..; nO . vigorous inquiries Cpclice» r6 £V recent suspicious V > cc ? lx last issue. In course we have obtained W B <&1 information with tf&ffiEueA (Newton) fire, t&e'*to& eJ of the house *f£ tbe if Sped destruction, I * '<*fc So P sons John and **£ that only »w v years respec #t aged 15 ar r when she left ffi^S c t o° do some shopping "Tat 7.3° Pp"'J She did not return S^ spe The fi«t intimation she •ii 930 P«t fit. was obtained from her Sβ met when returning U*> ffho °ntars to have been caused « ffl f Ihefirey a a r c S inted %vit h the ft** fit's timely discovery, ap- of*, for otherwise it is al- P s^ fo f ?ft only would the build. gWJj would have been in immm **&' f(]sV/e °o, on Lake Ontario the Ihecity°!"?,p match between Bubear ol f.fSrtedinour cable messaps §W "State of New York and has htoi 5, " , fMOCO At the same place ahead of champion medal and I" P0 f ß teoffloo. Albert Hamm Chas. Courtenay * Avand Bubear in the order named who »vas badly injured by the ft» f n r lZshk, and who is a well &»??w atIt named Dashwood, remains i* 0 Hospital at Hamilton under His head is in a iMLkm the effects of the burns. 0 " w whit t0 r that s*»£JS£ prompt action, Dash itoot ,Sbably have lost his life. He S«* Ul Hed by the heat, and fell sur- when the Constable $ and dragged him out of the burn- accident happened to Mr iff ZS!on Saturday afternoon W5 the bottom of a culvert in fet Itovßoad, where he was cxc- for the Parnell Borough **i A bucket of cement was being ft* * him, when the handle and the bucket fell. KU was felled to the ground in ' Eud was raised in an insensible con- r y, Dr Wri"ht was promptly in at- Saind. found that no bones had been 5? Mr Choyne was conveyed to his rr in Mount Eden district, and is JJJießing favourably towards re-'

1 teDromisesto be a large turn-out to mzL (Wednesday) evening at the City Km lie occasion of the presentation of Mm to the local Volunteers. His "tt or ffluMayor 3 has consented to preside on Bw, and there will probably be IHeeinteresting addresses delivered. Mr Wfri Frth will attend in person to present, ■Usrifles given by him to the success ■aWksmen»' and tolour-Sergeant Soall the presentation of a long ■jLis medal. The silver challenge cup, Hrtrawon this year by the 0 Battery ! HiJiiery, will also be presented by WLI& Volunteers will be present, 'Hiiim in large numbers, and _ the ftlsi public will, in order to avoid a ||I 2fe admitted only by ticket, obtain lli'i the Drill-shed or from Volunteer ■Jlßsi The proceedings to-morrow even- Wmn B commence at 8 o'clock. ! fß;taie<iin yesterday, the Supreme jKfige decided a somewhat peculiar • : »Michael Kennedy, a station hand, . ; m;iM recover £500 damages from Mrs 'j-jßkes, who has a local reputation leases. For the plaintiff it ■nteoded that Mrs Jones undertook ' of oancer, but after four months IHuf cue he had to go to the Hospital ■impart of the floor of his mouth and ■.jßiiSie.ioffer jaw removed. For the Hμ™ denied that the defendant '«h1 to cure, and only gave harmless rMMmtoent at the plaintiffs earnest ; i|BEia After hearing evidence the • verdict for the defendant with have been completed for Rink to-morrow evening. |H!ii*tral seats have been reserved for t J|||* i 3Jss, while the band will play in fllMty The idea of skating in fancy jffltesnot a riovel one on the other side iH&fijtie, but this.is the first time in ejjrttftha world. During: the evening 'JB»«*ill play two local productions, ■»»& by Mr Pooley "Ethel," and by Mr Hartnell, named igjptaion Army Brigade Captain's ■Bye? «c Prison Brigade Home at ■fflßSikisasßnder:—Number of meals ■Rw) beds supplied, 67. Persons , , U i .discharged, 9 ; still in the , ■■pi Attideareceived: Meat, Messrs , eike, Hellaby, Badley, Knight, t Walker; Farm House, [ {no name), : Crowe, Buchanan, 5 ? ra . wn > aD .d Evans ; a bag of r BESI —c, bread and but ter ; Iff* I *, Auckland Dairy; clothing j ■Bγ™ 1 "- General remarks :We are y 'fflitef j 3) ancl as our P rcs<: ' nfc I to supply the Home with 3 .11- > Mm ? kind friend wiU ste P in a Hi matter. ~ 6fan , c y drOS3 b all in connection ;, BjiaJTlr o as6embl y of Mesdames 16 Bfci ist arrangements are in i- aKTiT? s ° oold ensure a brilliant invent is to come off on the * Btai • Cboral Hal1 ' and ihafc the ie ■E|{ rm l 5 0wa y 8 nffer from the work 3 - BbtU • win S ton has promised 7, M^, Ellootlll Proper condition by the iy BJ& e ??? lin,nen l» b y the Green ° eSL appea l ranf - e - A new and 5 er& llb <> presented on this t m&SiiSf* prices are also an  2IIC erattraction - W**£d i? ew l! at rausual kind is ncr H?*tel7.ii y Dr> Bakewell in the. I WfciS f Monda y e «ning tm<£ff* s ' "The German j WMh a***. Zealand," and as oi j MPltoiitC Poplietic instead of nz ~ tol 'modestly calls The folio/ing is l\v B&fiw^ ,1 ' Th & Declaration » a ess' i s !n <nVer ?' The Captain! f he iK>*tk: tt ? ntTei itler of the Go tie 1»' The Lasfc Cable  rhe rrk aac i whut England •A- xr ea3onsShe had A- H> oi v! n Y « ara After, The an" IHSSC rr fP onden t of the 3 5rs l«Ji£%it'7® Resistance in .30- ■Ki'fli aiS e^ erman s - stem y ■u' ll will be I* l»K>i -° th fafcher and. eharifc y ' ver d«fi* wl the excellence tless ensure a larse

