WRECK IN HAWKE'S BAY.

SCHOONEK REWARD LOST.

Captain and Two Hands Lost.

(BY TELZGRAPII - OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Napier, this day. Ke\VS was received here last evening of tho wreck of the three-masted schooner Reward, , jftjiia, on the north side of the peninsula. r otain Andrews, the cook, and one seaman logfc. The mate and the other seamen

arm^ c Reward is owned at Nelson by Mr B. v .miren She is of GO tons register, and •Kilt at Lyttelton in 1874. The Reward left Oamaru for Auckland on *h "Oth ult.> with 700 sacks potatoes and 181' sacks wheat.

THE RIFLE RANGE DISPUTE.

nw determined attempt now being made , f e ff persons to close the Mount Eden ■Jj c : Range is causing considerable corn ' jj" Thiß rifle range has now been estab ..,j e { O i-many years, and an amount of one y has been expended to fit it for use by ' rVolunteera; yet now, after being used for rawittout any accident occurring, at. I^nta «c being made to take away this • Tfi Auckland Volunteers. Had it ffta proposed to establish the ritle 1 present position, the ob- MtaiJ "f certain residents . .might f- e been worthy of consideration; hi iplenffe remember that the range has ' existed, and the objectors have fpoitety chosen to reside within the and of the crack of the rifles, their action ' m unreasonable, more particu y y when it is remembored that -,jj) of the oldest residents near the Iffe have unhesitatingly expressed their 2 for it-still to remain as at present.' Citizens were all glad to see our ropresonta-. tires returning from the rillo competition, tvearin" c champion belt and medals, »nd ii w0 W*3'J SCCIU'O similar honours- in'the future, our men must be jsured continued possession of a good rifle m«e within easy distance from town.' This -they"have at Mount Eden, and' jj .jg -hoped that the Government Tvill determine to still retain the same, fhe following telegram was sent -yester day by Major Morrow : —"The Hon.. J. A. Tole, Wellington. Don't consent to close lifle range.-- Public feeling very strong. Jfonstenneeting to be held." This tele-' gramllr Tole has forwarded to Mr Ballanee, |ith a recommendation that an inquiry Bhould be held. Lieutenant-Colonel Dignan has also forwarded telegrams to Major HamlinandjVlr T. Thompson, asking them to eiert their influence in the House towards tho retention of the range.

WELLINGTON NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH -PEESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. ■The City Council have agreed to the pro posal of the Auckland City Council that a Itmidpal Association should be established, inprder.to .watch over and protect the in tercity rights, and privileges of Municipal Corporations. ][ . \\ ,'.

;ie Council have decided to subscribe PJjwaHls a clock to replace the one i ttjeel iit the Post Office fire. 1 Thsiaine of Charles James Russell, of f fluHteiach, is. to be removed from" the MMlEogisiet of New Zealand.

THAT SAURIAN MONSTER.

Jollier Wai*rato Sbusatioii

fßJtte "Waikato Times" of yesterday le take the following particulars of the Wet punks of the mysterious and car tiwßm monster that is supposed to be piling around there :—Mr Charles Paton, sybsa'farm in Scotchman's Valley, on tie opposite side of Maungakawa range of lills from "Cambridge, has been favoured nift's visit from some large animal that featens to extinguish the fame of the Hamilton saurian monster, as it commenced mirations upon a horse Mi- Paton had feakfortnno to lose a draught horse at tie latter end of last week, and the body was left in a paddock near a creek where the animal died. Next morning Mr Paton ttftbview'the body, and was astonished to find thatit had been partly eaten, evi dently by some large quadruped, as some rftaekrger bones had been crunched, withe, body had been pulled ;.round h, if somebody had taken it by Jl» neck and endeavoured to pull it iitotbeoreek ": On one of the subsequent tights,a man named Richardson, who was 1 charge of MrPaton's farm, was ioused tythe dogs barking. He xirocureel a gun, "drat out, but finding the dogs had ill retired under, the house, he thought it Kttet to retreat into it also. Next morn i? the dogs seemed very frightened, for some, time refused to come "W their shelter. Upon examining the piiinthe neighbourhood of the hbitse footprints of a large animal were, found, We trackecf across the paddock | J«W the ground was soft, but were lost 1 fte next one,' as the ground in that HVd. The. footprints ure described JJ»TDg a very large pad, with three ™in front of it, like the Hamilton j*tar(?)- It was also seen by children, £«■,Russell's little ones were but:, en- S^g to catch eels, and they saw it S« home, followed by their dog. j Mr ■jSjent to his brother at Tamahere, and ■■ JJ.*nabout it,.and wantedhim to join in 'Rafter the monster, but that gentleman p^^ot on." M r a. W. Pearson and Mr p^'Haifly, however, accompanied •Mr J?Wel:to his form, armed to the teeth, g^atended lying in wait for it last night. ,2% monster show itself.it will have Ij™!'1 time of it, as one of the gentlemen j'tported to liave done big shooting on tlie v™Ni continent with a revolver, and /""ttei-kria that one of these arms has g^luded-i n the outfit. An Auckland E" 111 isat Tamahere waiting to pur- of the monster if they sue-' fc-A^'iiig it, and intends showing it

THAMES NEWS.

