ANOTHER BENEFACTOR OF AUCKLAND.

bM ,*_t»thekck and poor. meeting of the Hospital Board yes- A letter was received from the terday* Zealand Loan and * aD ' lger ,°r.. m pauy (Mr W. S. Lawry) at Me^ tlle ..° ionvinling a draft for £121 W h o? ban* the balance of a 12s f > „ de by Mr Ferdinand Barth <ii{ Hof% A let to tne lso read from Mr ... T. ** Wa3 f the Auckland branch of the -New all d Mercantile Company, Zealan d W» commission chargable by w' - t> This mad e the their&«»*>7 1L , 12 5 " 0s Bd. The Board total bflJ'fAf LfnV ry be thanked for his re3olV( t connection with the matter, and action i» .fc of erect .ing some memorial tfaatt'ie si J ferre(llo the House Com to:,h 'th power to net. Annexed is a inittee . Vlie will of testator, as drawn out «oP?.°Llf when residing in Auckland in Jjy IllUl-C" 1872:— „ MV LAST W ill. 1(% name is Ferdinand Barth, born to y .= Teonhard Barth ana Anna Wf Xl ! r'raf in Switzerland, on the Ist te i .""iff.!! 'l have never been married > o£ . t .h_ve no children. My parents have snd r ««*_ in the year 1845, and both have S£ S mother in 1861, and my fcther in l 9of age< have returned to Switzer f„%reetinies,a.KUhe last time I emi -1 tpd in good faith, never to return again. fgJSSbtßofanykind. I don't owe 1 wlv neither here in Auckland, nor WS nor in Switzerland. What I vZ mY personal property, is part ,mv inheritance from my mother, _ nart of what I have made m 'AS in thenars from 18.9-56 «W last will is—alter all due consider ation that all that I have shall be given to Z .ick and the poor wherever I. have to tthedays of my earthly life-as follows : <<To the Hospital in the city of Auckland, far Zealand, I will bequeath, (1) my de bits in the Post Oihce Savings Bank. Hlv three shares in the Caledonia Gold %%k c 0 3. To the German Hospital tcher Hospital) in San Fransisco, I liU and bequeath my deposits in three liflerenfc Saving Banks, viz. in the German, £omc, and Odd Fellows Savings Banks With what is left in cash to pay all Iksary expenses and the surplus to join Sim which I have willed to the City Hospital in Auckland. "This I have made up to be my last mil and I have written it clown in my own handwriting on the Bth day of October, in thejear 1872, in -.ewton, at Mr Ellis's lod .nf-honse, No. 10, in the City of Auck land, JNew Zealand, and subscribed with my signature. 0 " Ff.rdjnand Barth. . . Witness: "Mh J. M. Lennox." j[r Garland wrote to the Government and teceired a letter from the Savings Bank Department stating that a man named Fer dinand Barth opened an account in 1872 and dosed it in 1579. From this it is evi dent that Mr Barth withdrew his money when he left the city ; consequently the bequest is considerably below what the testator originally intended. Ab the time the will was made the three Caledo nian shaics were of some value. The estate left a balance of §1,116 70 cents, which the legal charges of Brother Jonathan reduced to §753 37 cents. The iffi of'costs is somewhat interesting:—|

library fee, $1; clerk's fee, 814 : funereal ex penses, §75 ; advertising, .?33 5 cents ; com ;-missions of City and County Treasurer, £5 ; .public Administrator's semi report, S3; . notary fees,:§ 2 ; fees of attorney for aclmin fe_or,ilso. Total'cost, R363 33 cents. Ihadeceased has also left in manuscript id autobiography of himself and various other documents. As these aro tho pro peityof the Hospital Board, it, was decided shave them sent over. As Mr Barth was ia California during the digging days, a story of his life might prove interesting. Mr Barth will not be remembered Ij many in this city, as he re sited, iti a little cottage, at the tackof ivhat is now Garrett's buildings in Magahape Road. He made no friends, isd would seldom converse for more than a aMteor'ttto with any of the neighbours. In fact, he appeared to evade any atapt at friendship. His landlord, MrEßis,used to state that the rent -was al rays paid punctually, but he could never scrape up an acquaintance with his strange teant,although he resided in the cottage fcfseveral years.

SHOCKING SUICIDE NEAR WHANGAREI.

