mitchelstown yesterday. In the •wane of the proceedings Mr Harring ton vho defended O'Brien, accused of purposely suppress in" the true version of O'Brien's rwech, and called upon the Crown counsel to substantiate his state ment^ who, however, denied the truth of the allegation against the Go vernment. The bar of magistrates re buked Mr Harrington, and threatened his ejectment from the Court if such accusations were repeated. Mr Har rin^on thereupon abandoned the case. O'Brien was found guilty, and sen tenced to three months' imprisonment upon two charges, the sentences to be concurrent. He was admitted to bail, pending an appeal upon the first sen tence.

THE CANADIAN-PACIFIC ROUTE.

[keuter's teleckam.]

London, September 24. Mr Stevenson A. Blackwood, Secre tary of the General Post Office, has re turned to Montreal after completing a tour of the Canadian-Pacific Kailway. He expresses his belief that there would be no saving of time if that mute were adopted as alternative to the Saez Canal for the conveyance of mails Io China and Australasia, but is of Opon that it would be valuable in tie event of European complications ud the closing of the canal.

AN INSULT TO SYDNEY.

(SPECIAL.)

London, September 24. The Rev. Cameron Lees, who was appointed temporarily to the pastorship of the Scots' Church, Melbourne, has written a letter to the " Scotsman," in which he states that he would never have lost much had he never seen Sydney and its beautiful harbour, and he is persuaded to the belief that the future of Australia lies with Victoria rather than New South Wales.

THE GERMAN CROWN PRINCE.

[reuter's telegram.]

Berlin, September 24. It a officially announced that Dr- Mackenzie has again examined the uwn -Prince's throat, and has found gratifying improvement taking place. H» Prince has left for.ltaly, where he Wl remain for a time.

SEVERE EPIDEMIC IN LONDON.

[redter's telegram.]

. Losdon, September 25. fifteen hundred cases of scarlet fver «« now being treated at the jondon Hospitals, which are filled to J® ™lest limits. The epidemic is daily.

WARSHIP FOR NEW SOUTH WALES.

[BEUTER'S TELEGRAM.]

Tlio \L, a ' Losi)OIf > September 25. to r o™ainPton has been ordered &ethe kelson as flagship on the &, Station-:The Mm will gae the property 0 £ New South l*dHiR Iv, IHlftoritieß have al" Hion. kthe Australian

THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY.

Tlialr LoSßox, September 23. s**t,°, ffc" by sails for

ILLNESS OF JENNY LIND.

Madam n °-Tp°N September 24. "^vocalist, is seriously ill

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

(BEolEa's TELEGRAM.)

, • °*> Se Pfcember 24. VCjSain /tIOH. NewZea- N?S StOok ' J& Adelaide WtyT d d'3os to 32s according to *KS%** flour ** unchanged %^.Soon° r the TJn^ King- J^ Ow :MOO quarters. Austra- !*%beef, 22s

(SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

The wheat market shows heavy sup plies, and home acd foreign consign ments are depressed. Imperial sorts average 28s Bd, which is the lowest price recorded for the past century. Australian cargoes on the spot are quoted at 32s 6d to 335. No off coast or passage cargoes are reported. At yesterday and to-day's auctions, 18,300 bales were offered. The market was firm.

The wool sales are flat, good cross breds are firm, but lower sorts are Id below the July closing rates. Good greasy sorts have improved |d above those rates. The number of bales catalogued for the series is 192,300, of which 23,200 were withdrawn.

New Zealand frozen mutton, prime quality, is quoted at 4d per Ib.

LOW PRICE OF WHEAT.

London, September 25.

The average price of British wheat is 28s Scl—the lowest quotation known during the past century. Australian wheat has fallen 5s duiing the last fortnight.

GHASTLY DISCOVERY.

A Suspected Crime

A VERY unpleasant discovery was made in an empty allotment, situated behind the Thistle Hotel, about 11 o'clock this morning. Three boys named George Robley, Richard Robley, and Fred Devron were gathering bones and bottles, and in the course of their explorations were "going through" the rubbish that had accumulated on the vacant allotment referred to. One of the lads lifted an old and much-worn skirt of some brown material, and was horrified to discover underneath the dead body of a newly-born male infant, evidently left there with little hope that discovery would be evaded. The body was loosely wrapped in the old dress, and* had apparently been there for some hours at least. The boys conveyed infor mation of their discovery to the police, and Detective Doolan and Constable Martin were speedily on the scene, and collected all information obtainable. It appeared that the child had been dead for some time, and° it was supposed that it had not been born where found, but conveyed there for the purpose of diverting suspicion from the faulty party.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

The Devonport Navals muster next Wednesday evening at the Devonport Hall, when all intending members are requested to muster strong. Arrangements will be made to carry on the company, and it is the intention of the members to inaugurate the opening of the corps by a ball or shoot ing contest, which will bo arranged the same evening.)

