_i_ Board might, we are convinced, 1 a considerable sum by making Blanco for those residences, and de 7°fTm_afair amount from the salaries of hers who have hitherto been enjoy ■""this as a perq-- site or happy acci y_ To do so would entail neither frdship nor injustice, but would be , l-crhlvin consonance with sound gVnchmen,"

iw working men have called upon us om plaint of the system under which w i vers advertise through agents, in °of asking applicants to deal with directly- These two men, being un- and anxious to earn something Lrt their families, were attracted by tOS Sertismont offering " 10s a week and tn A "baton applying to the labour-agent Sundthat they could get no information 1•* they were prepared to pay 3s 6d as te'fee. This was beyond their means, are still looking for work and ■ hablV the"would-be employer is disap * ted in n° fc g etfcin £ tlie la bour for which - 10 - seeking- R seems high time, indeed, tt tho Government Labour Bureau was jled here. At a sitting in Chambers this morning, or Honor. Mr Justice Gillies, admitted Mr »jf„ M. Humphreys, Bachelor of Arts, as i rrister of the Supreme Court upon the go of Mr George.

At the Terminus Hotel, Helensville, the Her day, Mr C. Nanus broke a J__Jer'while cleaning it, and the glass Sated an artery in the right hand, r w hicli the blood gushed forth in an ILnino- manner. Professor Lio Medo, the phrenologist, happened to be near, and whs skilful treatment tho flow of blood wis stanched, and tho wound dressed. But forth? presence of some cool and skilful LjSOll in emergencies of this kind there is Seat danger of the patent bleeding to death. jifrW. H. Wakeham has received a letter from Mr E. Withy, M.H.R., intimating l he _ti brought his (Wakeham's) objection to .LgYisitiiig Justices of the Gaol sitting on board of inquiry into the charges pre ferred by him against the prison officials.

A very reprehensible practice still pro vails to a considerable extent, of throwing old bottles and other broken glass on to the streets. People who are guilty of this can not consider the danger flowing from the practice. Children have been known to die from tetanus, resulting from injuries caused by treading on to a broken bottle, and valuable horses may be lamed for life from the same cause. Of course, there is a by-law under which peoplo placing such dangerous articles in the streets can be punished, but we prefer appealing to the public sense of what is right, in order to lave this serious nuisance abated.

-It is about time tho larrikin nuisance was put down with a firm hand by the police anil the public. The larrikins in Parnell, Auckland and suburbs arc as great pest as ever. In Parnell they are a terrible nuisance and ought to bo suppressed with an iron hand. Two of these parasites very nearly dropped in for a rich treat in the shape of a thrashing from a stalwart pressman whom they accosted Jn a somewhat rude manner last Sunday, while .ho was returning from church. On Seeing the gentleman referred to turn round and > follow them to deal with them in a dignified manner, they quickly desisted and made off. The gentleman re ferred to is no baby, and is besides endowed with considerable energy and prowess (though peaceably deposed if let alone) in dealinc with such social scourges, as the Ponsonby larrikins know to their cost. This Parnell "riff raff" of this ilk had tetter beware.

..'it the ft.M. Court this morning before W%- (i. Seth Smith, R.M., a case Mac donaldv. Akers,claim £45 for furniture,was heard. Mr Baune appeared for plaintiff, fed Mr Theo. Cooper for defendant. It appeared in evidence thab the plaintiff was imprisoned about twelve months ago for keeping a disorderly house in Victoria street, and thab he now claimed to recover from the landlord the value of certain furniture alleged to have been left on the premises. His Worship decided {hat the plaintiff was nob established to; claim either on the facts or in law. There was no evidence given to show that ih. furniture was on the premises at all, and the case seemed to be a trumped-up 0-eall together. Judgment was therefore given.ior the defendant with costs.

We understand that a number of our best amateur vocalists intend performing Offen tah- sparkling operas, "Breaking the Spell," and " The Rose of Auvergnc," abthe Opera House on the 22nd and 23rd inst. They will first go to Onehunga on the 16th. Theopera-are under the conductorship of Herr Carl Schmitt, and this fact -will be pffieient guarantee of the merits of the performances. The rehearsals are pro gressing most sabisfactorily, and there will pea-fall orchestra.

No trace has been got of the person who smashed the plate glass window in Messrs Hannah and Co.'s boob warehouse in Queen streeton Friday night last. Destruction of valuable property, when caused acciden tally or through carelesness, is to bo de plored; but it is more deplorable when, as to the present case, ib appears to have re sulted from malice or pure love of destruc tion. It is to be hoped thab the police will heabieto lay hands on the perpetrator, and that in their efforts to stop this species of ".an" will be supported by all good citiz ens.

_Mr E. A. Gifford's picture " Auckland «0m the Wharf," now on exhibibion at Phillips and Son's, Queen-streeb, has at tracted considerable attention during the |M. week. The artist has performed his task with very great pains and considerable Kill, the details of the picture being forked out almost wibh photographic OMtitude.

The hearing of the charges of forgery gainst Carrie Besb, in connection wibh bhe •Wads case reported in our last issue, con- Wed shortly after we went bo press yesterday. The accused admitted having jntten the orders bearing the names of George " and " Mrs Malone," and •ajed that she wrote them for the other Ufa - Accused was committed to take her Ii at the Supreme Court. -$H members of the Beresford-streeb •"to of Hope were afforded a breab lasb «emn K by MrH. H. Smith, who exhibited 2 s excellent series of limelight views in oeresford Hall. Ib is almosb needless to |JP that there was a large atendancc. j_f r C. C. McMillan, Treasurer of the "Weyolent Society will preside at Major }•«•> lecture to-ni_bb in the City Hall ab 8 o clock.

