-T-V i .'•_._• .g-1" remains still exceed" Jlr ■'•.'' and cannot sit up in bed for ,veal''few minutes at a time. He has P» m_M explanation re the mysterious the night when his injury was events f fa friends report him slightly ri*. red- "' d yesterday than on the pre p?#S It seemo that Mr Badger tiollß^.. distinctly getting homeward as .<•. table, having crossed the gully, *?$&» hridgo and stops, in Exmouth- Tie also remembers resting for a -#_t_twice on the road home, feeling meeting °f engineers and iron s 5 held last night, and presided over f.und erS" f r ase", it was unanimously M a "That telegram- bo sent to our 1630 latives approving of the tariff so far i-'^udewas concerned, pointing out alterations; and advising the Go l 8? 5* that many of our bssfc tradesmen Mf ■naior Victoria, where thero. was f9*- ntection for these industries, and }eH« r P r°^,» R was also ..rranged to hold .of^ ptino. to consider matters affect -wre . e!rlp°and to look after the election |SS&vestoth.Hou S a _ P , tion sale by Messrs Hesketh, ■'■fl"Si Co- formerly held in the W-s'*n_ western wings of the market, W&f* and in future be held in fSlt-ral Hall adjoining. This Ir. offers the most commodious ground Jfany auction room in tho city. T » Bk _N-> Butter in half-pound BK«_d'to'thetrale daily by the gpg Company's vans.

TE REMUERA OUTRAGE.

|H p o ii C e Court this morning, three ['■ tablY-dressed youths, named Osborne "Dudley Fountain and Arthur 1 were charged before Mr F. L. Prime ! „n. Purchas, Justices, with placing a Bw_a Rem-era Road, whereby life Hb.were likely to be endangered. ii P He«ke-h appeared for tho defend |Jp_ and Board, and Mr Cotter for illtj on Salf of the defendants fed Board, pleaded guilty, being '.rr.hat a technical oilence had 8. _iSed He asked the Bench Hise its mind. of anything that ■*. --Mired in the papers. lhe irfS these - that the defendants, mm out to St. John's College for ttin connection with a football club _Sh they belonged, and on returning S-lbvsome sudden impulse, removed jtSgateand placed it in the middle »_i-not in an upright position. „ intended to take the gate oil its hinges gjbrw.it;oyer a furze hedge on the trade of the road. It was a heavy S3 two of the lads permitted their m it to -Up, and the others also let it :__. then ran on after their com- PZ= He pointed out that it was g'thf thoughtless act of boys, Wm was no intent on their part to Llife and limb. He asked considera fifflforMs clients on account of their Ii and trusted that a small fine would f«tedl He might mention that his fats informed him that the. defendant Fojntain had nothing to do with the re fill of the gate. .__.,, , . , , Mr Cotter, on behalf of the defendant SB-, pleaded not guilty, and surmised 4i. after Jlr Hesketh's statement the iwould not press the charge against Weant Pratt said that the evidence in ossesionof the police went to show that ■.Bain-was concerned in the afiair. |: to witnesses .had been subpoenaed, but i had cleared out, and he was deter aedtoapply for a remand from week to tek until he secured their attendance. sSi Bench then sentenced the defend- W-'S-Jtebe and Board each to pay a fine m __. costs. Fountain was remanded for ..TO-: .

N.Z. SUGAR COMPANY (LTD.)

Jhe anneal meeting of the above Company is held at the Company's office, at Cus tom, street East,, at noon to-day, twelve shareholders being present. Sir Frederick Maker occupied the chair.

- Tie Secretary read tho advertisement ailing.]., meeting, also the minutes of the last- meeting, which were confirmed. He fa read the directors' report, which, with t_ balance-sheet, was laid before the share -olders. -

I leChairman then addressed the meeting, aMafterreferringtotheres-dtsof past year's operations, he thought that shareholders fig-t have reasonable expectations of fetter returns for the. present year. Be aring to- the Company's Fiji estate, 1_ mentioned that ever thing there -..progressing favourably- After .re *__» Mr D. L. Murdoch, the _ re ft? director, and Mr Nutter as auditor for the ensuing year, a vote of thanks to tlie fetors and officers of the Company termi _!ed the proceedings.

COLLISION IN COOK'S STRAIT.

A.BAR-PJE SERIOUSLY

IN J (.!_£_->.

(tt__-EG_A-H OWN CORBE3PONDENT.)

: •• Welmscton-, this day. piron barques, the West Pvidinj. (Cap-

"from Liverpool, and the Port "sAm (Captain' Watt), from London, * into collision, about mid-day -yester. ..jW-Heheating into Wellington against 'fosh north-westerly breeze. The West Jg.-hichnomes consigned to Johnson f: Co., was, at the time, in Si of Captain Holmes, chief M while the Port Sonachan, which ss! -nder charter to the New Zea ■ rJ"Ppmg Company, was being brought ?ty Assistant Pilot Shillings. The 5. at the time of the occurrence were S^teast of Barretts Reef. The West struck the Port Sonachan on the ™ quarter driving a perceptible hole »,her side above water mark, carry- Jiway several stanchions, damaging two ■Si .and uiishipmng the mizzen boom OTng the sail ■ The West Riding s' 0), -'sustained . little damage her ■gyß. being confined to her figure Wms battered, and her bobstay Neither-, vessel made any H after the collision. Both captains exported the circumstance to the col -2« customs who will hold an inquiry {£&_. the vessels come alongside. Tins || ."* accident to any vessel coming m jj^ftin charge of a pilot for the last

SUDDEN DEATH AT PENROSE.