Newmarket Klfle Company

The weekly parade of this company took place at the Newmarket Hall on Wednesday evening last. The men are rapidly ap proaching efficiency in the hands of their instructor, Mr Birley, late Colour-sergeant of the College Rifles. Several new members presented themselves last Wednesday, and were duly enrolled. The next drill is called by advertisement in another column for Wednesday next, when a member of the No. 3 Battalion will be present to swear in any new members.

WAIKATO NOTES.

(by telegraph—own cokkespondent.)

Hamilton-, this day. The Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteers assembled at the old redoubt on Saturday afternoon for company drill. There was a good attendance. Capt. Reid was in com mand. The other officers present were Lieuts. J. S. Edgecumbe and Coombs. The men were put through a series of drill, which was highly satisfactory, considering the short time the corps has been in exis tence.

"GUY MANNERING."

It is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that the first performance of "Guy Mannering" by St. Matthew's Dramatic Society, for the benefit of Mrs McGowan, takes place in the Opera House this evening. A very satisfactory rehearsal was held on Saturday evening, and there is every reason to expect that the performance will be a complete success. Amongst the principal amateurs who take part are Miss Halstead, Mrs Cooper, Mrs Dawson, and Messrs Keesing, Edwards, Skinner, Charter, and Dr. E. Dawson, while they will be sup poi'ted by a host of amateur talent. An immense number of tickets have been sold, and many of the seats in the dress circle are already engaged. Mr McGowan has arranged to announce the results of the different election contests from the stage as soon as they are received.

Miss Georgie Smithson.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Permit me to call your attention to a slight mistake in your very flattering notice in yesterday evening's issue, which is likely to mislead and perhaps prove detrimental to my season in Auckland. In the first place it was my arm that was broken, and not my leg, as the latter would very much inconvenience my performance as a dan sense. Secondly, you mention that "In less than sixty seconds I effect a complete trans formation from the 'Duchess of Devon shire'to Dickens's poor' Jo,'"whereas it should he from "Jo "to the " Duches.s of Devonshire.1' The mistake may seem very little to the ear, but when the scanty cos tume of "Jo" is taken into consideration there is nothing marvellous in its being concealed under such a voluminous dress as the "Duchess of Devonshire ;' but when the change is from " Jo " to the " Duchess " as is the case —with all her elaborate cos tume, it becomes what it has always been admitted to be—the greatest lightning change ever accomplished by male or female artiste. There is also a slight mis take in regard to the music, " Madam Angot" being merely one of my operatic selections and part of the performance, the music of my Maccabean entertainment being composed expressly for me by J. W. Hunt, Esq., of London. By inserting the above you will greatly oblige. — Yours truly, Geokgie Smithsoh. Auckland, Sep tember 23rd.

House Earned Down.

Ixvercarciix, this day.

A six-roomed house afc East Invercargill, owned and occupied by a a -widow named Mrs Gourley, has been burned down. There was an insurance of £160 on the house and furniture in tb*south British Office.

SUPREME COURT. This Day.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

(Before Mr Justice Ward.)