__ y !p. successful meeting in connection m the Gospel Temperance Mission, was mm the Foresters Hall last Sunday » Mr K. S. Abel presided. Mr T. fv Pcock spoke on bhe Biblical precepts £: total abstinence, and Mr James French ■ .«e duty of Christians towards the ter n question. _£_ y % successful entertainment took SS* 4 Henderson on Friday, tho 2nd, in ggool-hon-o, for raising funds for the J"*ens' school prizes, when an admirable r> r ammewascaiTied out, R. Laurie, Esq., S r , __ ,c chair - Mr Kirkup, Mr Beach, enL! h^bbih ? bad to respond to repeated Eg*, and Misses Duncan, Laurie, &'% Holloway, and Kelly, and li_4 M., LaTrobe and" Wilson, and Messrs £# tea 4> an( l Cousins, and Master Jgm Laurie ably contributed. Danc <■ "en took place until early dawn. iJJehung.a tweed suits at 47s 6d, at lAbvt.)

. The Waitemata Bicycle Club hold a meet ing this evening in the club room to discuss the proposed cinder track at the North shore, and to arrange other club business. Messra Garrefcfc Brother's boot shops, in wajsehelcl- street and Karangahape Road, are closed to-day in order to have the stock marked down for a compulsory clear ing sale ordered by the executors.

At the meeting of Devonport Licensing committee yesterday there were present" w SS ?- a J V " Caye ' J - Ma VS. a"d A. vv right. The Committee requested Mr Corcoran, of the Flagstaff Hotel, to have some alteration made on his premises. Mr Corcoran applied for permission to keep open till midnight, and Mr Pierce, of the Masonic Hotel, asked to have the closino hours fixed ab 11 p.m. Consideration of these applications was deferred for a fort night. Both licensees were requested to provide ladders for escape in case of lire. The Mississippi Juvenile Minstrels will give their first entertainment and dance on Monday, December 12th. The pro gramme comprises local songs, dances, and all tlie most comic and mosb inter esting character songs and jokes of the present time. These Minstrels originated from the Sunny South Minstrels, who gave then- entertainment in the mosb excellent manner. One of Mr Munro's first-class pupils will show some of his dances, including the Highland Fling. These Minstrels arc said to be the most interesting troupe in the colony, and as the price of admission is of a most reasonable term, it should attract a very large audience.

The Kingsland Band of Hope meeting was held on Friday evening last, and was a great success, Mr Pearson being chair man. A capital programme was gone through before a full gathering of members and friends as follows : Chorus, "Within Our Happy Sea Girt Isle," by Misses Rees, Clarke, Morgan, Mrs Browner and Mr Robinson ; a round, " A Boat." was sung by .Messrs Lucas, Milbank, Bellhouse and Kay; song by Master Morgan; a very appropriate dialogue was rendered by Messrs Smith, Lucas, Bellhouse, Wharton and Walton, and Misses Rees, Clarke and Clark, entitled " The Landlord in a Fix "; recitations by Misses Mitchell, Dormer, Berry and Mr W. Walker, a Maori student. The Maori students sang " Praise Ye the Lord," "TeWhi-i- Farewell," and other songs. The Benediction brought a pleasant meeting to a close.

The Mohawk Minstrels gave another very successful performance last evening to a good audience—"Britannia's Bower" being repeated. A benefit, is to be tendered to the Auckland Fire Brigade by the Com pany on Thursday evening, when there should be a large attendance.

The programme for Mrs Davies's concert on Friday evening nexb, appears amongst our advertisements elsewhere, and a glance at ib will suffice to confirm the mosb san guine anticipations af lovers of good music. Of the eleven tnorceaux figured upon it, four will be contributed by the fair canta trice herself, and they appear to have been selected with a view both to the display of her artistic versatility and of her vocal taste and technique. Her initial num ber will be an ornate and dramatic scena from Maillart's brilliant comic opera, " Lcs Dragons do Villars," in which her execution will find ample seopo for ex hibition. Nexb comes a piece demanding deep and fervid expression, viz.. Fame's " Sancf.a Maria," with violin obligato, to be played by Mr W. A. McLean. The other two numbers are of a popular charac ter. They are " I Dreamt That I Dwelt in Marble Halls," from Balfe's "Bohemian Girl," and the Scotch ballad " Robin Adair.*' Mr W. A. McLean, who is a solo violinist of great proficiency, hailing from the Paris Conservatoire, and bearing high credentials from Sydney, where ho was leader of the Philharmonic Orchestra and of the Liedertafel. will play a " Reverie," by Vieuxtemps, Bach's " Meditation," and a grand Mazurka by Wienawski. The other items will be by local amateurs.

In our advertising columns will be found an announcement calling for tenders for the Newton waterworks contract; it is pro posed to lay the pipes in all the streets of tho borough where there are any houses built. Particulars may be seen ab the office of the Borough Engineers, Messrs Boylan and Lundon.

THE LYON MEMORIAL FUND.

