CZrttte Burton Bros., th© well-known j one photographers of Dunedin, an l ßl1 * in another column their wish to nOU D p 8 suitable agent in Auckland for jSJell-known goods. «*« Ponsonby Choral Society closes its (.season with the performance of frjiV'Messiah" in All Saints' school. &T to-morrow evening, Mr T. Tallis r^ m _ ol] 0 f course, acting as conductor. X will be a full orchestra under the Th f«hiDofMrC. Hemus. The soloists leß ,f he the following.:-Mrs Upton, Mrs Yt -Mrs Prime, Mrs Bartley, Mrs Edger, V < Judson, Miss Barnes and Messrs !f e3 C. Taylor, Carder, Prime, and £ al -V The programme comprises 37 Ser's from tho oratorio. Tn another column may be found a pro mine of the " Flower Queen," to be per ffflied in the Choral Hall to-morrow svidav) night. Tlie singers are mostly •ked voices from the district schools of ■fnckland, who havo been trained by Mr rvanwell The music is bright and very _«ing. bein S in two and three part - The Lh clear voices of the young singers has a miliar charm, which will be enhanced by ihe surroundings, for the stage will be decorated with trees and flowers to repre sent a scene in tho forest, where v person Lontented with the world seeks retire ment from "s cares. The tlowers meet to Sect their Queen, when the Crocus, Dahlia, Snnflower, Hollyhock, etc., each sing 0 i their peculiar charms and aspire to the crown.wbich is ultimately given to the Pose. The recluse learns from the flowers lessons 0 f love and duty, and resolves to return 0 iv to usefulness and contentment among Msfellows. The soloists who represent the various flowers aspiring to the crown are Ijch to bo dressed wibh the tlowers they oersonify- In the coronation scene, the tjneen will be crowned with a wreath of roses. ■ Jlr A. G., Daniells returns to-morrow morning, by the s.s. Clansman, from Rus gijl Through pressure of business, he was nreventedleavingtheKaeo district till to-day On-his return, services will be conducted as usual. The tent season will commence about the New Year.

_ cricket match was played yesterday between a picked team of Thames players and the Mohawk Minstrels team, when the latter proved easy victors. This makes the fourth match -won in the cricket field by the Mohawks in the course of their New Zealand tour, and they hav o not a sn, S'^ e game. A cricket match between the Mohawks and the United press of Auckland is on the t&vis. The Minstrels are doughty athletes, for of a dozen football matches played by them last season they succeeded in winning ten, one being lost and thfi other drawn.

The following sums were received during the month of November for the Women's Home:—Mrs Chapman, £1; Archdeacon Govett, £1 ; Mrs Dawson (Mount Eden), £l;Mrs Beck, £1; Miss Thorp, ss; Mrs Katterns, ss; Mrs Payne (Thames), ss. Collected by Mrs Payne: Mrs Simcock, Is; a Friend, 4s; W. Bobbett, ss; Captain Wildman, .CI Is; Mr Allom, 2s 6d; Mrs Home, 2s 6d ; Miss _aselden, 2s ; Mrs Martin Lush, 10s ; Mrs Peter Lamb, 2s 6d ; Mrs L. J. Bagnall, 2s 6d* Rev. F. G. Evans, £1: collected by ,"__s Skinner, £1; Mrs Norbury, 2s ; Mr ' Doonin, £1; Onehunga Friend, £1; Mrs E. V Cox, £1 Is ; Mrs Cowie, £1 ; Mis Heywood, 5s ; Miss Dixon, ss; Mrs 11. Williams (Pakaraka), £1; Miss Wealc, 5s ; Mrs Shaw, £1; Mrs Forbes, £1; offering, St Andrew's Day, 4s 9d ; H.L., £1. The following gifts havo also been received : — Crockery, from Mrs J. L. Wilson ; baby clothes and swing, from Mrs Harris ; cloth pieces, &c, from Mrs G. P. Pierce ; books, from Mrs Scaly ; dresses, from the Misses Tripp; and a useful present from Miss Roskruge. Any contributions, however small, in money, clothing, or household re quisites, will be thankfully received by members of the Committee :—Archdeacon Dudley, Rev. J. S. Hill, Rev. G. H. S. Walpole, Mrs Cowie, Mrs MeCosh Clark, and Mrs Kinder.

We would remind our readers of the Christmas tree and concert, in aid of St. David's Presbyterian Sunday-school to be Jield in St. Sepulchre's school-room, Symonds-sfcreet, commencing at 4 p.m. this afternoon, and also to-morrow at the same hour. A concert will take place each evening, and will be under the con dnctorship of Mr J. If. Edmondes. As the articles are numerous and varied, parties patronising this gathering may rely upon getting the value of the small charge made -for admission. 1 Holy Trinity Church, Devonport, was the scene of a very pretty wedding yesterday afternoon, the bride being Miss Hetty Phil cox, eldest daughter of Mr W. Philcox, the Well-known builder, and the bridegroom beiiuMr George Johnstone, eldest son of Mr George Johnstone, manager of the South British Insurance Company. The bride, who was attended by five bridesmaids, viz., Misses Philcox (2), Johnstone (2), and Bartley, was, of course, given away by her father. She wore a beautiful dress of cream silk and the usual veil and orange blossoms, whilst the bridesmaids looked very pretty :|n cream Indian lawn dresses tastefully trimmed with lace, pale blue and pale pink wreaths and veils, and with bouquets tomatch in their hands. The Rev. J. Bates wan the officiating clergyman and the service wan Ml choral. Mr A. Bartley presided at the organ, and played the "Wedding March" as tbe party left the church, which, Heedless to say, was crowded. The happy pair have left for the Waikato to spend their honeymoon. At a special meeting of the National In surance Company held at Dunedin yester day, the resolutions passed at the annual meeting to open a share register in London and Australia were confirmed. The chair man said that during the first six months any shareholder could have 25 per cent, of the Bhares transferred to the London register, but after that they would be dealt With by priority of application.