Alleged Pekjcry.—The Supreme Court resumed at 11 o'clock this morning, when the case of perjury preferred against Alex ander Campbell was opened.—Mr Hudson Williamson prosecuted on behalf of the Crown and Mr F. Earl appeared for the accused.— The indictment set forth that the prisoner had on the 10th of May committed per jury in a case heard before Mr Justice Gillies, in which Airs Ann Robertson was the plaintiff and Messrs John Wilson and John Home wore the defendants. Mr Earl said that before the prisoner pleaded he had a preliminary objection to raise. He then handed in an affidavit, which set forth the vaiious counts of the indict ment. The main objection was that no judge of the Supreme Court 'had au thorised the order for arrest of the prisoner until the 16th of September, after a milk prosequi haying previously entered.— Mr Williamson pointed out that he had not had an opportunity of filing; an affidavit in reply. — Mr Earl held that the indictment had been im properly prepared, and was therefore a nullity, and should be quashed. He pointed out that the order for arrest had. been granted on the 13th of July, bub was not taken out and sealed until the 16th of Sep tember, after the Grand Jury had been dis charged seven oi' eight days. He moved that the indictment be quashed, on the ground that the order purporting to be consent of the Court under Section 4 should be set aside, on the ground that it was dated prior to the date on which it was drawn out. As far as he could ascertain from the authorities, there was no power— particularly in criminal matters—to date an order other than upon which it was drawn up and sealed. He also contended that it should be set aside because, being granted upon the 13th of July and taken out on the 16th September, according to the authorities it should be treated as abandoned. Mr Earl quoted the case of Gingell v. Bean.— His Honor remarked that ib was a some what parallel case.—Mr Earl also quoted the following cases of Belcher v. Gooderey, 4 com. bench., p 472 ; Chasto v. Gdble, and Price v. Thomas. He also held that the indictment was bad because it was not properly stamped and drawn out when issued to the Grand Jury. He further held that even assuming the indictment to have been taken out at the proper time, it was bad because insufficient evi dence had been laid before the Court at the time the order was granted. He also con tended that the terms of the document sub mitted to the Grand Jury were too general, and did not specify the nature of the perjury—when committed and upon whom. Mr Earl then quoted authorities, Knowldcn and Another v. the Queen, 33 law journals, Regina v. Bradlaugh and Another, Cox, criminal case, Regina V. Fuidge and 9 Cox, 430—the remarks of Mr Justice Shields upon a similar case ; also Regina v. Heane, 9 Cox, criminal law, and Regina v. Davis and others, where Mr Justice Crompton had quashed a case under similar circumstancss. Mr Earl pointed out that in the present case, no depositions were laid before the Court, and the order was made upon an or dinary motion paper. Therefore the con sent was not admissible ; also that the con sent was too general, as any further counts might have been subsequently added to the detriment of the accused. The order also left ib quite uncertain as to the nature of the perjury alleged to have been committed. He pointed out that the Grand Jury really had no stamped indict ment submitted to them.— Mr Williamson said that he had no objection to the action which his friend had taken, as cases had been brought before the Court under the vexations Indictment Act. In reply to Mr Earl, Mr Williamson contended that the arguments cited from the case of Regina v.° Bradlaugh did not suit the pre sent case, as the action had been taken in England under another Act. In that case the Recorder had not been in formed that two additional counts had been added to the indictment. The case was not a parallel one upon the ground that the Re corder, unlike His Honor in the present case, had not had any previous experience of the case. Besides, Mr Earl had been notified that the application would be made, and His Honor was in possession of all the facts of the case. He also held that the order of the Court was that taken when given, and not the stamped document subsequently prepared. — His Honor pointed out that his private notes were not the records of the Court.—Mr Williamson also referred to the fact that most of the cases quoted by his friend were civil ones, and therefore not on all fours with the present case. He also contended that his learned friend could not appeal under the Vexatious In dictments Act, as he had not been vexed. Besides, there was no necessity under sec tion 4 to take out the notice in writing.— His Honor : Supposing that were the case, you have expressed them in writing, and you surely cannot object to the opposite side taking advantage of any mistake in such a document. — Air Williamson said that as his friend was present when the order was granted it would be unfair for him to be allowed to take advantage of any such . mistake. — His Honor said that evidently the case was a private prosecution by Ann Robertson. Air Williamson said that all cases were now carried out by the Crown.—His Honor : Certainly not. The law is that a private person might prosecute. — Mr William son said that for all that, the Queen's name was always used in the prosecution. He had made the application as a public officer, and not privately, on behalf of Mr Robertson.—His Honor said that he had not understood that all applications were made by Mr Williamson as solicitor for the Crown. —Mr Williamson said that His Honor ought to have understood that such was the case, seeing that he ap peared as the Crown Prosecutor. In future he hoped that it would be understood that unless he stated different] y he was appearing on behalf of the Crown. He held that the indictment was good on the ground that the name of each witness was endorsed on the back of the docu ment, and initialled by the foreman of the Grand Jury when examined. He trusted that the indictment would not be quashed under such an application. He would ask that rather than quash the in dictment the matter should be reserved for the Court of Appeal. —Mr Earl referred to. the fact that in the Court below the matter had been a private prosecution.— Mr Williamson said he could produce a telegram received from the Attorney-General authorising him to proceed with the case.—His Honor said that he regretted to say that in this case there could be no doubt what ever — although he was not prepared to say that the order might not have been granted upon the knowledge which he then possessed of the case ; but he should quash the enactment upon the grounds that the Crown Prosecutor did not lay before him explicit evidence. He took it that the consent asked for by the Crown Prosecutor was leave to pre sent an indictment similar in all respects to the previous one, and although there was no special assignment mentioned he took it that the indictment would be similar to the' other. "As it stood now it was clear the order was bad on account of its generality. In addition to that there was also the substitution of the name of Jonas Abrams in place of Ann Robertson, That was no light matter under the Vexatious Indictments Act, for under the last clause of that Act the prosecutor might be ordered by the Court

to pay costs, and that of course made the charge a very serious matter. He had therefore to decide, and he did so with sreat regret that the indictment must be quashed. He must say that it was a case of very grave carelessness. His Honor then ordered the prisoner to be discharged, and the Court adjourned until 10 o'clock ta niorrow.