The following is a list of bhe Commitbec appointed to carry out bhe objocb for which bhe above fund is being raised : Dr. Dawson, chairman ; Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts, the Right Rev. Monsignor Mac donald, the Hon. Colonel Haultain, Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, Lieutenant- Colonel Dawson, Lieutenant-Colonel Dig nan, Major Nelson George, Lieutenant- Colonel Mahon, the Rev. W. Tebbs, Captain- Commandant Le Roy, the Rev. W. Calder, Major l'ii'ie, S. N. Elmes, Esq., Major Isaacs, J. 11. M. Carpenter, Esq , Major Payne, Major Anderson, Capt. Carl Schmitt. W. A. Graham, Esq.,H. C.Ohoyce, Esq., Major Dean Pitb, Hon. Secretary. Subcription lists have been forwarded to all bhe officers commanding volunteer corps in the district and to others who arc interested in the matter. These lists are to be returned to the Hon. Secretary, Militia and Volunteer Office, Auckland, on or before Monday the 19th inst., by which time it is hoped that very favourable re sponses will be received.

PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Ponsonby Choral Society was held last evening at All Saints, schoolroom, Mr A. E. Devore, Fresident_ presiding. Theannual reportwas read by bhe Secretary, MrSearell, andadopted. Itstated that the Society had made considerable pro m-ess duringthepast year,and now possessed 81 vocalisbs and a permanenb orchestra ot _v instrumentalists. There were, in addition, 64 subscribing members, and bhe society has been fortunate in securing the services of Mr Tallis Trimnell as conductor. Dur ing the year the following works had been neriormed :-Haydn's "Creation fepohrs "God Thou art Great," Cowen s Rose Maiden," Mendelssohn's " 95th Psalm and miscellaneous selections, and Van Bree a "St. Cecilia's Day." The season would conclude with a performance of Handel s "Messiah "on the 16th instant. The report concluded by thanking Mrs Judson and the other ladies and gentlemen who had under taken the leading parts ab bhe several con certs Some discussion took place as to the desirability of engaging another hall for the society's periormances and the matter was left in bhe hands of bhe new corn- See with an understanding thab bhe ball Sleeted must be within the Ponsonby district. The following works were suggested for the society's performances dm-in- the ensuing year: -Bridges • Roadicea," Mendelssohn's " Walpurgis iff Stanford's » Revenge," and Cadi's « lVvrhe " The election of officers was then proceeded with wibh the following re suß--President, Mr A. E. Devore (re dected) ; vice-president, Mr J. Dacrc Selected); committee, Messis Barnes, Searell, Rowe, Tibbs (re-elected) Edger, gj£ Smyth! -dlnnes; secretary, Mr Tibbs; treasurer, Mr bmytli. "was resolved thab the performance of "The Mess ah " on the 16th instant be opened to the residents of Ponsonby free of charge. A vote of thanks to the retiring .officers , terminated the proceedings.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PARLIAMENTARY RE-

PORTER.)

Wellington, this day.

Analysis of Minerals,

It has been decided that the, cost of assays at the School of Mines at Thames and Rcefton and at the Government Laboratory at Wellington shall in all cases be reduced to five shillings. The present charge is one guinea. The nominal charge is retained simply with a view of preventing cart loads of rubbish being sent for analysis. Future Railway Construction. It is the intention of Mr Percival to move, when the Railway Bill is in Com mittee, a clause providing that the con struction of railway lines shall not be sanctioned by Parliament until the Com missioners have certified that is likely to return at least two per cent, on the cost of construction. Local Self-Government. Thefeeling in favour of a return to some such form of self-government as provin cialism appears to be growing stronger in each successive House. The necessity for such a change was frequently referred to in the debate yesterday evening, and the argument was adduced that the decrease of members would be a great step towards it. Members said that the Government was this session necessarily engaged in the work of destruction, bub next session ib would be employed in tho work of con struction, and their re-organisation would depend entirely upon how their measures, arc dealt with by the House now. Municipal Corporations Bill. Ihe bill which was introduced to give effect to the resolution arrived at by the recent Municipal Conference has excited considerable comment in the lobbies, and exception will bo taken to some of the clauses. Two sections which are looked upon as very objectionable are tho pro visions that the actual travelling and hotel o.penses of members visiting Wellington on borough business shall be paid, and that three-fourths of tho Councillors may vote a retiring allowance to any officer or servant or compassionate allowance to the widow or family of such officer or servant. Representation of Seamen. Mr Bruce never neglects an opportunity to urge the claims of seamen to special representation in the Houso. Speaking to the bill for reduction of members, ho re gretted that it did not make such provision, and said it was made elsewhere. If seamen were allowed a representative in the Houso the effect would be, he thought, to prevent the growth in our merchant service of those abuses which, in British and tho United States merchant navies, were a disgrace to civilisation. Sir G. Groy on tho Premier. Major Atkinson's successful efforts in carrying his policy bills in a very short space of time during the past fortnight seems almost incredible to Sir G. Groy. Tlie latter yesterday likened the Premier to a great necromancer, such as one reads of in Eastern tales, and said that the lion. Major was tho slave of a bank. (Meaning of courso tho Bank of New Zealand.) The simile was probably intended to refer to Alladin, the slave of tho ring. Canterbury Industrial Association Tariff.