For the Women's Home, Parnell, the fol lowing sums were received during Septem ber : Mrs Lander, £2 ; Mrs 10s ; marriage offering at Bishopscourt Chapel, £1 Is ; Mrs Kinder, £1; Mrs Dudley Ward, £1 Is; marriage offering at Bishopscourt Chapel, 10s ; Mrs Macmillan, 10s 6d; Mr Crcwther, 10s. Contributions whether in money, clothes, or household requisites, will be thankfully received by any member of the Committee — Archdeacon Dudley, Rev. J. S. Hill, Rev. G. H. S. Walpole, Mrs Cowie, Mrs McCosh Clark, and Mrs Kinder.

Mr W. H. Wakeham, who has been in effectually endeavouring for the past five months to obtain an inquiry into certain charges against gaol officials, being unablo to obtain any definite or satisfactory answer himself, got Mi- Joseph Newman, one of the Visiting Justices of the goal, to telegraph to the Inspector of Prisons on the sub ject. The following reply was returned :.— "No, I have received no instruction re Wakeham. I imagine Mr Tole thought there were not sufficient grounds. If Walte ham is not satisfied I suggest that he should petition the House.— A. Hume, Inspector of Prisons." Wakeham intends to act upon the advice tendered and petition the House. It appears, however, an extraordinary thing that he should have had to wait so many months in order to get a definite refusal to his request for a commis sion of inquiry, while he has in the interim been strung on with half promises that his application would probably receive favour able considei-ation. The House of Repre sentatives will doubtless see that the matter is fairly dealt with.

The resolution moved last night at the Political Financial .Reform Association by Mr E. W. Burton, in reference to the ap pointments made by the late Colonial Treasurer in the Customs and Marine Department, was forwarded by the Chair man to-day to Mr D. G oldie, M.H.R., who will, no doubt, put the question in the House, and some interesting information may possibly be elicited. It appears that Mr Seed's duties have now been distributed between no le;s than three officers, and the object of the motion is to ascertain what this charge has cost in addition to Mr Seed's pension of £666 a year.

SUPREME COURT—THIS DAY.

Iv Chambers

(Before Hi? Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) Probate.—An application for probate in re Frank William Foley (deceased) was de ferred for a week at the request of Mr Clendon (instructed by Mr Jackson). Pro bate was granted in re Michael Brennan (deceased.)

MoVay v. Wilson.—Summons for order under the Debt Abolition Act of 1874.—0n the application of Mr C. F. Buddie, for the plaintiff, and with the consent of the de fendant, the matter was allowed to stand over for a week.

Bendigo Gold Mining Company.—Ac counts showing a credit balance of £7 18s were, passed. The liquidator's commission was iixed at £5 os, and the balance was ordered to be distributed amongst the con tributories.

PlctcsGolpMimnc Company—Accounts showing a credit balance of £48 were passed. The liquidator's commission was iixed at £5 ss, and the balance was ordered to be distributed amongst the contributories. Goodexouch Gold Mixing Company.— The call previously ordered having been found insufficient for the purpose owing to many of the contributories not being able to pay, a further call of per share was authorised on Mr Buddies applica tion, money to be payable 14 days after ser vice of notice.

Moses v. Carter.—On the application of Mr Baume the costs of application for writ of summon? recently granted were made costs of the case.

TE AROHA NOTES.

(by telegraph—owx correspondent.)

Te Aroha, this day,

Me E. Gallagher, coach proprietor and mail conductor during the present tri weekly train service to and from Te Aroha, has very spiritedly volunteered to run his coach to Morrinsville every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (the days on which there is now no train from Te Aroha) to meet the train from Lichfield for Auckland there, returning to Te Aroha every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the arrival at Morrinsville of the train for Lichlield from Auckland. Mr Gallagher has undertaken to do this in the meantime without subsidy, conveying passengers and mails, but has sub mitted an offer to the Government for the conveyance of mails to and from Te Aroha and Morrinsville on the days that the trains do not run. Intending visi tors through this arrangement can there fore come on to Te Aroha any day, as before the train service was altered. Major Murray (Bank of New Zealand, Thames), Mr Montgomery (Thames School of Mines) and Mr T. Dunlop (mine manager, Thames), are to-day at Waitoa, prospecting, etc. They visited Waiorongomai yester day, and return via Hikutaia to-morrow. Mr Durwood, representing Mr Smith's Canterbury syndicate, is also prospecting in the district.