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

THE POLLING TO-DAY.

Keen, and JExcitinjf Contests.

NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS.

The fateful day has at length arrived that is to decide the fortunes of some 220 gentle men who are aspiring for the 91 vacant seats in the House of Representatives. The issues of the contest have been fairly and fully placed before the electors, and a lively and general interest has been ex cited in tho result. It is fully expected that the numbers polled to-day will be a fuller representation of tho registered elec tors than has been the case in previous contests for a long period of years. From the fact of so many candidates being in the Held it is difficult, if not impossible, to fore cast the general results, while even in those electorates where the light is between two opponents, the struggle is so keen that victory seems no more certain to one party than to another. Favoured with fair weather,the electors in Auckland district are carrying out the contest with fervour, but in most cases with perfect good humour; and partisans, while making tho best fight possible on behalf of their candidate, are philosophically resigned to accept the arbitrament of the ballot box. At Welling ton and Dunedin there has been a half - holiday proclaimed, but the electors of Auckland and Christchurch are managing to record their votes without interfering with their ordinary avocations. In these hard times it is im portant that working men should not be deprived of a day's wages, and as the elec tion of to-day is being fought largely on the question of encouragement to local indus tries, it is most appropriate that the wheels of industry should not be even temporarily stopped, and that when " retrenchment " is the cry there should be no unnecessary waste of energy.

The polling in Parnell, Newton, and Auckland North and West, will not close till 7 o'clock to-night in accordance with the amended Act of Parliament on the subject; but in all other electorates in this district the poll will close, as before, at 6 p.m. If eli'ectivo arrangements are made for the counting of the votes, the result of the Ponsonby contest should be the first known. The different results will be an nounced from the Star office as soon as received this evening. Particulars of the progress of the polling are appended : —■

City North.

The polling for City North is proceeding merrily at the City Hall in Queen-street, but. the accommodation is so poor that during no portion of the day were there fewer than from fifty to eighty elec tors waiting round tho entrance for their turn to exercise their privi lege. This contest is being keenly con tested on both aides, but it cannot be said that there is very great display of feeling ; while the contest so far lias been devoid of incidents of special interest. There was some fun this morning at the expense of Mr Vaile's committee. They were' con gratulating themselves on the fact that their rival candidate had no committee room in the immediate vicinity, and were thus at a disadvantage when com pared with themselves, but this source of congratulation was rudely cut off .immediately before the polling com menced, when Mr Thompson's henchmen were observed trundling a coffee stall down street, and locating it immediately in front of the entrance to the hall. Appeals were made to the police and borough officials to compel the '-.coffee cart" to "move on," and believing that it would have to go, Mr Holdsworth offered to place his sample rooms at the disposal of the Thompsonites. The coffee stall, however, held its own, and in order to be on even terms the Vaile party hired another portable coffee palace, and moved it ahead of the rival. It was estimated that between 600 and 800 votes had been polled up till one o'clock, and it may be added that what are believed to be four or five cases of personation were discovered. Mr S. Y. Collins was the returning officer, and was assisted by Messrs Nelson, North, A. Collins, Harper and Dixon as poll clerks. The scrutineers for Mr Thompson are Messrs Jagger and Chappell, and for Mr Vaile Messrs J. L. Longbottom and Cleave. In consequence of the fact that Mr Farnall did not give two clear days' notice of retirement, his name appeared on the papers, and it is quite probable that those of his friends who -were not acquainted witli the fact that he had stood out will put in their votes for him. In order that there should be no confusion or crowding, Mr Collins had very judiciously arranged that voters should enter by the Queen-street andleaveby the Victoria-streetentrance, and the presenceof SergeantKielyand constables Ruspell and Donovan ensured the rigid ob servance of this rule. Cab 3 are used on both sides, and no possible opportunity of securing an advantage is being lost sight of by either party. Mr Thompson's most energetic workers include his Secretary (Mr W. F. Clayton), his clerks (Messrs J. Russell and J. Thompson), and a host of gentlemen, amongst whom we observed Captain Nearing, Messrs Mason, Otto, Marshall, Leahy, Larkins, Lanigan, J. P. King, T. W. Doonin, Wilson, Condon and others. Amongst Mr Vaile's most energetic workers were Mr H. Shaw (general secretary), Smith Vaile and Allan (clerks) and Messrs J. R. Vaile W. Vaile, Cummane, Mackay, Hitchcock, Lye, Higgs, Mills, Brierley, Kelly, Stockdale, Dei-reck, Burgess, Hickey, McDowell, Houghton and Smith. There were no squibs in circulation during the day, but Mr Vaile's friends were in dustriously distributingleaflets, which repre sented it as a singular fact that the whole of the newspapers were opposed to his candida ture, andappealedto the electors of a "servile and, perhaps, paid " press. At three o'clock the booth was still crowded with electors anxious to gain admission and record their votes.