Os Wednesday last an inquest was held be to Vi.Bedlington, Esq., Coroner, on the Wyol Hugh Morton, a young man 21 years (age. From the evidence adduced by ''rant Morton, residing at Tikapunia, a brother of deceased, and George Ford, a twin, living near, if appears that deceased w behaved strangely, looking wild, and Mnplainingof severe headaches and sleep pfss.On Saturday he left the house of to* employer and went to his brother's seeing the uneasiness of de- conferred with his cousin Mr Ford. "*M determined between them that dc- S should go and stay with his cousin word), who would look after him, and .cheerhimiip. A composing draught for him on Sunday, and he gpj&fetfer. On Monday Mr Ford JWwed for a walk, hoping to divert fwand induce sleep by tiring him. S%? alk - Mr Ford regarded _din as m sufficiently odd in his manner to S ffate »Mnesß necessary. On Monday |H seems to have slept better, and on tm y , a PP eared -cheerful, both.with Mr '££■ ! ,ls Mother, though during the ml B ?ln _ he orchard with Mr Ford, he S__iir and about his neck in ° Jjwjnt way, which elicited reproof MT ■T m - This conduct induced VW • ? cade the door on going tes.u t taafc sn, 3uld he attempt to *afel. J lo **? he could be heard. On fet L' n i I J alf 'P a,fc five he discovered S^TI, his bed, and on "encednT i Wlndow °P en - He com - H aS but nofc Sndiug him, went .'ffaaho . 6 brother ' Frank Morton. the r? S6arcb > deceased was found «t t<) T q«te dead, his throat *» :: '- ; ti_v an extenb as i 0 sever lpC, _. De ceased had often b ? Well f of his life and destroy k'PWated '■'i r ? m^l e constable's evidence 14 footmarks wero on the if 7 indow > showing that it eeeaßcd Passed. There that the wound was 1 the Position of the razor f» I *oh_3f? Used and the body. The SdSl erdlct to the effect " That . Suicide durin S a M of

_^% *° COr rect a statement in JpNiffi B * 6 fch e effect that Messrs WWe6 _ c can 7ing on busi ■ piS: 1868 formerly occupied as marfc in Queen-street. -f . recfc « as Dowden's mart «. ; L mess there as vigorously as IjAft WW ? the Cho ral Hall promises £>d tn C ° e ? S - AU the rinkers .. perform a m-st-clftss

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

MR MOSS ON THINGS IN GENERAL.

HIS DISTRUST OF TACTICIANS,

RETRENCHMENT NOT THE

PANACEA.

" CASSANDRA-LIKE PROGNOS-

TICATING WOE."

A SEVEN-MONTHS SESSION NECESSARY.

(FROM 01 T li SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day.

Everything hero is still as dull as possible from a political point of view, and only one or two members havo returned from then holiday yet. Parliament Buildings is the most unlikely of all places in Wellington just now for news, but yesterday I met Mr Moss and had a chat with him on tho situation. His opinions are those of a veteran poli tician, and possess a special interest at the present moment, and I therefore reproduce (hem for the edification of your readers. Mr Moss frankly confessed that he had no news. He was taking advantage of the recess to pick up the leeway made by his long absence in the Islands and the general election. He was close at work at his lodgings, and heard little of the gossip going round at the moment, noi did he think anything reliable was to bo known as to Ministers' intentions. • They were not at home to all-comers, which, considering the heavy work they had in hand, was quite right. I asked Mr Moss if he had formed any idea as to what was likely to occur when Parliament met on Friday. Yes !he had formed a very clear idea ! Atkinson would probably show the country to be in a frightful state—worse even than it really was. Then he would do what he could to grapple with the position, call upon every one to make great sacrifices, exhort them to practise thrift, declare the country wanted rest and propose to consult the convenience of members by a short session, deferring all except retrenchment till next meeting. " And yon think," I asked, " that this will be the proper course ?" " .No," was the reply. "To my mind, retrenchment in the present depressed state of the country will do more harm than good, if it be set about in a huckstering May. It will increase the depression, leave the local bodies deprived of subsidies accustomed to lean on the Go vernment and unable to help themselves. Reducing the expenditure in a broad and statesmanlike spirit is one thing, retrench ing in a petty huckstering way is another." " What is your idea of reduction ?" " I can tell you little that I have not sought to impress on the House and on my own constituents for several years. I think in tho first place the number of members in both Houses should be reduced to half. The General Government lias long ceased to pay subsidies or do local works out of revenue. They cannot borrow now, hence a moro efficient system of local government must be devised. When that is done, three Ministers can do all the General Govern ment work, instead of seven, and the great Departmental expenditure and Ministerial paraphernalia can be reduced in propor tion. The saving of our Legislative and Departmental expenditure should then be worth talking of, and the country .could pay fair and decent salaries to all its servants, instead of cutting them down to the starvation point because there is de pression, which they had no hand at all in creating. Ministers would be quite suffi ciently paid with a thousand a year, and with three to pay the saving alone would be worth something."' "But," I asked, "how will the local bodies pet on without subsidies '.''