We have received from the publishers a Wpy of "The Australasian Shorthand Jour- M" an interesting work conducted by Messrs Stotfc and Hoare, of Melbourne. It JB neatly got up and well lithographed, and toe contents are of a more entertaining de scription than the news contained in the {binary phonetic publications. The Decem w number, which is now before us, opens ism the record of an extraordinary feat by reporter, who wrote at the rate of 250 words per minute for five consecutive to»nutes,andafter this follow a large number f short and newsy articles of general ln |SP& The subscription is only six '■""togs per annum, and the work should J-fnmand a large circulation, especially in .W colonies.

' The " Bay of Plenty Times" says : '' The Mentis a bad time, for the dairy farmer Probably never before has •W produce been at such a low ebb. in Australia and the South Island wholesale iMare down to 4d and 5d a lb for butter, fl* at this season of the year there is little fospect ofanv improvement. At such a «ure a most important piece of news M »>eß from Manawatu. From that distncb •shipment of butter and cheese was sent nome,andthe results are highly satisfac ■,?T.-' The butter realised ll.d per lb in mm giving the producers, free ol Jfgea, 9d per lb. The cheese realised 60s m cw b, or 5d net per lb to the exporter, "ere is every p ro specfc of these prices mS maintained for a time for <_ *_% good article. This points '"Ji-.Jhe London market as the it?** which will relieve the dairy farmer, iff «c cool chambers of the direct steamers jjg.wd cheese can be sent with Bmu* 6 makin g your purchases inspect ■;J™g'and Caughey's immense stock ot fining and gent's mercery. [Advt].

_ A grand concert under the conduct of Mr T. Tallis Trimnoll will be given in the Choral Hall this evening for the benefit of 'Our Boys' Rest/ Tho programme has been advertised, so that there i 3 no need to enumerate the items which figure upon it. Suffice it to say that the pieces and the performers' names set opposite them afford promise of a very enjoyable concert, and that those who patronise it will have the added satisfac tion of knowing that they are contributing to the success of a very deserving and philanthropic movement.

At the monthly Committee meeting of the Political Financial Reform Association held on Monday evening last, a length v report was submitted, reviewing the operations of the society since its formation six months ago. Obligations are expressed to Sir W. Pox and the Auckland members of the House of Representatives ; and re ferring to the measures of retrenchment al ready passed the report continues :—" Your Committee are fully alive to the fact tliat still larger savings are imperatively required than can be made this session, and great abuses in the administration of public a flairs still call aloud for reform. The Com mittee cannot help deploring the grea*i loss of time that lias arisen, aud the consequent expenditure of the taxpayers' money,at the delay in passing through the House of Re presentatives the various Acts required to give practical effect to the proposed reduc tions. Whilst so far gratified with what has been accomplished, your Committee look forward to still greater reductions by the re-organisation of the Civil Service, and still further economies may be effected. Abundant reason and tho fullest justifica tion have been shown for the agitation that existed and remains in full force. From the disclosures in the publication of official documents, and the discussions that havo taken place in Parliament, an imperative necessity exists for public attention being kept directed to the mode in which the public funds are spent in future. Iv con clusion, the Committee regret, notwith standing the strongest protest on the part of the public throughout the colony, that the system of indisciminately granting pensions, or compassionate allowances, continues to be rife in a time of deep de pression, and it is to be hoped that the abuses undoubtedly existing under this head of Government expenditure may be the subject of careful and earnest examina tion by the present administration, or will engage the attention of t!<>3 House of Re presentatives during the next session of Parliament."

The "Northern Wait-on Gazette," after an existence of several years,ceases publi cation afc the end of the present month. For the last two years the paper has been very spiritedly conducted by Mr F. 11. Whitcombc, whose facile pen and zeal in the collation of news have rendered ib a very readable journal. The residents of the Wairoa will greatly miss it. The "Gazette" and "Northern Advocate" (Whangarei) were the main contributors to tho success of Mr It. Thompson in the last contest, for Marsden.

The Caledonia Social Committee an nounce that their opening assembly will be held to-morrow (Friday) evening nt the Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road. A large number of ladies and gentlemen have intimated their intention of being present, and casual visitors will also be admitted, if introduced by a member, on payment, of 2s Gd each. Mr J. Fotheringham, who is to act as M.C., is well qualified to assume the direction of Scottish dances.

Mr A. M. Carter, surgeon dentist, had a narrow escape from' drowning afc Ponsonby one evening recently. Mr Carter had been over to Birkenhead in a sailing boat in company with Mr Knight, aud after returning be went off in a dingy to moor the larger craft. The weather being bois terous the dingy capsized nnd tliew Mr Carter into the water. Ho had a severe strnggle in his efforts to regain tho shore, and only succeeded after having been in the Mater for nearly an hour.