City West.

The City West polling booth is at St. James's" Hall, top of Wellington-street. _It has been thronged with voters and election eering canvassers since a very early hour this morning.and the ballot boxes are filling up very rapidly. Mr Thomas Cotter is returning officer, and has taken up his quarters immediately in front of the platform," with a ballot box on either side of him, and in front of Mr Cotter are two benches lined with gentlemen who are assisting in the " number ; giving process. Mr Cotter is assisted by Messrs A. E. Whitaker, Elliott, New magen, Gregory, and Crawford, each and allleen being kept busily employed. At the door are stationed Constables \\ nite, Lamb and Donovan holding back the eao-er electors until their turn comes round in order that the Returning Officer may not be " rushed," and Sergeant A, Clark, also keeps a watchful eye on th«

proceedings in the interests of peace and good order. On the eastern side of the hall a tent is erected on behalf of Mr Morrison. Mr Shera's Committee have a similiar canvas inclosure on the opposite side of the building, and Mr David Goldie's Commit tee-room is a small timber structure, also situated on the western side of the building. Mr E. W. Morrison's scrutineers are J. S. Duke and T. Ussher.his clerk is J. B. Long, and messenger Charles O'Flaherty. Mr David Goldie's scrutineers are Alexander Thorne and William Hodge. He employs neither clerk nor messenger. Mr John M. Shera's scrutineers are George Robertshaw and Henry J. Lee, his clerk is George Keven, and mes senger Master Connolly. The electors of City West were fully alive to the necessity to "poll early," and at a very early hour this morningl they began to roll up both in vehicles and on foot. The time announced for the opening of the poll was 9 o'clock, and by that time a crowd of fully two hundred people had assembled in front of the hall. Immediately the door was opened a rush was made by some rather eager electors, and, at the request of Mr Cotter, Returning Officer, Sergeant Clarke and three assistant constables came to the rescue. They took up their stand at the front door and faced the crowd, who then realised that there was nothing to be gained by rushing. About a dozen people were allowed inside the Hall at a time.and in this ivay comparatively good order was restored, care always being taken that the Returning Officer and his clerks were not overcrowded. Unfortunately, the arrangements were not so complete as could have been desired, the means of entrance and exit being the same, whilst the back doors of the building were kej)t closed. This of course caused some trouble, owing to the people coming in and those retiring frequently coming into collision with others and causing delay. Otherwise, however, the polling is progressing very quietly,and the Return ing Officer is making excellent progress. There are 1,900 names on the City West roll, and votes have been recorded promptly and very regularly through out the day. Up till noon there were between 150 and 200 persons stand ing outside of the hall; and between 12 and 1 the number was considerably augmented owing to the arrival of a great many working men who had taken advan tage of the dinner hour to record their votes. Up to 11 o'clock some 250 or 300 votes were recorded, and at noon nearly double the number must have been polled. Occasionally an intending voter was challenged, and was put through tho necessary questions as to residence and other qualifications by Mi- Cotter. The answers being satisfactory, the person challenged was permitted to record his vote, ancW'i'ce verm. In one instance a clerk employed on behalf of Mr Morrison claimed to vote, and was challenged. Mr Cotter was appealed to, and decided against him, quoting from the Act, that " if any person named as a paid scrutineer, or a clerk or messenger hay made application for a ballot paper, or attempts to vote, it shall be the duty of the Returning Officer to warn such person that he is not permitted to vote, and if he marks a ballot paper, to make the words ' disqualified by employ ment ' to be placed on the paper handed in, and such votes shall not be counted by the Returning Officer." The vote was received and tho voting paper marked accordingly " disqualified by employment." One little piece of trickery was exposed by Mr Cotter at an early stage, some individual having left a bnllot paper unchecked, lying on one of the ballot boxes, possibly in the hope that it would be duly posted by the next comer. The vote of some would not have been recorded, but Mr Cotter thought it necessary to draw attention to the circumstances, and threatened that any person discovered in the attempt to perpetrate such a trick would be fully exposed.

After 1 p.m. the crowd decreased con siderably and voters were polled rather slowly. At 2 p.m. 868 out of the possible 1,900 voters had been polled being over 1000 to be polled during the next five hours. It is therefore very urgent that those who have not yet recorded their voters should do so as early as possible, for there is a chance of many being crow ded out at the last moment.

Ponsonby.