"Well," was the reply, "I suppose they will do as (hey have done heretofore —go on taxing themselves and have the General Government to waste millions without a murmur : what poor Macatidrew used to call the maelstrom of colonial finance."

" Will it be possible," I asked, " to take so much in hand this session 'i"

"Yes," said Mi- Moss, emphatically, " quite possible if members do their duty to the country! Quite pos sible ! Only it will involvo a

session of six or seven months' duration — and why not, if there are occasional adjourn ments of two ov three weeks to give Minis ters and mem hers a rest_ There is more earnestness in this House, especially among the young new members, than I have ever seen before. If the old plan is to be adopted of sitting five or six days in the week till all hours, they will soon get weary, and the session end with the work half done or worse than half done before Christmas. If we resolve, on the other hand, to do the work thoroughly and place both our financial and political condition on a sound and permanent basis, wo must grant at least six or seven months as they do in Victoria and other colonies." " Do you think there is any chance of that *" " Not the slightest ! Major Atkinson and Sir Frederick Whitaker are the ruling spirits lin tho Cabinet. Both are tacticians— j pre-eminently tacticicans—and if one may judge by the past, their only test of a suc cessful policy will be one enabling them to hold the Ministerial seats against all coiners. As to the country, well, it has gone to the bad in their hands in the past, and yet they have managed to keep their seats. I don't see any reason why they I should alter their policy now." " What! Do you think the new members will allow a repetition of the old tactics." "I hope not," was Mr Moss's reply. "There are, as I said, earnest men among them, and among the old members too for that matter. Parties are broken to pieces on both sides, and we are in for a new de parture. The old wretched system of in trigue and tactics v. hicb has brought the country into the present mess will not, I hope, be possible in this Parliament. If so, members will not allow themselves to be worn out at the start, but will insist on the work being properly and thoroughly done, and the session, as I said, prolonged until it is done. That is my hope. How far it will be realised I can not say. It won't he if astute tacticians have their way and if the public outside are content to be bamboozled with tirades against Civil servants,an outcry about retrenchment, as the only safe cure. In any case I feel sure there is six or seven months' good work before us if the colony is to be delivered from tho mess into which it has been plunged by those who have controlled the Government during the last ten years. Gathering grapes from thorns and figs from thistles is not hopeful work, but the colony is sound and strong, and if members make their duty to it paramount to all other con siderations, I, for one, do not doubt that new and better times will come upon us." And here ended my interview with the hon. gentleman.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

©ate of Its delivery.

(BY TELEGRAPH-OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day, I LEARN on the highest authority that the Financial Statement will not be made until Tuesday next.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

[BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day.

The Saxon Crushing.

The Saxon crushing of 198 loads quart;, for about a fortnight's operations produced 1750z5. 15dwts. gold.

THE HIKUTAIA GOLDFIELD.

APPLICATIONS FOR MACHINE SITES.

(BY TELEGRAPH. --OWN' CORRESPONDENT. )

Thames, this day. The applications of Mcßrinn, of the Mari. toto licensed holding, for a water-race and machine sites, have been adjourned until tho 10th November.

THE WAITOA VALLEY.

UNFAVOURABLE TESTS,

ERECTION OF THE PLANT

DISCONTINUED.

(BY TELEGRAM.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. )

Thames, this day

Mr James Brown-, of the Tararu Tailing Works, has completed the treatment of five tons of the Waitoa deposit, but the result has not been made public. 1 have good grounds for stating, however, that the yield is between two ~and three dwts. gold to the ton. [A private telegram re ceived yesterday stated the gross yield to_ be 3dwts.] In consequence of this and the unfavourable assays made in Auckland and elsewhere, it is said the Christchurcli Company has decided to sus pend the manufacture of the necessary machinery at, Messrs Price Bros.', although tho work had been commenced. Several of the hands have therefore been dis charged.

The West Coast Prospectors

Hamilton, this day.

I have just interviewed Dixon and party, the_ West Coast miners returned from Waitoa, who gave the locality a thorough prospecting and sank several shafts, but found nothing more than a trace of metal. They say Smith would not permit them to go on the land, so they sank shafts in the adjoining road and met with no success. They believe the claims to havo been "salted." They took appliances with them tor thoroughly testing the ground. They arc disappointed with the result and are returning home.