The first meeting of the creditors of Emanuel Oliver, watch-maker, took place this morning at 11 and was attended by Messrs Dowden. Kohn, Woodroffe, Scott, .1. Lynch, and!'. Lynch. Ifctraiispired that the total liabilities amounted to £97 16s 7d but that the.largest creditor £51 12s Id) to gether with creditor for i' 4 15s had with drawn leaving only£6l9s 6d Mobilities to the bankrupt desired time with tho view of paying off the amount in full, i- was resolved upon the motion of Mr P. Lynch, seconded by Mr Scott, " That, Mr Oliver bo allowed the time asked for, viz., six months, provided he pays in not less than £6 per month."

THE RAILWAYS BILL.

FUTILE ATTEMPTS AT RE-

COMMITTAL

MR THOMPSON AND VAILE'S RAIL

WAY SCHEME.

(by telegraph.—own reporter.)

Wellington, this day.

Tins measure has now been finally passed by the Lower House, and although it effects a complete and radical change in the whole system of railway management, there has been less time devoted to its consideration than was wasted on any one of the half dozen absurd and useless arguments in the earlier part of the session. The bill having passed through Committee in five hours, ex tending from midnight till five o'clock yes terday morning, was brought up yesterday afternoon for third reading. Mr 1. Thomp son sought to have the bill recommitted in order that he might move an amendment makino- it compulsory that there should be a trial of Vailo's system on the Auckland lines M r Fish supported the recommittal, and iiro-od that the bill had been too hastily rushed'through the House yesterday morn ins? by a large Government majority. It wasexplainedthatthemajoritywascomposed of members from both sides of the House. Mr Fish also declared thafc £1,500 was not sufficient for the Chief Commissioner, and that this rate of payment was part of a cheeseparing policy. Mr Levestam also had several amendments to propose, and Mr Wood wished to limit the compensa tion payable in cases of accident. The motion for recommital was however, lost by 12 to 21. The third reading wa- agreed to on division by 56 to 18. A Useless Discussion. Before the Railways Bill was passed, Mr T Thompson took the opportunity of re ferring to the fact that, a number ot Anok and members had broken pledges given at the election that they would support the proposal for a trial of the Vaile railway FXmie He had done his best to secure a trial of the system, and complained that he had received no assistance from the members who had given very strong pledges on the mMcX including Major Jackson and Mr Whvte Major Jackson subsequently as serted that he had done his best to assist the scheme.

DASTARDLY OUTRAGES.

(BY TELEGRAPH. -PRESS ASSOCIATION )

Napier, this day.

A series of dastardly outrages on horses <•« Mr. A Brvan of Napier have belonging to Mr A. iwya i been committed during the past few nights.. Tiro horses had their eyes put out and a third was severely cut on tho side.

AUCKLAND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL.

LOST AND WON.

SOME SHARP WHIPPING.

(BY TELEGRAPH. — OWN REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. One of the most exciting fights of the session took place yesterday afternoon, on the motion for the third reading'of the Auck land (.ibis'High School Bill, and the measure was only saved from destruction by most energetic lobbying' of a number of Auck land members. The expectation thafc there would be no further opposition to the bill was not justified by subsequent events. When the motion was made for the thud reading of the bill, Col. Fraser expressed tho hope that Government would nofc go further with the measure, which, I may explain, makes provision for the raising of money for the construction of the Girls' High School at Auckland. Ho declared that the reserve in question had been set apart for tho purposes of primary educa tion. Mr Tunibuil took a similar view of the matter, and said the reserve was of con siderable value. It contained thirty million feet of the finest kauri in the colony, and the royalty upon it would be at least £30,000. In any case a clause should be introduced to provide thafc any sum over £5,000 should be handed over for purposes of primary education. He moved that the bill be read that day six months. The question was then delated at some length. Mr Taylor declared that £30,000 was too much to give when primary schools were about to be sacrificed to the expediency of the times. Mr Peacock asked the House not to post pone the bill, and asserted that there was no doubt whatever that Government had set apart this reserve for the Girls' High School, and not for primary education. Jlr Moat explained the circumstances under which the land was given. He said that the present building was more like a dungeon than a school, and all former Ministers of Education bad said that it was a disgrace to Aucklaud to have such a school for girls.

Mr Fish said this was an attempt to de prive the people of their privileges by seek ing to absorb the whole of a primary educa tiun reserve.