Mrs Judge is amongst the present visitors

here.

NEWTON WATER SUPPLY.

A special meeting of the Newton Borough Council was held lasb evening for the purpose of taking into consideration a resolution re the raising of a loan to provide a water supply and fire ex tinguishing plant for a portion of the borough. There were present:—Messrs Warnock (Mayor), presiding, Riggs, Donald, Faultier, Arabury, Casey, Boyd, Morn son, Lee and Garrett. The Mayer moved and Cr. Riggs seconded, "That this Council take the necessary steps to raise a loan of £2,500 to provide a water supply and fire-extinguishing plant for Surrey and Sussex wards of the borough. The motion was put to the meeting and carried, Messrs Garrett, Faulder, and Boyd being the dissentients. The proposal leaves out Richmond,' the third ward of the borough, which, we -understand, has not asked for a water supply. Tenders are called iv this iesue in terms of the resolution passed. '

ALLEGED FRAUDS.

A max named William Smith, who was re cently arrested by Detective Herbert for ob. tabling money and goods by false pretences, will have to answer, a number of charges afc the Police Court to-morrow. One charge is that he did obtain from Mr Goldwater of Queen-street, clothes to the value of £3 10s and 10s in change, for a valueless cheque. In this instance the prisoner is said to have represented himself as a man of money, ami drew the cheque in bis own name. The second charge is that he did by re nresentino- himself to Lewis Lyons, rgenevaf dealer, of Hobeon -street, to be S M Pratt, auctioneer, etc., corner of Ponsonbv and Jervota Road, obtain goods to the value of £9 and dispose of the same. The third charge is that of obtaining boots and money from Mr Moore bootmaker, of KavwLhLe Road ; and the fourth charge is one o attempting to obtain goods by meSns of a valuless cheque from another tradesman.

POLITICAL CRISIS.

COMPLETING THE CABINET.

POSSIBILITY OF MITCHELSON'S

RETIREMENT.

ABOLITION OF NATIVE

DEPARTMENT PROBABLE.'

(from our special reporter.)

Wellington, this day. Very great uncertainty prevailed yester day respecting the allotment of the re maining portfolios. It appeared exceed ingly doubtful at one time whether Mr Mitchelson would take the portfolio of Public Works, and his acceptance of it eventually is understood to be on the understanding that hs is at liberty to retire at the end of the session, or indeed at any time he chooses. An opinion prevails in some quarters that if he should retire from office at the close of this session the portfolio would be given to Mr Fergus, who has a strong inclination for it, and that Mr J. B. Whyte would be taken into the Cabinet. as" Minister of Mines. There was also much uncertainty respecting the intention of the Hon. E. 0. J. Stevens, to whom the, Colonial Secretary ship was offered. He had just arrived from England on Sunday in the Rimu taka, and some correspondence by wire with Christchurcli was necessary before he could give a definite answer. It was not until yesterday evening that heabsolutely de clined the position assigned to him, but the party appeared to be greatly pleased that he accepted a seat in the Cabinet without portfolio. It was at first the intention not to appoint an. Attorney-General, but Mr Stevens having declined the other portfolio, Sir F. Whitaker was induced to accept. This latter gentleman is also looked upon as a source of strength to the new Government. The Colonial Secretaryship has still to be provided for, and the portfolio of Native Af fairs will be tacked on to one of the other Departments. A feeling seems to be increas ing that the Native Department will be done away with, and the decision not to appoint a Native Minister is looked upon as a first step towards that end. It is impossible to say much about the rearrangement of port folios after the session, and Ministers ap pear to know very little themselves beyond the fact that Major Atkinson will eventually transfer the Treasurership to Mr Fisher, and will most likely take over the Educa tion Department himself, or give it to Mr Hislop.

Prospects of tbe Ministry.