GE'VI-H. - OWN CORIIESPONDEXT.) 4 .* • •. • ■ Tiiajies,' this day. mi llas'" been lodged against the Ijp the:: Paroquet claim, Waiomo, on ggjjj&tf -working. ' The case will q?m the Warden's Court on .Thurs-

totai tol1 Cn» haPPened yesterday after 'Xl hn;«nrick, better lcnowii as fie {g l^K bush manager of Uv Stone. %bdg^edworkil»g in: the Kauae ttntekhW When a limt» of a tree fell and «i to f.^on the back of the head, in iWcutidh ■"rden>s Court..yesterday an by Thomas Dunlop 'i or-the Queen of Beauty **» \S cd° ut H him .some time ago, J^ipLJ? fl?ating it on the' English yk. rf? tection was dosircd for twelve 0 apijUeatiou was adjourned

DEATH BY DROWNING.

At an early hour this morning two young men named A. Hughes and H. Miller, while sailing in the harbour off Ponsonby, ob served the dead body of a man floating near the reef at Shelly Beach. They towed the corpse to the beach, and gave information of the occurrence to Con stable Graham, at Ponsonby, who in turn communicated with the Water Police. Sergeant Clarke and his men proceeded to the place indicated in their boat,and having secured the body brought it to the morgue where it now. lies awaiting the inquest. On the body were found some receipts for timber and papers relating to builJing con tracts, on which the name " Thomas liiso'U" aF P ieaiAT d' Clarke made inquiries at the New Zealand Timber Company'soffice, with tbe result that the body was identified as that of Thomas Insoll, of Ireland-street. ±he Deceased, it was ascertained, was a contractor, and was in the Timber Com pany s office yesterday. He had been drink ing pretty heavily during the past few clays. The body when found had evidently not been more than a hour in the water. The papers and a memorandum book found on tho body were scarcely wet, and the top of the head, which was covered with a soft felt hat, was dry. The body when found was fully dressed in a blue serge suit, water tight boots, and ilax shirt. The police are making inquiries as to when ho was last seen alive. . . , •

DEPARTURE OF LORD AND LADY ABERDEEN.

The Earl and Countess of Aberdeen A-isited the North Shore yesterday afternoon, re turning to town by the 5.30 o'clock boat. In the evening they attended the Burns Concert in the City Hall, and remained there until nine o'clock. At eight o'clock this morning the Earl and Countess, acconi-1 panied by Captain Sinclair' (private secre tary), a maid-servant and two men-servants, left by the Waikato train eu route for Ox ford, where they will spend the night. Mr O. D. ' Whitcombo (local agent for Robertson's ' Lake route) . has arranged for three buggies-to be in-readiness there to-morrow morning, to'take the party on to Ohinemutu, [where apartments have been engaged for them at Lake House. Lord • ■ and • ■ Lady Aberdeen will re main ' 'in the Lake District until . Mon day week, during which time they will visit all the points of interest in the Lake region; of which Mr Whitcon. He has fur nished His Lordship with a i'u& list. They will probably.arrive back in .Auckland on

Wednesday evening, the ISth inst., and during the next few days tha Mayor (Mr Devorc) and the Chairman of Lie Harbour Board .(Mr Waddel) will show them over the city and port. On Sunday afternoon, the 22nd inst., the -Earl' has' promised to deliver an address to young men in the City Hall, and -the Countess has kindly undertaken to clolivcr at the same time an. address to young- women in the V.M.C.A. Rooms. On Sunday night, the 22nd inst., Lord Aberdeen will deliver an evangelistic address at the usual service in the City Hall! On the following day (Monday, the 23rd inst.), the distinguished visitors'leave by thesis. Alawe'da for San Francisco, en route to England.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(BY TELECKAriI. —OWS COKIIESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day.

Cambkia.—lslbs picked jjtone were ob- Uined from No. 2 cross-leader yesterday afternoon.

' Waiotaiii.—The'Crushing of 205 tons of quartz for the past month h'na produced the payable return of. 2390z. 4dwt. melted gold.

Te Aiioiia, this day. During, the present week.about 20 acres at Tui, adjoining the Champion Company's special claim,- have been pegged off and ap plied for by Mr N. Cleary on behalf of .him self and some Auckland gentlemen. The claims run northwards, and it is stated th <t the reef ha 3 been traced through the entire length of the ground. .

OHINEMURI.

Waiiii, Monday.

At last we havo been favoured with a steady downpour of rain, which is simply a godsend, and will have the effect of infus ing new life into the whole district.- The Martha Company's water-race is now full to overflowing, and although the weather has again cleared up the rainfall was suf ficiently copious to furnish the requisite motive power to keep the full- force of the battery going for some time to come. At tho different mines here there cannot be much less than 1,000 tons of quartz awaiting treatment, and by the end of the incoming month ■ bar accidents—the bullion return should be an exceptionally good one. The contractor for conveying" 30 ' tons of quartz from the Union mine to Paeroa delivered about 15 tons at the landing on Friday last, when it was shipped per Kotuku for Auckland. Work in the Silverton mine has been stopped, pending the treatment of a parcel of about .120 tons of-quartz, which is now stacked at the mouth of the main level, and from v* Inch a good all-round return should be obtained. Waitekatjp.i, Monday.