Mi sudden death is reported to have j, eafee at Penrose yesterday afternoon. ]y .. a Ppear that a man named John by Mr W. Wall, of Pen y^o milking a cow in a shed dropped fi^-.Scotti of Onehunga, was speedily S^.-tmt of course could do nothing. .rS^'is Proceeding this afternoon at %""* residence before Mr R- C. Bar- JKp*- Martin had not been mluife

VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

A meet nc- of persons interested in the Vil nl filMe el?heme^ s 1-t even and lObdiosbS^^fo^ 200 men J.P., r-_-_.]. .1 .....P nr Mr W- Duncan, He IdlmfiW *c proceedings the Sl ing. There & ? ttentl?n to fruit grow fo?air-r Win I lw*ys been a difficulty lino to **. W6re Wil" selves. btain laild f?. them fcSTi^ months d»ce & 2 la v] C, him to bring forward at t Sf Setfcle1 ™^- The rosu_t wls North 1 1? V?IT VI° .ettlemente in S If any Be l.te h\° of ttleirS hadbeea P^ed! affiZ^W ciS ,md ret«med and could nolbee^^fl S£ m by **** wardat „n ' . G.. S. ed them t0 come for um iff _f .** tia. meetin?> ancl «*POW JJI. advlSed thafc' M tsie winter was coming on, no settlers' wives should go down until after the winter was over T?i_ i surveyors were still busy, and he hopSd that more sections would be ready for se lee ™afce,Se eif °f tb° —Icand^ttcs weie engaged making a road to the proposed settlement at Waimamuku. At Victona Valley he had a farm himself lhe natives presented the land to him nine teen years ago. Ho could tell them that there was both good and bad land in that valley JLheie was a metalled road within two miles of the settlement, and the steamor -.lan-man called at the nearest port - Mon gonui, once a week. The land in Victoria V alloy was all open for settlement. In fact all tho Crown land from hero to tlie North Cape was open for selection. One great advantage north of Auckland was the gumfields, out of which men might make a living for themselves right away. There were also good harbours and plenty of water. A man might either dig gum or square railway sleepers. Then there was the, question, of growing fruit. Mr Ballance had offered to supply each settler with fifty fruit trees, if they would trench the ground two foet deep and fence in the trees. Not only that, but he would also appoint a man to go round and prune tlie trees for the first few years. He recommended intending settlers to pay some attention to the production of honey, for it paid well. There was also land in the Waikato open for selection, but he would prefer tlie North to the Waikato on account of the climate.

In answer to one of the audience, Mr Lundon said that he was not paid for giving these lectures.

Mr Buchanan, one of the Waimamuku settlers, came forward and expressed satis faction at the land in the block. It grew puriri and other timber.

A man in the audience named Regan caused an am.oi.nt of interruption, and at last the Chairman warned him that a con stable had been sent for. Amidst cries of "platform" Mr Regan came to the front, and attempted to address the meeting, but was received with roars of laughter. He said that he was a native of Auckland, and was well acquainted with Mr J. Lundon. He said that Mr Lundon was working him self up for Parliament. It was also an acknowledged fact that Mr Lundon kept a public house in Onehunga. (Laughter). Mr Lundon was now trying to form a special settlement, but -what was he doing it for ? Why, he was trying to get into Par liament. (Cheers and cries of " Yes ; we'll put him in.") The speaker was then per suaded to leave the platform. Mr Lundon said that it was true that he wished to get into Parliament, and it was an ambition that all men should have. (Loud applause.) Mr Turtle said he had visited one of the Special Settlements at Waimamuku, near Hokianga Barbour. He also had a look at the gumfields. He thought Mr Lundon. should have been a little more plain in his statements. He found that the eyes of the gumfield had been picked out for the last twenty years. A man might make 30s a week on the gum fields, but that would require his whole time, and then he could not work the land. He also found that there was no store will ing to give credit to the settlers. Mr Lundon said that he referred to the Herekino Block, where he said that the settlers could get credit from the stores. Mr Hodge next came forward, and said that he knew the storekeeper at Waimamuku, and could affirm that he would never have refused food to the settlers. While at Wellington, he had seen 4,000 acres sold at L 2 5s per acre. He had told them to come to Auckland and get the land for nothing. (A voice: Who sent you to Wellington, Billy?) He considered that Auckland land was worth LlO an acre if that 4,000 acres was worth L 2 os per acre A voice : Who paid your expenses to Wel lington ? Speaker : I went by steamer and came back overland. A voice : ___.• Hodge wants to get into Par liament himself.

Mr Turtle stated that Mr Wyatt always had treated settlers well.