Tho specimen tariff sent to members by the Industrial Association of Canterbury is of a sweeping character, and has not commended itself to the very favourable consideration of the Government. It deals with about 350 productions, and the tariff suggested for the majority of these is 25 per cent. This rate applies to boots, basket ware, brushwaro, brass manufacture, carriages and fittings, cooking ranges, furniture, cabinetware, drainage pipes, hosiery, iron bolts, harness, leather, litho graphs, preserved milk, perambulators, woollen' manufactures, volunteer and fire brigade clothing, and a host of other articles. Ironware is scheduled ab 20 per cent. This proposed tariff will have tho consideration of tho Government when framing the re vised tariff. Newton Caning Case. It would appear that tho Rev. Mr Coates is nob- bo be prosecuted after all. Sir Julius Vogel informs mo that having opened a sub scription list, ho telegraphed to Mr J. A. Tole asking him if Mrs Sheard wished to prosecute or would she prefer that a smaller subscription should bo raised for the girl herself. Mr Tole replied thab Mrs Sheard would prefer a subscription for the girl and he is now making a collection to the extent of £5 which he has no doubt he will obtain. Maori Representation. Tho Maori members make a stubborn fight against the clause in tlie Representa tion Bill reducing their number to three by tho abolition of the Southern Maori dis trict. All the native members spoke on the question. Mr Taipua said they would be prepared to leave the House rather than vote on such a proposal. Mr Carroll ex pressed the opinion thab if they meddled with the special representation of the Maoris they should do away with ib alto gebher. Mr Sydney Taiwhanga, wibh an eye to possible benefits, said he would not object if bhey took away bhe native member for the South Island and gave the seat to the North Island. Mr Pratt, bhe member to be affected by the change, said this was nob the greatest wrong to be done by the Government to the Maoris, as they were bringing forward bills which would be a great injustice to the natives of the South Island. There are only 481 voters in the electoral district which the bill seeks to wipe out.

Vaile's Railway Scheme.

Mr T. Thompson is proving bhe sincerity of his professions relative to Mr S. Vaile's railway scheme. He has urged the ques tion on the attention of the House several times this session, and when the House goes into committee on the Government Railways Bill, he intends to move a new clause pro viding for the trial of the system. Accord ino- to this clause bhe Commissioners are in structed to prepare rates and charges for the conveyance of passengers and goods upon railways, according to the system known as Mr Samuel Vaile's, and bring them into force at the beginning of the quarterly period after their preparation on the Auckland and Te Awamutu line and ibs branches. The trial is to last 12 monbhs, and the Commissioners aro to then report bhe result. If they find the result satisfactory, they are to continue the use of the system, and if nob, they are aubhorised to discontinue ib ab the end of 12 months. Late Ministers' Expenses. Two returns of a very interesting charac ter were laid on the table of the House lasb nifht. One shows the allowances drawn by' the Ministers during the six months urior to the meeting of the present House, and other expenditure on Ministerial resi dences during that period. The following is the return of travelling allowances and expenses respectively :— Allowances Expenses Total £sd fi s cl £ s d Flout 50 0 9 126 17 9 176 18 6 VmSel 108 2 0 14 0 0 122 2 0 Bafiance 86 0 0 57 15 0 143 15 0 Tiiirklev 880 440 l_l_u Kiclwdson 121 2 5 27 11 0 148 13 5 1.-irnach . 176 8 0 158 16 1 335 4 1 Tole 93 9 0 18 4 0 111 13 0 Reynolds 94 10 0 3 6 0 97 16 0 Total I.WB 14 10 This return is nob consisbenb with the statement made by Mr Tole that he was nob drawing any travelling

allowance during the elections. The other return shows the following expenditure on Ministerial residences during that period: —Bo wen-street (Stout), £79 7s 9d; Tina kori West (Vogel), £187 17s 8d; Moles worth-street (Richardson), £124 7s 3d; Tinakori East (Tole), £78 9s 2d. The Members for Dunedin East. Mr Seddon has not yet gob over his dis appointment; consequent on Sir R. Stout's defeat, and in the course of his speech on the Representation Bill, stated that Mr Allen owed his scab bo bhe land rings, and that the proposed reduction of members was made in the interest of property and wealth. Auckland Petitions. Mr Goldie presented a pebition yesterday from John Daniel Bcntly for compensation for military services. Colonel Fraser pre sented another from James McGowan and seven others in favour of alterations in the Mining Act, and Mr Thompson presented a third from 309 persons in favour of Bible reading in schools. Major Jackson also presented one from 17 settlers praying for relief works. The Railway Rill. In Committee on the Government Rail ways Bill Mr Whyte will move the inser tion of a proviso to the effect that bhe Railway Commissioners, in framing their tariff of rates, should take into considera tion the interests of the country and its industries. Mr Mitchelson will accept, the proviso, and will himself move an addition to the effect bhat the Railway Commissioners shall not impose charges higher than will be sufficient to enable the railways to yield a neb profib equivalent to a certain rate of interest on cost, which will probably bo iixed ab 3 per cent., as to exacb the full rate of interest would, it is thought, tend to hamper and impede the industries of the colony. As suming the Government Railways Bill to pass, the Government will ask the House to leave in their hands the appointment of Railway Commissioners, and that no ap pointments will probably be made until after the session. Ib is said thab a perfecb borrenb of applications has already set in. Tariff Revision Versus Retrenchment The Auckland members are still receiving telegrams urging a revision of the tariff this session. Mr Fred Jeune telegraphed to Mr Goldie to-day as follows : —" Do try and bring tariff question forward this session. Meeting of members and public to-night; people very indignant." The city members aro fully alive to the urgency of a revision of the tariff, but recognise tlie impossibility of getting it clone till April. Any action in Auckland now is embarrassing them in their exertions to secure the retrenchment which is being so bitterly opposed. Ministerial Residences.

Tho following rather questionable items appear in the return of expenditure during tlie last six months on ministerial/esidences and have created some comment.