The late heavy rain has , given both batteries a fair start, and there is every prospect of a continuance of crushing operations till tho whole of the quartz ac cumulated at the different mines has _ been reduced - "ITollis and party, tributers in the Waitekauri mine, have. about 200 tons to grass, and although the stone is not rich, tho tributers expect that it will pay them handsomely for tho time expended in breaking it out, transporting it to and crushing it at-tho mill. At the Maunga kara mine' Snelgar and party, .tributers, have ' about 0t) tons of stuiF awaiting reduction,-and- from this they expect a hi"-hly remunerative return. The cost ol breaking out the crushing dirt from this mine and forwarding it to the battery is so very small that a return of ddw.fcs to the ton will pay the tributers handsomely.

The following tenders were received to day at J. Babtii-'i office, for quarry road, Epsom : -Forest, £410 ; Morrell and Henry, £399 5s Get; ;Qroigfl £399 ss; Coulson and Green, £398 10s.; Brown and Mahon, i'liSJ 13s 'M; Sheldon and Plewin, £334 Bs^; Aspinwall and TTinlay, £327 3s 8d; Or. KinVht, £319 17s (3d; Wheeler, £310 17s; Wooiley, £297 ; Bennett and McSheffrey, £289 10s lOd ■; Murphy, £219 17s Gd; Smith and Robinson, £214 ; Osborne, ;i197 10.-?.,

I The opening of the Industrial Exhibition projected by,the Auckland Industrial Asso ciation has been postponed till the 21st of June.(Jubilee Day). It is to. be hoped that local manufacturers will awake from their lethargy, and combine to make the affair a pronounced success. Mr C." D. Wliitcombe (Ar.t Gallery) is secretary. :. . '.' ''

' The Naval Artillery parades this evening asper advertisement. .This, branch of the service generally muster well. We suppose this evening will be no exception, especially as they are likely to practise the/ew dc joie and the movements usual on Her Majesty's birthday. ,

THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

Awkward Position of the Government

(BY TELEGRAPH - OWN REPORTER),

Wellington, this day. The Premier has permitted himself to be placed in a very awkward position by hio inconsistent policy with respect to the Re presentation Bill, and it is impossible at the present moment to say what solu tion of the difficulty will be arrived afc. The Premier's announcement yester day that ho would not proceed' further with the bill in its amended form and his offer of compromise was a very open ex pression of weakness. Tho Opposition acted upon tho invitation so far that they appointed Major Atkinson and Mr Richard son to meet Major Steward and Mr O'Con nor as representatives of the Government, and receive their overtures. It is under stood that a statement was made to the effect that the Premier is willing to cancel fifteen per cent, in favour of tho country, and to put tlio 15,000 margin back to 5,000 as at first. Ho also agreed that the ques tion of reduction of members should be re considered by the House. Arrangements were at onco made for a general meeting of those members who constituted the major ity. - - ■ • ■

Tho position at-fche present time is this : If a compromise cannot be effected and this is doubtful, unless-Sir li. Stout gives way—the matter will be fought out on tho floor of the House. If the bill appear* at the bottom of the Order Paper, the Opposition will suspend all the Orders preceding it,and fchis'disturbanec of Govern ment business would in itself be tantamount to want of confidence. If,again, t.lie Premier abandons the bill,onc of the Opposition will exorcise the power which any member possesses of taking it up and carrying it through Committee. This also would bu a slap in the face for the Government, but the general opinion ia that they could not re sign. The Opposition arc satisfied that Government could not get any dissolution on defeat on tho Representation Bill, although they would be pretty certain to do so if defeated on the Budget. The Premier's opponents declare themselves satisfied that he will accept anything rather than de feat.

R.M. COURT.

YESTERDAY.

(Before 11. G. Soth Smith, R.M.)

Jamison v. Boddice.—This was a claim for £4 2s 9d.— Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr O'Meagher for the defence. The plaintill" was an hotelkeeper at Panmure, and the defendant was sued for board and lodging.-■ Mr Cooper stated that the defendant had been supplied with a detailed statement of a Hairs.

THIS DAY.

This case M rent on this morning, when, after hearing evidence, judgment was given for plaintiff for £2 11s with costs.

JUDGMENT SUMMONSES.

Peel and Thompson v. Jas. Kellett.— Claim, £1 4s.—Mr Buiton for the plain tiff. — Defendant, who did nob appear, was ordered to pay £1 4s forthwith. Peel and Another v. W. Farroll. - Claim, £14 9s 9d.—Mr Mali Guy for the plaintiff. Defendant did not appear, and was ordered to pay £{) i)s 9d within a fortnight. Aylctt and Another v. J. Oakshott.— Claim, £2 Is Id.-Mr Mahony in support of the claim.—By consent, defendant was ordered to pay £1 2s 7d forthwith. Ollicial As signee" v. Henry Ellis.— Mr Cave in support of claim, £2 10s. — Defendant ordered to pay £2 10s on or before 3rd June. Kircalclio and Another v. C. W. Cave. - Mr Laishley in support of the claim. C4l Qs Od; defendant ordered to pay. Newcctabe v. Loverock. - This was a claim for i' 9 ISs'Od, for. the grazing of five calves at Kohimarama for over a year, as per agreement. Mr Cooper appeared for plain tiff; the defendant did not appear. Judg ment for plaintiff, with cost . . The case of Hickey v. Gilmore is being heard as we go to press.