Mr Warburton expressed his confidence in the Village Settlements He also spoke in favour of the present Ministry, ex cepting Sir Julius Vogel. He moved, " That this meeting endorses the policy of the present Government in their- Village Settlement Scheme." Mr Regan seconded the motion amidst great laughter. . Mr George Staines also seconded the motion. The motion was then put to the meeting and adopted. Mr Body said that he had taken a section at Hikurangi, and he had never seen better land in New Zealand, He had five acres cleared already, and all he wanted was some grass seed. Mr Lundon said that he would supply prass seed to-morrow. He further explained that if men cleared scoria ground, or drained a swamp they would get paid for it, and it thoy got fern land and improved it they would also get money for it. Mr Ballance had promised him that. - - Mr Body again came forward, and said that he had gone on his section with only 12s Gd, and that he paid his passage, me storekeeper gave him credit for L 6 and he was placed on the road and earned L2_ tor his work. ________________________

R.M. COURT.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.) Judgment yon Plaintiffs. -Judgment was given for the plaintiffs in the following un defended cases:—Lillewall and Co. v. A. McQuillan, claim £40.3s 10d ;J. S. Sperrey v. A. M. Gravatt, claim £2 Os Sd ; J. P- Sperrey v. Potter, claim £117s 2d ; Sharland and Co. v. Jas. Hosio, claim £11 18s. J. W Evans v. Mrs Anderson, claim, il 1/s Sd ; Cranwcll Bros. v. R. C. Laybourne, claim £12 8s Gd ; R. Lamb v. A. McKay, claim £4 ; Arch Hill Brick and Tile Com i.anv v. J. Edmonds, claim £4b - : s ; \ Heldt v. J. V. Shepherd, claim ii 14s Bd; W. Thorn, v. J. Mclnerney, claim, £1 Us 6d ; W Speckling-v. J. Love rock, claim, £1 9s 9d ; F. A. White y.3 ■ H. Jones, claim £6S 6s 3d : A. H. Timb- BhaWß v. F. Woods, claim_i.l_9s.ld_; Upton and Co. v. JR.. g, Bartlett, claim £14 9a Ud; WE. Payne v. \\, Kirkland, claim, £3 Is 3d ; WE. Payne v. H. Elliott, claim £16 Os Gd; W. E. Pavne v. Catterino Cassidy, claim £b lbs lOcl • W E Payne v. W. McKune, claim £5 6s 2d; same v. P; Todd, claim £G 2s Gd ; same v. C. Laugsford, claim £7 13s Id; same v. Mrs Gordon, claim £1 Os scl ; same v -I Gravatt, claim £11 4s 7d ; same v. VV P. -Vilk'lnF, claim £4 lis lOd; same v. -»..u._.d, *,»v. .< •'-_ **.- V-alta: btub

;<•-. „ :'- _.v. ».

SPORTING NEWS.

RESULT ©F TIB-SS EPSO.JI

81.1.8Y,

[reuter's telegram.]

London, May 25. TriE Epsom Summer Meeting was con tinued to-day. Tho following was the re sult of the raco for tho Derby : —

Renewal of the Derby Stakes of SOsovs each, h ft; colts, 9st; fillies, Bst 91b; then three years olds ; about a mile and a half, starting at tho New High Level Starting Post; the owner of the second horse to receive SOOsovs and tlio third 26sovs out of tho stakes—l 93 subs'.

Mr J. C. Harrison's b c Merry Hamp ton, by Hampton—Doll Tearsheet ... 1 Mr M. Dawson's b c The Baron, by Xenophon—Tantrum .... ... • ... 2

Mr John Watson's eh c Martley, by Don caster—Lady Margaret te.

Merry Hampton, the winner of the great race, did not appear in public as a two-year-old, and judging by tho state of the betting yesterday, the result has been a big surprise, and must put a ton of money into the pockets of the English ring. There is every reason to think that Merry Hampton has been carefully "bottlcd-up," for Ids name was, never mentioned in'tho betting on the race during tho winter, and it is only during the last week that he has figured in the quotations.

The Baron, who ran second, has been a very strong favourite from the time books wero open on the race, and ho must have been, backed for tons of money at a very short price. Sinco Enter prise, the Two Thousand Guineas winner, went amiss.backers have had to lay odds on Dawson's colt, and the cable informed us yesterday that his price was ti to 5 on. As a two-year-old The Baron never tasted defeat. His entree into public life was made during the Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, when, carrying 9st, he won a Maiden Plate, but by a head only from Luciano, (Bst 111b) and Penrhyn (9st), who ran a dead heat for second place Noxt he won the Woodeote Stakes at Epsom by a length from the Sir Galahad, who had 31b the best of the weights, tho other runners being of moderate calibre,while at Kempton Park in July, under a 9st Sib burden, he got home by a short head from Cactus (Sst Gib), who, at level weights, iv turn was but a head in front of Isosceles, and his last outing was for tho Astley Stakes at Lewres, when,carrying 9st 71b, he won by three lengths from Canterbury (Sst 111b), St. Mary (9st 31b), being beaten a head only foi- second place. Among the unplaced division were Freshwater (9st 71b) and Florentine, the winner of tho Middle Park Plate, who carried Sst 111b.

Martley, the third horse, started five times last season, winning two races out of the number, viz., Kempton Park Inter national Breeders' Stakes and the Kempton Park Champion Nursery Handicap.

The betting quotations for tho race yesterday were: - 6 to 5 on The Baron, 100 to 15 against Eiridspord, 9 to • 1 Merry Hampton, 100 to 8 Aintree, and 100 to 7 Martley. Enterprise was scratched.

HIPI'ONA.

YESTERDAY'S COURSING.