This district has always had a reputation for the .spirit and keenness of its electioneer ing contests, and now that for the first in its history it secures the right of re turning to Parliament a representative to be distinguished by its own name the ancient spirit is intensified to a degree. Ponsonby has attained her major ity, and the three suitors who are com peting for her favours are each and all confident of success. Mr Thomas Peacock enjoys the advantage of being the oldest and best known wooer of her affections, but Messrs Edward Cooper and Charles Samuel Wright are not one whit less vigorous nor less hopeful in their candidature. From an early hour this morn ing the friends and supporters of the rival claimants were afoot, and a crowd of from 80 to 100 electors awaited the opening of the poll at nine o'clock. When at last the doors of the Ponsonby Hall were thrown open upon the stroke of time, a rush was make for the hall and some 60 voters entered it pell-mell. The Ileturning Officer (Mr James Thornton) and his assistants, backed up by the willing^ aid of Constable Graham, at once, however, had the hall cleared, and polling then commenced in an orderly manner, and began to be carried through smoothly and with due expedition. So far the utmojt good-feeling has characterised all parties, and this election contest bids fair to go right on to its consummation with out a single hitch or the slightest display of ill-temper. The various committee-rooms —if one may stretch a point to give them this designation — are very unpretensious and makeshift affairs. Mr Wright has jumped the position nearest the door of the hall, a kind of rude breakwind having been put up immediately under the eastern front window by means of three pieces of boarding, one of which rests on the other two, and serves as roof. Within this humble enclosure sit Mr Joseph A. Gray and Mr Shepherd giving voters their numbers and checking off their names upon the roll. Hard-by stands a coffee stall painted blue bearing the name of Mr Cooper, and presided over by Messrs Tho Holder (architect) and Joseph, who dis penserollnumbersandelectioneeringcounsel to vote straight (i.e., for Cooper) instead of pure Mocha. A few paces further on stands Mr Peacock's Committee-room, which oc cupies the western half of the verandah of Mr Henderson's chemist shop, planked in for the purpose and affording accommo dation to Chas. Brown, W. Lusk, McVeigh and David Peacock (sen of tho candi date). Within the hall itself the polling arrangements are very methodical and efficient. Half-way from the door a long bench is situated, and here Messrs J. G. Culpan and Alfred George Stevens sit as poll-clerks, serving out their roll numbers to the electors, who then advance to another table near the platform, and presenting these numbers, receive from the Returning Officer or his two assistant clerks (Messrs. Brocklebank and Masten) their ballotpapera. The Returning Officer (Air Thornton) sits at the centre of the bench with a poll clerk on either side of him, and grouped alongside these are the scrutineers of the respective candidates, viz. :—For Mr Peacock, Capt. McDonald and Mr O. B. Waymouth. For MrC. S. Wright, Mr J. Morris and Mr C. Daw; for Mr Cooper, Mr J. T. Bellamy and Mr J. S. Bigelow. The ballot boxes (two in number) stand on either side of the hall, and about equidistant from the benches. Outside the hall the scene is qiiq ot great animation,

various candidates are stroling about these with their chief henchmen anxious to wel come the free and independent as they ar rive, and every few minutes vehicles in the services of one or other of the competing trio of suitors dash up with parties of electors, all duly impressed with their own importance and the value of the commodity which they possess in their votes. We append the names of the most active members of Committee of tho several candidates. For Mr Peacock : —John Campbell, Thomas Constable, Stich bury, Hugh Campbell, 6. E. Hughes, Hutchmson, Morpeth, J. Armitage, Mason, Courtney, Merrit and Wilson. For Mi- Cooper :— Messrs Collins, R. Graham, Manning, Exton, and Woodall. For Mr Wright: — Messrs Reed, G. 'H. Powley, J. W. Swales, I. Whale, L. White, B. Belsham, A. Belsham, Thomas Grey Vause, M. J. Bennett and W. H. Pooley. The respective Committees agree pretty closely as to the numbers of votes polled from stage to stage, but of course they are hopelessly at variance as to the probable results of the voting. Mr Peacock's Com mittee were of opinion at 11.30 that up to that time about 400 votes had been recorded, and that of these their candidate had secured fully 200. Mr Cooper's Committee on the other hand made out the number of votes polled to be ex actly 393, of which Mr Cooper had received about one-half. Mr Wright's Committee gave out that 360 votes had been polled, and that 150 of these had gone straight for Mr Wright. At the polling station everything is busy but quiet, and so far no electioneering " squibs " have made their appearance there.

Newton.