Mr Goldie pointed out that the bill had passed the House last year as part of the Special Powers and Contracts Bill. The reserve had never been set apart for primary purposes, though by some mistake ifc had been so gazetted. * The Chairman of the Education Board had wired liim : "Girls' High School Reserve is vested in the Board, who hold the certificate of title under the Land Transfer Act as an endowment for the Girls' High School. Mistake iv 'Gazette' has probably arisen from the school being under the control of the Board of Education, there being no separate Board of Governors." Mr Monk also supported the bill, and said that the value of the reserve had been over estimated. The Hon. Mr Fisher said thafc ifc must bo evident to the mind of every impartial person that the intention from the beginning was to reservo this en dowment for the Auckland Girls' High School. Some mistake had been made in adding words " for primary purposes'" to the proclamation. He denied any attempt to conceal the facts of tho case. Sir Geo. Grey had supported the proposal to get the reserve for the Girls' High School, but after investigation of tho whole of the correspondence, had come to the conclusion that the reserve was intended for primary pur) loses. Major Atkinson denied thattherescrve wa.s ever intended for a primary education re serve. He therefore hoped the bill would bo passed. Mr Peacock gave an assurance thafc in event of tho reservo being worth more than £5,0C0, the balance should be de voted to primary education purpose*. The motion for the third reading of the bill was then put, and a close division resulted in the motion for tlio third reading of the bill being lost by 32 to 30. The only Auckland members who voted against the bill were: Sir (ieorge Grey, Colonel Fraser, and Mr Graham. Those who voted for it were: Messrs Goldie, Hamlin, Hobbs, .Jackson, Kelly, Lawry, Mit chelson, Moat, Monk, Moss, Peacock, Taiwhanga, R. Thompson, T. Thompson, and Withy. When the Speaker announced that the motion for the third reading was lost the countenances of Auckland members were astounding, and it was evident they were very keenly disappointed. Their faces, however, cleared when the Speaker gave the measure another chance by put ting tho question, " That this bill be read this day three months." The voices were taken, and a division called for by Mr Goldie. Then was witnessed some of the smartest; and most determined lobbying of the session. Several Auckland mem bers, including Messrs Monk, Hobbs and Lawry, made a hasty exifc from the House in search of possible votes from members who had not recorded their votes. Messrs Thompson and Peacock made a bee line for the bench on which Sir George Grey and Mr Graham sat, and opened an argumentative assault on their batbferies, while Mr Goldie made the best of the few minutes available in striving for converts, etc. The time was an anxious ono, and when the bell ceased ringing the scouts for tlie bill bad broucht in Messrs Whyte, G. F. Richardson, Pyke, and Pearson to the as sistance of their party, while on the other hand Mr Fraser had secured the votes of Messrs Buxton and Cadman in opposition ro the bill. The lobbyists in tlie Chamber had, however, been very successful, and had won over to their cause Messrs Graham, Beetham, Ross, and Hodgkinson ; Sir G. Grey was, however, obdurate. Messrs Downie Stewart and Hamlin, who had voted on different sides, walked out. The question that the bill be read this day six months waa negatived on division by 36 t029. Sir Ju'ius Vogel, who had voted against the measure, took exception to the manner in which the Speaker bad put the question, and said it was really thrown oub by the first division, and a second division should nofc have been taken. The Speaker thought otherwise. The position now was that although the bill had been saved, it would not be passed thafc day. Mr Fisher there fore gave notice that he would move the third reading to-day. The Auck land members are now whipping hard for the success of the measure. They are annoyed afc Sir G. Grey's action, as the bill would have been carried if he had voted for it, the Speaker's casting vote beiti" certain in tlie event of a tie. How evei-°having thrown out the Wellington, Bill the Auckland measure has a very poor chance of getting through.

A MYSTERIOUS CASE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Napier, this day. Mark McCalltjm, storekeeper for Scott and McLean of Wimbledon, near Wainui, disappeared from the latter place last Friday with £300 in his possession. Hi s horse with saddle and bridle has been found on tho Parangnhau Ranges. Ifc is surmised thafc McCallum has committed suicide. In formation has been laid for embezzlement and a warrant issued for bis arrest.

At tho setting in Banco on Wednesday nexfc an application for new trial will be made in the case of Rhodes v, Kerr regard ing the incandescent light business,

SHOCKING FATALITY.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Hamilton, this day,

A fatal accident occurred at Te Awamutu last evening, by which a boy named Wm. Miller, 7 years of age, lost his life. The de. ceased asked some boys who were riding a pony in turns, for a ride, and after mount ing, the horse bolted, throwing the lad near the Wesleyan Church, and dragging him down the street, and across Alexandra Road, the horse jump ing a wire fence near Ryburn's store. The boy, when picked up,'was found to have sustained frightful wounds on the back of the head and over the eye. He died in about 20 minutes. The deceased's foot is supposed to have caught in the stirrup-iron. Much sympathy is felt for his poor mother, who is a widow. _~^»£#r -SM~t*__

SPORTING NEWS.

The A.X.C. Summer Electing 1 .

Good useful work was got through at Ellers lie this morning. Nelson went twice round on the tan at three-quarter pace, and showed no signs of unsoundness on pulling up. Cannon was sent the Cup distance at his best pace. He tired greatly afc the finish. Sextant negotiated two miles, the first part of the journey being done at half pace, when the pace was improved to almost top. The son of Robinson Crusoe went freely and well. Isaac went three three times round on the grass at a useful pace. Capella and Antelope were sent once round afc their best pace, the gallop being a good one. Lady Norah strode over two miles, the firsb mile being accomplished alone, when she was picked up byCinuerella, who appeared to have a lot the worsfc of ifc at the finish. Tetford was again absent from the track, and it is said he has gone amiss.

Nominations for Pukekohe Races close on Saturday next, 17th inst., and not to-day as erroneously stated in a former issue.

Acceptances for the Racing Club Handi cap and Derby, and general entries for the Auckland Racing Club Summer Meeting, close to-morrow night.