The Auckland - Coursing Club's meeting, which closed yesterday was marred by only one unfortunate affair—that of the judge's decision in the final round for the Birthday Stakes. According to Judge Henderson, Mr J. Hunt's black dog Sailor Boy, by Welcome Jack—Lady- Nelson, beat Mr P.' Quigley's blue dog Smuggler, by Mornington — Swallow, but it was some minutes before the crowd could believe that that gentleman had pulled out the red flag instead of the white by accident. It was a very near thing any way. Smuggler passed Sailor Boy when closing on the hare, which was a good one, when the hare turned and ran into Sailor Boy's mouth. This was an undecided course, so the dogs had to run again. On the second run Smuggler took the lead and closed on the hare slightly ahead of his op ponent. He then turned tho hare twice, never losing ground, " puss " escaping. In the final round for the Bitch Puppy Stakes, £210s each(lssubscribers)MrT. Macready's Market Lass, by Market Day—Mistletoe, beat Mr T. H. Shove's black bitch Silvia, by Welcome Jack — Valentine, winning easily. In the Dog Puppy Stakes, Mr A. E. Isaacs's black dog Lynnhurst, by Lord Lynn—Lucretia, beat Mr E.Kelly's brindled dog Foul Shot, by Stair Lad—Lady Mc- Grath, leading up, butmissing the killing.

GOLD AT THE BARRIER.

A well-known resident of the Great Barrier Island, who has just arrived in Auckland, informs us that further splendid specimens of gold-bearing quartz have been found at Korotiti, and that Mr Henry Palmer is shortly about te visit Auckland in order to start a company to work the reef. Korotiti is on the east side of the island, and there are three or more reefs of gold-bearing rock, with plenty of water power handy to facili tate operations. We believe the latest specimens aro to be seen on board the South Carolina, cutter, from the island.

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

The meeting of persons desirous of forming a now Volunteer Rifle Corps was fairly attended last evening in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street. The idea was to form a company to replace the recently disbanded College Rifles, and thus increase the elficiencv of the No. 3 Batallion. Mr G. Leahy was voted to the chair. Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon then stated that he had been frequently requested to raise a new corps. He had therefore fQrwarded through Colonel Lyon to the Defence Department a letter asking permission to raise a corps. He had re ceived a reply cordially approving of the plan. He might state that Mr Lawler and himself, had received the names of forty men wlio were willing to be enrolled. They would, no doubt, all have been present at the meeting had it not been for the inclemency of the weather. Mr Lawler was appointed secre tary _m*o tern. After some discussion.it was resolved that a volunteer corps be formed under the name of tho Royal Irish Rille Volunteers. It was further agreed that a deputation should wait upon Bishop Luck and ask him for the use of tho brick room in Pitt-street for a committee room. The meeting was then adjourned until Tuesday, the 31st instant, in order to allow intending members to be present. A vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, after which the meeting closed. Poxson-by ... avals.— The members of the Ponsonby Navals met at the Mount Eden Range on Saturday to fire the third match to decide the winner of the medal presented last year by Mr Peacock. It was won by Pctty-Ollicer Graham, who also won it last year, so lhab.it n.w becomes his own 1 i'#f .^y

OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

Protest by the City Schools

CO-BHsittCC.

Mr Harrison's Letter Indorsed.

The correspondence contained in a letter from Mr Harrison, head-master of Beres ford-street School, on the subject of "removals" amongst the teachers of the public schools, came up for consideration at a special meeting of the City Schools Committeo last evening. Thero were present: Messrs W. Gorrie (in the chair), Crowther, Batty, Blades, Farrell,McMa_ter, Ussher. The correspondence lmving been read, Mr Gorrie referred to the general dissatisfaction caused by in judicious removal of teachers, and to a conversation which he had with Mr Har rison on the subject. He had advised Mi- Harrison to make a protest against the action of the Board in this matter, and also advised him not to allow Miss Greatbach to *go until instructed by tho Commit tee. It was only an accident that this matter _ was heard about, and they lost their efficient teachers without knowing how. The Board had assumed that they could dispose of pupil teachers as they, liked, and he did not know why. Miss Greatbach was one of Mr Harrison's- assis tants. It would be a new departure on the part of the Committee, ancl would mean simply that they would not submit to having pupil teachers removed without con sent of the Committeo havingboenobtained. The instance under notice was one in which a lady was removed from her class, and the Committee had no knowlcdpo that an incompetent teacher would not be put in her placo. Mr MoMaster urged that the schools had repeatedly suffered oy injudicious removals. Mr Blades and other members of Com mitteo asked for information as to the powers of tho Committee under tho Aot, and questioned the possibility of interfer ence. Mr Crowther said that tho Committeo should take the stand that the schools could not be governed by inexperienced pupil teachers. Mr Farrell thought it was a wiso provision that the Board should have control of pupil teachers, and it was for tho Committee to have a voice as to whether removals were detrimental to the schools.

Mr Gorrie quoted from the Act that tho Board had power to appoint pupil teachers from time to time. What the Committee should take action was that teachers, whether pupil teachers or otherwise, should not bo re moved without theconsent of the Committee. He suggested that Mr Harrison's letter be forwarded to the Board with a protest to the Board.