As considerable interest centres in the contest for Newton for which there are three candidates—The Hon. Joseph A. Tole, Mr E. Withy and Mr Garrett. Messrs Tole and Garrett are protection ists, and Mr Withy a freetrader, so that the protectionist section of the electorate is split into two factums. This of course improves Mr Withy's chance. To avoid that, however, the Protectionists are understood to be pretty well following the recommendation of the Industrial As sociation, and giving a block vote for Mr Tole. Thefactthatheisalsoreceivingablock vote from the teetotallers in another element in his favour. There are two polling booths in the district—theprincipaloneatSt. George's Hall, Surrey Hills, and a second at Mr Haslett's Hall, Eden Terrace. Mr Beale is tho principal Returning Officer, while his co-ajutor Mr Slate officiates at Eden Terrace. At noon to-day the scene at both polling booths was very lively. At that hour there were no fewer than thirty traps, cabs, and shandrydares of other varieties are to be counted outside St. George's Hall, where the voting was proceeding merrily. It reached our ears while there that already 600 votes had been polled at the two booths, but no idea could be gained of who was securing the greatest advantage. The sup porters of Messrs Tole and Withy seem sanguine of the success of their respectives candidates, but a dread is expressed that there would be such a block at the finish that many of those entitled to vote would not be able to do so. It is stated that already attempts at double voting have been discovered despite the precautions taken of frequently sending the numbers of the electors who have voted from one polling booth to the other.

The poll is open till 7 o'clock.

Parncll.

At Parnoll Hall everything is passing off very quietly. Captain Thomas is officiating as Returning Officer, and Mr Martin as poll clerk. The scrutineer on behalf of Mr Moss is Mr R. Brown, while Mr ; ,. N. Pollard fulfils a similar office on behalf of Mr Seymour George. Un like his deputy at Parliament-street, Captain Thomas courteously supplied what information he could when visited by the press representatives. Constable Roules and Keli-o were in attendance on behalf of the police but as all were good-humoured, their services were scarcely required. ■

At the Temperance Hotel Newmarket, Mr Purchas acted as deputy Returning Officer and Mr Mowbray as poll clerk. Mr Arthur H. Alderton was scrutineer for Mr SeymourXJeorge, and Mr Martin Coulson for Mr Moss. The proceedings were orderly throughout. At the schoolhouse in Parliament-street Mr George White is acting as Deputy lie turning Officer and Mr Francis Gildart as poll clerk. The scrutineer for Mr Moss is Mr Isaac Hill, while Mr William Henry Fox is acting in a like capacity for Mr Sey mour George. Mr White is attending to his duties in a manner which, while no doubt strictly impartial, gave considerable offence. He refused to give even the name of his assistants to the representatives of the press, and went so far as to order one reporter out of the room, although he had jusb entered and recorded his vote. Our representative received small courtesy, although Mr White was at the time disen gaged, no electors being in the polling booth. Mr White stated that he had direct orders from Capt. Thomas, Returning Offi cer for Parnell, not to turnish information to any person upon any particulars what ever.

Eden.

Messrs Mitchelson and Connell aremaking a hot and close fight for Eden seat. Be fore nine o'clock the committees of the opposing candidates were on the ground at Moant Eden, and very soon electors began to arrive on foot and in con veyances. The chief polling booth is at Waite's Hall which is situated some way up the mountain, but the rival committee rooms are established in a temporary build ing at the base of the hill where all vehicles halt within a stone's throw of the hall. As if to keep the combatants apart a central room in this building is set apart for the polling of Mount Eden ratepayers on the water question, and however diverse may be the views of the electors on Parliamen tary politics, they are expected to be un animous in voting in favour of a water sup ply in the booth thus placed on neutral ground. At the Parliamentary polling booth in Waite's Hall, Mr Malcolm Niccol is acting as Returning Officer, and is assisted by two smart polling clerks. The only other persons present officially are Mr Featon, scrutineer for Ms Mitchelson, and Mr J. A. Woodward, scrutineer for Mr J. A. Connell. An unfortunate hitch took place at the opening of the poll and led to some delay and grumbling. When the door was opened about thirty voters marched in unobstructed and crowded around the frail table on which the tiny wooden ballot-box was placed. While these were struggling for first place the door remained \xn guarded and more electors crowded in until it looked as though Mr Niccol and his assistants were to be reduced, to pulp along with the furniture. Gentlemanly appeals of the Returning Officer were of no avail in inducing the unfortunate voters to stand back, and in the rush some elec tors had. to stand about half an hour before they could record their votes preference being given to those who had got their roll number, and who were able to pass a slip with the figures to one of the polling clerks. The arrival of Constable Dewes brought some relief, and his burly form planted in the doorway prevented any m.i#e voters entering until the "jar^ll was over. Before the voters im&fe "b a d all been got through about others were crowded around,, une entrance to the hall, and the ■ constant arrival and departure of I vehicles running in the interests of

the candidates proved how assidously the committees were labouring. Polling pro ceeded rather slowly after the first " burst " was over and at noon it was calculated that about 260 had voted. This refers only to the Mount Eden polling place, but as there are other eight polling-places in the electorate there will be considerable additions to this number. On account of the scattered nature of Eden electorate, ib will be late before the final returns can be received.