LATEST POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(TSY'TELEGKAPH. —PARLIAMENTARY

reporter. )

Wellington, this day The General Post Office

It may be necessary to call for fresh tenders for tlie re-building of the General Post Office at Wellington,in consequence of defects in the specifications under which tenders were invited some months ago. In the meantime Government will not disclose tho name of tho lowest; tenderer or tho amount. Denominational Education. On the question of State Aid to Roman Catholics tho Education Committee report thab as the question is at present under consideration of Parliament tbo Committee have no recommendation to make. Absent Legislative Councillors. The question of the alleged forfeiture of the seats of six members of the Legislative Council was broached in that Chamber yesterday afternoon by the Hon. MrTaiaroa, who applied for information on the subject as a matter of privilege, and called atten tion to the newspaper reports of proceedings in tho Houso of Representatives. The only response elicited by his query came from tho Speaker, who read an authority on the subject laying down the prin ciple that " Whatever matter arises con cerning cither House of Parliament ought to bo discussed and adjudged in tho House to which it relates, and not elsewhere." Mr Samuel tells me he bases his ground for taking action respecting absent Councillors on the judgment of the Privy Council, in the Attorney-General for Queensland v. Gibbon, on appeal from a determination of the Legislative Council. Postal Rjiforimr. On Friday, Mr Joyce will ask the Go vernment if they have read a report from Sir William Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G., of his attendance as the representative of this colony at the Colonial Conference held in London in May last, or any recommenda tions from him as to the result of such visit to Europe in the direction of postal reforms and reciprocal tariff treaties with foreign nations. Land Boards. Tbe Land Boards will be elected as soon after the Ist of January next as possible, the present members continuing to hold office till the elections are completed. Of four elective members, County Councils will appoint three and Boroughs one. San Francisco Mall Service. The Cabinet have determined to ask the House to renew the San Francisco mail ser vice, but on what terms is n jt definitely de cided. Land Districts. The Minister for Lands proposes to in sert a new clause in the Land Bill in Coun cil, making the boundaries of the registra tion and land districts of tbe following dis tricts coterminous : —Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Otago and Southland. The lowest tender for rebuilding the General Post Office w-as £14,500, but. the Minister considers the original specification faulty, and the probabilities are that a vote of £17,000 will be placed on the supple mentary estimates for the work, and new tenders invited. Educational Reform. The Education Committee will present an interim report. This afternoon they re ported that in consequence of the evidence not being all to hand, and the shortness of time at their disposal to consider such a large question, they are not in a position to make any report this session,but recommend that a similar Com mittee should be again set up next session, when there would be time to take any further evidence necessary to give full consideration to the question and make an exhaustive report; that pending such re port it would be inadvisable at present to seriously interfere with the education system. An Extraordinary Step. On the question of considering the report from the Rabbit Nuisance Committee, the extraordinary fact has been elicited that the Stoub - Vogel Government not only after the country had declared against them, bub only two days before their successors were sworn in, gave to a firm afc Wellington an order for some £4,000 worth of rabbit fencing material, without advertising or calling for tenders, or in any of the usual ways inviting such applications as would even have enabled the country to benefit by ordinary trade competition. Mr Allen brought under the notice of the House the fact that at least one firm of manufacturers in the colony, namely, Faulkner, of North-east Valley, Dunedin, was in a position to sup ply the material in quantity, ab prices-as low, if not lower than it could be imported for.

Tho " Ausbralasian Union Shipping: Gazette," tho official organ of the Federated Soamen'a Union of Australasia, for the first week of the present month, contains a large amount of interesting and useful news relating to the shipping interests, both Australian and Now Zealand.

SUPREME COURT-THIS DAY.

This Day.

r Clyil Sessions.

(Before Mr Justice Gillies.'-

At 10 a.m. this morning the December Civil Sittings of the Supreme Court com menced. Action fop. _>aMa__s. —Edward Clay v. Robert Wigmore, action to recover £1,250 damages for libel.—Mr Edwin Hesketh stated that this case had been settled.

Damages for Illegal Distraint. —Jamv,s Carleton v. Albert M. Shepherd and others. —This was an action for £500 damages for illegal, distraint.—Mr Browning appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Buckland appeared for the defendant Bush. — Mr Buckland took a preliminary objection on the ground that each of the defendants had not been served. Ho quoted authorities and asked His Honor to dismiss the action, or else ad journ the case until nexfc session, mean while the other defendants to be duly served.—Mr Browning stated that the plaintiff only claimed judgment against Mr Bush in tho present instance.—-His Honor held that the case had no right to be set down for trial, as the claim was against the defendants jointly instead of severally. He could not give judgment upon that claim against one defendant. — Mr Browning then asked permission to amend the statement of claim.—His Honor said that certainly it could not bo amended to be tried at this sitting. It would be better to adjourn it to the nexfc sitting of the Court. —The case was accordinglyadjourned until the next Civil sittings. The question of costs was reserved until the case came on for trial.