Mr Ussher thought that tho Committee should insist on duly qualified teachers be ing appointed to take the place of good teachers removed. Mr Crow .hor was of a similar opinion. Mr Gorrio moved, " That Mr Harrison's letter on the subject of tho removal of Miss Greatbach be forwarded to the Board, and that the Committee makes protest against the practice of the summary removal without notice of pupil teachers, especially such as are acting as assistant teachers, and that tho Board be requested not to remove Miss Greatbach until a suitable successor is appointed." Mr Ussher seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Standard Examinations. Letters from Mr 1. idler, Inspector of Schools.and from Mr Harrison on the subject of standard examination_,as published in last evening's Star, were also read. Mr Gorrie also read letters from Mr Hart and Mr J. C. Dickison, expressing approval with the sentiments expressed in his letter, and pro mising their hearty support in any effort to change tho present pernicious system of examinations.

Mr Crowther said he did not see tho sickly children referred' to in the city schools, and Mr Gorrie pointed out that it was not in the schools that they were to be looked for. He suggested that the teachers sliould be called together in order that the matter might be fully ventilated.

Mr McMaster spoke of the different ways which th"c inspectors had of conducting examinations, and urged that one would get considerably more results than another. Mr Gorrie said that the fact appeared to bo that Mr T. idler had continued raising the standard examinations, and the other in spectors had been compelled to keep up with him.

Mr Crowther questioned this statement, Mr Blades quoted from the standard examination reports of Beresford-streot School, and said that it was ab.surd that children should pass in such subjects as chemistry, whilo they really did not know the ordinary subjects of arithmetic, geo graphy, etc. He also objected to tho en couragement given to " cram." Mr Gorrie agreed with Mr Blades. Mr Harrison did not make any reflections on the inspectors, and ho did nob think the Committee should do so ;. but he thought the Committee should protest against the syllabus. He attributed the failures in various standard examinations to tho attention given to the " additional " subjects. Ml-Gorrie moved, "That the letter of Mr Harrison be forwarded to the Board, with the request that the subject matter thereof receive the careful consideration of tlie Board, with the viow of moving the Minister of Education to alter the syllabus so as to make the subjects dealt with more in character with requirement- of the primary schools." _ • Mr Blades seconded tho motion, which was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr McMaster, seconded by Mr Farrell, Mr Harrison was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for bringing the matter forward in the manner in which he had done.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

(Before Mr F. L. Prime and Dr A. G, Purchas, J.P.s)

Drunkenness. - Daniel Sullivan (third of fence) was fined Jt's and costs, or in default 14 days' imprisonment. Breach of the Peace.—Jamos Walden and John Martin were charged with be having in such a manner in Customs-street that a breach of the peace occasioned. The defendants pleaded not guilty.—Con stable Addison deposed that yesterday afternoon he observed the two defendants fiflithi _• in Customs-street, while a woman (the wTfe of Martin) was "wiring in" with an umbrella. Neither of the men was drunk. — The defendant Martin was then put into the witness - box, and in reply to questions by the prisoner Walden, deposed that he met Walden yes terday and called him a skunk, a scoundrel, and a thief, because' he (Walden) had "sought opportunities with Mrs Martin" whilewitness was away. Prior to his call in"- Walden these names, his wife had_ ac cused Walden of making accusations against her character, and she had struck him with her umbrella. Walden knocked the woman down when witness struck him, and they fought.—Mrs Martin, wife of the last wit ness gave corroborative evidence. —NY alden said lie had nothing to say. • Martin was discharged, and Walden was fined 40s and Prohibition Order.—R. H. Bartlettwas charged with drunkenness, and admitted the offence.-Mr Buddie, on behalf of the defendant's friends, applied for a prohibi tion, order in the terms of the Licensing Act. He intimated that the defendant himself was desirous of tho order being 'ranted. -The Bench granted the ordor.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(ry telegraph.—special reporter.)

Wellington, this day. The Wa^of-Confidciiee _>el>aic The long expected No-Confidence- Debate commenced yesterday afternoon, and pro" mises to last for some time. The speeches were vory good. Major Atkinson delivered a very telling indictment against the Go vernment, while the Premier's vindication was a capital one. The tone of his speech gave listeners the impression that he looked on the defeatof Governmentandasubsequent dissolution as certain. The debate dragged towards the close of the evening, and the Opposition, stimulated no doubt by the fact that the absentees included more of the Government party than of their fol lowers, showed a desire to take a vote, but the adjournment was agreed to. The galleries were crowded during the evening, although the weather was very inclement. Mr Moss informs me that, much as he dislikes voting with the Government, he does so as the lesser of two evils. • He believes strongly in the reasonable protec tion of home industries and consequent development of our home market as one of the means of advancing the colony. He would not bo a party to turning out a Go vernment pledged to that policy, unless assured that it would be continued by their successors. Major Atkinson's party consisted largely of froo traders, and if he turned out the present Government all hope of pro tection would go with it. Extraction of the colony from its present financial diffi culty was a paramount question. Protec tion was one of the means, but thoy must depend still more on a reduction of the miblic expenditure. They could not hope for that so long as the House was con trolled on both sides by the rump of the old Continuous Ministry, whose mis government and connivance with all kinds of jobs had brought the country into its present position. A dissolution was the only hope. He had offered to support a motion to that effect, but would be no party to keeping the colony as the shuttlecock in a game ot battledore between leaders who had so misgoverned in the past and from whom there was no reason to hope for change or improvement in the future.