Waitemata.

The chief polling place for this electorate is at the Borough Council Office, Devonport, where Mr W. Seaman, the Returning Officer, presides, assisted by Messrs C. and H. Crocombe as polling clerks. Messrs Hooker and Hedley act as scrutineers for Mr Monk, while Mr Sheriff occupies the same position for Mr Reader Wood. As might be expected, the place is alive with excitement, and down the street may be seen groups of electors and others dis cussing the chances of the candidates, while after the arrival of every ferry boab from Auckland there is quite a rush for the polling booth. Mr Monk has placed his Committee Rooms at the Refreshment Rooms of Mr Willey, under the charge of Mr J. Dimsdale, while Mr Reader Wood's are higher up the street^ under the charge of Mr Gasgoyne. The Committee of the two candidates are busy beating up voters, and 'buses, drags, and all kinds of conveyances are to be seen dashing here and there. There are 2,555 electors on the roll, and for their con venience polling-booths are established at Devonport, the chief place, the Lake, Northcote, Birkenhead, Chelsea, Lucas's Creek, Wade, Wainui, Waiwera, Kau kapakapa, Helensville, Kumea, Hob sonville, Swanson, and Henderson. At? Devonport over 1,000 electors are expected to record their votes, and up till 1 p.m. 240 had done so. As the polling booths are so Avidely separated, and some are away from telegraphic communication, the result of this election will not be known till a late hour. The results of the polling at Hobsonville, Henderson and Wainui are not likely to be in before the morning.

Waikato and Waipa.

Hamilton, this day.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The committees of the different candidates evidently intend to leave no stone unturned in order to poll every man that can force their claims lipon the electors.

As regards WaipaMajor Jackson is almost sure of a large majority, and from the re turns to hand the old member for Waikato should be returned by a majority of at least)

The Contest at Thames.

Thames, this day.

_ Great interest is being taken in the elec tion to-day. It is generally expected that Colonel Fraser will get in by a small majority over Mr McGowan.

Wellington Elections.

Wellington, this day.

The people of Wellington have .been awakened to enthusiasm with the arrival of polling day, and there is a tremendous stir at all the polling booths, and parties are canvassing energetically. With the exception of Te Aro, however, the city and suburban seats are* scarcely in doubt. Messsrs Fisher, Izard and Newman are regarded as safe for Wellington East, Wellington South, and Thorn'don respectively, and Mr Fitzherbert will probably be the choice of the Hutt elec tors. In tho case of Te Aro odds are very even as between Messrs Menteath and Fraser.with slight advantage to the former;' Mr.Fraeerj who was for a long time the favourite, has given offence to many of his erstwhile»temperance sup porters by his intemperate language at nomination, and also by trimming on some of their party questions. Conveying Wellington Voters. The Government having decided not to run election trains, in view of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act, coaches have been put on take passengers across the Rimutaka range. Wellington electors will thus be able, by taking advantage of the ordinary trains, to record their votes both in Masterton and Wairarapa constitq* encie3.

Otago.

Dunedht, this day

The weather is wet, and this will probably deter many electors of mature years going to the pol'. There is intense excitemenb and all business is practically suspended. Close voting is expected at all the city seats. In City East the roll has been challenged and much comment has been caused. It will be nine p.m. befor® tU® results are known.

Marlborough.

Blenheim, this day.

There is a large crowd of people in town, but no business is being done—elec tioneering occupying all attention. The friends of the three candidates, Messrs Dodson, Henderson and McAlister, appear equally confident.

THE RESULTS TO-NIGHT.

EXTRAS AND LIME-LIGHI\ The results of the Polls throughout the colony will be exhibited outside the Star office to-night by the aid of lime-light. We shall also issue Extras as fast as the returns come in

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Agricultural Hall — American Froliques and. variety Combination, 8. Polling for Election of Representatives in Par liament, 9 a.m. to 6 and 7 p.m. Rooms -Association for the Teaching of Divine Healing, 7.30. Howick, Tamaki. and Margere Presbyterian Churches-Evangelistic Services, 7.30. Newmarket Hall—Entertainment, 7.30. St. David's Mutual Improvement Society—Medi cal Talk by Dr. Lindsay, " The Brain, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

September 27—Messrs P. A. Philips and G. P. Tierce.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie, Grafton Road—Household Furniture and Effects, 11. A. B. Griffiths, Parnell—Furniture, etc., 2. E. and A. Isaacs—Teas, etc., 11. G. Lewis-Ironmongery, Cutlery, etc., 11. A. Aitken—Produce, etc., 12. E. Leydon, .Albert-street—Household Furniture etc., 11.

THE AUCKLAND EVEISUSTG STAR, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1887,.

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