There is a good deal of speculation concerning the probable fate of the new Ministry, but it would be absurd to attempt to say at the present moment whether or not they will survive the session. Their opponents freely express the opinion that they will not live a week beyond the delivery of the Financial State ment, but the wish in this case certainly appears to bear a very close relationship to the thought, and I might even say every thingdopends upontheFinancial Statement, which i 3 expected to disclose a very sweep ing and extensivo schemo of retrenchment. From what I can hear, pet votes will be sacrificed in all directions, and the toes of very many members will be trodden upon. Whether they will permit the retrenchment to be brought home to their own particular districts is a moot question, but the cry for retrenchment amongst candidates for the House has been so loui that, however bitter the pill, they can scarcely refuse to swallow it. The geaeral opinion is that if the business of this session is confined to retrenchment tho Govern ment will get through safely into the recess. Support in this particular direc tion may be looked for from Government supporter'B, who were not invited to attend the recent Opposition caucuses. I might mention as an instance that Mr Cadman, who was a Government supporter last ses sion, considers that, his party having been broken up, there are no longer any party ties binding him, and he ia prepared to support the new Government in carrying out a fair scheme of retrenchment, and he will give them a general support if their policy meets with his ap proval. It is considered by tacticians on both sides that if the new Government attempt this session to deal with other questions of policy than retrenchment, they will undertake too much, and render their own position a dangerous one. The ques tion of protection to industries, for in stance, would be an awkward one to deal with, for tho obvious reason that quite a number of the party are determined free traders, and they declare that they will resist any attempt to increase taxation through the Customs. Other supporters, who are protectionists, say oil the other hand that they have been given to understand that something will be done this session to afford increased protection to industries, such as that of iron trades, which are in a very bad way. It ia difficult indeed, in the present position of parties, to see how this could be attempted. Opponents of the Government say the hostility of disappointed aspirants to office must be reckoned upon, and while there is a great deal of truth in the remark, such hostility is not likely to betray itself this session. All things considered, I incline to the opinion that unless unforeseen difficulties arise the Government will survive the session, but they will find that they have a very difficult task before them

Preparing the Policy.

There is now every probability of a period of three weeks of enforced idleness before members. Practically nothing will be done this week beyond the delivery of the Governor's speech, and it is almost certain that Major Atkinson will ask for the two following weeks in which to formulate aSid mature the financial policy of the Govern ment. Some opposition has been made to such a long delay in getting to work, but the feeling of the majority is that, whatever time is asked for should be granted, so that the Government may not be unduly hurried in the preparation of their policy. This feeling exists on both sides of the House. An idea appears to prevail amongst Government supporters thai if the House eat daily until the Finan cial Statement came down the Opposition svould embarrass the party with resolutions on questions of policy, affirming, for instance, the desirability of affording pro tection to industries.

The Mining Industry.

Since the retiring Government took office they have established no fewer than twenty four Schools of Mines in the colony, of which 19 are in the South Island. The im portance of the mining industry is shown by the fact that up till the end of last year the productions from this source represented in round numbers a value of fifty millions of money. Last year's productions were worth a million and a half, made up as follows: Gold, £922,600; silver, £2,946; copper ore, £390; antimony ore, £1,764; manganese ore, £1,316; mixed minerals, £1 846 ; kauri gum, £257,653; coal ex ported, £52.848; coal consumed within the colony, £244.108.

The Electoral Bolls.

Representations have been made to the retiring Colonial Secretary respecting the manner in which tho business of the Regis tration Office in Auckland was carried on. It is alleged that no book was kept for the

purpose of entering the claims to vote as they were received, and that there was so little check that any of the clerks might have destroyed a number of these forms had he chosen without anyone knowing that they had disappeared. It is said that 25 claims to vote for Ponsonby, including that of the Rev. W. Calder, were put in by Mr Wright, and never heard of again. The Hon. Mr Buckley (late Colonial Secretary) informs me that Auckland was no excep tion—that he had complaints from nearly every district in the colony, and that some reform in the electoral laws was necessary, and would have been made by his Govern ment if they had remained in office.

Ministerial Appointments.

Ministers took up their quarters in Go vernment Buildings to-day, and there re ceived the congratulations of their friends and supporters. Mr R. Leckie has been re-appointed Secretary to the Premier. Mr Amelius Smith will be Secretary to the Minister for Education, and Mr Hanmer will continue to act as Under-Secretary for Mines.

Probability of Stout Re entering Parliament.

The remarks made by Sir Robert Stou* this afternoon, replying to the address from 33 members of the Libpral party, left the impression on my mind that he will re enter Parliament at no distant date —pro- bably on the first vacancy occurring. Sir Robert and Lady Stout were passengers to Dunedin by the Rotomahana.

"The Sporting Ministry."

The new team are likely to be known as " The Sporting Ministry." Mr Mitchelson is an owner of racehorses; Mr Fisher has earned a reputation as a sprint runner ; Mi- Fergus, in the late Parliament, was one of the most prominent lawn tennis players; Mr Stevens has several times represented hid province in the cricket field ; and the Hon. G. McLean, who may be regarded as the sponsor of the Ministry, maintains a racing stud.

Leaders of the Upper House,

The Cabinet is now complete, and the two members of the Upper House will be sworn in to-day. As business reasons pre vent the Hon. Mr Stevens from accepting the Colonial Secretaryship, at present he will hold office without a portfolio till the recess, and will assist Sir F. Whitaker, who has undertaken the Attorney-Generalship, in the conduct of business in the Legislative Council.

[by telegraph.—press association.]

Wellington, this day,

A general impression is abroad, though the Ministry do not wish to say so, that the Native Department will not be repre sented in the new Cabinet, and it is whis pered may even be abolished.

THE STEAMER RICHMOND.