TELEGRAMS.

Wesutort, this day.

A New Lake

A large new lake two or three square miles ill area was discovered near Maki hinui, in country lately opened by a new road.

An ExccptSonal Tide The tide in the Buller River yesterday rose 13 inches higher than the average.

PRESBYTERIAN CHORAL AS SOCIATION.

The third recital by the members of the above Association took place last evening in St. Luke's church, Romuera. Not withstanding tho strong counter attrac tion to Scots, in the concert of the Barns' Club, the church was crowded with an ap preciative audience. The choir mustered in good numbers, Mr J. H. Edmonds officiating as conductor, and Mr W. Culpan as organist. The Rev. R. V. Macnicol presided, 'and made a few opening- remarks. Addresses' Avcre also delivered during the recital by Revs. T. Adams and C. Worboy.s. The choir sang in good stylo hymns No. 07 to "Newcastle," "No. 415 to " Paradise," No. 70 to "St. Cross," No. 339 to " Etiam et Mihi," No. 409 to" Beatitude,"No. 101 to" Olivet," No. 358 to "Vigil/ 'No. 410 to Christchurch," and No. 375 to " St. Gertrude." Sullivan's Anthem, No. ' 20, " Lead Kindly Light," and the Anthem " What Are These," were also well rendered by the choir. The con tralto solo "I Cried Unto Thee," was triven in excellent stylo by Miss Taite, as was also the soprano aolo with visible ohorus, " Angel's Footsteps," by Mrs Keif. The beautiful duet, " Resignation, was sung in a feeling manner by Mrs Culpan and Miss Taite. Mr Culpan played a line organ' solo, "Tia Soave," which was deservedly .applauded.^ During- the even in"- <i collection was taken for the beneht of Cthe funds of the Association. The next recital will take place in St. Stephen a Church, Ponsonby, in July.

ASSAULT CASE AT THAMES.

(by telegraph.— own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. At the • Police Court yesterday, Hohera te Minulia and three other natives were charged, on the information of the police, with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Charles Wight, at tho Komata, on Satur day last, by cutting oft' his ear and beating him with a stick. The case arose out of the charge of alleged rape preferred by the wife of Hohera te Mimiha against Wisrht, and upon which he now stands committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Auckland Supreme Court. From the evi dence it was shown that the husband of tho assaulted woman heard his wife screaming, and upon running towards her and reaching the scene found, as -ho alleges, Wight criminally assaulting her, when ho beat him and cut off his right ear. It was con tended that the other natives assisted. After hearing evidence, the R.M. com mitted accused for trial.

SPORTING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.-PIiKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day. A cablegram received here states that Spade Guinea is handicapped at 9sb and Pasha at Sat for the Sydney Birthday Han dicap, to bo decided at Randwick on the 24th May. .

MASONIC JUBILEE WIDOW AND ORPHANS' FUND.

The following further particulars of the action taken by the Ara Lodge for the establishment of a Jubilee Benevolent Fund will be interesting- to our readers. At the last monthly meeting of the Lodge it was. resolved—" 1. That the lodg-e cele brate the Jubileo year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria by the formation of a fund to be called ' The Ara Jubilee Widow and Orphan Fund.' The fund to be devoted to the sup port of the children of indigent Masons, or their widows and orphans. Mem bers of the lodge, or their widows and orphans, to have preferential claims at all times. 2. That the Property Committee be the managers of the fund, bub all matters in connection with the disbursement of the funds to be first brought before the lodge (unless in cases oi emergency), and by vote of the members sent to the Committee to report, or otherwise, aa directed. (3) That an account be opened at the Bank of New Zealand, to be called the ' Ara Jubilee Witlow and Orphan Fund Account.' The Ghairmanand Secretary of thel'roporty Com mittee to operate on the same. All monies received from the rent of the Masonic Hotel property to be placed in the bank to tho credit of tho said fund's account (except when the ordinary revenue of tho lodge falls below the expenditure; then the said committee shall be empowered by a vote of the lodge to hand over a sum not exceeding i"SU in any one year, in order to meet current liabilities. 4. That the amount standing to the credit of the lodge in the name of the Parnell Orphan Home trustees be a part of the above fund, and bo managed as above stated, and at leant once in every six months a report in wiiting1 shall be brought before the lodge de tailing the amount of receips and expendi ture, and the number and eandition of those persons benefited. 5. That tho committee be asked to meet as soon after tho passing of this notice of motion as shall be conveni ent, and prepare rules for the permanent working of the fund, the mode of making application, and any other matters that may seem to them needful, and report the same to the lodge at its next meeting." Tho W.M. pointed out that in augurating such a fund the work of charity, especially to those unable to help themselves, would be undertaken, commending, itself to all loyal masons; Some discussion then took place, but no one opposed the motion, and it was finally carried by a very largo majority. A notice of motion by the W.M. re altering by-law No. 12, referring to elec tion of house committees, wa.« then given ; also, that tho celebration of the instalation be by an " At Home."