TE MATA DISCOVERY.

Position of iho Prospectors' Clniin.

HISTORY OF THE FIND.

Good Prospects.

Thames, this day.

Considerable interest has been awakened in the discovery made by Messrs Baker and Birch at Te Mala, about a mile beyond Tapu, as the opinion hay been held for many years |by experienced miners that, a rich reef must exist in the neighbourhood which has shed the numerous pieces of quartz found in the creek. During the past eighteen years prospecting has consequently boon carried on at various times by several parlies, but unfortunately none were successful in unearthing the lode supposed to be concealed. It is therefore only natural that the "find" mado by Baker and Birch thould excite public in terest, as there is just a possibility of it being the means of lending to tho discovery of tho El Dorado believed to exist in this region. Baker and Birch have been prospecting in tho neighbourhood for the last seven or eight months, and Hist of all traced loose gold up the creeks, one of them being the " Gentle Annie," at the ba-o of a small hill. In the first place a drive was put in for some 20ft., and a nice-looking leader intersected at a depth of 20ft. below the .surface. The quartz varies in thick ness from 6 to 12 inches, and is encased in very favourable sandstone, the lender having clean walls. Strong dabs of gold were seen in the stone, and really good dish prospects were obtainable. This work was soon after discontinued, tho prospectors directing their attention to putting in a drive some distance lower down the hill, which would give 50 feet of backs. Here also the same leader was cut in about 40 feet of driving, but the sandstone is different to thatin theformerdrivo, being very blue, while the leader is pinched up, although I am informed that very good prospects were got. A winze was next sunk from the sur face on the leader, which maintains its thickness as operations are prosecuted upon it downwards. It is now down a depth of 12 or 14 feet, and I am told by the prospectors that good dabs of gold have been seen in the quartz, although none is seen hero or in either of the faces of the two drives. The leader is running almost north and south, and dipping to the south-east. The locality of tho find may be described as being on the dividing range between the Waikawau and Te Mata Creeks on the western side of a spur running down towards tho Mata. No work is proceeding pending the grant ing of an application made by Birch and and Baker for a licensed holding of twelve acres, to be called the "Gentle Annie." On the north side of the prospectors' ground . a claim lias been marked out by W. Davis, while on the south side is an area pegged out by Can". Altogether a large area has been marked out by various parties.

Splendid Test from Whangamata.

An assay of stuff from Messrs Wilson's claim at Whangamata was completed yes terday afternoon at the Bank of New Zea land. The following is the result:—Gold to the ton, Boz, at £4 per oz, £32 ; silver to the ton, 140oz 19dwt, at 3s 3d per oz, £22 18s Id. Total value per ton, £54 18s Id.

Hellyer's Creek Test.

The treatment of a ton of stuff from Hellyer's Creek was completed at Messrs Fraser and Sons' yesterday afternoon, the result being bullion worth Is 6d.

ELECTION PETITION.

ALLEGED BRIBERY AND

CORRUPTION.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. In the petition lodged by Wi Pere against Mr Carroll's return for the Eastern Maori District, on the grounds of bribery and corruption, Mr Rees, of Gisborne, is act ing for the petitioners, and Messrs Corn ford and Dick, of Napier, have been re tained for the sitting member. Several dis tinct charges from Taupo, Ohinemutu, and Gisborne are alleged.

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.)

THE LONDON UNEMPLOYED.

AN ORDERLY DEMONSTRATION

(REUTERS TELEGRAM.)

London, October 24-. AT tho unemployed meeting in Trafal gar Square yesterday, a number of speeches v.-ere delivered, in which de mands for work were a prominent feature. The crowd marched to West minster Abbey, where two thousand of their number attended divine service-

The men generally were very orderly in their conduct, and at the conclusion of the service returned to Trafalgar Square, where they dispersed.

THE IRISH AGITATION.

RIOTING AT WOODFORD.

MANY PEOPLE INJURED.

(special to press association. )

London, October 24.

Feeling has been running high at Woodford since the proclamation of the League there, and tho police have found it necessary to charge a crowd which had assembled, with the result that 30 people were injured. Although the Government had pro claimed the meeting, the English Home Rule Union held a demonstration yes terday at Woodford. Mr Wilfred Blunt presided. The police interfered, arrested Mr Blunt and a number of other prominent members of the

Union.

THE IRISH QUESTION.

REPORT OF THE PAPAL DELE GATE.

W. GLADSTONE CRITICISED.

(SPECIAL TO ASSOCIATION.)