Some throe or four members who have hitherto been looked upon as staunch Go vernment supporters have intimated to the Premier that he must not continue to regard them as blind followers, though they will vote with the Government in tho present crisis. Mr Samuel, member for New Ply mouth, is ono of theso. He has always beon a strong advocate for reduction of expenditure especially in tlio education and defence votes, and after the passing of the Wellington University College Bill brought In by the Premier, ho intimated that though he would probably continue to vote with them during tho present session, it would only be for the purpose of prevent ing cho expense of a second session and a winter election, and because he thinks there is little chance of any Ministry that At kinson may form instituting reforms ho favours.

■There is roally no change in the position of parties, though some members arc regarded as doubtful, and with them the balance of power roally lies. Thoy are - Messrs Mills, Garret, Montgomery, Thomp son (Auckland), Reid, and YVi Kateno.

The Opposition to-day claim Taipua and Kateno, in which caso Atkinson amendment will bo carried. A largo number of mem ber,- aro just returned from tho South, in cluding Sir Geo. Grey and Mr Walker (Ministerial whip). Messrs Mills and Reid are now tho only absentees from Welling ton.

From what I can gather, the Government recognise that, even woro thoy to defeat Major Atkinson's amendment, they would bo unable to pass their tariff' proposals..; so that it would be as well for them to accept tlie inevitablo forthwith ancl go to the country. It is quite possible that the debate may be brought to a close this week, though presont appearances do not point to such a contingency. Reduction of Estimates. Movemont is on foot to secure a reduc tion of .500,000 in tho estimates. An attempt will be made to strike out tho vote for the Permanent Force, and thus a sum £100,900 ;to reduce the Education vote by £200,000, and to effect savings in the Justice Department, by abolishing small country R.M. Courts, and in other directions. saorc Trouble Over .he Midlaad JRaiiway. Some surpriso has been occasioned at the delay which has taken place in signing the contract for the construction of the Mid land Railway, and if there is serious ground for the rumour which has been heard in tho lobbies concerning this work during the last few days, this surprise will be intensi fied into grave alarm. It is alleged that im mediately the country had been inspected by Mr Brodie Hoare, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and declared by him to be quite satisfactory, every acre of level land-available for settlement was reserved by the Minister for Mines for mining pur poses, under the provisions of Section 22 of tho Mining Act.' The result of this action is that the Company now re fuse to sign the contract, and it is alleged that unless the proclamation is immediately revoked, the Company will have an arbitration claim against Govern ment, involving something like half a mil lion of money. It is further reported that the contractors for the section which has already been let are now carrying on the work under a guaranteo of payment from the Government. Tax on Theatricals. Mr Beetham intends to ask the Govern ment it they will consider the advisability of following the French system of collect in-- a small tax in stamps on all tickets sold for theatrical and other amuse ments, such tax to be for the purpose of charitable aid. The Knsdish Mails. Captain Smtter is asking for a compara tive return of the number of letters and newspapers carried on the San Francisco and direct mail steamers. New Bills. Notice has been given of the following new bills : Bill to Amend Rating Act, 1882 (Tole), Patents Act Amendment .Bill (Tole), Police Forco Amendment Bill (Bal lance), Bill to Amend Land Transfer (Vogel). Mr. Hobbs is asking for corres pondence respecting the supply of vaccine lymph repeatedly sent to Dr. Caldwell, of the Bay of Islaiids, and which has proved worthless.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

(by telegraph.—OWN correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Cambria. — Cleaning up took place yesterday for tho return ot 3020_5. gold, of which 174- loads of quartz produced 1540-s, and lOOlbs specimens 148ozs. Good payable quartz continues to come to hand, and crushing is proceeding. * Saxon*. —Tho quartz being treated is shaping payably.

Frekzixq Company's ." Shell" Brand Butter in half-pound pats, Sold every where

FIRE AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.

The Inquiry.

'An inquiry took place to-day into tho cir cumstances surrounding the late fire at the Free Public Library Buildings. Dr Philson acted as coronor. Thefollowingjurywereem panolled: Messrs T. McMaster (foreman), C. W. Goodson, J. McCullagh, G. Cruick shank, T. W. Shackleford, and li. H. Finch. Mr Cotter, the city solicitor, appeared on behalf of the City Council. His Worship the Mayor and Crs. Kidd, Phillipps,and Mr J. M. Shera were also present. Detectives Walker and Hughes, and Constable Pvowles represented the police. James Lovell, caretaker of the Free Public Library, deposed that he resided on the premises. On Sunday, the loth inst., tho fire occurred.—By Detective Walker : The City Council last met in the Council Chambers on the Thursday prior to the fire. The councillors left about a quarter to ten o'clock that night. The last persons to leave were His Worship the Mayor, Cr. Kidd and the Town Clerk. Cr. Swales returned just a moment to leave a pencil and was therefore the last person in tlio room. Witness put out the gas im mediately Cr. Swales left and locked the door. Witness was also in the Council Chamber on Friday morning between 10 and 11 o'clock. He was also in the room on Saturday morning. He then locked the door and left the key in the lock. Tbat was about 1.30 o'clock. He turned off the gas at the meter at 10.15 o'clock on Saturday night. There was no sign of fire in the chamber when he was last there. Witness visited the chamber about 12.45 on Sunday, just beforo he went upstairs to his dinner. He only looked in, and did not enter tho chamber. The screen over the archway was composed of three separate pieces of scrim. The curtains were hung from a wire across the archway, the curtains being within 18 inches from the floor. These were always looped back to a nail at the top of the dado. There was a gas burner at each side close to the curtains, it could be swung round under neath tho curtains. Tho councillors' seats were placed in the shape of a norse-shoo in the body of the hall, and the Mayor's chair was at the end under the alcove on a raised