Anglo-Russian Journalism.

Mr Mackenzie Wallace, the " Athemeum" states, has written a short sketch of his life to accompany an Hindustani translation of his book on Russia. In this he gives an amusing and instructive account of his ex periences when he returned to Russia as a newspaper correspondent. Air Wallace is not tne only person who has got into trouble for trying to pour journalistic oil on Anglo- Russian misunderstandings.

"In my telegrams aacl letters to. the 'Times,' says Mr Wallace, "I did all in my power to throw oil on tlie troubled waters, by explaining mutual understand inp'S and combating the false accusations which were freely and recklessly made on both sides, and as a natural consequence of this attitude 1 incurred the displeasure of both parties. In England 1 was accused of having1 succumbed to Russian blandish ments* while In St. Petersburg I was being deserted and avoided by all my Russian friends and acquaintances. . . Day by day the position of an Englishman in St. Petersburg became more and more un pleasant, but I stuck obstinately to my post till the Treaty of San Stefano had been signed. . . The work I had undertaken was thereby in a certain sense terminated, and I was thinking of a change of domicile to a more congenial atmosphere, when a little incident occurred which accelerated my departure. Some political disclosures which had been made by the 'Times' led the Russian Foreign Ofiice to susjject that the correspondent of that paper must be obtain in«' information by illegitimate means, and accordingly the secret police were instructed to watch my movements. The instructions were so awkwardly carried out that before forty-eight hours had passed I. had dis covered all the means which were being taken. A mysterious unknown gentleman was very anxious to examine my apartment, and especially riiy writing table, during my absence, and another equally mysterious gentleman constantly followed me at a few yards' distance wherever I went out. The latter form of an noyance was inconvenient, though my con science was perfectly clear as to the means by which I had obtained ray information. I was afraid of compromising my few re maining Russian friends, and conscquentl I was obliged to break off all communication with them, and condemn myself to complete isolation. In these circumstances I felt I could no longer fulfil the duties of a ' Times ' correspondent, and accordingly sent in my resignation. In reply I received an invitation to transfer my headquarters to Berlin, where the Congress was about to open." --.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH. - SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. ISfanukau Telegraph OlHee. Mr HAMLiir is asking the Government when they will open the telegraph office at Manu kau, which they promised to have ready at the beginning of the year.

Te Arolm land

The Te Aroha people are anxious to havo a large block of land in their neighbourhood purchased for the purpose ,of settlement, and Mr J. B. Whyte is interesting himself in the matter. He intends to see Mr Bal lanee to-day.

Bombay Coal.

Mr Hobbs has received from Dr. Hector a report on the coal which he brought from Bombay. ' Dr. Hector considers it a sample of inferior brown coal, and considers it pro bable that it indicates a good seam beneath.

Mount fcden Kauge

When Mr Hamlin gave notice to ask the Government whether they intended to close Mount Eden Rifle Range, Mr Buckland re marked " I hope so." Major Morrow's telegram camo in the nick of time, and Major-General Whitmore tells me that it is unlikely now that the Government will pro ceed further in. the matter of closing the range. Besidos Professor Aldis, the Mount Eden Domain Board and other persons petitioned the Government on tho subject, and tho department -were not aware that there was any opposition to a change of site.

The Payment to Mrs Fraser.

At a meeting of the Opposition, held yes terday forenoon, a disposition was evinced to investigate the matter of payment of £1,930 to Mrs Fraser as fully as possible.

Industrial Schools

The Industrial Schools Act Amendment Bill (Premier) enacts that imprisonment for failing to satisfy a maintenance order shall not operate as an extinguishment of liability due. Neglected as well as indigent child ren, may be sent to Industrial Schools.

ttailwav Freight to WaUaito

Relative to tho question which is to be asked in the House, I am authoritatively in formed that agricultural produce carried by rail into the \Vaikato last year was over two thousand tons, chiefly imported from the South Island. This is said to confirm the statement in the Waikato "News" that the Waikato farmers cannot grow enough to supply tho local demand, and that the excuso of excessive railway freights cannot be urged in this case.

Police Sergeants,

Mr Ivess is representing to the Govern ment that the senior sergeants of police at Auckland, Wellington, Chi "stchurch, and Dunedin are only paid at t. 3 same rate as sergeants doing street duty, although they conduct the prosecutions in police courts, and have the management of city police duty. He wishes to have a reasonable in crease made in their pay.

The Third Party.

The following letter has been addressed to the Premier by Mr Pyke, leader of the Independent Party : " Referring to the con versational discussion botween yourself and Major Atkinson ■which took place in the House to-day, re the Representation Bill, I desire to point out to you that a largo and influential section of the House do not admit the leadership of the member for Egmont, and who claim tho light to be heard before any ' compromise' is agreed to."

If the answer of the Government to Mr Pyke'g request for the use of a room in the Assembly Buildings for a third party is not satisfactory, Sir George Grey will move the adjournment of the House, and a warm de bate is expected to follow. Sir George Grey claims that the third party is numerically stronger than either ftid Go vernment party or the Opposition.