Tinakori roab houso (Sir J. Vogel's) overhauling lift: til 16s Bd, gas fibbings for theatrical stages ; £2 9s lid, hire of piano, tuning and repairing, £10 4s; 12 dining room chairs, at 60s ; 36, pink and gold breakfast sot, £3, one spring lounge, £10, hire of piano, £7 10s. Molosworth street (Hon. E. Richardson's) re-covering suite in plush,£3s ; knife-clean ing machine, £4 10s ; hire of piano, £8 6d ; hire of piano repairing, £3 5s ; 3 gas fires, £9 ; 1 dinner service, £14 18s ; garden hose and fitting, £4 Is 4d. TiNAKom Road (east) (Hon. J. A. Tole's) : 1 walnut card table, £5 ; two spirit seltzoKcnes, £5 2s 6d ; flower pots £1; set, best hangings, £9 ; 1 mangle, £8 10s ; 3 pairs curtains, £5 12s 6d ; 1 child's bath, £1 ; packing piano from Christchurch to Wellington, £110s ; freight 9s Bd. Jottings. The Legislative Council object to being placed on a different footing to the mem bers of the Elective Chambers with respect to the honorarium, and the passing of the Honorarium Bill is consequently fraught with some difficulty

It was the ballot system and nob the ten der system, that the Waste Lands Com mittee decided to substitute in lien of actions in the Land Bill.

The bill for naval defence will be sure to meet wibh strong opposition.

The two Commissioners to inquire into Seacliffe Asylum will bo selected from Messrs Seed (Customs Department), Hume (Inspector of Prisoners), Robinson, R.M. at Oamaru, and Mr Carew, R.M. ab Dunedin.

Mr Buchanan wishes the Government to arrange thab periodical payments under the different systems of land tenure can be made through the post-office.

Mr Seddon wants the Geological and Mines Department to be worked together, under the charge of Sir James Hector.

The Waste Lands Committee, sitting on the Land Bill, have altered the putting up of sections by auction to the ballot system.

Mr Moss says he believes that the financial panic throughout tho country has been created for political and party purposes. Mr Seddon is asking if it is true that the main front plate of the new boiler frame of the Hinemoa was discovered to be cracked and useless some time after it arrived and was paid for

It is now announced thab tho Public Works Statement will nob come down to day, but will jjprobably l_ delivered to morrow, Wednesday.

Mr Moss says bhe difference bebween democracy and conservatism is bhab de mocracy thinks of man firsb, and con servatism thinks first of property, and then of man as subsidiary to property.

REDUCTION OF MEMBERS.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE.

STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE

PROPOSAL.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. The reduction of the number of members to seventy is a reform far from popular with a large number of the members of the House. The bill to effect the object came on for second reading yesterday after noon, and no measure this session brought so many members to their feet, and the debate lasted during the whole afternoon and till a late hour at night. The proposal bo wipe oub bhe Southern Maori Electorabe meb with bhe opposition of all the native and some of the European mem bers, and several speakers urged that the suggestion of one of the native members, thab the two races should be blended to gether as one, should be given effect bo. The principal objections m_de bo the bill were, thab ib would give greater power to the cities; thab ib would prevenb young men coming inbo bhe House; that the time was inopportune, and that the reduction in bhe number was premature bill some bebter form of local governmenb was introduced, and the House raised above the level of parochial politics. One speaker asserbed that bhe large power given to cities would enable them to pass protectional measures for their own benefit and to the detriment of bhe counbry, and other speakers urged that the quota in favour of the country should be increased. The Premier's speech in moving the second reading of the bill was a very brief one, and consisted only of a few sentences. He said the country had decided in favour of a large reduction of members, and therefore he thought bhe reform should be given effect to. He pointed oub thab in bhe Unibed States there was one member to each 174,724 of the population; in France, one to each 67,287 ; in the United

Kingdom, one to each 56,280 ; in Canada, one to every 20,888 ; and if this bill were passed we would have one member to every 10,000 of the population. It might have been expected that. Sir Julius Vogel would have opposed the re duction, seeing that he spoke and voted against ib lasb session, bub he said he re cognised thab ib was tho desire of a large majority of bhe constituencies and bherefore he thought that the wish of the country should be given effect bo. Ab bhe same time ne believed the time would soon come when great dissatisfaction, and especially in the country districts, would be felt ab this large reduction.

Speeches in favour of bhe bill were de livered by Messrs Menteath, Steward, Dobbs, Fraser, Allen, Ward, Bruce, Mc- Kenzie, Anderson, Hodgkinson, Barron, Buchanan, Stewart, Cadman, Blake, Beetham, Moss, Goldie, R. Thompson, T. Thompson, Dr. Fitchetb, and the Ministers of Educabion and Justice.

The Minister of Education declared tha unless the Act were passed this session ib would be impossible bo pass ib in this Parliament. The disadvantage of triennial Parliaments was thab ib was impossible to carry through any large reform unless thab measure was inbroduced in bhe firsb session. He gave ib as his opinion bhab by bhe reduction of 25 members £25,000 annu ally would be saved.

The Minister of Justice also spoke very well, pointing oub that the last Parliament carried the reduction to 70, bub by a piece of polibical jugglery the country was robbed of the benefits of the reduction. Ib was quite possible thab there might be a disso lution next session on the question of pro tection, and the reduction could nob be made then if deferred this session.

The opponents of the bill included Sir Geo. Grey, Messrs W. P. Reeves, Scobie McKenzie, O'Callaghan, Jones, Pratt, Buxton, Levestam, Grimmond, Pyke, Taylor, Marchant, Kerr, Seddon, Carroll, Taipua, Taiwhanga, Samuel, Turnbull and Guinness.

Some of those who spoke on either side of the question said that in Committee they would vote for a larger number than speci fied by the bill, and 80 and 84 were men tioned as fair compromises.

Mr Seddon, by way of protest against the measure, moved that consideration of the bill bo deferred till the financial proposals are dealt with as a whole. At the same time he declared that he knew ib would nob be carried, because there was a sub servient majority who followed the Premier, whether rightly or wrongly.