Coloured labour Successful

It was rumoured in shipping circles this morning that Messrs Donald and Edin borough, having given a trial to Kanaka labour on board the s.s. Richmond, were dissatisfied with tho results, and were determined to ship a white crow for the next trip. On inquiry, however, this was denied by the firm, and they declared that no alterations were contemplated in the arrangements respecting the crew. A couple of alterations have, however, been made among the officers. Captain Helander having resigned the command.his place is now supplied by Captain Hutton, late of tho Janet Nicoll. Captain Hutton brings with him as his chief officer Mr Paton, also of the Janet Nicoli, who takes the place of Mr Goodwin on board the Richmond — the latter officer having re signed.

PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Ponsonby Choral Society gave their fourth concert of the season last nighfc in All Saints' Schoolroom, the building being crowded to its utmost capacity. Mr Tallis Triranell conducted with his wonted skilj and precision, and throughout the concert his talented orchestra and chorus were never at fault. The first part of the pro gramme consisted of Mendelssohn's "Conic, Let Us Sing," a composition mostly choral, though fully testing the capabilities of soloists,- chorus, and orchestra alike. The solos were allotted to Mesdames Judson and Johnson and Mr W. L. Prime. The opening solo (with chorus), "0 Come, Let Us Worship," was correctly sung by Mr Prime, but that gentleman's voice lacks strength and clearness of enunciation. In the fol lowing numbers, however, he was heard to greater advantage. The next number con sisted of a very short solo, nicely rendered by Mrs Johnson, followed by a somewhat lengthy chorus. In the duet, "In His Hands," Mesdames Judson and Johnson sang with great sweetness and expression, and elicited much applause. Mr Prime showed great impros'ement in the solo, " Henceforth, When ye Hear His Voice," but was occasionally overpowered by the orchestra. The concluding number, "For His is the Sea," was decidedly the gem of the part, the chorus singing with great accuracy and strength. There was a noticeable weak ness throughout the work in the bass, and, in the last chorus, in the altos, but otherwise their performance was really ex cellent. After a short interval, the Jubilee overture, by C. M. Yon Weber —the lirst instrumental item of' the concert—was given. This is a most intricate work, and the rendering showed careful study and great skill on the part of the orchestra, and Mr Hemus's lead was faultless. The work abounds in rapid movements for both string and wind instruments, and closes with the National Anthem, the air being played by the reeds, with florid accompaniments by the etrings. The overture was received with unbounded applause. The following chorus, " Gipsy Life," was in marked contrast to the work forming the first part of the programme, being of a much lighter charac ter. The piece was grandly rendered, the incidental solos being well sung by Mes dames Johnson and Edger and Messrs Prime and Carder. Mr E. Cox gave " Loyal Death " with expression. In the " Andante Minuetto and Trio," from Mozart's sth Symphony, the orchestra surpassed them selves, and the piece was received with tumultuous applause. Miss Campbell was fairly successful in the song " Joyous Life," and the finale, "Good-night," excellently rendered by Mesdames Johnson and Henderson and chorus, was a fitting close to a most successful concert.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. At the Police Court yesterday, two lads name William Scott and Robert Dunlop were committed for trial for stealing a watch and chain from David Adamson, in December last. Edward Scott, father of one of the lads, was also .committed for trial fer receiving the stolen property. C. Anderson and Robert Clementson were each sentenced to three days' imprisonment for using obscene language.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

GOLDFIELDS TRACKS.

SOME SENSIBLE WORDS FROM

OHINEMURI.

(from our own correspondent.)

Paeroa, Saturday,

The wholesale condemnation of prospecting tracks at the meeting of Parliamentary representatives and persons interested in mining held recently in the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, has been pretty freely can% T assed here, and steps are now being taken to convince our newly-elected members that the opinions expressed thereat are not in accord ance with the views of miners and prospectors generally. What astonishes people here most is that men having Messrs Porter and Brown's mining experience should have taken a leading part in decry ing the scheme proposed for cutting pros pecting tracks, which are absolutely necessary to the development of our mineral resources. From Te Aroha to Coromandel the auriferous belt is said to be eighty miles in length, and of that distance there is, at stated intervals, at least sixty miles which is still a terra incognita so far as prospect ing is concerned ; and this may be attri buted solely to the fact that it 3 sur face is covered with a forest so dense as to present an almost insurmountable barrier to the advance of the legitimate prospector. I use the words "legitimate prospector " advisedly, because the " Hying prospecting" business such as Messrs Brown and Porter would advocate is not equal to the requirements of the case, otherwise we should have more development on our auriferous belt, which has now been open for mining during a period of 20 years. As to the statement that the cutting of tracks never led up to the discovery of a goldtield, I challenge the gentlemen who made it to name a single gold discovery that has over been located in bush country on this peninsula without the aid of tracks. Starting with Waitekauri, the Pros pector's mine was marked off upon the line of an old Maori track, leading- from here, and trending in the direction of the East Coast, and which was in existence for ages before the advent of the gold hunters. It was the old Maori track going from Puriri to Tairua that enabled Neeves to make the gold discovery at Pakirarahi, and the gum-packers' track from Hikutaia to Maritoto was the direct means of leading Mcßrinn on to his " find," which has attracted so much attention lately.

OHINEMURI.

Karangahake, Saturday.