Mr ToIC* Bcport oa Village

Settlements

The report of Mr D. A. Tolo on tho Herc kino Village Settlement is a lengthy one. He says tho satisfaction expressed to him by tho settlers with regard to the respective holdings was nearly unanimous. This could hardly be otherwise, because the adaptability of the land for the purpose was admittedly beyond question. It was a significant fact that wherever an allotment was supposed to be unsettled or rumoured about to become vacant, there were sure to bo three or four settlers anxious to have it for friends or relations in Auckland. He had assurances from settlors and their wives that nothing would induce them to return to Auckland. Stress was laid by tho settlers on the difficulty of obtaining provisions, the high price paid for them, and the delay which had occurred in procuring them. At tho time of his visit 25 or 30 of the settlers were em ployed in various parts of the settlement on works at 5s a day, and others were engaged on their sections. Very little had been done in the way of the erection of dwelling houses, but this was only what might be expected from tho short time the settlement has been' in existence. A road in course of survey would connect the block with Ahipara, Awanui, Kaitara, Mongonui and other places.

The Devonport Wavals.

Major-General Whitmore says they are endeavouring to heal the breach between the officers of the Dovonport Naval Artillery,and in hopes that tlicy will be successful, as this is, in his opinion, a most useful corps for torpedo worth in the colony. He adds that they have done a groat deal of valuable torpedo work, and he would be sorry if they were disbanded. ' •

Attack om the Government

The opinion is gaining ground that directly the Representation Bill is disposed of, and the Financial Statement delivered, .the Government will be attacked by a direct hostile vote. I stated when Parlia ment moo Ministers can command a majority on a question of no. confi dence, but their action with respect to the Representation Bill is not calculated to secure the votes of any wavering follow ers, and should their budget proposals not prove of a satisfactory nature, these free lances may not improbably be found in op position.

Jottings

Mr Fisher has given notice of his intention to introduce a bill preventing brewers from owning public-houses. The Wanganui Harbour Bill; which was talked out of House repeatedly last session, yesterday afternoon passed its second read ing after a short discussion. : ; Mr Fisher intends asking the Government if they will place on the Estimates £100 for testing Williamp's rabbit exterminator. Major Steward wants to get the law so altered that persons committing breaches of byelaws can bo fined without having to attend the Court sitting. Mr Ross is asking the. Government when the report of tho Commission appointed to inquire into the Stark purchase during the recess will be laid on the table.

The second reading of the Law Practi tioners Bill was carried by five votes. Mr Tole was the only lawyer who voted for the bill.

Colonel Trimble has been elected Chair man of the Native Affairs Committee in place of Mr Bradshaw, deceased. '■ Sir George Grey niadc.a splendid speech in moving his Law Practitioners Bill. Mr Ormond considers two sessions this year "inevitable." Mrs Atkinson is ill, and the Major was to have gone to Nelson to-day, but was pre

vented from doing so by the Representation Bill difficulty. Mr George Williams, who has been en deavouring to arrange for a test of his rabbit exterminator, loft for Onehunga by the Hawea yesterday.

EDUCATION IN AUCKLAND.

Censorious ftepoH by Chief lit pecter.

"THE sr*T3EM CRUMBLING."

Tns report of the Chief Inspector (Mr R. J.O'Sullivan) has been submitted to the Board of Education, and hi of a most —"I do not think the searching in the schools of this district i» improving. The system that was built up with such caro is crumbling. Certificates that they have done certain things are signed with a light heart by several teachers when they have done none of these things. In fact, a general laxity is being produced. This will not seem surprising when it is known that the same system'which pro duced such disastrous effects in North Canterbury is in full blast here. An assistant teacher who has passed no examin ation of any kind has boen appointed to a school whose efliciency depends, to si great extent, on the efficiency of the assistant. A head-master has been appointed to a rather important school who never taught an hour in his life, and who, in perhaps a perhaps spirit is supposed to impart to a pupil teacher the mystery which he never learnt himself. While this is done a good and tried teacher is sent with his family (into what I can call nothing but penal servitude) to teach two miserable half-time schools, and to live with a delicate family in what is little better than a sentry-box builb for a single person. To v man of culture and re finement this existence must be a long agony. A grievous mistake has been made in get ting rid of teachers who were admirably suited for the work they were doing. One case I knew intimately. The girl I speak of was the best teacher of a first standard that I have ever met. I made this known in the office, and expressed my opinion that on no account whatever should this young lady's service bo dispensed with. This, possibly because of this, I found to my horror lately that she had been dismissed ostensibly on the ground that she did not pass an examination or come for an examination, or something of the sort. Surely this is red tape run mad ! This is not like the case of an assistant who has to take part in the general work of the school. Great hardship has been wrought by the choice of pupil teachers. I know of at least two cases where girls, the main support of their families, were sent away. It is to be hoped that there were no others in the like position. One girl, I know, was sent away deliberately against my remonstrances—l have no doubt to show the importance of the Secretary. He is fond of playing such fan tastic tricks before high heaven. Tliis is another case to rouse our indignation like the one mentioned, though to an intenser heat. The Minister of Education points out how the books in the school could, if properly selected, be made a powerful means of teaching geography and history. It would, perhaps, be thought that the Inspectors, who have to see that the teaching of these subjects is properly carried out, would be consulted on the choice of the library books. Ibis not so. The lists sent by the com mittees are carefully secluded from the Inspector's profane gaze. I believe this is done without the sanction of the Board. The consequence, however, is that the libraries are full of the works of Mrs Henry Wood, el hoc genus omne."