dais. Witness with his wife and son were out on Sunday evening from 4 o'clock until 10, when they returned home and entered by the private door in Coburg street. , Witness had a private key. The Mayor and Town Clerk had each a key of this door. ..Itness was going round the building, and noticed a glare of fire under the door of the Council Chamber. Ho also heard a crackling as of fire. There was no smoke in the corridor. Witness tried tho door, and found it locked and tho key gone. Witness called his son to look out and see if smoke was issuing from the door of the chamber. His son re plied, "Yes; a lot, father." Witness called out for him to bring down an axe, and while he was coming witness got the hose ready. Witness next smashed open the door with the axe, and found the place full of smoke and on fire in two or three places. While witness was breaking open the door, his son telephoned to the Fire Brigade-station, and then witness turned on the water and soon extinguished "the fire. .\'hen witness entered he said that the Mayor's chair, the Town Clerk's table and Cr. Devore's desk were burning. Cr. Trenwith's desk was also injured. Cr. Garrett's desk was totally destroyed. The doors in the corridor leading to the Free Public Library were not fastened during the afternoon. Witness knew nothing about the origin of the fire.

By tho foreman : He felt sure that had any fire been smouldering in the chamber he must have noticed i_ when he looked in the chamber at 12.45. He smoked, but when last in the chamber he did not strike a match. During the afternoon any person might have passed from the Library along the corridor to the Council Chamber.

By Mr Cotter: He was quite certain that ho turned off the burners near the curtains on Thursday night. It was his custom to leave the key in the door of the Council Chamber. There was a separate meter for the gas in the Municipal Offices and Art Gallery. It was that he turned off. The Library had another meter. Wit ness kept the key of the room in which the gas meters were located. He was not quito certain but that the keys of the meter room wero not in the Town Clerk's office at tho time of the fire. The

gas was turned off at the time of the lire, because Mr Crowther sent witness's son to turn off the gas while they were ex tinguishing the fire. He was of opinion that some of the desks and chairs had been moved nearer Mr Philip's chair and table. He did not then notice the Mayor's chair, but afterwards, when the smoke cleared, he saw that the chair had been lifted from its usual place to the front of the table. He could not say whether it had been shifted before or after the fire. The cur tains were completely destroyed ; also two desks, and very nearly a third. On the side furthest from the door the plaster looked as if the curtain had burned in its position. The side nearest the door looked as if the curtain had been removed before it was burned. Witness was positive that he was not smoking in the Council Chamber, as he had left his pipe and tobacco upstairs. He had not since found the key of the Council Chamber. Witness was never in structed to place the key of the Chamber in the Town Clerk's room. Other keys were placed there. Mr Smart, another care taker, was on the premises from 2 o'clock until 6 o'clock on the Sunday when the fire occurred

By Detectivo Walker : Mr Smart left the employ of the Council two clays after the firo Witness's son saw Mr Smart in the corridor twenty minutes past two o'clock on the day of the fire. Mr Smart had merely come up to ask for an " Observer " that was in the Town Clerk's room, and had been asked for in the newspaper room. William Covert, assistant Librarian, de posed that he resided at the North Shore. The Library was open from 2 till 9.30 o'clock on the Sunday in question. He was present all the time. Miss Braithwaite, the lady assistant, was also in attendance. He did not think either of them was up the cor ridor that afternoon. On that day he saw two men and two or three boys go along the corridor. That was the first time he had seen 'the public along thero on Sunday. He did not see them come back again, as he did not wait. That was at different times between 2 o'clock and 7 o'clock. The two men went down to gether—the boys at various times. He also saw Mr Smart and Mr Lovell's son along the corridor.

Albert Devore, solicitor, also Mayor of Auckland, residing in Ponsonby, deposed deposed that he was present on the night of the fire. Ho presided at a meeting on the evening previous to the fire, and left about 10 o'clock; He was the last of the Council lors ih the room. While witness was pre sent Lovell came in and turned out the side lights. Witness had remainod behind to sign cheques. He asked Lovell to leave the chan delier in the centre of the chamber burning. He did not think from the construction of the room that a fire there would be likely to extend to the other parts of the building. It was brick and plaster with an iron roof. That room was the most isolated in the building. He thought it was possible that an incendiary might choose that room, as it was the only one in which a fire might burn for a long time without being noticed. The room had no windows ancl no ventila tors. He had never seen Councillors smoking in that room. The floor was covered with linoleum. It was not in flammable. Ho cried r.he serin., .;• ■ •'.".:>' thaiM* would .laovWfl' '_3< 4 ..i_m -ir• .i.ci

then go out. He also tried the linoleum, and found that it would not burn. He always kept the keyof, theCoburg-street grivate entrance in his pocket. The Town lerk and caretaker each had a duplicate key. He noticed that there was neither cinders nor ashes beneath where Crs. Davies and Garrett should have stood.