While many of the members thought the reduction too sweeping, Mr Goldie took the opposite view, and declared thab in com mittee he would move for a reduction to fifty, while Mr Caclman promised to move for abolition of the special Maori repre sentation and the admission of the natives to the general franchise.

Ab 12.15 a.m. Mr Guinness moved an adjournmenb of the debate, and the Premier appealed to his friends to see the bill through before the House rose. Mr Fish threatened thab if tho Premier did not give way and adjourn the discussion, ho would raise a new debate.

On bhe motion to commit the bill, Mr Taylor rose to protest against the threaten ing tone adopted by Mr Fish. The Oppositionist tactics of carrying the debate past the hour of half-past twelve and thus preventing any more business than this bill being taken during the evening had again been resorted to, Messrs Seddon and Fish once more being conspicuous in promoting them, and again they were successful. The proposal to adjourn the debate was negatived, and the motion for second reading of the bill was carried on the voices.

Mr Seddon gave notice to move, on the motion going into Committee, that the Reduction of Members Bill should not be proceeded wibh fur bher until some measure for local self-government shall have rendered de pendence on Parliamenb for local works un necessary.

SAD BOATING ACCIDENT.

FOUR LIVES LOST.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, Monday. By news received from Martin's Bay it ap' pears that Captain Brebner (late of Port Chalmers), Walter Richardson, Wolfe, and Edward Perry were drowned bhere. They were all out in a boat, and tho boat was afterwards seen smashed to pieces, but no traces of the occupants could be found. Captain Brebner has a family at Port Chalmers, and Richardson belongs to Otago, but nothing is known of the others.

KILLED IN THE BUSH.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

New Plymouth, this day. An inquest was held ab Inglewood this morning on the body of Sorren Sorrenson, when out falling bush. The evidence showed that deceased, and his son of 16 years, had chopped one tree, when, as it was falling, it carried away a thick rata vine, which fell on Sorrenson's head, killing him on the spot. A verdict of " Accidental Death " was returned.

ASSAULTING A RANGER.

At bhe Police Courb bhis morning, before Messrs J. Gordon and H. Wilding, Justices, William Freney was charged with assaulting William Lupton, by striking him with a stick ab Mount Roskill on the 2nd inst.

Mr Mahoney appeared for complainant and Mr O'Meagher for defendant. John Lupton deposed that he was ranger of bhe Mounb Albert Road disbricb. On the 2nd inst. he found bwo head of Freney's cabbie on bhe road and impounded them. Freney came to the pound, and on being told that the cattle were found on the sbreeb, he called wibness a "liar." Then wibhoub any provocation, Freney struck five blows wibh a stick, bhree of. bhe blows falling on his body, and two on a pony that witness rode. He al6o threatened to kill witness where he sat.

Martha Lynds, pound-keeper, deposed to having seen Freney strike Lupton twice without provDcation, and then she turned away her head. Charles Anderson deposed that he also saw the blows struck. William Freney deposed that his cattle were placed on land partly fenced, and shortly after he saw the complainant driving them off and ill treating them. He took a small titree stick and ran after the complainant. He admitted calling the complainant a " liar," and then complainant struck witness with a whip. Witness then retaliated with the stick. John Goldie deposed that he saw blows struck by both, but he didn't know who struck first. The Bench imposed a fine of 20s and costs, but did not consider there was any necessity to bind defendant over to keep the peace.

The " Saurian " monster, recently cap tured at Raglan Harbour, is on view at a shop in Victoria-street near the Australian Mutual Provident Building. Ib is ap parently an animal of bhe seal species, and ibs monstrous dimensions make it well worth inspection.

FIRE IN DEVON-STREET.

At 2.45 o'clock this morning a fire wa 8 discovered in an unoccupied four-roomed cottage in Devon-street, Newton. The bell ab the Karangahape Fire Brigade station was the first to give the alarm, which was quickly baken up by other bells in the city_ The fire brigade were soon in atbendance, but the fire had too good ahold for them to save the building in which it started. Their efforts were accordingly directed to wards preventing the fire from spreading to the adjacent dwellings, ia which they suc ceeded. Mr Jamieson, who lives near by, was the first bo discover bhe fire. He stabes bhab he was awakened by a crackling.sound, and upon looking oub he saw bhab bhe back portion of bhe housewas in flames. Heabonce gave bhe alarm, bub could nob do anybhing bowards saving the house, as the fire had already gob a good hold. The properby belonged bo Mr David Shore, of Upper Pitt - sbreet, and was insured for £100. Mr F. F. Paten acted as agent for the premises. Until last week the house was occupied by a Mr Murphy. Since thab time ib has been empby. Between 5 and 6 o'clock yesterday evening Mr Paten visibed bhe house in order to put up notices thab ib was to let. When he left everybhing appeared all righb. Detec tive Tuohy and Sergt. Lyons were presentab bhe fire and made full inquiries, bub failed bo illicit anything which tended towards show ing how the fire originated. We shall therefore be compelled to fall back once more on the " incendiary rat."

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs J. Gordon and H. Wilding,

J.P.'s.)

Rogue and Vagabond. — Letitia Hughes was charged with drunkenness, also with being a habitual drunkard, a rogue, and a vagabond.—She pleadedUguilty to drunken ness, bub said she was nob a vagabond, as she was supported by her sons.—Sergeant Pratt stated thab prisoner only concluded three months' sentence yesterday, and the Bench ordered twelve months' hard labour.