During the week a break occurred in the fluming of the Ivanhoo water-race, and this necessitated a stoppage for a few days, but crushing will be resumed about Monday next on a 15-ton parcel of second-class dirt from the Kenilworth tributers, and a pay able return is expected. The repairs to the Woodstock water-race have been completed, and that company's stone-breaker will very soon be required for the reduction of several parcels of ore which arc intended for ship ment to London and Frieburg.

Witekauri, Saturday.

Mason and party, tributers in the Young New Zealand mine, obtained 10 ounces re torted gold from the treatment of a few pounds of picked stone in the early part of this week, and they have on hand a small tonnage of general dirt, which they estimate to be worth 3 ounces per ton.

Maeitoto, Saturday.

The survey of Mclsaacs's and Mcßrintf's claims are progressing satisfactorily, and so far as the line-cutting is concerned, both should be complete in a few days' time. The appointment of manager of the Prospector's mine has been conferred on Mr J. H. Moore, late manager of the Martha mine, Wailii, and who will assume control of the new venture early next week. The first work to be undertaken will be that of breaking out a 5-ton parcel of ore, which will befonvarded to the Thames for reduction at the Smelting Company's stone-breaker, preparatory to sampling and assaying with a view to determining its bulk value, and I have no doubt it will afterwards be dealt with as the results of this treatment will dictate. Next in order will come the thorough development of the mine, which will be started by driving a tunnel from the gully level, which is situate north of the point where the rich ore is exposed to view, and upon which it will afford fully 100 ft of backs. This will be a very fair test of the evtent and value of this particular gold and silver deposit, and as the future of the whole place in a great measure depends upon the success of these operations,! hope they will be attended with satisfactory results.

THE HIKUATA DISCOVERY.

[BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day. IxFriday's 'Herald , there appeared a leader ette which reflected very unjustly, and alto gether without reason, on the Warden for the delay in the matter of the Hikutaia claims. The writer showed his utter ignor ance of the subject to which he was refer ring, as a perusal of the Regulations would at once have proved to him that the Warden has simply been acting in accordance therewith, and that his hands are altogether tied, in asmuch as he can make no decision what ever until the surveyors have done their duty.' Regulation 10, part L, as published in the "Gazette, , May 16, 1887, reads as follows :—" The surveyor shall, if possible, make the survey prior to the day fixed for the hearing; but if from any cause the survey cannot be made, or the plan prepared in time, the hearing may be adjourned from time to time at the dis cretion of the Warden ; and no applica tion shall be finally dealt with by the Warden until the plan and report of the surveyor shall have been received. Pro vided that in all cases survey shall be made within three months from date of application, except in mountainous dis tricts." It will be seen by the foregoing that the 'Herald' is in error in asserting that the whole matter rests with the Warden, while the surveyors who are performing the survey work — Mesers Bayldon and Jackson—are too well known to have any slur cast upon them by such insinuations as are conveyed in the 'Herald.' These gentlemen "in reply to several communi cations from the Warden, have assured him that they are prosecuting the survey as rapidly as possible, but tliab it has been impossible, owing to the very" severe weather, to have the work finished. Until their survey has been received by the Warden, he cannot "deal with the matter at once " in the very summary manner pro -1 posed by the " Herald," and had no other course left open to him but to adjourn the applications until the 20th inst., when it is expected the surveys will be completed.

COROMANDEL.

Tokatea.— The mine manager reports : "None of your tributers have obtained any specimen stone during the past week, but the most of them have seen blotches of gold and are accumulating a little general quartz. Wm, Duncan and party from No. 3 and 4 blocks are sending their stone to battery for treatment;

they have not so much general quartz as they reckoned upon ; instead of 4 tons, they have only 3, and 501b of specimen stone. Halpin and party, No. 7 block, have collected nearly one ton of good general stuff. The gold in their leader seems to be confined to the junction of their leader with a small cross vein, for in no other part of their workings can any gold be found. Roberts and party, from No. 17 block, see colours of gold nearly every day, but none rich enough to be classed as specimens.— Jno. Benney."

Royal Oak,—The manager reports:— " Since I last wrote you there has been a decided change for the better in the mine. The reef has become well defined the length of the rise, and has been showing colours of gold along the cross-head."

Thames, this day.

Cambria.—The leader in the crosscut at No. 3 level, from which the recent haul of 401b specimens was obtained, maintains its thickness of three inches. There is now six feet stripped. Cambria.—The leader in the crosscut at No 3 level was broken down to-day, when 151b of specimens were bagged. This is the same leader from which 401bs of specimens were obtained last Friday.

THE TRAGEDY AT DUNEDIN.