The Foley Will Case.—Samuel Jack son, junior, v. Alice Maud Foley—an action for probate in the will of Frank William Foley.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared on behalf of the plaintiff, and Mr C. E. Button and Mr W. J. Napier for the de fondant.—Mr Cooper applied to have the case taken after the vacation. He said that the action was taken on behalf of Mr Samuel Jackson, the executor under the will, tho defendant being the widow of the deceased. The application for adjournment had been made upon some what singular grounds, and he thought that these grounds were suflicienb to warrant the application being granted. Mr Samuel Jackson, although executor under the will, was nofc otherwise interested in it. The real person interested was Augustus John Foley, of Enfield, Middlesex, England, who was absolutely entitled to the property in the estate exoepting a life interest during the widowhood of the defendant. Mr Cooper then read an affidavit filed by Albert Devore, a solicitor for the Court, which sefc forth tliat the said Samuel Jackson, junior, is a solicitor of this Court, and thafc the said Samuel Jackscn, junior, had now left Auckland, and was supposed to have left the colony without having made any pro vision for the conducting of the suit; that plaintiffs solicitor has been therefore placed in a somewhat peculiar position as to whether the solicitor had now power to continue the action, and secondly that the interests of other persons were involved both under the will if upheld, and also if it were nofc so upheld. Thirdly, the person likely to be benefited had not had an opportunity to state whether he should contest the will. Mr Cooper said that his application was tliat the case should be adjourned until next session in order thafc Major Foley might be communicated with, to find out what were his intentions ; that was. really to find ous whether he intended to contest the plea set up by the widow that the will was made while the testator was insane. He had no instruc tions to proceed with the case, therefore he should not adduce any evidence. So that there would bereallynocasetogoto the jury. He thought that in the interests of both parties the case should be adjourned. He must refer to Mrs Foley's affidavit. Ib made some extravagant statements, but he was ab present unable to state whether they were true or false. If the application was refused he should consider that he had done his duty to his client, and as he was not instructed to proceed, should re tire from the case.—Mr Button, for the defendant, contended that the affidavit; of Albert Devore did nofc state definitely that Mr Samuel Jackson, junior, had left the colony, although they had good reason to believe that he had done so. Tho executor for the plaintiff had been guilty of gross misconduct in this matter, and now by his absence wanted to prolong and increase the wrong already committed. Even if Mrs Fciey got all the assistance which the Court could give her, she would have suffered greatly. The course suggested by his learned friend would not assist them "in any way. The residury legatee would nofc be stopped from coming in if he wished afc a later period if probate was now granted. He thought that from the position taken up by Mr Samuel Jackson, junior, ifc was evident that at any rate there was no collu sion between the defendant and Mr Jackson. He thought that the Court would have no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that this will was made under the exercise of undue influence on the part of Mr Samuel Jack son, junior, in order that he should have control of the money as executor. Mr Button then read the affidavit of the Widow, which contained some serious allegations. The substance of this has already been published. He contended thafc any delay simply meant to in crease the difficulties of the widow.—Mr Cooper said, in reply, that the applica tion was not made in order to prevent Mr Jackson from being compelled to give up bis control of the money in the estate. He quoted clauses 514 and 259, and showed that the application should be granted.— His Honor said that as far as the claim for adjoint was concerned he saw no grounds whatever for granting the application ; but there was a difficulty about going on. It would have been more satisfactory to have had theevidence for the defence puton record but that could not be done under the cir cumstances. —Mr Cooper intimated that he would not appear further in the case.—The crier then duly called Samuel Jackson, junior, but he did not put in an appear ance.—His Honor then said : There being no appearance of the plaintiff, under Rule 259 I give judgment dismissing the case. Costs were allowed agninst the plaintiff on the highest scale. Tin'; Bishop Will Case.—James Rae, as executor of the will of George Wesley Bishop, v. Faith Bishop.—This was an action for probate in the will of G. W. Bishop.—Mr Edwin Hesketh, in conjunc tion with Mr W. J. Napier, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr C. E. Button for the defence.—Mr Napier read the statement of claim, and also that of the defence, which was to the effect tliat the will produced by Mr James Rae was not the lasb will and testament of George Wesley Bishop.— James Rae deposed that he carried on busi ness in Elliott-street as a pawnbroker and money-lender. He had known the deceased, George Wesley Bishop, for about 20 years. He lefb for America on the 28th of February 1887. Wifcnesswas familiarwith hisdomesbic position from deceased's own statements. About six weeks before Bishop went away he told witness that he had made up his mind to go to America, and loft witness his power of attorney, which he still held. On the 24th of February Bishop came to witness's establishment to pack his bov:es.~ Witness suggested that he had better make his will. He agreed to do so. Witness provided pen, ink, and paper, and then left him. Shortly afterwards witness