London, October 2-1,

Monsignore Persico, the special delegate deputed by the Vatican to in quire into the state of Ireland and especially as to the attitud e of the Papal clergy in relation to tho Home Rule movement, has returned to Rome. In his report, which has been presented to His Holiness the Pope. Monsignor Persico states that the Irish bishops and clergy declared themselves unable to do anything to change the hostile attitude of the people towards tho British Government.

It is reported that His Holiness is very desirous of mediating in the Irish question, if his offices would be accept able. Mr Chaplin, speaking at Sleafield, in Lincolnshire, stated that Sir Glad stones utterances on the Irish question were of a criminal chara. cter, and wero evidently intended to weaken the authority of the Govern ment, and to encourage the Irish people to resist the law. If Mr Glad stone wero allowed to continue his pro. sent agitation, the government of Ire jand would bo rendered impossible.

ANGLO-FRENCH AGREEMENT.

EVACUATION OF THE NEW

HEBRIDES,

(reutet..)

London, October 24.

It is announced that the English and French Governments have concluded negotiation, in connection with the New Hebrides question and the neutra lisation of the Suez Canal, and that the necessary conditions will be signed to morrow. In the case of the canal, the Treaty provides that it shall remain open as an available route during time of war. No hostile act will be permitted at approaches to or on the banks of the canal within the neutral zone to be _ fixed by the international commission. The Powers engaged in hostilities are forbidden to disembark or em bark troops or supplies within the canal. Egypt is to make the treaty be respected, and if unable to do so, she will appeal to the Porte, which will concert with the other Powers to take the necessary measures for enforcing the provisions of the treaty. In the Convention regarding the New Hebrides the engagements entered into between England and France in 1878 and 1883 are confirmed. It is provided that France shall evacuate the islands, and that British and French men-of-war shall assure security for their respective subjects. "Le Temps " says that England has consented' to France annexing the Leeward Islands of the Tahitian Archipelago.

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

HANLAN WISHES DELAY.

[reuter's telegram.]

Sydney, this day.

The backer of Beach, the champion sculler, has declined to accede to a request preferred by Hanlan that he should agree to the post ponement of the date fixed for the forth coming sculling contest for the champion ship of the world,

A CORNER IN TIN.

[special.]

London, October 24. French speculators in tin have formed a " corner" in that metal, which ae. counts for the recent rise in price.

(REUTERS TELEGRAM.)

SIR HENRY PARKES.

Sydney, this day.

Sir Henry Parkes, who recently resigned his seat in the Assembly as member for St. Leonards, has been re-elected for that con" stituency without opposition. The national tribute to tho Premier in his financial diffi culties is.being well supported throughout the colony.

SPORTING NEWS.

THE V.R.C. MEETING.

(SPECIAL.)

Melbourne, this day.

Last night Niagara again came into {be betting for the Derby, and all the money in market was taken about him at 100 to 12. Backers were willing

to go on at that price

This morning was dull and threaten ing, but the usual number of horses were out. Thunderbolt and Silver- Prince worked together over the Cup distance, finishing the journey in 3min. 53sec. Enfilade, who has greatly improved in his going, covered a mile and a half in splendid style. Escutcheon was sent a strong gallop, moving very well. Pakeha accomplished a milo and a half in a taking manner and Tranter was sent a serviceable gallop. Dunlop did twice round the tan, finishing strong, Algeiian and the Australian Peer galloped a mile and a half. Abercorn and Trident also went a mile and a half finishing in 2min. 47sec.

The following horses have been scratched for the Melbourne Cup: — Matador, The Levite, Horteuse Sydney, King of the West, Burrilda > Kitawa, Kenneth, Nor'eastcr, Cairo, Menotti, Pasha, Spado Guinea, Ben Bolt, Dividend, Whitebait, New master, West Bourke, and Richworth.

[reutek's telegram.]

The following are the betting quota tions :—

Cur.—s to 1 against Algerian, sto 1 Silver Prince, 10 to 1 Oakleigh, 10 to 1 Abercorn, 12 to 1, Australian Peer, 14 to 1 Meteor, 14 to 1 Cranbrook, 14 to 1 Silvcrraine, 14 to 1 Remus, 16 to 1 Recall, 1G to 1 Thunderbolt, 15 to 1 Tranter, 18 to 1 Dunlop, 20 to 1 Trident, 20 to 1 Bravo, 20 to 1 En filade, 25 to 1 others.

Derby.—Even money on Abercorn, 5 to 1 against Tranter, 6 to 1 against Australian Peer, S to 1 Enfilade, 8 to 1 Cranbrook, 10 to 1 any other.