DETAILS OF THE SHOCKING DEED.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Dunedin, this day. The inquest on the body of Edward Loft took place yesterday. The following, among other evidence, was adduced:—

Mr Maunsell stated : When I got to Rey nold's place Loft waj close to the house. He was talking very rapidly about someone. He had the appearance of a man in delirium ■tremens. I could not tell from what he said whether he had shot the woman himself or whether someone else had done so. I asked him where Mrs Loft was, and he told me she was in the house. I went into the house, and found her lying in a pool of blood. She was shot through the right lung ; the bull had entered below the right collarbone and come out at the blade-bone behind. Slie was bleeding very prof usely at the time, and also vomiting blood, but was quite con scious. I stopped the bleeding at once. While I was in the house at the farm the police arrived. They asked where Loft was. I told them lie was outside, and warned them to be cautious, as a man had come in and told me that Loft was loading his pistol. As the police were going up to him he put the pistol into his mouth and shot himself. I did not see him do that, but I went out immediately afterwards and found that he was not quite dead. On examining him, 1 found that hiss front teeth had been knocked out and his spine fractured. The bullet was lying just under the skin of the back of the head, between the head and neck. The ball had fractured the cervical vertibne. I found that a bullet had grazed Mrs Loft's hand, tearing the skin from the forefinger and the thumb. She had also beon struck with a bullet on the left side, but the ball had evi dently hit one of the steel ribs in her stays and glanced off. She told me that she and her husband generally visited the farm on a Sunday. This morning when they left to go to it her husband seemed quite right. She mentioned that he had been drinking very heavily for the last week.

Miss Emma Bury's Statement,

I am a cousin of Mrs Loft, and reside here in the north-east valley. I have done so for the last sixmonths. Alittle before 11 o'clock oa Saturday, I left the house with Mr and Mrs Loft. We went to his farm near the reservoir. We walked about and were gathering flowers. Mr Loft left us in the bush and went to put some cows out of the garden. He returned in about ten or fifteen minutes, and we all went into the farmhouse. Mrs Loft was fixing some . flowers, and she asked deceased, "What do you want to drink to-day for ?" He immediately put his hand into his coat pocket, pulled out a revolver, and fired two shots at her, saying " Take that," or words to that eflect. Mrs Loft tried to get out of the window, and could not. I ran out of the door and across the paddock, he pursuing. He threw me down and caught me by the throat, and tried to choke me. The last thing I remember is seeing Mr and Mrs Loft sitting down near the road. Mrs Loft Said, " I am not long for this world." I said, " I will get some water." I observed blood on her hand, and she was leaning against the bank. She said, " I will go with you, but you willhavetogo tothe drain opposite." He gave me his hat to fetch the water in. I made for the first house (Reynolds's), and told the people in the house what had hap pened. There were men who came out of the house, and took Mrs Loft to the farm house. I did not see Loft afterwards. .

The jury returned a verdict of " Suicide while temporarily insane." Mrs Loft is still alive, but no hopes are entertained of her recovery.

It is stated that Loft habitually carried a weapon. He was worse than eccentric when drinking, and was believed to be more or less liable to attacks of delirium tremens. Men who saw him on Saturday evening state that the effects of heavy drinking were visible in his strange de meanour, and that he seemed in fact, accord ing to one witness, to be " mad."

AUCKLAND CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

Matches Proposed with Otago Kelson, and iawke's Bay,

Tite Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association met last evening at the Albert Hotel, Mr J. Mumford in the chair. There were seventeen delegate 8 present. The Parnell Club were elected as a senior club instead of junior, and a new club (the Suburban) was also added to the list of seniors. As the 11. Junior Cup has now become the property of the Alpha C.C., they having won it two seasons in succession, there would have been no cup left for the 11. juniors to play for had not the Alpha C.C. generously given it back to the Association to be played for again with the proviso that ifc shall not become the property of any club in future. Mr R. Crowe was elected Hon. Secretary, and Mr Sykes, Hon. Treasurer. The Secretary was directed to write to the Ci-icket Associations of Otago, Nelson, and Hawke's Bay, to arrange interprovincial matches to be played in Auckland during this season. There are now seven senior elevens on the list to compete for the Senior Cup. These Cup matches will take place every Saturday afternoon during the summer and extend the season rather beyond its usual limits, in order to complete them.

The usual meeting of the St. John's Muaical and Literary Society was held on Monday evening, when, in the absence of the President, the Rev. W. Gifctos occupied the chair. The following programme was executed most successfully:—Piano solo, Miss Parker; Scotch reading, .Mr A. Kussell; solo, Mrs Edmonds (encored); reading, Mr Rountree; solo, Mr Parker, who also received an encore ; reading, Mr T. L. White; solo, Mrs Edmonds ; piano solo. Miss Taylor; reading, Mr Airston. Recitations were also given by Miss Grin rod, Mr A. Smith, and Mr Watkin. Alto gether a most enjoyable evening was spent.

BURNED TO DEATH.

A MAORI WOMAN CONSUMED IN HER WHARE.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. A telegram was received yesterday after noon at the District Office, Hamilton, from Constable Lowther, stationed at stating that a native woman named Hipera had been burnt to ashes in a whare at Whatawhata last Saturday morning, and that the natives had buried the remains. The District Officer has forwarded a tele gram to Constable Lowther asking him to make all possible inquiries into this shock ing affair so as to ascertain whether the whare was set fire to wilfully or by acci dent.

ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE.