— * entered the room, and Bishop asked, "What shall I give Georgie?" Witness said, "Please yourself." Bishop replied, '' I'll give her £100. You know she has not behaved to me as she ought to have done." Witness then left the room. After wards Bishop came down for witness, h took him next door and the sig nature was witnessed by two young men named Messrs Nome and Kemplay.— Witness here identified the will produced as the document drawn out in his house. The will was read. Ifc allowed Bishop's two children Faith and Henry, all the estate excepting £100 for his daughter Georgina, and £100 for tbe executor, James Rae. The will was signed February 24, and witnessed by Messrs VY. N. Norrieand A. M. Kemplay. Witness continued: The will was left in the possession of witness in an iron cash box, together with other papers belonging to the deceased. Witness and deceased's widow and son were as the funeral of the deceased.—Cross-examined by Mr Button : Witness believed that the creditors of Messrs Norrie and Kemplay had recom meUded that they be dealt with under the penal clauses of the Bankruptcy Act. They were not indebted to him. He be lieved thafc Bishop was shot by a woman named Mary Yon in San Francisco. He could not state what was under the erasion on the will with regard to the date. Could not say thafc the erasure looked very much like 70. He could make nothing of it. He did not notice the erasure at the time the will was witnessed. He did not notice the erasure and interlineation until after the death of Bishop.—By Mr Hesketh : The alteration was in Bishop's handwriting, and initialled by him. The alteration had been from '74 to '84. Hcdid not know of sui? later will. —William Nixon Norrie deposed to %vitnessing the will (produced) on the 24th of last February. He identified his signature. Saw Bishop and Kemplay sign the will.— By Mr Button: Witness and bis partner had been compelled to enter the protection of the Bankruptcy Court. Mr Rae had been a creditor for rent. When the will was signed they owed some rent to Mr Rae. Till they signed the will, Mr Bishop was a perfect stranger to them. He never saw him again until he was dead.—Alexander Morrison Kemplay deposed to witnessing the will in the presence of the last witness. Witness had seen the body of Bishop at Winks and Hall's, and had identified it. Witness also identified the will (produced).— Mr But. on said that he was afraid after the evidence adduced that the plaintiff was en titled to succeed in his application. There only remained the question of costs. He thought that the defendant was quite justi fied under the circumstances in requiring thafc the will should be proved in solemn form, He applied to have the costs paid out of tbe estate. He referred to the fact that the will wasmade at the suggestion of Mr Rae.'in witnessed by his tenants and kept secret until after the death of the testator, added to which the executor received £100. Ho thought thafc they were fully justified in contesting the will up to the present point. —Mr Hesketh said thafc, if necessary ; they could have pro duced direct evidence to show why the widow of Bishop was leffc out of the will. He contended that Mr Rae was quite jus tified in his action.—His Honor was of opinion thafc the mere fact of the name of the wife being left oufc of the will was quite sufficient reason for her requiring the will to be proved in solemn form.—His Honor allowed plaintiffs' costs againsb the estate on the higher scale, as the estate was about £4,000. —The defendants would have to pay their own costs. Divorce and Matrimonial Causes.— William H. Moulden (petitioner), v. Grace Moulden (respondent), and Edward Cor bcfcfc and James Young (co-respond ents). —Mr Edwin Hesketh applied to have rule absolute granted in this case.— His Honor said that there was something very extraordinary about this case, as he had decided nofc to eranb the rule nisi, on account of misconduct upon the part of the petitioner. —Mr Hesketh pointed oufc that the petitioner had already been put to the cost of two trials. His Honor and Mr Hesketh argued for some time as to whether an application might be considered to have been made for the rule nisi, seeing that it was brought before a judge who had nofc hoard the evidence in the case while Mr Justice Gillies was away from the colony.—Mr Hesketh suggested that ifc was an order of the Court,no matter whafc the judge made it. He pointed out that the course would be the same in the event of the death of the judge who had heard the evidence. They would then be compelled to apply to the presiding judge.— His Honor said that he should decline to grant the order on the ground that the rule nisi had not been made, he having formerly intimated that the conduct of the petitioner was such as to disentitle him to the rule nisi. He referred to the fact that two years had elapsed before the application had been made, and said that the matter was evidently held over until he (Mr Justice Gillies) was tempor arily absent from tho colony and then brought beforo another judge.— Mr Hesketh submitted thafc when the rule nisi, which was the real issue, was granted, it wasallover between the parties, and there fore the petitioner wasentitled to succeed.— His Honor said, " We will nofc discuss that matter, Mr Hesketh."—Mr Hesketh afc once replied, " Very well, then, ifc is subject to appeal, Your Honor."

Rule AnsoLr/TK Dritcilla. —Annie Gor don (petitioner) v. James Gordon (re spondent).—Mr Blades moved to have the decree nist made absolute. This was granted, co.sts (£25) being allowed. This concluded the Civil business.

MR BADDELEY'S PENSION.

(BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. The question of the pension claimed by M r Baddeley, R.M. of Auckland, has been under consideration of the Select Commit tee appointed for the purpose. They reported to-day to the following effect: —Mr Baddeley is now 47 years of age. He entered the Service on- the 12th January, 1857, so that on the 12th January 1888 he will have served 31 years. His salary previous to coming to Auckland was £450 per annum. Upon that salary his pension is computed. He retires under the Pension Act 1858, which provides for retirement after 30 years' service, his pension being £225 per annum. If he had remained in the service for 3 years longer, or until he had arrived at the age of 50 years, he could have retired under the Pensions Act of 1861, and. would then have received a pension of a little over £300 per annum. The arrangement with him when he came to Auckland was that he was to retire on his pension, and was to be employed as R.M. for 2 days each week, and in addition to hold the position of Sheriff, receiving fees for this latter office, bufc the fees and pension were not to exceed the £450 per annum that he was receiving previous to being transferred to Auckland. The average fees for the lasb 3 years at tached to the Sheriffs office have been £218 per annum ; this, with the £225 pension would have given an average of £443 ptr annum. From this ifc will bo seen that although he retires upon his pension, he will continue to perform the duties de volving upon him receiving as remuneration his pension and sheriff's fees.

A glove contest has been arranged be tween Saxon of Auokland (9st, 71b) and McLeod of the North Shore (10st f ) for £10 a side, to como off on the evening of the 24th, Saxon says he intends the coptesfc to be for the light-weight championship of Auckland, and if anyone gainsays him he will taokle the objeotor also.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

BLOCK DESTROYED AT FIELD

INCr.

£2,000 DAMAGES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

■--'— -■*■• Fielding, this day. A fire broke out in Fergusson-sfcreet about, three o'clock this morning and burned down the block of buildings owned by Mr W. D. Nicholas and occupied by Mr Prior, solicitor, the Bank of New Zealand and Mr Henry, saddler. The books and papers of Mr Prior and the bank were saved, but the saddlers stock, belonging to Mr Henry was all de stroyed except a machine for teasing horse hair. The total value of the property destroyed is not less than £2,000. The origin of the fire is unknown.