(BY TEL"ECII.\riI—PRESS ASSOCIATION)

CmusTciruncir, Monday.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP.

Captain Wheeler, Wakatipu, and Derwenter, havo been scratched for the New Zealand Cup, and Kiraberley for the Derby.

SOUTH CANTERBURY RACES.

Ti.maku, this day.

At the South Canterbury Jockey Club's Spring Meeting to-day, the weather was fine and the attendance good.

TheToiAKiT Hurdles, of 30 soys., ono mile and a half, was won by Golden But terfly ; Moody second, Marmion third.

A meeting of the Onehunga Racing Club was held yesterday evening at Temahan's Hibernia Hotel. The only business of im portance was appointing the dates of the Summer and Autumn Meetings, when it was decided that the former should be held on the 14th of January, and the latter on Saturday, April tho 7th. All stakes won at the last meeting (October 15th) were paid to the respective winners.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

In another column will be found the pro, gramme of the Amateur Athletic Club for their 16th Athletic Carnival. It will be noticed that tho present meeting is essentially one of short distance, the longest being 1,000 yards. The two' mile walk has been reduced to a one-mile event, while the hurdle Tace will be 120 yards in place of 220 yards. It was proposed to have had a half-mile champion ship, bat the Committeo evidently could nob see their way clear to place one on tho programme. Among tho bicycle events will bo found a novelty in the Safety Bicycle race, a class of machine to which every encouragement should be given. The Challenge Cup of the Waite mata Btoating Club is to be given for a three mile race, and there is also a two-mile Ladies' Bracelet. The entry night is Monday, 7th November, and the sports come off on the 19th of November. A meeting of the Star of Manukau Row ing C T 4ub was held yesterday evening at Dr. Erson's residence, Onehunga. About twenty members were present, Dr. Erson in thd chair. Ib was resolved that a new whaleiboat be purchased by the Club, the boat to be of the very best obtainable description regardless of e.pense. The Financial Committee reported having pro cured a quantity of timber for the necessary reppirs to the Club's boat shed, on the coal whta_f. This was all the business. The nepcb general meeting will take place on the 3__>b insb. ab bhe Stone School House.

At a meeting of the secretaries of county cricket clubs, to be held in London on De cember 13th, resolutions will be moved to the effect that it is advisable thab Australian proposals and fixtures for visits from Eng lish cricket teams should in future be made known at the earliest possible date.

AUCKLAND'S NEW CUSTOM-HOUSE.

The Fall Amount Voted to he Spent.

(BY TELEGRAPH— SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. The Hon. Mr Mitchelson intends thai, the new Custom-house at Auckland shall be gone on with. The building is to be a three-story one, and the full amount voted

is to be spent upon it.

A NEW LOAN.

IMPOSSIBLE TO CARRY ON

OTHERWISE.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Wellington, this day. It is almost certain that Government will bring down proposals for a new loan, and it is said on the best authority that they can not carry on otherwise. The report is current in the best - informed circles that the estimated expenditure in each of the various Departments has been ex ceeded,and it is asserted that in the Native Department the expenditure exceeds the amount voted by the large sum of £99,000.

POSTAL CHANGES.

INDIGNATION AT TE AROHA.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT),

Te Ab.oha, this day. No mails to Auckland to-day from Te Aroha 1 According to present arrange ments, the mails from and to Auckland are only on the days the train runs through. The action of the authorities savours much of boycotting the place. It is bad enough to cut down the train service to tri-weekly, but this last move adds insult to injury without a shadow of excuse, seeing that Gallagher, coach proprietor, offered to run a coach conveying mails to meet the train at Morrinsville on the days not connecting Te Aroha for the modest sum of a guinea per week. The Postal Department re plied offering the magnificent remunera tion of ten and sixpence per week — just half—for covering the fourteen miles daily. Very strong feeling exists in the matter. At a public meeting last evening resolutions were passed un animously protesting against the postal arrangements, and it was also resolved at the same meeting that Government be petitioned to provide a better land tenure for the township.