The principal business at the Police Court this morning was a charge of drunk" enness and assault against an old man named William Pender. Messrs J. P. King and. Ehrenfried were the presid ing justices. It appears that when Constable Rowles was in Hobson - street last evening a woman named Eliza Cotton complained to him that she had been badly beaten by Pender, her brother,, and that she was. in fear that he would do her serious harm. The constable proceeded to arrest Pender, who was very drunk and resisted violently. Whilst the struggle was going on, Pender's sister, who had asked that ne should be arrested, evidently was overcome with sisterly forgiveness, and she too fell on the constable, who then had his hands full. In the struggle Pender tore the constable's uni form badly, rendering it useless, but subse quently both parties were safely lodged in the lock-up. Pender on coming before the Court pleaded guilty" and was fined 5s and costs for drunkenness, and 5s and costs for assaulting the constable. He was also ordered to pay the cost of damage to the con stable's uniform, 40s, or in default take in all 8 days' imprisonment. A charge of assault against the sister was withdrawn at the re quest of Sergeant Pratt, who thought that she had suffered sufficient punishment already. The only other case before the court was that of Wm. McCormick, an old offender, who was fined £5 and costs, with the alternative of 14 day's imprisonment.

SIR ROBERT STOUT'S FAREWELL.

Expressions of Goodwill by Members of the Assembly.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. There was an animated scene in the saloon of the Union Cos. s.s. Rotomahana just before her departure yesterday afternoon, some forty members of both Houses, re presenting the Liberal party, attending for the purpose of bidding farewell to Sir Robert Stout, who was leaving for Dunedin for the purpose of practising his profession as solicitor there.

Mr John McKenzie(Waihemo)said:—"Sir Robert Stout, —I have been requested by thirty-three members of Parliament to pre sent you with an address on retiring from public life at the present time, and on leav ing Wellington. I have no doubt thato you will understand howr very sorry we feel, and how much we regret that you are at present retiring from public life, and this address," , though hurriedly got up—l may say in the space of an hour —expresses, perhaps inadequately, how much we feel on the subject. Speaking for my self, from our long association, I can hardly give expression to my feelings. I am sure I cannot find language to do it. I will read this address, and I hope you will accept it as our sentiments on your retirement:—' We, the undersigned. Liberal members of Parliament, have felt it impossible to allow you to quit Wellington and retire from public life without express ing our sincere and heartfelt regret at your departure, and our keen sense of the loss which the Parliament and the colony have suffered in. your temporary retirement, firmly convinced, as we are, that the lapse of but a brief interval will again see you occupy the position to which your talents and character entitle you, and which the public voice calls you to assume. We yet lament that in a crisis like the present the people of New Zealand should be deprived of a leader whose past life has stamped him as so out spoken and unflinching an advocate of Liberal and progressive principles. In our high esteem for yourself personally we know that we do but share a feeling universal among those with whom you have come in ] contact in public. or private life, bub such a feeling must needs sharpen the regiet we experience at a separation, however short. Trusting that you will ac cept the assurance thus hastily and imper fectly conveyed of our recognition <of your eminent public services:, our atttacbment to yourself personally, and our good wishes for your future career." (Signed by thirty three members.)

Sir Robert Stout,who was loudly cheered, said : "Mr McKenzio and gentlemen,—l cannot thank you sufficiently for the kind address which you have presented to me, and I can assure you that I shall ever re member it and keep this address as a memento. True, I say it as I said on vari ous occasions before, that if I were defeated for Dunedin I should retire from public life for the present. Of course I do not say what may happen in the future, nor whab decision I may come to as to future action, but I think for the present it is only right I should remain out of politics for some time. I can only say that, though out of the House, I shall continue to take a keen interest in the politics and the furtherance of Liberal measures. I shall do what I can as a private individual for what I believe to be for the welfare of the colonists as a whole. lam unable at present to say any thing more." Mr Seddon called for three cheers for Sir Robert Stout, and these were heartily given.

The fourth annual meeting of the Watte mata Rowing Club will be held this even ing in the Bricklayers' Arms Hotel, Chapel street, when officers for the ensuing season will be elected, and the report and oalance sheet presented.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—"The Femalo Detect tive." 8. Beresford-street Sunday-school Anniversary Soiree, 6.30. J St. James's Hall—Cantata, " St George and the Dragon/" 8. Imperial Hotel—Ponsonby Football Club 8 Royal Irish Rifles—Battalion Parade, 7 30 Drill-shed-Newton Rifles, 7.30. Hall. Shortland-street-Long-night Social, 8. Bricklayers Arms Hotel— Waiteinata Boating Club, t>. Drake-street, Freeman's Bay-Anniversary Ser vice, " Helping Hand Mission," 6.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

October 12-R.M. site.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

T. M. Jackson—Office Furniture and Effects, 11: Curios, etc., 12. G. Lewis—Drapery, Carpets, etc., 11. B, Tonk9 and Co.-Americau Chairs, etc., U.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1887,

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G. F. Root's popular cantata, "Bel shazzar's Feast," in St. James's Hall, Friday, October 21st. Conductor, Mr J. H. Bdmondes.—lAdvt.)