Stealing Sacks. — Samuel Blair and John Cox, two lads about 16 years of age, pleaded guilty to stealing 10 sacks, valued ab 3s 6d, the property of Henry Hewin, on December sth.—Sergeant Pratt said that Cox was a first offender, and he thought this was a case in which the Probation Officer should be asked to report.—The Bench sentenced Blair to 14 days' imprison ment and Cox was remanded till Thursday.

Larceny.—Thomas Williams was charged with stealing a bag of sugar, valued at 15s, the property of some person unknown. — Prisoner pleaded guilty, and stated that he picked the sugar up in the street.—Ser geant Pratt stated that prisoner was seen going up Abercrombie-street at 5 o'clock this morning with a bag of sugar, and accos ted by Constable Russell, prisoner could nob give a satisfactory account of the manner in which he became possessed of the property, and was arrested. The owner of the sugar had not been discovered, and he asked for a remand till Thursday, which was granted.

A Wandering Mare.—Joseph Edye was charged with permitting a mare to wander in Cracroft-street on the 27th ult. —He pleaded nob guilby, bub subsequently ad mitted thab the horse was on the street through no fault of his own.—Fined 5s and costs.

THAMES NOTES.

(by telegraph.—-own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

The Safety of Miners.

The general instructions issued to the various mine managers by Mr Jas. M. Me. Laren, Mining Inspector, re providing hoods for the cages, and otherwise taking precautions for the safety of miners, ar e being complied with by the several com panies. At the New Prince Imperial, Waiotahi, Cambria, and Caledonian, the requisite alteration have been made, and in the case of the other mines, the works are now in course of completion. At the Prince Imperial and Waiotahi mines, hoods have been provided for the cages, while in addition to this a self-acting frame consisting of four iron bars has also been pro vided, which covers the shaft while the cage is below, and thus it is impossible for an employe or truck tn fall down the shaft. Ib mighb be explained bhat the iron frame is in the form of a square, with small holes pierced through the flab iron in each corner, and when bho cage reaches it in its ascent from the shaft, this frame rises on top of it, being guided by four perpendicular sbaunch iron wires. When the cage descends, the frame is left across the shaft, so thab such accidenbs as that which recently occured at Coromandel are thus prevented. At the Caledonian mine hoods have been provided for the cages, and a iron fence about five feeb high covers each of the open sides of the shaft while bhe cage is below, rendering accidents almost impossible. Ab the Kapanga Co.'s mine, Coromandel, this matter has also been attended to, while it might be mentioned that the necessary iron-work was in course of preparation, and the alterations were being made to the cages, ab bhe bime bhe recenb fabal accidenb occurred.

Licensed Holdings for Maritoto. , Latesb reporbs from the prospector's (Mcßrinn's) claim at Maritoto are unsatis factory, while nothing of importance has been discovered in any of bhe neighbouring mines. I have excellenb authority for stabing bhab in consequence of this state of things the Warden has now under consider ation the desirabiliby of granting licensed holdings, and will announce his decision re bhe matter at the sitting of the Warden's Court to be held on the 22nd inst. Ib is almosb certain that unless the Act is amended in the meantime so that the War den may have power to order the em ployment of one man bo every acre, no licensed holding of a greaber extent than five acres will be granted, though it is just possible the area, may be increased to ten acres at Te Mata, and similar localities where bhe ground has been previously worked and abandoned. The Fatal Accident at Coromandel. I undersband that a claim for damages has been made against the Kapanga G.M. Co., Coromandel, in connection with the recent accident, by which Mr Frank Kneebone lost his life through a truck fall ing down the shaft. The damages are said to be set down at £1,000. Mr Albert Bruce has been appointed Secretary to the District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and Hospital Trustee, and also Relieving Officer at a salary of £150 per annum. There were twelve applicants. Barque Aground. Upon arriving from Melbourne, the barque Alice Muir gob considerably out of the channel and grounded on the mud bank opposite the Gas Works, off which she was successfully towed this morning by the s.s. Rotomahana, which was consequently de lay ed on her trip to Auckland. The barque afterwards proceeded up the river where she will load with 300,000 feet of timber at Messrs Blair and Gillespie's sawmill for Melbourne.

SPORTING NEWS.

Wits the exception of a little double event wagering there is absolutely no business being transacted on the leading events of the A.R.C. Summer Meeting. Tvelson would be backed for the Cup ab s's to 2, bub tho metallicians refuse to lay better than 2 to 1.

OTAHUHU SUMMER MEETING.

Mr W. W. Robinson- issued the weighfcs for the Otahuhu Summer Meeting this after-

noon as follows :—

Suburban Handicap (1_ miles). —Friend- ship, 9st; Antelope, Ssb 101b ; Clogs, Bsb 41b ; Capella, 7sb 131b ; Tamora, 7sb 121b ; Leorina, 7sb 101b ; Lioness, 7sb 101b ; Peter

Osbeck, 7st 101b; Tennyson, 6st 131b; Lady Alice, 6st 121b ; The Cab, 6sb 101b ; Eruption, 6sb 101b ; Miss Alice, 6sb 101b; Bribtania, 6sb 51b; Haricot, 6sb 51b; Boomerang, 6sb ; Shillelagh, 6st.