The Inspector goes on to complain that he is not consulted in the choice of books for school libraries. He also complains that persons Booking, employment on jJi'o bation have not been referred to him for his opinion ; and that instruction has been given re pupil teachers which has been withheld from hyn. This, he says is apt to destroy the system that was built up with 30 much, labour and travail. The Inspector passes on to say that reading and reciting sholud take the place here that they hold till the world over. At pre sent the child gabbles over the reading as fast as possible, and if no glaring mistakes in pronounciation he passes. He likewise complains of certain changes in the curricu lum. Complaintis further made of the manner in which inefficient teachers have been dealt with, and that the inspector have not been consulted re the erection of schools. In time past he had saved the Board thous ands of pounds by the advice he had given. The Inspector goes on to say that order is kept in the schools not with cane or voice, but with eye. He asked a child why they were so badly behaved at her school. The answer came promptly, " Because the teacher does not hit hard enough." The teacher, however, in these cases is less to blame than the parents, whoso foolish indulgences are raising up a plentiful crop of larrikins.

The Otello Fever.

The " Otello " fever at Milan seems at last a little inclined to remit. The second re presentation was at reduced prices, and yet the house was not quite full. There is now a reaction against an excitement which was a little overdone. The Italians have enthusiasm ad libitum when Verdi is on the tapis, but tlioy are deficent in lire. So the cost has to be counted, and to Italian ears the total sounds big. To a Londoner familiar with Patti prices no salary can seem excessive. But the Milanese are accustomed to reasonable charges. Tamugno, the tenor, gets £140 a night, Maurel gets £120, Madame Panta leoui—the ideal soprano, after Verdi's own heart-gets only £80. Colonel Mapleson would think the figures very modest. Of course the ntise en scene is vory iine. It would be perhaps thought poor here, or at Vienna or Munich; but the Italians are less fastidious. The three protagonists get £340 a night, while all the others^ expenses — the lesser artists, chorus, supers, orches tra, advertisements — come to £460. It is a question how long Milan can supply this £800 a night. In the meantime ar rangements have been made to transfer the whole opera company to Rome. There are symptoms, too, of a little reaction against the musical triumph. One bold critic wrote that the third act was " mortally tedious." The phrase gavo great offence at the time ; but that critic is now hearing his view rather generally expressed in hi 3 own lan guage. .

At a meeting of the provisional directors of the proposed Athletic Ground Company held yesterday, it was deoideel to return the money received on deposit for shares.

Sergeant Pratt is making his annual in spection of the licensed houses in the city, with the view to reporting on their condi ton to the licensing authorities.

A capital house witnessed the perfor mance of the London Circus at the Agri cultural Hall last night.

Arthur Featherstone fell off one of the North Shore steamers while alongside the Victoria Wharf, Devonport, last night, and was rescued by Capt. Tye and others.

The Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association is in a bad way. The concern is £320 in debt, and the annual subscrip tions will not pay the interest. A meeting is proceeding this afteruoon.

The City Council Legal Committee held an inquiry lasfc night into certain irregulari ties alleged against the City Returning Officer (Mr Henry Ridings) in connection with the recent licensing elections. Messrs Alex. Thorne, J. G. Carr, R. H. Hughes, and J. S. Duke were examined in support of the charges, and Mr Ridings was heard in his own defence. No decision was ar rived at, but the matter will be, further considered.

LATE CABLES.

HOME RULERS AND OUTRAGES.

PEOIAL.)

London, May 6. Lord Harttngton declared that the Parnellite party had not specifically denied their i connection with tha American advocates of outrages, and it was imperative they should jointly and unreservedly repudiate the allegations against them.

COMMERCIAL QUESTIONS.

Committees of the House of Com mons have been appointed to deal with the shipping trade of England, tho question of sugar, and the Queensland sugar industry.

THE TONGA OUTRAGES.

Attention has been called in the House of Commons to the outrages in Tonga.

WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

A meeling of the members of the abov<. body was held at 1 p.m. to-day. Present: Messrs 0. Mays (Chairman), Sinclair, Canfc well, Lloyd, Laing, Smythe, McLeod, and

Allison.

Statement of Accounts. -The chairman submitted the annual statement of ac counts, as already published. It was resolved that the accounts be settled as provided by the act.-The Chair man also stated that tho contributions from the Harbour Board due on Northeote wharf approaches LGO2 12s Cd. Amount awarded by auditor from Devonporb Road Board, L 12 5; arrears of rates col lected, L7B 12s Ud ; bank draft, Lll Is 2d. Accounts to the amount of L-135 11s 5d were authorised for payment. Safe rou Council's "Document— On the motion of tho Chairman, Messrs Allison and Mays were authorised to purchase a safe at a cost of £25.