The following are the insurances:—Build ings, Colonial, £600, furniture and station ery Bank of New Zealand, £150 in the New Zealand ; Henry's stock, £150 in the Equitable, £250 in the Northern.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

Thames, this day. Caledonian.— Work in the mine is sus pended, pending the completion of the necessary repairs to the winding machinery. Cambria.—Occasional parcels of excel lent picked stone continue to come to hand from the stopes on the various leaders, all of which look well, but present no change worthy ol mention. Public interest is almost solely centred in the operations in progress on the main reef in No. 4 drive, st No. 3 level, although up to the present they have resulted disappointingly. The band of mineral on tlie hangingwall, to which I have frequently alluded in pre vious telegrams, is stiil about three inches thick, and quite as favourable as formerly. Strange to say, no picked stone has been obtained, although strong colours of gold are observed almost every breaking down. About a foot of the hanging-wall portion is being forwarded to the battery, and judging by the amount of the precious metal seen in the quartz, I should think that ifc will yield payably. The drive on this reef, which ib may be mentioned is turning somewhat to the leffc, is being pushed forward as rapidly as possible with three shifts, and the manager is sanguine of ultimately meet ing with something good. Crushing is proceeding as usual at the battery, and is shaping pretty well —more than payable. New Manukau.—Colours of gold are seen in the reef in the stopes over No. 4 level, but there is no change to report. Trenton.—Excellent sandstone is being penetrated in the drive on the right-hand branch of the leader at No. 4 level of tha Saxon. Colours of gold are seen when breaking down. Moanatairi. —Operations have been sus pended in the rise near the Caledonian boundary until the repairs to the latter's winding engine are finished. Saxon.—There are 1,2000z5. of amalgam on hand.

Camrbia.—Ten lbs of picked stone were got to-day from the sixth stope west on No. 6 leader.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO A WOMAN.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. A wasty accident happened to-day to a woman named Douglas, who resides ab Warohoe. She brings milk into town every morning in a cart and when returning home afc noon she had occasion to get out of the cart when the horse bolted and she was knocked down. One of the wheels of the cart passed over her face cutting it severely, and inflicting some nasty bruises while her jaw was also broken. She was taken to the hospital and her wounds dressed.

SURVEY IN THE KING COUNTRY.

THE NATIVES DISSATISFIED.

THEY THREATEN TO STOP IT. ,

Hamilton, Wednesday. Considerable dissatisfaction is expressed by the Ngatimaniapotos over the survey a** present being carried out by Mr Cussen in the Tuhua country, which the natives wish stopped for the present until some arrangement can be arrived at between those interested in the division of th© block. The matter has been laid before Major Mair, whilst recently sitting afc Ofcorohanga, asking him to bring the same before the Government, but up to the pre sent no reply has been received. The Tuhua lies within thab parb of the Kohe Potae block, over which so much complaint has been made. The natives have expressed their determination to put a stop to the survey if the Government will not entertain their application.

The Ponsonby Wesleyan Sunday School hold their annual Christmas tree and sale of work this evening in the Ponsonby Hall, for tbe purpose of raising funds for tbe children's festival. A large number of useful and ornamental articles numbering upwards of 700 are to be given away to every visitor. The doors will be opon from 6.30 p.m.,and the distribution of prizes will commence at 7.30. The entrance is 6d and Is.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &&, To_tl___

Abbott's Opera House — Leitch Company in " Human Nature," 8 Choral Hall—Concert in aid of " Boys' Re«t," 8. St. Mary's Hall, Onehunga—Fancy Fair aud Bazaar, 7 Ponsonby Hall—Christmas Tree, 7.30. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.50. Auckland Tabernacle- Service, 7.30. St. James's Hall—No. 1 Company, St. James _ Boys' Brigade, 7.30. Drill-shed—A Battery, N.Z. Regiment Artillery. 6 30. St Sepulchre's Schoolroom—St, David's ChrisV mas Tree and Concert, 4 to 10 p.m. Remuera Seminary — Breaking-up Entertain ment, 7 30. Industrial Association's Rooms—Public Meefr ing, 8. College—Auckland College and Grammar Schoil " Old Boys' " Dance, 8.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

December 16—Messrs J. Baber and X, C. Ban tow.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie-,Weekly Poultry and Pra. duceSale, 11 Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horse*, Buggy, eto,, 11 W. J. llowden—Weekly Poultry and Produc* bale, 13 S, Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture, eto„ 11 ' Paget and Ralston — Poultry, Produce, Furni ture, 10,30 T. M. Jackson—Furniture, Produce, etc., 11 ii. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, etc., U J, Leydon—Poultry, Produce, Furniture, eto., A. Aitken—Poultry, Produce, etc., 12 !"( B, Tonka and Co. — Merchandise, etc., 11;, Auckland Racing Club's Summer BnyifegGs. i D, F. Evans—Furn;tnre,etc., 11. #s, | F, J. Jones—Groceries, Fruit, etc., IL ■ T, M, Jackson—Produce, etc., 10.30; Furniture, i $<»•» U ■

THE AUCKLAND EYENIJNG STAR, THURSDAY,' DECEMBER 15. 1887,

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