Flying Stakes (6 furlongs.)— Antelope, 9sb 61b ; Tennyson, Bsb 81b ; Tamora, BstJ 41b; Clogs, Sst 41b; Capella, Bst 21b; Leorina, Bst; Lioness, 7sb ] 21b ; Lady Alice, 7st 101b ; Formo, 7sb 101b ; Catesby, 7sb 61b ; Brown Rose, 7sb 21b ; Tupaki, 7sb; Boomerang, 7st ; Artist, 7sb ; Eruption, 6sb 121b ; Haricot, 6st 121b ; Miss Alice, 6sb 121b ; Weazel, 6sb 101b ; Britannia, 6st lOst ; Briseis, 6sb 101b ; Octopus 6st. Hukdle Race, bwo miles.—Peber Osbeck, 12sb 71b ; Shobover, llsb 71b ; Silvio, lOsb 101b; Magnesia, lOsb 7ib ; Falcon, lOsb; Ma Petite Fille, 9sblllb ; Tawhiao, 9st7lb ; Black Joe, 8s 71b.

Steeplechase, three miles.—Silvio, list 121b; Falcon, llsb ; Magnesia, lOsb 121b ; Torpedo, lOst; Whalebone, 9st 121b; Tawhiao, 9sb 121b; Pipi, 9sb 41b; Argyle, 9st ; Black Joe, 9st.

Pony Race.—Makiri, Bst 121b ; Little Nell, Bsb 101b ; Mayflower, Bst 81b ; Elsie, Bsb 71b ; Firefly, 7sb 81b ; Lady Flora, 7st> 31b; Nymph, 7sb 31b; Ruby, 6sb 121b; Emblem, 6sb 121b.

WELLINGTON CUP WEIGHTS.

The following weights have been declared for the Wellington Cup :— sblb stlb Lochiel ... 9 2 Rivulet ... 7 11 Maxim . ... SlO Forester ... 710 Silence ... 8 9 Beresford ... 7 8 Artillery .... 8 6 Administrator 7 7 Tetford ' ... 8 5 St. Clair ... 7 4 Strenuous ... 8 5 Moana ... 7 4 Waitiri ... 8 5 Lady Florin... 7 2 The Shah ... 8 4 Wakatipu ... 7 0 Gipsy King... 8 3 Mokoia .... 6 10 Pearl 8 2 Leon 6 6 Lady Norah... 8 1 Dauphin ... 6 5 Rumour ... 713 Falcon ... 6 3 Hermitage ... 7 12 Little Scrub... 6 0

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Cby telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Thames, this day.

Waiotahi. — The monthly cleaning up yesterday afternoon produced 2190z of melted gold from 180 tons of quartz. Camaria.—lslb of picked stone were gob yesterday from the fifth stope west on No. 6 leader.

Saxon.—The reef was again broken down in the stope seaward of the rise yesterday, and produced 151b of picked stone, while 51bs were also obtained from the drive on No. 4 level.

Cambria.—Encouraging prospects con tinue to be meb with in the No. 4 drive an No. 3 level on bhe main reef. There is still a band of mineral 3 or 4 inches thick oc cupying the face, though it scarcely looks as well as on the occasion of my last visib. A few colours of gold are occasionally ob served when breaking- down the quartz. The cutting through of No. 7 lode has been completed, and it may be said to be 6 or 7 feet thick, and lying rather flat. This reef is generally believed to ba identical with what has been designated the left-hand branch at No. 2 level. A little mineral is seen in the quartz, and the manager informs me that driving will be pushed ahead eastward on the hanging wall portion, which looks more kindly than, the remainder. There is no change to re port in bhe other stopes. Cleaning-up and retorting takes place on Wednesday. New Manukah.—Quartz of good grade is coming to hand from the workings over No. 4 level. Retorting will take place in a day or two, when a payable return may be expected.

Waiomo.—The erection of bhe babbery will be finished aboub Christmas, bub ib is unlikely that crushing will be started until after the New Year, as the water race, etc., will not be completed until then. Colours of gold are occasionally seen in the quartz being obtained from the Paroquet Mine. Te Mata.—There is nothing new to re port from bhis mine. Nine of the parties are on payable quartz.

BLOCK ON THE RAILWAY.

[BY TEL EGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, this day. A heavy landslip occurred on the Welling ton and Masterdon railway line, aboub a quarter of a mile on the Wellington side of the summit. The traffic is interrupted, but the trains run as far as the obstruction and then transfer the pas sengers. Ib is stated that 1,000 tons of earth came down, and it is nob expected thab the line will be cleared before to morrow morning. The slip was caused by the heavy downpour of rain which fell here on Sunday and yesterday.

A sale of work and Christmas tree will be held on Saturday in the Primitive Metho dist schoolroom, Alexandra-streeb. A large quantity of goods have been collected, which have been marked practically cheap, and each visitor will receive good value for the money paid. A string band will be in atbendance, and a large gabhering is anbici pabed. The proceeds are in aid of the church and Sunday-school.

Smith and Caughey can turn out in 12 hours, a stylishly-made suit of Onehunga tweed for 59s 6d ; trowsers fpr 21s. Perfect cut and finish guaranteed. Splendid array of new samples. Boys'and youths' clobh ing made to measure. Immense stock of ready-made clothing and gents' mercery ab S. and C's well known low cash prices. —[Advt]

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Ahbott's Opnra House - Leitch Company in " Harbour Lights,' 8. City Hall.—Lecture by Major Dane, "A Sum mer in Greece," 8. Agricultural Hall Mohawk Minstrels 8. Industrial Association's Rooms — Meetine re Protective Tariff, 8. * Newmarket Hull—Entertainment,B. Drillshed—Newton Rifles, 6.30. Drillshed—Victoria Rifles. 6.30. Drillshed—Royal Irish Rifles, 6.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

December 7—Messrs C. C. McMillan and R. W» Moody.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie—Fancy Goods, Draperr etc., 11. r . . f* S. Cochrane and Son—Property, etc,, 12,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6. 1887.

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