Whau Bmdge. - The chairman stated that the Minister of Public Works had for warded a warrant 'vesting the care of the Whau bridge in the Council, also authorizing them to receive from adjacent oodles a moiety of the cost, of repairs.— 1 he.Chairman moved, "That the loca bodies referred too be notified of their lia bility, and tenders be called for the temporary repairs. "—This was adopted. A letter was also read from Thomaa Barron, of Waikomiti, suggesting that tho bridge should be erected at a point lower down the river. The chairman re marked that at present the subject was too ambitious for the requirements of the district. He remarked that according to the arrangement of the warrant as suming the bridge to cost £1100 tho proportions would be as follows :- V\ aitemata- County Council, L 550 ; Avon dale Pvoacl Bcid, L 200; Mount Albert, LloO; Point Chevalier, L 10 0; Arch Hill, LSO ; and Mount Eden LSO.

I en-ders.—Tenders were received for the reconstruction of 30i chains on the Great North Road, between Riverhurst and Taupake Ararimu Road junction, As a letter was received from John John ston, pointing out that this, piece of road was laid out on the wrong section, none of the tenders were accepted. The tOWders'w^reas follows:— Hill Bros., £28 10 ; G. Churns, ±31. The former tender was retained. E. T. Ware (£29) also tendered, BiRKENiiEAD Wade Road.—All the ten ders for the diversion of the above road through Volckner's land were declined owing to a dispute having arisen as to the land on which the road was to be formed.

Babylon,—Forming and draining 9S$ chains of bridle track at about a mile and ahalf from Otakanini Bridge, Babylon Road, near Hclenville. The following tenders were received :—H. C. Riely, L3S 10s (accepted); D. Donnovan, LSS 5s ; Shank and Co., LSB ; J. Archibald, L 65 ; J. McNaughton. LCO. Lucas Creek, — Constructing Culverts and forming approaches to Lucas Creek and Clover Bridges, Birkenhead and Lucas Creek Road. Fitzgerald and Co., L 52 12s; Frost and Co., L 5 5; Bruntou and Co., L 3 7; Casey, L 52 10s; and W. Stevenson, L 45. Brunton and Cos. tender was accepted.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night. Annual Meeting of Eden Terrace Ratepayers ' Drill-shod—Naval Artillery Parade 7 SO B , l ? c A llt . u^ l Hall-London Circus Company, 8. V - 7 a ?,A°- A - Kooms—Annual Meeting of V.M C. A., Public School. Three Kings - Annual Meeting or Ratepayers of Mount Roskill 7 30 V.M.C. A. Rooms-Waitemata Football Associa tlOll, O. s . . P Chali l e O nge > 7.30f ranSementS ™ W * *•"*** Rota of Justices at 3PoUce Court, May 7—Messrs L. Ehrenfricd and F. G Ewinir ton, . '. '■. Auction Sales To-morrow.' E. Leydon, Arch Hill —Household Furniture and Effects, 1, . D. F. Evans, Wyndham-stveet-Housohold Fur mtuj;eandEfiects, 10,30» ; v 1 -* ul

THE AUCKLAND. EVENING STAR, FRIDAY,- MAY 6, 188?,

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Tho Treasurer of the Women's Home, Parhell bVf's to acknowledge contributions received dming April:--Miss Ilaines £1; Mrs Paton, Epsom, 103 6d ; Mi-s A. Ji. Urquhart, 5s ; Mrs T. H. Webb, 5s ; Arch-- S^ Dudley, £1 ; Mrs J. Aitken Connell £1 The institution is urgently in need of fluids and any subscriptions will be thank- Sy^et^diymenibersof^econn^tee vi/ Archdeacon Dudley, Rev. b. H. b. mipolei Rev. J. S. Hill;. Mrs Cowie, Mrs McCosh Clark, and Mrs Kinder. The Greatest Blessing. — A simple, who have been cured b? it- 'W li- bco



Wicked.for Clergymen.—"l believe it to be all wrong and even wicked for clergy men or other public men tube led into giving testi monials to quack doctors for vile stuits called medicines, but when a really meritorious article is made up oil common valuable remedies known to.all, and that all physicians use and trust in daily, wq should freely commend it. I thercforo cheerfully and heartily commend Hop Bitters for the good they have done me and my Mends, firmly believing they have no equal for family use. i will not be without them."— Ko v. —-, Washington, D.C.U.S.A,



f AUCKLAND BRANCH No 81- Members of 1 he above Branch are requested to uieetat Marist Brothers School at 1 p.m., Sun clay, Bth inst., for the purpose of attending the ceremony of laying-tho Foundation Stone of the Church of the Assumption at Onehunga. RETURN FARES, Is 2d, Special Arrangements for Ladies. P. KEARNKY, Secretary. WEDNESDAY, MAY 11. UNDER BILL OP SALE. On the Premises of Mr Crawford,' Arch Hill, Engineer and Boilermaker, etc. ENGINE AND BOILER by Marshall and Sons, SELF-ACTING LATHE AND DRILLING MACHINE, FARRIERS, TOOLS, STOCKS AND ..DIES, BENCHES AND TURNING TOOLS, MODEL ENGINE, CASTINGS, STEAM GAUGES, RIVETS, BAND-SAW MACHINE, STAY BLOCKS, etc, too numerous to mention. GABRIEL LEWIS Has received instructions to sell onthonrernisoa of Mr Crawford, Aich Hill, npHE WHOLE OP ABOVE GOOD.* JL AS PER BILL OJi , SALE. TERMS CASH f