By Mr Cotter : Witness was also in the Council Chamber on, the Saturday morn ing previous to the fire, about 11.30 o ( clock. He feared that the fire was the work of an incendiary. John Hughes, superintendent of the Fire Brigade, deposed that he was present at the, Are. He removed some of the fur niture in the vicinity of the fire. He knew the positions before the fire. He found that the three chairs had been placed all in a heap, near the doorway. The Mayor's chair was in its usual place on the platform Witness removed the chairs that were to gether. They were partly burned. The fire was still burning when witness arrived, and the chairs were standing near the edge of the room. Witness moved the Mayor's chair and tore out the seat, as it was on fire. In a room like the Council Cham ber, with no draught, lie would think that it took two hours to burn through the joints of the floor if it burned from the top. He thought that one of the curtains must have been pulled down. The other had burned as it stood in position. Detective Walker deposed that he made an examination of tho premises. Did not notice any smell of kerosene. He found that the bolt of the lock was shot. He thought that a fire smouldering on those boards would take at least twenty-four hours to burn through .the joists. There was no means by which the fire could have been started from under neath, as the walls came right down to the ground. He also considered that the Council Chamber would be the last room in the building, which an incendiary w mid choose for the purpose of burning it down. He considered that the curtain must have been fired by some person who had used the gas jet on Saturday night. The Verdict. This concluded the evidence. The jury, after retiring a few minutes, returned the following verdict, " We believe the fire to have been the work of an incendiary, but there is no evidence to show by whom."

VISIT OF THE OTAGO FOOT BALLERS.

A private letter received here to-day states that the Otago Footballers come to" Auck land in August. The team will be a very

strong one.

THIRD EDITION.

ARRIVAL OF THE THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Swift Passage of The Mariposa

The R.M.S. Mariposa arrived from San Francisco at 3.45 p.m. She left San Francisco on May 6, at 4.41 p.m. Experienced fine weather, with heavy swell, to Honolulu. Arrived at that port May 13, at 5.30 a.m., and left at 2.46 p.m. Expe rienced fine weatjier remainder of voyage. On May 20, at 12.30 p.m., stopped "off Tutuila ten minutes, to exchange mails. Arrived at Auckland May 26, 3.3 p.m. Passengers'for Auckland—G. F. Vaughan, Mrs F. G. Franch, Major H. C. Dune, A. Greenwood, W. E. Terry, and 9. steerage. Time San Francisco to, _ Auckland, °18 clays 13 hours 1 minute ;'Honolulu to Auck land, 12 days 13 hours 7 minutes.

Passengers for Sydney :—Madame Amy Sherwin, Robert Searle, J. R. Walter, John F. Rhodes, J. C. Carr, J. R. Cowell, J. C. E. Knight, Miss A. M. Johnson, Captain 0. Yon Muhlbach, S. Learmouth, A. C. Giddings, wife, and servant, Thos. Searle and son, Jas. Cooper, wife, and servant, Mrs R. Nalle, M. Iludlee, and 21 steerage.

LATEST POLITICAL NEWS.

The No-Confidence ©ebate

The Government Prospects.

Wellington, this day, 4 p.m,

The Opposition whips declare the state of the card as pricked to be : For the Go vernment, 42 ; for the amendment, 47; doubtful, 5. Ministerialists say their posi tion is improving as the debate progresses, and they expect the division to be very close.

SHIPPING NEWS.

Hobart, this day. Arrived this morning : S.s Waihora, from the Bluff. Rio de Janeuio, this day. The s.s. Arawa left this morning for Plymouth. Her cargo of frozen meat is in good condition.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Choral Hall—Benefit Concert to Mr C. Hemus, Abbott's Opera House—" Uncle Tom's Cabin " b. City Buffet, Queen-street— American Midjjetand Circassian Youth, t to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m. Victoria-street East-" Thauma," 7 to 10 p.m. Oddfellows' Hall, Devonport—Meeting 're Devonport Free Library and Young People's Temperance Hall—Mr Hodge on " Representa tives at Wellington,"7.3o. V.M.C.A. Rooms-Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Auckland Tabernacle—Pastor T. Snurceon will preach, 7.30. _>P-igeon

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur & Buddie-Weekly Poultry ancl Pro duce Sale, 11. Hunter & Nolan, Durham Yards - Horses W. J. Dowden—Weekly Produce Sale, 11. E. Leydon-Produce, Furniture, &c, 11. S. Cochrane & Son-Cretonne and Tapestry Suites, Brussels Carpets, Wardrobes, &c 11 HFra ei. h&c Ai l-en' & Co--Poultrs r. Produce, B. Tonics &, Co.-Fruit and Merchandise. 11 • Auckland Racing Club's Winter Privileges, 12. Paget & Icalston—Produce, Furniture, &c. IP 31. ... P.u-1.1an.1. Raj-market-Ponies. Colts,' uiic.

Villi; J. >>„.,„..,. 1-,1,,,.,-n >

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

may -.--Messrs (J. King and S. Kochfort.

TM rATJCKLIND'''EyENmQ' STAK, 1 -THCRSDAY^MAT^eriSsr



TN BANKRUPTCY. IN THE COURT OF BANKRUPTCY HOLDEN AT AUCKLAND. In thp matter of tho " Bankruptcy Act 1.53, and the amendments thereof and of the bankruptcy of Ernest Hill. Notice is _i_.i_i.by given that I, Ernest I.". 1. «»'- Mount Eden in the Provincial District of Auckland, Settler, have this day filed in the said Court at Auckland, a petition to bo adjudged a Bankrupt. Dated this 26th day of May, 1887. ERNEST HILL. Joseph Blades, Vulcan Lane, Auckland, Solicitor for the Bankrupt.