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt es tate of Alexander McMillan was held at 11 o'clock to-day in the Official Assignee's Office. Present: The debtor and Messrs Baume (creditors' solicitor),L. Moses, Bain Wilson and Phillips. The debtor was put upon oath and examined by Mr Lawson and Mr Baume. In reply to questions he deposed that his receipts during the past year up to October had amounted to £167. On October 5 he received £20. for the sale of 85 acres at Northern Wairoa. On the 14th October lie received £3210s balance for land. His statement showed how that money had been disbursed. - He had had no other land than the 85 acres within the last three years. On October 11 he wrote the letter produced (marked B). The letter wa3 put in by Mr Baume to whom it had been sent. It was read as follows :— " Auckland, October 11th, 1887. Dear Sir,—l am de sirous of obtaining a loan of £45, and for this purpose will find you a p.n. for the amount, and will deposit with you as collateral security Crown Grant No. 103270, over which I undertake to give a mort gage of and whenever called upon so to do. My debts at the present time do not amount to more than £20, and it is on tho strength of that representation and of the following that I ask for the money. None of my property is encumbered in any way whatever, and it includes also 500 acres at Matakana. —Yours truly, Alex. McMil lan."

Debtor's examination continued :—The actual sale of the 85 acres was not com pleted until the 14th of October. The £20 was advanced to him by his brother Archi bald in anticipation of selling tho land. The statement made in his letter of the 11th October, regarding land at Matakana, was untrue. He never had land there. The statement that his debts did not amount to more than £20, was also untrue. He signed a p.n. for £25 to Mr Moses on September 16th, 1887. He did not tell them that he had property in Anglesea-street. Did not tell him that he owned the house in which he lived. All he said was that he lived in Anglesea-street and that all the property he had was there. He never told Mr Hill that the house in Anglesea-streetwashis. Hekeptnobooksand could notthereforemake definite statements. He could iiot state how he disbursed the £25 received from Mr Moses. He had no money left. He had handed over every shilling to the creditors. He had backed a bill fora friend forwhich he received nothing. That was principally the cause of his insolv ency. He could not recollect telling Mr Baume that the £5 paid to him and the money paid about the same date to Sir Wil liam Wasteneys was part of the pro ceeds of the bill. He was not in receipt of money from Home. He was not interested in any property. Had -never paid any money on account of any property that he might be entitled to. His only means of subsistence was his present salary. He was bankrupt at the Thames 16 or 17 years ago. He filed, but did.not go through with it. He paid the whole £20 received from Air Moses to Mr Haig. Witness got nothing whatever from the bill. A few days before he went bankrupt he went to Mr Baume and asked him to get a bill discounted for himself. Mr Baume refused. He did not think that his brother would back bills, but he would try what could be done. His brother bought the 85 acres of land in order to assist him. The debtor also stated that he had been compelled to file in consequence of a report which had been circulated in the town that he was going away by the mail steamer, and the result was that everyone to whom he owed money stuck him up for it. He would pay all, his creditors 20s in the £ within 12 months. The only security he had to offer was his furni ture, which lie was prepared to hand over. His brother had recently arrived in the colony, and he could hardly expect him to assist or guarantee payments; He was quite willing to set aside a certain amount of his salary and pay it into the Assignee's office once a quarter.

The meeting agreed to adjourn for 14 days in order to give the debtor time to obtain guarantee of payment.

THE PAPAKURA ROBBERY.

The boy Manning, who was arrested by Constable MnKnight on a charge of robbery from Mr Knott's store, was tried at Papa kura court to-day. The charges were proved, and the boy was ordered th the! Industrial School for six years.

SUGGESTED COLONLALISA TION OF RESERVES.

THE HON. MR REYNOLDS ALARMED.

"LET HIM KEEP WHO HAS THE POWER."

INSULAR SEPARATION

ADVOCATED.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. On the subject of the proposed colonialisa tion of Education Reserves, the Hon. Mr Reynolds writes to the " Times " suggest ing immediate united action by every Otago and Canterbury member to secure by Act the establishment of a province for the Middle Island with full power to manage all its internal affairs, an Act not repealable or alterable without a distinct vote of two - thirds of the House of Representatives, and of a majority of the Legislative Council. If every Otago and Canterbury mem ber's vote could be obtained for the passing of such an Act it would only require other five votes to secure its becoming law, and these without, doubt could be obtained by making some reasonable concessions in favour of their districts equal at least to the advantage they would derive from the colonialisation of the reserves. " Personally," he says, "I have always been averse to any log-rolling', but I see such a barefaced attempt at wholesale robbery and spoliation of our reserves that I consider ' the end will justify the means.' For many yeara I have advocated financial separation of the two Islands. I would counsel the people of Canterbury and Otago to take action fchia season, otherwise when too late to avert it they will suddenly find their reserves absorbed into the ' maelstrom of colonial finance;' and let them bear in mind that this absorption will not be confined merely to educational reserves, but will also embrace every other for whatever purpose set aside."

TELEGRAMS.

Timarct, this day.

George Leitch's Harbour Lights Company opened last night to a tremendous house. The scenery and effects were unanimously voted superb, and the principals were again and again called before the curtain. They play hers all the week, and open in Christ church on Monday next.

American Co.'s Hop Bitters are the Forest and Bst Bitters Ever Made.

They are compounded from Hops., Malt, Buchu, Mandrake, and Dandelion—the oldest, best, and most valuable medicines in the world, and contains all the best and most curative pro perties of all other remedies, being the greatest Blood Purifier, Liver Regulator, and Life and Health Restoring Agent on earth. They give new life and vigour to the aged and infirm. To all whose employments causa irregularity of the bowels or urinary organs, or who require an Appetiser, Tonic and Mild Stim ulant, American Co.'s Hop Bitters are invalu able, being highly curative, tonic and stimulat ing, without intoxicating. No matter what your feelings or symptoms are, what the disease or ailment is, use Hop Bitters. Don't wait until you are sick, but if you only feel bad or miserable, use Hop Bitters at once. It may save your life. Hundreds have been saved by so doing. £500 will be paid for a case they will not cure or help.

W. G. Garrard writes with reference to his reported seizureo..the Assistant R.M.s dog stating that the animal had no collar at all. He Christchurch or any other collar, if it was for the current year.

. As the new ferry steamer Eagle was ap proaching the Devonport Wharf at 2 p.m. to-day, Mr Frank Quick, who was casting a line ashore at the time, slipped, and was precipitated overboard, falling between the steamer and the wharf. Fortunately, he was got out again without any further damage than a good ducking.

Air Justice Gillies was to leave by the s.s. Hawea this afternoon for New Plymouth on circuit duty. After despatching the criminal business there he goes on to Wel lington for the Appeal Court.

There is a fair demand for Caledonians ab 3s Bd, Cambria at ss, and Saxon at 3s Id. Bank of New Zealand shares are wanted ab £15 14s, Colonial sellers 345. New Zea land Insurance are quoted buyers 70s, sellers 71s, South British are asked for ab 355, Loan and Mercantile could be placed at 68s and Land Mortgage at 20s 9d.

It is reported that the directors of the Moanatairi have received a cable from their agents in regard to the negotiations already entered into for the sale of the property in London. We also hear that cables have been received which may lead to business in reference to some other of our old and well-known Thames mines.

A meeting of owners of six ton yachts and under, is to be held this evening for the purpose of forming a small Yacht Club. Over 20 have promised to join.

A movement is on foot to give a compli mentary benefit to Mr R. M. Munro, the leader of the " Scottish chiels" company, prior to his departure from Auckland, in recognition of his labours in arousing the latent enthusiasm of the sons of Caledonia. Several energetic gentlemen have taken up the project, and the Burns Club, which is in many ways indebted to Mr Munro, will doubtless assist.

The annual meeting of Owen Grahams Cricket Club was held last evening* Mr C. S. Western in the chair, stated that he hoped the Club w r ould be as successful this season as they had been last. The officers for the season were then elected and Mr Banfield, who had captained the team so successfully- last year, was re elected, and Mr _~ Neweonib, Secretary. Committee: Messrs C. S. 'Western, A. Burgess, J. Johnstone. After considering several small points, the meeting came to a close, with a vote of thanks to the Chair man.

Miserableness. — The most -wonderful arid marvellous success in oases where persons are sick or pining away from a condition oE miserableness that no one knows what ails them (profitable patients for doctors) is ob tained by the use of Hop Bitters They begin to cure from the first dose, and keep it up until perfect health and strength is restored. Refuse unless American Company's make. Notice

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—"Uncle Tom's Cabin," 8. Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8. Art Gallery—Auckland Society of Arts Exhibi ti0n,7.30. Eden Hall—Ark of Eden Lodge, No. 52, Seventh Anniversary, 6.30. "V.M C.A. Rooms—Lecture, "Tonic Sol-fa: its History, Principles, and Practice," by Mr S. Mcßurney. 8. Masonic Hail, Newton-Eden Lodge, No 1,530, E.C.. 7.30. Drill-shed-Newton Rifles. 7,30. Club Room -Annual Meeting Auckland Rowing Association, 8. Mount Eden Congregational Church—Soiree of welcome to Rev. B. L. Thomas, 6.30. V.M.C.A. Rooms.—Annual Meeting o£ Mem bers, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

October 26—Messrs. D. B. McDonald and D. (J. MacDonnell. *-, :-:.»f:f -: • "■>:■• ■'

Auction Sales To-morrow.

rgfCOdm.no and Son—Property, &c, v.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25. 1887,

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